USA > Ohio > Greene County > Greene county in the war. Being a history of the Seventy-fourth regiment, with sketches of the Twelfth, Ninety-fourth, One hundred and tenth, Forty-fourth, One hundred and fifty-fourth regiments and the Tenth Ohio battery, embracing anecdotes, incidents and narratives of the camp, march and battlefield and the author's experience while in the army > Part 4
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with his glass, watching the effect of his shots on the enemy. The Seventy-fourth was ordered to support this battery, the men being in the works on each side of a large twelve-pounder Napoleon gun. For two days we were in this position, although the roar of artillery was almost deafen - ing. Still we could sleep sound.
On the 22d of June the rebels shelled us from the mountain, and the air was filled with bursting shells. I believe this was the day when Colonel Findley had erected his shelter-tent a little way from the breastworks, and had gone to the woods for some leaves and twigs to sleep upon. When he returned his tent had been struck, by grape- shot I suppose, and perfectly riddled. Had he remained in his tent he would most undoubtedly have been killed. The Colonel removed his quar- ters after that.
On the 23d we moved to the right after dark, "where we remained until the 3d of July.
CHAPTER X.
Before Kennesaw Mountain-March to Chattahoochie river- Camp near the river-Crossing the river-Fight at Peach Tree creek-Arrival before Atlanta.
While lying before Kenesaw Mountain, we had some heavy fighting. One day a solid twelve pound shot struck our works, burying itself in the earth and almost cutting a log in two six inches through.
July 1st. I was on the skirmish line. Sam Mulphra of Company B was wounded in the arm. Stood up behind a small tree and shot forty-five rounds of cartridges that afternoon : some of the rebel shots came very close to me.
July 2nd. Went on fatigue duty to the left to build works, and worked all night. During the night the rebels left the mountain, and the next day we started in pursuit of them. They had left
their dead some of them on the field. We pass- ed on through the town of Marietta, and on the Fourth of July we halted in an oat field. cut branches from the trees and bushes and made a shade, it being very hot. We then fell into line and marched about a mild. We haulted, stacked
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arms and remained about an hour, and then re- turned to camp.
July 5th. Advanced about three miles and went on the skirmish line. Remained all the af- ternoon and night. Sergeant Slipe, of Company was wounded.
July 6th. Relieved from picket. Went to the rear and drew rations. Had a view of Atlanta from the top of hill where they were planting a B, battery.
July 7th. Resting behind the hill in the wood . Very hot. Went up to Buckskin's battery and took a view of Atlanta, through a glass. Atlanta from that point was eight miles distant. We were then approaching the Chattahoochie river. We remained here in this position after going into camp until the 17th of July. On the 9th we went out to the front line which was advanced. Ser- geant James, of Company E, was here wounded On the 10th the rebels retreated beyond the Chat- tahoochie, we following them to the river, skirmish- ing through the woods.
July 17th Received orders to march at 7 o'clock. Accordangly we packed up ready, but did not march until the afternoon. Crossed the Chattahoochie on pontoons, skirmishing through the woods. Advanced about a mile and fortified. July 18th. Still in advance. Drove the rebels
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to-day. Halted and fortified, and on the 20th ad- vanced about a mile and halte lin an old field and staid until about 3 o'clock in the morning, then marched on and crossed Peach Tree creek at a mill. Went on a little farther and halted in the woods and staid till morning. Advanced again in skirmish line. We were not long on the skirm- ish line when we were relieved by the 20th corps. That day the 20th corps had a heavy fight. We moved to the right and got under cover of the hill and remained all night. On the next day the reg- iment advanced, and several of the Seventy-forth boys were wounded, among whom was Captain McElravy, of Company G.
July 22nd. Advanced on toward Atlanta. This day we lost three of our boys : John Farbes, John Hennesey and Addison Tolbert. Several others made narrow escapes, George Kempher, of Com- pany C., had a hole shot through his knapsack while lying on his face toward the enemy. Gen- eral McPherson was killed to-dlav. We were on the second line of fortifications. Immediately in the rear was the 21st O. V. I. A man was killed to-day by a shell.
CHAPTER XI.
Poetry-In Breastworks-Incidents-March to Jonesboro- Battle of Jonesboro-Death of Comrades-March back to Atlanta-Camp near the city.
While here I composed the following lines on the death of R. S. Dilworth, who was killed at Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864 :
The soldier sleeps his last long sleep, His friends in anguish o'er him weep .; For his country's flag his life he gave, He is sleeping now in an honored grave.
No more at the bugle's call he'll come, Or march to the music of the drum; His voice is hushed, his spirit fled. Ah! ves, he's numbered with the dead.
Rest. soldier, rest; thy warfare's o'er, "No more you'll hear the cannon's roar; No night alarms disturb your breast, Then sweetly slumber. sweetly rest.
Ah! how sad the thought to those Fond friends at home; ah! yes, who knows The depths of sorrow hearts must feel; But God alone the wound can heal.
The noble hero patriot fell; . His work is done, he did it well;
.
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His sword is sheathed; let it remain, He ne'er will take it up again.
Although we feel his loss is great. Heaven has thus decreed his fate; His friends and comrades speak his fame, Forever honored be his name.
There is one fond heart now left to mourn, From whose embrace so lately torn, On whom will fall the hardest blow. Will be the deepest grief, we know.
The loving wife so soon must part With the idol of her loving he art ; But trust in God, grace will be given, And meet your dearest one in heaven.
Friends will drop affection's tears, The lapse of months or lapse of years Shall not banish from the mind Thy many acts of love so kind.
When war is o'er and victory won, We'll think of thee, the absent one- In years to come when once again Sweet peace shall universal reigu.
Lieutenant Dilworth's work is done, He rests in peace, his race is run ; Whilst many hearts with grief o'erflow, Naught can disturb his sweet repose.
Farewell, soldier, noble friend, And when this toilsome life shall end, When all earth's sorrows shall be past, We hope to meet in heaven at last.
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These lines were written in front of Atlanta, Georgia, behind the fortifications, by request of an officer of the 21st O. V. I., and sent to the widow of Lieutenant Dilworth, and published in a northern paper, I think the Hancock Jefferso- nian.
July 24th. Not much fighting to-day. A dem- onstration was made at night in order to find, if possible, the enemy's batteries. It was done in this wise : At a given signal every man along the line was to fire his gun and yell at the top of his voice ; which was done, but it did not serve to- draw the enemy out.
July 26th. We moved to the rear about a quarter of a mile.
July 28th. Fell into line and moved to the right about four miles. Very hot. Some of the boys came near giving out. Hard fighting on the right. Rebels charged our lines seven times, and were repulsed every time with heavy loss. We marched to the extreme right flank and built works after night and remained until morning. Next day returned to our old camp and had a meeting of Company ('and appointed a committed to draft resolutions in regard to the death of the boys who were killed on the 22d.
July 30th. Wrote resolutions, which were ap-
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proved by the company, and sent to friends and papers.
August 2d. We moved to the right again and relieved the 42d Indiana regiment. The next day we were relieved by the 23d corps. Drew rations and moved to the right and put up tents.
August 4th. This was a day of fasting and prayer appointed by the president. Chaplain preached in the morning. Moved in the afternoon the to right. We had a hot, fatiguing march of several miles and directly back again.
August 5th. Lying back of works. Rebels threw several shells at us. Moved back into work . that we left. Bands of music playing at night. August 6th. In front line. Skirmish advanced. Building works.
August 8th. Was detailed to work on works in front. Worked a while when the regiment came and worked likewise. Rained in afternoon.
August 9th. In front line. Skirmish line ad-
vanced to day. Building works in front.
August 10th. Went out at 12 o'clock at night to work on breastworks in front. Worked until ยท daylight. Relieved by the 21st Ohio. Came back to camp.
August 11th. Went on picket at night, it being dangerous to relieve pickets in the daytime, the picket line being within a few rods of the rebel
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line. Staid in reserve until 4 o'clock in the the morning. It was very disagreeable that night, raining a good portion of the time, so as to render sleep impossible. When we got into the pit it was nearly filled with mud and water, and after daylight it was very risky standing up. We could not stand up, lie, or sit down, but had to remain in a crouching position, which was very tiresome. The pits were about a rod apart, and there were about six men in a pit. Sergeant Slasher, Charley Newman, Faber, of Company K, and myself were in the same pit. While Ser- geant Slasher was going from one pit to another, ne was just in the act of jumping down into our pit when a rebel shot at him, grazing his back. He said it smarted like fire, and got me to exam- it. and right across the small of his back was a red streak, but no blood. The Sergeant was talk- ing before that of going to the regiment for some rations, but he concluded to stay in the pit until after night and do without his dinner. I had my bayonet shot from my gun in the same pit, the rebs and our men keeping up a constant fire day and night.
August 13th. Moved over to the front line and relieved the 69th Ohio.
August 14th. John Quinn, of Company A,
was wounded this morning while cooking his
THE SEVENTE FOURTH.
breakfast, and Pat Doyle, of Company I, was wounded while going out on skirmish line.
August 15th. Very hot. John Seldomridge, James and myself put up a tent and then cut some bushes for a shade.
August 18th. There was some heavy fighting. Although not actively engaged, we fell into. line behind the works and took arms. expecting every moment to be called out.
August 19th. The regiment moved to the rear line. It rained very hard at night. I secured a board and laid it on a couple of logs to keep off the ground. I then took my government blanket and spread it on the board to lie on, then took my gum blanket and stretched it over me, and although the rain fell in torrents, in the morning I was dry and comfortable.
August 20th. Went on skirmish line. Very disagreeable from the rain. Came near being shot. I had become very tired in the pit, and in the afternoon, the firing having slacked up, I thought I would get out on the bank and rest awhile, the rebel works being in plain view only a few rods away. Although I could see no rebs. they had logs on top of their works and a crack un- derneath to shoot through, without being exposed themselves. The thought struck me that perhaps I was too much exposed, and that I had better get
GREENE COUNTY IN THE WAR.
back into the pit, when I put that thought into immediate execution. I had hardly got down, my head being just. below ths works, when zip, a bullet came, and went into the ground just behind me. Had I remained in that position a second longer, I would have been shot through the body.
August 25th. We left the front of Atlanta at night, marched about five miles, and halted till morning.
August 26th. Moved over to the edge of the woods to the shade. Rained to day. Moved out a short distance and then back again in the same place. Remained there awhile, then marched to the right. Halted at the works and remained all night.
August 27th. Put up tents at daylight, then moved about the length of two battalions. Cut tent poles, fortified and remained all night.
-August 28th. Ordered to march at 6 o'clock. Passed the 4th army corps and marched on to the Atlanta and Montgomery railroad. Halted in a a cornfield and had green corn for supper.
August 29th. Arose early and had another mess of green corn for breakfast. The method of cooking roasting-ears, as adopted by some of the boys, was as follows: They would take an ear of corn, stick it on the end of a ramrod, and hold it over the fire until roasted. Another way was
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to throw the ear into the fire with the shuck on, and by the time the shuck was burnt off the ear would be done. We marched down the railroad a mile and a half, tore up the track, burnt the ties, and twisted the rails. We could see the smoke for miles.
August 30th. Started on the march to the
Macon railroad. March a few miles and halted on a hillside. Went on picket at night.
August 31st. Started on the march again. Moved a piece to the right and halted in the woods. Marched on farther to a farm-house. Saw some wounded men, who had been in a fight on the railroad.
September 1st. Marched on the rebels, the Seventy-fourth in front. Charged on the rebel skirmishers across an open field. The rebels hol a field piece on their skirmish line, and a shot from it wounded a man in Company B. We al- vanced a short distance and were ordered to lie down. In a short time we were ordered to arise, and forward march. There was a fence about two hundred yards ahead of us, and Colonel Given said, " Boys, if we can gain that fence the day is ours." So on we went, on the double-quick, raising the yell. We reached the fence in safety, the rebel bullets, most of them, falling short of us, though some struck near. When a bullet struck
S
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the ground, it would raise the dust. After reach-
ing the fence, we rested awhile. Meanwhile the rebels had made a precipitate retreat. We fol- lowed them up, wading a stream of water, but never stopping till we got to the top of tho hill, when we sent a volley after them, then loaded and gave them a second volley as they were retreating through the woods. I presume, however, that they were too far off by the time we reached the top of the hill for our balls to reach them, as they were cavalry. We were then ordered to build breastworks, and commenced work, but did not complete them before we were ordered forward again. We marched on until we came in sight of the railroad, then formed line of battle and marched through the woods, until our skirmishers again encountered the rebels, and drove them into their works. We then advanced across another field, the line of battle on our right steadily ad- vancing, and keeping up a steady fire of musketry, not much artillery being used. We advanced to the woods ; and while marching on the right flank, Melville Davis, of Company C, was shot and mor- tally wounded. As he fell he brushed me, as he went down. I immediately called for a stretcher, and we placed him on it, and carried him a short distance, out of range of the bullets, and laid him down on the grass. I knelt down beside him and
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asked him if he was hurt much. He looked up. in my face, and O, such a look-a look which only a dying man could give-and said, "O, Ira, I am mortally wounded !" These were the last words he ever spoke to me, as I had to immedi- ately join the regiment, which was now passing froward in the thickest of the fight. Melville Davis was my schoolmate, and my nearest neighbor. I had known him from a child, being a little older than he. He had been married, but his wife had preceeded him to the better land a short time be - fore he enlisted. His time was nearly out, lacking only a few days. He had never been home since. he left. He was fondly anticipating the near ap - proach of his discharge, when he should be allowed to go home to see his widowed mother, brothers and friends. He and I often conversed about. them ; and that very morning, before we entered the field, expecting & battle, he talked of home and friends, and said to me if he should be killed that day he hoped he would be better of. He- spoke of his darling wife, whom, he said, was fre e- from all the anxieties and cares of this world. He was taken to the hospital, where he died in & day or two. A short time before he died, I have been informed, he called for his knapsack, and requested his wife's picture on its being handed him. He looked at it, then kissed it, saying, "I
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SS - GREENE COUNTY IN THE WAR.
will soon be with you. " Melville was a good boy, and I have no doubt but that he has joined his companion in a world where there is no more war or parting of friends.
Bat to return to the regiment. On we went, `through a thick growth of pine, amid a perfect shower of grape and cannister (for we were fronting a rebel battery) and minnie balls, litter- ly cutting shrubs, leaves and branches of trees, Rt which time eleven of the Seventy -fourth were killed and thrity-three wounded, a number of whom afterwards died. William II. Hollenberry, another near neighbor, was also killed. IIe and Davis and I lived in sight of each other. He was 'the son of a widow also, Mrs. Hannah Hollenbery. E did not see him fall, for we fought until after dark and I got lost from the regiment. They had retreated to the rear and I did not know it. I. suppose, however, in groping my way back, { stumbled over his dead body, as we found it next morning where I suppose I felt it. I helped to carry him across a field and bury bim where we buried the others. Before we put him in the ground I took my knife and cut off a lock of his fair, and sent it to his mother and sisters. HIe did not reenlist, and his time was nearly out. But, poor fellow, he received his final discharge. Henry was a good boy, and a good faithful soldier.
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James II. Moore, of Company C, was also killed in that engagement.
The Seventy-fourth was repulsed, the first time, and fell back to the edge of the woods, but imme- diately rallied, driving the enemy out of their works. We then fell back in good order and re- mained all night, leaving our dead on the field. the rebels keeping up an artillery fire until after- dark, and leaving their dead and wounded. Gen- eral Sherman, leaving the 20th corps, withdrew the rest of his army from before Atlanta, and the rebels began to rejoice over his supposed retreat .. when he suddenly reappeared to their astonished vision, fifteen miles south of Atlanta, attacking them at Jonesboro and capturing their works, ten guns and two hundred prisoners, and inflicting upon them a loss of three thousand killed and wounded. The rebel General Hood, being com- pletely " hoodwinked," in the words of General Sherman, blew up his magazines at Atlanta, and loft in the night time. We could hear the noise very distinctly, from Jonesboro, and supposed it was a battle between the 20th corps and Hood. But General Slocum, with the 20th corps, took quiet possession of the city. The next day we buried our dead in an old orchard. It was a sad time. We carried them about a half mile, laid them down on the ground until we dug the'r
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graves, and then committed them to the ground, putting sometimes two in one grave. Considering the chances we had, they were interred very de- cently. We rolled them carefully in their blankets, and then procured boards and put around them, to keep the dirt from their bodies. Thus we left our comrades, who, only the day before, were as full of life and bid fair to live as long as any of us. We left them alone in an enemy's land, and on the 6th started for Atlanta, and marched a short distance the next day. We marched within three miles of Atlanta and went into camp, remaining at that place until the 10th, when we moved about a mile and again went into camp. Our marching and fighting was now over, for at least awhile. In order to show how we passed the time while in camp acar Atlanta, I will again refer to my journal.
September 11th.
Regiment on picket.
September 12th.
September 13th.
On fatigue.
Regiment went to bury Lieu- tenant Bricker, who died at the division hospital, in consequence of wounds received at Jonesboro. September 14th. In camp. Fine weather. Chaplain preached at night.
September 16th. In camp. Meeting of Com- pany C. Drew up resolutions in regard to the death of Melville Davis, W. II. Hollenberry and James II. Moore.
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THE SEVENTY FOURTH.
September 18th. Meeting at night. A com- mittee appointed to draft resolutions in regard to soldiers who had died in battle. Meeting ad- journed until next day.
September 19th. Meeting of the Seventy-fourth. Chaplain McFarland made a few remarks Res- olutions adopted.
September 20th. John Norwood, James John- son and Basel Lucas came to the regiment to-day.
September 23d. Corps inspection.
September 24th. Went to Atlanta.
September 25th. .Inspection at 8 o'clock in the morning.
September 26th. Regiment on picket.
September 28th. Came into camp.
September 30th. Battalion drill.
CHAPTER XII.
Resignation of Colonel Given -March after Hood-Camp, near Galesville, Alabama-Scout over the Mountains-Poetry -March to Rome and Kingston-March back to Atlanta.
October 1st. Colonel Given held dress parade for the last time, this evening, at which time he made a farewell address to the regiment, and pre- sented his sword to the officers,
October 3d. Started on the march after Hood. Colonel Given beat the drum out of camp, and then left us. We marched on to the Chattahoochie river and crossed after night. Hard marching and very tired. Rained at night. The next day we resumed the march and continued on the tramp all day, halting in an open field where there was plenty of grass.
October 4th. Drew rations at 1 o'clock at night, with orders to march at 4 o'clock, but did not start until noon.
October 5th. Again on the march along a very crooked road toward Kennesaw Mountain. Marched on until after night. Dark and muddy. Halted and got a cup of coffee, then marched on again about a mile and a half and halted on the
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side of a stony hill and camped. Rained at night. The next morning it was still raining and very disagreeable. Started on the march in the rain. Passed Kennesaw mountain. The roads were quite muddy. Went about five miles and halted, camp- ing near the Big Shanty.
October 7th. Resting and cleaning up. Some fighting to-day. A wouded rebel general was brought in.
October 8th. Started on the march again at 3 o'clock, and marched until we reached Lost Mountain, and then turned to the north. Met some rebel prisoners. Weather much cooler.
October 9th. Cool to-day. Went on picket, where we experienced the cold quite severely. Continued marching the next day, passing through the Altoona pass.
October 11th. The regiment halted on the road- side, and held the election. Marched to Kingston and halted in the thick woods and camped. I was quite sick here with the chills.
October 12th. Received mail just as we were starting on the march. Rode in ambulance to- day.
October 13th. Went into camp not far from Rome and staid until nearly night, when we started again. Rode in the ambulance until mid- night, then joined the regiment.
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October 14th. Marched hard all day, passing through Calhoun and on to Reseca, where we again camped, near the railroad. Saw where the rebels had torn up the road. Fighting in front. October 15th. Again on the march. Marched on until after night to the foot of the mountain, when we encamped.
October 16th. Began to climb the mountain, which was very hard, laborious work, indeed, there being merely a bridle path. Part of the way the path was so narrow that we had to march Indian file. We descended the mountain into Snake Gap, through which we passed, taking a southern course, until night, when we camped again, in sight of Lookout Mountain.
October 17th. Started again on the inarch in the Chatooga valley. Fine country. Taylor's ridge on our left. Passed through some rebel camps, which had been occupied only a short time previous.
October 20th. We passed into Alabama to-day, through some fine country, camping at night near Galesville, where we remained for several days, foraging around, principally for potatoes, which were a scarce luxury.
October 24th. Drew rations and started on a scouting expedition with the 3d brigade, (Colonel Hambright) among the Chatooga mountains, in
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search of the rebel Gatewood and his band, who were supposd to be secured in the mountains. We marched about eight miles, crossed the Chatooga river and then camped. The following lines, writ- ten by myself, will perhaps best explain this tramp :
THE FOUR DAYS' SCOUT.
I will now write a song, and I think I am right, About the trip that we took with Hambright, Of the farms that we passed, and the nice little villas, The time we went hunting the rebel guerillas.
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