Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-04-02
CAMP SHIELDS, March q.


About sunset, night before last, (22nd)
Col. Tylers brigade was ordered to resist
an attack about to be made upon the
town, by the rebel jackson. We march
ed, quick time, to the city, but to learn
that they had retired for the night. So
we lay upon our arms till morning, ready
to repel a night attack, in case one should
be made. In the morning we went back
to camp, but scarcely had we entered our
tents, when heavy c~annonading was
heard upon the other side of town, appa-
rently some three miles. Again we were
ordered out-this time to work.
The third brigade proceeded rapidly to
the battle ground, and was assigned its
petition in support of Daum's battery,
which was doing terrible execution upon
the rebel batteries. Seeing it was the aim
of the enemy to outfiank us upon our
right, our brigade was ordered around to
check them and capture their artillery
Forming in column of division, we halted,
and Col. Tyler addressed US as follows:
Men, you are to fght,-to take that
battery. The It'll Ohio and the It'll Indi-
ana Will make the charge. | want you
to reserve your fire, until your order
comes, then bring your man. l want you
to keep your mouths shut, and | will
make noise enough if / have a chance
If you are cool, you will win. Let every
man keep his place and obey orders
FoYlrard, march,"
The advance was made by our Regi-
ment, the It'll Indiana following. We
had not marched more than forty rods,
when coming to a rail fence, we halted a
moment for the pioneers to tear it down.
1t down, we advanced again. The first
division had crossed the fence, and the
second crossing, when a deadly volley
opened on our front, from behind trees
and rocks, with unering fatality. Sever
al fell, including Dan. O'Conner. who was
shot, l think, in the neck. A momenta-
~ halt was made, but the firing increas-
ed, and our gallant Col. Creighton, gave
the command, "a tor7card." AT almost ev-
cry step some one fell. Fred Groth was
my file leader, and | heard q Minnie bull
let come crashing into his left side, drop
ping his gun, bringing his hands to
the wound, he fell with a groan. Poor
boy . we could render him no assistance.
At the order, forward, double qickit'
we charged with a yell, and the enemy
were driven from the woods. They then
took refuge behind a stone wall, using it
as a breastwork. They were in overwhel-
ming force, and the battle was fearful
We halted and ployed into line of battle,
and with horrible calmness our fire was
poured into the enemy's ranks. My pen
is powerless to describe the scene. From
half past FIVE till dark the fight lasted
1 read of the Donelson fight, and it was
not like this. l believe that it was the
closest contested fight of the war. | will
send you the particulars soon. Capt. As
per is severely wounded in the left thigh.
l had my right arm hurt so l had to leave
the field. Gregory vas wounded in right
leg. l have just heard that out Of over
forty, only twentyof Company H, are left.
Other companies are as bad.
I saw the ground for acres covered with
dead and dying. The carnage was terri
bic. Lieut.. Brisbine was unwell, 20 he
could not be with us. Maj. Easement was
wounded in the side. Lieuts. Baker and
Mcclellan were badly wounded; and
Capt. Burgess wa also wounded. | viii
send particulars in a day or so.