Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-02-05
P1nney's Fifth Wisconsin Battery In
MurfreeshOrO Battles-OfficiaI Commu-

nication.
The official report of Col. Posi-, SO b
Illinois, commanding the 1st Brigade, 1st
Division of RosEoRANs' Army, speaks in
high terms of PINNEY's 5th Wisconsin Bat
terry, attached to his brigade, and the part
taken by it in the Murtreesboro battles.
On the 26th of December the battery
drove the enemy from Nolansville, and
subsequently opened with all its guns, at
short range, on the enemy in strong posi-.
ton beyond that village, and with the as
sistance of Posi- and OARLAN's infantry
drove them again. AS to its part in the
action of the 31st and subsequently, we
take the following extracts from the re.
port:
Capt. Pinney, who had taken a good position in
a cornfeld, opened upon the advancing line OF the
enemy with all his guns, and, when they came
within range of his canister and the fire of the
supporting regiments, the execution great
that the entire line recoiled before it, but after
| temporary confusion, the men rallied and lay
down.
The enemy opened a battery from the hill, and
advanced second line.
Capt. Pinney's guns splenddly handled,
and great credit is due Lieutenants Humphreys,
Gardner and Mcknight, and the men generally, for
their promptness and skill. No shots were wasted
over the heads of the enemy For about thirty
minutes this fierce contest continued, while the
enemy on our right had advanced as to again
endanger our rear, and ordered a withdrawal.
Capt. Pinney was dangerously, If not mortally,
wounded. He fell, and lett upon the spot
where he executed his most gallant de eds
Eighteen of the battery horses disabled,
and one gun, in consequence, could not be brought
off. One Parrot gun had hut two (wounded) horses
before it. ordered the 59th Illinois Regiment to
drag the guns to the rear. AS the battery cached
the Nashville pike, 1t was charged upon by cavalry
and partially captured; but they quickly driv-
en- away by the 4th Regular Cavalry, and crossing
Overalls Creek, it took position under direction
OF Lieut. Hall, on hill to the right of the Nash
vile Pike, from which it repeatedly shelled and
drove back the enemy's cavalry endeayoring to
take possession of the road.
The next morning L was ordered to occupy tie
open fields to the left of the pike. where I caused
breastWcrk to be thrown up, the battery being in
position to enfilade enemy's lines attempting
. an attack The enemy opened a battery upon us:
but, after few we'll directed shells from Pinney's
Parrot guns, IL ceased firing.
Throughout the series of engagements the seye-
raj regime u tai commanders displayed great perss-
tence and resolution, and everywhere encouraged
their men. Too much praise cannot be awarded 10
the da un tless and skiful Captain Pinney, whose
Characteristic conduct elected compliment even
from his foes.
The following is report of the losses
OF the battery:
Private Chas. Adair, killed; Capt. o. F. Pinney,
wounded severely in thigh; Serg't Elijah Booth
wounded slightly in thigh; privates David WetIey,
wounded severely in back Josiah G. Forbes,
nded in head and arm; Michael Ward, wounded
slightly N side; Martin Campbell, wounded severe
ly in side; Jno. G. Thomas, missing; VIM. Weltey,
do; Chas. A. South, do; Jas. Stewart, do: VIM.
Dunn, prisoner; Jno. G. Smith, do
Total in killed, wounded and missing, 49,