Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1864-08-13
Fran the Tweuty-seeoud Regiment.

From the Twenty-see0nd Regiment.
Its Part in tie Battle Before Aaanta-Hop Il
Won Honor at the Front-Praises of Officers
High IN CommGnd-MentiOn of Other WIS
cOnsa Regiments.
HEADo'Rs % BRIG. 3D DIV, 20 A. G.
THREE MILES FROM ATLANTA, July Fl.
EDIToRs STATE JOURNAL: Yesterday there
was a general advance of the whole army
The Sd Division, goth Corps, crossed Peach
Tree Creek-a deep, narrow and muddy
branch running nearly east and west-at
o'clock. Gems. Geary's and Williams divisions
having crossed the day before. The Sd
Brigade formed on the left and joined the
4th Corps, the 26th Wisconsin being next 10
and on our left.
The 22d Wisconsin was ordered on Skin
mish and advanced across an open field which
was divided by a deep rayine forming two
parts or hills with the ground sloping toward
the rayine gradually. The rebels gave signs
of uneasiness and soon advanced to the edge
of the wood that bordered the field, and half
mile distant Our line of battle was yet
behind the high ground where it had first
formed, when the word came that the rebels
were advancing. The 22d Wisconsin held its
line, skirmishing with the advancing foe.
A critical moment had arrived. Our flank
was in danger, and could the rebels have
broken our line here, our whole force would
have suffered awfully, as an impossible creek
was behind US and no woods to shelter our
retreat. The 22d was now pressed so hard
that they could hold out but a short time.
The left of their line was already fanked.
The order came to advance. Quickly and ST.
lently the division moved forward, onward
and upward until the crest of the first hill
was reached by the I'd Brigade in the ad-
vance of the 1st and Sd. The 22d fell back
and formed in the line. The rebs came on
ca nlaSse. Our batteries on the right and left
opened and followed by the roar of musketry
told the beholder that heavy work was being
done.
The engagement was for a time doubtful.
Geary was pressed back The 1st Division
of the 4th Corps was driven behind its third
line. In our front it was raging. Now our
men fell back to the ravine, having advanced
once beyond, driving the rebels, who were
reinforced by another line, and came up on
double quick. Once in the ravine, our cen
ter was protected from their fury, while the
battery on our right and also the one on our
left moved them down. On they came DOWN
the slope, when our men received them as
soldiers do. Like grain before the reaper
they fell, filling the road and covering the
hillside They WAIVER, then rally and fire.
Our line then advances and drives them back
nearly half mile and holds them there.
Ammunition was brought up, as our second
, line had now but fifteen rounds to the man.
The guns were 50 lot that sag many wiM
their hands UiSteled by handling them. Had
the rebels reinforced come upon us, they
could have driven US back. But so severely
had we punished them that they gave it up.
Our line advanced and captured their
wounded.
Three hundred of their killed lay upon our
ground and from 10 to 100 wounded, all Sc
verely, we're brought in and laid beneath
some shade trees to wait their turn for trans
pOrtation to our filled hospitals. Our men
wese cared for first. The I'd Brigade cap
tured 200 prisoners, and | am told that a
great many were captured by the other brig
AIDES of this and other divisions.
just at dusk, when the fighting was still
heavy, Gen. Sherman sent word that Scho-
field and McPherson's armies had got to with
in two miles of Atlanta in the rebel rear.
When this news was announced, shout arose
that was distinctly heard above the din of
battle.
At 9 O'Clock the firing ceased and the
wounded heroes were cared for
Gen. Hooker compliments Gen. Ward for
the conduct of his division, and Col. Coburn
ade. Gen. Hooker, after learning what the
22d Wisconsin had done, praised its conduct
and said that no regiment ever did better,
and that Col. BlOodgood was deserving of
great credit for his persistency in holding his
line so long. And he deserved it in behalf
of the brave regiment he commands.
Our regiment is quite small now, only about
$50 men for duty.
The rebels lost several field officers, and
the report is current that Gen. Hood was
killed. Our men have been busy all day
burying the rebel dead. Their loss is esti-
mated at %, 600 killed and wounded in the
engagement.
Our "a brigade lost POI men killed and
wounded.
The 26th Wisconsin lost severely and fought
well.
The Sd Wisconsin was not engaged.
The 3lst Wisconsin arrived here this morn
ing in good health, and is assigned to the Sd
brigade. lst division.
There is some skirmishing on the lines to-
day, but no heavy firing. The 18th corps on
our right was not engaged much Yesterday,
but there is an indication of fight there as
/ write.
Our wounded are all well cared for
Our lines are strengthened and we propose
to whip out Mr.. Johnnies.
Yours in haste, FAIRPLAY.