Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1864-07-23

the breastworks there is the same danger
/ Not ten minutes ago, Edward Harkins, Co.
/ A, was struck while apparently secure be-
hind our breastworks on the second line
| The rebels, worried by our skirmishers, made
/ a show of advance nearly at midnight last
night, and there was hurrying in hot haste,
and swiftly forming in the ranks of war for a
| few moments, when all again became quiet
| 1t was the means of loss to us of Corpl
| Kramer, Co. X, shot severely while putting
i on his knapsack. Our numbers and works
are of kind to make us feel secure, and yet
we are kept constantly vigilant, and when
the picket firing increases, the men look at
once to their arms.
Not having been with the regiment till re-
Gently, since the fight at Resaca, the history
of their part in events is unknown to me-
| The regiment has been constantly in the
| front line, and now hold line of works con-
strueted far in advance of the right or left,
| till day before yesterday, when Geary's di-
vision advanced on the left, in which is the
| Sd Wis, said to be the best skirmish regi-
ment in the whole army.
For a long time on garrison duty, the 22d
knew little of war, but it was their lot to be
| reserved for the hardest and last tremen-
dous campaign of the war. They are now
well drilled in the school of warfare, and in
ured to its hardships, but do not think we
love the whistle of bullets, and do not pray
for peace.
Since leaving Cassville, Ca, May Esd, the
regiment has built twenty-three lines of
breastw orks-three during the same twenty
four hours, and several in close proximity to
the rebel works; and the singular scene was
presented in their last of rebels aud our men
entrenching openly, without exchanging a
Il t.U hon,
eral fusilade took place, with a slight loss of
several wounded on our side.
Rations are abundant and of good quality,
and few pass to the rear besides those struck
by the enemy.
Our Enfelds do good work, and yesterday
several of the enemy fell before our fire
They held us in contempt during the early
part of the day, till the range was gained, and
then there was less standing on the breast
works to load and fire, running in plain sight
and putting up of brush. In fact, they scarce
ly dared show their heads, popping up to fire
and down again. They are good marksmen,
and many balls struck our work, scattering a
shower of dirt.
The State Journal finds general favor even
beyond our regiment, with our partners in the
some brigade, which is unchanged except by
the looping off OF the goth Conn.,, now doing
provost duty at Ackworth Station. The bri-
gade has lost over six hundred in casualties
nearly an entire company of the SD Ind,
being cut down while advancing our lines.
Adjutant Durgan, just passing, speaks of
Rust, of Co. G, just shot in the head, and
away go the bearers with stretchers. G.
Breathwaite, of Co. A, was shot while asleep
behind the works. The balls strike the trees,
and, glancing, do the damage, and no entire
protection can be gained.
The men speak of terrific thunder storm
one night when they lay close to the rebel
lines under a heavy fire of shell, grape and
canister. The blaze ofred fire from the can
non, the varied colors of bursting shells, the
vivid Lightning and instant darkness, the
wounded carried by with blood streaming
from severed arms and legs, all formed a
scene they will never forget.
Considering the exposure, our loss has
been remarkably light, and there seems to be
truth in the saying that fortune favors the
brave" Few prisoners have been taken, and
not man has been taken prisoner Of US
Things are taken very coolly by the men. If
a shot takes effect, the man is quietly carried
off with few words of comment all round.
A dispute sometimes arises as to the direc-
ton taken by ball passing unusually near,
and the involuntary lodging as a stray ball
ShlIls over WITH u AOiSb ike Ine 0lcW Ol u
cat, sometimes occasions laugh, but not
frequently. 1t is too serious matter, as
visitors would find, who would not be likely
to protract their stay.
Any moment an engagement, local or gen
eral, may begin, Our relatives and the State
need not fear that we will fail in the trial
hour. We are pleased that the gallant rem
nant of the old Second has been so honorably
received on their return from the wars, and
ask 10 brighter history than they have won.
Muster rolls nave been sent up and made
out, but pay ill not be given, nor by many
taken, till M tiers have become settled
Should l not get hit, will try to keep you
posted on our movements and losses. We
are &C ing as support to the 1st Brigade of
our Division at present, having built and held
the dvance line, for four days; the Sd Brig
ade composed of Potomac troops, holds the
third line out of danger the Goth Wisconsin
are in this brigade and are dangerous reg
iment to the rebels.
A small army of Wisconsin regiments COM
pose part of Sherman's ldgions and with
our reinforcements come more. Between
Big Shanty, a village so called from the In
dians having built their largest house there
long ago. and 1O3 miles south of Chattan-
ooga and Marietta, is an emienence call Ken
eshaw Mountain around which our lines bend
like fsh-hook, with its longest side on the
west. On the rail road / passed men of the
| 18th and SD Wisconsin slightly wounded,
who said their regiments were north of the
Mountain. | staid night with the 10th
| Wisconsin, numbering 100; the 18th were
close by, numbering 90; the 2lst, we're on
| the skirmish line; the Oath were in reserve.
| To our right on cleared hill, found the Sd
Wisconsin at work like badgers throwing up
works on commanding point, while below
our own and the rebel skirmishers were
plainly visible and holly firing. Inquiring for
the 22d, they at once pointed them out close
to the rebel works. The friendly disposition
of Wisconsin Regiments toward each other
may seem only natural, ;yet it is pleasant to
be made at home when chance has thrown
one among them.
Mail matter is regular and late papers and
our letters come daily a subject of no light
Importance as we are situated, having nothing
to do but hold ourselves in readiness for SER
vice and endure the searching stray shooting
| from the line over the hill
Our Chaplain has been left behind worn
out by exposure Officers have the same fare
and exposure as men and the common dan
ger has united all in tie of brotherhood
which makes all seem as one family. Col.
Utley is not well, but resolutely bears up and
keeps on duty. Lieut.. Col. Bloodgood's con-
duct during the campaign has dispelled the
| prejudice entertained for some time previ-
| ously. We still have hopes Of Atlanta by the
Fourth.
The following is list of the casualties in the
22d, Wisconsin Volunteers in various Skin
mlshes from May 22d, up to the present. A
Il 4