The National tribune., 1895-07-25

EVERYWHERE ALONG THE RIDGE THE
STARS AND STRIPES WERE FLOATING.
The gallant 57th Ind. acted as our
skirmsb-line, and by order of Gen. Wagner,
Col G. A. Wood, of the 18th Ind, assumed
command of the skirmishers and first line.
All ears were strained, anxiously awaiting
the signal and at last ii came-one, two,
three, four, five, six, the guns rang out and
while the sound of the last was yet with
| us came the order:
Forward" With right good will the
skirmishers started at quick-siep, soon
hastened into double-quck, and almost be-
fore it could be realized they were over the
rebel rhe-pits-the occupants prisoners or
streaming TO the rear up the sides of Mission
airy Ridge.
The first line quickly came mp and with
out orders al pressed up the rugged hill
side. Then came one of those unfortunate
events that seem impossible 10 prevent, and
the onward march came near being rout.
1t seems that the orders were to take the
rifle-pits, then to halt, but the boys had their
blood up, and went far beyond orders. Aids
went galloping over the fields with orders to
stop the movement and return to the foot of
the Ridge
/
with orders by Gen. Wagner, and used my
best efforts to stop the confusion and help
reform the lines. 1t is easier 10 90 forward
under fire than to fall back, and in our
attempt to obey orders we nearly fell into
panic. Happily, Sheridan caught the situa-
ton at a glance, and sent Aids and Orderlies
with the command:
take the Ridge if you can"
Facing again towards the front, the lines
once more started, and, now that the reserves
had come up, sbirmishers first line, and re-
serves were all blended in one. With cheers
answering cheers our men swarmed up the
ridge, and afterwards there was no break in
that onward movement. Shot and SHE'LL
grape and canister from the guns on the
summit poured down upon US, and the
musketry-ire was simply terrible and beyond
description. Hundreds and hundreds of
our gallant boys went down under the muir
derous fire, but there was no checking our
advance.
Everywhere along the Ridge the Stars and
Stripes were floating, and did color-bearer
fall his place was instantly supplied and on
went the flag. The idea of carrying by
assault position so difficult as Missionary
Ridge never entered into the minds of our
commanders until the men themselves took
the initiative and were partly up the Ridge
and then there was great danger of failure
because of the order to fall back, but dis
cipline and patriotism triumphed and the
Ridge was carried.
Which regiment first reached the summit
can never be truthfully told. Many claim
the honor, but to me it seemed simultane-
Gus movement on the part of several regi-
ments of Sherdan's and Woods commands.
There was glory enough for all, and the SOL
der who took part in that successful assault
does not need TO claim that his regiment was
the first to reach the summit.
The scene was sublime in its grandeur.
and but for the sacrifice of so many precious
lives its memories would leave nothing of
regret. Sheridan's command, or rather
Wagner's Brigade, carried the ridge at
Bragg's Headquarters, but that distinguished
soldier did not remain at home to receive us,
and was so discourteous as to actually run
away upon our approach.
Little Phil reached the summit very soon
after his troops, and then and there was
iovefeast which is simply indescribable
The captured artillery was turned upon the
fleeing rebels, a few shots fired then Sheri-
dan gave the order for pursuit; Wagner's
Brigade in the lead, of course, and Col.
Wood still in command Of the front line
curing turn of mind, i accompanied him,
and afterwards received scolding from
Gen. Wagner for not remaining with the
brigade staff. 1t was glorious Jun for awhile
capturing prisoners, baggage, wagons, sup
plies, ETC., but finally the rebel rear-guard
made stand and got our advance into an
ambuscade. Two or three pieces of artillery
were turned loose on us, and the musketry-
firing was very brisk. We could not adj
vance and would not fall back and in this
emergency Col. Wood directed me to ride
back, report the situation and ask TO have a |
regiment sent in on our left to flank the |
rebels and thus relieve the situation.
Putting my tired horse to his best gait |
rode rapidly back and soon met party of |
officers coming up at brisk trot 1t was |
growing quite dark, but recognized Gen. |
Sheridan and staff who, attracted by the |
hiring, were coming out to the front. / |
briefly and hurriedly stated the situation. |
and Gen. Sheridan authorized me TO take |
the first regiment could find and lead it |
into the desired position.
This proved to be the 10th Ind, minus all |
its field officers, and in charge of that gallant
soldier, Capt. b. f. Hegler. The regiment |
had suffered terribly in the assault on the |
Ridge, but was plucky, and Capt. Hegler
simply remarked:
Show us where 10 go, and we are your
boys"
In silence we stole around the rebel posi-
ton, fianked il, and our friends in gray
promptly departed, leaving artillery and |
some prisoners in our hands. We had won |
the fight, and Bragg's army was fleeing,
demoralized crowd. Sheridan continued the |
pursuit until midnight and then halted. |
His division lost more than 1000 men, |
killed and wounded, in the short time occu-
pied in the assault, and large percentage |
OF the loss was in our brigade. Every regi. |