USA > Ohio > A history of the Eleventh regiment, (Ohio volunteer infantry,) containing the military record of each officer and enlisted man of the command -a list of deaths-an account of the veterans-incidents of the field and camp-names of the three months' volunteers, etc., etc > Part 6
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 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20
1
CHAPTER XVII.
-
The Division went into camp on the south bank of the Cumberland river, near Carthage, on the 27th of February. While moving baggage from the boats, Michael Firman, of Company B, had the misfortune to break his arm.
March 2d a party of rebels, while trying to cut off one of our out-posts, was fired .on by our pickets, and the at- tempt frustrated.
On the 4th our Regiment went on a scout to Rome, which town was thoroughly "canvassed" on the 5th. Rebel conscripting officers were operating in the vicinity, and in order to interfere with their arrangements all citi- zens of Rome liable to conscription were sent within our lines. Ten of Morgan's men who were found in the town were captured. Sixteen horses, one mule, and a number of saddles and bridles were also taken and turned over to our Quarter-master. The Regiment returned to Carthage on the 5th. Among the prisoners captured was a former resident of Springfield, Ohio, acting at this time as a Surgeon in the rebel army.
A foraging expedition consisting of Companies G and K of our Regiment, commanded by Capt. Geo. Johnson and Lieut. P. A. Arthur, was sent out on the 8th in the direc- tion of Gordonsville. While loading the wagons with corn the detachment was attacked by a rebel cavalry force
(89)
.
90
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
under Col. Ward accompanied by many citizens who had " come out with their squirrel rifles to see the fun." While the rebels were approaching, many remarks "suited to the occasion" were made by the boys. "There's a whole com- pany-a whole regiment!" says one. "Yes, a whole brig- ade!" responded another. "Morgan wants his mule!" &c. Our men were quickly formed on a knoll beside the road, and there awaited the attack of the rebels who were rapidly closing in, yelling like fiends. Col. Ward rode forward and ordered our boys to surrender, but they respectfully declined. Firing immediately began, when the position becoming too warm for our little party, Capt. Johnson ordered his men to fall back over the brow of the hill on which they were posted. Upon doing so a line of rebels was found posted in the rear, thus cutting off all chance of retreat. The rebels in front charged and captured the whole party. Two men-Elias Roberds and Jas. M. Spear, of Co. G-were severely wounded. Three Union ladies (Miss Jennie Gordon, Miss Mary Bowen, and Mrs. Murphy), who resided near by, hastened to the field on hearing the firing. They boldly avowed their Union senti- ments, and asked permission to take care of the wounded men. The request was granted by Ward who remarked, "they are going to die anyhow." How these men were treated by the ladies who took them in charge, will be found in the record of Company G.
The prisoners were loaded into the wagons and taken to Liberty, where all were paroled and set at liberty, excepting Capt. Johnson and Lieut. Arthur, who were retained for some time and then exchanged.
The paroles were declared illegal by General Rosecrans (then commanding Department of the Cumberland), and considerable trouble resulted in consequence. The men had
.
-
THE ELEVENTH OHIO. 91
been allowed to go to Camp Chase, and the authorities there refused to return them. Neither did the men feel like doing duty in the field under the circumstances; they had given their parole in good faith, and however illegal the action of the rebel authorities, they knew that if retaken and recognized they would fare badly. However, the matter was finally arranged, and the men returned to duty.
The Division crossed to the north side of the river on the 13th, as their position on the south side would have been untenable in case of a heavy attack, which was ex- pected daily, as the rebels were all around the post in great numbers.
Late in the afternoon of the 24th, our Regiment (three hundred and thirty strong) under Col. Lane, crossed the river at the Rome ford, and marching to within a mile of the town bivouacked till daylight. During the night numerous scouting parties were sent out, capturing a Capt. Reese and thirteen cavalrymen, with their horses and equipments. Marching into Rome early in the morning no enemy was found, but on proceeding in the direction of Lebanon our advance captured a train of wagons accom- panied by a guard. Moving on down the pike squads of rebel cavalrymen were encountered at every point that could be used for cover, and it soon became evident that a force of cavalry, infantry and artillery was either encamped or on the march a few miles below Rome. Encumbered with prisoners, horses and wagons, and our force being too small to divide under the circumstances, it was thought proper to return to Carthage.
On the 13th of April our Brigade, composed of four regiments, including the Eleventh, marched to Middletown
.
92
ยท THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
to look after the enemy in that direction. Some skirmishing ensued, but no damage was done to either side.
The regiment went on an expedition to "Goose Creek" on the 25th of May. Small detachments were sent out in various directions, but no rebels were seen, and nothing of importance happened.
Word was received on the 31st that Sergeant Roberds was in danger of being taken by the rebels from the kind friends he had found, and who were nursing him as they would a brother. Starting immediately, the Regiment arrived just in time to rescue the Sergeant from the danger that threatened him.
Carthage was the point at which rebel raiding parties were in the habit of crossing the Cumberland, the river being fordable at two or three places near the town. The importance of the position is evident from the strong force sent there, and from the very effectual manner in which it was fortified.
From the numerous copies of letters on file in the Regi- mental books, it seems that there was great solicitude on the part of some one at Division Head-quarters concerning property taken from rebel citizens by our command. Three or four hams taken by our men caused the shedding of a great deal of-ink, and the waste of considerable paper. A few fence rails were burned, and then came another blast. Col. Lane was ordered to detail men to split rails to replace those burned, the work to.be completed at a certain hour. The men flatly refused to obey the order until it was so modified as to read " rails for a cattle pen" for the use of government cattle! Then came another difficulty-there were no tools in the Regiment suitable for such work, and in an official letter written by Col. Lane to the Brigade
.
.
93 .
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
commander we find the following: "If rail-making is a part of our business as soldiers, why does not the Government furnish proper tools?" The work, however, was finally done, and it is presumed that "these Head-quarters" resumed its usual equanimity.
About the first of June the rebels began concentrating their forces at other points, and it was no longer necessary that Carthage should be so strongly guarded. Accordingly, on the 4th Gen. Crook's Brigade being relieved by a brigade of Tennessee troops, took up the line of march in the direction of Chattanooga.
General Spear arrived and took command at Carthage soon after our Division reached that place, he being the ranking officer. Gen. Crook commanded our Brigade.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Shortly after leaving Carthage, the Eighteenth Kentucky Infantry Regiment and the Twenty-first Indiana Battery were added to Gen. Crook's Brigade, which was assigned to Gen. Reynold's Division at Murfreesboro, on the 8th of June. The Eleventh was now a part of the 2d Brigade, 3d Division, 14th Army Corps, of the Army of the Cum- berland, the Corps being under the command of Major General George H. Thomas.
While lying at Murfreesboro our Regiment was the "center of attraction" whenever the "assembly" was sounded for dress parade. So proficient had the men be- come in the manual of arms, that at the word of command it appeared as if the guns moved by clock-work.
The fine silver cornet band of the Ninety-fourth Ohio (the regiment organized by Col. Frizell soon after he retired from the Eleventh) furnished the music for our parade on one occasion, after which the members of the band were regaled with a supper by the officers of the Regiment. Many members of both the Eleventh and Ninety-fourth resided in the same neighborhood in Ohio, and a real sociable time was had in visting back and forth while we remained at Murfreesboro.
Presuming that they would probably remain at Mur- freesboro for some time, the men fitted up their quarters
(94)
95
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
'in rather a comfortable manner, as may be seen by the following extract from the response of Col. Lane to a rather sudden order for inspection : "The Regiment is on fatigue duty erecting arbors and shades, and a majority of the men are now in the woods cutting brush and poles for that purpose. Hence it will be impossible to have the inspection required in your order of this date."
Henry Baudendistle was killed, and George Williams mortally and George Snevely and Joseph Benson severely wounded by the explosion of a twelve pound shell in the quarters of Company A, on the 12th. Baudendistle had found the shell and was picking at it with his bayonet, when it exploded.
Gen. Reynold's Division left Murfreesboro on the 24th, marching to Hoover's Gap, where the rebels were found in force. Although under a pretty severe artillery fire for some time, the Eleventh were not engaged in the fight at this place. The night was spent at the front in order to support the battery attached to our Brigade, should such assistance become necessary. In a drenching rain the posi- tion was held during the night, one rank standing guard while the other slept.
The next day the Regiment was assigned to duty in different parts of the field, and on the 26th moved forward, but found that the enemy had retreated. During this day Gen. Crook. and Staff captured a wagon loaded with corn bread destined for the rebels.
Arrived at Manchester on the 27th. Surplus baggage was now sent back to Murfreesboro, the troops moving with rubber blankets and shelter (or dog) tents for cover- ing at night. Marched to Tullahoma on the 1st of July, and moved the next day in pursuit of Bragg.
From the 1st till the 8th the Regiment remained in the vicinity of Tullahoma. Rain fell almost daily during the
96
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
entire time, rendering the situation of the troops very dis- agreeable. Rations were scarce, frequently none at all to be had. Foraging parties were sent out to procure sub- sistence, but little was to be obtained, as the rebel army had eaten the inhabitants of the country almost "out of house and home."
On the 8th we moved two miles to Big Springs. While here orders were issued to Company commanders to drill their men before breakfast each morning. Provisions con- tinued scarce, and the men began to feel "wolfish." Under these circumstances a majority of the members of Compa- nies A and I refused to obey the order, and were placed under arrest. The officer who issued the order no doubt soon felt ashamed of his action, as the men were released on the 14th.
Gen. Crook being assigned to another command, was relieved by Gen. Turchin on the 31st.
We went into camp at University Place on the 1st of August. On the 3d Companies A and B, of the Eleventh, and the Eighty-ninth Ohio went on a foraging expedition down "Sweden Cove," returning the next day. The expe- dition was successful in procuring a supply of fruit and vegetables, which were very acceptable.
The long spell of wet weather that was experienced during the preceding month had dampened the ammuni- tion of the artillery, and the 8th being a clear bright day the caissons were unloaded, and the little red sacks contain- ing the charges of powder were spread out on the ground to dry out. By some means a spark of fire was commu- nicated to the powder of the battery attached to our Brigade, and a terrible explosion resulted. Seven men were frightfully burned, Joseph Wyrick, of Company A, (Eleventh) who was at the time doing duty as an artillerist,
97 .
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
being one of the number. A most horrible sight was pre- sented by the sufferers from this explosion; the spectacle was too revolting to describe. Nearly all the poor fellows died, after suffering untold agonies for several days.
On the 17th the Brigade marched to Big Blue Spring, fourteen miles from University Place. This Spring is one of the most remarkable bodies of water in the world, its cir- cumference being four hundred feet and no bottom to be found at a depth of two hundred feet. Peaches of the most luscious, kind were found in abundance near our camp, and the boys feasted to their hearts' content.
It must be borne in mind that our Regiment was now one of the component parts of a large army, and the oppor- tunies for independent movements were not so favorable as were presented among the mountains of West Virginia, where rapid and bold movements supplied the lack of num- bers. With the army the march was continued through Jasper, Shell Mound, over Smoky Mountain, through Trenton, crossing Lookout Mountain on the 11th of September.
The strategic movements of Rosecrans had compelled Bragg to evacuate Chattanooga, which place was occupied by Crittenden's Corps. The bold movements of our army attracted attention throughout the whole country, and while every exertion was put forth by the South to rein- force their army under Bragg, Rosecrans was permitted- nay, forced-to risk the very existence of his command, while thousands of Union troops were lying idle within supporting distance. Relying on the noble men composing the army of the Cumberland, Rosecrans pushed on, and, although overpowered and forced to retire from the bloody field of Chickamauga, his object was gained-he held pos- session of Chattanooga.
6
98
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
Our Regiment went on picket at Catlet's Gap (or Lane's Church) on the 16th. John Blackford, of F, and Joseph Leslie, of A, were wounded, and Peter MeCuen, of I, was killed at this point by the rebels.
Thomas' corps began moving on the evening of the 18th, marching some fifteen miles during the night. The march was slow and tiresome, somewhat similar to the retreat from Sewell Mountain nearly two years before. The fences each side of the road were on fire the entire distance, and the stifling smoke, combined with dust which was shoe-top deep, penetrated the eyes and nostrils of the men, causing most intense pain. Arriving at Crawfish Springs early on the morning of the 19th, a halt was ordered for the pur- pose of making coffee. In an hour the march was resumed, and continued till about eight o'clock, when our Regiment was formed in line of battle near Gordon's Mills.
CHAPTER XIX.
BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA.
Before the Eleventh was ordered into the first day's engagement, a most impressive and interesting event occur- red, a description of which was furnished to the newspapers by a correspondent on the field :
1
" General Turchin's Brigade of Reynolds's Division. Thomas's Corps, consisting of the Eleventh Ohio, the Thirty-sixth Ohio, the Ninety-second Ohio, and the Eigh- teenth Kentucky, took position on a low spur of the ridge near the Chattanooga road, and in the rear of the tannery already spoken of. Before the skirmishers were deployed, a scene occurred with the Eleventh, which, for sublimity and moving power, has been seldom surpassed. The Chap- lain (Rev. W. W. Lyle) rode up in front of the line, and the Colonel gave an order which, on being executed, formed the Regiment in two divisions, with the Chaplain in the center. Without dismounting, he addressed the troops in a clear, loud voice, that sounded strangely amid the loud explosions of the artillery and the rattle of musketry. He spoke about the holy cause for which they were to fight that day ; that it was not for territory or revenge or military glory; but for home and country, for liberty and truth, for GOD AND HUMANITY !
(99)
2
100
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
" It is but little I can do for you,' said he, 'in the hour of battle; but there is one thing I will do-I will pray for you. And there are thousands all over the land praying for you this morning, and God will hear them. You must pray, too; for God is a hearer of prayer. And if this is the last time I shall ever speak to you, or if these are the last words of Christian comfort you will ever hear, I want to tell you dear comrades, that GOD LOVES YOU. I pray God to cover your heads to-day in the battle-storm. I pray that he may give you brave hearts and strong hands to-day. Be brave-be manly! Remember the dear old flag and what it covers. And if any of you feel uncertain as to your future, O look to the Savior who died for you ; and, if any of you fall this day in battle, may you not only die as brave soldiers for your country, but die as soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ ! Let us pray.'
"Instantly every head was .uncovered and bowed in reverence, while hands were clasped on the rifles, the bayonets on which were gleaming in the morning sun. The flag, pierced and rent on a dozen battlefields, was drooped, and, strange but glorious sound on a battle-field, the voice of prayer was heard. The blessings of the Almighty were invoked on the army, upon the generals, upon regimental officers, on our bleeding country, and upon the issues of the day. Loved ones at home were remem- bered, and God's blessing invoked upon all who might fall in battle. When the Chaplain closed, he raised himself in his saddle, waved his hat two or three times around his head, exclaiming, 'God bless you to-day, dear comrades, and make you stronge and brave! Strike for Liberty and Union! strike for God and Humanity! and may our battle-toru flag lead to victory this day! God's presence be with you comrades !'
101
. THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
" A low, murmuring Amen was heard from the ranks as the Chaplain closed. Major-General Reynolds and staff passed along the lines during the services, but halted when they came to the Eleventh. With uncovered head, the Gen- eral rode up close to the regiment, and remained until the conclusion of the brief services. At the moment they were concluded, he uttered a hearty Amen, which had a thrilling effect. Grasping the Chaplain's hand and shaking it warmly, while a tear glistened on his manly cheek, he was heard to exclaim, 'Sir, I am glad I was here to join with you!' and instantly rode off, followed by his staff. This acknowledgement of religious principle, on the part of General Reynolds, had a very happy effect."
Immediately after the services, our Brigade moved for- ward into action. On other parts of the field the fight had been raging for some hours. Bragg hurled his troops with great impetuosity against Crittenden's Corps in his efforts to gain possession of the roads leading into Chattanooga. Crittenden was routed, but glorious old Thomas was there, firm as a rock.
The Eleventh was placed in position to support the Ninety-second Ohio, which regiment had been under fire for some time, and was nearly out of ammunition. This regiment fell back and a gap occurred, which was promptly filled by the Eleventh. Subject to a heavy fire from the enemy in front and on the right, a charge was made by our Regiment. The rebels were driven half a mile, and a number of prisoners taken. At the commencement of the charge our color-bearer, Sergeant Peck, was wounded, but the flag was instantly seized by his brother, Lieut. Peck. and carried by him at the head of the line. The advanced position attained by the regiment was held for half an hour, when a strong rebel force being discovered advancing, Col.
102
,
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
Lane moved his command by the left flank under cover of timber to support the Thirty-sixth, which was exposed to a heavy fire on the right.
We were ordered to fall back to our first position, from where front was changed more to the right to meet the enemy, who were making heavy demonstrations in that direction. A second charge was ordered and successfully made, clearing the rebels from our front and taking a num- ber of prisoners. The first position was again taken and held till night spread her mantle over the gory field.
During the night rude fortifications were hastily thrown up, in the rear of which our position was taken on the morning of the 20th.
All the morning we remained in this position, heavy fighting going on. In the hardest of the fight the logs and brush forming the slight breastwork took fire. Lieut. Hardenbrook with a portion of Company B, separated the timber and extinguished the fire to prevent its spreading and destroying the protection afforded.
A demonstration being made in our rear, Companies D and F, under command of Capt. Teverbaugh, and two pieces of Artillery, were left to confront the advancing rebels, the Brigade being withdrawn. These companies, however, soon received an order to retire and join the Brigade which had formed for a charge, left in front. Before Capt. T. could march his men to the point indicated the bugle sounded and Turchin's Brigade made its well-known grand charge. A large number of prisoners were taken, and although the lines became much broken the rebels were followed some three miles on the Rossville road. Soon after the first rebel line was broken Gen. Turchin gave the command to march by the left flank. In the din and con- fusion the order was not fairly understood, and about one-third of the Eleventh and the same proportion of the
103
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
Thirty-sixth continued on the forward movement, led by General Reynolds (who found himself entangled with our Brigade when the rebels swung around in our rear) and Col. Lane. Soon discovering that they were in a tight place, a hasty consultation was held by the General and Col. L. The fragments of the various regiments that were thrown together in the movement were formed, a dash made to the left, and a junction formed with General Granger's command, where the balance of our Brigade was found.
Companies D and F having been unable to join the Regiment continued the fight on their own responsibility. Company D were deployed as skirmishers under Lieut. Kiefaber, and in a few minutes lost eighteen men killed and wounded. A considerable number of prisoners and two pieces of artillery were captured by these Companies, but the rebels advancing in heavy force shot the horses attached to the guns, making it necessary for our men to abandon the pieces.
Our Regiment finally got together, and after marching to Rossville camped for the night.
Col. Lane closes his report of the part taken by our Regiment in the two days' fighting as follows: "The officers and men of my Regiment endured every hardship and braved every danger with cheerfulness. Many of the men were without water for twelve or fifteen hours. Our loss was five killed, thirty-six wounded and twenty-two missing. The hospital arrangements were a total failure- neither surgeons, hospital corps nor ambulances were to be found."
The effective strength of our Regiment on the morning of the 19th was four hundred and thirteen enlisted men and twenty commissioned officers.
CHAPTER XX.
The army moved into Chattanooga soon after the battle of Chickamauga. The town is situated in a bend of the Tennessee River, and although the position was considered impregnable, yet the siege sustained here was by no means an enviable one. The rebels were in possession of Look- out Mountain and Mission Ridge, the roads on the south side of the river, and also virtually held those on the north side, as their sharpshooters could pick off teamsters and others whenever they desired to do so.
This state of affairs soon had the effect of reducing sup- plies to an alarming extent, as every thing brought to Chattanooga for the use of the army had to be carried in a round-about way a distance of sixty miles over a rugged pass in the Cumberland Mountains. Horses and mules died by hundreds, and the men were on the very verge of starvation.
Citizen reader -- you who know nothing, from actual experience, of the horrors and privations of war-could you have seen those brave men picking up and eating the few grains of mouldy corn dropped from the feed boxes of the mules, and in their great extremity searching every corner for something that would sustain life, waiting and hoping patiently for a change that would either better or make worse their condition, would you have complained.
(104)
105
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
of the hardships to which you thought you were subjected in being obliged to pay an increased price for useless luxu- ries, and in grudgingly sparing a little (alas! often too little) of your worldly goods for the benefit of the mothers, sisters or wives of the men who were starring and shedding their blood to preserve the blessings of free institutions for you ?
It became imperatively necessary that communication should be opened with our base of supplies at Bridgeport by a more direct route than the one over the mountains. Boats were built of logs floated down the river by the rebels to break our pontoon bridges, and on the night of the 25th of October were loaded with soldiers and floated down to Brown's Ferry, taking the rebel pickets com- pletely by surprise. Our Brigade marched to the point, and after the force sent down by the river had effected a landing, the boats were sent across the river, and the troops that had marched down were hurried over early on the morning of the 27th. The hill was gained and held, and the river opened to Bridgeport. Boats had been loaded in anticipation of the success of the movement, and in a short time a more plentiful supply of rations were issued to our beleaguered and half famished troops.
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.