Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1863-01-13

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is CALAMITY defended, the task Of taking it
is no easy one. Col. Carlin turns around
with his usual GOODNESS and firmness and
gives his orders. "Lt. Col. Mckee YOU
will take command of the line of skirmish-
els aud advance them rapidly" A single
Eyes sir" and know where my post is and
go to it. The skirmishers are deployed
aud pushed rapidly as possible to the front.
They are one company each from the 2lst
and 36th ILL.,, 18th Wis.,, and lOlst Ohio
Vols. These regiments together with the
I'd Minnesota Battery constitute the brig
AIDE All are pushed rapidly forward.
Three Of the regiments are at times pretty
well covered by The formation Of the
ground; the 3Sth Ill. are most terribly ex-
posed.
The enemies, batteries are opened upon
US, and shell succeeds shell with most fear
full rapidity. On, on, onward plod the al
most exhausted Second Rrigadel Moth
ing halts them. The iron hail plunges
through thin lines, over them and in front
of them. Through cornfelds ard woods,
up and down hills they pursue the march
to the very lannon's mouth. The skirmish-
ers are near enough to open fire which they
do in good style as they advance.
The rebels now use "cannisrer" on us.
A moment more and the whole brigade
open fire on the heads of the skirmishers
who have advanced into the ravine in front
ofthe rebel guns-"Double quick" is order
ed-the men can't get up trot, but they
get up most frightfu veil. The rebels
Timber up to the war as fast as possible,
but there is one piece they cannot, dare not
attempt TO take off: Firing ceases almost,
and your humble servant had the honor of
being the first man at the gun, good six
FOUNDER of the 14th Georgia Battery, and
which had been captured from our forces
at Shiloh. We got three prisoners with it.
Our loss on this charge was but eleven m n
in the whole brigade. Our good luck can
be attributable to nothing else than the bad
management Of the gunners. Had they
fought with half the gsllantry with which
our men advanced upon them, and stood
their ground as soldiers should have done
the slaughter must have beeen fright
full. Their musketry fire, (from dismount
ed cavalry lasted but moment or two.
Our poirt was carried and after following
abouta half mile further we were permit
ted TO rest. Post did not support Carlin
as was expected, aud did not come up
until after the fight was over Pinney's
battery took position and did good work.
We have no idea Of their strength, but
it was reported at $4,000. donot think
il was more than one half that number
They carried off n'nnbsr Of killed and
wounded, and left some few in the houses
ia the neighborhood. That sight Of tie
advancing brigade and the re5els defending
was most grand, and worth the services Of
any man for one year to have Witnessed.
The / 5th Wis claim the honor ofthe cap
ture Of the field piece. Col. Heg and my
self were the first TO take possession of it
and placed the guard over it. Yesterday
the rebels were followed up and d-iven-
through Triune, and one more piece o. anil
lery captured. If the Cumberland river
would now rise | have no doubt but we
can keep Bragg busy, and get futher into
Dixie than we have yet been. Yesterday
we heard heavy firing in the direction Of
Sasory ton the Nashville d Muifrssboro
turnplke) but don't know what the result
was. On to Chottowago, is the word. II
we can get provisions to the army we viii
soon be there. Yours truly,
D. MCKEE.