The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1864-01-15

forward, as though they were going on dress
j perade; the killed and wounded falling thicl
and fast on all sides-but not a man wavered, o
turned back. Every man seemed determined
to go to the top of the Ridge, or die in the at
tempt, Just 55 minutes from the time we lef
"Bald Knob hill we had taken the day be
fore, at the point Of the bayonet, our flag wat
planted on the enemys works at the top of the
Ridge. having charged across valley nearly o
mile wide. Over 40 pieces Of artillery fell into
the hands of our division alone. As we neared
their works, the rebs came over to us by hun
drods; and the few that were left, fed over the
Ridge, and made themselves "scarce."
Iwould here say, our lines, including Hooker
on the right; Granger on the right center; How
ard on our left center, and Shearman on our left,
were, at the lowest calculation, six miles long
Early in the morning, Shearman had been re-
pulsed. Generals Grant, Thomas and Granger,
who had taken position on "Bald Knob,,' could
see the rebels moving column after column to
their right, and in front Shearman--then it was
that something must be done, orders were Civ
en- to take the rifie-pis at the foot Of the Ridge
This it was thought, would draw a sufficient
force back from Shearman's 'front.' to enable him
to get possession of the Ridge, and 80 it proved.
But when the column reached the first line Of
works at the foot of the Ridge, they found it
was no place to stop-they must either fall back
or go ahead. FORWARD Came from thous-
and tongues-the men leaped the works, and
pushed on to the Ridge, and up its steep sides
in the face of such shower of grape and canis-
ter and musket balls, as were never before
thrown into storming party. The rebels were
so confident that we could not get up, they did
not attempt to get their artillery away until it
was too late The best of all was, we turned
the guns on the retreating columns and made the
prisoners load and fire them. This was declared
by all the Geuerals present, to be the best fight
ing they had ever seen.
The result OF the days work was 60 pieces of
artillery, two or three thousand prisoners, and
several hundred stand of small arms.
The casualties in my Company, was two
wounded--Oscar Davis, severely in the arm;
Henry G. Nagle, slnghty in the leg. The loss
in the regiment, was quite severe.
The second day after this battle, two divisions
of our corps al Woods and Sheriian's, were
ordered to Knoxville; also, Shearman's corTs, to
relieve Burnside; and none too soon did we
reach him, for he had been besieged for 81 days,
and his rations were getting short.
Longstreet had made one assault on the works
and was repulsed with heavy loss, but was ma
king preparations for another at weaker point
when he learned Of our approach, he left and
moved up the RIVER, pursued by Burnsides for
ces, slowly contesting the ground, till he reach
ed Strawberry Plains, sorne l8 or 20 miles from
Knoxville, here he made stand and drove
Burnside's forces back a short distance.
The two Divisions of our corps were ordered
up from Knoxville, to their assistance, (Sher
mans command having returned toward Chat
tanooga)
This was one week ago yesterday. Our Bri-
gade halted in the rear, and here we are yet,
not having been nearer the front than or 6
miles. Different rumors prevail in camp, yes
terday it was reported that Longstreet was ma
king OH effort to get back to Bragg, on the op-
posite side of the River and this morning Can
onading was heard on our right, in the direc-
ton of his forces, what it was we have not learn
ed. When we left Chattanooga the men were
greatly in need Of Clothing and shoes, and a
march of one hundred and fifty miles, has left
a great many almost barefooted. Since we came
up here we have drawn pants and shoes enough
to make the men comfortable. The weather is
very cold.
We are in the mountains, have foraged for q
living since leaving Chattanooga. Supplies
are now beginning to reach us. We have only
received one mail since we left, and in that
was surprised with two "Pioneers' which are
always welcome vsites in camp, from them we
learned that the Soldiers vote had not laen coun-
ted by his lordship Chief Justice Berry. Well
my friend will not repeat the several express
sions eminatng from the boys on residing your
paper, (as you are religiously inclned,) for it
would shock your modesty. Suffice it to say, il
the boys in the field, who have been fighting
for the last two years and half to sustaian this
Government could have their way, hell heat
ed seven times hotter, would be too good place
for such miserable hell deserving, God forsaker
scoundrels as compose that Court day Of reck
oning is fast approaching when they will call on
the rocks and Hills to hide them from the pres
ence of an outraging Soldier. Before leaving
Chattanooga, had the pleasure of meeting Maj
Robbins, Capt. Miller, Capt, Robbins, Lieut.
Wormley Lieut.. Bowsher and many OF the boy'
of the 55th they were looking well. Well
have written long rumbling letter, if you con
slider it worth your time, read tiff not, cast j
into the fire.
The boys of Co, D, are all well at present,m1
kindest regards to all inquiring friends.