USA > New York > Memories of the 149th Regt. N. Y. Vol. Inft., 3d Brig., 2 Div., 12th and 20th A. C > Part 17
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While Geary's Division, assisted by Grose's and Whittaker's Brigades of Cruft's Division of the 4th A. C., were making the charge on Lookout, above described, other troops under Gen. Hooker were stationed in Lookout Valley making preparations to cross Lookout Creek near its mouth. These at first diverted the attention of the enemy from Geary. As his forces moved around the Point, these troops crossed on bridges prepared for the purpose and joined in sustaining him, and when his left was threatened, they came forward and prevented a tank move- ment in that direction. Towards night a temporary bridge was thrown across the mouth of Chattanooga Creek, which en- ters the Tennessee on the eastern side of the mountain, and troops came over and joined Geary from the Army of the Cum- berland. These assisted in holding the position occupied by the first line during the night.
It is not possible within the limits of this brief sketch to no- tice all the interesting incidents which occurred, or give an ac- count of the personal gallantry of the men, as it would involve an account of nearly every member of the regiment ; every man was a hero on that day and entitled to special mention, but as an example of bravery, attention is called to the conduct of Color-bearer John Kiggins. As the forces swept around the Point. the artillery in the valley was shelling the enemy on the mountain-side, and not recognizing the Union forges, continued
NUO SY.
MAJOR THOMAS MERRIAM.
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MISSIONARY RIDGE.
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shelling much to their inconvenience. At this juncture the gallant Kiggins jumped on a stump and waved the flag to at- tract the attention of the batterymen, but at the same time at- traeted the attention of the enemy, who riddled his clothes and hat with rifle-balls. One or more grazed his skin, and one plowed a furrow through his hair and sealp, but otherwise he was unharmed.
The losses of the regiment were 8 killed and 48 wounded ; total 56. Three of the wounded died within a few days after- wards.
East of Lookout Mountain is Chattanooga Valley, four miles in width and bounded on the east by Missionary Ridge, run- ning north and south. Flowing northerly through this valley is Chattanooga Creek, a large stream, entering the Tennessee River at the northern end of Lookout Mountain. Missionary Ridge is three to five hundred feet in height and has an un- dulating contour, more especially at its northern extremity.
Just before eleven o'clock in the forenoon of the 25th the regiment moved down the eastern slope of Lookout Mountain, taking the road in the direction of Rossville, being third in line of the brigade. On arriving in the vicinity of Chattanooga Creek, it was found that the enemy had destroyed the bridge, which delayed Hooker's progress for several hours, while a temporary one was constructed for his use. The infantry did not wait for its completion, but crossed on the stringers, leav- ing the artillery to follow afterwards, and proceeded easterly towards the gap in Missionary Ridge leading to Rossville. On arriving in the neighborhood of the gap, the enemy was found in force and opposed Hooker's progress. Troops were deployed to the right and left of the road, and after charging a short distance, the enemy gave way and permitted Hooker to pass through the gap to Rossville.
Before the arrival of Hooker's command at the gap the forces in Chattanooga made a charge in their front on Missionary Ridge, but leaving the enemy still in force in Chattanooga
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Valley and on the Ridge for a distance of three miles north of the gap. Hooker deployed his forces in three charging columns, one on the east, one on the summit and one on the west of Missionary Ridge. Geary's Division constituted the troops on the western slope and was organized in column by regiments. When all things were ready, the several columns moved for- ward northerly. At one or two places they were met with re- sistance, which being overcome, they moved forward as if on parade, rolling up the scattered masses of the enemy before them. Knap's Battery, having made a crossing over Chatta- nooga Creek, accompanied Geary's command and occasionally unlimbered and threw shells up the mountain-side. The shouts of the boys below were answered by the triumphant huzzas of those on the Ridge ; and prisoners were captured by the sev- eral columns in great numbers, and many more were driven in- to the ranks of Johnson's Division of the Army of the Cumber- land, which was now in triumphant possession of a part of the Ridge to the north. At night the several columns halted and the regiment occupied huts vacated by the enemy in front of Chattanooga.
Col. Randall in his report of the charge on Missionary Ridge says : "The march at this time presented one of the finest and most magnificent sights ever witnessed. Both officers and men had become so excited by the sounds of firing and the sight of the fleeing rebels that it was with great difficulty they were restrained sufficiently to preserve their ranks or the distance be- tween regiments, so eager were they to press forward. As the column halted, long and loud huzzas sounded again and again and were answered by those of our victorious troops upon the summit of the Ridge."
At eleven o'clock on the morning of the 26th the regiment moved with the brigade, second in line, back through the gap, past Rossville and bivouacked for the night in an open field near Peavine Creek. Rossville is really no place at all, only an old house formerly occupied by old John Ross, the chief of
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the tribe of Cherokee Indians which only a few years before were removed to the Indian Territory west of the Mississippi. The nature of the country was wild and similar in character to that in Lookout Valley. After Rossville the road passed through part of the battlefield of Chickamauga, and there were still evidences of that engagement on the line of march, but little was seen by the command as it was pursuing a flying enemy.
The regiment broke camp at seven o'clock in the morning of the 27th, being first in line of the brigade, and crossed the Chickamauga River, leaving the artillery behind to come later, and arrived at Ringgold at nine o'clock in the morning. Ring- gold was a good-sized place, laid out in village lots and blocks, and containing many pretentious residences and business houses, sitnate just west of a mountain called Taylor's Ridge. The enemy was in possession of this Ridge and of the gap through which passes the Chickamauga River, a highway, and a rail- road, in the order named from right to left. As the command approached the sound of firing was heard in the direction of the Ridge and gap, and an occasional shell from the enemy's battery, planted in the mouth of the gap, passed over the town in the direction of the approaching columnn. Passing through Ringgold, the brigade halted under cover of a stone railway depot on the farther side of the town. Part of Hooker's com- mand had already advanced upon the enemy but did not suc- ceed in removing him, and in places had fallen back in disorder. Gen. Hooker and Gen. Geary were standing behind the station- honse among the men, when Gen. Hooker, looking out from behind the building and seeing part of his forces retreating, turned to Gen. Geary, and in an impetuous manner said, " Have you any regiments that will not run?" "I have no regiments that will run," said Geary. "Then," said Hooker, "Send some men into that gap and hold it until my artillery arrives." Geary then, with Hooker's approval, ordered the ad Brigade forward. Quickly getting in line, the 149th leading, the brig- ade moved from the cover of the buildings in the direction of
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MEMOIRS 140th N. Y. INFT.
the gap. After a few rods the command left the railroad, which turned to the left, and started by the flank, at double- quick, to cross an open field six hundred yards in extent, com- manded by the enemy's artillery and musketry at easy range. The pace was soon quickened to a run. The fire of the enemy was terrifie, and shot and shell passed through the ranks of the brigade in a frightful manner; still, owing to the rapidity of its movement, the casualties were comparatively light.
While moving across this open field Lient. Charles S. Greene, of the brigade staff, had his horse killed under him by a shell which also caused the loss of his leg. The incident attracted only a momentary notice of the men as they were moving rap- idly forward and obliged to leave the injured man behind. He was a popular young officer and had the sympathy of the whole command in his misfortune.
Arriving at the place designated, the regiment was met by troops retiring in disorder from the position. Under the direc- tion of Col. Randall the right wing of the regiment was posted under cover along the bank of the Chickamauga River, while the left wing found shelter in and around an old barn to the left. Other regiments in the brigade came forward and took - positions near the 149th. The place occupied was a little less than half a mile from the station, and so far into the gap that the mountain towered two or three hundred feet over the heads of the men on either side. The gap was about twenty-five rods in width and nearly occupied by the river, the highway and the railroad. The enemy was scattered among the trees and bushes on the hillsides above and behind a strong position in front. The firing on both sides soon resolved itself into sharp-shooting. The men fired upon the enemy whenever he showed himself, and he returned the compliment whenever an opportunity was afforded him.
Immediately after the arrival of the brigade the enemy brought forward a brass field-piece to a slight elevation, not more than twenty rods in front, and sent grape through and through the barn occupied by the men, scattering chips, splin-
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ters and boards in every direction ; but the shots were too high to do any great harm. Twelve men were then selected to give especial attention to this piece, and they were so sue- cessful that only four shots were fired by it. Whenever any one came forward to work, or remove it, he was shot by the marksmen. Finally, by means of a prolong, it was dragged over the other side of the railroad out of sight and carried away.
The shots of the enemy, as they came down from the hill- side above, threw dirt and spattered mud upon the persons of the men. The marksmen were not very successful in reaching the enemy on the hillsides above until they raised their sights for longer range and then their work had a more telling effect.
For over two hours the boys held their own surrounded on three sides, but still the enemy did not yield. Then was heard a rumbling on the pike in rear. The men recognized the sound and broke forth in cheers. The artillery had at last crossed Chickamauga River. Nearer and nearer came the sound, until at last Knap's gallant old battery broke cover of the buildings and, under whip and spur at a dead run, whirled quickly into position in the open field. unlimbered and commenced its work upon the ranks of the enemy clustered on the hillsides above the heads of the Union men. Bang ! bang ! bang ! sounded the opening peal. Hurrah ! hurrah : hurrah ! came back the glad
response from the men in the gap. Then shell followed shell up the mountain-side in quick succession, approaching in rap- idity the tieking of a clock. "Johnny" could not stand this and broke cover, then the infantry put in its work and the foe was a disorganized mass in retreat. The bugle sounded its note of command. the battery quickly limbered up and came forward to a new position and renewed its work amid the cheers of the men. In a few moments all was over and the boys in blue were in possession of the field, busily engaged in gather- ing the spoils of the contliet and caring for the wounded and slain.
Between the brigade lines and the enemy in the gap was a
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peach orchard, and during the time the boys were engaged & flag was seen standing between the two lines leaning in a peach tree. When the battle was over a man who had been lying at the foot of the tree, supposed to be dead, quietly got up, took the flag and came into the lines. He said he was color-bearer of the 13th Ill. Regiment, which had preceded the 3d Brigade, and being deserted by his companions, found himself between the two lines unable to retire, so had feigned death and secured his safety until the close of the engagement.
As soon as the firing of the enemy ceased, which was about half-past twelve, several men lying along the bank of the river, fartherest in advance, went in pursuit of the enemy to capture the gun which had received their attention. In this they were unsuccessful, but instead captured the guidon of the battery and also a C. S. A. flag, the stars and bars,
The losses of the regiment were 3 killed and 14 wounded ; total 17. Three of the wounded died within a few days after- wards.
About an hour after the close of the battle, the brigade was withdrawn and bivouacked in the suburbs of the town. Capt. Seymour and a number of men of the regiment were detailed for provost duty and made head-quarters in a drug store. About noon of the next day, by order of the brigade commander, the regiment was quartered in a large building in the village, but. did not remain long before it was detailed for picket duty, and remained on the ridge and south bank of the river until two o'clock in the afternoon of the next day. The regiment then returned to its quarters in the village and remained until half- past two A. M. on the first day of December, when it took up a line of march for camp in Lookout Valley, passing through Rossville, and arriving at its destination at three o'clock in the afternoon.
War is a fearful calamity to any country, and inflicts misery, not only upon the soldier and his family, but upon all with whom it comes in contact. It spares not young or old, weak or strong, and sacrifices public and private property alike to
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its purpose. The day before the troops were withdrawn from Ringgold the destruction of that village was ordered as a mili- tary necessity, and the execution of this unpleasant duty was intrusted to Capt. Ira B. Seymour, the provost-marshal, and his gnard. In the afternoon the families remaining were removed to vaeant buildings in the suburbs, and at midnight the fiery torch was applied. When the troops arrived on top of the hill west of the Chickamauga River, they beheld the flames aseend- ing from the river bridge, the depot, the grist-mills, hotels, briek blocks and public and private buildings, and the frantic efforts of the people as they strove in vain to stay the ravages of the fiery element and save their little belongings. After a little a dense column of smoke, brick and burning debris sud- denly ascended heavenward from the court-house and jail, in the center of the town, followed by a deep intonation on the midnight air ; showing that the powder main had taken effect, and the destruction of fair Ringgold completed. It was a sad and fearful sight, yet was only the precursor of others still more terrible to follow before the rebellious people of the South were subjugated.
Upon the arrival of Hooker's men in the West they were looked upon by the Western troops with distrust, and their fighting qualities underestimated, but after this campaign they were taken into full fellowship, and many of the Western of- ficers were not backward in expressing their high admiration of their excellent services on this occasion.
The appreciation of the services rendered by the 24 Division, and of the 149th Regt., on this memorable campaign was ex- pressed by their commanding officers in the following orders :
"HEAD-QUARTERS HITH AND 12TH A. C., " LOOKOUT, TENN., NOV. 25, 1863. "General Orders No. 6 :
"The splendid achievements of the troops engaged in the assault and capture of Lookout Mountain has elicited from the General commanding the Department his warmest congratu- lations, and it is with the hightest satisfaction they are com- municated to the command.
:
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MEMOIRS 149th N. Y. INFT.
"The triumphs of yesterday, the successive and gallant charges up the mountain-side, over the enemy's entrenehments, with their successful results, will be remembered as long as the giant peak of Lookout shall be their mute but eloquent monument.
"No words of the Major-General commanding can express his admiration for the conduct and valor displayed during the operations of yesterday by the troops engaged, including the Ist Div. 14th Corps, and 2d Division 12th Corps.
"By command of "MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER. "DANIEL BUTTERFIELD, Maj .- Gen. and Chief of Staff."
"HEAD-QUARTERS GEN. DIV. 12TH A. C., "WAUHATCHIE, TENN., Dec. 3d, 1863. " General Orders No. 79.
"A most important era in the present contest for national existence has just been passed : battles culminating in grandest snecess, fought and won, and the part taken by the troops of this division in the engagements by which it has been marked, having reflected so much honor upon themselves as individuals, and upon the command to which they are attached. the General commanding cannot refrain from alluding to those services in terms which shall convey in some measure his warm appreci- ation of their valor, their patriotism, and their noble endurance of severe hardships while engaged in the arduous campaign.
" With heartfelt pride he reverts to their prowess in the as- saults which made them the heroes of Lookout Mountain on the 24th ult., and to their gallant condnet upon Missionary Ridge on the 25th, Peavine Creek on the 26th, and at Ring- gold upon Taylor's Ridge on the 27th.
"The conquest of Lookout Mountain will, associated with the emblematic . White Star' of the conquerors, stand out as prominently in history as do the beetling elifts of that Titanic .eminence upon the horizon.
"For these services he tenders them his heartfelt thanks,
1
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for their endurance his sympathy, for their bereavement in the loss of so many gallant officers and so many brave and noble men his condolence. In all the division Death could not have selected braver spirits or nobler hearts than those who have lain their lives a sacrifice upon their country's altar in the recent engagements with the rebel forces.
"Ile assures them that their gallant conduct has gained for them the high esteem and appreciation of the commanding general.
"It behooves us to remember prayerfully that the hand of the Omnipotent Architect of the universe is visible in our great victories, and that he who holds in his hand the destinies of nations, has, in his goodness, answered the humble petitions for success to crown our arms, which ascend from anxious hearts to his heavenly shrine.
" By command of Brig. General, "JOHN W. GEARY. "THOMAS H. ELLIOT, COpt. and A. L. G."
"HEAD-QUARTERS 149TH REGT. N. Y. VOL., " WACHATCHIE, TENN., Dee. 3d, 1863. "General Orders No. -
" Officers and Soldiers of the 149th N. Y. Vols. : Again have you been tried by the searching test of fire, and again. like refined gold, have you emerged therefrom with added lustre. The unparalleled heroism you displayed, bearing the brunt of the battle in the successful assault upon the supposed impregnable Lookout Mountain, received an immediate reward in the long and loud huzzas of the entire Army of the Cum- berland. your spectators.
"Again, upon the succeeding day, at the storming of Mis- sionary Ridge, it was necessary rather to restrain your ardor than to urge you forward.
"At Ringgold, where across an extended, open fiekl, swept by grape, canister and musketry, you lead the brigade in the charge upon the position from which our troops were fleeing in disorder, your conduct was above all praise. It was ac-
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knowledged and complimented on the spot by all your com- manders.
"The severe losses you have sustained, and the trophies you have captured in this brief but glorious campaign, are at once a monument to your heroic deeds and your devotion to the cause.
"None now disputes your claim to rank among the foremost of the veteran soldiers of the Republic, and each one of you may well be proud to say, 'I belong to the 149th N. Y.'
" A few more such campaigns, and the armed enemy of our country will be crushed, peace restored, and you permitted to return to your quiet homes.
"Let your future but equal your past, and of each of you it may be truly said, 'He deserves well of his country.'
"By command of
"LIEUT .- COL. C. B. RANDALL. "W. M. DALLMAN, Adjutant."
.
CHAPTER XXIII.
STEVENSON.
WHEN the regiment left camp to enter upon the recent campaign it departed in light march- ing order and one day's rations ; it had no idea of the time it was to be ab- sent or the hardships it was to endure, hence it was not prepared for sleeping out doors six sue- CRACKERS. cessive nights in Winter weather, or for the performance of the excessive duty before it. Of course. there were ten or twelve hours at a time in the six days' absence when in the excitement of battle food was a matter of indifference, but a retarded appetite in time generally requires compensation, and it certainly did in this case : for. on account of the hard work and cold weather, when it returned it came with increased vigor. As no man had more than a woolen blanket (many none at all) or more than half rations, it seems superfluous to say, the men at times were cold and hungry. Reader, did you ever sleep out doors without a fire in Winter on the bare ground with an empty stomach and no covering except a blanket and the sky? Well ! how did you like it? "Bully !" wasn't it? In this case, however, the severe mental strain of three great battles in four days, with the other
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deprivations, exposures and hardships, told fearfully on the endurance of the men.
When the regiment returned to camp it felt it had earned a period of rest and relaxation from further exposure. The enemy had been paralyzed in the recent engagements and driven from all points vital to the interests of the Union army ; it was im- possible to make a forward movement until the railroad had been repaired and supplies accumulated at Chattanooga, which would consume the Winter: a period of inaction, therefore, seemed inevitable, and who had a better right to remain in Lookout Valley during the Winter and guard the mountain passes than the White Star Division ? Thus reasoned the men, and they concluded they were to remain during cold weather and made preparations accordingly.
The position of the 149th mpon a high isolated hill in front of the main line was very inconvenient for the reason among others, it was inaccessible to teams, and all supplies as well as water for the regiment's use had to be carried to it with great labor by hand. The departure of the enemy from Lookout Valley removed the necessity of further occupation of the place, so a few days after the return the regiment moved to a more eligible position further in the gap and near brigade head-quar- ters. Before the removal was completed and suitable quarters were erected, stormy cold weather came on and more than half the month passed before the men were fairly comfortable. Some were satisfied with indifferent quarters so long as they gave them shelter and protection from the inclement weather, but others built huts with canvas tops and log chimneys with some pretense of comfort. The Colonel, with greater ambition, erected a log or slab cabin of Gothic architecture.
While these changes were taking place several incidents oe- eurred which are worthy of notice. On the 3d day of Decem- ber, the 2d Division was reviewed by Gen. Grant, Gen. Thomas, Gen. Hunter, Gen. Hooker, Gen. Butterfield and two brigadier- generals whose names were not known. This was considered a high compliment to the command and a special recognition
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on account of its meritorious services in the recent campaign. The remarks of the reviewing officers were complimentary and were appreciated.
In the fore part of the month of December the division as- sembled in an open field, drawn up in a hollow square, to wit- ness a novel and affecting spectacle. A member of a Pennsyl- vania regiment had been caught in the act of robbing the dead in the recent engagement on Lookout Mountain, had been tried by conrt-marshal, condemmed to be dishonorably discharged, have his head shaved, and be drummed out of camp. The man was conducted under guard to a seat in the presence of the di- vision, and the barber commenced work. At this point Gen. Geary approached, and a scene followed which can only be ap- preciated by those who knew the man and his fiery temper. He commenced an address to the culprit by saying he was sorry any man in his division, and especially from his native State, had been guilty of the dumnable crime of profanity of the dead. Here his temper gave way, and then followed a tirade of invectives, curses, abuse, and an exhibition that would put a Spanish bull-tight in the shade. The barber was paralyzed, the guards were dumfounded, and the division, if not of heroes, would have taken to cover. The General, however, must have forgotten himself, for he did not boot the man, who looked di-appointed at the omission.
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