The National tribune., 1889-02-28
FIGHTING THEM OVER
What Our Veterans Have to Say About
Their Old Campaigns
BATTLE OF FRANKLIN.
Tho Gallant Part Taken by the 10th Ohio.


is that a careful perusal Of what have TO say
viii convince any comrade that the l75th Ohio
was not only Ia the thickest of the fight at
franklin, but that il played a most important
part at Ihompson's Station the day before the
battle.
The I75th was organized at Camp Dennison
in the Fall of 1864. leaving the State Oct. II,
and going directly TO Columbia, Tenn, where
at the inception of the campaign ii was doing
garrison duty, its men being distributed along
the railroad between Nashville and Pulaski
As Schofeld fell back IN front of Hood, the
men OF the regiment were concentrated at CO.
lumbia. While the organization was new, its
material was old-it having been recruited
from men a large majority OF whom had serv-
ed full terms in old regiments. Its officers
were ali experienced soldiers, and no regiment
IN the service was better equipped for efficient
duty.
On the morning Of the 2sth Of November
1864. the l75th Ohio, then on the north side Of
Duck River, in charge Of prisoners and the
Columbia post trains, together with its own
transportation, was ordered by Gen. J. ID. Cox
10 pull out In the direction Of Nashville and
take the prisoners aud trains to place Of safety.
About dark Of the same day the trains were
parked on the west side Of the pike, at Thomp-
sons Station, the troops in biyouac near them.
Before the men We're through with supper two
cavalry o0uriers came to rs from the east of the
mand, with instructions TO warn all detached
parties 10 move on toward Nashville or fall
back on Columbia as our cavalry would posi-
bly, be forced TO retire on Schodeld, thus leay-
ing the pike uncovered. These couriers were
taken by Maj. Ed. Mullenix and myself to
Lieut.-COl Dan. Mccoy, in command Of the
regiment. The Colonel did not seem much
disturbed by the report, and the couriers after
being refreshed, went on their way toward CO.
lumbia. Within an hour another courier struck
rs with similar tidings. He too, was taken TO
the Colonel, who still remained unmoyed.
Having a valuable train under nv charge
naturally felt anxious TO place it beyond dan
ger, and therefore suggested TO Mccoy, if his
orders were discretionary we should pull out
toward Franklin. The Major seconded the
suggestion, but the Colonel, without discussion
decided that the emergency did not demand a
night march.
After our return to bivouae few Of the Off
GERS were called, and in consultation it was de-
eloed TO at least take some precautionary meas
ures
1t was thought If we made a good show Of
force any advance Of the enemy that might be
in our vicinity would be deferred from precipi-
lately attacking Us. To this end the company
officers were instructed TO have their men
Guild fires sc such points as would best convey
the idea Of an extended army encampment
This was soon accomplished, and only very
short time elapsed before a railroad train bear
ing the 4zth No, en- route 10 join Schofeld,
drew up at the station and its officers inquired,
What army corps is this?"
Next morning, the 18th, taking single sol
der with rs, the Major and myself climbed
the hill east Of the pike Immediately In the
rear OF white frame residence, which under
stood TO be occupied by Dr.. Thompson From
the summit Of this hill the sight that met our
eyes was not such as to inspire US with GER
tainty Of continuing our march in picnic style
Toward the north and east stood solid line of
rebel cavalry, its right resting near the pike If
not directly across it. while in the distance
perhaps two miles away, was plainly caught
glimpses Of what appeared TO be a heavy col
umn Of infantry; and the outlook toward
Spring Hill was even less encouraging for in
that direction the enemy had actual possession
Of the pike
Oar Orderly was sent with a message to
Lleut.-COl. Mccoy and Capt Deniston 10 come
70 rs Those officers promptly appeared, and
II occurred TO me the expression on the Colo
nel's face as he looked ont upon the scene indi-
Gated that perhaps a march the night before
might not have been disagreeable thing after
all
The Major, brave, impuIsive officer. was
Tor fighting our way out, while Deniston, an
officer OF much experience and GOODNESS. sug-
gested that something else than fighting would
be necessary if We hoped TO save our men and
the trains If remember correctly, the lines
BE who fights and runs away
Nay live to fight another day
REQUIRED forcibly TO me.
1t was evident from the actions Of the enemy
that he believed a heavy force to be at the
station, and 1t was equally evident. if we ex-
treated ourselves from the dilemma, 1t must
be done through the exercise Of strategy. and
70 this end i was decided by the four officers
On that hlH 10 deplOy our whole force as a
skirmish line and under a feint upon the
enemy 70 attempt to run our trains by or
through him.
The line was quickly formed, every nan and
officer being given a full understanding as Ia
the emergency, and what il was hoped to accom-
plish
In the meantime the trains had been drawn
cut on the pike, behind the hill, ready for the
start.
The WagOnmaster Of my own train, Mr.. Geo.
W. Hongh, lad ridden with me out On to the
pike. around the point Of the hill from where
good view Of the enemy could be had. and
given a full understanding Of our plans. He
compEehcnGed the situation at a glance. and
passing back along the train the drivers were
instructed as to what was expected of them.
The tram being ready, at the signal agreed
upon the skirmishers moved to the at-
tack; in a few moments the train started
ana under whip and spur each team emerged
from behind the hill as though shot from the
---uN1AI " d taAllDu- DelBEG Inc 2StOUIShed
rebels realized what was coming the head 81
the train struck the right Of their column and
went laundering through It.
The enemy appeared 10 be utterly dumb
founded, and not until the last wagon was be.
yond their line did I notice a single shot fred
All this time cur skirmishers had fully held
the attention Of the rebels AID as the train
disappeared from our view around q point Of
timber, every officer and man redoubled lis
Efforts TO the end that pursuit might be de-
TERED.
We had in the post train several stands Of
coiors, aud IN deploying the skirmish-Iipe these
had been displayed, ia fun view. at command.
ing points, and moved forward from time y
time IS the line advanced.
During all this time not single soldier wa,
III reserve, and when the last wagon passed
ne was perhaps the only Federal soldier on
that pike IRON Ihompson's Station to Spring
Hill.
Within, perhaps half an hour our line wa,
drawn IN the several stands Of colors being lef
well TO the front until our little force was CON
centrated at the station.
After destroying q carload Of ammunitioy
at the depot, cur boys marched off into tn,
timber, west Of the pike and railroad :,
attempt TO join SchOfeld, around the left q
the enemy. This it successfully ACCOMPLISHED
reporting to Gen. Stanley al Spring Hill abou
dusk
About sundoWn the regiment came out on
hui overlooking Spring Hill, and witnessed
the repulse Of rebel cavalry charge north O