Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1864-07-30

correspondence Of the state Journal
CAMP NEAR CHATTAHoOcHIE,l
July 9th, 1864.
Since writing on the 10Th of June, the
Sixteenth, as well as the rest of the grand
army, has been actively engaged with the
enemy every day. We are now driving
them across the river.
On the night of the 26th, the Third Divis-
ion was suddenly called up and advanced
about mile to the South, close up to the
enemy's works in front of Marietta At the
same time, the Fifteenth Corps left its place
in the line on our right and marched around
the base of the mountain to the right, join
ing Gen. Hooker, who had been very quietly
making preparations to force back still fur
Their the rebel left.
Taking minute for breakfast at daylight
on the 27th, the division, in two lines, quick
" moved upon the enemy's line of pickets,
who were posted ON a ridge in a rather open
piece of woods, in rifle pits or rail pens,
faced with stone gathered on the face of the
ridge. Their position was very strong, ana
from their concealed cOvertS they poured IN
destructive fire. Our skirmishers engaged
them very briskly, and were followed closely
nv their reserves, who soon secured the
.idge When the line came up, we found in
front a large clearing, slOping from the edge
rising on the opposite side to ridge higher
than the one on which we were posted. Be
yOnd, the thicket again set in, and there, no
doubt, We would find the foe strongly en-
trenched and well supplied with artillery.
The fourth division of our corps on our
right was advancing in line, keeping up a
strong skirmish fire. From commanding pO-
sitions in our rear our artillery was playing
upon the rebels, and they employed all the
time TO annoy US on the advance, although
concealed from their view.
Our skirmishers were well up the ridge on
the opposite side of the field, and soon gain
ed the summit, where they screened them
selves as best they could and opened fire
After some little time spent in inspecting the
line, IL was found that the enemy's works
were more to the left. The LIST and I'd brig
sdes we're therefore moved further to the
left, while the I'd lay in reserve next to the
18th division. Gen. Leggett had been very
actively engaged in making arrangements,
and now commanded the advance. The lines
moved steadily forward until near the crest
IT the ridge, where the balls began to fall
pretty thick, when at the double quick they
crossed the ridge, and scarcely waiting to re-
Div to a CALLING fire which met them, rushed
upon the rebel works, which they carried in
gallant style.
Immediately beyond was another ridge and
another line of works more formidable still,
where were plainly seen the batteries which
were playing upon Us, and also massed forces
of the rebel infantry Our skirmishers were
Immediately pushed forward and ordered to
keep up a heavy fire. Some artillery was
brought up and opened on them at short
range, and every preparation was made to
charge at the same time our line was hid
from their artillery fire.
maneuvering could all be seen from the
rebel signal post on Kenesaw Mountain, and
20 early and active movement in force slight
IL startled Gen. Johnston, and caused him to
mass heavily on his right and leave his left
correspOndingly weak This served Gen.
She-man's purpose well. A little before
noon, Hooker, with three corps at his COM
mand, fell suddenly upon them We had
made OOld dash, been more successful than
was expected, and now the enemy had mass
ed an overwhelming force close upon US and
most likely had discovered our purpose and
weakness, and might rush on and crush Us.
There was long opening in our line be-
tween US and the I'd Division, and this they
could also see from their mountain look
out. Gen. Leggett was awake to the critical
position he occupied. He selected the 10th
to make show of filling the opening, and
made every demonstration of an intention to
continue to advance; moving his force as if
TO gain some advantage in position. He or
dered the 18th to move by the left flank into
a wood, and then back to the rear and along
the brow of the first ridge We occupied IN
the morning to the right. Col. Fairchild,
with admirable tact conducted the regimen
unobserved to the post. He then detached
three companies, deployed them as skirmish-
ers, and advanced them upon the rebel line,
filling I'D our broken line. By making thus a
strong show of fight, Gen. Leggett kept them
from assuming the offensive, and held his po-
sition until night, the attack on their left al
so relieving US somewhat. AT night our
whole force withdrew to our former posi-
ton.
By our charge at that point we no doubt
contributed more to the success of Gen.
Hooker's move, than if we had participated
in the action on the right. The rebels seemed
to have a particular spite at our Division after
this. and pressed our pickets continually
while we remained in their front. They prin-
cipaIly fought Hooker though, endeavOring
10 hold him in check. Toward morning of
the 29th, they made a terrible assault on
him for the purpose of retaking the ground
they had lost on the 9th. They had however,
been closely watched, and made signal fail
ure. In the afternoon Gen. Hooker noticed
some movements that put him on his guard.
When they made the attack he made but lit
tie show of resistance until they we're close
to his entertainments, then poured in deadly
vOlleys in quick succession. They fled pre-
cipitately. He followed them to their works,
capturing 10 cannon.
For two or three days after this, there
was continual cannonading and skirmishing,
This army is well supplied with the most i'm
proved cannon, among which the Rodman
and Parrot guns are deemed the most efii-
cient Handled by skillful artiaerists these
could now shell almost any battery the rebs
had opened, even on the highest point of the
Mountain. There were some signs of evac-
uation. To prevent this and cross the river
ahead of Gen. JonstOn was now the policy
of Gen. Sherman Accordingly on the night
of the Cd of July, the whole left moved from
their position, marched around to the right,
and at night of the Sd, encamped about 20
miles from the starting point. We were too
late however. The rebs had discovered our
movements and evacuated double quick.
On the morning of the Sd, Gen. Thomas
entered Marietta unoppOsed.
The rebels had not, however, all crossed
the river, but fortified on the range of hills
on this side. Our line was formed the night
of the Sd, about Eve miles from the river.
On the morning of the 4th, to celebrate the
day little, the 18th and 31st Illinois we're
ordered out on a reconnaissance. Skirmish-
ers we're thrown out from both regiments, and
we marched in two lines, the 3lst in advance.
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