The Weekly Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, O. [Ohio]) 1861-1???, 1863-02-04
tCOuespCndsueO Of the Perpsbprg Journsl.i
Letter ffOm the 2lst Ohio Regiment,
The Gn,,nntry OF that Regiment.
MERITED TRIBUTE TO THE BRAVE
SONS OF WOOD COUNTY. .'' 'I
MUSFRSEsBoRo Tenn,

Cumb srland The army is encamped around tn
town, recruiting ffum the ssvere exposure of tina
long and bloody fghi; made more severe by beu,
deprived OF teuts, blankets and Ere most of In
time, for Ten days. thus without aud shelter, expose
to the cold and dreuching rains.
The army at large is again in fighting order; an,
in excellent spirits considering all things, an,
ready 10 move at the call Of their beloved comman
der, whenever he shall sec at to 60 forward
Almost every building in town is filled will
wounded-Federals and rebels consisting 6f GU
wounded, who fell into their hands ON Wednesday
and theirs, too severely wounded to be moved
Among the rebels are three cases of amputation
to one among the Federals; their severely wouudc,
far exceeds ours. A great many have died frou
their wounds, but the per centage is greatly in ou
favor Yet their wounded have been in charge O
rebel surgeons, and nurses left by Bragg in hi,
flight. ! have seen nearly all the wounded in tn,
various hospitals, and will say that ours are geucr
ally doing WE'LL and are as well cared for as can b,
expected. Itis safe to say that3j per cent of IN,
number reported wounded, will Join their rcgi
mentS, and be able to do duty, by the first of Feb
ruary. All who could be moved, have been scut tc
Nashville.
The 2lst is here, over COO strong, and in good
spirits. They suffered severely, losing about IA,
killed and wounded, and 20 prisoners Thirty werC
killed, or have died from their wounds, aud prob.
ably more will be added to the number. The regi
ment was in the hardest fighting Of Wednesday
their Division, the sth. being reserve was ordered
to the right.
After MoCookS line was turned Negley and Rcs
seau with less than 10 OOO mon engaged, received
the 10000 rebels that were hurled against them
But they fought them like tigers, until they were
| ankcd when Ruscc- ms ordered them to fall back
and form new line. This mancuvcr was coollycx
ccutcd under a murderous fire, without any iudi-
cations of q panic, the men being perfectly under
control Of their officers. The open ground reached
the artillery unlimbercd and opened the infantry
faced about and stood their ground to man resolved
10 there check the exutant rebels or die They
poured forth in long dense masses and charged to
within 200 yards of the guns, when the terrible
fire of artillery. aud infantry, brought them to
stand in confusion they sought shelter in the dense
cedars, not choosing TO again renew the fight. The
day was saved, and Rosacrans once more breathcd
free. II had been trying, critical epoch in the
life of the veteran, but he felt that the sad reverse
Of the morning, had in measure been retrieved
He rode among his troops, who loudly chcercN him:
complimented them for their bravery, and declared
they had won she day. 1t had cost US dearly, for
during the day we left 600 Of our dead, and 1000
wounded in the Snemy IS hands 81 peces Of artillery
and 5000 prisoners.
On Friday the sth Division was again ordered
to the front the extreme left the support of the
left wing, part Of which had eros sed the river and
ana al thp hnvp nm, T., IA, 6n1
Van Cleve's Division. overpdwored bv numbers
flying in disorder from the field. followed by the
rebels. Ncsley formed line of battle ordered
his III N to lay down and let Van Clevc's men pass
over theal. followed closely by the rebels, some Of
which had crossed the river. 1t was a fearful mo-
nfen:, and OF which would try even the bravery
Of veterans. i',,' the gallant 9Th did not falter.
The ground clear front, they raised, and with de-
libcrate aim poured in murderous tire, which
checked the rebels, while our men advanced to the
river bank firing voley after yollcy and succeeded
in throwing the enlmy into confusion.
Then it was they went in with a vengeance. They
saw they must nghl, or Iosecrans whipped.
The order was given 10 fix bayoncts and charge.
twas desperate undertaking, and a critical mo-
ment. Theriver, fifty yards wide, was before them
army; their artillery was placed to command the
field. With a wild shout they plunged into the
river, and went over, the 2lst Ohio and 10Th llli
nois leading the advance. They met the contend.
rg kess on the other bank with yes and the bay
Onet; they rushed upon them, determined to drive
them back, or lay down their lives in the attempt.
They won, for the rebels could not stand the terri
Bile charge, and weut flying from the woods. across
a corn-fi,ld, over and beyond their entrpnchmantS,
closely followed by our troops, who captured five
pieces Of artillery, and held their cntrenchments.
1t was then dusk apd our troops formed in line of
battle and rested on their arms in cold and
drenching rain. Two hours more daylight, and
Murlreesboro would have been ours. Rosecrans
then declared the battle won, beyond doubt; though
a severe fight took place Saturday night after dark
in which Bosseau punished the euemy severely.
Sunday was spent in burying The dead, and Mon
day the gallant Nrglcy led the advance infantry
into the town.
The rebel troops fought us under great advan-
tages, as they were able to mass their whole foTce
and shift from point to point, under of advan-
tageous grounds and dense cedars that lay in our
front, or the right, and center. They were well
armed and equipped, well supplied with ammuni-
ton and of better quality than ours generally.
Much of their ammunition was Of English manu-
facture, as also their guns, and they fought with
high hopes of driving our army beyond Nashville
leaving lhelR the city for winter quarters. But
vain hopes, they have long ago vanished, and this
bloody field is the last restng-placc of many
brave rebel, as well many gallant friends.
intend only to hastily speak of the 2ist and the
Sth Division. Others are not without their valor
Gus deeds. Rosecrans' official report will speak of
ali
The 2lst has been severely tIiea, and has won
laures that it is to be hoped it will ever maintain
MI will feel proud of its we-earued reputation for
hard fighting, cooness and bravery in the battle
of Stone River. Veterans, from the bloody field
of Shiloh say this far exceeded that for hard fight
iES. Col. seiblng, by coolness, bravery and mas
terly determination has won proud position in the
hearts Of all under his command. Everywhere in
the midst Of the fight, cheering and encouraging
his men 10 deeds of noble daring, his tall form a
conspicuous mark for the enemy, he escaped unhurt.
Lieut.. Col. Stoughton and MajOrw alker, for their
cOOlness and valuable services, are worthy Of the
highest praise.
Captain Caton bravely bore tho banner of the
regiment across the river on Friday night, amid a
shower OF ball.. and escaped unhurt.
Captain McMahan, Captain Alban, Captain Can
field, Captain yantne, and every other officer en-
gagged in the fight, displayed great coOlness and
bravery, and are worthy their positions in the
army.
cannot speak too highly of the gallantry and
bravery of the men under the trying circumstances
which they fought. and the fact is obvious % all