USA > Ohio > History of the Seventeenth regiment, First brigade, Third division, Fourteenth corps, Army of the Cumberland, war of the rebellion, 1861-1865 > Part 12
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OHIO VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
was appointed recruiting officer for the veterans of our regiment. December 24th, Captain Inskeep took 24 of Company ( .. to the front to obtain supples for a Christmas dinner, they went to Chickamauga Creek, found no boat in which to cross, made a raft, but it would not work then they went to the bridge and crossed; kept near the Knoxville Ry. until reaching Tanners Station, 10 miles from Chattanooga; there they bought geese and chickens from Mrs. Evans, and re- turned to camp at 7 p. m. December 25th, Company C. had a good dinner of the fowls obtained yesterday. Some of the officers of our regiment got drunk this evening and raised a general muss. December 26th, veteran recruiting go- ing on lively. For the next three days it was very rainy, then on the night of December 31st. it turned very cold. During the month. Henry Canode and Woodson W. Brock Company K. went into the country for something to cat, and paid a woman $1.25 for each skillet full of corn bread, she made for them, "withont salt, just meal and water. mixed and baked. Brock shot a " Yellow Ham- mer", on their way back to camp and feasted on it.
1864.
January 1st, this was the cold New Years sure. January 2nd, 300 Veterans of our Regiment mustered by Lieutenant J. Dick. Eighteenth. U. S. I. January 7th, Major C. J. F. Allen. paid 870.000 to the veterans of our Regiment. January 15th, the first train of cars entered Chattanooga since we occupied it, and we drew full rations again, the first time, for a long while. January 16th, orders came for the veterans to go home on thirty days furlough. Jannary 17th, at 1 a.m., the veterans of our Regiment left Mission Ridge for Ohio, left Chattanooga at daylight in box cars.for Nashville. The cars ran off the track twice. before we got to Bridgeport Alabama. but as they ran very slowly, no one was hurt. We traveled all night, packed uncomfortably close in the box cars, arriving in Nashville about11 a. m .. January 18th. where we quartered in the old gun factory. Janu- ary 19th, we left the barracks, before daylight for the railroad depot, and started on train at 7.15 a. m. for Louisville, Kentucky, where we arrived about dark and quartered in barracks No. 1. January 20th. those of our Regiment who did not veteranize, and were left on Mission Ridge.went to Chattanooga. The re- eruits, who could not become veterans, under the law. which required two years service, were temporarily put into the 11th O.V.I. and the others in 92d O. V. I. We crossed the Ohio river a little after noon, into Jeffersonville. Ind., where we halted for an hour or so; while halting a number of the boys got very drunk. and gave considerable trouble. A little before night we started. for Seymour. Ind., arrived there 10 p.m. We bivouacked under the wood shed of railway. Very cold. boys burned wood freely. Jan. 21st, at 10 a.m., we left on train for Cincinnati.O .. where we arrived at 6 p. m. and quartered in barracks. corner Sixth and Elm streets. Jannary 22nd. the doings of 300 veteran soldiers, turned loose, in a city like Cincinnati, with plenty of money, can better be imagined than des- cribed. The boys presented a sword, to Colonel Ward, at the Burnet House. Jannary 23rd. went to Camp Dennison this a. m. and into the barracks there. Mnd in great abundance; it was awful. Company E. went home this evening. January 25th, the balance of the Regiment went to their homes, some via. Col- umbus, others to Lancaster, Ohio. February 20th. Captain Haines Company C. gave the soldiers a magnificent supper, at the old Hotel in West Middleburgh.O., a large party of ladies and gentleman were present, a cotillon party in the evening. February 22nd. a farewell party given to Company C. by the citizens of East Liberty, Ohio, in the Masonic Hall. this evening: soldiers and citizens enjoyed it. February 24th. the Regiment assembled at Camp Dennison, Ohio. all but Company (. which was detained until the 26th, by a railroad accident near West Liberty, Ohio. and a delay at Xenia. Ohio. March 2nd. We left at 10 a. n. for Cincinnati, Ohio. Halted there until 4 p. m. took cars for Seymour. In- diana; on road all night. Had an accident on the O.&M. Railway, near North
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HISTORY OF THE SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT
Vernon, Indiana. several men hart. among them John W. Boerstler. Company B. was killed, two cars smashed. Arrived at Seymour. about 9 a.m. March 3rd. left at once for Jeffersonville. Indiana; arrived there abont 3 p. m. crossed the Ohio river to Louisville, Kentucky, quartered in barracks No. 1 for the night. The boys had the biggest drunk of their lives. March 4th. a busy day to keep the boys in due bounds. About 4 p. m. we started on train for Nashville, Tennessee. all but Companies B .. G. and H .. who stayed for want of transportation, until the 6th. The seven Companies arrived in Nashville, March 5th. abont 10 a. m. after riding all night. crowded uncomfortably close. in box cars. Quartered in barracks No. 2. a building formerly used for a female college. March 6th. the seven companies started at 4 p. m. for Chattanooga. Tennessee, cars packed inside and many rode on top: rode all night. Companies B., G. & H. left Louis- ville, Kentucky, arrived in Nashville, Tennessee. quartered in the Zollicoffer Hotel. March 7th, the seven companies arrived. at noon. in Chattanooga. Ten- nessee, just 50 days since leaving it for home. Marched to our old camp on Mis- sion Ridge. We drew only 5 wall tents for the line officers, hence the officers of every two companies, counting from the right, to occupy one tent. Companies C. and K. come together. March 9th. Companies B., G: and H. left Nashville, and arrived at Chattanooga. on the 10th. marched to Mission Ridge and joined the others there. March 10th. Regimental commander ordered that the compa- nies should take their places in line, according to the rank of captains, this pleases some and displeases others. March 11th. started at 1 p. m. for Ringgold. Georgia. camped on the left bank of Chickamauga Creek. March 12th. re- sumed our march at 7 a. m. crossed Chickamauga Creek. and arrived at Ring- gold about noon. camped on a hill. about a mile west of town. on left bank of the creek. plenty of spring water. Here we rejoined our brigade. March 13th. Chaplain Gardner preached for first time lately. March 20th, he preached again at 3 p. m. March 22th. eight inches of snow fell. last night and up to dark to- day. April 3rd. Chaplain Gardner preached at 10 a. m. and 3 p. m. April 5th. at 3 p. m. Brigadier General Turchin drilled our brigade, for two hours and the boys got tired. April 7th, our Division reviewed at 1 p. m. by General Thomas and staff, besides several other Major and Brigadier Generals April 10th. at 10 a. m. Chaplain Gardner again held services. April 12th. three Regiments of federal cavalry came in today. to reinforce us. April 13th. Major Stincheomb had been in command of the Regiment until today. when Colonel Ward arrived after an absence of over six months. on account of wounds received at Chicka- mauga. April 15th. the Thirty-First O. V. V. I. returned from their veteran furlough. April 25th. General Kilpatrick, arrived about this time and took command of the cavalry forces here. May 1st. Chaplain Gardner preached at 10:30 a. m. and in the evening. May 4th, all surplus baggage ordered ready to move to rear. Major Stincheomb's resignation as accepted. was received today. May 5th, this a. m. all but one wall tent. all desks. all books. all extra clothing and other extra baggage were sent to the rear. Major Stincheomb left for Ohio. May 6th, every officer, except the Colonel. has to come to "dog tents. " This evening we got orders to be ready to march at daylight tomorrow morning. with three days cooked rations in haversacks and 60 rounds of ammunition. to each man. May 7th, at 6 a. m. we marched across Chickamanga Creek to Ringgold. Geor- gia. halted until 9:30 a. m. when we moved through the gap in Taylor's Ridge. toward Tunnel Hill. passed through Tunnelton, Georgia. saw large number of rebel "paddies" stuffed with fodder. on their late picket posts. We had charge of the ammunition and ambulance trains. Weather very warm. May Sth. about noon, we moved southerly on Villanow Gap road. to Cox's house, where we stopped for the night. on a ridge near the road. August 9th, evening found our brigade in front of Buzzard Roost Gap, within range of the rebel artillery, on Rocky Face mountain. The rebel fortifications seem to be extensive and for- midable. Captain Ogden, Company I. started for home. May 10th. rebels shelled our camp in afternoon, compelling us to retire under cover. There are
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OHIO VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
about 125.000 men here in our army.consisting of the Fourth. Fourteenth. Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Twentieth and Twenty-Third corps. May 12th. we marched at daylight. in advance of our corps, went south westerly. passed through Snake Creek Gap in the afternoon. The Twelyth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth. Sixteenth, Twentieth and Twenty-Third corps, went through this gap. flanking the rebels out of Buzzard Roost Gap. May 13th, at night we marched nearly all the time, through the woods to find our place in the battle line, shifted from place to place. Rebels evacuated Dalton. Georgia, and took a new position yesterday. on a range of hills running north-west from Resaca, Georgia. May 14th. we got on the line at 9 a. m .; Company C. was deployed as skirmishers until 2 p. m .; heavy skirmishing all along the line until 1 p. m. when the battle of Re- saca opened in earnest and continued with terrific energy until dark. We lost 6 killed and 36 wounded, our brigade was in the charge, on the hottest part of the line. on the rebel works. May 15th. our brigade relieved from the front. moved 2 miles to the right and a little to the rear. Our line entrenched last night and to-day; at about 11 p. m. the rebels assaulted our lines, but were handsome- ly repulsed; this was done to cover their retreat. which began at 10 p. m. May 16th, onr army was immediately put in pursuit of the retreating rebels. some arms, forage, ammunition. artillery and rebels, were captured. The rebels des- troyed the railway bridge at Resaca .. Our Division moved about noon. and camped near Resaca. Georgia. May 17th, we passed through Calhoun, Georgia, and the Fourth corps train passed us near there. We camped 5 miles south of town. May 18th. our march was through a beautiful valley ; passed through Adairsville, Georgia. and camped 5 miles beyond. May 19th, started at 10 a. m. marched on railroad track to Kingston, Georgia. 5 miles, where we halted. formed a line of battle, and at night. breastworks of logs and rails were speedily con- structed, fearing an attack. as it was thought that the rebels would give us a bat- tle here ; but they left before daylight, on the 20th, crossing the Etowah river. Cars run into Kingston and through our camp to-day. May 22nd. sick and disabled men and surplus baggage. sent to the rear. rations issued. preparations making with all possible dispatch for the great campaign to begin to-morrow. The army is stripped for battle. May 23rd. the army began moving early this a. m. we started at 10 a. m .: west south west 5 miles to a ford of the Etowah riv- er; the boys stripped off and forded the river this p. m. After crossing, we marched in a south easterly course 6 or 7 miles and formed line of battle. about 8p. m., then rested for the night. May 24th, our division were train guards for the army. About 10 a. m. the trains and troops started. but the whole division was not in motion before the trains were parked, and we camped in a woods about one half mile north-west of last night's camp. Lots of private foraging done. A heavy thunderstorm at 8 p. m. May 25th. heavy artillery firing in front this evening. toward the south-east which proved quite a fight. May 26th. started at 5 a. m. on the Burnt Hickory Road, went 6 miles into the Allatoona Mountain range. when our brigade was sent back to Kingston Georgia. to guard a supply train to the front." We started back at 2 p. m. marched to Free Bridge on the Etowah river, crossed and camped on the right bank. May 27th, the Thirty-First O. V. V. I. and our regiment went to Kingston Georgia. 4 miles, met the train abont 10 a. m. and turned toward the front again, crossed Euharlee river, near Euhar- lee Mills, and passed near Stilesborough, Georgia; camped at foot of Allatoona hills, about 2 miles from yesterday's turning point. May 28th. heavy artillery firing in front this a. m. We camped in a woods full of lizards, snakes, wood ticks. and whortleberries. May 29th. at 10 a. m. we were ordered with the train, to our left and rear. went back to Burnt Hickory, thence 2 miles east ward. near Pumpkin Vine Creek. and camped in a very thick woods. June 2nd. started at 1 p. m. north-east toward Cambridge. Georgia. Very heavy thunder shower at 2 p. m .; camped on left bank of Pumpkin Vine Creek, as it was too high to cross. Troops are continually moving to our left, skirmishing and artillery tir- ing in front, almost continually. June 3rd, after noon we moved in direction of
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HISTORY OF THE SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT
Marietta, Georgia, crossing two creeks. Very warm. heavy thunderstorm about dark; camped in the woods, amid the trains we were guarding; Company B. on picket. June 5th, started at 4:30 a. m .. went to Burnt Church and was shifted from place to place. June 7th. started at 6 a. m. passed through Acworth. Geor- gia, and camped one and half miles south, in the woods. Immense wagon train parked near us. June Sth. received the first mail we have had for several days. June 10th. the whole army moving toward Marietta. Georgia. We went to the front, came upon rebel pickets, about 4 miles from Aeworth. formed line of bat- tle, threw skirmishers forward. who engaged the rebel skirmishers; no casual- ties reported. Cars came to Big Shanty. Georgia. which is 2 miles to our rear. June 11th, about 2 p. m. we moved; after much halting, marching and counter- marching, we took position in front line, in center of the army, about 11 p. m. June 13th. the rebel ears and ours ran within 2 miles of each other. on same track. June 14th. moved south about one half mile. at noon. and took position in 2nd line. Rebel General Polk killed. Sharp skirmishing for several days past. June 15th, heavy skirmishing all along the line. We moved to the left. and were in second line. both armies moving to our left. June 17th, we moved to front line. Companies D. and H. skirmished all night. We built breast- works. and rebels attack us but were repulsed. June 18th. Companies C. and F. charged rebel pickets capturing 4 and driving the rest into their breastworks. fighting nearly 2 hours without support, when our brigade came up and fought till dark. Company C. had 1 killed and 2 wounded. June 19th. daylight re- vealed the fact that the rebels had retreated. We pursued them. day spent in skir- mishing; very heavy artillery firing from our batteries. Night found us in front of Kenesaw Mountain fronting east, skirmishing with the rebels, and fortifying with dispatch. We advanced to within about 700 vards of the rebel's works, and kept their artillery silent with musketry. Threw up a temporary fort at night for our artillery. June 20th. our skirmish line. is within 15 or 20 yards of the rebels. We have three lines of works. Heavy skirmishing all along the line. Our artillery gave the rebels a terrific shelling this evening. June 21st. the rebels got their artillery in position or. the mountain and began shelling our camps, immediately our batteries opened and there was one of the grandest ar- tillery duels of the war. Heavy skirmishing in our front just before night: our mer held their ground. June 22nd. the rebels gave us a severe shelling this afternoon. from five different points. Our artillery replied promptly and with effect. Shortly after dark we moved to the right and into front line. already fortified. in an open field, in the hottest hole we have yet found, as regards both the sun and fire from the rebels. June 23rd. the rebel sharpshooters annoyed us exceed- ingly, shooting at every one who stuck bis head above our breastworks. Inces- sant and severe skirmishing all day. and another of the most fierce artillery duels. Company H. skirmishers, and Companies C., D .. F. and I are to be skirmishers, for the next 24 hours, beginning at 9 p. m. Considerable rain and hot weather of late. June 24th. + of our regiment wounded by the rebel sharp- shooters. 3 of them to-day. After Companies C. and I. were releived from skir- mish line at 9. p.m.they were ordered to cut trenches in rear of our breast works.to enable the men to go for water. without being picked off by rebel sharp shooters. They worked until 1 o'clock, and resumed work early June 25th. suspending work as soon as the fog cleared away. until night. Another artillery duel this p. m. by 3 batteries on each side. Our men blew one of the rebel caissons up. June 26th, at 10 p. m. our division was relieved by a division of the Fifteenth Army Corps. We moved to the right, halting at 2 a. m. in the rear of Fourth corps.right; and the Twentieth corps, left. June 27th. at 8. a. m. we sup- ported a part of the Second division of our corps, and a part of the Fifteenth and Twentieth Army Corps on a charge on the rebel's works, but our forces were repulsed. John Call. Campany D. was badly wounded. June 29th. weath- er very hot lately. A little to our left and front a truce was agreed for to-day, and officers and soldiers of both armies conversed and bartered freely with each
-
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OHIO VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
other. In the night, a considerable fight kicked up, on the part of the line where the truce was. June 30th, our division was ordered to relieve General Geary in front, this was quietly done before 10 p. m. We are in the 2nd line. Pickets got into a fight before mid-night ; we are near a good spring. July 2nd, some artillery firing this a. m .. in the evening heavy cannonading to our left for about 2 hours. Our batteries kept up a desultory fire all night along the line; some of our forces moved to our right. Rebels left their strong position at night. retreating towards Atlanta. July 3rd, we started at 9 a. m. in pursuit. perfectly enveloped by ordnance and supply trains, we bivouacked about 5 miles south of Marietta, Georgia. July 4th, considerable skirmishing and cannonad- ing. The rebels are entrenched on Chattahoochee river. At 12 m. our brigade ordered forward. we formed in 2 lines in an open field, here we waited for orders, which did not come. Blackberries, dewberries and green grapes found in considerable quantities and eaten. Skirmishing all night. The rebels fell back in the night, to the river bank, formed on both sides of it and fortified. July 5th, Our forces started early in pursuit, skirmishing soon began and con- tinued all day. Our artillery shelled them some, and some prisoners were cap- tured. We camped on the rail road and can see Atlanta, Georgia. from the hills near us. July 6th, skirmishing all day, on different parts of the line and very heavy artillery firing after dark. July 8th, 130 pickets from our regiment, 24 from Company C., Companies A. D. and F. on skirmish line; heavy skirmishing. July 9th, Major General Schofield crossed the Chattahoochee river last night. to our left. About 8:30 a. m. our artillery opened ou the rebels in our front and our skirmishers advanced. but were repulsed with loss, our regiment lost 4 men kill- ed and wounded. Company C. on skirmish line at night. The rebels fell back to south side of Chattahoochee river during the night, burning the rail road and Pontoon bridges after them. July 10th, our forces moved to the left. We moved about noon, and occupied ground vacated by the Fourth corps. near the river. Companies B. C. and K. are on picket. A truce was agreed on between our own and the rebel pickets, occupying opposite sides of the river, and large numbers of both armies bathed in the river, which is about 150 yards wide. rapid, shallow and has a rocky bed, with tolerably deep channel. July 13th, our forces crossed the river, a few miles above us, on our left. July 15th, Doctor J. E. Fowler returned to regiment. July 16th. Lieutenant Hurd started back to Bridgeport, Alabama, for necessary baggage. July 17th, our troops ap- peared on the opposite side of the river this forenoon. A pon toon bridge was put down from our side, and before night the Fourteenth and Twentieth corps crossed, the balance o of our army crossed several days ago higher up. Considerable skirmishing this afternoon. July 18th, we moved forward. crossed Nancy's Creek in the afternoon, and are now on the right of our ar- my. July 19th, started shortly after sunrise towards Atlanta, Georgia. Knap- sacks left behind and a fight expected. A short time before dark, we waded Peach Tree Creek, width 12 vards, depth 2 feet. We then fortified ourselves forthwith. July 20th. we advanced carefully this morning to a ridge of the hills a short distance in front and threw mp works. Steady skirmishing all day, in our front. The rebels made a vigorous assult, to our left, on General Hooker and Howard at 5 p. m. and met with a bloody repulse. The battle lasted over an hour, and was very severe, part of the First and Second Divisions of the Fourteenth corps, with the Fourth and Twentieth corps, were engaged. The rebels retired about a mile behind strong fortifications. Our adjutant Ruffner was wounded in the head. and one of Company K. was wounded. July 21st. our main line was advanced this afternoon, bringing on sharp skirmishing; we fortified again. Companies C., E., F. and I. on picket. About 11 p. m. the reb- el pickets ceased firing and their army retreated to their final defences of Atlan- ta, Georgia. July 22nd. at 7 a. m. we moved forward to within two miles of At- lanta, formed line of battle and fortified. Heavy skirmishing along the whole line. The rebels furiously assulted the left of our army inflicting and meeting
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HISTORY OF THE SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT
with heavy loss. Major General MePherson commanding left wing of our army, was killed. Our corps on the extreme right. Captain Inskeep. Company C., had charge of our brigade skirmishers he moved to the front at 7 a. m. to the rail- road, meeting no opposition. thence on R. R. one mile toward Atlanta. their joined the brigade, then again deployed his skirmishers, moved forward to the top of a hill a half mile in front of our battle line, and to the right of Atlanta. driving the rebel cavalry off the hill. remaining there until relieved at 6 p. m. by Com- pany B. and others. About dusk the rebels made a demonstration against our part of the line, without effect. July 23rd, rebels formed in 3 lines, in our front, in plain sight, threw their skirmishers forward, as though they intended to charge us, but did not. Artillery firing all day by both armies. A number of round shots came ricocheting through our camp. July 25th. at night it was re- ported that the rebels were massing on our right and intended to attack us, so there was considerable stir among our men; a detail from our brigade was made to extend our fortifications, they worked nearly all night. July 26th, we moved into the new works. in the front line. and camped in the midst of a graveyard. July 27th, the army of the Tennessee (the Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Seven- teenth corps.) commanded by Major General Howard. all moved from the ex- treme left of our army, to the extreme right, the rebels made a corresponding movement. which it is thought. will bring on an engagement. July 28th. the army of the Tennessee advanced this forenoon until it met the enemy. This p. m. Hood's old corps, of the rebel army, attacked the army of the Tennessee, and got badly used up, being repulsed, with 400 killed. When the battle com- menced, we moved to our right and occupied works vacated by the Second Division of our corps, which went out to support our extreme right flank. July 29th, troops moving to our right. August 1st, the rebels shelled our camps, with heavy artillery, this p. m. but little damage done. Our regiment furnish- ed piekets for our brigade yesterday and 100 men to-day, Company C. and others went on at dark; brisk skirmishing all night. August 2nd, the Twenty-third corps moved from the extreme left. to extreme right, of our army. . August 3rd, our corps moved to the right of the Twenty-third corps. Our brigade did not get into position nntil after dark, then we had to throw up works at night. Our line ran N. N. W. at such an angle, with the main line, that the rebels, threw shells into our rear and we had some trouble to find our place on it, in the dark- ness. August 5th, our division swung forward its right this forenoon, meeting with considerable resistance. We were support for the skirmishers and were on the right ; our skirmish line charged the rebel skirmish line and captured it entire. The skirmishers got very near the rebels works. The supporting line halted in the woods where underbrush was thick, and commenced fortifying. The rebels soon began shelling us, with serious effect. but we went on with our work, Lieutenant Barnes killed; William H, Rhoden. Company C., and several others of the regiment, wounded. The Twenty-third corps on our right, its right refused. August 6th, the rebels shelled us all day, their batteries estimated to be five hundred yards distant. Pickets kept up a constant firing. The Twen- ty-third corps undertook to swing on a line with us, but only partially succeed- ed, lossing heavily in killed and wounded. Rained very hard just before night. August 7th, all forenoon skirmishing continued, in the afternoon a general ad- vance of our skirmish line, and heavy artillery firing along our line, to create a diversion in favor of the Twenty-third corps, to enable it to swing on a line with ns; considerable hard fighting was the result, but some of the rebels works were taken, and the plan succeeded. The rebels shelled us severely. wounding three of our regiment. Two lines of works were built in advance of ours, at night, close to the rebels main line. Artillery was planted on our picket line at night. August 8th, the armies are so near each other that they fire out of their main works effectively with muskets. At 5. p.m. we marched to the extreme left of our division and relieved the Thirty-first O.V. V. I. from a very bad place on the front line, where they had lost twenty-six men in killed and wounded .. in
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