USA > Ohio > History of the Seventeenth regiment, First brigade, Third division, Fourteenth corps, Army of the Cumberland, war of the rebellion, 1861-1865 > Part 13
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OHIO VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
twenty-four hours. August 9th, a truce was agreed on between the pickets in our front, hence quiet reigns there. Our Adjutant J. M. Ruffner was killed at 6 p. m. by a rebel sharpshooter. We were soon thereafter, relieved by the Thirty-first O. V. V. I. very glad to get out of the muddy trenches. August 10th, Adjutant Ruffner's remains started for Ohio. About noon a rebel shell killed one and severely wounded another, of our regiment. A. C. Inskeep. Com- pany C., was also hit by a piece of shell. The Eighty-second Indiana was in the " Belly of Hell", where Ruffner was killed, and to-night we relieved them. Heavy artillery firing on some parts of the line to-day. August 11th. at 6 a. m. relieved by Thirty-first O. V. V. I. . The truce still continues, in our front; the lines here are very close, as a man can hit anothers eye three shots ont of five, from our skirmish line, to the rebels, and these lines are only a few yards in front, of the main works on either side. Company C. on skirmish line at night. At 11 p. m. we moved to the right and occupied works vacated by the Second Divi- sion, Fourteenth corps, who had been keeping up a continual fire all the time. but we forthwith effected a truce with the rebels. August 12th, we are in an open field, in which the rebels have two lines of works in plain sight and very close. Artillery firing continually. August 13th, truce continues, "Yanks" and "John- nies" hold friendly intercourse in our front, but on our right and left. no 'truce exists. Rebels are deserting very fast, several came in at night and reported the rebel army badly discouraged. August 14th, truce continues in our imme- diate front. Rebel pickets are friendly. meeting our boys half way between the lines, unarmed, for a chat and to trade. August 15th, our boys and the rebels have frequent meetings between the lines and our boys often persuade the rebels to desert, the plan is this, our boys take out a Federal uniform, the rebel slips it on, then comes unmolested into our lines, five came in that way to-day and many more promise to come to night, they all belong to the First Georgia Regi- ment Infantry. August 19th. at 2 a. m. we marched to the right one half mile to support a movement of the Twenty-third corps; at noon the rebels shelled our empty tents left in camp, furiously. In the afternoon our batteries, on the left of our empty camp, gave the rebels a terrific shelling. We returned to camp af- ter dark. August 20th, we repeated the movement made yesterday, going three miles further; the Twenty-third corps reached, and tore up, the Macon Ry. in rear of rebel army. We left camp shortly before day light, withont knapsacks and returned before dark. A detail of three from each company sent out to get corn, they got corn, chickens, etc. August 21st, a furious artillery duel this forenoon, on our part of the line. The rebels showered the shells about us, but did little damage. August 25th. the Twentieth corps moved back to the Chat- tahoochee river and occupied a fortified position. August 26th. the army of the Tennessee moved to our right with their trains. At sundown our part of the line. was ordered to pack up and be ready to march at once. About 9 p. m. the rebels commenced shelling us vigorously and continned at intervals until. we withdrew from our line, near 3 a. m. August 27th, we retired slowly towards the right of our army, to protect the trains in advance of us. The rebels followed promptly. A con- siderable rebel force moved towards the Chattahoochee river, attacked the Twen- tieth corps but were repulsed. August 28th.our army has steadily moved to the right. Our corps crossed the Montgomery Ry. and commenced fortifying. The rebel cavalry are quite numerous, but give us little trouble. We bivouacked one half'mile south of Ry. ; Companies C. E. and F. on picket. August 30th. movements com- meneed early, our forces moved south easterly, approaching the Macon Ry. The Fourth corps on the left. army of the Tennessee on the right of our corps. In the afternoon, the Fourth and Fourteenth corps took position along the La Fayette road, the right of our Division at Conchis' house. The rebel cavalry have been hovering along our lines all day, considerable skirmishing with them. We fortified our position at night. The rebels wagon train moving southward to- night. Companies A. F. and K. skirmishers to-day and Company B. on skir- mish line to night. We are within, 33 miles of Rough and. Ready, Georgia,
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HISTORY OF THE SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT.
August 31st, our brigade moved eastward, towards the Jonesborough and At- Janta road, and shelled the rebel wagon train passing south, thereon, they soon abandoned the road. Company C. on skirmish line. Boys obtained all the fresh pork, roasting ears and wild grapes they wanted. At 3 p. m. Brigade inspector Capt. Grosvenor, Capts. Noles Company I and Inskeep Company C., Lieutenants Ward, Champlin, James, Eversole and Bird, with 100 men from our regiment, made a reconnoisance to the front, and took possession of the Macon Ry. at Morrows station, sixteen miles south of Atlanta, Georgia. When they first came in sight of the road, the rear of Hardee's rebel corps was passing on its way to Jonesborough, Georgia. Our boys moved forward immediately onto the road and captured several stragglers. They had considerable skirmishing with rebel cavalry from the time they started until night, when their supports were with- drawn, our boys withdrew and on their way to camp, met five regiments going „to their support, our boys then faced about retook the railroad and fortified the position. Captain Inskeep came near getting captured and escaped only by slipping out to the roadside and letting the rebels pass. The balance of our regi- ment supported the Ninety-second O. V.I. skirmishers, while advancing towards Rough and Ready, Georgia. September 1st, this p. m. our forces moved on the rebels at Jonesborough. Georgia, defeated and routed them, our corps did most of the work. Our brigade supported the First and Second Divisions of our corps, and our Third Division. took 700 prisoners and 10 guns; the loss in our Division 350 killed and wounded. Army of the Tennessee on the right, en- trenched, Fourth corps on the left of our corps. The rebels were entrenched and fought bravely. At night they retreated south easterly, precipitately, leav- ing their dead and wounded. a large amount of artillery and small arms, in our hands. Heavy thunder shower at night. Atlanta evacuated byrebels, in the night, after they destroyed large quantities of stores, eighty cars loaded with ammunition, ect., machine shops, etc., etc. September 2nd, pursuit commenced this morning, by the Fourth. Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Seventeenth corps, our corps left at Jonesborough to protect the rear, gather up the spoils. bury the' dead, take care of the wounded and tear up the railroad, all of which was done speed- ily and in good order. At 11 a. m. the Twentieth corps occupied Atlanta. The Twenty-third corps is the extreme left of our army. September 3rd, our forces south of this, had considerable of a fight with the rebels, capturing several hundred of them. Rained all this afternoon. Our brigade lays on the Jones- borough and MeDonald road. one mile east from Jonesborough. Foragers ob- tained considerable forage. September 4th, our pursuing troops, had consider- able of a skirmish at Lovejoy Station. Georgia, taking quite a number of prison- ers. September 6th, our troops moving towards Atlanta, we started about noon as rear guard, camped two miles north of Jonesborough. Rebel cavalry follow- ed our forces this side of Jonesborough and were gobbled. September 7th, Com- pany C was the tip end of the tail of the rear guard, and did not see a rebel; we camped north of and near Rough and Ready station, eight miles from Atlanta. September Sth. we started at 4 a. m. arrived at Atlanta about noon. camped near White Hill. All of Sherman's army camped around Atlanta. September 9th, General Sherman ordered the citizens to leave Atlanta within five days. September 10th. we were guards for a forage train. went four miles beyond Sand Town, Campbell county, Georgia. Forage scarce. Partly loaded our train of sixty wagons,with corn, and camped for the night inside our cavalry picket line. The rebels captured a small train, only a few miles in advance of us. Septem- ber 11th, sent the loaded wagons to camp. and started at daylight to load the others, got them loaded and on the road to camp before 8 a. m. September 12th, the citizens of Atlanta being transported south. beyond our lines, mostly women and children, who are not pleased with the move. October 3rd, marched from 1 to 9 p. m. through mud and rain, to the Chattahoochee river. October 4th. crossed the river on pontoon bridge, marched all day and night, guarding a train, halted at daylight, October 5th, for breakfast, got to camp at 9 p. m.
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Lots of mnd. October 6th, started with the train. for Marietta, Georgia, left it there, went thence to little Kenesaw, and from there to our brigade, arrived in camp 9 p, m. tired, wet and muddy. October 7th .. went to Lost Mt., Georgia, and back, to support our cavalry. October 8th, marched two miles south of Acworth. Georgia. Company B. on picket. October 10th, started at 4 p. m. marched through Allatoona Pass. Crossed the Etowah river. camped at 3 p. m. October 11th near Cartersville; Georgia. Then went north and through Kings- ton, Georgia. October 12th. marched north west and camped within three miles of Rome, Georgia. October 13th. started at 7 p. m. marched on Rome and La Fayette road, and camped on road to Resaca. Georgia. October 14th. started early, passed through Calhoun, Georgia. camped near Resaca. October 15th, started at daybreak in pursuit of the rebels, crossed the Cossawattee river, pass- ed through Resaca, Georgia. along the railroad, and camped on top of Rocky .Face Mt. October 16th, started at daylight, went into the Snake Creek Gap. moved in direction of La Fayette, Georgia. Roads blockaded with trees felled across them by rebels. October 18th, crossed Taylor's Ridge. October 19th. Crossed Chattooga river and camped one mile east of Summerville. Georgia. October 20th passed through Summerville and camped near a mill and near the Chattooga river, near Gaylesville, Alabama. A heavy frost at night. October 29th, passed through Gaylesville, Alabama. Crossed Chattooga river, burned the bridge and a mill near by. after our troops all passed, and camped on road to Rome, Georgia. October 30th. arrived at Rome and camped on the bank of the Etowah river. Chaplain Gardner preached. November 2nd, marched to near Kingston. Georgia, and camped. Rained all day. November 5th, paid mostly in U. S. bonds and compound interest bearing notes. The boys not knowing their value, many refused to accept them. November 12th, marched to Allatoona Iron works, near Allatoona. Georgia, and camped there. We be- gan tearing up railroad. November 13th. marched to Big Shanty. Georgia. Railroad destroyed from Etowah river to Big Shanty. Stations, towns. etc .. along the railroad burned. November 14th. passed through Marietta, Georgia. it being mostly burned. marched eight miles out of our way. by mistake and camped at the Chattahoochee river. November 15th, our corps arrived at At- lanta, again. We drew two days rations to last six days, and ordered to forage for the balance; drew clothing. Atlanta sacked and burned during the night. November 16th, Our corps left early this morning, taking the Augusta road. Passed through Decatur. Georgia. marched along the Atlanta and Augusta Rv. and camped on Snap Finger Creek. November 17th, passed Convers. Georgia. and burned a lot of cars. Tore up railroad most all day. November 18th, crossed Willow river, tore rail road up from there to Covington, Georgia. where we camped two miles south of town. November 19th. our brigade moved at 6 a. m. all but our regiment, which started later, camped at 9 p. m. at Sandtown, Geor- gia, or Newborn. Newton county. Georgia. November 20th. passed through the town, going towards Milledgeville. Georgia. November 21st, rained all last night and to-day. We passed through Mitchell's plantation. November 22d. marched. It is very cold and snowing, ground frozen; camped on Howell Cobb's farm. November 23d. reached Milledgeville, Ga. Penitentiary and arsenal burned, and rail road destroyad by our troops. November 25th. Started at 10 a. m .. passed through Milledgeville, and camped at Bufton Swamp. on Sandersville road. November 26th, marebed across the Button Swamp, passed through Sandersville and camped near there. November 27th.
marched towards Louisville. Georgia, and camped at Lagoon Pond. November 28th, arrived at Lonisville, which was sacked and burned. because a woman spit in the face of one of our soldiers. November 29th, went to Big Creek. Georgia, to relief of Kilpatrick's cavalry. and lay there in line all day. December 1st, our cavalry had a sharp fight with heavy rebel forces, in front, we marched on road to Waynesborough, Georgia. December 2nd, still going towards Waynes- borough. In a heavy skirmish at noon, the rebels were repulsed. December
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HISTORY OF THE SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT
3rd, started with Kilpatrick's cavalry in front marched all day, first one way. then another. finally camped near Waynesborough, after a sharp skirmish. Dec. 4th, we marched in hearing of Kilpatrick's cavalry, skirmishing with the rebels all day. Kilpatrick whipped Wheelers cavalry, rebels loss heavy onrs light. camped near Alexander, Georgia. December 5th. We marched to Beaver Dam, roads blockaded. by rebels feiling trees thereon and on bridges, camp- ed at Jacksonborough. Georgia. December 7th. marched all day and night, through pine wilderness, roads still blockaded with felled trees, camped on road to Savannah, Georgia. December 8th. when we stopped for dinner, the rebels attacked us but we soon drove them off. December 9th. crossed Ebenezer Creek. Blockaded the roads after us, as we were in the rear of our army. December 10th, while marching we could hear heavy firing towards Savannah .. Camped near railroad. December 11th. marched to within about two miles of Savannah and camped. Rations very scarce. December 13th. Hazen's division of the Fifteenth corps took Fort McAllister, by storm. We moved across to another road and camped near the Savannah & Millen Ry. December 14th. we went out foraging and loaded our train with rice in the sheaf. December 18th, we had nothing but fresh beef and rice to eat. December 20th, rebels evacuated Sa- vannah last night, leaving all their heavy guns, pontoons, large amount of com- missary and ordnance stores, 33,000 bales of cotton. 13 locomotives, 150 cars. several steamboats. lots of rice and 1.000 prisoners, then crossed into South Car- olina. Rations for our troops arrived at last. December 21st, we moved camp two miles west of the city. near the race track, and near Jasper Springs, on the Savannah and Macon Ry. December 24th, one half rations only issued. December 25th. Company B. went out to rice mill and back. after rice. De- cember 27th, we marched to the city and there were reviewed by General Sherman. Company B. on guard in the city. December 30th, we relieved the Twentieth corps from patrol duty, while General Sherman reviewed them.
1865
1
January 1st, we received full rations again. January 5th, our brigade went on picket at Cherokee Hill and back. January 18th, we drew pack mules. For the past eighteen days there has been two hundred of our regiment detailed every three days, to work on the fortifications at the city. January 20th, start- ed northward. got to Cherokee Hill and was compelled to stop there. as the bridges were all taken out ahead of us. by the late rains. January 25th. we started.up the Savannah river and camped in a pine woods near the - river. Jan- uary 26th, we marched through mud to Springfield.Georgia, and camped. For the past week there has been much rain. January 27th. we moved slowly. as trains conld make no headway through the mud. we camped on Ebenezer creek. Jannary 28th. we marched to Sisters Ferry on the Savannah river and camped. Solomon Heft Company B. died. February 2nd. our brigade guarded a forage train. ont and back. returning to camp at dark. Roads swampy and bad. Feb- ruary 4th, some of our regiment was sent to clear the roads beyond the river in South Carolina. returning to camp in the evening; several torpedoes were found in the mud ; some exploded. February 5th. we crossed the Savannah river. All vacant buildings, nearly all onthouses, cotton gins and mills were burned as we passed along. Camped near Sisters Ferry, South Carolina. February 6th. started at 2 p. m. crossed swamps, camped where Robertsville, South Carolina had been burned before we got there. February 7th. marched on Angusta road. toward Barnwell. South Carolina. February 9th. started at 6:30 a. m. found rebels had obstructed the road by felled trees. February 10th. we had to wade two feet of water for one half mile. as some one destroyed a mill dam near. We burned Barnwell. South Carolina and camped near by. February 11th. started at 1 p m. towards Aiken, South Carolina, Kilpatrick had a fight near Aiken and was driven back, lossing 35 men. Our foragers brought in hams, flour and
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meat, on mules, and in buggies. Feb. 12th, we tore up four miles of rail road. and when near Aiken, we turned and started down the railroad. towards Charles- ton, South Carolina. Water is very scarce, we had to carry it two miles, and it was poor stuff at that. Several officers on Colonel Hunter's staff were captured while hunting for water. February 13th, marched towards Columbia. Sonth Carolina, camped on South Edisto river and built breastworks, expecting an at- tack. February 14th. still going toward Columbia. Rain and sleet. Burned two mills. We are guarding trains. Foraging poor. Late at night. we camp- ed on North Edisto river. Caleb Reames and Isaac Vany Company C came in after midnight, with plenty of fresh pork. February 15th. marched towards Lexing- ton C. H., South Carolina and camped near there, by a nice stream of water. George Gannon Company A. was accidentally shot. by Clifford of Company F. February 16th. passed through Lexington C. HI. and camped on Salida river. February 17th. Columbia, South Carolina, taken by the army of the Tennessee. We marched late at night, towards Alston. South Carolina. February 18th, started early, and camped on banks of the Broad river. South Carolina, waiting for the pontoon bridge to be laid. February 19th, crossed Broad river early. tore up railroad to Alston, South Carolina and camped near town. February 20th, started at daylight . marched on by-roads until 11 a. m. then camped near Mon- ticello, South Carolina. February 21st, passed through Winnsborough. South Carolina, camped four miles from town. February 22nd, destroyed the railroad between Winnsborongh and Black Stocks, South Carolina. where we camped. we were at it all day. February 23rd, marched E. S. E. and camped one and a half miles from the Wateree or Catawba river. Provisions very scarce. February 25th. the river is very high and swift, our pontoon broke to-night and 5 boats were lost, 12 boats lost altogether here. Feb. 27th, we had a huge time crossing the river at 11 p.m. bridge unsafe, horses and mules had to be led across, separately, wagons and artillery pulled across by hand. We helped teams up the hill. at the river, all the after part of the night. Feb. 28th. awful time with our teams, helping them through the mud all day. without arms, or tools. We were all covered with mud and a sight to behold. Captain Cornwell and our regimental foragers were sent out, and came near being captured. March Ist, started at dawn. More rain, camped at Hanging Rock. South Carolina. on battle field of Revolu- tionary times. March 2nd. marched towards Fayetteville. North Carolina. Rained all day. Roads very bad. we made considerable corduroy road. Coun- try hilly. March 3rd, built more corduroy road. while marching through the rain. March 4th, crossed the State line into North Carolina. at 3 p. m. Rain- ed all day. Captain Inskeep, Company C. with thirty men, while out foraging. found a mill.put pickets out, barricaded the mill, then ground all the wheat and corn they wanted to, and returned with it to camp. March 5th, marel ed to the Great Pee Dee river, North Carolina, which is nine hundred feet wide, strong current, it took forty-one pontoon boats and some trestle work to span it, we camped at Taylor's Ferry. nine miles above Cheraw. March 7th. at 1 p. m. crossed the river on the pontoon bridge, just finished. Mounted foragers now authorized. Lientenant Weakley Company F. to command our regimental for- agers. March 8th, started at 8 a. m. camped near Drowning Creek. North Caro- lina. For the past several days it has rained, almost continually. March 9th. marched on old plank road. passed through the tar. pitch. turpentine, and rosin portion of North Carolina. rosin factories burned wherever found. one burned to-day, and the rosin made liquid by the heat. ran on top of the water in the creek, crossing the road we were on, covering the surface of the creek with fire. and stopping our crossing it for two hours; the column of smoke was grand. March joth, camped at noon. Burned a large rosin and turpentine factory. to- gether with over one thousand barrels of rosin and a lot of turpentine. March 11th, arrived at Fayetteville. North Carolina. abont noon. Detail from our regi- ment for provost guards in town. We got lots of whiskey. wine, cider and pea- nuts. March 12th, communication opened, with our gun boats on Cape Fear
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HISTORY OF THE SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT
river. A printing office burned, by order. March 13th, a big fire in Fayetteville at night. A row occured and one of the Twentieth corps was killed by a guard. March 14th, arsenal destroyed, cotton factories, and foundries burned. by order of General Baird. March 16th, started at 2 a. m. crossed the Cape Fear river, marched one mile; lay down until 3 a. m. when we resumed the march. on the Raleigh plank road. Our division guarded train all day, through the rain. March 17th, we made corduroy road, from our camp last night, to Black River Bridge where we camped. March 19th, crossed Black River. Heard heavy firing to the front, camped near Bentonville, North Carolina at sunset. March 20th, at noon we came up to the advance of the Twentieth and our corps. In the evening our division was sent to the front, to try to draw the rebels out of their fortifications, but failed to do so. After one half hours skirmishing. we re- turned to our main line. Major Clark was wounded in left hip by musket ball, and about ten in our brigade were wounded. March 21st, the army of the Ten- nessee had quite a fight, to our right. Rebels retreated during the night. to- wards Raleigh North Carolina. March 22nd, started for Goldsborough, North Carolina. Again with the trains. Roads dusty, the sand flew in perfect show- ers all day, got to camp at 11 p. m. March 23rd, we were reviewed by Generals Sherman and Schofield as we passed through Goldsborough, and camped near town. March 25th. Lieutenant Weakley, Company F. with his foragers, came in with at least six days rations for our regiment, it being the last day, for moun- ted foragers. March 26th, we received the first mail since February 8th. April 4th, General Schofield reviewed, our division. April 6th, we first heard of the fall of Richmond and Petersburgh. Virginia ; there was much rejoicing among us, the boys loaded logs and stumps and fired them off at night. April 9th, George H. Godden. Finley Kelsey and James Clifton, Company B .came to us, from hospital at Nashville, Tennessee. April 10th, marched toward Raleigh, North Carolina, some skirmishing all day, rebels hard to drive. April 11th, we arrived at Smithfield, North Carolina, at 1 p. m, and camped. Rebels retired across Neuse river and were easy driven to-day. April 12th, brisk skirmishing. . The surrender of Lee and his army, first heard of by us. Rebels made but one stand to-day, and we soon routed them. Just after dark Governor Graham, with his staff, came to Clayton, North Carolina, (where we camped,) on a train of cars, and surrendered Raleigh to General Sherman, then they remained all night. April 13th. arrived at Raleigh, North Carolina at 1 p. m. and camped near the Lunatic Asylum. April 14th marched towards Holly Springs. North Carolina. Guarding trains again, and roads very muddy. April 15th, while marching, we met a lot of paroled rebels from Lee's army. Rumored that John - son had surrendered to Sherman. Camped at Holly Springs North Carolina. April 16th, started at 6a. m. camped at Collin's Cross Roads, North Carolina. The surrender of Johnson confirmed. April 18th. the first news received by us of Lincoln's assassination, which occured on the night of April 14th. April 20th. order promulgated, from General Sherman about negotiations with Johnson for the surrender of the Rebel army. April 21st, we moved camp one mile into a forest. Citizens came in camp to get horses and mules to assist in making crops; women and children came seeking provisions, all were supplied. April 27th, we had unofficial intelligence of the surrender of Johnson's army to General Sherman. April 28th, at 2 a. m. heavy firing of musketry was heard in the direction of the First division. Fourteenth corps camp, five miles from our camp, about 3 a. m. Artillery firing began, both kinds of firing increased rap- idly. Our boys got very uneasy, all got up without orders, thinking the First Division had been attacked by the enemy, General Baird ordered our Division out at 4 a. m. and sent our brigade at 5 a. m. to the aid of the First Division. The firing continued as we approached. but no wounded men seen coming from the fight, made ns think the rebels were between ns and the First Division. Finally we were in sight of the First Division camp, but found no enemy. The boys were only jollifying over the surrender of Johnson, which they had heard
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