USA > Ohio > The history of Fuller's Ohio brigade, 1861-1865; its great march, with roster, portraits, battle maps and biographies > Part 8
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Corinth to Kossuth, and marched to Whitefield's house, formerly the head- quarters of Major-General Grant. While halting here the Forty-third Ohio Infantry, Colonel Smith, and a section of the Third Michigan Battery, which had been sent to Kussuth the day before, rejoined the Brigade. About noon we marched to the outer line of defences on the westerly side of the town, resting our riglit near Battery D, the artillery placed in position to command the road leading from the west. An hour afterward we moved by our right flank until we covered Battery E, and planted the artillery so as to command the approaches to that work. About four o'clock in the afternoon, orders came to retire to a position near the Seminary, upon reaching which I gave orders at once to deploy into line. Before this was fully executed, we were again ordered to move to a point near to Battery Williams, and again to proceed to the space between the Mobile and Ohio Railroad and the earthwork next easterly from that road. Forming line upon the crest with our right resting near the work referred to, we stacked arms, expecting to defend that position. After the troops were here supplied with water and rations (a precaution on the part of the commanding Gen- eral, of inestimable importance ) we were again in motion, and crossing the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, were soon occupying a position in front of Bat- tery Willliams, from which General Davies' command was then being with- drawn. The General commanding the Division placed the Forty-third Ohio (Colonel J. L. Kirby Smith ) in position near the crest of the ridge fronting the west, the right of the regiment resting near Battery Robinett, while I in accordance with his instructions, found the line fronting to the north as follows : The Sixty-third Ohio ( Colonel J. W. Sprague) with the left rest- ing near the road which passes Battery Robinett, distant about thirty yards from the battery ; the Twenty-seventh Ohio ( Major Z. S. Spaulding) next on the right of the Sixty-third, and the Thirty-ninth Ohio ( Colonel A. W. Gilbert ) holding the right of our line. The General having directed me to look well to the guard, as soon as the line was formed I went to the out- post, when I learned that the guard of General Davies' Division had been withdrawn ; also that immediately the enemy's pickets advanced to the edge of the woods, and had already fired with fatal effect upon the small squad of dismounted cavalry which occupied the road leading thence to our position. I immediately sent two companies of the Sixty-third Ohio to occupy this road, with orders to press as far toward the woods as possible: The night prevented my seeing with what force the enemy held the woods, and think- ing it hazardous to move a small force along this road into the woods to be there deployed, I ordered Major Spaulding, Twenty-seventh Ohio, to deploy a line of skirmishers immediately in front of our lines, with instructions to creep out cautiously through the fallen timber, and if possible, to gain and hold the edges of the woods. The skirmishers were not strong enough to gain the woods, but they held a position from which they replied effectively to the enemy's sharpshooters during the morning, firing no less than seventy rounds to the man. The guard in the night succeeded in making a prisoner of Captain Tobin ( and his bugler ) who had planted his battery within two hundred yards of our position, and who when captured, was making a re- connaissance along the road leading from the woods. After daylight a por- tion of this guard, under Captain Brown of the Sixty-third Ohio, crept up to the edge of the forest and captured and brought into our lines a cais-
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MEMPHIS & CHARLESTON R R.
BATTLE OF CORINTH
OCTA 31.ª & 4th 1862.
EXPLANATION
First Lines of Battle Oct 3rd
Last "
"
"
Relative Positions Oct. 4th
=
LINE
COLUMN
13 1 10 88 OTHOTS ETTSOW-
BATTERIE
MCKEE
COLLEGE
BATTERY MADISON
BATTERY & TANNRATH
BATTERY LOTHROP
REVISED AS TO POSITION ; OF THE OHIO BRIGADE BY MAJ. CHAS. II. SMITH AND DAVID AULD.
95
PURDY R
Phillips
BATTERY 6
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R
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STANLEYI
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WILLIAMS
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BATTERY PHILLIPS
--
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STANLEY
UNION
CONFEDERATE
AT CLOSE OF BATTLE
96
FULLER'S OHIO BRIGADE.
son, with four horses attached, and soon after the James gun to which it belonged was brought in by a squad of the First United States Infantry from Battery Robinett.
Between three and four o'clock in the morning, the enemy's guns in front of our position sounded the reveille, which instantly aroused the en- tire command. Shot, shell, grape and canister were poured over the en- tire field with great rapidity, but owing to the protection afforded by the ground occupied, we suffered comparatively little loss. Captain Williams' guns suddenly responded and the moment the light enabled him to aim with precision, the enemy precipitately withdrew his batteries.
About nine or ten o'clock in the morning, three companies were detailed under command of Major H. T. McDowell of the Thirty-ninth Ohio, with orders to deploy as skirmishers and, co-operating with those already ad- vanced, to push forward into the woods and ascertain whether the enemy was there in strength. This deployment was made under the personal direc-
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LINES OF BATTLE OCT. 3d AND 4th. 1862, AT CORINTHI, MISS. Rebellion Record, Vol. 17.
Af Arthur at 9get.A.1.
do | Davies at 9 o'cl
Davies at 3 o'cl. P. M
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Battery
97
THE ASSAULT BY THE ENEMY.
tion of the General commanding the Division, and the skirmishers, soon after reaching the woods, were driven back by the enemy, who was already forming his column for the assault. As the indications increased that the enemy would soon attack us, I moved the whole line, which faced north, a little to the left, so as to bring the Sixty-third Ohio close to the ditch sur- rounding the battery, the two companies of the Sixty-third on the left, crossing and occupying the road.
At about eleven o'clock, while in Battery Robinett, I saw the enemy approaching through the woods in four close columns, one moving down the road, one to the west of it and moving nearly parallel with it, and two others on the easterly side of the road. I afterward learned that the column in the road was the Sixth Texas, their left column the Ninth Texas, and the others Arkansas Regiments, whose numbers I failed to get, the four regiments being the Brigade of General Phifer. Immediately in their rear and supporting General Phifer, was the Brigade of Colonel Moore. As soon as i saw the movement, i ordered Colonel J. L. Kirby Smith to change his front forward. to better protect the battery. Thinking the enemy's column, if resolute, would be sure to break the line of the Sixty-third Ohio where it was so greatly exposed, I ordered the Eleventh Missouri ( Major Weber ) to a position directly in the rear of the Sixty-third and distant not more than twenty-five yards, and directed Major Weber, in case the Sixty- third gave way, to rise up and charge the enemy at a double-quick, and to be particular not to fire a shot until he saw the backs of the enemy.
Directly after running along the line of the Sixty-third and Twenty- seventh Regiments, I cautioned the men to hold their fire until the enemy was close upon them. When the column in the road (which moved more rapidly than the others) had approached within one hundred yards of our line, the Sixty-third and some of the left companies of the Twenty-seventh opened fire upon it. The head of the column almost instantly disappeared and the rear recoiled rapidly to the edge of the woods. It was immedi- ately reformed, and strengthened by another regiment, again advanced to the assault with great gallantry. The Sixty-third Ohio, which had already suffered greatly from a cloud of sharpshooters, seemed the principal tar- get for the enemy, and almost immediately its ranks were so riddled and broken I could see the enemy's column as well as if their line had never in- tervened. Nine out of thirteen line officers had fallen, and with half their number killed or wounded, the regiment fell back to the rear to reform.
At this moment the men of the Eleventh Missouri sprang to their feet and received a volley which for the instant, staggered them. The next moment they pressed forward with heroic gallantry, and the Twenty-seventh Ohio, whose left had fallen back slightly, joining in the movement and unit- ing their flanks, the two regiments rushed in splendid style upon the enemy, instantly routing him and driving him in utter confusion from the field, which was thickly strewn with the dead and wounded. A large number were immediately made prisoners while the others, secreting themselves in fallen timber and unable to escape, were brought in squads to our lines, where all were sent to the guard ncar Battery Williams. From the best in- formation I can obtain after diligent inquiry, I estimated the number at about two hundred.
98
FULLER'S OHIO BRIGADE.
During the movement just described on the right of Battery Robinett, the Forty-third Ohio engaged the enemy on the left of that work. Thrown into momentary disorder by the fall of their Colonel, and rallied by the efforts of Lieutenant-Colonel Swayne and the General commanding the Division, they successfullly repulsed that column which marched west of the road and shot every rebel who showed his head above the parapet of the fort or attempted to enter through the embrasures.
I must not omit to mention the hand to hand fight which occurred be- tween the Ninth Texas and the Twenty-seventh Ohio. As the Ninth Texas approached our lines, and when distant not more than six or eight yards, Orrin B. Gould, a private in Company G, Twenty-seventh Ohio, shot the Texas color bearer, who was marching at the head of the column. Seeing the colors fall, young Gould with others sprang forward to secure them, when a rebel officer sang out to his men, "Save the colors," and at the same time put a bullet into the breast of Gould. The young hero was not to be intimidated, however, and bore away the rebei nag in triumpn.
About one o'clock in the afternoon, the rebels again showed them- selves in force in front of our position, a little to the left of the ground from which their column moved upon us, whereupon I ordered Captain Maurice, commanding Light Battery F United States Artillery, to plant two twelve- pounder howitzers near and to the west of Battery Robinett. Two com- panies of the Eleventh Missouri were placed in the ditch surrounding the fort and the Thirty-ninth Ohio (Lieutenant-Colonel Noyes ) moving by their left flank, was formed in rear of the battery, the right wing facing to the north and the left to the west. It was a source of regret to me and a dis- appointment to the officers and men that this splendid regiment had no opportunity to show the rebels their power.
Inasmuch as the batteries belonging to this Brigade were ordered away, and I remained unadvised of the position assigned them, I was unable to speak of the part taken by them in action. Fortunately I learned the whereabouts of Captain Maurice when his howitzers were needed, and I hear the conduct of the battery spoken of in such flattering terms by the officers upor whom I rely that I feel proud to know that it is a part of this command. I doubt not the chief of artillery will do full justice to that and to the other battery in this brigade.
In the disposition of troops as well as in other matters herein referred to, I followed carefully and minutely the instructions I had received from the General commanding the Division, excepting when the suddenness of the enemy's movements gave me no opportunity to refer to him; in these instances I did not hesitate to give such orders as I deemed necessary.
To the officers commanding regiments no small share of praise is due for the brilliant victory which was won. Colonel J. L. K. Smith, the most accomplished officer in the brigade, fell at the head of his regiment while giving his commands as if at parade, and Lieutenant-Colonel Swayne as- suming command under the most trying circumstances, soon restored order in his regiment, and fought it with the utmost gallantry. Colonel J. W. Sprague, whose regiment had the most exposed position, stood at his post cheering his men on when two-thirds of his officers and half his command had fallen, and in an incredibly short space of time reformned his men and
99
STATEMENT OF CASUALTIES.
brought them again into line. Colonel Gilbert, thrown from his horse before the assault was made, left his regiment in command of Lieutenant-Colonel Noyes, an officer who is efficient and faithful as he is brave and determined. Major Z. S. Spaulding, the only field officer with the Twenty-seventh, com- manded with marked ability, checking the enthusiasm of the men until the proper moment, and pressing them forward when the enemy was in a situ- ation to be crushed.
Major Weber, commanding the Eleventh Missouri, though not attached to this brigade, fought under my command during the action and displayed much of the true soldier, and handled his regiment with skill that I should do injustice to my own feelings did I not speak of him in this connection. He is doubtless one of the best officers in this division and deserves great praise for his conduct during the battle.
I should not close my report without acknowledging my obligations to Captain W. H. Lathrop, of my staff, whose coolness and good judgment ren- dered him of very good assistance to me; nor to Captain C. W. Dustin, my Assistant Adjutant-General, whose promptness in the execution of orders and whose gallant bearing meet my hearty approval. The mounted Order- lies (detailed from the Thirty-sixth Illinois) two of whom were wounded and two of whose horses were shot down during the action, also deserve especial thanks for their soldierly conduct.
The following statement of casualties will show that though the action was short, the victory was not gained without a desperate struggle.
Command
Killed
Wounded Missing
Total
Twenty-seventh Ohio
9
69
6
78
Thirty-ninth Ohio
2
13
15
Forty-third Ohio
16
74
90
Sixty-third Ohio
24
105
3
132
Second U. S., Artillery, Light Co. F. . Third Michigan Battery
6
2
8
Wisconsin Light Artillery,
Eighth Battery Section
3
3
Illinois Cavalry, Jenk's Company
2
Total
51 275
331
Our rejoicings over the result are mingled with bitter grief as we think of the brave hearts that have ceased to beat. The Forty-third Ohio has been signally afflicted. Colonel J. L. Kirby Smith, who died this after- noon (October 13) enjoyed not only the confidence and the esteem of every officer of this command, but was respected and loved by the whole army. The loss of Captain Spangler is one which his regiment will long and deeply feel. and in First Lieutenant Heyl, Adjutant of the regiment, has passed away one of the most genial, faithful, and useful officers of this brigade. The Sixty-third Ohio recounts the loss of Captain McFadden who died a patriotic death, fearlessly discharging his duty. The Twenty-seventh Ohio in First Lieutenant W. S. Webb, lost one of the most able and valuable officers on its rolls. Enduring physical powers, an iron will. a clear head, and a cultivated intellect rendered him peculiarly useful to the service, and gave promise of prominence and great influence in the future. Nor shall
3
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100
FULLER'S OHIO BRIGADE.
we forget the brave men in the ranks who fought and fell on October 4th. Their comrades will cherish their memory, and when gathered around the camp fires will often repeat the story of their heroism, and our country will remember with pride their glorious achievements.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully yours, JOHN W. FULLER, Colonel, Twenty-seventh Ohio, Commanding the First Brigade.
A
CHAPTER XIV.
1
A HERO AT CORINTII.
A TALE OF VALOR TOLD BY COLONEL FULLER OF THE TWENTY-SEVENTH OHIO IN A LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR OF OHIO.
"The rebels in four close columns were pressing with gallantry amount- ing to recklessness, upon the Ohio Brigade, with the evident intention of breaking our lines, when the terrible and incessant fire of our men drove them back in the utmost confusion.
"The Ninth Texas hore down unon the left center of the Twenty- seventh Ohio with this flag at the head of their column, and advanced to within six or eight yards of our lines, when Orrin B. Gould, a private of Company G, shot down the color bearer and rushed forward for the rebel flag.
"A rebel officer shouted to his men to 'save the colors' and at the same inoment put a bullet into the breast of Gould. But the young hero was not to be intimidated. With the flagstaff in his hand, and the bullet in his breast, he returned to his regiment waving the former defiantly in the faces of the enemy.
"After the battle when visiting the hospital, I found young Gould stretched upon the cot, evidently in great pain. Upon seeing me, his pale face was instantly radiant with smiles and pointing to his wound, he said, 'Col- onel, I don't care for this, since I got their flag.'"
CORRESPONDENCE ACCOMPANYING THE MESSAGE.
THE STATE OF OHIO, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. COLUMBUS, OCTOBER 16TH, 1862.
John W. Fuller, Colonel of the Twenty-seventh Regiment, O. V. I., Ripley, Miss.
Dear Colonel :--
I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter on the 9th instant, accompanying the bloody flag of the Ninth Texas Regiment, captured by the gallant Orrin B. Gould, a Private of Company G, in your regiment, in the great battle fought on the 4th instant near Corinth. The brave and daring act of Gould, when made known to the loyal people of our State, will fill their hearts with joy and gratitude. I am pained to learn that the wound received by this hero proved fatal, and that he is no longer in the land of the living, to enjoy the rich reward due to his gallantry. But, although dead. I have determined to give his relatives and brother soldiers evidence of my appreciation of his noble conduct; and therefore herewith enclose you a commission for him as Captain in your Regmient, of the date of your great Battle October 4th, 1862.
/01
1
102
FULLER'S OHIO BRIGADE.
,
The bloody flag sent me I have given a prominent position in the room in the State House appropriate to the keeping of the many trophies taken on the field of battle by the brave and loyal hearts from Ohio, and, as the most fitting account of our possession of this trophy, I attach your elegant and manly letter to the Flag.
In this connection, allow me to assure you and the brave inen under your command, that the noble bearing and gallantry of your regiment, on that bloody field, is fully appreciated by the people of Ohio. Make this known to the heroes of your regiment, and assure them that when this war is over, and our glorious old flag can again float over every inch of the territory possessed by the United States, and they, thus permitted to return to their homes they love so much, will receive the hearty greetings of all who appreciate our glorious institutions.
Very truly yours, DAVID TOD, Governor.
Report of Major Zeph S. Spaulding.
TWENTY-SEVENTH OHIO INFANTRY. IN THE FIELD NEAR RIPLEY, OCTOBER 9TH, 1862.
This regiment left camp on the Tuscumbia River on the morning of Friday the 3rd instant, and marched with the brigade to a point about one and one-half mile from Corinth, and inside the outer line of defences. From here we marched to what was formerly known as Battery D, where we took our position as support to Maurice's Battery. Soon after, we re- tired into the town and formed our lines on the north side of the place. During the night, we changed our position to one in front and on the right of the northwest defences of Corinth, and I was ordered to form my line, on the right of what is known as Battery Robinett.
At one o'clock on the 4th instant. I sent Company B, under command of First Lieutenant Bryan, as skirmishers into the woods, about four hun- dred yards to the front, where they remained, doing good execution, until driven back by a heavy force of the enemy, about eleven o'clock. At nine o'clock in the morning, I sent out Company A, First Lieutenant Sawyer commanding, as skirmishers, who were driven back at the same time. At daylight a rebel battery in the woods in front of us opened a heavy fire, most of their shots going over us, but from which we had one man killed and three wounded. At eleven o'clock, a heavy force of the enemy ap- peared in our front. They advanced upon us in four columns, by the flank. one of which, headed by the Ninth Texas, came forward in the direction of the left wing of this regiment. I ordered the men to hold their fire until the enemy came within short range and screen themselves as much as pos- sible by means of the brush in front of them. As the enemy came up the hill, the Twenty-seventh poured into them a galling fire, advancing as they did so until it became almost a hand to hand conflict.
At this time the Sixty-third Ohio, upon our left, was forced back and I found my left and rear was being endangered. I therefore ordered my left to form a line with the Eleventh Missouri, just brought up to take the place of the Sixty-third Ohio. and together we charged over the hill, driv-
تفاله شة اصدى لصر من جهة
103
MAJOR Z. S. SPAULDING'S REPORT.
ing the enemy in great confusion and with great loss, and the engagement so far as we were concerned, was practically ended. Our loss amounted to nine killed including one commissioned officer ( First Lieutenant Webb of Company G), forty-seven wounded, including two commissioned officers (Captain Lynch and Lieutenant Young of Company G) and six missing, who I have since learned were wounded, and reported a few hours later. A number of others received wounds but were not reported.
Saturday night, my men slept upon their arms upon the field, and on Sunday morning, marched with the brigade in pursuit of the enemy. Tues- day night, we bivouaced about five miles from Ripley. Wednesday morn- - ing, I was ordered out on reconnaissance under Lieutenant-Colonel Swayne, and proceeded to a point on the road from Rienzi to Ripley. Five com- panies of this regiment were used as skirmishers upon this occasion. We found no trace of the enemy save a few stragglers from the rebel army. The same evening we returned to our former bivouac.
During the entire engagement and march my officers and men behaved with great credit and to my entire satisfaction.
(Signed) Z. S. SPAULDING, Major Commanding.
Report of Lieutenant-Colonel Edward F. Noyes.
THIRTY-NINTH OHIO. CAMP NEAR RIPLEY, MISSISSIPPI, OCTOBER 9, 1862.
On the 3rd instant, this regiment marched under orders, from place of bivouac, near Kossuth, to Corinth, arriving about five o'clock in the after- noon. Our men having marched without water during the day, it was deemed expedient to draw in wagons enough to satisfy immediate neces- sities. Before all were supplied the evening was far advanced.
During the night, the Thirty-ninth Ohio was posted on the right of the First Brigade. General Stanley's Division on the Purdy Road west of Corinth. At daybreak on the morning of the 4th, * * * the enemy commenced shelling our position, but were driven from their guns by our fire.
About nine o'clock in the morning, two companies of this regiment, A and K., were sent to the front, north of the Purdy Road, and deployed as skirmishers under Major McDowell, * * * who had been detailed to * command the skirmishers of the brigade. They advanced into the woods, discovered the enemy in force. and were immediately fired upon along the whole line. Soon the Confederate columns were observed moving in a southeasterly direction from the woods toward the town and two brigades advanced to charge the battery, which the Ohio Brigade was posted to support. The Thirty-ninth Ohio was ordered to look well to the right, and to be prepared for an attempt by the enemy, then near the town. to turn our right flank, but the other regiments of the brigade being hard pressed by the greatly superior force attacking them. this regiment was ordered to move by the flank to the left. to support the Twenty-seventh, Forty-third and Sixty-third Ohio Regiments. We accordingly took position with our right wing fronting to the north and our left wing at right angles to it, fronting to the west, and we so remained during the day.
104
FULLER'S OHIO BRIGADE.
The line of our skirmishers, when the engagement became general, being covered by the cross fire of the battery in our rear, which was working against the columns of the enemy, approaching the town, Major McDowell withdrew them and ordered them to rejoin the regiment. The skirmishers did good service, keeping a rapid and well directed fire upon the columns of the enemy, massed within easy range of the lines. The enemy being re- pulsed with terrible loss on all sides, fell back. During the night, Com- panies D and G of this regiment, with others of the brigade. under Major McDowell were sent out to discover the position of the enemy, who were found to have made a precipitate retreat, leaving his dead and wounded upon the field. * *
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