The Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1863-1886, 1863-10-08
Established 1926.

then came up and in about five min
utes time we organized the stragglers
into companies. Brigadier General
Brannan supposed we were regiments,
and sent an order for us to double
quick to the top Of the hill, and we
had hardly got to the top. before we
were attacked by division Of Long
streets men, and notwithstanding we
did not know where the balance of the
army were, We determined to hold
that hill, and with those stragglers
after a heavy fight of ! to Z ofan hour,
we repuised them with heavy loss on
their side, and but small on ours. Ia
about 10 minutes they renewed the at
tack, and forced their way to within
30 yards of those gallant boys, when
our line broke and gave way, but by
extraordinary efforts Of the officers.
they rallied. and drove the rebels back
at the point Of the bayonet. Away
went the rebels, in wild confusion down
the hill again, our boys raining bullets
into them with fearful effect.
! Just at this time Col. Vandeviers )
brigade reinforced us. We had scarce
ly got breath before the attack was re-
newcd with determination AID rcso-
luton to carry the point, when to our
! right, General Steadman having come
up, became engaged in most terrific
fight. The 9th Ohio charged in a run
over and down the hill some 30 yards,
, and laid down. At this moment the
muskctry firing was the heaviest, all
: agree, they have heard during the war
Stcadman whipped two sets Of fresh
troops, when the third engaged him
; and his ammunition giving out, lie fell
l back III good order, after fighting ar
/. hour. The rebels were too badly hurt
; to follow him, but at our hill the 9tl
Ohio had to fall back, and our stragglers
again broke, but were rallied again al
a distance Of about 200 wards. II WA.
+ here Isaiah Skinner, Of my company
D was killed, and Solomon Smettels. Sci
t omon Miller, and Thomas Claughcy
, wounded. The boys We're rallied anc
: went back with shout. Five rebel:
J were killed inside ofrnr rude breast
d work Of rails, and fifteen Just as they
n crossed to fly; but they rallied, am
Il stood at distance Of 80 wards, and fol
! one hour longer thus close they fought
u 1t was terrible struggle for the mas
II tery, when just after sundown, on
z. arms proved too much. and the rebel
d retreated in the widest disorder, ou.
6 boys moving thcm down. Who OF
= = that hill did not feel thankful at tha
d moment? The day was ours,-ha,
l. been saved by General Steadman an,
d the stragglers.
= Conspicuous all the two days fight
% ing was General Brennan. Now in tn
- hottest Of the fight where his presenc
J. is needed to inspire the troops wit
Mt fresh courage, ard ifpossible more Ell
We ergy; then he flies to another porto
W where he sees them waver. You coul
hear his fine, commanding voice, stan
70 them, Jeys, re can rhjp Nem Ho'
u heescapcd being killed is a mystery I
ne all. Brennan has no enemy in his D
H. vision to-day. Had the rebels got tn
10 hill we were on, Palmer and Roynold
II would surely be cut off and have bee
III sacrificed, and probably CrittendeI
e; which Brennan knew. No General 0
ls that bloody field came off with mol
ed honor than Brennan.
ri Gen. Thomas was all over, unmove
=. the same Thomas, cool and cain
III Just after dark we started to fall bacI
We not knowing whether the others wei
ct prisoners or not.
~ We came to Rossyille, slept lit
20 without blankets, and commenced
organize in the morning. found IN,
J! selfthe ranking officer ofthe l1th Obi
n | had the colors with 30 men and
ar commissioned officers. We had I
,v idea whether the others were killc
r wounded, prisoners, Or had made the
escape. 1t stillloolIed rather gloom
or We soon learned, however, that Gener
re Ncgley had ordered Col Connell Wi
or his brigade to the rear.
Mt l forgot to say in its proper plaC
ho that Col. Ward fell trying to rally Il
" men the last time they broke on o.
as hill. No one showed more brave,
.ly than he. Col. Connell was cool al
tn always at his place, and receives t
90 encomiums of his superior officers.
- But | must close as l have writ
:, too much already. We are now reat
lie for them again. / am well.
We Yours,
w. J. W. STINCHCOMB,
or