, 1863-10-07

TIE RESERVE CORPS.
Correspondence Chicago Ttlhuns,l
EANr hrrAn GHA III Non.dA

tlQuE. BOD.
TIE RESERVE CORPS.
Correspondence Chicago Ttlbnna.l
CANT NEAR CHArTANoodA,l
September 81. 1858. {
1wiu take the first opportunity h.ye since
the recent battle, and write you few liuesin
regard to the doipgs of the lat Brigade, 1st
Diyision, Reserve Corps. Friday evening,
Sept. 18th, We we're ordered from Rossyil1e,
and went out to feel Of the enemy On the
Chickamauga, nearly west Of Rossville. We
had only advanced two aud half or three
miles, in q westerly direction, when, just IS
we we're crossing Vine Greek, Gen. Whitaker.
who commands the brigade, and his staff we're
fired On by the enemy In ambush. Company
D, 96th Illinois, were sent out as skirmishers,
and had one man Killed as he WAS cro7sinq the
road By the LETT. Some sharp skirmisaing
from both sides, with but little loss. j. eaded
the days work, as night come on.
On Saturday, the 18th, the 40th Ohio and
the 64th Indiana were ordered to take posi-
tion in the thick woods between Vine Greek
and the Chlekamaugo. Quite severe contest
here aroEe between the rebels, well protected
nature Of the ground and the density Of the
brush our loss WIS light, but toward night
Capt. G. E. Rowen, A. @. H., Was cent for.
ward to see how matters were progressing,
and never returned, and Ia supposed to be
captured or killed. Our force was Withdrawn
ready for the next days work. We fought
that day with our brigade, consisting Of the !.
Goth illinois, 115th Illinois, S4th Indiana and
10th Ohio, together with the ed Michigan and
29th Ohio, some 1000 rebels. During the
night Gen. Granger, with I'd brigade st divi-
sion reserved corps, came up to our support.
were ordered not to advance, We remained in.
readiness for anything occurring. About noon
ne we're ordered to the support Of Thomas
corps, which mas being badly pressed. We
went on the double quick part Of the time,
and although shelled By the rebels, pressed on
brought us 10 the scene Of action. W We we're we're
instantly cent to help Thomas. Most Of us
were new soldiers never tried before, but all
went forward With enthusiasm. We charged
and took hill, driving the rebels in gallant
style. After short rest we charged again up
q steep hill and terrible battle ensued. I
Nill not attempt to give deseription bat VIII
ter than can the obstinate struggle. We
were opposed by three or four times our
numbers, but neyer WaYcred for q moment,
Lieut. Col. j. II. Clarke Of the 46th, was
shot through the lungs, aud died on Tuesday.
Lleuts tU1s A1uIuuf u lu6 11lLA 4uln0l8, WAS
killed; Gen. Whitaker was wounded seyeraly;
Capt: s. B. Espy, A. G. s. Act. 4. D. c., was
killed; Lieut.. J. Mason, 4. D. c., WAS Killed;
Lieut.. ]. II. Moore, 4. A. G., was yery
severely wounded, but will live; Lieut..
Haman, Provost Marshal, wounded. and not
heard Of yet; Capt. James Allen, Inspector
General, badly wounded Lieut.. G. y. Pc
poors, A. D. G., was the only one out.of seven
On the staff who escaped. Thus you see that
Ger. Whitaker, and six out Of seven Of his
staff, were killed or wounded, loss unpar-
alleled, believe, in the history of the war.
When all acted nobly, do not feel like
naming one above another. But ]. will say
that Gen. Whitaker, although knocked off his
horse, did not leave the field, but soon re-
mounted and remained on the ground until
night, that Col. Champion cf the 58thha one
horse killed under him, aud most ga1lantly
led his regiment during the awful conflict !;
that Col. Moore Of the 115th, did his whole
duty. The loss of the brigade WAS between
600 and 700 in Killed, wounded and missing,
but tew missing.
81 publishing this, you mill ob1ige many,
and receive the thanks Of numerous anxious
friends at home. We all feel cheerful of the
final result, and are ready TO do a1l that is re-
quired Of us in the future. G,