1 Forty-first Ohio volunteers; Sergeant C. H. Bennett, company A, Forty-first Ohio volunteers; First Lieutenant A. S. Galbreath, company I, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Ohio volunteers; Sergeant Samuel Gaynes, company I, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Ohio volunteers; pri. vates Jos. Sims, company K, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Ohio volunteers; Wm. Clark, company K, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Ohio volunteers. I cannot commend too highly the gallantry and firmness of the troops engaged as skirmish ers. The enemy's line attacked vigorously, encouraged by the shouts of their officers to "drive the Yankees into the river," and only gave way within a few rods of our own line. I have also the pleasure of testifying to the promptness, skill, and efficiency of Lieutenant-Colonel Pickands, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Ohio volunteers; Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher, Sixth Ohio volunteers; Lieutenant-Colonel Treanor, Fifth Kentucky volunteers, and Captain Munn, Forty-first Ohio volunteers, commanding detachments from their respective regiments. The best evidence of the alacrity and skill with which they handled their troops, consists in the fact of their effecting a landing, gaining the crest of the height, and the position assigned them, and making all their dispositions for defences before the enemy, who had doubtless been alarmed by the firing at the landing, who not only knew the country, but could have gained it by a much less difficult slope. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, AQUILA WILEY, Colonel Forty-first Ohio Volunteers, Commanding Detachment. Doc. 211. THE BATTLE OF WAUHATCHIE. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND, LOOKOUT VALLEY, TENNESSEE, November 6, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel C. Goddard, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Cumberland: COLONEL: I desire to submit the following report of the battle of Wauhatchie, and the operations of my command preliminary to that engagement: In conformity with orders from the headquarters of the Department, I crossed the Tennessee by the pontoon-bridge, at Bridgeport, on the morning of the twenty-sixth of October, with the greater portion of the Eleventh corps, under Major-General Howard, a part of the Second division of the Twelfth corps, under BrigadierGeneral Geary, one company of the Fifth Tennessee cavalry, and a part of a company of the First Alabama cavalry, and at once took up line of march along the railroad, to open and secure it in the direction of Brown's Ferry. A regiment was left to defend the bridge head, when * See Doc. 96, page 347, ante. the column had crossed the river, and to take possession of and hold the passes leading to it through Raccoon Mountain. Our route lay along the base of this mountain, until we reached Running Waters, when we followed the direction of that stream, and in the morning descended through the gorge into Lookout Valley. No event attended our first day's march deserving mention, unless it be that the enemy's pickets fell back as we advanced, and the leaving of two more of my regiments-one at Shellmound, with instructions to occupy a pass near Gordon's Mines, and another at Whitesides, to protect the route over the mountains through which we had passed. After entering Lookout Valley, our general course lay along a creek of that name, until within a mile or more of its mouth, where the Brown's Ferry road leaves it to the left. This valley is, perhaps, two miles in width, and completely overlooked by the lofty crests of Lookout and Raccoon Mountains. All the movements and disposition of troops are easily descried from the heights of either, while the valley itself affords abundant opportunity for concealment from the observation of those within. Another prominent feature in Lookout Valley requires mention, to a clear perception of its topography, and a correct understanding of our operations. This is a succession of hills two or three hundred feet high, with precipitous timbered slopes, and narrow crests, which penetrate three miles up the valley, and divide it, as far as they go, nearly in the centre. There are five or six of them in number, almost isolated, though in, a direct line, on the left bank of Lookout Creek, with the railroad passing between the two summits; at the extreme of the range, and still lower down the valley, the road bears off to Chattanooga, about two miles distant through these hills, while the road to Brown's Ferry continues along the west base of the Tennessee River. The enemy held possession of these hills, as indeed of all the country through which we had passed after crossing at Bridgeport. They had also batteries planted on Lookout Mountain, overlooking them. On the opposite side of the valley is Raccoon Range, and about three miles up is the gorge through which it leads to what is called Kelly's Ferry, three miles distant. As it was proposed to make this our new line of communications with Chattanooga, my instructions required me, if practicable, to gain possession of and to hold it. As the gorge debouches into Lookout Valley, the road forks, one leading to. Wauhatchie, and up the valley, the other to Chattanooga, and down the valley. It was known that a portion of Longstreet's command was in the valley, it is presumed, in with rations and forage, but mainly for his sharppart, for convenience in supplying themselves shooters to annoy our communications on the north side of the Tennessee, and compel our trains to make long detours over execrable roads in their transit from Chattanooga to our depots at Stevenson. From its proximity to the enemy's Howard was directed to double-quick his nearest lines of investment around Chattanooga, and his division (Schurz's) to his relief, and before profacilities for detaching heavily from his masses, ceeding far, a sheet of musketry was thrown on it was apprehended that the enemy would make him from the central hills, but at long range, and unusual efforts to prevent the transfer of its pos-inflicting, no great injury. This was the first insession, as a failure on our part to establish new timation that the enemy was there at all. communications involved a fact of no less magnitude than the necessity for the early evacuation of Chattanooga, with the abandonment of much of our artillery and trains. Directions were immediately given for one of the brigades en route to Geary (Tyndale's) to be detached, and assault the enemy in the hills on the left, and the other brigade to push on as ordered. Meanwhile, Howard's First division, under Steinwehr, came up, when it was discovered that the hill to the rear of Schurz's division was also occupied by the enemy in force, and Smith's brigade of this division was ordered to carry it with the bayonet. This skeleton but brave bri To return to the column: it pushed on down the valley until arrested by an irregular fire of musketry, proceeding from the hill next the railroad, as it passes through the central ridge before described. As it was densely covered with forest, we had no means of ascertaining the number of the enemy, except by feeling. How-gade charged up the mountain, almost inaccesard's corps being in the advance, he was directed to throw a brigade to the right to turn the position, and a regiment, supported by the balance of another brigade, to the left, for the same purpose. No sooner had the brigade on the right deployed, than the enemy took to his legs and fled across the creek, burning the railroad bridge in his flight. We lost a few men here, as well as from the shelling we received from the batteries on Lookout Mountain, whenever our column was exposed to them. The central ridge of hills afforded partial cover from these batteries. These, however, caused no serious interruption in the movement of the column, which, about six o'clock P.M., halted for the night, and went into camp a mile or more up the valley from Brown's Ferry. Here we learned that a pontoon-bridge had been thrown across the river, and that General Hargen's brigade held the heights on the south side of it. Geary's division being in the rear, and being anxious to hold both roads leading to Kelly's Ferry, he was directed to encamp near Wauhatchie, three miles from the position held by Howard's corps. Pickets were thrown out from both camps on all of the approaches, though no attempt was made to establish a communication between them. The commands were too small to keep up a substantial communication that distance, and I deemed it more prudent to hold the men well in hand than to have a feeble one. In my judgment, it was essential to retain possession of both approaches to Kelly's Ferry if practicable, as it would cause us inconvenience to dispossess the enemy if he established himself on either. sible by daylight, under a heavy fire without returning it, and drove three times their number from behind the hastily thrown up intrenchments, capturing prisoners, and scattering the enemy in all directions. No troops ever rendered more brilliant service. The name of their valiant commander is Colonel Orlan Smith, of the Seventy-third Ohio volunteers. Tyndale, encountering less resistance, had also made himself master of the enemy's position in his front. During these operations, a heavy musketry fire, with occasional discharges of artillery, continued to reach us from Geary. It was evident that a formidable adversary had gathered around him, and that he was battering him with all his might. For almost three hours, without assistance, he repelled the repeated attacks of vastly superior numbers, and in the end drove them ingloriously from the field. At one time they had enveloped him on three sides, under circumstances that would have dismayed 'any officer except one endowed with an iron will and the most exalted courage. Such is the character of General Geary. With this ended the fight. We had repelled every attack, carried every point assaulted, thrown the enemy headlong over the river, and, more than all, secured our new communications for the time being, peradventure. These several conflicts were attended with unusual interest and satisfaction, from the violence of the attack, the great alacrity displayed by the officers and men in springing to their arms on the first indication of the presence of the enemy, and the glorious manner in which they closed in on him for the struggle. Before night, Howard threw out three companies in the direction of Kelly's Ferry, to inter- I regret that my duty constrains me to except cept and capture, if possible, the enemy's sharp- any portion of my command in my commendashooters, who had been engaged in firing across tion of their courage and valor. The brigade the river into our trains, and had, in fact, com- despatched to the relief of Geary by orders depelled them to avoid that line entirely. A regi-livered in person to its division commander inent was also sent toward the point where the never reached him until long after the fight had Chattanooga road crosses Lookout Creek, and ended. It is alleged that it lost its way, when about twelve o'clock had a little skirmishing with it had a terrific infantry fire to guide it all the the enemy. An hour after, the muttering of way, and also that it became involved in a heavy musketry fell upon our ears, from the di-swamp where there was no swamp or other obrection of Geary. He was fiercely attacked, first stacle between it and Geary, which should have his pickets, and soon after his main force; but delayed it a moment in marching to the relief of not before he was in line of battle to receive it. its imperilled companions. talton, to which I had been assigned, by orders from brigade headquarters, bearing date eleventh October, ultimo. For the instances of conspicuous individual nooga Railroad, and the bridges and wooden daring and conduct, also of regiments and batte-structures thereon, between Anderson and Tanries most distinguished for brilliant service on this field, the attention of the Commanding General is respectfully called to the reports of corps and division commanders herewith transmitted. The regiment marched from Anderson to I must confine myself to an expression of my Bridgeport, to join the brigade from which it had appreciation of the zealous and devoted services been detached while guarding the railroad. The of Major-General Howard, not only on the battle- march was made over the Cumberland Mountfield, but everywhere and at all times. Of Gen-ains by a steep and declivitive road or bridleeral Geary I need say no more. To both of path, inaccessible to wagons, under the guidance these officers I am profoundly grateful for the able assistance they have always given me. Our loss is four hundred and sixteen, among them some of the bravest officers and men of my command. General Green was severely wounded while in the heroic performance of his duty. Colonel Underwood, of the Thirty-third Massachusetts volunteers, was also desperately wounded, and for his recovery I am deeply concerned. If only in recognition of his meritorious services on this field, his many martial virtues and great personal worth, it would be a great satisfaction to me to have this officer advanced to the grade of Brigadier-General. For the many whose deaths the country will deplore, I must refer you to the reports of subordinate commanders. Of the loss of the enerny, it cannot fall much short of one thousand five hundred. Geary buried one hundred and fifty-three rebels on his front alone. We took upward of one hundred prisoners, and several hundred stand of small arms. With daylight to follow up our success, doubtless our trophies would have been much more abundant. of L. Willis, Esq., a firm and unconditional Union man, residing near Anderson. The regiment arrived at Bridgeport the evening of the same day, having marched a distance of sixteen miles. On arriving at Bridgeport, I learned that the brigade had marched the evening before to Shellmound, on the south side of the Tennessee River. I thereupon reported with my command to Brigadier-General A. Von Steinwehr, division commander, and encamped for the night. During the evening I received orders to march with the Eleventh corps at sunrise the next morning, and to join my brigade on the march. In pursuance of the order, the regiment marched with the corps at the time designated, crossed the Tennessee River at Bridgeport, on pontoonbridges, and took up the line of march on the Chattanooga road. At Shellmound the regiment came up with and joined the brigade. From this point the regiment with the Eleventh corps, of which it forms a part, marched to Brown's Ferry on the Tennessee River, in Lookout Valley, about three miles from Chattanooga, at which point it arrived near sunset, October twenty-eighth. Although the troops were on two occasions during the march massed in columns by divisions, preparatory to an engagement, in case the enemy attempted to dispute our progress, (of which it was reported there were indications,) and some skirmish firing was heard in our front, this regiment did not see, nor was it in any way molested by the enemy on To conclude, I must express my grateful this march, except that as soon as the marching acknowledgments to Major-General Butterfield, column came within range of his artillery posted Chief of my Staff, for the valuable assistance on Lookout Mountain, he opened upon it with rendered me on the field; also to Major Law-shot and shell, and kept up the fire until the rence, Captain Hall, Lieutenants Perkins and whole had passed. But such was the elevation Oliver, Aids-de-Camp, for the faithful, intelli- of the mountain and necessary inaccuracy of aim, gent, and devoted performance of all the duties that the cannonade was entirely harmless. The assigned them. shot and shell fell wide of the mark, and did not as much as create any sensible uneasiness among the men of my command. The force opposed to us consisted of two of Longstreet's divisions, and corresponded in number to our corps. From the prisoners we learn that they had watched the column as it descended the valley, and confidently counted on its annihilation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, COLONEL WOOD'S REPORT. I may be allowed to mention, that as I passed the point next exposed to the fire, I found MajorGeneral Hooker stationed beside the road, notifying the men as they passed that there was no danger from the artillery firing, and testifying by his presence and position that he believed what he said. It is unnecessary for me to say that this conduct of our Commanding General had the most. inspiriting influence on the officers and men of my command. On arriving at our place of destination, this regiment with the brigade encamped for the night. About one o'clock of the morning of the twen- companies detached as skirmishers had not at ty-ninth I was awakened by skirmish firing, which seemed to be a short distance back on the road over which we had marched. The firing, rapidly increased in intensity, and the report of artillery soon mingling with it, admonished us that some part of our forces were engaged with the enemy. this time rejoined the regiment. I gave the command "Forward!" when the regiment advanced in line of battle at as quick a pace as the steep. ascent of the hill would permit, moved steadily and firmly forward under a brisk and constant fire from the enemy, reached and crowned the crest of the hill, drove off the enemy, and took possession. Not a shot was fired by my men until the crest was gained, when one volley was discharged at the retreating enemy. At the time the charge was made the enemy was engaged in throwing up a line of rifle-pits. We captured their intrenching tools. The regiment was immediately ordered to fall in under arms, and to march in the direction of the conflict. It was soon ascertained that the firing was occasioned by an attack made by the enemy upon the command of Brigadier-General Geary, of the Twelfth corps, who had been following us from Bridgeport, and was a few hours Having gained and occupied the crest of the in our rear. His command, consisting of a part hill, I deployed one company to the front as skirof his division, had encamped for the night at a mishers. Moved by the right flank and formed place called Wauhatchie, about three miles from a junction with the Thirty-third Massachusetts, the position occupied by the Eleventh corps. which regiment had preceded me, charging up General Howard ordered his command to march the hill on my right, and was vigorously engaged at once to the aid of General Geary. This regi- with the enemy when I reached the crest. The ment, at a double-quick, took up the line of victory was complete. The crest of the hill is march in rear of the brigade, being preceded by not more than six yards in width, from which the Seventy-third Ohio, Thirty-third Massachu- there is a rapid descent, with a valley on the setts, and Fifty-fifth Ohio. When about one and other side. Down this declivity the enemy prea half miles from camp, it was ascertained that cipitately fled in the utmost confusion. He stagthe enemy occupied the crest of a hill, at the gered under the intrepid charges and deadly foot of which the road on which we were march-blows delivered to him by the braves of the Seving passed, and it was regarded important to dislodge him. Colonel O. Smith, commanding the brigade, was ordered to do it. Preparatory to executing the movement, the brigade was halted in the road. Colonel Smith sent forward the Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts, and directed them to charge the hill and drive the enemy therefrom. In the mean time I was ordered by Brigadier-General Steinwehr, division commander, to march my regiment by file to the left, and form in line of battle west of and perpendicular to the road on which we had been halted. This was at the foot of another hill about two hundred yards north of the one occupied by the enemy, and similar in appearance to it, and from which it was separated by a gap or "pass." When I had completed the movement ordered, I was directed to send two companies to skirmish up the hill, at the foot of which our line of battle was formed, to ascertain if it was occupied by the enemy. I immediately detached companies H and K from the left of my left wing to execute the movement, and placed the force in command of Captain Eldredge of company K. The Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts being hard pressed by the enemy on the hill which they had been ordered to charge, my regiment was ordered to their support. I marched to the base of the same hill, halted and formed in line of battle facing it. My centre was opposite the highest crest of the hill. Although it was a bright moonlight night, neither the height of the hill nor the obstacles to be encountered could be seen. I was ordered to charge in line of battle to the top of the hill, drive off the enemy, and form a junction with the Thirty-third Massachusetts on my right. It should be borne in mind that the two enty-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts. His discomfiture was made complete by the vigorous and splendid charge of the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth New-York. The ground over which he retreated was strewn with rifles, swords, hats, caps, and haversacks. As daylight opened upon us, we were astonished by the audacity of our charge, and astounded at our success. The hill is over two hundred feet perpendicular height, and the distance from the road where I formed in line of battle to the crest of the hill is one hundred and eighty yards. Prisoners report (and the report is confirmed by other information, and may be regarded as reliable) that the force of the enemy occupying the hill consisted of Law's brigade of Hood's division, Longstreet's corps. This brigade was composed of six regiments, five of which were posted on the crest, the sixth being held in reserve in the valley below. The face of the hill is covered by a forest of wood and a thick coating of leaves, broken by gullies or ravines, and obstructed by bushes and upturned trees. Over and through these obstructions, up an ascent of over forty-five degrees, the men charged with a steadiness and precision that could not be excelled by the most experienced and veteran troops. At no time was there any confusion. At no time was there any wavering. From the commencement to the end of the charge the alignment of the line of battle was wonderfully preserved. My hearty commendation and profound thanks are especially due to the officers and men of my command, for their brave and gallant conduct on this occasion. As I was deprived of the assistance of my able and energetic field-officer Lieutenant-Colonel Faulkner, being absent on detached service in the State of New-York, and Major Arnold being detained at Bridgeport by an attack of illness, which rendered him unable to take the field, there is no occasion to make special mention of any officer or man of my command, for every one engaged seemed to perform his whole duty. No one faltered there were no stragglers. All are alike entitled to credit-all alike should receive the commendation of their superior officers, the gratitude of their country, and the friends of all may well feel proud of the bravery and gallantry which was exhibited. Our casualties, it affords me pleasure to say, are slight, our loss, being only two killed and four wounded. This exemption from disaster is due to the steepness of the hill up which we charged, the bullets from the enemy's rifles passing harmlessly over our heads. The casualties happened after we reached the crest. We captured five prisoners and forty rifles left on the field by the retreating enemy. I have the honor to be, Captain, JAMES WOOD, Jr., march from Bridgeport to this place-the First brigade, under Colonel A. Buschbeck, leading. Their movements were marked by calmness and resolution. Whatever resistance was made by the enemy was quickly borne down. During the night of the twenty-eighth to the twenty-ninth instant the rebels made a fierce attack upon the command of General Geary. Our corps was ordered out for his support. The division moved forward on the double-quick, the Second brigade, under Colonel O. Smith, in advance. On the left of the road by which the division must pass to support General Geary, a hill commanding the way was found occupied by two rebel brigades. The Second brigade was ordered to take and hold this position. The Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts formed line of battle, and with the greatest determination scaled the precipitous slope, moving over almost impassable ground in the face of rapid volleys. The One Hundred and Thirty-sixth New-York was now ordered to support the left of the two advancing regiments, and advanced with heroic bravery, as did the Fifty-fifth Ohio, which was to HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION,hand contest ensued. The enemy, although well support the right. On the crest a fierce hand-to Colonel Commanding. ELEVENTH CORPS, LOOKOUT VALLEY, GENERAL ORDERS: } The storming of this hill against such stupendous odds is a brilliant episode of the war, a feat of arms rarely surpassed in history. Officers and soldiers! by your courage you have gained your badge, a proud distinction. Let your valor preserve unsullied the honor of the White Crescent. By command of fortified in a position almost impregnable by nature, could not withstand this most extraThe Colonel Commanding, in adding to the tes-ordinary bayonet attack, and were forced to intimony of others to the valor of his troops, re- glorious flight, leaving many arms and intrenchnews his thanks to the officers and men of his ing tools behind their parapet. command for their heroic conduct on the afternoon of October twenty-eighth and the morning of the twenty-ninth. The splendid deeds of that memorable morning need not to be recounted. The glory of the living and the dead is complete and sufficient for the most ambitious. To those brave comrades of all grades who so gallantly responded when called to breast the wall of fire from two thousand muskets, he cannot be too grateful. Yours is the credit-yours is the fame. Let its brilliant lustre never be tarnished either upon the battle-field or in the more quiet routine of duty. You are above jealousy of others or sinister discussions about the appropriation of praise. Your greatest satisfaction will be derived from the consciousness of a perilous duty heroically done. You have won the title of gallant soldiers-add to it that of honorable and upright men, and your fame shall be perfect, and the most precious legacy you can bequeath to your loved ones at home. Let us sympathize with the suffering wounded, and cherish the memory of our fallen comrades. By order Colonel SMITH. Brigadier-General A. VON STEINWEHR. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, LOOKOUT GENERAL ORDERS, No. 5. General Commanding communicates to the troops It is with extreme pleasure that the Majorcomposing the Eleventh corps, and to the Second division of the Twelfth corps, the subjoined letter from the Major-General commanding the ciation of your distinguished services on the army of the Cumberland, expressive of his apprenight of the twenty-eighth ultimo. It is a noble tribute to your good conduct from a brave and devoted soldier. The General hopes that it will inspire as much satisfaction in the hearts of his officers and men as it has in his own, and that we may all be stimulated by it to renewed efforts to secure the emulate the courage and valor of our companions good opinion of our commander, while we also in arms. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, CHATTANOOGA, October 30, 1863. Major-General Hooker, Commanding Eleventh and Twelfth Corps: GENERAL: I most heartily congratulate you. |