Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1864-11-02
From The I25th Regt. o. v. L
CHATTANOOGA, TENN,
Oct. Sth, 1864.

DEAR CHRONICLE One year ago our
Regiment was encamped on the same
ground that it has been occupying for the
last few days. We had then fallen back
from the bloody field of Chickamauga,
and entrenched ourselves as best we
could on the brow OF hill, which posi-
ton we continued to strengthen until in
due time it became formidable work,
and was named Fort Wood, in honor of
General Wood, who then commanded our
division. 1t has since been changed TO
Fort Creighton, in memory of the com
mander of the old Seventh Ohio. Here
with an almost empty commissary, with
out railroad communication with the base
of our supplies, nothing in fact but long
wagon road leading over the Cumberland
mountains, which was almost impossible
on account Of the deep mud with the ex-
ultant foe looking down from Mission
Ridge and Lookout mountain. watching
our every movement and threatening our
only line of supplies, with every thing to
discourage and nothing to encourage
We patiently watched and waited, with
out blankets or sufficient clothing and
almost without food, through the cold
stormy days of autumn until the invinei-
BILE Grant came to our relief, and saved an
army and with it Chattanooga. Such
was our position one year ago How can
we then but rejoice when We return af-
ter nearly a years absence and find the
then almost deserted town filed with i'm
mense warehouses and workshops, great
bridge over the Tennessee, in fact every
thing so changed that it is hard to real
ize that this is really the town we left a
little while ago. What change! The
crest Of Mission Ridge is no longer lined
with rebel cannon. nor on the lofty Look
out do we find an insolent foe. Our COM
missaries are full to overhowing and the
daily trains from the north, with the
steamboats, on the river supply US with
all the necessaries of life, besides many
of the luxuries of home. Yes, there is
abundant cause to rejoice at what we see
here, but when we look out side and be-
yond, and see what the last year has ac-
complished towards ending this terrible
struggle, we thank God and take courage,
for the end surely draweth nigh. We
have pierced the heart of Georgia, We
have wrested the Gate City from their
grasp, and we will hold it. Our force is
sufficient to protect the road from mate
rial injury until we have some six months
supplies at Atlanta, then Sherman can
f"Cut loose" and establish new base at
some point on the southern coast.
This afternoon our regiment marched
out to Lee and Gordon's mills, on the old
field of Chickamauga, to look after Mr..
Hood and his rebel soldiers who have
come way up here to destroy our railroad
and force us out of Atlanta. Thus far it
has been a complete failure, and from
what we see and learn of the prisoners
who were brought in to-day, their case is
now desperate. Colonel opdyeke com
mands our brigade and has the entire
confidence of all with whom he has To do.
His temperate habits and soldieriy bear
ling, on all occasions, does not fail to at
tract the attention of those who admire
such qualitiesin a soldier. Captain Noses is
still at the hospital; his wound gains but
slowly. Hopes to start home soon. Lieut.
IR. C. Rice, commands Co. B, now, and is
well liked by all Capt. Bates commands
the regiment. He is very worthy OH
Ger, and deserves leaf. Captain Pow
srs is Adjutant General on Col. Opdycke'i
staff. There has been several change:
since we were here one year ago; the Sac
changes, are those which death has made
We mourn the loss of the noble Burn
ham, of Kinsman, and Dilly of Rowland
Others have received wounds which hay'
; rendered them unfit for services, and thi
reminds me that yep have taken our ole
Captain and made him Probate Judge o
| Trumbull Co. Our Com. polled 80 vote
and all were Union. s---
Our Pay-master has arrived ana w
: shall soon be paid.
-J rD - Yours, W.