Daily Democrat and news. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1859-1864, 1862-10-20
THE Rattle 1T CORIJfTH
A Soldiers Account.
incidents and Acts Of tho Fikht.
CANP 10Th Iowa RECT, NEAR CoRrNrn
October 18th, 1869

again heard from her Western volun-
teers, and it is, as usual, the tale of vic
tory. The name of Corin!h, classic in
the old world, has been rendered doubly
so in the new.
On the night Of the 2nd, our regi-
mcnt reached its camping ground: pitch.
cd its tents, and settled down Tor the
night, hoping to have few days rest
from the fatigue and excitements Of the
Iuka conflict, This was not TO be, for
the dawn Of day brought the long roll,
and we sprang from our dreams to our
arms, and formed in line to repcl the
forever vigiant foe, We marched off
and took position behind one of the old
deserted forts which form line around
the town. The fort was mounted with
a couple Of field pieces, more to deceive
the enemy than for defence. Off to
the front We heard heavy tkirmishing
along the picket lines, which took the
form Of battle in the course of couple
Of hours. On account of the enemy
making flank movems mt on the fort.
our brigade shifted its position 10 the
brow Of heavily timbered hill, and
there awaited the course OF events. The
first line began fighting at about 10
o'clock, which was the first intimation we
had Of being on the reserve. The fight
ing did not continue long, however, be-
fare the first line broke in confusion.
From our position We could see the
smoke of the battle, could hear every
order given, and could feel the ground
rock under us, but could not see the
combatants. When the line broke We
did not await the reports of the fugi
tives, for We could hear the shrieks of
tho vanquiste ed, the yelIs OF the pursu.
ers, and the words of our leaders vain'y
endesvoring to rally the overpowered
ranks; and to render the affair more
appalling, We could hear at the lapse Of
every few minutes loud explosions Of
muskc;ry, which plainly told that the
enemy thought not Of mercy. Soon
came rush Of fugitives which well nigh
fore US away terror was on each face,
and occasionally mangled limb hung
by the eide of the fugitive, or a dreadful
cash marked the face. Ambulances
hurried by, loaded with wounded, whose
groans Fl led the air, while beyond could
be heard the clear, wild cheers Of the
Southerners. 1t required the hardest
exertions Of the mind TO face the com.
ing storm. 1t was vain to attempt to
rally the fugitives while the air was
filled with missiles, and they passed on
towards town. In a few moments a
startling silence ensued, more appalling
:han the tempest which had just passed.
At this time all were ordered to town,
excepting the 18th and 10th, which
we're left to cover the retreat of our
portion Of the line We stood watching
the brow Of the opposite hill, attcntivcly
awaiting the approach of the enemy.
In short time few bullets begun to
cut the air, from unseen marksmen, and
later still line Of skirmishers came
over the hill, dressed 10 our uniform.
don't fire; they are our men," shouted
some one, but before he could be con-
tradicted, rebel brigade made its ap.
pearance. Many drew up their mus
kets to fire, but were ordered to with.
hold. The rebels came marching on at
common time, and as soon as this line
was half way down the hill, another line
OF the same size made its appearance,
marching along at the same speed and
in the same silent manner. The excite.
ment was intense. and for few moments
we forgot everything but the silent col
umns moving upon us. Steadily they
came down the opposite hillside aud
steadily up the slope toward us, keeping
the most perfect line. When within q
hundred yards Of us, we could hear
foftly-uttered command, and their front
line cooked their muskets. This was a
signal for slaughter, and without wait
ing for the command our whole line fired
That volley must have
told dreadfulIy on the enemy, for our
muskets are among the best 10 the ser
vice, the distance was short, and the
enemy in plain sight. After that all
was dust, noise and confusion. We fir
ed as fast as possible, but such a wall
Of dust and smoke rose between Us that
We could not see the onemy--but too
well We saw the effe cts Of his vollevs in
our decimated ranks. At one time A
gust Of wind partly moved the smoke.
and We could see that the rebel line was
broken. bnt their second line moved nm
and restored the tide OF battle. For
half an hour we held them, but We were
finally overpoWered aud driven back a
F0W hnndpod vaeds ~hn ~.