Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1894-09-15

knew what moment some gun might
prove superior and send ball into
some of our naked bodies. Our bath
was,spoiled, and never did five thousand
men dress more quickly than we did.
In twinkling we were in line and
the waters of the Chattahoochee were
gliding along again undisturbed. The
high hills cut in twain by Nickajack
creek lowered high above the little
stream on either side, causing it to be
impassable, and for that reason we
had taken up our position in the angle
between the creek and the river. Hav
ing our rear we'll protected, we could
make a determined stand Beyond the
river it was only eight or nine miles to
Atlanta, and we wanted to keep Sher-
man on the western side just as long
as possible.
1t was calm, sultry summer after
noon, with not cloud in the sky, and
never was there more peaceful scene.
Suddenly there was crash from the
opposite side of Nickajacls like the
combined roar of half hundred thun-
der claps, and great cloud of smoke
arose from the woods. The Yankees
had opened the ball, but almost like
an echo of their own challenge came
the reply from our masked batteries,
and thunder answered thunder till the
earth trembled.
The combined artillery of the two
great armies was concentrated in a
fierce duel, with only the narrow gorge
of Nickajacr between. 1t was the
most impressive scene l ever wit
messed The Yankees had stolen n
march on us, and but for that little
narrow gorge we would have emerged
from our bath prisoners of war. High
above the trees arose the dense cloud
of smoke, blotting out the struggling
rays of sunset.
Finally darkness ended the conflict,
and in the darkness we stealthily
crossed the river and took 1p posi-
tion on n naked bluff on the eastern
shore. hastily throwing up line of
breastworlts from the mouth of n little
ravine entering the river almost oppo-
site the mouth of Nickajacls, extend
ing up the river for quite distance.
Back of us was an open wheat field,
and there was not even n twig to shell
ter us from the blazing sun when it
mounted the heavens. OF course our
breakfast consisted of such scraps as
our hnapsacks contained, for on the
western bank, the bluff being higher
than ours, was arrayed a host of sharp
shooters whose aim was unerring. by
the first streak of dawn we learned
that, and we soon began amusing our
selves by elevating our caps upon oul
ramrods so as to expose them above
the embankment. Then zip! zip! zip!'
would come the bullets.
BY and by it began to grow hot
Then it grew hotter. Finally it be
came almost unbcarable. Canteer
after canteen was emptied and Tho
boys began To suffer from thirst. l'u
It was worth mans life to show hi
head above the earthworlss, SO W.
were compelled to endure the tormen
l as we lay there unprotected on tina
July day.
Boys" finally remarked Adjt. Dur
ham, who had entered the war as
Gfteen-year-old boy and who had b,
his bravery become adjutant of tn,
regiment, do you remember that coo
spring down there in the ravinc?"
"Yes, hut it is worth IL mans life I,
try to get drink of water from it,"
"Wcll, it's only a few steps off, an,
I'm going to make break for 1t
Gather up all the canteens can carr,
and III make the attempt"
In vain we tried to dissuade him, bu
he had made up his mind and he sool