Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1864-07-06
Correspondence Cincinnati Commereial.l
FROM THE ARMY IN GEORGIA
Heavy Rains-SuccessfuI Operations of
the 23d-A JOhnstOn-s Fifth Lesson
ON Strategy-Their wOrlkS-Deserters-
and what they say-Present Position of
the Rebels
ARMY OF THE ONO, NEAR LOST Noun !
TAIN, GEORGIA, June Is, 1864.

ARMY OF THE ONO, NEAR LOST Noun
TAIN, GEORGIA, June lS, 1864.
The very heavy rains of the llth, 18th,
18th and 18th, prevented operations of
any importance being executed. The
streams were swollen, and the roads one
vast sea of mud. The mules and team
sters were the ones most inconvenienced
by this unreasonable affection. Though
short of rations, and wet clothes were not
by any means agreeable to the men in
their pits, at no time, however, during the
campaign, has the army been better situ-
ated for such q contingency than at pres
ent. This corps is the fartherest from the
depot of supplies, and we are only seven
miles distant, so that on the whole we
may safely say the rains have been more
of an affiiction to the rebels, without tents
or blankets, than to our army better pro-
vided with these equipages, so necessary
to the soldiers comforts. A stroll among
the different camps would have fully
convinced any of your readers that a sol
dier's was not the most agreeable life to
lead. Crowded in their shelter tents, the
wind beating the rain into the open ends,
the water literally washing their beds
from under them, and the mud ankle
deep, made me feel that it was anything
but an enticing life.
The morning of the 18th brought with
it cloudless sky and the sun s heated
rays caused the mud to disappear sudden
ly. The order of the day was demonstra-
tions on the enemy's lines by the right
and left wings of the army at about II,
while the real attack was to be made by
General Thomas at 2 P. NJ. General
HascaPs division, occupying the extreme
right of the army, began operations before
the appointed time. Captain Shields,
with the artillery of the division, began a
vigorous shelling at about 10 o'clock. In
the rebel works, above the works and all
about, the well directed shells flew, caus-
ing great CONSERVATION, and at some parts
of the line a stampede among the chivalry.
While this was taking place in the imme-
diate front, the I'd Brigade, Colonel Bond,
emerged from the extreme right, and
with creditable promptness drove from
the woods, in their front, the enemy's
skirmishers, and with yell brought up
in an open field Immediately in front of
the enemy's works. This was something
unexpected, and with great surprise they
gazed upon this an open demonstration
of our hanking proclivities. Not at all
prepared to give entertainment to so
many intruders they began inspecting
their lines to retreat. Meantime the di-
vision of General Cox, with artillery and
musketry fire gave notice of their inten-
tions, and the cheers from the long line
that moved with banners flying through
the woods and over the fields did not
tend to lessen their fears Before them,
advancing with determined mein, came
hosts of armed men. Behind them lay a
stronger line of works, and suddenly re-
calling their lectures on strategy they
were resolved to leave. Quicker than
their resolutions were formed were they
executed, and off through the woods they
flew. Not all, however, for with white
flags and on the double-quick squads OF
various sizes came into our lines, all seem
ingly delighted with the sudden change
in their condition. The skirmishers oi
General Cox's division rushed into their
works Just as Colonel Bonds troops reach
ed the pits in their front. On they went,
driving the scattered forces into their
main line of works, some half mile dis
tant. All through the woods could be
seen evidences of the splendid artillery
| pIdCllCc vi OdpbdslH DHlCAuo OdbeOiASo'
Prisoners were captured who were stun
ned by the explosion of shells that burst,
as they expressed it, everywhere
General Mercer, commanding the rebel
forces was hastened in his departure by
the explosion of shells about his head
quarters. The lst, Sd and 4th brigades
of General HascalPs division were prompt
ly brought over, and before night they
were in position, in front of the enemy's
works, prepared to resist any counter
movement that might be attempted
The brigades of General Cox's division
took position on the left of General Has.
cal, reaching to the right of Gen. Hooker,
who had his troops near Hard Shell oil
Gilgal Church. At this point the rebel
works changed direction, their left run
ming in the direction of Lost Mountain, q
large fort pierced for nine guns forming
the angle. Here the batteries of General
Hooker were vigorously engaged in shell
ing this formidable work, while Genera
Butterfeld was leading in fine style, hi
gallant troops in an assault on the enemy'i
works. A position of some importance