M. L. Smith's Division on the bridge and they could not cross. Three
sacks of grain was got at Division headquarters which gave us a small
feed. Wagon went to draw rations at the commissary but could not get
any. I have written a letter home and will now lie down and sleep with
an easy mind until called upon. I am ready when the word comes.
[Sidenote: 1863 Awaiting Battle]
Near Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 22. Awoke to find a bright and beautiful
morning and the air was as balmy as a May morning in Wisconsin. Did not
rain as expected and no indications of it in particular. Preaching
announced at 10 A. M. by the Chaplain of the 18th Wisconsin. I thought
it was more my duty to write to anxious hearts than attend. Wrote one to
sister Hannah and commenced one to brother Thomas, but was called on
guard before finishing it. Sherman's chief of artillery went with
Captain Dillon to pick out a road for battery.
3 P. M. Before I came off guard we endeavored to pack everything except
our blankets and stow them away. Soon ordered to take up our horses,
(which were browsing) clean them off and harness up. Our valises were
taken off and blankets strapped instead.
5 P. M. Cogswell's Battery started out and we soon followed, 12th in the
rear. Lieutenant Hubbard of the 3rd Battery came to camp as we left, and
I shook hands with him as I drove by. Professor Silsby is also here with
his Heavy Battery direct from the State, but I did not see him. Moved
toward the river, passed the pontoon train and halted near the river out
of sight of the enemy. Unhitched and unharnessed, and ordered to lie
down with no noise, no fires to be built.
It is now eight o'clock and I am on post. I write by the light of the
moon. The Heavy Battery and the 12th are busy at work throwing up
earthworks. We are to be thrown across with the first infantry that
goes. It is expected by all that it is going to be hot and terrible
work. My blood is cold as I contemplate the bloodshed.
Near Chattanooga, Monday, Nov. 23. I had just completed writing last
night when an officer rode up (Sherman's staff) and inquired for the
commanding officers. The boys were immediately called up, harnessed up
and returned to camp. The upper pontoon broke so as to prevent the 4th
and 1st Divisions of the Corps from crossing the river, which rendered
it necessary to postpone it for twenty-four hours. Arrived at camp and
pitched our tents. This morning cloudy and smoky, indications of rain.
Ewing's Battery passed towards the river. Eight batteries passed by last
night. Had we crossed this morning, they would all have met on the other
side, which would be undoubtedly a lively time. Morgan L. Smith was to
cross above us and form his line, meeting on Chickamauga Creek, and our
left on it. The infantry drew shovels last night and were ordered to
take possession of the heights and then fortify. A team sent to
headquarters at 7 A. M. to go to Kelly's Bend for forage. One sent
yesterday evening. Neither of them yet returned. Completed my letter to
Thomas.
3 P. M. Heavy volleys of musketry are heard in the direction of
Chattanooga, which is said by a correspondent passing by to be a
reconnoitering party to ascertain if they are evacuating, which is
supposed to be the case. But I don't credit it.
[Sidenote: 1863 The "Battle in the Clouds"]
5 P. M. A fierce engagement is in progress. Since my last writing the
well-timed volleys soon grew into a continual rattle, and the
cannonading fell heavy and fast. I climbed the bluff as soon as possible
to take a better view. Here I found the summit covered with spectators,
and every tree loaded as with grapes. The lines most of the time were
enveloped in smoke, and we could not discern which were the gainers. The
firing commenced well on to the right in the rear of Chattanooga, but
fast crossed over toward the left. The artillery's roar, reverberating
through the valleys and from mountains, made a deep and impressive sound
as though the whole country was in convulsion. From Lookout the heaviest
guns were fired. The flash could be seen as it vomited its load of
destruction twenty-two seconds before the report arrived, and its echo
was answered by half a dozen smaller guns from Moccasin Point in quick
succession; but it was so much lower I do not think it was of much
effect. Two distinct charges were made (I know not by which party) and
the musketry fire unceasing, and heavy columns of fresh smoke arose, a
pall for those departed to their eternal rest. As I sat upon the brow of
that eminence I could think of the many groans that were now uttered on
the field of strife, where friend and foe lay as an equal in the gore of
their own blood, while many more lay with the ghastliness of death upon
their features, that but a few hours before beamed with life and
animation, and whose hearts melted with love and hopes in the future.
Sad! sad! But it does not stop here. How many hearts will bleed. How
many mothers' hearts will be heavy in anguish when the news will reach
them of the fate of their offspring and object of their care and love.
How little is this realized by the crowd surrounding. Their thoughts are
light and trifling; they think not of death or futurity. Removed from
all destruction, accustomed to look at death as of minor importance,
they feel not the due importance. But such is war. Although a soldier
and inured to meet the foe with determination and calmness, I must say,
Oh what a cruel and wicked thing is war! A deer ran along the mountain
and the attention of the masses was drawn from the conflict and
gleefully passed to the animal. This was not in keeping with the state
of my mind, and I left and returned to my tent, the musketry having
nearly ceased.
Mission Ridge, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 24. Marched to our position of
night before last, unhitched and unharnessed. Laid down till 1 A. M.
when we were awakened and ordered to hitch up. No noise allowed to be
made. The pontooners marched by on quick time with axes, etc. Cogswell's
Battery moved out and took position in the front. We soon followed in
breathless silence, entered an open field and followed it up nearly half
a mile, when we came upon the column of infantry moving along in close
order and very fast. Not a breath could be heard, nothing but the
grating of their feet on the gravel was to be heard. Never did a more
earnest or thoughtful column move to meet the enemy. The column
proceeded to the river, and we went into battery in the field thirty
rods from the bank. The infantry were ferried across in the pontoon
boats. One division was already across. Contrary to all expectations not
a gun was fired, and we could hear nothing from our position of the
advancing column. The out-post guard were gobbled up by surprise and
sent over on this side. One escaped and carried the alarm that the
Yankees were coming, which was not believed. But the officer of the day
with seventeen men reconnoitered the grounds, and they too were "taken
in out of the wet" and taken across and put in charge of the guard of
the 5th Wisconsin Battery, they being stationed in a bastion on the
bank. The out-post very innocently told the story that upon hearing a
rustle in the brush which he challenged with a "'Halt! Hush you d----
fool you, the Yankees are right here upon us.' The fust thing I knew you
'uns hed me." While our Division was crossing, long trains of pontoons
came up there with a long line of snow-white ambulances which caused the
anxious question--"Who will be obliged to be borne in these from the
field of battle?" Then came the hospital train, a wagon for each
regiment in the Division, loaded with stores to establish a Division
hospital.
[Sidenote: 1863 Line to Line]
6 A. M. Two divisions were safely across and a more beautiful scene I
never witnessed. Through the gray dawn a long line of infantry could be
seen drawn up on the opposite banks a mile long, while the waters were
covered with boats busily going and coming, loaded with men, the
regimental colors standing in the center of the boat. The bridge was now
covered, boats brought up, anchored in line, and the floor laid without
any delay, the 4th Division marching in the boats and the artillery
covering the field. Fires were allowed to be built now and we soon had
coffee. It commenced raining, as cold and disagreeable as the day could
be. A steamboat was due at 4 A. M. to take us across, but did not come
till 6:30 A. M. (an old rebel boat, but rebuilt). Taylor's Battery
crossed the river first, and as we were not pressed we waited for the
bridge to be built. It was very disagreeable, and I felt almost sick;
late hours and irregular meals having brought on diarrhea, etc. A large
constellation of stars were gathered on the bank, watching the progress
of the bridge, among which were Sherman, Blair, W. F. Smith, chief
engineer, etc. The line on the other side in one hour had a line of
breastworks up and advanced out of sight to form another.
12 M. The bridge completed and we crossed it, being the second battery
to do so. The dread of crossing had passed. Halted at a corn crib and
the cannoneers got as much corn as they could, but the infantry was
formed and advanced in column of division at secure arms, it raining
very heavy. This savage-looking column moved forward with caution,
crossed a forty-acre lot and halted. The skirmishers went out but not a
gun was fired. Advanced again, the batteries were in column of sections.
An occasional gun shot, but we advanced until we were directly under
Mission Ridge. Not a reb seen and our infantry soon climbed it. Our line
formed on the brow when the artillery moved up. Battery D, 1st Missouri
was the first up and soon opened fire on them from the right. Our
Battery started for the left. The "smooth bores" were left on the other
side of the river for want of horses, and we had four teams on a
carriage, but the hill was too steep for us and two more teams were put
on the pieces, and caissons left behind. A detail of two hundred men
were sent to our aid with axes, the enemy sending shells over us quite
thick. 1st piece failed to advance with the horses. Ropes brought
forward and it was hauled up by hand, we following with all haste. By
this time a very brisk skirmishing was going on right to our left and
rear quite close, and General Matthies came down at the head of his
Brigade on double quick, the old general on foot, making fine time.
Captain Dillon ordered the howitzer section and Cogswell's Battery to
the rear in all haste. The extra teams were unhitched and the pieces
unlimbered, and with great difficulty we made a left about, the hill
being so steep that it shoved our horses down amongst the infantry that
were pouring down. But the cannoneers fastened a rope to the axle-tree,
and down we went in good earnest. Halted at the R. R. crossing in a
complete jam of infantry, artillery and ambulances near General Smith's
headquarters, who knew nothing of our movements and demanded by whose
orders we came down. A flank movement by General Longstreet was
apprehended, and we were to guard it by order of General Sherman. We
stood there in the cold damp evening for half an hour, got a feed of
shelled corn from an out-house close by, when we moved back into the
first field above General Matthies, and came into camp alongside of
Cogswell's Battery and the 2nd and 3rd Brigades of our Division.
Unhitched but did not unharness. Our rations were entirely out with the
exception of coffee and some cornmeal picked up, so we ate hastily of
unsifted mush and coffee.
Three drivers from each piece sent after sheaf oats for horses. I was on
the detail and we rode back nearly three miles toward the river. Found
the oats all gone, but plenty of good tame hay, of which we took as much
as possible. Returned to camp by 9 P. M. I was nearly exhausted from
cold and loss of sleep, having been up since 1 A. M. Lay down in cold
and wet blankets.
[Sidenote: 1863 Mission Ridge]
Mission Ridge, Wednesday, Nov. 25. Called up before three in the morning
to feed. Suffered very much from cold during the night. The blankets
stiff with frost over us. Witnessed an almost total eclipse of the moon
and again lay down, but no sleep.
6 A. M. McCook's Brigade of Davis's Division formed in line of battle
facing to the left and supporting our artillery, should it be necessary.
1st Section (rifles) reported to be well fortified on the ridge.
9 A. M. Not much fighting as yet, the pickets advancing and skirmishing.
A reb battery shells directly over and in rear. One shell twelve-pounder
time-fuse dropped ahead of our team and was dug up by the boys. A mule
team came up and issued one day's rations of hard-tack.
11 A. M. The 2nd and 3rd Brigades went in on double quick followed by
the 11th Corps with crescents flying, a fine looking body of men, but
are looked on rather suspiciously by our sturdy veterans. They went in
and advanced towards the rebels' works on Tunnel Hill, and musketry
rattled very severe.
From that time [till] late in the evening a terrible struggle followed,
wounded men coming back thick and fast. Our position was such that we
could not witness the field and we were not permitted to leave the teams
an instant. Our loss is very heavy especially in officers. The struggle
on our side was for the occupation of Tunnel Hill and our line advanced
up the steep side of the bluff time after time, but were obliged to fall
back, the rebels being reinforced all the time, and could pick them off
with ease, the lay of the land being such that they succeeded in
flanking the 11th Corps, and they fell back in disorder. But they were
received by the 2nd and 3rd Brigade of our Division, and soon compelled
to retire.
More desperate fighting, it is said by those who witnessed, they had
never seen. Our line being for hours under the enemy they rolled stones
upon us, wounding many. Three companies of the 5th Iowa were taken
prisoners, having used up all their ammunition and would not run.
Artillery could not be brought to much use, and my feelings as I staid
under that hill, listening to the noise and rattle of the fight, mingled
with suppressed cheers of charging parties, and the groans of the
wounded as they passed in the long trains of ambulances, or the lighter
wounded hobbling back afoot with bleeding and mangled limbs, I cannot
describe in words. General Matthies was wounded in the head while
leading his Brigade on to the charge. I saw him ride to the rear covered
with blood. Colonel Putnam of the 93rd Illinois was killed instantly
while waving the colors in front of his men, a noble and much loved
officer. The 90th Illinois and 73rd Pennsylvania were literally cut to
pieces, and their officers all killed or wounded.
The day closed, and the dark mantle of night was spread over the gory
fields. We have gained nothing in the shape of ground all day, but their
slaughter must be terrible. Thomas and Hooker were at them all day and
it is reported gained great advantage. We had to fight the main body of
the army. Lookout was taken yesterday, 2500 prisoners and three pieces
of artillery. To-morrow if they stand, will be a final and awful test of
strength. Sherman, cool and deliberate, is ready for them. Got corn to
feed on the battle-field.
Mission Ridge, Thursday, Nov. 26. After we retired last night with
horses unharnessed, a courier came in hot haste with the report "The
enemy is coming down upon us in double columns". We were ready to give
them a warm reception on short notice, but they did not come, and again
we laid down, but left the harness on. _They will not catch us napping._
It was a chilly, cold night and we suffered much from cold bed. But
little rest during the night, and at 3 A. M. we were called up to feed,
which was more of a relief than otherwise. But no man grumbled or
complained as we thought of our wounded who lay on the field all night
with no covering, and weak from the loss of blood. Their groans could be
heard by our men all night, and the friends in rebellion would not
permit them to carry relief to them or bring them in. The enemy occupied
the contested ground. One, who had a brother lying on the field, started
with the determination of relieving him or die in the attempt. True to
his determination he was shot dead by the inhuman wretches who would not
listen to his plea. Their punishment will be great.
[Sidenote: 1863 Flight of Bragg]
A dense fog settled as the morning approached, so that it was impossible
to discern objects two rods distant. Troops commenced pouring down the
hill early. The 1st Section joined us. At first we thought it was
maneuvering for the day's battle, but the truth was soon known. The
wounded pelican of the South had flown during the night, and all their
boasts and threats of the re-occupation of East Tennessee has ended in a
retreat. We were to go on the chase. The 11th Corps swung around on
their rear and flanked their line of retreat, while the 15th Corps
reached back to the Tennessee River, and crossed Chickamauga Creek on
the pontoon. Halted on the bank two hours to give the advance time to
cross. Grazed our horses. 10 A. M. we crossed the bridge in rear of the
1st Brigade. The infantry moved more still and quiet than usual. Thus
they come but miss their comrades that fell in yesterday's engagement.
Our Division lost * * * killed and wounded. A marked change is to be
seen in its ranks. Marched lively the rest of the day through the
Chickamauga Valley. The troops were entirely out of rations, the
infantry many of them having had nothing to eat but parched corn on
which they fought for two days and intrenched by night with pick and
spade. Halted at 5. P. M. an hour for supper. Shelled corn was got in
plenty for horses from Secesh camp, but the boys many of them supped on
corn and coffee. Artillery firing could be heard in the distance which
told us that we were upon their rear.
Moved on till 9 P. M. through Chickamauga Station, where large piles of
corn were in a blaze. Twelve thousand bushels of corn are said to be
burned here, and a large quantity of cornmeal left of which we were
lucky enough to get a good supply. The road for miles was white with
meal, spilled as they ran. Caisson bodies left and several blown up.
Took twenty-one howitzer shells from one of them into our chests. Came
into camp in an open field in rear of the 11th Corps. Made our beds in
the leaves and slept sweet till morning light.
Graysville, Ga., Friday, Nov. 27. Started at 8 A. M. Our march lay
through a poor country, thinly settled, covered with small pine, swampy
soil. All along the road evidence could be seen of the haste of the
enemy. Wagons, limbers, wheels, harness, etc. left, but all were
destroyed. Reached Graysville at 3 P. M. and came into camp on a steep
hillside, a lively little R. R. station on Chickamauga Creek, good water
power, cabinet works and flouring mill. The latter was kept running by
soldiers of the 11th Corps. A range of mountains commenced here, and our
advance came upon the rear of the enemy here this morning, capturing a
battery commanded by Beauregard's son. It was harnessed up and ready to
move. General Thomas manned it with infantry, took it after them. A
brisk fight could be heard at Ringgold, five miles distant. Prisoners
and deserters came in thick and fast from every direction. They say they
are tired of running and being hunted like beasts. Bragg promised
victory and gain to them, instead of which they received nothing but a
dastardly retreat and shame with empty bellies.
Foragers doing a good business in the shape of geese, chickens, sheep,
etc., few hogs. I was sent by Dixon after hay for the horses. Went about
two miles south, and returned with a good bundle, quite tired in
carrying it, but horses fared well for it.
Sat up till late cooking "dodgers" for the morrow's march. It looked
like rain, so we ditched about our bed, spread our ponchos over and laid
down, tired and sleepy, and I felt nearly worn out, but the thought of
following a retreating line kept up my strength and spirit.
[Sidenote: 1863 After Bragg]
Near Chattanooga, Saturday, Nov. 28. Reveille aroused the dreaming camp
at 3 A. M. It had been raining nearly all night, but we slept dry and
well. Feed call. One of my horses missing. Walked up and down the hills
and hollows for over an hour in the search. At last found him. I found
breakfast ready, consisting of coffee, corn cake and fresh mutton, which
I devoured with a keen appetite. 5 A. M. we started. We were to go back,
and faced in that direction. We were glad of it, as both we and the
horses were too much worn out to follow, and the roads were getting very
bad with the rain and lateness of the season. The excitement was much
less. We marched with more labor than if following the enemy, but we
knew that plenty of others were on their track, and Bragg's forces
scattered, he taking three different roads, showing that he did not
intend to risk a general engagement with Grant very soon. Raining heavy
all day. The roads very bad and we had much trouble to get along with
artillery. All of the batteries of the 15th Corps not in marching
condition. Returned with the 3rd Division in charge of Captain Dillon,
which were five besides our own. Stopped at Chickamauga Station at noon
to feed, gathering corn along the railroad where hundreds of bushels had
been scattered by the rebs.
Reached the pontoon bridge over Chickamauga half an hour of sundown.
After a long delay it was clear and we crossed. Met General Sheridan and
his Division followed by two others, going to relieve Burnside. Came to
our old camp before the battle, after night. The rain had ceased and it
turned very cold, and the wind whistled as of old Wisconsin. Unhitched,
unharnessed, cleaned off my muddy team, and then with a great deal of
chattering and shivering, etc. pitched tents, made our bed on the muddy
wet ground. Felt very much like eating a good home supper as prepared by
Mary, but after waiting a long time it was substituted by a dish of mush
and a cup of coffee and thankful for that. Many of the infantry had
nothing but parched corn and no tents, no rails to make a fire; rather
tough but I suppose it is honest.
Near Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 29. Slept very cold, or rather shivered
through the night with little sleep. This morning it is still very cold.
Froze quite hard last night. Harnessed the team and "snaked" some
firewood, banked our tent, etc. Gathered leaves in them so we were a
little better prepared for it. Tried to write home, but my fingers were
so numb that I gave it up much to my dissatisfaction, as I know they are
anxious for my having not written any since the battle.
Near Chattanooga, Monday, Nov. 30. Cold during the night but comfortable
at midday. Wrote a letter to John, signed pay rolls in the afternoon. It
is expected we will move soon. Hope it is so as our infantry are in a
suffering condition, their tents at Bridgeport and their blankets, many
of them, lost on the battle-field. They are scattered through the valley
seeking shelter from friendly cliffs, drawing comfort from glowing
fires, and trusting fate and fortune for rations, as Uncle Sam fails
this time. But hope it will not be so long.
[Sidenote: 1863 The Flag]
Near Chattanooga, Tuesday, Dec. 1. Health good and fine appetite for
dodgers, which is all we have, minus salt and extras. Warning given in
camp to avoid smallpox. Case in the 12th Battery carried out to the
woods this morning. Commenced writing to brother Thomas but interrupted
to hitch up for review. Most of the mule teams were required to help us
out, and moved out "in fine style". Formed line on the extreme right of
the Division under direction of Captain Dillon. He tried to show off a
little by ordering a "trot", but came very nearly showing a failure. The
men were ragged, dirty and worn out, so were the beasts, but the fine
line of stripes and stars looked as beautiful as ever, intermingled with
the blue banners. It is a soldier's privilege to look at it as a friend
and boon companion, "may it ever wave".