^358 Duke University Libraries Great battle of Conf Pam 12mo #358 GREAT. BATTLE OF CHICAMAUGA • a concise History of events from the evacu.\ti0n of chatta- NOOGA TO iE DEFEAT OF THE tNEMY. FULL DETAILS OF THE lATTLE, INCIDENTS, &c. By S. a REID, Ora," qr tli« Iflobile Trihniie. Entw^cllircorcllng' to^ct cf Congress, in the ypa»go6S, by H. BALLENTYNE & CO., in the Clerk's Office of th^.C|, S. district Court at Moliile. t MOBILE: F, TI-tCOMB, Corner Dauphin *aiid Royal Street?, n r^ .-X 3B^ . T I T C O Bi: B , BOOKSELLEE AM STATIONER, Corner Dauphin and Royal Streets, MOBILE. GILHAM'S MANUAL; INSTRUCTIONS IN FIELD ARTILLERY; NOTES ON ARTILLERY; MAHAN'S FIELD FORTIFICATIONS ; FIELD AND HOSPITAL SURCrERY, By Dr. Edwaed Waebbn; C. S. ARMY REGULATIONS; GENERAL ORDERS; ' . JOMINI'S PRACTICE OF WAR. ■h ^ i" Tr.H. H3rSrF Geeat Battle of Chicamauga ! ■^>.«» Camp before CiiAXTANooGA, October 5th, 1863. IJiave already sent you an outline of the great battle of Chicamauga, and now undertake to give you a detailed- account of its prominent fea- tures, without going into minute particuhirs, which would fill a volume. It has taken rae some time to gather the information, and which has been attended with no slight obstacles. Besides this, the inconveniences in Camp afibrd one but a poor opportunity to write with any satisfaction to one's self. After a year of sad and disheartening reverses in the West, our arms have achieved a great and glorious victory. From the time Gen. John- ston fall back from Bowling Green, Ky., a dark and bloody struggle has ensueo, in v.hich, on every occasion, wo have fought against superior num- bers, victory wavering first on one side and then on the other. Notwith- standing the disasters of the Kentucky campaign, we retrieved a portion of Middle Tennessee and North Alabama. The battle of Murfreesboro', in which we won a brilliant victory on the 31st December last, afterwards prov-ed but a drawn battle, and on the night of the 2d January following we retreated to Tullahoma. Several months elapned after this terrible conflict. We advanced to Wartrace and Shelbyvilie, were again ready to give the enemy battle, when a large portion of Gen. Bragg's forces were withdrawn tq Mississippi for the rescue of Vicksburg. Nothing was ac- complished by the move. Gen Bragg was left in a critical position as a mere army of observation, opposed to an overwhelming army in his front, which for months beheld at bay. The enemy at last succeeded in surpri- sing our forces at Liberty and Hoover's Gaps, by a flank m.ovement, and Gen. Bragg, most prudently, to save his army, fell back, on the 27th June last, to Chattanooga. The enemy followed at leisure to the banks of th© Tennessee. ■ % About the 1st of September, it^was known that Burnside's forces were approaching Knoxville, threatening our right, when it was deemed expe- dient to evacuate tliat point, and concentrate Gen. Buckner's forces with those of Gen. Bragg. This movement was being effected, when it be- came apparent that Rosecrans was crossing his army at Bridgeport, hav- ing previously shelled Chattanooga by a small force in front. The threat- ening position of the enemy on our left now made.it beyond doubt that he intended a flank movement towards Rome, and no time was to be lost in cutting him off. To save tho State of Georgia, Chattanqoga had to be abandoned, and knowing the superiority of the enemy's numbers, Gen. Bragg could not afl?brd to leave behind a suflficient garrison to defend the place. At this time, it must be understood, Greu. Bragg had no know}r .edge that Gen. Loiigstreet's corps was on its way from Virginia to rein- force him. Out troops evacuated Chattanooga on the 7th of September, and after a severe march through the dust, which was ancle deep, and ex- posed to the burning rays of the sun, they reached the vicinity of Laifiy- ette, Georgia, on the 0th. The enemy's cavalry, under Gen. Wilder, liad alrcc'i^dy reached Alpine, and driveu back Pegram's cavah'y, and it wns reported that a large body of the enemy was in the direction of McLemore'ai Cove, Breckinridge's division, composed of Adams', Helm's, and Stovall's brigiides, guarded the various roads leading into Lafliyette from the south- ward. On the morning of the ISth, our scouts reported a large force of the enemy advancing on our position from the direction of Alpine, 25 miles south-west of Lafayette. Adams' brigade was immediately thrown across the road to oppose the threatened advance, Stovall forming on the left of Adams, with his artillery, commanding a wide extent of open ground in our front. At mid-day, a squadron of our cavalry came dashing through our lines of skirmishers followed by the "Lightning Brigade" of Wilder. Our infantry and artillery immediately opened with buck, ball, and can- nister and sent them to the right about with many an empty saddle. In the mean time a large force of Thomas' corps was n^,oving up Mc- Lemore's Cove, supposed to be Negley's and another division. Cheatham's division was moved rapidly forward to Lafayette, in front, a portion of Hill's corps occupied Catlett's Gap, in Pigeon Mountain, (which is a spur of Lookout, about 15 miles from Chattanooga,) flanking the enemy on. his right, while Gen. Hindman was ordered to attack the enemy immediately in the Cove. Eor some rfeason, attributed to the nature of the ground, the attack was not; made, and the enemy escaped. To understand the advance of Rosocrans' army, it would seem that Thomas' and McCook's corps, with Stanley's division of cavalry, com- manded by Mitchell, crossed the Tennessee at Bridgeport, marching over Sand Mountain into Wills Valley and from thence down McLemore's Cove iiT the direction of Lafayette. Crittenden's corps, had crossed above Chat- tanooga at Harrison's, and was moved in the direction of Ringgold. A -portion of Park's corps, of Burnside's army, and a brigade of his cavalry came dojvn from Knoxville to Loudon .and. Cleveland. On the morning of the 14th, it was reported that the enemy had aban- doned his position in the vicinity of Alpine, and that he was moving up Mc'Lemore's Cove in the'direction of (Chattanooga. Gen. Cheatham's di- vision was ordered to proceed towards (Crawfish Springs, about half way between Lafoyette and Chattanooga, to reconnoitre the enemy, which he did, and returned on Tuesday, the 15th.; A council of war was then held at Lalfayette, Ga., on that day, and it was resolved to advance towards Chattarjooga and attack the enemy where- ever he could be found. On the 16th, Gen. Bragg issued a spirited address to his troops, and preliminary orders directing the troops to be held in readiness to march that night. These orders were subsequently counter- manded, and renewed at 7 A. M. on the 17th, and Buckner's corps accord- ingly marched north from Lafayette at 9 A. M. on that day, and at night encamped on Pea-vine Creek, 10 miles from Lafayette; Walker camping a mild further on, and Polk's corps camping at Rock Spring.- Gqw. Bragg o mnde his licad quarters at Leet's T:n Yard, neiir 'Walker tjounty, on Pea- vino Creek. The following order defined, the movement : Head Quarters Army Ox^ Tennessee, } Leet's Tan-yard, Sept. 18, isf,*,. j" Circular. I. Maj. Gen. W. 11. T. Walker's Divisiofi vrVi] move to Alexander's Bridge, or By- ram's Ford, and there cross the Chiotamaucca. JI. Maj. Gen. Buckner will move on Tedlbrd's Ford and there cross the Ptiver. Botli these columns will be put in motion at 6 A. M. this day! Xone hut Amlulancea and Artillery Wagons will move with these columns. • III. Lt.-Gen'l Polk will move at the eame hour and by pressing engasre the atten- tion of the enemy at Gordon's Mill?, and be prepared to move by his right Hank to cross the river by the nearest lord. IV', Tiie Cavalry of Gen. Pei^ram will cover the front of Buckuer and TTalker, and that of Gen. Armstrong the front of Gen. Polk. By command of Gen. Brarrg. [Signed] ^ G. W. BRE^-T, A. A. G. Buckncr's corps wns accordingly early opon the road and, passing by Pea-vine Church, started for Ted ford's Ford, by the best and nearest road. His movement was unexpectedly checked, however, by encountering Walker's column, and when relieved by its passage, that of Gen. Cheat- ham. At 11 o'clock, and while matters were brought to a Rait by this collision, the following circular, of same tenor with the previous one, but mpre ample, was received : Head-Quarters Army of Tennessee, ) In the Field, Leet's Tanyard, Sept. 18, 1863. j" Circular. I. Johnson's column (Hood's) on crossing at or near Reid's bridge will tnrn to the left by the most practicable route and sweep up the Chicamauga towards Lee which Walthall lost 102 of his men killed and wounded, the point was car- ried, but the enemy burned the bridge in their retreat. Walker's corps then marched a mile below to Byram's Ford, and crossed crotch deep. They bivouacked that night in front of Alexandi3r's bridge, occupying the position held by the enemy that day. At the same time, while Walker wasi engaging the enemy, Stew^art's division, of Buckner's corps, composed or Clayton's, Browri's, and Bate's brigades, were moving on Tedford's and Dalton's fords. Bate's brigade was being thrown forward tp a commanding position, supported by Clayton and Brown, but before getting into lineithe enemy opened a severe fire with musketry and artillery. G^n. Bate soon formed his brigade in a skirt of woods immediately in front and opened fire, the Eufoula Battery at the same time unlimbering and playing with such admirable eflTect on the enemy's guns that he was soon induced to retire from his position, near Mr. Alexander's house, which was set on fire by our shells and destroyed. Stewart's division then camped near the ford which was held by Pegram's cavalry during the night, while Preston's division eflTected ah unobstructed passage at Hunt's Ford a mile higher up. Thus was secured tho crossing of the Chicftmauga by our army, to the aetonishment of the euemr who WIS surprised to find that wo really had advanced upon him in force That night Adams brigade of Breckinridge's division, guarded Childress Bridge- on the extreme left of our army, and Ector's brigade was in front of Reid's JtJnage on our right. While our army was thus adrancing towards Lafayette to check the mam body of Rosecrans' army, Crittenden'* corps waa vainlv dreaming of a triumphant march towards Atlanta. The enemy's cavalry had advanced as far as Tunnel Hill, from whore they were driven back, on the 11th Sep- tember, by Forrest's and Scott's cavalry. Gen. Bushrod Johnson's forces occupying the ridge back of the railroad tunnel. To show that Ro.ecrans had no Idea of being attacked by Bragg, on t*he 18th, while he was ^ecurini: the bridges and fords across the Chicamauga, the enemv's cavalry made a dash on Ringgold, shelling the town, but were driven back by our cavalrv with consideraolc loss. It is stated that at this time, some of our people informed Crittenden that wc had received large reinforcements from Vir- gmia, whicb caused him to make a precipitate retreat. On the ?ame dar Brigadier Gen Hodge's Kentucky Cavalry, which had been servincr in Vir' gmia, drove the enemy out of Cleveland after a severe skinnish, fn which some sixty of the enemy were killed and wounded, and thirty of a Micbican regiment taken prisoners. *' Early on Saturday morning, the 19th, Gen. Bragg came up to Tedford's J^ord, and the commands of Hood and Johnson and Walker and Buckner were advanced for formation into lino. ^ _ All our forces but a portion of Hill's and Longstreet's, were across the river, being on the west side of the west Fork of the Chicamauga, which is a very tortuous strekm, its general direction running north by east Our position was in the extreme north west corner of Georgia, about ei^^ht miles west of Ringgold, and seven miles south of Chattanooga, ifhe battle ground extended from the right, four miles south from the Tennes- see fetate Line, and across the boundary line of the Counties of Catoosa and Walker in Georgia, to about six miles, near Lee and Gordon's Mill on our left The nature of the ground is undulating And heavily timbered \yith oak and a thick undergrowth. Towards the waet, approaching Mis- sionary Ridge, the ground becomes broken into hills and valleys. Gur iine of battle rested on the bends of thb river, forming an obtuse angle, and was formed that morning without much regard to corps organization as follows: Gen. Walker's corps, composed of Lid^ell's and Gist's division?: w 1 u'^P^ commanding his own brigade, under Col. D.->C. Govan, and Walthall s brigade ; and Gist commanding Ector's brigade, and another under Loh Wilson, took position on our right, wrth Cheatham's division in reserve. Stewart's division, composed of Clayton's, Bate's and Brojvn's brigades, o. i^uckner's corps, formed the center; and Bushrod Johnson's division, composed of his own brigade, under Col. Fulton, and McNair'a and Gregg s, with Hood's division, 'commanded by Gen. La^, and Pres- ton 3 and Breckinridge's division formed our left v^ing, under command of iaen. Hood Gen. Longstreet not having come up. Our right wins was commanded by Gen. Polk. • , It was contemplated by Gen. Bragg to make a flapk movement and turn Wie enemy g left, so as to get our forces between him and Chattanopga, and 8 thus cut ofi' his retreat, believing that the main force of the enemy was at Lee and Gordon's Mills, and upon which lie had intended to move. But unfortunately, Gen. Thomas, who commanded the lefc of the Abolition army, had that very morning, at 9 o'clock, sent a despatch to Gen. Palmer, commanding the Abolition center, ordering him to attack our front imme- diately, while Thomas proceeded to flank us on the right. Thus, before we were prepared, the enemy commenced a counter attack, while Gen. Wal- ker at the time was awaiting orders to move into position. Gen. Forrest, who 'was on our right flank, In front, annoying the enemy and retarding his moven\ents, was now being sorely pressed by Thomas, and requested Ec- tor's brigade to support him. Col. Wilson's brigade at the same time mov- ing forward. After a gallant fight, against tremendous odds, these two brigades wero driven back. At this time Gen. W^a]kcr was ordered by Gen. Bragg to ascertain the cause of such heavy firing. Walker and Lid- dell, after a reconnoissance, then ascertained that a corps of the enemy, un- der Thomas, was m.oving to turn our right wmg, and Liddell's division was immediately advanced t"o support Ector and W^ilson, who had been badly repulsed. It was now about noon, when Walthall and Govan's brigades, under Liddell, jjallantly met the enemy, and such was the impetuous charge made by these troops that they broke through two lines, driving back the 14th, 16th and 18th United States Regulars, and capturing two batteries ; Walthall's brigade capturing the whole of the 5th United States Infantry, 411 officers and men ; and Govan's, 100 prisoners and the celebrated Loomis' battery, a captain of which refused to leave his gun and was captur- ed with it. By this time the enemy's center being broken their extended lines flanked Liddell on both sides, compelling him to retire with his prison- ers, and was only enabled to bring off three of the guns. At the same time Stewart's division had advanced to meet the foe, Clay- ton's brigade becoming engaged at noon and was exposed to a most de- structive fire. Brown's brigade then advanced and relieved Clayton, but such became the fury of the enemy's fire that they were compelled after a determined stand to fall back. Bate's brigade was then ordered forward and staggered for a moment, but breasting the storm they delivered a con- stant fire into the enemy's ranks with good effect, and then rushing forward charged a battery and drove the enemy from fheir guns, three of which were brought off the field. The Abolitionists fell back to a second battery which opened with grape and canister so severely, that in making a charge the brigade became divided and the effect was lost, enabling the enemy to recover their guns by throwing forward their infantry. Bate soon rallied his brigade, which formed in line again, confronting the enemy with such daring that it drew forth general admiration, and the praise of officers high . in rank. It was at this time the brave, chivalrous Col. A. F. Rudler, of the 37th Georgia, received a slight wound, and his gallant color-bearer, John C. Clemence, fell mortally wounded while bearing forward the Regi- mental flag. The enemy's artillery was capably and continuously served, and with terrible effect. Our troops moved through a tempest of grape and canister. The woods had been fired by the burning missile of the lenemy which was calculated to appal the stoutest heart ; but still our men pressed forward undaunted, and made the burning forest vocal with their yells, while the terrified enemy gave way before them. It was now about 2 P. M. The enemy was being largely reinforced, and hurrying forward hisJ multiplied numbers to recover his lost ground, when the chafing Cheatham moved forward his veterans of J. K. Jackson's,^ Maney's, Strahl's, Wright's and Preston Smith's brigades, relieving Lid- deli's command, and met the sliock of battle as the enemy's forces came rolling down towards them. The artillery, under Maj. Melancthon Smith, opened on them a sweeping fire, which made their columns shake. Then again our lin^ wavered before the desperate struggle of the enemy, and the fight was kept, up with varied success until 5 P. M., we having sus- tained a slight repulse. It was here fell the brave Preston Smith. At the same time Stewart had been again pushing them in the center, and had also failed to dislodge the enemy. Gen. Liddell was now ordered still further to the right, and again engaged the enemy. Govan's brigade charg- ed and took another battery, and while engaged with the enemy one of our batteries in th® rear opened on his men, causing them to fall back. Wal- thall held his own against fearful odds, but was finally compelled to retire under the fire of the enemy, whose position was now very strong, they oc- cupying the cr^st of a slight eminence which they had fortified with fallen timber, and by this great advantage had maintained their ground against two desperate assaults. The sun M'as setting when the Stonewall of Bragg's army, Cleburn, of Hill's corps, came up with his braves under Deshler, Polk, and Wood, re- lieving Walker, and passing to the front over the bloody ground that had been so stubbornly contested by Cheatham, charging the enemy up to their very breastworks. A crashing fire of musketry from the enemy made Cleburn's men reel, when forward dashed the batteries of the gallant Sem- ple and Lieut. Key, who opened a terrific fire on the enemy's works, while the division charged with such impetuosity that the enemy recoiled and were driven half a mile from their line of battle. That night our troops slept on the field surrounded by the dead. No cheerful fire dispelled the gloom, and profound silence brooded over the field of carnage. We must now go back to bring up the movements of our left wing, which occurred on the 19th. Gen. Hood was in command of two divis- ions, his own, under Gen. Law, Col. Sheffield commanding Law's brigade, and Bushrod Johnson's, which formed on the left of Stewart's. Preston's division of Buckner's corps, consisting of Grade's, Trigg's, and Kelley's brigades, formed on the left of Hood's, holding an important hill and blitf upon which were placed two batteries. Adams' brigade of Breckinridge's division, formed into line near Glass' Mill, on the Chiearaauga, and was the extreme left of our army. None of the infantry on our extreme left was engaged that day, but in the morning Slocomb's battery of the Wash- ington Artillery had a bloody duel with the enemy, and sufiered severely in men and horses, and the gallant Lieut. Blair was killed. The enemy's battery did not escape, however, without being completely riddled. About 3 o'clock, when Stewart was hotly engaged. Hood's command attacked the enemy, driving them back across the Chattanooga road, which fronted our whole line of battle, capturing a battery and taking oflT three guns. It was late in the afternoon, when Hood's division was being sorely pressed, that, Trigg's brigade, of Preston's division, was detached, rendering timely aid, 10 aaid driving tho enemy from the desired position. A.t dark Hood^s com- mand fell back 300 yards across the Chattanooga road, and formed line of battle on a ridge. It should have been stated that, in the morning of this day, Col. Johnson, commanding Morgan's cavalry, as well as Pegram's cavalry took a gallant part in the fight on our right, and that Scott's Lou- isiana cavalry with three companies held at bay seven regiments of infantry. The battle of Saturday had olosed without our having gained any deci- eive advantage, and from the stubborn resistance made by the enemy, our lines were but little advanced. All night long the enemy's axes were heard cutting timber to make breastworks, and they actually piled up their own dead fo"r this purpose. The position on which Buckner's left rested (Preston's division) had been selected as the point d'ajyprd^ and the pivot Tipon which the army was to swing in the movement which had failed by reason of the attack on our right. It was now understood that the battle would commence at daylight, Sunday, and that the same movement would be attempted. For this purpose, Breckinridge's division, of Hill's corps, was moved that night on our extreme right, to strengthen that wing. Preston was ordered to a position further to the left. Hindman's divi- sion, of Manigault's, Deas', and Anderson's brigades, came up and took position between Hood and Preston. Gen. Longstreet came up at mid- night and took command of the right wing. McLaw's division had also come up, Kershaw's and Humphrey's brigades, and formed in reserve half a mile in the rear of Hood. All was now ready for the grand attack of the coming Sabbath. Sunday, 20th Sept., the sun rose clear and bright, but an impenetrable mist covered the field between the two belligerent armies. Our troops were all in line waiting but for the word to "forward." G^n. Polk had the night previous received orders to commence the attack with Hill's corps at daylight, and had despatched two couriers that ni;;iht to the head quar- ters of Oen. Hill, but they failed to find him, he being in the rear at Ted- ford's Ford, and the order consequently did not reach Gen. Hill until late Sunday morning. Gen. Polk having despatched one of his aids to look for him. This delay unfortunately lost us at least three hours of daylight, which, as the sequel will show, proved very lucky for Rosecrans' army. The enemy had worked like beavers during the night, find had made three lines of entrenchments, besides having the advantage of position on a ri- sing ridge, and were still at work during the early part of the morning. Skirmishing had commenced in front of our lines, but the battle did not open on our right v/ing until 10 o'clock, when the command " forward " ran down our ranks. It was a splendid sight to see that martial array of glorious heroes as our long lines advanced to the bloody contest with the abolition infidel foe. Major Austin's Louisana battalion, on the extreme right of Hill's corps, moved boldly forward, deployed as skirmishers, and engaged the enemy 800 yards in front. That intrepid warrior Breckin- ridge moved forward his division in as perfect order as if on dress parade, followed closely in the rear by his splendid battery of artillery. Soon the sharp rattle of volleys of musketry were heard, and the roar of battle thun- dered through the forest. Having driven in two lines of skirmishers, and exposed to a severe cannonading, the division met and drove the enemy from a dense thi©lv©t, Adams' brigade capturing a battery, one of the guns 11 •being secured by Ool. ii. L. Gibson's regiment, and two more by Major Austin's battalion. Breckinridge's division had now crossed the Chatta- nooga road, having been advancing parallel with it, when by a flank move- ment to the left, the division formed its line of battle at aright angle with tlie road, Adams being on the right, Stovall in the center, and Helm on the left. Advancing for about 800 yards through open fields and dense thick- ets, subject to a constant artillery fire,* the division encountered at 100 yards a division of regulars entrenched in a strong position. Helm, en- countering a deadly fire from the entrenchments, was held in check, while Adams and Stovall passed on, exposed to a terrible fire of grape and shot from the enemy'* front, at the same time a galling fire enfilading them from the left. Notwithstanding Breckinridge's line stood firm and stead- fast, and delivering a volley and charging the enemy with a shout, dispersed their first line in. gallant style. At this moment a second line came up on our right flank, sustained by. a heavy battery, and delivered an unbrok- en volley which staggered our whole line and forced it to retire. It was at this time Gen. Adams received a severe wound in his shoulder, making the fifih time that this veteran soldier has sufiered for his country. Such was the proximity of our troops at the time, that Adams was taken prisoner ; the heroic Helm was killed, and Major Graves, chief of artillery, mortally wounded. The command fell back some 300 yards to a commanding height, from which Slocomb with his Napoleon guns checked the hosts of the advancing enemy, Adams' brigade having been successfully rallied by the gaUant Gibson, who, colors in hand, again fronted the foe. Had the reserve ordered forward to Breckinridge's support come up in time, the enemy's position might have been carried, and prevented the conflict of the afternoon. As it was, notwithstanding our partial repulse, several pieces of artillery were captured and a large number of prisoners. At the same time each succeeding division to the left gradually became engaged with the enemy, extending to Longstreet's wing. Walker's divi- sion now advanced to the relief of Breckinridge, and after an engagement of half an hour, was also compelled to retire under the severe fire of the enemy. The gallant champions of Tennessee, under Cheatham, then ad- vanced to the relief of Walker, but even they wavered and fell back under the terrible fires of the enemy. Cleburn's division, which had several times gallantly charged the enemy, had also been checked, an4 Stewart's divi- sion, occupying the center and left of our right wing detached from Buck- ner's corps, had recoiled before the enemy, but not without slaying their battalions in heaps, charging across an open wood and field under a tornado of grape and canister. tJp to noon the struggle had been most desperate on our right, and re- sistance made on both sides with unparalleled stubbornness, our right wing having been repulsed by the enemy's superior numbers, thus for a second time thwarting the intended swinging movement. The meridian sun which had witnessed the terrible carnage of the conflict, now corbmenced its westward course, as if declining further to side with the abolition ban- ners of the east. A reconnoissance made in our immediate front, showed that the enemy had fallen back from that portion of the field. At this critical juncture, it being now about 1 P. M., the Lionhearted Longstreet ordered Gen. Buokner to advance, which he did as a seeoud line 12 to McLaw's and Hood's divisions. This movement, efTecled by Long- street, was in the nature of a left wheel upon his right, Hood's division be- ing as a center. By this manoeuvre he advanced one mile and a half and formed at right angles with the Chattanooga road, the movement at the same time uniting Buckner's corps, by bringing Preston's division within a short interval on Stewart's left. Longstreet's cot-ps proper, Hindnian's and Bushrod Johnson's divisions now advanced lilic tigers on the foe. The second line of the ejieniy, who had taken up a position on a ridge or range of hills, with temporary breastworks formed of rails and fallen timber, had been driven back with great sL^nghter, Hood's corps having captured 13 pieces of artillery and' a large number of prisoners. The North Carolin- ians of McNair's gallant brigade, on this occasion made their mark. Lt. Col. Frank A. Reynolds, of the 39th North Carolina, capturing ten pieces of cannon, ? of which were brought off the field, with two standards of col- ors, the regiment losing 100 men out of 236. The glorious Hood himself was seriously wounded, having his leg amputated on the field. Longstreet now took command of Hood's corps in person with other troops, when charge after charge was made pressing back the enem^^'s right, until their line was doubled on their center, for a distance of three miles. Kershaw's South Carolinians and Humphrey's Mississippians now advanced to the assault of the ridge, and soon became engaged in a desperate struggle, the tide of victory vaci-ilating, when the peerless Preston was ordered to ad- vance his division of united troops, Gracie*s, Kelley's and Trigg's brigades, who had never before been in action, to their aid. They moved forward through a deadly fire with the firmness and courage of veterans, exciting the highest admiration, when a simultaneous assault was made and the enemy driven from and over the crest of the ridge with great slaughter, thus wres- ting from him his supposed impregnable position. Gen. Longstreet in passing over the scene afterwards, remarked, that the troops who could take such a stronghold, could carry any works the enemy could construct. It was now about 5 o'clock, when the enemy's right wing had been driv- en back in dismay, and Rosecrans to check our further advance and save his army, attempted to reinforce his right by throwing over a heavy body of troops. from his left. The movement was at once perceived by the eagle eyes of Longstreet and Buckner, who had reconnoitered the ground, and it being suggested,by Gen. Law, commanding Hood's division, that we could enfilade the enemy as he approached by placing artillery near the Chatta- nooga road, and opposite the angle formed by the enemy's lines. Major Williams, commanding a battalion of artillery, of Buckner's corps, was ordered to concentrate his batteries at the point it was supposed the enemy would cross. Soon after, as was expected, the heavy columns of the enemy made their appearance and were about wheeling into line, when Williams opened on them a terrific fire with grape, canister and schrapnel, mowing down the abolition foe, and shivering the woods behind which they attempt- ed to take shelter. At the same time, Stewart's division, which had been ordered forward by Gen. Longstreet, fell furiously upon the flank of the column, on the right of the road, while Law opened a oiost unmerciful fire . on the left. The enemy's right and centre gave way before the mighty shock and broke with frantic confusion : over twenty pieces of artillery were captured, and several thousand made prisoners. * Gen, Bragg, upon whom lesteJ tli^ mighty responsibility of the immense stake at hnzard, and who, upon every part of the battlefield, watched with intense anxiety the fite of the day — as he directed the storm of death, — then felt that the God of battles would award to him the victory. • The western horizon, crimsoned with vermillion hues, now shed its rud- dy light on hill top and forest plain, painting the bloody battle field still reeking with human gore — but ihe battle strife had not yet ceased. Driv- en to desperation, .and determined at all hazards to hold iheir position on their left wing, the enemy with a resolute ferocity hurled his battalions upon. our right, at the same time opening his batteries with a storm of shell and giape. Liddell and Gist, of Walker's corps, who had been again ordered forward, being their fifth engagement with the eneniy, were met by a most destructive Ore v.hich enfiladed them on both flanks and drove them back. Our line of battle on the vh^ht was now about half a mile from the Chattanooga roatj. The enemy was sorely pressing our waver- ing lines. Gen. Polk, who had V)orne the brunt of the battle during the day, and fou^zht his wing against the concentrated masses of the enemy with unequalled bravery and endurance, had now marshalled his forces for n to the panic stricken hordes who fled on every side, a brigade of U. S. Regulars, under General King, being perfectly routed by Gibson. Still onward pressed the division of Breckinridge driving the enemy for three quarters of a mile, capturing pieces of, cannon and* hundreds of prisoners, until entering the woods about 70 yards west of.the Chattanooga road, the enemy's killed and wounded marking its bloody track in the pursuit. o At the same time on came the chivalrous Clcburn with the brave Desh- ler. Wood and Polk, who soon came in conflict with Gianger's corps, sweeping them before their ranks like leaves, and facing the murderous fire of their barricades. The heroic and dashing Deshler went down, but still the men pressed forward; Wood, with Lncias Polk's brigade, storming breastwork after breastwork, until the third work was carried — Polk cap- turing three pieces of cannon, the standards of the 2d Ohio, 77th Pa.V'79th 111., and 500 prisoners. Like the ocean's wave, rolled onward tho brigades of the warrior Cheatham towards the center of the encmv's works, which 14 . were carried with an irresistjiblc wnpetuousity, Maney's brl^^^.dG adding new laurels to its fiime, as well iis Strahl';:;, ^/rii:';llt's, Jackson's and the lamented Preston Srnitli's capturing several pieces^ of artillery, and a large, number of prisoners. This sealed our victory. The enemy was totally routed from right', left and center, and was m full retreat to Chattanooga, night alone' preventing their further pursuit. Then arose along our lines, from wing to wing for miles, one wild tumultuous yell, and cheers which made the hills and forest shake again. The day was ours ; v/hile the croak- ing raven of the night perched on. the ill starred banner of the vain, boast- ing Rosecrans, now crestfallen, defeated, and humiliated. Polk'3 wing captured 28 pieces of artillery, and Longstreet's 21, makitig 40 pieces of« cannon, both wings taking nearly an equal number of prisoners, amounting to over 8000, with 30,000 stand of arms, and 40 stand of regim.ental colors. The enemy's loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners, by their own account, is not less than BO, 000. Ours is computed at 12,000, our wounded be- ing unusually large compared to the killed. The enemy is known to have had all his- available force on the field, including his reserve, with a portion of Burnside's corps, numbering not less than 80,000, while our whole forcK? did not exceed 50,000. Nothing was more brilliant in all Bonaparte's Italian campaigns; it was equally as desperate as the battle of Areola, and far more decieive in. its results. So far it exceeds all previous battles of our revolution, and nothing could surpass the irresistible courage and heroic intrepidity of our officers and soldiers. It is impossible to crowd into this limited space the numerous personal heroic deeds, or the valorous and chivalrous incidents, recalling the exploits of the knights of romance, which occurred on the ever memorable field of Chicamauga, even were they known to the writer, while it is a source of regret that I cannot do full justice to compaeies and regiments by record- ing here the noble and heroic part y/hich they bore on this bloody battle field, where all were alike distinguished for -heroism and bravery. It is but justice to Gen. Longstrect to accord to him the turning of the tide of victory by hi^ masterly manceuvre, which was followed up and completed by Gen. Polk, while it must be conceded that the resolute de- cision of Gen. Bragg in checking the enemy's advance into Georgia, striking him at a disadvantage, with great odds against us, and driving him from the State, defeated and routed, deserves the gratitude of our countrymen. Too much praise cannot be given to the gallant Georgians. In Hood's division 13 pieces of artillery were captured, to secure which our boys forced the Abolition prisoners to haul them off the field. It was a novel sight to see fko Confederate sbldiers mounted on a gun carriage, with their rifles in hand, driving a team of" " Abolish," which had been harnessed up for the occasion. The able manner in which Hood's division was handled by the accomplished Brig. Gen. E. M. Law, called forth the high praise and congratulations of Gen. Longstreet. The most eminent service had been rendered by our bold dragoons under the daring chieftains Forrest, Wheeler, Wharton, and Scott, who drove back and checked the enemy's advances, and. during the fight greatly annoyed their flanks, capturing a large number of prisoners. Not since the battle of Cressy, 1346, when cannon were first used, was the Artillery arm ©f .the service more effective on both sides, or more ohiv- 15 a]ry shown. During the eveuuig of the QOth, when Liddell's brigades were in desperate conflicl; Tvitli tho enemy, Capt. Sweet's battery silenced « battery of the enemy which was afterwards captured. The officer in command, on being taken prisoner, enquired the name of the Confederate officer who served the guns, a« he desired to present him with his sword find glass, for his gallantry and great skill. The officer referred to was the brave Lieut. Shannon, and the glass and sword was left with Maj. M. Smith for the heroic artillerist. The batteries commanded by Capts. Cobb, Cams, Lumsden, Fowler, and indeed all our artillery officers, rendered distin- guished service, and none more so than the lamented Maj. R. E, Graves, chief of artillery of Breckinridge's division, who was killed on the field. Maj. J. K. Porter, chief of artillery of Buckner's corps, Lt. Col. James H. Hallonquist, chief of artillery of Gen. Bragg's staff, and Maj. Palmer also- rendered distinguished serrice. An idea of the desperation of the fight may be had from the casualties in Govan's and Walthall's brigades, which suffered the largest loss of any two brigades in the army. But one Colonel was left in command in Go- van's brigade. Col. FeatherBton, of the 5th Ark., fell in the first engage- ment while gallantly taking a battery ; Lt. Col. Baucum, of tho 8th Ark., and Col. Gillespie, of tho 7th Ark., were both wounded. Ten company officers out of twelve, in the 1st Louisiana and 8th Ark. consolidated, were killed and wounded. In the two brigades 1600 men and officers wore kill- ed and wounded in five desperate engagements. Eight field officers out of ten were killed and wounded in Walthall's brigade, and Col. J. J. Scales, 30th Miss., captured. In the 24th Miss., Lt. Col. R, P. Mackelvaine and Major W. C. Staples were wounded, also Lt. Col. A. J. Jones, of the 27th; Lt. Col. J. B. Morgan, of the 29th ; Maj. J. M. Johnson of 30th ; Maj. W. G. Pegram, and Capt. Fowler, afterwards commanding the 34th Miss. Lt. Col. H. A. Reynolds, 30th Miss., was killed. Col. Brantley, of 29tb, and Col. Campbell, 27th Miss., were the only officers uninjured. Whole loss 781 killed, wounded and missing. The Louisiana, Kentucky and Alabama troops were also conspicuous for their gallantry. Sergt. J. C. McDevitt, the color-bearer of Gibson's regi- ment, Adams' brigade, was mortally w^ounded in both legs with canister. The brave Maj. Loudon Butler, of the 19th La., was killed at the head of his regiment, and Lt. Col. R. W. Turner, of same ragiment, was wounded, also Capt. E. P. Guilliet, of Gen. Adam*' staff. Col. Dan Gober and Maj. C. H. Moore, of 16th and 25th La., Col. L. Von Zinken and Capt. E. M. Dubroca, of 13th and 20th La., Capt. John W. Labouisse, A. L G., Maj. J. C. Kimball, 32d Ala., and Lieuts. S. L. Ware,.and Scott Yerger, were dis- tinguished for their gallantry and bravery. Maj. James Wilson, A. A. G.» Capts. Cabell, Breckinridge, Clay, Coleman, and Maston, of Gen. Breckin- ridge's staff, also won additional distinction. The brave and chivalrous Col. Hewitt, of the 2d Ky., and Lt. Col. Inge, of IBth AJa., were killed. Bate's brigade, of Stewart's division, retook a gun and confederate flag, which had been captured by the enemy the evening before. General Bate had two horses shot under him, suffering considerably from the fall of tha last. Gen. Brown was struck in the breast by a spent ball, which shocked him severely, and Gen. Clayton was struck with a fragmeat of a shell on the side. Bate'i brigfld« lott 608, out of 1 085, including 67 offic«r9. Bvw^ staii' afTiccr bad his horse shot under hi in. Col. R. C. Tyller, of the 15th and 37th Tennessee, lost 120 out of 202 men. All the fit^d ofiicers were wounded, six company officers were killed, and two color bearers we're shot down. Duriwg the evening of the 20th, this gallant regiment became dis- connected from Bate's brigade, and fought independently, capturing, with a portion of the 4th Alabama, a fine battery, the men of the regiment man- ning the guns and carrying them to the rear, the horses being all killed. During the night after the battle, Preston's division captured two regiments, being part of a small force which held its position on our left. Major J. Stoddard Johnson, A. A. G., Maj. T. H. Clay, Inspector Gen'l., Maj. A. C. GibsQn, Chief of Ordnance, and Maj. T. K. Porter, Chief of Artillery, of. Gen. Buckner's Staff, were distinguished for the gallant service which they rendered on the field. ■ On Monday, 21st, Forrest and "Wheeler pursued the enemy who did not , stop until they reached Chattp-nooga, the former keeping up a running fire and capturing a numbej of prisoners. Wheeler also destroyed a wagon train and captured 100 prisoners. Ma,]. John Taylor, of the 1st La. caval- ry, went within five miles of Chattanooga, and captured the splendid colors of the 30th Indiana, with 100 pvisoners. Our whole army moved forward on Tuesday, and formed in front of Missionary Ridge, taking possession of Lookout Mountain, and securing the river road towards Bridgeport. It is stated that the enemy had already crossed a portion of his army over the river, but finding he wab not pursued returned. There is hardly a doubt, however, that if our troops could have pursued him that night, we would have at least occupied Chattanooga, as the enemy was most precipitous in his flight, leaving his hospitals, wounded, and dead, alike abandoned, on the banks of the '^ River of Death " ! Hollinger Corp. pH 8.5