The National tribune., 1898-12-29
FIGHTING THEM OYER
What the Veterans Have to Say
About Their Campaigns.
CHAMPION Hills.
Stirring Description by Comrade of tn,
6S,h Ohio.

Stirring Description by q Comrade OF the
6S,h Ohio.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Early on
Nav IS, 1863, the 6rth Ohio and its COM
panion regiments of John A. Logan's Divis-
ion formed in line and moved to the relief
of Hovey's command, which had engaged
the enemy at Champion Hills.
Champion Hills were so called because
they were part of large plantation owned
by John Champion. One hill had an eleva-
ton of about 90 feet, but ives. of this was
another hill with an elevation of about so
feet, which was considered quite prominent
elevation for that otherwise fat section of
country.
The top of this second hill furnished fine
position for the enemy's artillery, and COM
manded the approaches from all directions,
which made the enemy's position remark
ably strong one. West of these hills were
spurs or foothills, etc.
Our enemies hearts must have sunk with
fear rs they saw from the nights above us
that solid phalanx of conquering heroes,
with our grand old flag proudly floating in
the early morning breeze. We rapidly moved
TO the right of the Jackson road and hastily
crossed a field OF bottom-land and gained a
position near the edge of the timber skirtin Z
the high ground in front.
The aspect of things was now anything
but pleasant. 1t was evident that the enemy
was mad at someone, but we had no idea it
| was the 6Sth Ohio, as SO far that day we had
done nothing to arouse their ire.
Nevertheless, we had hardly got into
position on the right of Hoveys command
before they made furious assault upon US,
uttering wild yell which once heard can
never be forgotten.
| We saw the enemy moving in line-of- bat
| tie with colors in front-moving, as it were,
| into the jaws of death.
During this time Degolyer's Battery had
gone into position, and from the moment
the enemy came from cover hurled shot and
shell, to which wa, added storm OF leaden
hail from the 6Sth and its companion regi-
merts.
Great gaps were made in the enemy's ranks,
yet on came the living, and advanced upon
the position we held. We saw that compact
line of gray coming out of the timber. We saw
them as they reached the rail fence in our
front, during which time volley followed
vOlley in quick succession.
None save those who have felt the blind
ing, whitening effect of such rain OF death
can form any conception Of how we felt, or
know aught OF what we passed through, yet
live to tell the story.
One of Gen. Logan's staff at this moment
galloped up and shouted:
Logan commands you to hold your
position, and We will bag the whole of
Pemberton's army" which command was
answered by whitening volley from the
muskets of Leggett's men, that threw the
enemy into confusion and drove them to
cover.
We were still holding our position with
death-like grip, momentarily expecting re-
newed assault by the enemy. = Hold your
fire until you are sure of your man, " shouted
Mai. Wells
Directly in our front was observed rebel
flag. Hand me your gum" said Lieut.
Col. Shook. g believe | can stop the bearer
of that rebel rag" But the next moment
our noble Lieutenant Colonel was struggling
in the agony of death. Our country lost a
gallant defender and the 6Sth an officer who
was like father to his boys. Many brave.
boys fell on that day whose loss was Just as
much felt by the comrades and friends but
who were not as widely known as was John
S. Shook, of Antwerp ..
A terrific cheer followed by another now
assailed our ears as coming from our right,
accompanied by volley upon volley OF mus
kerry and the grooming and laundering of
heavy guns. What did it mean?
Again that wild confusion or war reached
our ears. There was no mistaking the long
drawn-out Union cheer from the rebel yell,
"Wahoo.n
The intrepid and dashing Logan had
hurled one brigade OF his division upon the
enemy's left flank, crushing it with single
blow and capturing one battery of SIX guns.
This battery was afterwards manned by Co.
+, sd OHIO.
This dashing charge by portion of Logan's
Division started the enemy on the run, and
the battle Of Champion Hills was over. A
great victory was won, the road to the Mis-
sissippi River was open, and the campaign
an assured successful. b. LOOP, 65th Ohio,
Geneseo, Kan.