The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-11-05
BLACK RIVER BRIDGE.
A Wisconsin Man Thinks His Regiment was In
the Charge.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: notice In n
late number Of your valuable paper n COM
muncatiOn by Mr.. Russell, of Dubuque. Iowa,
in which he says that only two regiments OF
LAWYERS Brigade Cars Division, Thirteenth
Corps, were in the charge on the enemy's works
az Big Black River Bridge, May IL. 1863
namely, the 2lst aud 23d Iowa. He entirely
ignores an important factor in that brigade
q factor that most of the brigade were always
glad 10 honor. ] mean the Ilth Wis. Wis
consin troops were noted for "holding up their
end" and doing their full share wherever
placed.
On the morning Of May IL the 18th Wis.
deployed in line OF battle on the north side OF
the Nicksburg road, and advanced through the
timber in skirmish order, the 23d Iowa being
100 yards in rear as support and opened the
action and suffered severely; Capt. Hongh being
morlally wounded, Capt. Chrystie aud Lieut..
Freeman dangerously wounded, besides a num-
her Of enlisted men. As we were getting
into the open field Gen. Lawler sent us an
order by Lieut.. II. Il. Jackson 10 move by the
flank through the timber TO the river bank a
short distance north. 20 where the Odd Iowa
had been moved and was then lying under
cover Thon an agreement WAS made by Col.
Harris and Col. Kinsman TO charge the works,
IL permission was given; which was immedi-
alely asked for and given by Gems. Carr aud
LAWYER and the 2lst Iowa sent in and put be-
tween the two regiments-thRt Is the Odd
Iowa, Col Kinsman, on the right; 2lst Iowa,
Col. Merrill, in the center, aud the 18th Wis,
Col. Harris, on the left.
The three regiments moved simultaneously,
the 18th having full 500 yards 20 move over.
the others not quite so far; aud the charge
Was successful, aud 10 detract from anyone in
the charge is not becoming in brave soldier.
j remember as a result of the charge Of the
18th that they captured over 100 prisoners Of
Green's and Naughn's rebel brigades. Ihave be-
fore me very accurate map Ofthe battle ground
made at the time, giving position OF tho troops,
line Of rebel works river. distances. etc. and
also a copy Of the official report Of Gen. Law
Ter Of the action, from which wish 10 quote
before closing:
Through terrible fire Of musketry from
the enemy in front aud a CALLING FIRE from his
sharpshooters on the right these brave men
dashed bravely on. Kinsman fell, danger
oUsly wounded, before half the distance was
accomplished. Struggling TO his feet, he stag
gcred few PAGES 70 the front, eheered forward
his men, and fell again, this time 10 rise no
more, pierced through by a second ball. Mer-
rill, the brave commander Of the 2lst, fell,
wounded, early in the charge. Lieut-C Col.
Glasgow immediately placed himself at the
head Of the 23d, and Mai. Van Anda led the
2lst Undismayed by the loss Of their Colonies.
and by tho perfect hAilstorm Of bullets poured
into them with destructive effect the men Of
the 23d and 2lst Iowa and the 18th Wis.
pressed onward nearer and nearer the rebel
works and up 10 the edge Of the bayou. Halt
ing bere only long enough 90 pour into the
enemy deadly Volley, they dashed forward
through the bayou, filed with water fallen
timber and brush, into the rebel works. with
the shout Of victors driving the enemy Ia
utter confusion from their breastworks and
rife-pits, and entered in triumph the rebel
stronghold.
Col. c. l.. Harris, IIth Wis, led his regi-
ment calamity during the whole battle. and
by his GOODNESS and good Judgment rendered
valuable service. All the officers and men Of
his gallant regiment behaved nobly, and are
brave and reliable Wisconsin may we'll be
proud Of her llth regiment"
This Of a regiment that Mr.. Russell declares
WAS not in the charge. He says he was stunned
in the charge. We will charitably think he
has never recovered. The 22d Iowa, the other
regiment Of the brigade, was held In reserve,
Col. Stone being sick, but he was with them on
the field. and shared the dnnuer-H