Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-09-19

Col Harrison for the warm employment which
came soon after.
IL COMMAND OF THE BRIGADE
In January, 1864, Gen. Wards command
became tho first brigade of tie first division o,
the eleventh army corps. Gen. Ward became
division commander. and Col Harrison as the
senior colonel went to the head Of the brigade
Then the eleventh and twelfth corps we're con-
solidated into the twentieth corps and that
moved the hands backward little for Wards
brigade became the first brigade Of the third
division of the twentieth corps Gen. Ward
once more commanded the brigade, while Col
Harrison resumed immediate control of the
seventeen.
AT THE BATTLE OF REsAcA
1t was almost the middle of May, 1854 be-
fore Col. Harrison had an opportunity to par
ticipate in one of those great battles which
have become historic. Resacs was the field
upon which he made for himself reputation
for GOODNESS and personal valor which none
can assail. He led on foot the charge OF 6is
brigade upon formidable redoubt Away in
advance Of the five regiments he ran across
the valley which to SO many was the valley Of
death, and, still in the lead he climbed the hill
on which scores fell TO rise no more.
Gen. Lew Wallace says: Col. Harrison was
among the first to cross the parapet. It has
been said he was the very first A hand-to-
hand combat eusued, the gunners defending
themselves with their hammers and the assail-
ants attacking with their dubbed muskets; Of
ficers exchanged pistol shots. 1t was, in fact.
one OF the rare instances of a genuine bayouet
charge without a sAot fred except by the de-
tenders Of the redoubt. The air rang
with victorious cheers and for awhile the in
closure was scene Of frantic JOY. The eolors
had all been borne inside, and to both friend
and enemy in tie distance they announced that
the height was gained"
Then Col. Harrison, with portion OF the
brigade (Gen. Ward was wounded) did excel!
lent service In another part Of the field. and
was ready for more work, when, on the follow
ing morning, the enemy found to have de-
parted and left Resaca in the hands of Sher-
man and the Union.
From Resaca and Cassville the movement
was southwark and there more or less Of
fighting every day. There was a minimum
OF movement and maximum OF strife on
May Is.
THE HOT FIGHT AT NEW HOPE CHURCH.
The battle Of New Hope Church took place
on that date and it was probably the hottest
experience Col Harrison ever had throughout
the entire term of his service. The brigade
suffered severely, and when the fighting was
over the colonel, in the absence of his sur
geons, busted himself for several hours in at.
tending as bes. he could to the wounded men
who had been gathered into a temporary hos
pital. Every man in the brigade was proud of
his commanding officer. but tina. nights work
In the alienation of suffering and the saving of
life endeared the colonel to the hearts OF even
the least atfectionate. -Four days after the bat
tie Of New Hope Church Col. Harrison assumed
Official command of the first brigade. Gen
Ward having succeeded Gen. Butterfield Gi-
vision commander.
At Gilgal Church, on June IS and 16, Col.
had fhnr t,,,k
at the big fight at kenesaw ON June ~ the
third division was held in reserve.
WHERE HE WON HIS STAR.
Peach Tree Creek was the place of all others
where Col Harrison distinguished himself
There tho Union line was left open at a critical
point. The confederates saw their opportunity
and poured stream of fighting humanity into
the gap. Col Harrison grasped the situation
and after a terrific struggle his brigade drove
back the enemy just in time to save the Army
OF the Cumberland from a most perilous posi-
ton. The battle was terrific in its force. and
in the casualties which resulted the rebels
were beaten back and the Union line was pre-
served. Later in the day Gen. Hooker rode up
to Col Harrison and expressed his sentiments
with an explosive by G.. III make you q
brigadier general for this fight" He fulfilled
his promise and did it with the following let
ter:
HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN DEPARTMENT,
CINCINNATI, OHro October 81, 1864
Hon. E. NJ Stanton, Secretary Of War:
l desire to call the attention of the depart
ment 20 the claims of Col Benjamin Harrison
OF the SEVENTEEN Indiana volunteers for pro-
motion to the rank Of brgadier general Of VOL
unteers
Col. Harrison first Joined me in command of
brigade Of Wards division in Lookout valley
preparative to entering upon what is called
Mt
first attracted to this young officer by the su-
perior excellence OF his brigade in discipline
and instruction, the result of his labor. skill
aud devotion With more foresight than have
witnessed in any officer Of his experience, he
seemed to act upon the principle that success
depended upon the thorough preparation in
discipline and esprit Of his command for con-
fict more than on any influence that could be
exerted on the field itself. and when collision
came his command indicated his wisdom as
much as his valor. In all of the achievements
OF the twentieth corps in that campaign Col
Harrison bore q conspicuous part At Resaca
and Peach Tree Creek the conduct Of himself
and command was especially distinguished
Col. Harrison is an officer of superior abilities
and OF great professional and personal worth.
1t gives me great pleasure to commend him
favorably to tho honorable Secretary, with tho
assurance that his preferment will be a Just
recognition OF his services and martial accom-
plishments.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
JOSEPH HOOKER,
Major General Commanding.
HOME AND THEN TO GEORGIA.
Two years Of continuous field service ought
to entitle any man to furlough. Col Harri-
son went home in the middle Of September,
1864 but not to rest. Sherman was in At
lantA, planning out Q new campaign, and a
great many OF his officers enjoyed brief holi-
dav lint Col Hartman had uork xo 40 d.
cruiting in Indiana was slow and Gov. Morton
had use for him who was affectionately termed
Little Ben" The entire state was systematic
ca!ly canvassod and much good was accom-
piished This great duty attended to, Col
Harrison at once proceeded to rejoin his com
mand. A too deliberate hack caused the colonel
to miss south-beund train at Indianapolis and
accompany Sherman on his famous march to
the sea, At Dalton. Ga. the colonel receixed