Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-01-21
From the 10Th.

We are permitted to extract from a
letter from Capt. o. L. Miller to his faith
er. The letter is dated "In the Field,
Jan. G."
Dear Father Il sent you a short letter
yesterday, informing you of my safety
and promising you a more detailed ac-
count of the part the 10Th took in the
past week.
Monday evening. 29th ult., the left
wing, under Major General ~Crittenden,
came up with the enemy in force near
Stones River, about four miles from Muir
freesboro. Orders to enter the town that
evening had been received from Major
Gen. Rosecrans; but the execution of
the order seemed impracticable to Gener-
al Crittenden, and upon his representa-
ton it was rescinded. Tuesday our lines
Joined those of Maj. Gen. McCook's for
ces on the right. and during the entire
day there was considerable skirmishing
in front. Our division was in reserve of
the LIST and 2d-Gens. Wood and Palmer.
The programme for Wednesday was, as
is generally understood, that the right
wing, under Maj. Gen. McCook, support
ed by the center, under Maj. Gen. Thorn
as, was TO engage the enemy in front,
while the left wing should cross the river
and swing around into Murfreesboro, in
the enemy's rear. At about 8 o'clock
the 18th led the Division across and sent
forward skirmishers, advancing nearly
half a mile when we heard sharp firing
almost directly in our rear. An aid de
camp rode up in haste with orders to re-
call our skirmishing and recross the river
Immediately, which we did without loss
of time. When we came to the rise of
ground near our bivouac of the previous
night, q scene of the most Undesirable
confusion met our eyes. Thousands up
on thousands of men, batteries of artil-
lery, ~ambulanses, wagons and riderless
horses retreating in the most utter con-
fusion, while cannon balls, shells and
leaden missiles of every description
filed the air with their aohirring noise
A few unseen batteries checked the adj
vance of the enemy in the center, until
they reformed to support them. We are
now the LIST Brigade, Sd Division Left
Wing, instead of llth Brigade, 9Th Divi-
sion.) The lst Brigade was ordered to
the extreme right where the enemy was
driving our men, and had nearly reached
the turnpike in our rear. Several
brigades broke through our lines while
we moved to u position. Through all
these unfavorable circumstances our men
kept cool and constantly reformed their
files after being broken through. When
they had all passed US, the order, Fire
by file; Commence fring-was given, and
officers who were near US said they had
never heard such q continuous roar of
musketry as was delivered by our men,
Gen, Roseerans came up and asked the
name of the regiment being answered
"the 10Th Ohio" he said, 81 can trust
you to save u.s." And soon ordered a
Charge. The rebels fed at the first charge
but rallied somewhat, when another vol
ley and another charge completely dis
lodged them. Lieut.. Denarge was killed
at or about this time. We were then re-
lieyed by the 18th Indiana, and advanced
in the second line about I of a mile,
when a heavy column of fresh troops OF
the enemy broke through IA right sup
port and under a heavy enflading fire we
were compelled to change front to the
right and rear. After this was executed
the enemy came up on the field we had
just left, their colors plainly indicating
that a double line was advancing upon
us. We again opened fire and the Board
of Trade Battery from an eminence in
our rear. poured destruction into the reb-
Ell ranks. Again they fell back, and hav.
ing saved the day, the lst Brigade be.
came reserve again.
Capt. Stratton was wounded when we
changed front. He has shown himseli
brave and fearless, and is highly esteem.
ed by all.
Many encomiums and compliment
were paid US by all parts of the army fol
our action that day. During the NIGH
we were sent back to the Left Wing, and
Thursday morning the Sd Division cross
ed the river again. Our regiment and
the 9th Kentucky were held in reserve
all day, and until 4 o'clock P. n. Friday
when a heavy column marched against
us and broke through our front lines
The reserve was ordered forward, double
quick. Again we had the most unfavora
bic circumstances to contend with, viz
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