The Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1863-1886, 1863-10-22

believe the left bearing toward the
town Of Chattanooga. In front was a
large range of mountains occupied by
the enemy, and the space between the
two armies was intcrspersed with
woods and cornfelds, the former be-
ing largely in excess, thus giving the
enemy opportunities of massing large
quantities of troops and hurting them
upon our lines before we were we'll a.
ware Of their proximity. In the rear
loomed up the almost impossible sides
of""Lookout Mountain The situa-
ton occupied by our men was pronoun
ced by military mon to be good line
Of defense, but to one of timid Views, it
looked like very bad one for re-
treat. f.. h.'..|.. ....,..
On Friday evening, the 18th of Sep
tember, heavy and long continued flr-
ing was heard on our left, and in front
of Gen. Crittenden's corps. This gave
very conclusive evidence ofthe correct
ness Of the opinions entertained by
many that the enemy would seek to
turn our left flank, and possess them
selves of Chattanooga. About dusk,
therefore, our trains were ordered to
the rear, and in the direction of Chat
tanooga, and the division, with all its
available force moved in the direction
occupied by Gen, Crittenden's com
mand. In making a movement of
troops, it was almost essential that it
should be done at night, as the dust
was so heavy that the direction of ev-
cry column was thus plainly indicated
to the enemy. ..H
The brigade to which the 18th Ohio
was attached was commanded by Col.
Connell, and after marching all Friday
night, halted Saturday morning early
for the purpose of preparing break
fast. The meal being hurriedly par.
taken Of the troops were moved and
formed to the support of the other two
brigades who were in line. But very
short time elapsed before heavy slSir.
mishing commenced and both the re.
naming brigades were engaged with
the enemy, while the 18th, together
with another regiment and the battery
moved up towards the third Brigade
for the purpose of supporting them
our regiment, the 31st Ohio, being lef
behind, Col. Vandevier, who com
mands the third Brigade, placed the
18th on the right of the 9th Ohio. NJ
sooner had they gained their position
befor a charge was ordered, and Fair
field boys, with the pest regiment o
soldiers Cincinnati has furnished haC
the honor ofassisting in the re-captur(
of battery which the Regular brig
ade had lost in their hasty and precip
itate retreat. The battery was takel
without the firing of gun, or the los
of a single man. The enemy chargcC
forward after the boys, but were re
pulsed by grape and musketry. Th'
worst Of the battle here being passed
the regiment having rejoined thei
command, moved up to support Gen
Palmer's division. Night coming on
the boys .(the whole brigade havin!
been united) prepared to take sucl
rest as they could secure, but wer
again ordered out, and changed thei
position so that when halted for tn
night they were in front Of Gen, Neg
ley's division.
Although the regiment was not il
much of the fight on the 10Th, yet yol
must understand the position they oc
cupied was no easy one, being in re
serve, they were constantly in soun'
of the whole of the battle, which lasto,
from early ir the morning until late a
) night. The incessant demand for thci
services for supporting the remaining
brigades Of the division, kept them o.
the move, at double-quick most of tn
time; and when night came they coul
, not help feeling grateful for the caus
J which procured them rest from thei
! labors The battle of Saturday result
= ed in no advantage to the enemy-ou
| boys had withstood the storm bravely
and night found them occupying vcr
: near the same position they had take
= in the morning. The number of pris
: oners taken was largely in our favo,
l and thus jubilant night drew her mar
: tie over the scene of carnage an
Q blood. Longstreets corps, which nun
f bers most ofthe Georgians in its ranks
), with their entire strength had bee
s hurled upon the Sd Division, and fc
Y four hours, amid the heaviest fiji
i known, alone and unaided this gallar
a command held the flower of the reb'
: army at bay. Never in the annals {