USA > Ohio > History of the Seventeenth regiment, First brigade, Third division, Fourteenth corps, Army of the Cumberland, war of the rebellion, 1861-1865 > Part 11
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OHIO VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
see. on Nolensville Pike. December 29th, we marched all night, through the rain part of the time. through cedar woods, over stony roads. across the con- try to the Murfreesborongh pike, arriving at 3. a. m. December 30th, 33 miles south-east of La Vergne. Tennessee. Colonel Walker, who commanded our brig- ade, came riding into eamp. with his hat off. yelling at the top of his voice. ~ get ready my lads." In 5 minutes the brigade was in line and quickly formed m battle line across the pike facing to La Vergne, skirmishers were thrown out in front and on the flanks. the brigade moved forward to La Vergne hoping to cap- ture the rebel cavalry who where burning a train of 132 wagons. loaded with camp equipage and stores belonging to General McCooks corps, but the enemy had flown. The Battle of Stone River began to-day. December 31st. we moved to- wards the battle field. at Stewarts Creek we halted and formed a hollow square, expecting to be attacked by rebel cavalry, coming from the woods on the right of the road beyond the creek, but they did not come. During this for- noon, there was a perfect stream of stragglers. and wounded from the battle field. and the road was full of teams retreating, many teamsters and soldiers panic stricken, all going towards Nashville, Tennessee ; Major Ward tried to stop the panie stricken soldiers, they could not be stopped however and he told them in a loud voice, "Go home and tell your sweethearts that you ran off of the battle field," he al- so told them "I would not give a cup full of cold water for a million such soldiers." Major Ward did not know what fear was, and did not understand it in others. We reached the battle field about 2:30 p. m. taking our position on the right of the Murfreesborough pike. in the woods, where the heaviest fighting had been done. The general engagement had ceased. but more or less firing by the artil- lery of both sides continued. During the forenoon the whole right wing of our army, commanded by Major General Alexander McCook, had been driven back with heavy loss. About sundown, the rebels charged on some of our forces. on our right, but were repulsed with considerable loss; this occured in plain view of us and not far off. some of our regiment went over and took part in routing the rebel cavalry. We bivouacked on the stony ground. without fires most of the night, among the slain, no tents, but few blankets, night very cold and much suffering among the men. All baggage and stores had been ordered to Nashville, leaving the army without food.
1863.
We threw up breastworks January 1st, and were on picket, the men nearly froze, as it was very cold, and no fires permitted on picket line. Aspect of af- fairs rather gloomy. Preparations for a retreat, we act only on the defensive. $ pint of beans and 2 spoonsful of molasses only. was issued to each of ns, during the night. January 2nd. nothing to eat but a few beans, which we cook- ed in tin cups, and a little molasses. To our left flesh was ent from horses and mules that had been killed in battle, cooked and caten by the hungry troops. Abont 9 p. m. we received 2 days rations from Nashville, Tennessee. This after- noon the left wing of our army, and part of the center, drove the charging rebels from the field with great slaughter. with grape and canister from our batteries. and musketry; the cannonading was most terrific, seeming to shake the earth to its center. At sun down our brigade advanced about 500 yards, laid down on onr bellies and crawled a few yards, onr artillery firing over ns all the time; we fired on the enemy as we lay on the ground. then returned to our breastworks. "No. 9" was the rallying ery. About twenty men wounded to-day, in our brig- ade; none killed. In the night Captain Inskeep. Company C.and Captain C. L. Wil- liams of the Thirty-first Regiment O. V. I. with 3 men, went out between the picket lines, near the rebel pickets, and got one Wallace of the Forty-fourth In- diana Volunteers, who was wounded and had lain on the field for 4 days, chill- ed and starved nearly to death, and carried him back within our lines. Jan- uary 3rd, rained all day until night, then ceased. A brigade on the left center,
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made a night attack on the rebel fortifications and took them; the fight lasted about an hour and was very hard. About noon Captain Inskeep Company C crawled out to a wounded man belonging to the First Regiment O. V. I. who had been calling for help, and with the aid of 3 comrades, carried him off the field. Rebels retreated during the night. leaving a great many sick and wound- ed to fall into our hands. Jannary 4th. large parties detailed to gather up and bury the killed, groups of from 50 to 150 being gathered together and buried. January 5th, the men took off their shoes and socks. rolled pants up and waded Stone river; the water was about 3 feet deep. 50 yards wide and very cold. Jan. 8th, our wagons joined ns again, and the suffering for food, blankets and shel- ter is over for the present. We lay in camp near Murfreesborough, Tennessee. until March 13th, and while there some of Company A. and F. pulled down a house near camp, carried the whole floor into camp. used it to dance on. and were arrested Jan. 16th for doing it. Win. Comstock Company K. purposely shot his thumb off. while we lay here. January 25th. a middle aged man came to onr camp from General Davis division; he sang songs, sold postage stamps. and his printed songs to the boys: he was afterwards killed while trying to run the picket line, and was found to be a rebel spy. We guarded a train to Nash- ville, Tennessee. and back from, January 30th to February 3rd. The boys stole a barrel of whiskey on the night of February 2nd, and on the 3rd the regiment was inspected to find the guilty, but the boys were too cute to be caught. Feb- uary 10th, Company F. were all arrested and sent to the guard honse, for refus- ing to tell on one of their men. who bored a hole in a log. put a heavy charge of powder therein. plugged it up and fired it off, contrary to orders. They were finally let off, with a lecture from Colonel Connell, on the duties of a soldier. February 13th, Company D. on guard 2 days. for punishment. for refusing to "fall in" to guard Company F. on the 10th inst. February 21st. Noah Booker. Company F. was tried by court martial. charge, absence without leave, conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline, and March 12th, he was drum- med out of camp in the presence of our brigade, with one side of his head shaved. by order of said court martial ; he stole shirts from Colonel Ward. a box of wine from Henry Springer, the regimental sutler, and was a bad one on general prin- ciples. March 13th, shelter, or dog tents drawn for the regiment, but the of- ficers refused to receive them. great dissatisfaction among the boys about them. March 14th, we marched westward, arriving on the 15th at Triune, Tennessee. camped on a nice place: we are now on the extreme right flank of our army. Here we built a fort and a line of breastworks. April 7th, we went on a scout to Eagleville, Tennessee, and returned. April 12th. Chaplain Gardner preached the first time for us. April 16th, In the afternoon we played football in camp. the right wing against the left. Chaplain Gardner and all hands took part; the Chaplain ontran every man in the regiment. the game lasted until dark. April 28th, Alf. Burnett performed. in the sutler's tent, for the benefit of our regiment. May 9th, Springfield rifles. Caliber Fifty-eight. pattern 1861, were issued to us in place of old ones. May 13th, darkey footracing in camp. lots of fun for the boys. May 21st Company B. detailed as provost guard at division headquar- ters, for General Schofield. remained there until June 9th, when it returned to the regiment. May 29th. Company C. and others started at Sa. m. ont foraging. went westward, towards Franklin. Tennessee, returned to camp at 7 p. m. very tired. June 7th, our brigade started at 6 a. m. on a scout towards Franklin. Tennessee and returned in the evening. Our piekets were attacked several times by the rebels, during our stay at Triune, Tennessee. June 24th. we broke camp at 6 a. m. went to Salem. Tennessee, then across the country to the Shelbyville pike, 10 miles from Murfreesborough, Tennessee, tiled left, crossed the Chattanooga railroad. it rained all day and night. June 25th,started at 7 a.m. went towards the Manchester pike; rain and mud. June 26th. rained all day, our brigade charged the rebels at Hoovers Gap, across the valley, under fire of a battery and a brigade of rebel infantry. on the left flank, and a front and flank fire from reb-
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OHIO VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
el skimishers, we forced them to abandon their position: 24 men were killed and wounded out of our regiment. Companies C., G. and H. were deployed as skimishers all the afternoon, in front and right flank, of our brigade. Captain Inskeep. Company C. took a squad of men, went out in front and drove in a large drove ofcattle, sheep and hogs, during the afternoon. June 27th, we guard- ed an immense wagon train to Manchester, Tennessee. across Duck river, Ten- nessee, and waded a creek near town. General Rosecrans, staff, escort and train passed us: the boys cheered him; he waved his hat and pointed forward. June 28th, all tents and surplus baggage sent to rear, a lot of green leather taken from a tan yard near camp, by the boys. In the evening we went towards Tullahoma. Tennessee. July 1st. we moved to the front at 8 a. m .; passed through Tullaho- ma. the rebels left many tents and some heavy guns, with their carriages burn- ed. July 2nd, Reveille at 2 a. m .. started at daylight, roads very bad. We form- ed line of battle near Elk river. the enemy retreated, burning bridge over Elk river, which is very high and swift from recent rains. Rations very scarce with us. July 3rd, a very heavy rain. roads fearfully bad. We forded Elk river at Marsh's Ferry, it was arm-pit deep. and ran so swiftly the men could scarcely keep on their feet. Ambulances were driven in to break the force of the current. Rations still scarce , and the boys do some foraging. July 4th. A few crackers were ob- tained to-day, and at night it rained hard. July 5th. 100 men and 10 officers from our regiment sent out foraging, they got some potatoes, meat and a few beans. July 9th. we got rations to-day and Springer, the sutler, arrived. For the past 16 days it has rained most all the time, and the mud is beyond description. Ju- ly 18th. moved camp near Winchester, Tennessee, close to fine springs that we camped by last August. Part of the regiment was paid off, and balance paid on July 19th, by Major Phelps. July 25th. Colonel Connell took command of our brigade. Angust Sth. Captains Stinchcomb and Ogden. Lieutenant Thatcher and Sergeants Strode, Bird. Van Horn, Foster, Titler and private Call. started for Ohio, to get conscripts to fill our regiment to the maximum number allowed by law. August 10th, went on top of Sand Mountain and camped at University Hill, near railroad, an awfully hot day. During our stay here we had very heavy thunder storms; one on August 15th drove us out of the woods into an open field. August 16th, started at 11 a. m., heading for East Tennessee: passed through Decherd. Tennessee. Abont noon a very heavy thunder storm occured; lightening striking several times near ns. August 17th, Reveille at 2:30 a. m .. start- ed at 7 a. m. went 1 mile and then halted. for General Reynolds troop to cross the mountain. Angust 18th, climbed Cumberland mountains. 2 miles to top: very sultry; marched alongside the Tracy City rail road 6 miles, fine spring on top of mountain. but scarcely any inhabitants for miles around. August 19th. decend- ed the mountain. found plenty of peaches, afternoon quite hot. camped near a fine spring in Sweeden's Cove. August 22nd. Crossed Battle Creek. Major Butter- field. Captain Clark and Lieutenent St. John, returned from Ohio, whither they had been on leave of absence. August 26th. Company A. were exensed from camp duty for one week. for having the best quarters, on inspection. by Ad- jutant Davis. August 30th. this p. m. we marched to the Tennesee River, roads very dusty. camped at mouth of Battle Creek. and at the foot of Prospect moun- tain, about 2 miles above Bridgeport, Alabama. August 31st, we crossed the Tennesee river in dugouts, canoes, rafts, on rails, boards, logs and anything that would float. Horses were forced into the river and firmly held by men at the sides of the dug outs and canoes, and made to swim as long as they could, then float the rest of the way, from 2 to 6 taken at each trip of each canoe and dug out. Our regiment crossed in fore part of night. all but the Field and Staff and their attaches, these remained on the right bank of the river. Wagons all sent to Bridgeport, Alabama. hence we have no tents and but little to eat. September Brd. we marched to Nicojack Cave, of Shell Mound. Tennessee; great saltpetre works here worked by the rebels; many of our boys went quite a ways into the cave. September 5th, started at 5 a. m., passed through Hog Jaw valley,ascend-
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HISTORY OF THE SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT
ed the mountain, passed coal mines, camped on top of the mountain in Georgia. September 6th. marched east 9 miles, decended the mountain and camped in Sligo Valley. September 10th. marched up Lookout valley, Lookont range on one side and Sand Mountain range on other; passed through Trenton. Georgia. September 11th, General Negley was attacked in Chattanooga valley and driven back, we go to his aid and camp at foot of Lookout Mountain. September 12th, early in the morning we began ascending the mountain, all trains left behind; very warm and dusty: this is the highest and steepest mountain we have yet crossed; arrived in Chattanooga valley about 10 a. m. At 2 p. m. we made a reconnoisance to the front, went to Chattanooga creek, where Negley was en- gaged yesterday, found no enemy in force, returned to our 10 a. m. halting place. after dark. September 14th. started at 7 a. m. moved slowly and cautiously, rebels not far away in force: we camped square in front of Dags Gap. where the rebels were. September 15th. at 3 a. m. we were in line of battle. a fine spring near camp, wagons joined us, plenty of wood and forage. September 17th. start- ed at 7 a. m. went to our left. and camped on left bank of Chickamauga Creek. near a large cornfield. ground very rocky. could scarcely find room to lie down. This morning the enemy's cavalry attacked General Reynolds, and threw a few shells this afternoon. but were repulsed. September 18th. Teams came up this a. m., cannonading to our left this afternoon. We marched all night. except two hours the men slept on their arms, by the roadside. We were continually starting and halting. The whole country wasalive with soldiers. all pushing forward as rap- rapidly as the narrow road would permit. towards Chattanooga, Tenenssee. Sep- tember 19th, our division was on the left and became fiercely engaged about 9 a. m .; both sides lost heavily, and the rebels were repulsed. We were in one charge with the Ninth Ohio Infantry which retook a Fifteenth United States Artillary Battery, which had fallen into the enemy's hands. In the evening our division moved to the right.and about 11 p.m. took position in line of battle. in the woods in front of Mission Ridge, on level ground. Sept. 20th. all knew a great battle was to be fought to day, and the storm burst in the forenoon. striking the line to our left first. swept around. took us with a violence of a tornado, scattering our forces, after a gallant resistance. Our forces fell back to the hills in our rear, rallied, and fought with desperate valor, overwhelming numbers. until dark, when we all withdrew to Rossville, Georgia, and took a new position; we lost heavily in men and material, but the rebels' loss of men was certainly greater. The lack of ammunition was a factor in compelling our troops to fall back. The fragments of our brigade bivouacked in rear of Rossville. Georgia. To-night mov- ed three miles towards Chattanooga, Tennessee. The rebels got nearly all our knapsacks and blankets and the nights werecool. September 21st. forenoon spent in forming our lines, organizing and massing our forces. We lay in wait- ing all day for the enemy. who followed us, but made no heavy demonstrations against us. As soon as it was dark. our troops began to move towards Chatta- nooga, Tennessee. We covered the retreat of our army, rested a few hours on the way and got into town about day light on the 22nd. The enemy follow- ed ns closely and menaced us all day. throwing shells this afternoon. Our forces threw up defences, which were never thrown up more rapidly nor did men ever work with more energy and determination. Before night we were so well fixed that we wished the enemy would attack us but he did not. Barrels of flour and everything available went into our breastworks to-day. September 27th, a flag of truce sent out to the enemy's lines. and arrangment made to bring our wounded in off the battle field. September 28th, a long train af ambulan- ces were delivered into the rebels hands, for the purpose of conveying our wound- ed to our lines. September 29th, about night the ambulances began to return. when many ofour men gathered along the road. looking for their wounded friends therein; some were gratified. many disappointed. Some of the wounded com- plained of receiving bad treatment at the hands of the rebels, others say they were used well. September 30th, another train of ambulances went out the same
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way, returning October Ist. Very dusty for the past week or so. October 18th, this afternoon Mr. Murdock of Cincinnati, Ohio. gave the soldiers an exhibition of his skill in reading. It has rained 3 days and 4 nights since the 11th inst. with only short intermissions, also rained to-day. One day lately, the rebels shelled us nearly all day and night, but with little damage. The rebels burn- ed a wagon train loaded with clothing and ammunition, a few day ago, between this point and Stevenson, Alabama; they killed a great many miles and captur- ed a few men. at the same time. The enemy appears in very large force in om front and is bold in showing himself; his tents by day and camp fires by night. in large numbers are very conspicuons .. On the 13th inst, an election in our reg- iment, resulted 277 for Brough, 1 for Valandingham, and this is a fair index of the vote for the whole army. The army has been reorganized. the Third and Fourth Division Fourteenth Army Corps have been consolidated. Brigadier Gen- 4; eral Baird commanding. Our brigade composed of the Eleventh. Seven- teenth, Thirty-first. Thirty-sixth. Eighty-Ninth and Ninty-second Ohio regi- ments, and the Eighty-Second Indiana Infantry, Brigadier General Turchin com- manding. October 19th, the Seventeenth and Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Eighty-Second Indiana moved camp this p. m. to the right and rear, near the large depot; our brigade ordered on picket for tomorrow. October 26th. General Hazen's and our brigade, were selected. to take the enemy by sur- prise at Brown's Ferry and get possession of that crossing, which would secure to the army a shorter and better line of communication. with our base of supplies; our brigade marched under cover of the night, to the Tennessee river opposite Browns Ferry. and remained there until morning. In the mean time 1,200 pick- ed men from Hazen's Brigade, were to bring down the river, under cover of the night and fog. 50 pontoon boats, to furnish the means for crossing the river next morning. Everything was so admirably planned and skillfully executed. that just at the peep of day October 27th. the boats arrived. after floating down the river under the rebel's guns and noses, without being discovered by them, and in the twinkling of an eye the 1.200 were landed and poured their well directed fire into the surprised and panie stricken rebels. The boats were quietly rowed to our side of the river and our brigade leaped on board. under the fire of the reb- els. In ten minutes the river was black with masses of men. and in 25 minutes. from the time the first gun was fired. all of both brigades, were across the river and on the hills that skirted the banks. The rebels had one brigade of infantry and a battery at the ferry. sufficient to have cut us all to pieces, had they not
been surprised. Their musketry firing soon ceased. but their battery kept fir- ing for 2 or 3 hours. We at once fortified our position. anticipating an attack, but we soon saw the rebels moving rapidly out of the valley. We captured some prisoners, a few horses and considerable forage, our entire loss was less than 30 in killed and wounded. The pontoon boats, were soon in position. as a bridge across the river. Our position was on a sharp back bone of a ridge. October 28th. immediately after noon, Generai Hooker with the Eleventh and Twelvth corps from the army of the Potomac, were seen to enter Lookout val- ley. carrying the Star Spangled Banner.to join us and help us lift the seige. The rebels on Lookout mountain shelled his troops. but did little harm. Our jov
was almost uncontrollable. on seeing these veterans, coming to on relief. About midnight, General Hooker with one of his brigades, took one of the rebels posi- tions. after a terrific fight of nearly 2 hours. October 30th. the steam boat. ".First Roek". slipped by the rebel batteries, in the morning. on its way to Bridge- port. Alabama. for supplies. In the evening a boat load of supplies arrived at Kelly's Ford, a few miles below Brown's Ferry. It rained hard all day and
night. making it very uncomfortable for those of us who had neither tents nor a sufficiency of clothing. We remained on these high, steep. rocky, sharp hills until the morning of November 3rd, when we recrossed the river on the pontoon bridge about 1 a. m. and went into our former camp. Nov. 11th, paymaster Phelps began to pay us for 4 months, finished on November 12th. This was the
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HISTORY OF THE SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT.
foggiest morning the most of us ever saw; a man could not be distinguished 20 feet away. November 14th. Colonel Connell left for Ohio. having resigned to become Senator in the General Assembly, of Ohio. November 16th. began drill- ing in the bayonet exercise. During much of our stay here, rations and fuel have been extremely scarce. One fourth rations and less at times. Some of the boys gathered up the corn left on the ground by rebel mules, made hominy out of it and ate it. Parched corn and even mouldy crackers were eaten. The boys would go where the cattle were butchered, and often fight with each other. for the small bits of meat. the butchers might happen to leave on the hide's. while skinning the beeves. There was no part of the beefwasted. that it was pos- sible for a human to eat. November 19th. our brigade on picket. our regiment on outpost, our sentinel line on Chattanooga creek, south of town, the rebel line on the other bank. a few yards distant. For several days movements of troops have been active, several thousand men of the army of the Mississippi. under Major General Sherman arrived; this command was quietly marched up the river, opposite the rebel right, crossed the river near the mouth of Chickamanga creek. The Eleventh corps under General Howard crossed the river at Chat- tanooga, and moved to our left. On the afternoon of November 23rd, our whole army moved in front of the rebel position, which extends from Tennessee River, the northern terminns of Mission Ridge, to the crest and western slope of Lookout Mountain; the rebels had their whole line fortified. with successive lines of rifle pits, and the rest of the Ridge covered with batteries. General Hazen's brigade, supported by other troops attacked and carried Indian Hill, directly in front and midway, between our Fort Wood and Mission Ridge. While this was being done, the guns of Forts Negley and Wood, poured a shower of shells into the enemy on different points of his line. Our line was advanced all along the center. Our regiment had been working on Fort Negley until about 3 p.m. when we were called in to go with our brigade which was on the right of the troops in the valley. We marched ont just before night; the night was cold and all had a cool time of it. Our pickets were so close to- gether that they could hear each other whisper. November 24th. General Hook- er had his famous battle above the clouds on Lookout Mountain. whipping the rebels handsomely. taking many prisoners and getting possesion of the Moun- tain. The fight lasted until after midnight. and part of it we could plainly see; a grand sight it was too. Sherman operated in good style on our left. today. Our part of the line not engaged, excepting that the artillery in fort Wood threw a few shells over our heads. November 25th.last night the rebels left Lookout Mountain and withdrew their left to Mission Ridge. Early this morning the batteries of both armies opened and the infantry on our left was engaged. The firing gradually increased until abont 3 or 4 p.m.when the whole foree in front of Mission Ridge, charged the rebel position and triumphantly carried line after line of rifle pits, against showers of shells and bullets. until the crest of the ridge was reached and the rebels completely routed and driven from the field. We captured over 50 cannon and several thousand prisoners. Major Butterfield was wounded in foot. Just before the assault our brigade was moved to the left and went up the Ridge directly in front of Fort Wood. This was the grand- est sight we ever saw. November 26th, pursued the rebels. Company C. skir- mishers took 16 prisoners. We slept on the banks of the Chichamauga. No- vember 27th, our division arrived at Ringgold.Georgia. just as Osterhaus drove the rebels off White Oak Mountain and we stayed here until November 29th when we returned to Chattanooga, tearing up railroads and bridges on the way back. December 2nd. we moved our camp on to Mission Ridge near Bragg's late head quarters, Captain Leo Noles, Company L., was among the first to enter the house thus used, and he found on a table a merschaum pipe with the inscrip tion carved thereon. that the ladies of Columbia. South Carolina ,had presented it to General Bragg. December 1st, grand review of our troops, by Generals Grant, Thomas and others. December 17th, Captain Inskeep of Company C.
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