Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-05-18
Honor tn % nom HOnOT IS Due,

TO the Editor of the Globe.
In examining my memoir of Gen. Thorn
as, find that did very gallant and
worthy officer an injustice, not intention
ally of course, for | did not have the
official reports of the battle of Franklin
at that time. In referring to that BATTLE,
l say:
cat. one time the Federal line was broken,
and had it not been Tor the GOODNESS and BRAY
cry of Gen. d. 5. Stanley, who was in the fore
front of the battle, the Federal army would
have been routed and driven across the river
in the greatest confusion. When he discov.
cred the break in the line, although corps
commander, he placed himself at the head o.
brigade, and, leading the charge, drove the
enemy back"
While have nothing to retract con-
corning the gallantry of Stanley, inius-
tice is done General E. Opdycke, to whose
brigade | refer 1t was Opdycke who
led the charge, and for this gallant act
he was made the subject of the follow
ing letter by Stanley himself:
r. w. JOHNSON.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
NASHVILLE, Tenn, May Is, 1865.
His Excellency, Andrew johnson, President
United States:
l have the honor to address your Excellency
in behalf of Brevet Brigadier- General E. OPP
dycke, colonel 125th Ohio volunteers.
This officer desires to remain in service, and
| have the honor to recommend him for the
highest commission in the gift of the govern
ment up to his present rank of brgadier-g gen.
eral.
A short summary of this officers service
will best show his merits as soldier. At the
battle of "Shiloh'' he carried the flag of his
regiment, the 4lst Ohio, in a charge, was
twice wounded, but did not leave the field
at the battle of "Chickamauga" he led his reg
iment, the 125th Ohio, in an important charge
which broke the enemy's lines. His regiment
maintained its ground during the two days.
lighting, losing one-third of their number,
killed and wounded.
He commanded five regiments at the storm
ing of Missionary Ridge, November IS, 1863
Captured six guns near Bragg's headquarters.
Pursued the enemy and captured another gun
and three hundred 5000 prisoners by moon
light. May s, was severely and successfully
engaged with the enemy on "Rocky Face
Mountain" May IA, severely wounded in
the battle of "Resacca." Remained with the
command, and has commanded his brigade
since August, 1864.
In the battle of Franklin" Colonel Op-
dycke led his brigade in a charge which re-
took our lines of works and restored our Gen.
ter after being badly broken, capturing four
hundred (400) prisoners, and ten G0) battle
flags.
The day after the battle I wrote a note to
Major General George II. Thomas, command
ing the department, stating that the gallant
charge of Colonel 9pdycke's brigade, which
occurred Immediately under my eye, saved
our army from most destructive defeat
At the battle of Nashville" Colonel OPP
dycke's brigade stormed the enemy's works,
capturing one battle-fag, one cannon, and
three hundred 5000 prisoners General Op-
dycke is in the prime of life, of good educa-
ton, and unexceptionable in morals
He is well educated in military tactics and
regulations, and is perfectly competent to fill
any position up to his present rank. Very
respectfully, your obedient servant.
(Signed) D. S. STANLEY, Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CoRPs,l
December 2, 1864.
GENERAL: have the honor to submit to
you in advance of regular recommendations or
reports, special mention of the gallant SER
vices of Colonel E. Opdycke, 125th Ohio vol
unteer infantry. By personal and strenuous
eXertion, by fearless exposure of person, he
was more instrumental in securing the re-,
pulse of the rebels in the battle of Franklin
than any other officer who came under my
observation.
Iattribute to him the saving of that battle
field. Very respectfully, your obedient SER
want.
(Signedl d. s. STANLEY, Major-Gene raj.
Brigadier-General W. D. Whipple, Chicago.
Horses for sale at Judd's. See want column