The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1863-06-10

II =
grams Of the late fight will show the great
facility these roadways gave for massing
forces upon our right.) Their course and
relation to each other ought to have sug-
gested the probability of the movement
and caused such disposition of forces as
would have enabled us to meet it prompt
ly and effectually. But the wisest of men
seem fated to seasons of stupidity. The
commander of the First Division was not
even aware of the existence of the roads,
or the topography ofithe locality. When
asked by one of his ablest regimental
commanders: sDo you know where you
are?" he answered "No, I don't know
anything of the roads of this section ?'s
."No."
This same regimental officer then went
to an old resident "Yankee clock peddler,"
and got description of them, and then
made rough diagram, and brought it to
his undisturbed general! But even after
this he failed to appreciate the signif.
canoe of these numerous roads as chan
mel for the rapid movement of troops.
The day wore idly away with us while the
Rebels were perfecting their plans. At
about 2 P. Nj. Capt. Santer, Co. B, 55th
Ohio, out on picket, sent in his first SER
geant with word that the enemy were
massing on the extreme right with infan-
try and artillery. Subsequently scouts
from the 25th Ohio brought the general
intelligence that the enemy were in full
force upon our right. After a while a
cavalry officer came dashing down the
road announcing that the enemy were in
force on our right with artillery: These
thrice repeated warnings ought to have
reused the most lethargic keeper of such
holy interests as were trembling in the
balances of that hour. But they fell upon
ears that needed them not No change
of front was ordered. No adequate OBJ
structions were placed in the way of the
advancing HOSTS The artillery all re-
mained in its former position, ready to
repel only front attack-the front and
flank skirmishers had not even q line Of
communication with each otherl Such
was the position of affairs with the First
Division occupying the extreme right.
No wonder the fear became general and
painfully evident to every subordinate
officer that our flank was being turned!
At p M. the attack commenced with
out premonition. No mounted sentinel
came galloping up with the news; but very
little picket firing heralded it. The first
note of warning that the shock had come
was the shock itself! A tremendous vol
ley of musketry, Immediately followed by
deluge of grape and canister, and the
Rebels were upon US in overwhelming
numbers in three eoncentric columns.
One was moving down the turnpike, one
down Brooks road, and the other further
to the left, as their prisoners stated, in
full brigade line and forty deep, while a
section of their artillery was brought up
to position in the road commanding our
line, which it swept. s6s..,y. ~.
What could 4, 200 men do with 1000?
Their flank and rear being entirely expos
ed to its foes, and their position enfladed
at that. But now surely, after this sur
prise in the rear, they will change front;
common sense demands that, and military
science may we'll blush in shame if it be
not Instantly done. The commander ol
the 55th Ohio, his eye upon the right, de-
tects it completely fanked. Putting spurs
to his horse, he hastens to the division
commander and shouts, "Our right is
turned, may I change front?" '.No," is
the reply. In moment he is with his
regiment again, and seeing his right Civ.
ing way, he flies to his General a second
time "The right is breaking. and nc
enemy in front of us; may not change
front and at them in our rear?' No,
was the gruff reply; and thus soldiers who
never yet had failed to do their duty, anc
whom Napoleon would have deemed wor.
thy place in the Old Guard, +" we're lef
in the trenches under an en6lading fire
of grape and canister, and unable to dis
charge a musket directly or obliquely al
their foes, who were sweeping them down
When called off at last, without commane
of any general officer, they broke by file.
} and companies, but reformed behind The
} gallant 25th Ohio. I cite the 55th, no
that they did better than others, but te
show the consummate skill with which the
division was handled. The 10Th and a5tf
Ohio Regiments acquitted themselves lik,
men who had country and honor to de
fend, while the 18th Connecticut, although
, under fire for the first time, equaled tn.
) most veteran in splendid conduct. TIL,
, loss in McLean's brigade is very great
| both in the ranks and in field officers. TIL,
noble Riley is dead. The heroic Rich
. ardson is dangerously wounded. Tn
brave and undaunted Noble, faint fron
loss of blood, leaves the field to his gal
liant Lieutenant Colonel. Walter, VIII,
, gave up his life in the very act Of entreat
, ing his men to stand fast by the flag o
, the country of his adoption and of hi
love.
1t was surprise! Who doubts it.
and that in the broad daylight There il
not an officer in the corps, aside from tn,
5 guilty, who will lnot affirm it. No troop
, in the world could have stood, placed Al
/ were the right of the 11th Army Corps
, Far nobler would it be for the guilty t,
> frankly acknowledge their errors than t,
skulk behind voiceless, privates, with
charge of cowardice, and staining tn
/ memory Of the heroic dead with detection
I or robbing the bereaved of the consolation
r that their loved ones died with their sol
Y diers' honor bright. &
l = Tt is far easier to fatter and praise tha,