Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1863-07-12

extreme Weariness was forgotten, and when th,
command "charge" was given they moved Of
as though they were we'll rested-charging owe
hills and ravines for over q mile, all this tim,
exposed 10 the enemy's we'll placed batteries
under the scorching rays Of the hot sun, ant
striving to excel each otber--truly showed th,
bravery and gallaniry Of the boys. On arriving
on the bill opposite the Notifications, we were
ordered to halt and rest. Just then General
Lee was severely wounded, and in the evening
we were by you ordered back to the rayine from
which we started on the charge. About one
O'Clock A. M, on the 20tb, received orders
to move forward and occupy a ravine running
in front Of the enemy's works on the LETT -
From that position threw out two companies
as skitmishers to cover my front, keeping up a
brisk fire continually, drawing the attention OF
the enemy while our men were planting a bat.
terry on hill to my right and rear. After we
retired as per your orders TO the old position,
leaving one company as pickets, at the break
Of day on the 2lst We again moved forward to
the position held on the Goth, taking three CON-
panies to cover the left flank and on the front
SkifmlshiDg was unceasiDg during the whole
day, changing companies when nut OF am
munitlon, and guns too hot to handle -
At night we we're ordered TO withdraw to q
position occupied the night bsfore, On the 22i
at dly-break We assumed position ~ on the
day before. At nine O'Clock A. NJ, was Or
dered to form my regiment in double column,
closed In mass, and support the 7th Kentucky
and l18lh Illinois in q charge, at the came
time being informed that O eimuItlneous charge
by the whole army along the whole line would
be made. About ten O'Clock the order to ad-
vance was given, and the column 9Th Ken
lucky IN Sdvance) moved on. When we arrived
at the crest Of the hill above the ravine, ter
rble aud Witherng fire from the enemy met US,
from which the advance suffered greatly. Find
ing that crossing the hill under such q fire
would be destructive while even after crossing
an impossible ravine and Jsttis had to bs con-
fron,ed, and our forces be at the mercy Of tho
enemy, the column was halted and the charge
abandoned. | here received orders to advance
three companies OF my command through O ra
vine to the left and occupy q position close by
one OF the enemy's forts, which did, and the
boys by vigorous and close shooting kept tho
enemy from using his cannon. remained all
night In the ravine. On the 23j, was ordered
back to our frat position, being relieved by
Gen. Hoyey's forces, leaving two companies as
skiTmshers, who were relieved by Gen. Hovey
In the evening Of the sane day. The same eve.
ming received orders to prepare for march to
Black river bridge.
cannot close this report, Colonel, without
expressing my qualification and Just pride at
the gallantry and good behavior OF officers aud
men during the five days OF peril, hardship, and
privations. q
They have my hearty thanks, and richly de-
serve the thanks Of their country for the cheer
tul aud prompt manner with which they per-
formed every duty assigned them. While all
have done 30 well II is useless to psrticularizs
one.
Respectfully, your OBJ. serv't,
(Signed) M. M sPEIGEL,
Colonel l2Oth Regiment o. I.