USA > Indiana > The Forty-Fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, history of its services in the war of the rebellion and a personal record of its members > Part 12
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17
Levi Wallick. Missouri.
NICHOLAS ENSLEY,
LIEUT., CO. K.
COMPANY K. 207
Shurban Bullard, mustered in Jan. 9, '62, re-enlisted, and was mustered out with the Regiment.
Martin L. Holcomb, mustered in January 9, 1862, re- enlisted, and was mustered out with the Regiment. Hamilton, Ind.
THREE YEARS MEN.
Sergeant George W. Gordon. Auburn, Ind.
Musician John M. Kimsey. Waterloo, Ind.
Martin V. Hefflefinger. Butler, Ind.
William H. Kynett, m. o. Jan. 11, 1865.
Philip Parnell. Waterloo, Ind.
Madison Rogers. Nebraska.
Sylvester Shank. Hillsdale, Mich.
Franklin W. Willis. Waterloo, Ind.
DISCHARGED.
Sergeant Samnel HI. Elliott, March 27, 1863. Pleasant Lake, Ind.
Corporal Malcom Bennett, July 30, 1862. Dead.
Corporal Caleb M. Clark, April 27, 1863. Hudson, Indiana.
Corporal Charles M. Bixler, Feb. 8, 1862. Middle- ville, Mich.
Corporal Thomas O. Leslie, June 17, 1863; wounds at Shiloh. Albion, Ind.
i
Wagoner Henry Eldridge, Oct. 3, 1862. Dead.
John Cook, Jan. 20, 1863. Dead.
Jacob G. Casebeer, March 23, 1863. Dead.
James Gaylord, Oct. 3, 1862. Dead.
William A. Greenamyer, March 19, 1863. Hudson, Indiana.
John Guice, April 11, 1864.
Gerard F. Housel, Dee. 11, 1862. Auburn, Ind.
Robert Hall, Dee. 20, 1862. Dead.
John H. C. Hoffman, July 15, 1862. Ligonier, Ind.
.
208
COMPANY K.
Henry H. Hawley, Nov. 10, 1862.
Albert Higgins, March 23, 1863. Leonard Hoodlemeyer, Sept. 20, 1863. Auburn, Ind.
Reuben Lockwood, April 28, 1862. Auburn, Ind.
Henry C. Lemon, Sept. 21, 1862.
Jacob Link, Oct. 1, 1862. Auburn, Ind.
James Miller, Aug. 18, 1862.
William Mid leton, Jan. 27, 1863. Dead.
George Morley, Oct. 1, 1862. Angola, Ind. Lanson Munday.
James E. Pearse, Aug. 7, 1862; wounds at Shiloh. Auburn, Ind.
Lemuel Richey, July 5, 1862. Cherubuseo, Ind.
Daniel W. Squires, Aug. 55, 1862. Dead.
Charles M. Thomas, Aug. 29, 1862; wounds at Shi- loh. Fort Wayne, Ind.
James G. Wiseman, April 12, 1864. Dead.
KILLED.
John M. Chillcoat, Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863.
Harrison Harwood, Stone River, Dee. 31, 1862.
George F. Wilson, Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863.
DIED.
Corporal Hiram L. Smith, London, Tenn., April 25, 1864.
Elias Baylor, Nashville, Jan. 2, 1863.
Simon M. Cutler, Battle Creek, July 20, 1862.
Charles Creiger, supposed to have died at Louisville. Robert Douglas, died, place not known. 1
Abram Depuy, St. Louis, May 19, 1862. Samuel Ensley, Henderson, Ky., Dee. 25, 1861.
Cornelius Hinton, Jan. 1, 1862. .
Andrew Hollopeter, Murfreesboro, April 17, 1863.
Elijah Lock, Corinth, June 1, 1862.
Samuel E. Mease, St. Louis, June 15, 1862.
COMPANY K. 209
John O. MeMillen, New Albany, Oct. 10, 1862. William Melandy, Nashville, Nov. 10, 1863.
Edward Musser, Henderson, Ky., April 11, 1862. Henry Severence, Feb. 26, 1862.
George Sanderson, May 14, 1862; wounds at Shiloh. John L. Shotto, Evansville, Dec. 11, 1861, of wounds received at Shiloh.
Orlo A. Whipple, Nashville, Feb. 21, 1863, of wounds received at Stone River.
Solomon E. Watros, Keokuk, July 4, 1862.
George W. Swain, died at New Albany, Ind.
TRANSFERRED.
Corporal W. H. H. Cornell, to V. R. C., Aug. 1, 1863. Auburn, Ind.
1
John J. Frampton, to Marine service, Sept. 21, 1862. Joseph P. Sisson, to 4th U. S. Cavalry, Dec. 7, 1862. Samuel E. Squires, to V. R. C., Oct. 21, 1863.
Joseph Thompson, to 4th U. S. Cavalry, Dec. 25, '62. Isaac M. Wood,
Hiram M. Fanning, wounded at Shiloh; detached to Pioneer Corps.
William T. Hinkle, promoted to 2d Lieutenant of Company A, 74th Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
VOLUNTEER RECRUITS.
1861.
Nov. 22. William H. Kynett, m. o. Jan. 11, 1865. 1862.
Aug. 19. James Arnold, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865.
19. Fearless Arnold,
Jan. 20. Hiram L. Fanning, m. o. Jan. 26, 1865. Dead.
Aug. 19. James Jones, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865.
9. Jediah Killum,
Dec. 5. William H. Malott,
١١
as Sergeant.
14
209
COMPANY K.
John O. MeMillen, New Albany, Oet. 10, 1862. William Melandy, Nashville, Nov. 10, 1863.
Edward Musser, Henderson, Ky., April 11, 1862. Henry Severenee, Feb. 26, 1862.
George Sanderson, May 14, 1862; wounds at Shiloh. John L. Shotto, Evansville, Dec. 11, 1861, of wounds received at Shiloh.
Orlo A. Whipple, Nashville, Feb. 21, 1863, of wounds received at Stone River.
Solomon E. Watros, Keokuk, July 4, 1862.
George W. Swain, died at New Albany, Ind.
TRANSFERRED.
Corporal W. H. H. Cornell, to V. R. C., Aug. 1, 1863. Auburn, Ind.
John J. Frampton, to Marine service, Sept. 21, 1862. Joseph P. Sisson, to 4th U. S. Cavalry, Dec. 7, 1862. Samuel E. Squires, to V. R. C., Oct. 21, 1863.
Joseph Thompson, to 4th U. S. Cavalry, Dec. 25, '62. Isaac M. Wood, 1.
Hiram M. Fanning, wounded at Shiloh; detached to Pioneer Corps.
William T. Hinkle, promoted to 2d Lieutenant of Company A, 74th Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
VOLUNTEER RECRUITS.
1861.
Nov. 22. 1862.
William H. Kynett, m. o. Jan. 11, 1865.
Aug. 19. James Arnold, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865.
19. Fearless Arnold,
Jan. 20. Hiram L. Fanning, m. o. Jan. 26, 1865. Dead.
Aug. 19. James Jones, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865.
9. Jediah Killum, ١١ Dec. 5. William H. Malott,
١١ as Sergeant.
210
COMPANY K.
Noy. 21. Emanuel Rex,
as Corporal.
Aug. 2. Adam Stutsman,
1863. Dec. 23. Samuel E. Anderson,
23. James C. Benson,
Sept. 2,
1 23. Daniel C. Cook,
Sept. 14,
"' 23. William H. Clark,
66 23. William Clark, captured, June 9, 1864.
23. Richard Foster, m. o. August 22, 1865.
26. Victor D. Hodshier, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865.
23. John A. J. Mitchell, ١١
23. James Montgomery,
26. Francis M. Rust, 66
23. John M. Ryan,
1864.
April 4. William H. Boran,
May 15,
Mar. 9. John Chillcoat,
11
Sept. 14,
Feb. 20. Joseph Connell,
Jan. 9. Archibald Curry,
66
4 13. Francis M. Chamberlain,
Sept. 24. William Cannon,
Feb. 24. Andrew F. Dull,
.
" 29. Isaac Dinwiddie,
Ang. 24,
Jan. 23. John D. Elliott,
Sept. 14,
Mar. 11. Isaac Ebert, died June 4, 1865.
15. James E. Fair, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865. Carson City, Nevada. Sheriff.
Jan. 16. David Frazer, m. o. July 29, 1865.
Mar. 17. Levi Guthrie, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865. Hudson, Indiana.
Mar. 15. Jas. H. Harkrader, m. o. Sept. 14, '65. Dead. April 14. Leonard Hoodlemeyer, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865. Auburn, Ind.
Jan. 13. Albert Heusler, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865. ١١
Mar. 17. Charles Hickson,
m. o. Sept. 14, 1865.
GEORGE W GORDON, COMPANY K.
211
COMPANY K.
June 16. Abraham W. Hooker, m. o. Aug. 16, 1865. April 2. Lyman Lock wood, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865. Au- burn, Ind.
Jan. 13. August Koehler, m. o. July 2, 1865.
Mar. 11. Jerome Morse,
m. o. Sept. 6, 1865.
Feb. 20. Joab Moffatt,
Sept. 14,
Jan. 13. George F. O'Byrne,
Mar. 15. Albert Pepple,
Patten Station, Ind.
Jan. 7. DeForrest Parker, ١١
Feb. 20. Zachariah Rozell,
Mar. 15.
Joel Smith, discharged June 2, 1865.
April 2. Ambrose Smith, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865.
2. Isaiah Smith,
Mar. 15. Christopher C. Simon, 66
Swan, Ind.
Oct. 7. Isaac Snyder, died, Chattanooga, April 8, '65.
Mar. 5. John L. Stacy, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865.
Jan. 31. William F. Smart, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865.
Feb. 20. Samuel Thomas, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865.
Jan. 7. Martin Whittig, tr. to V. R. C. May 11, 1865. 14. David Williams, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865.
Mar. 17. James E. Washington, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865.
17. Isaac Washington,
Feb. 26. Moses B. Willis, promoted.
١١ 1865.
Feb. 21. Silas Morehouse,
Jan. 27. John W. Chance, m. o. Sept. 14, 1865. "
Thirty-four drafted men und substitutes were added to the Company in the fall of 1864, and were mustered out in June and July, 1865, except
Henry I. Barckman, who died at Chattanooga, June 28, 1865.
Deserters, 4; names not given here.
66
212
UNASSIGNED.
UNASSIGNED.
James R. Devor, mustered in Oct. 3, 1864 ; served in Camp Carrington, Indianapolis, in command of Guards, Guard Quarters, and Prison ; mustered out May 2, 1865.
George Cassel, mustered in Jan. 10, 1862; unaccount- ed for.
Noble Cherry, mustered in Jan. 10, 1862 ; discharged.
Henry O. Cole, mustered in April 28, 1864; unac- counted for.
John Dickerhoof, died at Nashville, Tenn., Septem- ber, 1863.
Edward Durgar, mustered in October 26, 1864; unac- counted for.
Charles Fike, mustered in Jan. 10, 1862; unaccounted for.
Almon Gray, mustered in Sept. 17, 1862; unaccounted for.
Isaiah Gardner, mustered in Dec. 27, 1864; unae- counted for.
William P. Hodges, mustered in January 16, 1862; unaccounted for.
Thomas Hall, mustered in Jan. 10, 1862; discharged July 16, 1862, on account of wounds.
John A. Haughey, mustered in Oct. 2, 1862; nac- counted for.
Samuel Hartle, mustered in March 3, 1864; unac- counted for.
Francis A. Johnson, mustered in November 12, 1862 ; unaccounted for.
John Lent, mustered in Sept. 12, 1862; unaccounted for.
Michael McEntoffer, mustered in Oct. 2, 1862; died Nov. 20, 1862.
.
213
THE SUTLERS.
William N. Morrison, mustered in Oct. 2, 1862; un- accounted for.
John Mustard, mustered in Oct. 26, 1864; unaccount- ed for.
Marion W. Mills, mustered in Dec. 9, 1864; unac- counted for.
Ransom B. Miller, mustered in Feb. 10, 1865; m. o. May 13, 1865.
Francis P. Robbins, mustered in Nov. 19, 1862; died at Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 6, 1863.
Jeremiah Woolford, mustered in January 10, 1862; unaccounted for.
THE SUTLERS.
The Forty-fourth Indiana Regiment was well favored in respect to Sutlers. Wesley Parks, after his resigna- tion as Captain of Company K, was appointed Sutler, and filled the place until April 22, 1862, when he resigned on account of ill health. His son, A. B. Parks, suc- ceeded him, and assisted by his brother Henry, served the Regiment with sutler supplies until the day of its muster out. Their dealings with the officers and men were honorable and generous. In several financial They are both living now at Kendallville, Indiana, and at the first reunion of the Regiment, April 6, 1880, man- ifested their old war-time generosity and kindness by taking charge of all the arrangements for the meeting, and providing a free supper for the soldiers present.
ERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS.
BY
COLONEL HUGH B. REED.
APPENDIX.
PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS.
-BY-
COLONEL H. B. REED.
CHAPTER I.
AT the suggestion of our friend, the Author of this History, I will attempt to give some personal recollec- tions that may at least interest those who took part in the stirring times to which they refer.
As Major Reriek has well said of our Regiment, it was composed of the better class of citizens, many of its members occupying independent positions in life. They left their farms, shops, stores and homes, at their country's call, from no other than patriotic motives. There was no thought of drafting or bounty at that day. They gave up home, family, friends, to fight their conn- try's battles, from love for these -- that their children might retain the blessings which had thus far been theirs. This alone prompted them to cast aside every comfort and all that had heretofore made life desirable,
.216
PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS.
to face the dangers of the battle-field, death in hospital, starvation and inhumanity in rebel prisons ; to give up their own liberty to the will, and too often the caprice, of men no better nor wiser than themselves. As our Chaplain, Dr. Beeks, said in a sermon he preached while we were at Evansville, Ind., where he had for- merly resided : " The men of my Regiment are of the salt of the earth, every man of the 1.000 being the equal of the highest and best in your midst."
After leaving Indianapolis for the front, and while at Evansville, Ind., awaiting orders, the Colonel received a letter from General T. L. Crittenden, to whose Divi- sion the 44th Indiana had been assigned, welcoming us to the tented field. About the same time a committee from the loyal citizens of Henderson, Ky., visited our camp, urging the importance of our Regiment going to that point for their protection from rebels that beset their town. When this was represented at headquarters by the Colonel, the 44th was ordered to Henderson, Ky., where it was most hospitably received by many Union-loving citizens, and as heartily cursed by those of rebel proclivities.
While here, " my nigger " was the main topic of interest with all-Union and rebel. The slaves thought the year of jubilee had come, and were marching for the land of Canaan, and naturally came to the Regi- ment for help across the river. Nor were they disap- pointed, in so far as members of the Regiment could help them " over the river," notwithstanding the "strict orders " to the contrary. The Colonel could only wink at it and abuse the Adjutant, who was a full blooded
217
PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS.
Abolitionist and an ex Congressman to boot. They must not be seen, but they were hid in all parts of the camp.
Even in this year of grace 1880 very few people but those that were in the army have any conception of the intense interest manifested by the people of the Slave States for their "institution." Intelligent, well-to-do planters would ride for days with the Regiment on its marches, to try to capture a slave of whose escape they had heard, or even from thinking it probable there might be one with us-not their own, but a slave, no matter whose. They gave up their time, labor and money to that, under all circumstances. To help catch "a runaway nigger " was more exciting than a fox hunt ; a pair of hand-cuffs was a toy carried in the coat pocket, to be slipped on the wrists-representing the brush stuck in the cap of the victor.
The slaves were hunted like hares, and were covered up, the pursuers foiled, thrown off the scent, with equal zest. When just about ready to leave Henderson for Green River, they pounced down upon and drove two " likely boys " to cover, in an old cabin in our camp. While the captors were getting out their manacles, one of the " boys" as quick as a flash was past them, out the door and away. His shadow was often seen after- wards, flitting from wagon to tent. The other, slower witted, gave up mournfully, and without a word submit- ted to be carried off. On another occasion, at Calhoun, Ky., a " boy" hotly pursued was boxed up, a canteen of water and his rations added, and shipped to Evans- ville, Ind., to a sure friend. Major Stoughton, Surgeon
1
1
218
PERSONAL, RECOLLECTIONS.
Martin-both Democrats of the strictest sect, the former having been candidate for Elector on the Breckenridge ticket, and Surgeon Martin a man of as much weight in the councils of his party at home as any other-and Ser- geant Sol. DeLong (afterwards Lieutenant Colonel of another Indiana regiment), stood godfathers to this de- liverance from bonds to freedom. This is but an illus- tration of the spirit with which the game was played- one intent on capture, the other on defeating the wily slave.catcher-as it also illustrates theory versus prac- tice. Both Stoughton and Martin were pro-slavery at home, and the members of the 44th Indiana, generally, indignantly spurned the imputation of going out to free the slaves of our "Southern brethren," as was charged by rebel sympathizers.
And yet these same men were the most hospitable, kind and companionable to be found anywhere. Should you visit their house, if nothing was on their table but " coon pone," you would be pressed to partake with the same cordiality as if a feast had been prepared. Their bonhommie and geniality were irresistible. With a bottle of peach, apple or Bourbon at their elbow to cheer, all care was given to the dogs, enjoyment reigned supreme.
The following letter from an ex Governor of Ken- tucky is in point :
COLONEL REED :
JANUARY 18, 1862.
DEAR SIR,-A boy of mine by the name of Newton, as I am informed, followed your Regiment from this place to Calhoun. I have reason to believe that he is now in eamp, and I will be under great obligations to you for any facilities you may afford Mr. - in taking
219
PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS.
possession of him and returning him to me at this place. The boy is about 22 years old, 5 ft. 10 or Il inches high, copper colored, a blacksmith by trade, and a large mark down his forehead of lighter color than the rest of his face. Mr. - is fully authorized by me to take the said boy and bring him to me.
Very truly, etc.,
The goods were not delivered to the ex Governor's order.
CHAPTER II.
AFTER some weeks the Regiment became weary of inactivity, the men longed to be doing something-to push on, and help put down these rebels in arms ; this done, to go home to their legitimate callings. We took up our line of march for Calhoun, Ky., where we joined our Division, under command of General Crittenden. Here we spent some time in drilling, and marching up and down Green River in the mud and slush of that malarious region, and passed through the fiery ordeal of acclimation to camp life. The hospital was soon filled with those that had been used to a far different life.
After marching to South Carrolton and back without meeting the enemy, the order for our brigade alone to prepare for a campaign against Fort Henry and Fort Donelson was hailed with the liveliest anticipations by all. To go where some fighting was to be done de- lighted every one but the unfortunate sick in the hospi- tal. After the mud, slush, drill, bad fare, malaria, and Buell's slow movements, it was glorious to be booming
-
220
PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS.
down the Ohio by steamer. When we arrived at Fort Henry we found General Grant preparing his forces for a march to Fort Donelson. Our brigade was ordered to return by steamer down the Tennessee and up the Cumberland River to Fort Donelson. The whole army was jubilant. Speeches of the spread-eagle order were made from the deeks of our steamers, in tones that made the welkin ring-doubtless (?) making the hearts of the secesh quake, as they rang from the river banks to the wooded hills and valleys between. While still under this patriotic fervor, it was proposed and carried nem. con. that the Colonels of the brigade should in a body call upon and offer our congratulations to the command- ing General, and take his dimensions. We found Gen- eral Grant in the cabin of his steamer, deeply immersed in the plans of his campaign, and apparently weighed down with his responsibilities, great drops of sweat standing on his brow. But a few months previously I had met Captain Grant on board the cars of the Illinois Central railroad, acting as mustering-in officer. Myself and friend were on our way to Cairo, to take a look at the military at that important post, hoping we might see a fight. We were well provided with good cigars and Cognac, and being interested in all that pertained to military affairs, we soon made acquaintance with Captain Grant. He informed us that he had been elected Captain of a company raised at his town, and had refused to accept; that having been a Captain in the regular army, he felt that he was entitled to a higher position ; but proffered to drill and go with them to the rendezvous at Springfield, where he hoped to find a
221
PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS.
better opening. He had been disappointed, and was about to return home, when a friend had interested him- self in his behalf with the Governor, who had there- upon sent for him, and offered him a position on his staff until opportunity presented for something better ; and he was then engaged in mustering in recruits along the line of that road. The something better soon came, and here we find him at the head of an army invading the " sacred soil" of Kentucky and Tennessee.
On the following day we steamed down the river to Paducah, where we were joined by other steamers bear- ing troops for the same destination, the whole making a grand procession, with banners, music and cheers, per- haps the most impressive sight that had there been seen, witnessed from the river banks on either shore with bounding hearts or gnashing teeth, as the beholder's sympathies inclined North or South in the coming con- flict.
The boat on which the 44th Indiana was embarked was the fastest of the fleet. There were no " orders " on the subject of procedure, and we were in no way averse to taking the benefit of our speed. The Colonel of a regiment of Kansas "jay-hawkers," whose steamer had started from Paducah first, bellowed himself hoarse in protest and threats, making much merriment by his efforts to drown the whistle of our steamer, standing on a stool, gesticulating and perspiring. His regiment had the reputation of cleaning a green regiment out of all their possessions. When they passed through a camp it was left as bare as a field of grain by the army-worm. This made " old soldiers" of that regiment when they
PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS.
awoke to a realizing sense of their condition, in the morning. The next green regiment had to pay the penalty.
When our imposing and brilliant array had reached the vicinity of Dover, the 44th Indiana was disem- barked, and at once marched forward to the battle-field. Knowing little what awaited us, we made small prepar- ation for creature comfort. When night found us in front of the enemy's entrenchments, not permitted a fire to cook our coffee, most of our blankets left with a guard at the landing, and no means of getting them, without rations, our first introduction to the enemy was not made under the most favorable circumstances. We were compelled to " bundle " as best we could to pro- tect ourselves from the cold of the most inclement night of the year. The snow that fell during the night cov- ered us like a garment. On our beds of dry sticks we slept the sleep of the just. In the morning we drank our coffee, munched our " hard-tack," which had now reached us, fell in, and marched forward to the attack. The 44th Indiana's first position was taken, by request of General MeClernand, in support of a battery. Here the enemy's shot were aimed too high. passing over our heads. After a time, the enemy not assaulting as ex- pected, we moved further in advance, and formed our line of battle on the left of the 17th Kentucky (being part of our brigade-the Ist Brigade of Lew. Wallace's Division). As we moved forward we received a heavy fire, wounding a number of our men. When our line of battle was formed, Colonel John A. Logan, of the 32d Illinois, came to me and asked that I withhold our
223
PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS.
fire for a time. I complied with his request, which I found a much more difficult matter than he, probably, and I most certainly, anticipated, as we were exposed to the enemy's fire for what seemed an interminable time -- the bullets whistling about our ears and the men being wounded, thus making our position a very trying one in this our first baptism of fire. The enemy's fire slackening, to make sure there were no others than the enemy in our front (the brush and small timber obstruct- ing our view), that we might get at them without further delay, Captain Bingham, Co H, carried our flag for- ward to a prominent position and waved it in the air as a gage of battle. This was at once responded to by a volley, and answered with great zest by the men, who had hitherto served only as targets. General MeCler- nand's troops had fallen back. A portion of our brigade alone was left. The enemy being repulsed in our imme- diate front, an attempt was now made to turn our left flank with cavalry and infantry. Three companies of our left wing were wheeled to the right, and opened fire upon and repulsed their attempt to get to our rear. The Colonel's attention was now called to a fact which we had been too much occupied to notice, that the 44th was entirely alone, and the other regiments of our bri- gade had withdrawn. Having repulsed the enemy and thwarted their attempt to surround us, we slowly with- drew, in perfect order. After going some distance we were met by the Colonel commanding the brigade, who informed me that our forces were at a certain point, where we joined them. While occupying this position we could see the enemy reforming his lines, on a steep
!
0
·
224
PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS.
wooded hill, not far from the battle-field of the morn- ing. After some delay our brigade was ordered, in conjunction with Colonel Morgan L. Smith's brigade, to storm the very strong position held by the enemy. The 8th Missouri had the advance. When the 44th Indiana arrived at the scene of action, the 8th Missouri was hotly engaged in by far the fiercest contest of the day. We at once pressed forward to their aid, and formed our line of battle amid a hurricane of bullets. Finding that we were in rear of the 8th Missouri, we were compelled to perform the difficult feat of changing our position to the left of that regiment under the heavy fire of the enemy, which was done. We then charged up the hill in the most gallant style, at double quick, cheering loudly. Without intending thereby to detract from Colonel Morgan L. Smith and the 8th Missouri, who fought gloriously, it was the charge of the 44th Indiana that started the rebels from their position. We pursued them some distance, and were then joined by other regiments of the brigade which had passed further to the left. While consulting as to whether we should pursue them into their works, they opened fire upon us with artillery, the shot and shell falling in our midst. An order was now received from General Grant, recall- ing us. We returned to the foot of the hill from whence we had routed the enemy, and bivouacked for the night.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.