Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1863-02-05


me, than by the publication of the follow
ing letter from the gallant Colonel of the
brave and patriotic 73d. who so distin-
guished themselves on the bloody field at
Mufrecsboro. therefore adopt that
method. frh i
Respectfully, &c.,s---- ,r
iVin1oJ iief21e IHos. IS. STAxrIELD.
HEADouAR1TRs I'D Rsgt.. Ind. Volsl
+ i tagems sal January 10th, 1868.
THos. S. STASFIELD, Esq.
! SR:-The papers have doubtless in
formed you of the long and fierce struggle
that took place near Murfreesboro, Tenn,
between Gen. Bragg on The one side, and
Gen. Rosccrans on the other, and of the
! final result. = a8s q
lo While the 73l was being organized al
Camp Rose, South Bend, the patriotic la.
dies of the place were kind enough to pre-
sent the Regiment with rich and beauti-
fnl flag. l had not the honor to command
the Regiment at the time, and had not an
ticipated / shonld be called upon to bring
it to the field; but being the Commandanl
oil the Post. received the flag from the
hands Of the fair donors, and promised in
the name of the Regiment that j. should
be found in the thickest Of the fight, he
carried triumphantly through that fight,
and be returned to their hands without
dishonor.
have now to request that you will say
to the ladies. that the pledge then given,
has in measure been redeemed.
On Wednesday. the 31st ult., we took
that banner which has been our constant
companion, through all our laborious
marches. into one of the most severe OF
all the battles Of the memorable six days
fight which recently terminated.
1t may be we'll to state that the Brigade
Of which the 7Sd forms part belongs to
the left wing of the army of the Cumber-
land. The tight wing had suffered very
much in the various engagements it had
passed through. On the morning spoken
of. matters looked gloomy on the right;
the enemy was pressing MS very hard. and
was moving vast column, with the view
of fanking us in that direction. Gen.
Rosecrans in this emergency meeting the
commandant of our Brigade, (Col G. G..
Harker. brave and accomplished soldier, J
directed him to take his command to the
lextreme right, and check the movement of
the enemy.
In double qnick time we took position
as directed. We were not moment too
soon. Our forces were giving away, when
our Brigade came up. In moment we
became engaged. The Goth Ohio was in
front. supported by the I'D Ind, the con-
test was very hot. The enemy was -four
regiments deep, and pressed with great
force against the Goth Ohio. who with.
stood them gallantly for time. but at
length were forced to give way, and pass
ed to the rear. The 73d opened fire with
terrific effect. the enemy wayercd, our
fire was incrcased--they broke. the 73d
pursued. their columns were broken, other
regiments of our Brigade soon were en-
gagged. and the work was accomplished
the right wing of our army was saved.
But sad in5ced was our loss. and
many brave fellow was left on the field
Of dcath-but also Of glory!
Tell the ladies that every color guard
was shot down while defending their gift.
Tell them that it has nine bullet holes
through its silken threads, silent, yet
speaking evidences Of the sanguinary con-
test through which it has passed.
Tell them that Perry c. Hagerty. Of Co.
d. was the standard bearer. and he is the
only one left OF the gallant band especially
appointed to gnard it. Well did he do
his duty. He is worthy Of all praise
Tell them that every man felt as though
he was especially appointed to defend the
flag, and well did they act their part. q
Tell them that on the altar OF our com
mon country, by the blood of our fellows
sprinkled thereon, we now renew our pledge
TO still defend that flag and to carry it
safely through any and all contests in
which we may be called npon to take a
part. e.s..ssG s. {. 2.
Tell them that it has become doubly
dear to us. since it bears SO many honor
able evidences of victorious strife.
Tell them that our greatest glory will be
to die in its defense. if SO be the God Of
Battle shall so decide.
Tell them that we cherish the kindest
recollections Of all the fair ones who en-
trusted this mark Of favor to our hands.
Tell them we will ever fight for their
happiness, and our common country, as
long as there shall be foe found to assail
us. ldtr- ass. /. {
With profound regards. l have the
honor to be .f.zs -.s
Your Very obi Serv't
GILBERT HATHAWAY,