Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-04-01
CAMP NEAR MURFRKESRoRo,
March 81 1862


March 81, 1868.
Editor Leader: Colonel Halls Brigade
left camp on Wednesday morning, the
18th instant, for a four days's scout, his
force consisting of 1000 infantry, one
company of cavalry, and two guns of
Harris Battery. Marched fourteen miles
to Caneville and camped. Soon after
camping, u pickets captured two reb-
els. Thursday marched by n roundabout
way to Auburn, and camped. During
the day had two skirmishes, killed one
rebel, wounded some. and captured three
without loss on our side. Also captured
several horses. Friday, marched towards
camp six miles, and were halted for a
rest, with guns stacked in the centre of
the road. The men had hardly got set
tied by the roadside for u rest of ten or
fifteen minutes, before they were brought
to their feet by the discharge of a cannon
in our rear.
Tine rebels had attacked us IN the rear.
and by a flank movement were trying to
surround the Brigade. Colonel Hall i'm
mediately ordered his men to take pos
session of a hill to the left, covered with
timber and broken rocks. This was nat
urally a good position, and Colonel Hall
soon had his men so arranged as to de-
fend 1t most advantageously. Now was
an exciting time. Colonel Hall. riding
from point to point, personally seeing
that every position was properly manned,
and speaking words of cheer to all. The
men were confident and eager so much
so that the Colonel thought Lest to eau
ton them not to throw away a single
charge, but TO +" take sure aim and keen
COOL"
Part OF the l05th were deployed as
skirmishers, and the rest were ordered to
support our battery of two guns. The
skirmishers engaged the enemy with ar
dor n much boldness, many manifest
ing GOODNESS and courage far beyond what
Was expected. All did their whole duty
nobly. Their fire became so calling TO
the rebels that it was returned with she'll
and canister. which were thrown after A
few shots were received. All fear scanned
to leave the men, and they fought with a
GOODNESS seldom exhibited. Thus. with
an occasional shift of position, the battle
from nine o'clock in the MORN
ing to two in the afternoon.
The SOth and l23d Illinois, and IOlst
Indiana fought with a deliberate energy.
Charge after charge they repealed, and
sent the enemy Keeling back from the
murderous volleys with which they were
The rebels fought with reck-
less bravery, fighting like very Devils
Morgan and Wheeler, in person, led
charges against us, but their presence
daring did not save us from defeat.
Colonel Hall, seeing his ammunition run
low, concluded to try the effect of a
little stratagem upon the willy Morgan.-
lie sent his ofderlies to the rear among
teamsters, ordering them to mount
mule and horse, get them in col
and ride in from the rear upon q
cheering with all their might
The thing was nicely done.
In came the doughty teamsters, yelling
It the loudest key of their brazen threats.
The infantry, supposing reinforcements
lad really arrived, joined in the chorus /
he artillery fired with more vigor, and
With all combined, a most unearthly din {
vas created that carried consternation a
INTO the ranks of the fighting rebels !
'anlc seized upon them, and men who /
'ut a moment before were fighting so g
'ravely, skedaddled like sheep. Colonel I
iall could not pursue them for the want :
+ cavalry.
We remained in possession of the field
Until Il o'clock next day, collecting the =,
cad and wounded. The killed on our /
de belonged TO the l0Ist Indiana and e
23d Illinois, being three in each regi- -
lent Dur wounded is thirty-three.-
My two men in the I0jth were wound-
i, and they slightly. 1t seems almost a
that we should come out of so hot
fire of shells, canister and balls, with B
!, little harm. pl
Every regiment in the brigade is proud III
the Others. The brigade is proud of al
S commander, and he is pleased with Ir
lie brigade. Satisfaction is on every Sc
ans face. from Col. Hall down to high u
'ivate in the rear rank. Promotions Cd
i'll follow. Colonel Hall deserves and
i'll get a star. Lieut.. Colonel Tolles will - :.
ost assuredly don the eagle. He did Ne
NOR to the bars in the brave 3lst, has IN,
orn the oak leaf with credit in the or,
5th, and the eagle will never be DIS al,
aced On his shoulders. Shoulder straps be
III be conferred upon the worthy in the S.
INKS. Many anecdotes might be told an
the battle, but space forbids. =
Colonel Hall has marched and counter
Rno1 - a,yn I0r NAH noHuIng. A..