Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-12-16
WHOLE NO. 2462.
From the I2Sth O. vi.
CHATTANoooA, TsSNEsszE,
Nov % 1880.


Eds. Chronicls:-I have delayed writing
until now, that might be enabled to fus-
nish an accurate lat of the killed and
wounded in the two companies from Trum.
bull County; also the full particulars con-
cerning the part our regiment took In the
late battle. We have won a great victory,
and can think nor talk of nothing else
Even the wounded soldier forgets
for the moment, his suferings, while be
coatemplates the great work hshss. with
his fellow soldiers. accomplished. Let me
briefly give you general idea Of the po-
sition of our forces prior to the engage
ment, and then refer more particularly to
our regiment. t.z
Lookout Mountain is three miles from
town, next the river, and terminates IN
bluff 500 feet high, and has been occupied
BY the rebels since the battle Of Chicks
mauga. 1t commanded both the ersilrosd.
and the river; thus we were prevented
from getting our supplies through this
channel. and as the roads had became
impossible, something must be done, or
our army would soon be in starving con
dition. Gen. Hooker was on our right
below Lookout Mountain. Gen. Granger
in the center, and in front Of fChattanoogA
while Gen. Sherman, on the north side
of the river, was on the left On the. Esd
inst, at II P NJ, our center moved out
one mile, and drove the rebel pickets
from their position, On the 24th We ad-
vanced still fe:ther, while our batteries
took an active part in the engagement--
At the same time Hooker stormed, and
calamity carried the works on Lookout
Mountain. The musketry firing was kept
up until II o'clock at night We have
taken 1000 prisoners, with a loss to our
selves of $50 killed and wounded While
this battle was occupying the attention Of
the enemy, Gen Sherman hastily threw
a pontoon bridge across the river, seven
miles above, and crossed his whole force,
thus getting in the rear Of the right wing
of Bragg's army. Thus on the sveningof
the Path, Gen Hooker had taken Look
out Mountain, Gen Hazen's brigade hsd
captured regiment of AIabsmisns. while
Gen. Sherman waited for the order 20 at
tack the eneny's flank nor had be long
to wait, for on the 25th day. which viii
ever be memorable in the history of the
rebellion, the order was received 10 attack
; the enemy but the position was too
strong, aand We were repulsed twice, with
considerable loss. While this attsck-wAs
being made, our center again advanced.
and took some riAe-pits near the bass of
Missionary Ridge This Ridge is three
miles from town. and is in full view fo<
several miles- Bragg's Headquarters waI
located there, directly in front Of our
brigade, as it then stood at the foot Of the
Mountain, in line of battle. The center
was ordered to advance up that Ridge.
and take some riAe-pits, and there rest
until further orders. They obeyed the
order, so far IS taking tAs riAe-pits was
concerned, but they i'd not atop beTs fsr or
J ders. They charged right up the steep
Mountain side. right up 10 the very
mouths of the rebel guns SIsndiBg a.
Fort Wood We could see the whole thing.
A more grand or sublime sight has never
been presented 10 view. since the war Be
gan. The long line OF soldiers. with the
colors of each regiment floating 10 the
breeze, can be seen toiling slowly, but
steadily, up, up, while from forty pieces
! Of artillery, the enemy reined their shes
and shell into the lines of our brave boys
still they waver not, bat move on, or. to-
wards what seems most certain deEtIue
ton. Our batteries in our rear, thunder
ed forth their missiles of destruction at
the enemy, thus forming roof OF smoke
; and iron hail for our soldiers, Who still
move on and upward; but see the line
has halted; they fall back TO the breast
; works; Gen. Sheridan rides up and says
| That's right. boys; you done jus. right;
you couldn't 60 up there alone" Then,
after they had breathed a few moments.
) the command rings on forward" when
every man springs to his feet and again
presses forward. The psnic-stricken en-
emy throw down their arms, and while
! hundreds escape, many with hands up
! lifted, rush towards our lines and gave
themselves up Col HaTker-the noble
!, commander of our brigEde-siezes hsg.
and in advance Of the rest. Il soon astrtde
: the gun Lady Buckner." shouting.
rally round the flag boys" while enc OF
the soldiers Of our regiment IS soon beside
: him, and begs leave to turn the gun on
] the flying enemy, which he does with
!, good effect. Col. opdycke exhibited his
: accustomed bravery, laughing at the fears
: of some, or with revolverin hand threaten
: ing TO shoot down the coward who sought
TO skulk away to place of safety. Tho
, Colonel commanded demi-brigade. and
am happy TO say that none from our regi-
\ ment were threatened with his revolver.
: 1t was Col Opdycke's command that cap
|, tured Gen. Bragg's headquarters, snd
: : eight pieces of artillery. The Col had
. two horses shot under him, but came cut
: of the conflict unscratehed. We all feel
;, proud of such commander, and will fol
low, or go at his bidding anssOAeTs. Capt.
Bates, of Company c. commanded our
i regiment, which formed part Of Col. OP-
/; dyck's command Capt. B. is brave and
! conscientious man, and highly esteemed
Q by all who know him. That night the
: camp fires of Lookout Mountain, and
Missionary Ridge were kindled by Union
soldiers, and as they gathered round TO
cook their coffee, and eat their hard bread.
and talked over the scenes and incidents
of the day, they grasped each other By
the hand, as friends who have long been
separated. Ah, their days work VIII
= form one of the brightest pages in the
3 history of our country, and will it not
4 hasten the time when all our enemies
I shall be conquered, and We be permitted