O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 16 [S# 16]
AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER 2, 1862.--Campaign in Northern Virginia.
No. 10.--Reports of Col. Nathaniel C. McLean, Seventy-fifth Ohio Infantry, commanding
Second Brigade, of the battles of Groveton and Bull Run.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,
Camp at Centreville, September 1, 1862.
GENERAL:
I have the honor to report, so far as
concerning the active participation of the Second Brigade in the battle of August 30, as
follows:
The brigade had been placed in position on
the evening of August 29, with the left resting on the Warrenton road, and remained there
until the afternoon of August 30, when by order I detailed the Fifty-fifth Ohio Regiment
to occupy a position on the left of the Warrenton road, which was pointed out to Colonel
Lee by an aide of General Sigel, the object of which was to keep up a connection with
General Reynolds on my left. A short time after this General Sigel received an order in my
presence from General Pope, delivered by Colonel Ruggles, to place a battery with a
brigade on a bald hill to my left, so as to sustain General Reynolds, and I was
immediately ordered by General Sigel to that position with a battery of four pieces of
artillery and the Second Brigade. The order was executed by placing the battery with the
three remaining regiments of the brigade (the Seventy-third Ohio, the Twenty-fifth Ohio,
and the Seventy-fifth Ohio) in the position indicated, so as to sustain General Reynolds,
who then with his right wing joined my left. Soon after I had taken this position, much to
my surprise General Reynolds put his troops in motion and marched entirely past and across
my front to the right, to what point I am not informed. Finding that this movement had
entirely exposed my left flank I immediately changed the position of my troops, and
deployed in line of battle the Seventy-third and Twenty-fifth Ohio Regiments, fronting the
west and to the left of the battery, and the Seventy-fifth and Fifty-fifth Ohio, then
returned from its former position on the right of the battery, thus making my line of
battle fronting the west, with the battery in the center and two regiments on each side. I
could by this time see the enemy advancing on my front and a little to the right, driving
before them a regiment of Zouaves. They came on rapidly, when some troops advanced to meet
them from behind a hill on my right. These troops were also driven back in confusion, and
as soon as they got out of the way I opened upon the enemy with the four pieces of
artillery, throwing first shell, and as they approached nearer, canister. I also commenced
a heavy fire with infantry, and in a short time the enemy retreated in great confusion.
During this time any attention had been called to a body of troops advancing toward my
position in the rear of my left flank, and supposing them to be enemies, I gave the order
to turn two pieces of artillery upon them, but countermanded it upon the assurance of some
one who professed to know the fact that they were our own troops, and I readily believed
this, as their clothing was dark, and then rested easy, thinking re-enforcements were
coming to take position on my left and occupy the place vacated by General Reynolds. I
then turned my exclusive attention to the enemy on my front. Soon after this a heavy force
of the enemy, much superior to my own, marched out of the woods across the position
formerly occupied by General Reynolds, in front of my left flank, and swept around, so as
to come in heavy force both on the front and flank of my left wing. This force opened a
heavy fire upon the Seventy-third Ohio, and the next moment the troops in my rear,
supposed to be friends, also opened fire with musketry and artillery. Overpowered by such
superiority in numbers, after a short time the Seventy-third and Twenty-fifth fell back
over the crest of the hill, but were still exposed to the fire from both columns of the
enemy. I immediately, when this attack was made, gave the order to change front, so as to
repel it if possible, but the retreat of the battery at this moment interfered somewhat
with the movement, as it passed through the Seventy-fifth in its retreat. The Fifty-fifth,
on my right flank, at the command wheeled by battalion to the left and came up into line,
fronting the enemy in fine order, and the other regiments speedily formed on his left, and
delivered such a heavy and continuous fire that in a short time the enemy ceased to
advance, and commenced to fall back. My men followed with cheers, driving the enemy back
rapidly, and would have cleared them from the field but for the fact that the forces
permitted to approach our rear had got into such a position as to rake us with grape,
canister, and musketry, while we were attacked severely in front. Under all this, however,
my brigade retained the hill until I myself gave the order to fall back slowly. This order
was given with great reluctance, and only when my attention was called to a heavy force of
the enemy approaching to attack us on our then right flank but former front. I saw that it
would but destroy my whole command to await that attack, and therefore gave the order
under which we left the hill.
During the course of the action General
Schenck with several regiments came to my aid, but not until I had changed front. He
greatly aided me by his gallant conduct in rallying and cheering on the men until he
received the wound which drove him from the field.
The loss is smaller than I supposed under
the circumstances it could possibly be, and I will make a full return upon this point when
the particulars are fully ascertained. Both officers and men, with few exceptions, behaved
with great gallantry, and had such support been given me as to protect my rear from the
terrible attack made upon me from that quarter I could have continued to drive the enemy
and successfully resisted his attack.
It is impossible in this report to mention
the names of all those who distinguished themselves for gallantry, but I cannot refrain
from noticing, with great approbation, the great coolness and gallantry displayed by the
commanders of the four regiments of the brigade (Colonel Smith, Seventy-third Ohio;
Colonel Lee, Fifty-fifth Ohio; Colonel Richardson, Twenty-fifth Ohio, and Major Reily,
Seventy-fifth Ohio) during the whole engagement. My own horse was killed under me during
the hottest of the fire.
N. C. McLEAN,
Col., Comdg. 2d Brig., 1st Div., 1st Army Corps, Army of Va.
Brigadier-General STAHEL,
Comdg. First Division, First Corps, Army of Virginia.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 16 [S# 16]
AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER 2, 1862.--Campaign in Northern Virginia.
No.13.--Report of Col. Orland Smith, Seventy-third Ohio Infantry, of the battles of
Groveton and Bull Run.
HDQRS. SEVENTY-THIRD OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
Langley, Va., September 5, 1862.
COLONEL:
I have the honor to report the part taken
by the Seventy-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the engagements of Friday and Saturday,
August 29 and 30, in the neighborhood of Bull Run.
On the 29th, although not actively engaged
with the enemy, the regiment was constantly on the field, and in several instances under
severe artillery fire, resulting in the wounding of 7 persons in my command. The actual
fighting service of the regiment during that day was confined to some slight skirmishing
between Companies A and B and the enemy's sharpshooters. Nevertheless the frequent changes
of position and preparations for action, continuing till a late hour at night, were
fatiguing and harassing, taxing not only the patience and endurance of the men, but very
frequently their courage. I am happy to report a commendable obedience and promptness on
the part of my men of all grades during the entire day under all circumstances, whether of
exposure without opportunity of replying or of labor under privations of food and drink
without apparent results.
On the 30th our position was as a reserve,
in close column of companies, on the left of the brigade. We remained in this position
till the middle of the afternoon, when, in obedience to your orders, the brigade was moved
to the left, the Seventy-third being in front. I advanced to a considerable distance, in
the expectation of forming a junction with the forces of General Reynolds, whom I was told
we were to support. Not finding any co-operating forces at the point where I had been told
they were in position, I formed forward into line as rapidly as possible, and advanced one
company (A) to the front, deployed as skirmishers, to observe the movements of the enemy
and report. The regiment was scarcely in line before reports came from Major Hurst, on the
left, that a large force of the enemy could be distinctly seen advancing on our left flank
and rear. Being under the impression that we must be sustained by other forces in that
direction, I could not believe it possible that a hostile force could be approaching us
from that quarter with impunity, an(l was not convinced that they were foes till I made a
personal observation, resulting in the conviction that they were not only foes, but that
they were in numbers sufficient to crush us at the first onset.
I immediately dispatched Adjt. B. F. Stone
to advise you of the danger and the necessity for prompt preparation to meet the
emergency. On his return he reported that he had been unable to find you, but had
communicated the facts to your aide, Lieutenant Morse.
In the mean time Captain Buckwalter, of
Company A, had reported several regiments of the enemy to be filing up a ravine and
approaching us through the woods directly in front. I immediately ordered the skirmishers
to be recalled, and prepared to receive the approaching masses with a well-directed fire,
which was done to my satisfaction. The first volley drove the enemy back, and was very
destructive, as I have since learned from some of my men who visited the field on Sunday,
31st.
A devastating fire now opened from the lines
of the enemy, who had already turned our flank. Our ranks were soon thinned by the
overwhelming force to which we were opposed, and being too weak for further effectual
resistance, no alternative was left but a retirement. This was accomplished with
considerable loss under a severe crossfire from front, flank, and rear. In thus falling
back the regiment became somewhat scattered, but the men rallied behind a fence in the
edge of the wood to which we retired, and poured a well-directed fire upon the advancing
foe, retiring again when too much exposed to another point in rear, where they were
covered by re-enforcements, which had come forward; too late, however, to recover the
field. Finding further effort with my thinned ranks useless, after having made several
rallies, combining with my own forces many from other commands, whom I found isolated, I
drew off to join you, which I succeeded in doing just before dark, on the ground occupied
by the First Brigade of our division.
All officers and men under my command on
that day deserved and won my highest commendation for cheerful obedience and determined
resistance under the most trying circumstances. Where all did well it would be useless to
attempt personal distinctions. I cannot forbear mentioning, however, the able manner in
which I was sustained by Major Hurst and Adjutant Stone. The former had his horse shot
under him in the early part of the action, after which he rendered efficient service on
foot in rallying and steadying the men.
Company A, under command of Captain
Buckwalter, and Company B, under Lieutenant Hinson, are entitled to favorable mention for
the skill and promptness with which they responded to the calls for skirmishers on both
days. It may not be improper to mention the name of Captain Madeira, of Company H, who at
great personal risk brought off the national color when both color-bearers and the entire
colorguard had fallen.
I inclose herewith a list of killed,
wounded, and missing. The number, compared with the whole strength of the regiment
engaged, will show a very large proportion.
The whole number taken into action was 312;
number ascertained to be killed, 25; wounded and recovered, 56; wounded prisoners paroled,
31; prisoners not known to be wounded, 10. Total killed, wounded, prisoners, and missing,
148.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ORLAND SMITH,
Colonel Seventy-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
Col. N. C. McLEAN,
Comdg. Second Brig., First Div., First A.C.
SERIES I--VOLUME XII/3 [S# 18]
Correspondence, orders, and returns relating specially to operations in Northern
Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland from March 17 to September 2, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#1
HUTTONSVILLE, VA.,
March 23, 1862.
Brig. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS:
Have ordered one company of Tenth Virginia to take charge of Buckhannon; Hyman to report here, and Seventy-third Ohio also. If five or six companies of Fifty-fifth Ohio could take charge of Beverly, Philippi, and Huttonsville I could take, including three companies of cavalry, 4,000 men with me. Richmond's companies are very poorly armed. Could you not hasten their arms to Buckhannon? Could you inform me whether General Cox has moved on Lewisburg or what his intentions are? After taking Monterey and Alleghany I should be re-enforced to make sure of holding possession at Staunton, if thought best to move on there.
R.H. MILROY,
Brigadier-General
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XXVII/1 [S# 43] -- Gettysburg Campaign
No. 251. -- Report of Col. Orland Smith,
Seventy-third Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG, SECOND DIV., ELEVENTH A C.,
Near Catlett's Station, Va., August 5, 1863.
LIEUTENANT:
I have the honor to report the operations
of the Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Corps, from June 12 to July 4, beginning
with its departure from Brooke's Station and ending with the battle of Gettysburg.
The brigade, consisting of the Seventy-third
Ohio, Thirty-third
Massachusetts, Fifty-fifth
Ohio, and One
hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volunteers, marched from its encampment at Brooke's
Station on Friday, June 12, at 1 p.m. Its marches and halts until its arrival at
Gettysburg were as follows:
Friday, June 12.--Brooke's Station to
Hartwood Church, 13 miles.
Saturday, June 13.--From Hartwood Church to
Weaverville, near Catlett's.
Sunday, June 14.--Weaverville to Blackburn's
Ford, 18 miles.
Monday, June 15.--Blackburn's Ford to
Centreville, 5 miles, where we tarried until Wednesday, June 17.
Wednesday, June 17.--Centreville to Goose
Creek, 18 miles, where the brigade took position on the north side of Goose Creek,
picketing that side, and sending scouting parties and patrols to Leesburg, Hog Back
Mountain, near Mount Gilead, and to Aldie. Remained on Goose Creek till Wednesday, June
24; marched from Goose Creek to Edwards Ferry, 7 miles.
Thursday, June 25.--Edwards Ferry to
Jefferson, 22 miles. Friday, June 26.--Jefferson to Middletown, 7 miles.
Saturday, June 27.--Middletown to
Boonsborough Gap, 6 miles. Sunday, June 28.--Boonsborough Gap to Frederick, 16 miles.
Monday, June 29.--Frederick to Emmitsburg,
22 miles. Tarried here until Wednesday, July 1; Emmitsburg to Gettysburg, 9 miles.
The men marched fully equipped, with
haversacks, knapsacks, &c, carrying three days' rations and 60 rounds of ammunition.
The previous comparative inactivity in camp caused some weariness during the first few
days, and before half the distance was accomplished the shoes began to fail, thus leaving
many men to march barefooted sometimes over very rough roads.
The march from Boonsborough Gap to
Emmitsburg is worthy of note. Starting at 4.40 p.m. on Sunday, 28th instant, we reached
Frederick, 16 miles distant, about midnight, having been somewhat wearied, and impeded by
the wagon trains which preceded us. Leaving Frederick at 4.30 a.m. on the 29th, we reached
Emmitsburg at 5 p.m., having made 38 miles in twenty-four and one-half hours, with
scarcely an instance of straggling. At times the roads were in bad order, being very heavy
from the rains, rendering the marching very painful to those whose shoes had given out.
Every labor and hardship was endured, however, with a cheerfulness which is worthy of
commendation.
On the march from Emmitsburg to Gettysburg,
this brigade brought up the rear of the entire corps; consequently it was the last to
arrive at the scene of action, which had been commenced earlier in the day by the First
Corps.
In compliance with orders from General
Steinwehr commanding the division, I immediately formed the brigade in line of battle by
battalions in mass in rear of Cemetery Hill, and thus advanced through the cemetery to the
front of the hill overlooking the town. It was soon evident our forces, consisting of the
First Corps and First and Third Divisions, Eleventh Corps, were retreating before vastly
superior numbers from the opposite side of the town. The moment seemed critical, and,
under the directions of the general, dispositions were rapidly made to repel any assault
upon the hill should the enemy see fit to advance so far. The movements and deployments
were made with considerable rapidity, and positions were frequently made by changes, as
will be indicated by the reports of the regimental commanders, which are herewith
submitted.
The final disposition of the brigade was as
follows: The base of the hill in front of the batteries of the corps was occupied by the
Fifty-fifth and Seventy-third Ohio Volunteers and the One hundred and thirty-sixth New
York Volunteers, the former being on the extreme right, and reaching to the southwest
corner of the town, the Seventy-third in the center, and the One hundred and thirty-sixth
on the left, connecting with the Second Corps. The Thirty-third Massachusetts was placed
on the northeasterly side of Cemetery Hill, and, as I learned from the report of Colonel
Underwood, was put temporarily under the command of General Ames, of the First Division,
this, however, being the first intimation to me of such a fact.
Our entire front was covered by a line of
skirmishers thrown out toward the enemy's lines, the right resting near the town and the
left connecting with a similar line of the Second Corps. These skirmishers were more or
less engaged with those of the enemy during the whole period from the 1st to the night of
July 3. This line was exposed not only to the fire of the enemy's front, but to a fire
from the flanks and rear by the sharpshooters posted in the houses in the town. Indeed,
the main line, though posted behind a stone wall, was constantly subjected to annoyances
from the same source.
During the various contests which marked the
three days' battle, the regiments were constantly exposed, not only to the fire in front,
but to the shot and shell coming from the batteries placed opposite the Twelfth Corps, on
the right. Moreover, some casualties were occasioned by the premature explosion of some of
the shells from our own batteries. Though the situation was at times of the most trying
character, never a man faltered, to my knowledge, or complained, but every man seemed
inspired by a determination to hold his position, dead or alive.
On the night of the 2d, our line was
threatened by a strong force of the enemy deployed in our front, while a vigorous attack
was made upon the right wing of the corps. No attack was made on us, however, owing, as I
have since been informed, to their failure to carry the hill on the right.
On Friday, the 3d, when the final terrific
assault was made by the enemy, the direction of their march at first seemed to indicate
that our brigade would be strongly attacked. A change of direction to the right, however,
threw the whole force of the attack upon the Second Corps, our skirmishers being only
partially engaged. Nevertheless, the firmness manifested, not only by the old troops, but
by those who had never before been actively engaged, was remarkable.
With the reports of the respective
regimental commanders will be found detailed lists of killed, wounded, &c., which foot
up as follows:
O Officers. M Men. A Aggregate
--Killed-- Wounded- Missing. Total.----
Command. O M O M O M O M A
73d Ohio .... 32 3 101 .... 7 3 140 143
55th Ohio .... 6 1 30 1 11 2 47 49
136th New York .... 17 .... 88 1 2 1 107 108
33d Massachusetts. .... 7 .... 38 .... .... .... 45 45
Total(*) .... 62 4 257 2 20 6 339 345
For specific accounts of the operations
of each regiment, I respectfully refer to the accompanying reports.
Where all vied with each other in the
performance of their respective duties, it is impossible to single out officers for
special mention. I desire, however, to express my entire satisfaction at the conduct of
the regimental commanders--Lieut. Col. R. Long, of the Seventy-third Ohio Volunteers; Col.
C. B. Gambee, of the Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteers; Col. A. B. Underwood, of the
Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers, and Col. James Wood, jr., of the One hundred and
thirty-sixth New York Volunteers--all of whom, by their vigilance and watchfulness,
contributed to lighten my own cares and responsibilities.
I cannot forbear mentioning with
commendation the members of my staff--Capt. Benjamin F. Stone, jr., acting assistant
adjutant-general; Capt. J. D. Maderia, acting assistant inspector-general; Capt. E. H.
Pratt, and Lieut. H. E. Van Zandt, acting aides-de-camp, whose constant attention and
ready response to all-calls in seasons of the greatest danger entitle them to the greatest
praise.
In closing, I venture to express the opinion
that the arrival of this brigade upon Cemetery Hill at a critical moment, in good order
and with full ranks, contributed much toward checking the enemy's advancing forces, and
resulted in holding the hill, which, in my own opinion, was of the most vital importance,
as was demonstrated by the subsequent actions.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ORLAND SMITH,
Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade.
Lieut. R. E. BEECHER,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXVII/3 [S# 45]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In North Carolina, Virginia,
West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, And Department Of The East, From June 3 To August
3, 1863.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.--#15
SIGNAL STATION,
South Mountain, June 27, 1863--2 p.m.
Brig. Gen. A. VON STEINWEHR,
Commanding Second Division, Eleventh Corps:
GENERAL:
I have the honor to report that I can see
no camps in or around Hagerstown or in any other direction. There is a dense smoke rising
from a point above Williamsport, across the Potomac.
I can see no infantry marching in any
direction. Saw a body of cavalry, probably 25 in number, in a field beyond Sharpsburg,
apparently reconnoitering; they are not now in sight. Also a body somewhat larger moving
out of Hagerstown by a road leading northward. There is what appears to be a small picket
of 25 or 30 men in a field this side of Hagerstown, along the road leading from that place
to Boonsborough, but of this I am not positive--cannot make it out clearly. Can clearly
distinguish the roads leading from Boonsborough to Hagerstown, Sharpsburg, and
Shepherdstown, and can see no troops moving upon them, excepting the Union cavalry now at
hand. The Union cavalry are on the road to Hagerstown.
Boonsborough, Hagerstown, Sharpsburg,
Shepherdstown, Keedysville, and Funkstown can plainly be seen from this place. There is
smoke rising just now beyond Hagerstown, as of a house burning.
I have the honor to remain, your obedient
servant,
L. M. BUCHWALTER,
Captain Seventy-third Ohio Volunteers.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIX/2 [S# 49]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In North Carolina,
Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From August 4 To December 31, 1863.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#9
HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS,
September 20, 1863.
Major-General HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:
Captain Higgins, Seventy-third Ohio
Volunteers, with a patrol, took 2 rebel prisoners near Brentsville. I send them to General
Patrick this a.m.
Respectfully,
O. O. HOWARD,
Major-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXX/4 [S# 53]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST
VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA, FROM AUGUST 11, 1863,
TO OCTOBER 19, 1863.--UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.(*)--#12
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND DIV., 11TH ARMY CORPS,
Stevenson, Ala., October 11, 1863.
Col. T. A. MEYSENBURG,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Bridgeport, Ala.:
The present disposition of railroad
guards is as follows: Three companies at Tantalon, under Major Arnold, of One hundred and
thirty-sixth New York Volunteers; four companies at Anderson, under Colonel Wood, who has
also two companies between Anderson and Stevenson; one company each from the Fifty-fifth
and Seventy-third Ohio, and one from the Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers are posted
west of this point; one company of Thirty-third Massachusetts is posted at Widow's Creek,
making thirteen companies on the line.
I suggest the propriety of permitting
Colonel Wood to take his remaining company to Anderson, whence he can communicate easily
by telegraph. He is instructed to make the same dispositions for the present as have
heretofore existed. He will be duly notified of the dividing line, as advised in your
written order of this date. Will report further by letter.
Very respectfully,
ORLAND SMITH,
Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXX/4 [S# 53]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST
VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA, FROM AUGUST 11, 1863,
TO OCTOBER 19, 1863.--UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.(*)--#18
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND DIV., ELEVENTH CORPS,
Stevenson, Ala., October 17, 1863.
Lieut. Col. C. GODDARD,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
COLONEL:
In compliance with General Orders, No.
53, Department of the Cumberland, current series, I have the honor to report the
disposition of my command for the protection of the railroad from Widow's Creek, between
Bridgeport and Stevenson, to the tunnel between Tantalon and Cowan Station.
The brigade consists of the Fifty-fifth and
Seventy-third Ohio Regiments, the Thirty-third Massachusetts, and One hundred and
thirty-sixth New York.
For convenience' sake, I propose to number
the posts from east to west, beginning at Widow's Creek,
No. 1, where is posted one company under
command of Lieut. Caleb Blood, Thirty-third Massachusetts.
No. 2 (bridge next west of Stevenson): One
company, under command of Lieut. A. S. Wormley, Fifty-fifth Ohio.
No. 3 (bridge): One company, under command
of Capt. L. M. Buchwalter, Seventy-third Ohio.
No. 4 (bridge): One company, under command
of Capt. James Farson, Thirty-third Massachusetts.
No. 5 (bridge): One company under command of
Lieut. John Kinney, Seventy-third Ohio.
No. 6 (trestle): One small company, under
command of Lieutenant Bromley, Fifty-fifth Ohio.
No. 7 (bridge next east of Anderson): One
company, under command of Lieutenant Bailey, One hundred and thirty-sixth New York.
No. 8 (Anderson Station), where Col. James
Wood, commanding One hundred and thirty-sixth New York, has his headquarters, and three
companies of his regiment.
No. 9 (bridge next west of Stevenson): One
company, under command of Captain Chapin, One hundred and thirty-sixth New York.
No. 10 (bridge): One company, under command
of Captain Cole, One hundred and thirty-sixth New York.
No. 11 (bridge): One company, under command
of Captain Cameron, One hundred and thirty-sixth New York.
No. 12. (Tantalon Station and trestle,
thence west to tunnel): Three companies of One hundred and thirty-sixth New York, under
command of Major Arnold, same regiment.
This arrangement was partially instituted on
the 11th instant, and fully consummated on the 14th, since which no event worthy of note
has transpired. The remainder of the brigade is encamped at this station near the fort.
The recent rise in the creek (Crow Creek)
rendered it necessary to remove some of the companies from the stockades, but not so far
as to interfere with the performance of their duties.
I have directed Colonel Wood to report from
Anderson daily through me. If necessary to have daily reports from the commander at each
bridge, please advise me.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ORLAND SMITH,
Colonel Seventy-third Ohio Regt., Comdg. Second Brigade.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXI/1 [S# 54]
OCTOBER 26-29, 1863.--Reopening of the Tennessee River ...
No. 15. --Report of Brig. Gen. Adolph von Steinwehr, U.S. Army, commanding Second
Division.
CHURCH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST,
October 30, 1863.
COLONEL:
On the 27th instant, this division broke
camp and left Bridgeport at 6 a.m., the First Brigade leading. At about 5 p.m. we arrived
at Whiteside's and camped for the night. On the 28th, we marched at daybreak toward
Brown's Ferry in the same order. At the Trenton road the first indications of the enemy
were seen. At about 2 p.m. the advance guard of the First Brigade was fired upon. The
Seventy-third Pennsylvania was deployed as skirmishers and advanced. The Second Brigade
advanced, the Seventy-third Ohio in a deployed line to the right of the Seventy-third
Pennsylvania, and the Thirty-third Massachusetts followed as a reserve, together with the
artillery. When the advanced regiments reached the foot of the hill a skirmish ensued.
After firing a few rounds, we charged upon the enemy, who fell back across the Lookout
Creek. The command was then assembled upon the Chattanooga road and moved forward. Late in
the afternoon we went into camp in Lookout Valley, about 4 miles from Chattanooga.
At about 12 midnight a firing was heard in
our front and shortly afterward I received orders to advance with my division. I advanced
with the Second Brigade, the First following. When we had advanced about one-quarter of a
mile beyond the junction of the roads, I was ordered to take and hold a hill upon our left
flank, which was occupied by the enemy. I ordered Col. O. Smith to advance upon the hill
with the Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts in line of battle, and directed
the One hundred and Thirty-sixth New York to ascend the hill on the left of the other two
regiments. The troops were ordered not to fire, but to use the bayonet. They made a
gallant charge and took the crest. The enemy fled, leaving some arms and intrenching tools
in their rifle-pits. The tools were immediately made use of to strengthen their position
by the men. We captured about 50 prisoners. The hill was occupied by Law's brigade, of
Jenkins' division, Longstreet's corps, numbering five regiments, about 2,000 men. Our
attacking force was not quite 700 muskets. The First Brigade was held as reserve
immediately behind the Second Brigade, and advanced into the gaps right and left of the
hill, to prevent a flanking movement of the enemy.
Respectfully,
A. VON STEINWEHR,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Second Division.
Lieutenant-Colonel MEYSENBURG,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXI/1 [S# 54]
OCTOBER 26-29, 1863.--Reopening of the Tennessee River ...
No. 18. --Report of Lieut. Col. Godfrey Rider, jr., Thirty-third Massachusetts
Infantry.
HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD REGT. MASS. VOLUNTEERS,
Near Lookout Mountain, Tenn., November 1, 1863.
COLONEL:
I have the honor to submit the following
report of the share taken by the Thirty-third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers in the
operations of the 28th and 29th ultimo:
On the afternoon of the 28th, this command
was formed in line of battle behind the Seventy-third Ohio Volunteers, and advanced
steadily, skirmishing through the woods and brush on the right of the railroad. Upon
reaching an open space, where the line was ordered to halt, a brisk fire of solid shot and
shell was opened upon it from a battery of heavy guns upon the top of Lookout Mountain.
The men were ordered to lie down, and remained in this position about half an hour, when
this command was ordered to follow the Seventy-third Ohio Volunteers which marched by the
right flank back through the woods, recrossed the railroad, and took the main road on the
other side. This movement was executed in good order and without hurry, the men marching
steadily, regardless of the shot and shell which the enemy continued to shower upon the
column, until it was beyond the reach of his guns. About sundown the regiment encamped
with the brigade within our own lines. Our loss in this action was 1 man killed.
At half past 12 o'clock on the morning of
the 29th, orders were received to march. This command immediately fell into line, and
after a march of a little over a mile reached a steep hill covered with trees and
underbrush, upon the crest of which the enemy were posted, behind breastworks and
rifle-pits, with skirmishers thrown out in front. This regiment formed in line of battle
upon the hill-side, its right resting upon the road, and with one company (H) deployed as
skirmishers on the left, reaching almost to the crest of the hill, and was ordered to
advance in line and connect with the Seventy-third Ohio in front.
The line advanced in good order, under fire
of the enemy's skirmishers, until it reached a crooked ravine some 20 feet deep running
parallel with the hill-side, the sides of which were almost perpendicular, slippery with
leaves and clay, and covered with brush, and its appearance rendered still more formidable
by the deceptive moonlight. At this point it was impossible to preserve a perfect line,
but the regiment gallantly plunged into it--the dead and living rolling down together--
climbed the opposite side, and halted in some disorder. Here the enemy opened a deadly
fire from the whole length of their line upon our front flank and rear. Colonel Underwood
fell dangerously wounded, and many other officers and file closers were either killed or
wounded. Unfortunately, the exact position of the enemy was unknown, and the Seventy-third
Ohio, with which we were ordered to connect, could not be found for that purpose, they
having advanced farther on our right, while we supposed them to be in a position actually
occupied by the enemy. In this emergency, the regiment believing itself without support,
and fired into by its friends, some confusion naturally ensued, and the line fell back
slowly into the road. Here it was quickly reformed and again advanced in line, with fixed
bayonets and without firing, directly up the face of the hill until, within a few yards of
the breastworks, it drew the enemy's fire, when, with a cheer, it turned by the right
flank, gained the crest, crossed the rifle-pits, and charged upon the enemy's flank with
the bayonet, at the same time pouring a volley into his retreating ranks. The enemy,
without waiting to reply, retreated precipitately over the hill, abandoning his killed and
wounded, and leaving us in full possession of the hill. Here the regiment formed in line
of battle, posted pickets, and commenced throwing up breastworks in case of an attack.
This command captured 2 commissioned
officers (1 wounded) and 39 privates, together with a large number of muskets and all the
enemy's intrenching tools. Three companies of this command were absent, having been sent
on an expedition toward Kelley's Ford. The regiment, therefore, went into action with only
seven companies, numbering about 230 men. Out of this small force the command lost:
Killed, 3 commissioned officers and 22 enlisted men; wounded, 5 commissioned officers and
56 enlisted men; total, 8 commissioned officers and 78 enlisted men, one-third of the
whole number engaged.
I have the honor to be, colonel, your
obedient servant,
G. RIDER, JR.,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Thirty-third Massachusetts Vols.
Col. ORLAND SMITH,
Comdg. Second Brig., Second Div., Eleventh Corps.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXI/1 [S# 54]
OCTOBER 26-29, 1863.--Reopening of the Tennessee River ...
No. 20. --Report of Maj. Samuel H. Hurst, Seventy-third Ohio Infantry.
HDQRS. SEVENTY-THIRD REGT. OHIO VOLUNTEERS,
Near Chattanooga, November 2, 1863.
CAPTAIN:
I have the honor to submit the following
report of the part taken by this regiment in the actions of October 28 and 29 near Lookout
Creek:
In the afternoon of October 28, shortly
after leaving Wauhatchie, in our line of march toward Chattanooga, I was ordered to cross
the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad and move the regiment forward in line of battle,
with its left touching the road, and ascertain whether the enemy were in force in the
dense woods in that direction. Having made the dispositions indicated, and massed our
front and right flank with skirmishers, we moved forward until our line had passed that of
the First Brigade, Colonel Buschbeck, with whom I was ordered to connect. Here I halted
the battalion while the skirmishers went forward to the banks of Lookout Creek, where they
communicated with the skirmishers of the First Brigade, and assured themselves that the
enemy was not in force in that immediate vicinity, yet a running fire of skirmishers and
an attempt to burn the railroad bridge across the creek evidenced the intention of the
enemy to dispute our advance in that direction.
In the meantime, the enemy's batteries on
the mountain were vigorously engaged in shelling our position, which, however, resulted to
us in no casualties, save the slight wounding of 1 man. After remaining in this position
about half an hour, I was ordered to withdraw the regiment and rejoin the brigade, which
order I at once obeyed. On the morning of the 29th, while the Second Brigade, with the
Seventy-third Ohio in the advance, was moving to the support of General Geary, at about 2
o'clock in the morning, I was ordered to form line of battle on the left of the road and
sweep through the woods on the west side of a range of hills that ran parallel with the
road on which we had been advancing. I immediately sent forward Captain Buchwalter, with
instructions to deploy his company (A) as skirmishers and move in the direction indicated
for the battalion. We then moved forward in line as rapidly as possible, considering the
irregularities of the ground, the dense growth of underbrush, and the fallen timber. We
had advanced, however, only a few hundred yards when the enemy's skirmishers opened fire
upon us from the hill-tops on our left and from our front. I was ordered to wheel the
battalion to the left and charge the hill, and was informed that the Thirty-third
Massachusetts would connect with me on the left and move up the hill in the same line of
battle. I instructed Captain Buchwalter to move his skirmishers by the left into our new
front and advance in that direction, in executing which order his line received a heavy
volley from an unseen force of the enemy on our right, and the gallant captain fell
mortally wounded.
We moved up the hill (steep and difficult
though it was) for a hundred paces, receiving an irregular fire from the enemy in our
front. Then we lay down and rested for a minute. The enemy's fire now indicated their
position and the direction of their line of battle. We had yet another hundred paces to
climb before we could use our bayonets, and we rose up and moved forward again to the
charge, cheering as we went, and driving in the enemy's skirmishers. The heavily
increasing fire of the enemy provoked an occasional shot from our own lines in answer. Our
skirmishers had been constantly engaged, and now their line opened right and left, and we
were confronted by the enemy's whole line of battle, sheltered behind formidable
breastworks on the crest of the hill. As we came in sight of them in the clear moonlight
they lowered their guns and poured into our ranks a most deadly fire. Our boys began to
fall rapid]y, but the ranks were instantly closed, and steadily, in the face of death, our
little battalion kept shouting and charging forward. The firing in our front became so
rapid and effective that I commanded the regiment to answer it, which they did handsomely,
still, however, continuing to advance.
When we had approached within 2 or 3 rods of
the enemy's breast-works there opened upon us a most murderous fire from a force on our
right flank, completely enfilading our line. The appearance of this force on our flank
seemed to forbid our farther advance. I knew we had no support on our right, and we had
not held communication with the Thirty-third Massachusetts at any time during the
engagement. Regarding the Seventy-third as the directing battalion, I had paid no
attention to our support on the left, and it was impossible for me to learn whether
Colonel Underwood was advancing or not, while heavy and irregular firing, with cries of
"Don't fire upon your own men," coming from the left of our front, only
increased the confusion. Under the circumstances I deemed it rash to advance farther until
I knew that one, at least, of my flanks was protected. I ordered the regiment to retire a
few rods, which they did in perfect order, and lay down again, while I sent Captain
Higgins to ascertain the position and movements of the Thirty-third Massachusetts.
Learning that, though they had fallen back, they were again advancing, I was preparing to
go forward also, when information came that the Thirty-third had turned the enemy's flank,
was gallantly charging him in his breastworks, and driving him from the left crest of the
hill.
I immediately charged forward again, took
and occupied the works and hill in our own front, from which the enemy rapidly fled. The
taking of this hill had not been accomplished, however, without fearful cost. One-half of
my line officers and one-third of my men were either killed or wounded in this brief but
desperate struggle, and never had men shown higher courage than characterized the work of
that morning. A full report of the casualties has already been forwarded. I cannot,
however, neglect to mention specially the lamented Captain Buchwalter (wounded, and since
dead), whose chivalrous spirit and high, manly, and soldierly qualities won all hearts,
and gave promise of a brilliant and useful career.
Captain Barnes, Lieutenants McCommon,
Hawkins, Talbott, and Martin were among the wounded, and deserve honorable mention. They
behaved most gallantly in the fight, and their scars will be re-membrancers of duty
bravely done. But where all acted so nobly it were invidious not to award them a just meed
of praise. Those who survived unscathed were no less courageous than their fallen
comrades. Captain Higgins, acting major, behaved with his accustomed intrepidity, being
always in the thickest of the fight, cheering the men forward. Lieutenants Hinson, Kinney,
Downing, Stone, Peters, and Davis, all commanding companies, were constantly with their
men, inspiring them with a sublime courage, and leading them with soldiery determination
against that wall of fire. Lieutenant Hosler, acting adjutant, assisted me efficiently,
and the non-commissioned officers and the men in the ranks did all that I could ask. With
daring, dauntless spirits, they attacked an enemy vastly superior in numbers and holding a
fortified and almost impregnable position, and drove them from that position by the most
heroic and desperate effort. It was an achievement worthy the best men of a veteran army,
and must add new luster to our already honorable names, and make it a consideration of
just and honest pride to belong to the brave old Seventy-third.
I have the honor, captain, to subscribe
myself, your obedient servant,
SAM'L H. HURST,
Major, Commanding Regiment.
Capt. B. F. STONE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXI/2 [S# 55]
NOVEMBER 23-27, 1863.--The Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign.
No. 101.--Report of Col. Orland Smith, Seventy-third Ohio Infantry, commanding Second
Brigade, including march to the relief of Knoxville.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND DIV., 11TH CORPS,
Lookout Valley, Tenn., December 22, 1863.
SIR:
I have the honor to report the operations
of the Second Brigade, Second Division, from November 22 to December 17 instant.
Pursuant to orders, the brigade marched from
its position in Lookout Valley at I p.m., on 22d November. The only transportation taken
was one wagon containing intrenching tools and the ambulance assigned to brigade
headquarters. The men carried their knapsacks, blankets, shelter tents, three days'
rations, and 60 rounds of ammunition. The line of march was in the direction of
Chattanooga, via Brown's Ferry. The strength of the column was as follows: Officers, 63;
enlisted men, 1,086; total, 1,149.
The following regiments composed the
brigade: Seventy-third Ohio Volunteers, Fifty-fifth Ohio, Thirty-third Massachusetts, and
One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volunteers. The passage of two pontoon bridges being
necessarily attended with some delay, the position assigned for encampment, in front of
Chattanooga, to the right of Fort Wood, was not reached till near night.
On Monday, November 23, I was directed to
hold my brigade in readiness to move at 1 p.m., at which time it was formed in column of
battalion en masse, and took position on the right of the Third Division, similarly
formed, the First Brigade, Second Division, being in our rear. In this position the whole
corps remained in reserve, while a division of the Fourth Corps made a demonstration
toward Mission Ridge. After this division had established its position upon Orchard Knob
we were ordered to move in conjunction with the rest of the corps to the left, and to
advance to Citico Creek. After marching some distance to the left of Fort Wood the brigade
was formed in two lines, the first line being composed of the One hundred and thirty-sixth
New York and the Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, deployed: the second, consisting of the
Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers, in column of division en
masse. The front line having been covered by skirmishers, the brigade was ordered forward,
connecting on its left with the First Brigade and on its right expecting to connect with
the Third Division. The advance regiments soon came up with a regiment of Beatty's
brigade, Fourth Corps, then on picket. Passing and relieving the skirmishers of this
regiment, our skirmishers were soon briskly engaged with those of the enemy. They pressed
on rapidly, however, returning but few shots, the enemy fleeing as they advanced. As the
enemy's fire increased in intensity both skirmishers and the main line seemed disposed to
rush forward with impetuosity, all moving at double-quick but in perfect order. After
crossing the Chattanooga and Atlanta railroad, finding my brigade opening large intervals
between itself and its connections on the right and left, and Citico Creek having been
given as the limit of our advance, I deemed it prudent to order a halt. Our skirmishers
had forced those of the enemy from a brick house in our front, from which they had kept up
a brisk fire; but the advance had not been quite far enough to dislodge them from some
rifle-pits which they occupied, and from which their sharpshooters continued to annoy us.
Reconnoitering our position I found that Citico Creek ran at right angles to the railroad,
along which our line was partly formed, and that it ceased to be a creek of any importance
after passing the railroad in the direction of Mission Ridge. The enemy occupied a line of
rifle-pits running from the direction of the mouth of the creek across the railroad,
thence sweeping around our front toward our extreme right. While this brought those on the
opposite bank of the creek directly in opposition to the regiments of the First Brigade,
it afforded them an opportunity to annoy our left flank and rear. At nightfall, I
therefore changed the direction of the left wing of the Fifty-fifth Ohio to correspond,
and advanced a part of the Thirty-third Massachusetts to establish complete connection
with the First Brigade. Meantime the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin,
of the Third Division, had been brought forward to connect with the One hundred and
thirty-sixth New York on our right. On this line intrenchments were formed and the
position held without material change all the next day (November 24).
On the afternoon of the 24th, in compliance
with orders, the Seventy-third Ohio was thrown across Citico Creek, where it is crossed by
the Chattanooga and Cleveland railroad, with instructions to drive the enemy from their
rifle-pits in front of the First Brigade, the fire from which had been very annoying. The
work assigned this regiment was performed promptly and successfully, resulting in the
capture of some 30 prisoners.
On the morning of the 25th of November, it
being evident that the enemy's sharpshooters were still in a position to annoy some
portions of our line, the Seventy-third Ohio and the One hundred and thirty-fourth New
York (the latter of the First Brigade), were ordered forward to the line of the
Chattanooga and Atlanta railroad. The advance met with some opposition, but was
successfully accomplished and a new line established, the left resting near the
intersection of the Chattanooga and Atlanta with the Chattanooga and Cleveland railroad,
and running nearly parallel with Mission Ridge. Shortly after this the brigade moved with
the rest of the corps to the northerly end of Mission Ridge, to co-operate with the forces
under General Sherman. Its new position was on the left bank of Chickamauga River, some 4
or 5 miles from its mouth. Here it remained without engagement until next morning,
November 26, when the corps marched in connection with Davis division, of the Fourteenth
Corps, to Chickamauga Station, via the mouth of the river, camping near Graysville.
On Friday, November 27, the command marched
at daylight, passing through Graysville and thence to Parker's Gap. Here the brigade was
sent in conjunction with the Third Brigade, Third Division, Col. F. Hecker commanding the
latter, to Red Clay, a station on the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad, between Dalton,
Ga., and Cleveland, Tenn., with instructions to destroy such a portion of that road as to
render communication by rail between Dalton and points north impracticable for some time
to come. This expedition, which was placed under the command of the undersigned, marched
soon after noon, being accompanied by one section of Dilger's battery and some scouts from
headquarters Eleventh Corps. Red Clay was reached without opposition or incident worthy of
note, except the capture of Lieutenant Mason and 2 men of the rebel cavalry, who
represented themselves as belonging to General Kelly's command, then near Cleveland. The
lieutenant represented himself as a member of General Kelly's staff, and stated that his
business was to communicate with General Bragg, all efforts in that direction having been
thwarted by the intervention of our forces. He had been accompanied by a Captain
Lourey[?], who succeeded in escaping without capture. No dispatches were found on the
parties and they were turned over to the provost-marshal, and by him forwarded through the
regular channels. No bridges of importance being discovered, our work on the railroad was
chiefly limited to the destruction of the track. To effect this as rapidly and thoroughly
as possible, the two brigades were deployed with large intervals between regiments, and
the work of tearing up the track immediately commenced. While part of the men tore up the
rails, others piled cross-ties in square tiers, on which the rails were laid, so as to
have a center bearing. Fire being communicated, it was found that the rails bent readily,
even before the pile was consumed, thus rendering the destruction complete and final In
this manner nearly 2 miles were destroyed. In addition to this a large water station, the
station house, and two box cars were consumed by fire. Having rendered the railroad
useless and incapable of repair for some time to come, the expedition returned to Parker's
Gap without molestation, arriving shortly after midnight.
Saturday, November 28, was spent without
change other than a movement to a new camping ground about 1 mile nearer to Graysville.
Sunday, November 29, the brigade set out, in
connection with the other troops of the corps, on the march toward Knoxville. Cleveland,
Tenn., was the halting place for the night. The night was very cold and the men without
blankets or shelter tents. With plenty of fuel and some straw, they were, however, able to
render themselves comparatively comfortable.
Monday, November 30, the march was resumed,
this brigade leading, the Fifty-fifth Ohio being the extreme advance. The enemy's scouts
having now shown themselves, and it having been reported that Charleston was occupied by
some considerable force, it was deemed prudent to advance with some caution. In addition
to the customary advance guard, skirmishers were thrown out right and left. In this manner
the town was entered before noon, the men moving at double-quick; but though we passed
their picket fires still burning, on our way into town, it was found that they had all
retired across the Hiwassee, destroying as they left a rude pontoon bridge and two short
spans of the railroad bridge. By direction of General Howard, I immediately threw two
companies of the Fifty-fifth Ohio across the river in such rough boats as could be
collected, the object being to secure some cars which were on the track near the village
of Calhoun. The cars. 5 in number, loaded with flour, meal, salt, ammunition, bridge
tools, &c., were secured, and afforded a timely issue of rations to at least two
brigades of the corps. During the afternoon the remainder of the Fifty-fifth Ohio and the
whole of the Thirty-third Massachusetts were crossed in boats. Meanwhile, repairs were
progressing on the railroad bridge, which was ready by midnight for the passage of troops,
wagons,. and artillery. The other two regiments remained in Charleston till a.m. on
Tuesday, December 1, when the crossing commenced; thence the march continued, without
noteworthy event to this brigade, as follows:
December 1, to Athens, Tenn.
Wednesday, December 2, through Philadelphia
near to Loudon.
Thursday, December 3, to and through Loudon
to a point about 1 mile easterly on the Tennessee River.
Friday, December 4, remained in camp at
Loudon.
Saturday, December 5, marched at 1 a.m. to
Davis' Ford, on the Little Tennessee, where we crossed the river on a bridge of wagons and
proceeded to Louisville, Tenn., some 14 miles south of Knoxville. Remained here until
Monday, December 7, when, the object of the movement having been accomplished, the return
march was commenced and continued with a tarry of three nights and two days at Athens, and
a similar tarry at Cleveland until Thursday, December 17, 1863, when the command returned
to its old camp in Lookout Valley, passing by the foot of Lookout Mountain.
A roll-call held on arrival in camp showed
all present except those reported in the list of casualties, a result which I regard as
highly commendable, when it is considered that many men were entirely shoeless. Marching
as we did without shelter of any kind, except a few gum blankets, all knapsacks, blankets,
and shelter tents having been left behind at Chattanooga, subsisting for a major part of
the time upon the country, from which only flour, meal, and meat were derived, a large
portion of the time without sugar or coffee, it is to be supposed that our movements were
attended with some privation and suffering. Nevertheless, I cannot forbear remarking in
behalf of the men under my command that every labor, every privation, every suffering was
borne with a patience and cheerfulness worthy of patriots, who are above all mercenary
considerations. I must claim for them an abstinence from straggling or marauding worthy of
commendation under the circumstances. During the entire movement, from the 22d November to
the 17th December, I noticed no officer who faltered in the performance of his duty.
It affords me pleasure to mention favorably
the names of the respective regimental commanders in the brigade. Col. James Wood, jr.,
One hundred and thirty-sixth New York, who, though unsupported by any other field officer,
carried his regiment through the whole campaign in fine order. Col. C. B. Gambee,
Fifty-fifth Ohio; Lieut. Col. Godfrey Rider, jr., Thirty-third Massachusetts, and Maj. S.
H. Hurst, commanding Seventy-third Ohio. I desire also to make especial mention of Capt.
Thomas W. Higgins, senior captain of the Seventy-third Ohio, who on this occasion, as on
many previous, displayed great energy, perseverance, and gallantry. The captain has acted
as major for some time past with marked success, and I think the rank of major, by brevet,
would be judiciously bestowed upon him.
The members of my staff on this occasion, as
heretofore, won my favorable commendation by their diligent attention to their respective
duties and by their efficient co-operation.
By the illness of Capt. B. F. Stone, acting
assistant adjutant-general, I was to some extent deprived of his valuable services while
on the march: nevertheless, by fortitude and perseverance, he continued, under great
suffering, with the brigade during the entire march, and attended to his duties in camp
every night, though repeatedly urged to go to the rear. Capt. J. V. Patton, acting
commissary of subsistence, by his foresight and activity, succeeded in supplying the
brigade in a regular manner, thus leaving no apology for individual foraging. I think the
interest of the service would be promoted by his appointment by the Government as
commissary of subsistence of volunteers. Capt. John D. Madeira, in the double capacity of
acting assistant inspector-general and aide-de-camp, as well as Lieut. George A. Morse,
provost-marshal, displayed great energy, activity, and daring, whereby they contributed
much to the discipline and efficiency of the brigade.
On the march, finding it necessary to draw
upon the country for forage, I detailed Lieut. E. M. Cheney, Thirty-third Massachusetts
Volunteers, to act as brigade quartermaster, and through him regular vouchers were given
for hay and grain taken, and the forage was by him formally issued to the regiments.
Though the duty was new to him, by industry and attention he succeeded in furnishing
supplies without resorting to foraging by irresponsible parties.
The official reports of the several
regimental commanders and the consolidated list of casualties(*) are herewith transmitted.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ORLAND SMITH,
Colonel Seventy-third Ohio Vols., Comdg. Second Brigade.
Lieut. R. E. BEECHER,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXI/2 [S# 55]
NOVEMBER 23-27, 1863.--The Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign.
No. 105.--Report of Maj. Samuel H. Hurst, Seventy-third Ohio Infantry.
HDQRS. SEVENTY-THIRD OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
Lookout Valley, Tenn., December 22, 1863.
CAPTAIN:
I have the honor to make the following
report of the part taken by the Seventy-third Ohio Regiment in the late campaign beginning
with the battle of Chattanooga and ending in the relief of Knoxville, and the return of
the corps to the old camping ground:
On the afternoon of November 23, when the
army moved forward and engaged the enemy in front of Chattanooga, the Eleventh Corps
holding the left of our line, this regiment was massed in column and I was ordered
to support the Fifty-fifth Ohio, which engaged the enemy at the point where our line of
battle crossed the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. We were held thus in reserve until
about 12 o'clock, November 24. The enemy's sharpshooters kept up a very annoying fire
along the front of the Second Division, and could not be dislodged by our skirmishers. A
small creek ran between the two skirmish lines, and the enemy appeared to hold a strong
position on its opposite bank. I was ordered to cross this creek near its mouth and charge
the enemy in the woods, driving them from the front of our division lines, or, at least,
developing their position and strength. Throwing the regiment across the creek. I sent
forward Companies A and B as skirmishers, and charged on the double-quick. We drove in
their skirmishers on the left and gained the rear of their rifle-pits, cutting off about
30 men from their supports. These men at once gave themselves up as prisoners. We gained a
position behind the embankment of the East Tennessee railroad, almost 300 yards from its
crossing the Memphis road. Here we engaged the enemy's sharpshooters in a clump of houses,
and being ordered not to go farther forward, we remained in this advanced position during
the night.
Early next morning, in conjunction with the
skirmishers of the Second Brigade, we charged the enemy's skirmishers again, and drove
them a fourth of a mile, the left of our division moving forward and holding the ground
thus gained. In these charges the officers and men of the regiment behaved with veteran
coolness and courage, sustaining their high character for gallantry in action.
This regiment took no further part in the
battle at Chattanooga, but with the brigade moved up the river to the Chickamauga, from
which place on the following day we took up the line of march in pursuit of the retreating
foe. From Graysville we advanced with the brigade to Parker's Gap, and thence to Red Clay,
where we assisted in the destruction of the railroad. Subsequently the regiment filled its
place in the brigade in the march through East Tennessee to the relief of Knoxville,
advancing as far as Louisville.
The men bore with a heroic spirit the rigors
of this trying campaign. Many of them were without blankets and some without shoes, but
cheered by the welcome of loyal citizens and prompted by their own high soldierly spirit,
they did their duty well.
The casualties during the campaign were 1
wounded, 1 died during the march, and 1 missing.
I have the honor to be, your obedient
servant,
SAML. H. HURST,
Major, Comdg. Seventy-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
Capt. B. F. STONE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/2 [S# 73]
MAY 1-SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.--The Atlanta (Georgia) Campaign.
No. 275.--Report of Lieut. Col. Samuel H. Hurst, Seventy-third Ohio Infantry.
HDQRS. 73D REGIMENT OHIO VETERAN VOL. INFANTRY,
Atlanta, Ga., September 23, 1864.
CAPTAIN :
I have the honor, in obedience to orders,
to report the operations of this command from the 2d day of May, 1864, to the 20th of
September, 1864:
On the 2d of May the regiment, with 318 guns
left its camp in Lookout Valley and, joining the march of the brigade, moved to Gordon's
Mills, on a branch of the Chickamauga, where we halted for a day; again moving forward, we
halted near Ringgold and sent to the rear our surplus baggage; then we moved to Leet's
farm, and from there across Taylor's Ridge, via Gordon's Springs, and, with the Army of
the Cumberland, confronted the enemy at Buzzard Roost. Here We skirmished for two days,
losing 1 man. Withdrawing, we moved with the brigade, via Snake Creek Gap, upon Resaca;
assisted in driving the enemy into his works at this place, and having developed his
position and engaged him with slight loss, on the 15th of May we moved with brigade to the
extreme left of our army and joined in the attack and assault of that day, which
engagement resulted to us in killed and wounded in the loss of 56 men. A full report of
the part taken in that engagement by this command has been duly forwarded.(*) On the
following day the regiment joined in the pursuit of the enemy, crossing Connesauga and
Coosawattee Rivers, and moving in a southerly direction. On the 18th we again encountered
the enemy on a wooded hill, across which our route lay. On the following day we engaged
the enemy's skirmishers, who fell back toward Cassville. This regiment skirmished in the
direction of Kingston, and discovered the enemy in strong force in our immediate front. We
then fell back with the brigade and threw up temporary defenses. Subsequently we made a
movement to the left and advanced to the seminary at Cass-ville; drove the enemy's
skirmishers into the village, and opened fire on a column of troops passing through the
place. Later we supported a section of artillery on Seminary Hill, and kept up a brisk
skirmish until relieved by Colonel Coburn, commanding Second Brigade. We rested in this
vicinity until the 23d of May, when we again joined the column on the march; moved down
and across the Etowah River, leaving Allatoona Mountains on our left, and crossing Burnt
Hickory Ridge, met the enemy near Dallas and participated in the battle fought by the
Twentieth Corps on the 25th of May. In this engagement this command lost 72 officers and
men in killed and wounded. After this the regiment joined in the successive movements to
the left, and on the 15th of June in support of the First Brigade in a charge on the
enemy's position near Pine Mountain. On the 19th and 22d, successively, we were joined
with the brigade in charging the enemy and driving him within his main works near Kenesaw,
in which charges and skirmishes the regiment lost 36 men killed and wounded. On the
evening of the 22d of June we were moved to the right of the corps, on the Powder Springs
road, where we remained several days, and until the enemy fell back from Marietta, when we
were advanced to the vicinity of the Chattahoochee River. Here we had ten days of much
needed rest. On the 17th of July we were thrown across the Chattahoochee and moved toward
Buck Head. On the 20th of July we moved early and crossed Peach Tree Creek in the rear of
General Newton s position, occupying a place in the second line. My regiment supported and
relieved the Twenty-sixth
Wisconsin during the engagement of this day, with a loss to the command of 18 officers
and men. On the 22d we were again advanced as the enemy fell back to the defenses of
Atlanta. My command occupied temporarily a number of positions during the investment of
this place, with a loss of 15 men killed and wounded. Falling back with the brigade
to Turner's Ferry, when the main army moved upon Jonesborough, we came forward again and
on the 4th of September took a position within the defenses of Atlanta, where we have been
encamped to the present time. The campaign has been a severe one, the loss to this command
in killed and wounded alone being 210 men and 8 officers, but the courage, the gallantry,
the endurance, and determination of officers and men alike have proven their high
soldierly capabilities, while the confident spirit of our troops gives full assurance that
to our noble army Atlanta is but the "Gate City."
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SAML. H. HURST,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. 73d Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
Capt. C. H. YOUNG,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 3d Brig., 3d Div., 20th Corps.
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XXXIX/1 [S# 77]
SEPTEMBER 29-NOVEMBER 13, 1864.--Operations in North Georgia and North Alabama.
No. 54.--Report of Lieut. Col. Edwin H. Powers, Fifty-fifth Ohio Infantry.
HDQRS. FIFTY-FIFTH REGIMENT OHIO VOL. INFTY.,
Savannah, Ga., December 24, 1864.
CAPTAIN:
I have the honor to report that this
regiment entered the city of Atlanta, Ga., on the 2d day of September, 1864, and having
been stationed behind the defenses of that city on the southeast, remained there until the
15th day of November following. While stationed at Atlanta the regiment (at least such
portion of it as was then bearing arms) went with the brigade to which it belongs on a
foraging expedition to the east of Decatur, and returned on the fourth day thereafter.
During its absence from the city on the aforesaid expedition the regiment subsisted upon
the country, obtaining about 1,400 pounds of meat of various kinds and about 20 bushels of
sweet potatoes, together with vegetables of other kinds, in amount which I am unable to
estimate. Of forage obtained by this regiment alone it is impossible to say what was the
amount. On the second day of the expedition this regiment, together with the Seventy-third
Ohio Volunteer Infantry (in charge of which I was placed), went to the vicinity of
Lithonia, where they filled about 60 wagons with corn, making about 900 bushels (averaging
the loads at fifteen bushels each).(*)
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. H. POWERS,
Lieut. Col. Fifty-fifth Ohio Vol. Infantry, Commanding.
Capt. C. H. YOUNG,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Brigade.
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XXXIX/2 [S# 78]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST
VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA (THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN
EXCEPTED), FROM MAY 1, 1864, TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1864.(*)--#19
NASHVILLE, September 25, 1864.
Major HOFFMAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
Troops at this post not attached to garrison: Cavalry, under Colonel Lowe, 2,200; Artillery Reserve, Colonel Barnett, 7 batteries, 550 men; Captain Cogswell, 2 batteries, 235 men; Veteran Reserve, about 500; Thirteenth U.S. Infantry, 300; Tenth Tennessee Infantry, 100; Fourth Kentucky Infantry, 130; First Wisconsin Infantry, 100; One hundred and seventy-third Ohio Infantry, 1,000 men, just arrived; One hundred and first Colored Infantry, organizing, about 300.
JNO. F. MILLER,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XLIV [S# 92]
NOVEMBER 15-DECEMBER 21, 1864.--The Savannah (Georgia) Campaign.
No. 136.--Report of Lieut. Col. Samuel H. Hurst, Seventy-third Ohio Infantry, of
operations September 2--December 21.
HDQRS. SEVENTY-THIRD REGT. OHIO VET. VOL. INFTY.,
Savannah, Ga., December 24, 1864.
CAPTAIN:
In obedience to orders I have the honor
to submit the following report of the operations of my command from the time of the
occupation of Atlanta to the present date:
This command marched into and occupied a
position in the defenses of Atlanta on the 2d day of September, 1864. From that time to
the 21st of October the regiment performed picket-duty and worked upon the new line of
fortifications projected for the defense of the city. On the 21st of October the regiment
joined in an expedition commanded by Col. Daniel Dustin. The expedition went about twenty
miles due east, collected over 800 wagon loads of forage, and returned to camp at Atlanta
in four days without loss to this command. On the 15th day of November, 1864, this
regiment moved from its camp in the defenses of Atlanta and began the march across the
State of Georgia, occupying its position in the brigade in the line of march until it
reached the defenses of Savannah without a single casualty in the command. The regiment
assisted in destroying the railroad at Social Circle and at Madison.
My command subsisted for thirty days almost
wholly upon the products of the country through which we passed.
I have to submit the following estimate of
animals captured by my command: 10 horses, 20 mules, 6 head beef-cattle.
I have also to submit an estimate of
commissaries and forage captured and used by the men and animals of my command: 200 hogs
and pigs, 40 sheep, 2,000 chickens and turkeys, 100 bushels meal, 100 gallons molasses,
1,000 pounds honey, 300 bushels sweet potatoes, 2,000 pounds flour, 1,000 pounds sugar,
300 bushels corn, and 1 ton of rough forage.
The expedition was in nowise severe on this
command. The health of the men was excellent throughout the campaign.
I have the honor, captain, to subscribe
myself your obedient servant,
SAML. H. HURST,
Lieut. Col., Comdg. Seventy-third Ohio Vet. Vol. Infantry.
Capt. C. H. YOUNG,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 3d Brig., 3d Div., 20th Army Corps.
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XLV/2 [S# 94]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST
VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA, FROM DECEMBER 1, 1864, TO
JANUARY 23, 1865.(*)--#14
NASHVILLE, December 26, 1864.
Brigadier-General WHIPPLE:
I did not know the Third and Fourth Michigan had been assigned, or I should not have ordered General Milroy to use them. I have sent him instructions not to post them on the road. This will leave but two regiments to garrison the road from here to Stevenson, the Twenty-ninth Michigan and One hundred and fifteenth Ohio, 200 men of the latter being prisoners. In addition to Miller's brigade, the One hundred and seventy-third Ohio, Fourth Division, Twentieth Corps, is here doing post duty, but General Miller says he cannot spare it, and that he has your letter assuring him the garrison shall not be diminished. With that regiment and the Forty-third Wisconsin, now at Clarksville by order of the major-general commanding, I could garrison the Chattanooga road. I have heard from General Watkins, at Hadensville, and suppose General McCook will be able to attend to Lyon in Kentucky.
LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU,
Major-General,
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XLVII/1 [S# 98]
JANUARY 1-APRIL 26, 1865.--The Campaign of the Carolinas.
No. 202.--Report of Lieut. Col. Samuel H. Hurst, Seventy-third Ohio Infantry, of
operations January 16-March 24.
HDQRS. SEVENTY-THIRD OHIO VETERAN VOL. INFANTRY,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 28, 1865.
CAPTAIN:
In obedience to orders, I have the honor
to submit a report of the part taken by this command in the operations of the late
campaign, including the engagements of the 16th and 19th instant:
On the 10th day of January, 1865, this regiment was encamped at Fort
Hardee, Beaufort District, S.C. On the following day it was moved to Hardeeville, on the
Charleston and Savannah Railroad. Here it remained in camp until the 29th day of January,
when, with the brigade: it was moved to Robertsville.
On the 1st day of February the regiment was engaged in work upon the
road from Sister's Ferry to Robertsville, and on the 2d marched to Lawtonville. Pursuing
the line of march northward, we crossed the Big and Little Salkehatchie Rivers and reached
the Charleston and Augusta Railroad near Graham's Turnout on the 7th of February. On the
8th, 9th, and 10th we were engaged in destroying the railroad from Graham's Turnout west
to White Pond. On the 11th we marched back to Williston and northward to the Edisto River.
On the 13th we crossed the North Edisto, and on the 16th arrived in front of Columbia.
Moving up the Saluda River we crossed that stream and the Broad River, and on the 20th
[21st] marched through Winnsborough. Another day brought us to the Catawba River, after
crossing which our advance was greatly impeded by heavy rains. March 3, we reached
Chesterfield, and on the 7th passed through Cheraw and crossed the Great Pedee. We reached
Fayetteville, N. C., March 11, and rested till the 13th, when we crossed the Cape Fear. On
the 14th we joined the brigade on a reconnaissance to Black River and engaged the enemy in
a sharp skirmish. On the 15th the line of march northward was resumed, and the following
day we met the enemy near Averasborough. In the engagement of the 16th this regiment held
the right center of the brigade line and skirmished heavily. Two to four companies were
constantly on the skirmish line. Ten prisoners were brought in. The casualties in the
regiment were 9 enlisted men wounded. On the 19th, when this command reached the
battlefield, it was massed in reserve for an hour, and then with the brigade was moved to
the right and forward against the enemy in an extensive pine wood. This regiment was the
right center of the first line of the brigade, and for one to two hours received and
delivered a most murderous fire. The command was saved from annihilation by the men lying
down. The darkness of night put an end to the conflict, when we retired 200 paces, built
temporary works and rested for the night. Meanwhile the enemy withdrew, leaving his dead
upon the field. The loss of my command in this engagement was 5 enlisted men killed, 4
officers and 20 enlisted men wounded. On the following day we were moved to the extreme
left of our army lines, but were not again engaged. On the 22d we were drawn off and moved
toward Goldsborough, which place we reached on the 24th.
In the engagements of the 16th and 19th
instant, as in all the duties of the campaign, the officers and men of this command
evinced the highest qualities of soldiers--promptness, courage, and endurance.
My command subsisted almost wholly upon the
country. An approximate estimate of forage, commissaries, and animals obtained in the
country is herewith forwarded.
I have the honor to be, captain, your
obedient servant,
SAML. H. HURST,
Lieut. Col., Comdg. Seventy-third Ohio Veteran Vol. Infty.
Capt. H. G. H. TARR,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 3d Brig., 3d Div., 20th Army Corps.
[Inclosure.]
Estimate of commissaries, forage, and animals obtained by the Seventy-third Regiment during the campaign of Sherman's army in the Carolinas, from the 16th of January to the 25th of March, 1865, in obedience to an order to live upon the country.
Commissaries:
Meal bushels 200
Flour pounds 4,000
Bacon do 10,000
Sugar do 1,000
Salt do 1,000
Sweet potatoes bushels 100
Chickens and turkeys .... 1,000
Forage:
Corn bushels 200
Corn blades tons 5
Hay ton 1
Animals:
Mules .... 20
Horses .... 10
Respectfully submitted.
SAML. H. HURST,
Lieut. Col., Comdg. Seventy-third Ohio Veteran Vol. Infty.
P.S. I also estimate 100 bales cotton burned by men of my command. Casualties.(*)
SAML. H. HURST,
Lieut Col., Comdg. Seventy-third Ohio Veteran Vol. Infty.
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XLIX/1 [S# 103]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY,
SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, NORTHERN AND CENTRAL GEORGIA, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, AND
WEST FLORIDA, FROM JANUARY 1 TO MARCH 15, 1865.(*)--#5
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 36.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE,
Nashville, Tenn., February 10, 1865.
* * * * * * * * * *
III. The One hundred and seventy-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry is relieved from duty at the post of Nashville, and will proceed by rail to Columbia and relieve the Forty-eighth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, which, when relieved, will obey such orders as may have been given it by the major-general commanding the department. On the arrival of the One hundred and seventy-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry at Columbia, the commanding officer will report by telegraph to Brig. Gen. R. W. Johnson, at Pulaski.
* * * * * * * * * *
By command of Major-General Rousseau:
B. H. POLK,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XLIX/1 [S# 103]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY,
SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, NORTHERN AND CENTRAL GEORGIA, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, AND
WEST FLORIDA, FROM JANUARY 1 TO MARCH 15, 1865.(*)--#6
NASHVILLE, TENN., February 13, 1865.
Brig. Gen. R. W. JOHNSON,
Pulaski:
The One hundred and seventy-third Ohio will leave here for Columbia by rail this afternoon.
B. H. POLK,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME LI/1 [S# 107]
Union Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Maryland, Eastern
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia (Except Southwestern), And West Virginia, From
January 1, 1861, To June 30, 1865.--#30
HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS,
June 9, 1863.
E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:
SIR:
I have four brigades in this corps
commanded by colonels. The impression prevails that all promotions come from outside the
corps. Now, in order to strengthen the command and insure its efficiency, I recommend for
promotion to the rank of brigadier-general: Col. Adolphus Buschbeck, Twenty-seventh
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Col. Orland Smith, Seventy-third Ohio Volunteers. I
can vouch for these officers' loyalty, energy, and peculiar fitness as military men. If
these worthy officers can be promoted I believe it will serve to allay much of the
irritation that seems to exist in this corps.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
O. O. HOWARD,
Major-General, Commanding.
FOX’S REGIMENTAL LOSSES
Chapter X.—73rd Ohio Infantry.
Smith's Brigade--Von Steinwehr's Division--11th Corps.
(1) Col. ORLAND SMITH; BVT. BRIG.-GEN.
(2) Col. RICHARD LONG.
(3) Col. SAMUEL H. HURST; BVT. BRIG.-GEN.
O Officers K Killed and died of wounds.
M Men D Died of disease, accidents, in prison, &c.
T Total E Total Enrollment
--------K-------- --------D-------
Companies O M T O M T E
Field and Staff · · · · · · 1 · · 1 15
Company
A
1 18
19 · ·
8 8 124
B
· · 15
15 · ·
14 14 142
C
· · 23
23 · ·
16 16 126
D
· · 12
12 · ·
14 14 115
E
1 13
14 · ·
20 20 109
F
1 12
13 · ·
18 18 137
G
· · 20
20 · ·
15 15 121
H
· · 14
14 · ·
12 12 144
I
1 22
23 · ·
12 12 107
K
· · 18
18 · ·
18 18 127
Unassigned
· · · · ·
· ·
· 2
2 · ·
Totals 4 167 171 1 149 150 1,267
171 killed= 13.4 per cent.
Total of killed and wounded 681.
BATTLES. K. &
M.W. BATTLES. K. &
M.W.
Forage Party, W. Va 1 Pine Mountain, Ga 2
Cross Keys, Va 5 Kenesaw Mountain, Ga 4
Manassas, Va 40 Culp's Farm, Ga 5
Gettysburg, Pa 39 Peach Tree Creek, Ga 3
Wauhatchie, Tenn 16 Siege of Atlanta, Ga 4
Resaca, Ga 19 Averasboro, N. C 1
New Hope Church, Ga 21 Bentonville, N. C 11
Present, also, at Moorefield; McDowell; Cedar Mountain; Chancellorsville; Lookout Mountain; Missionary Ridge; Rocky Face Ridge; Cassville; Savannah.
NOTES.— The Seventy-third was recruited largely in Ross county, and was organized at Chillicothe, December 31, 1861. It left Ohio on the 24th of January, 1862, for West Virginia, where it served under Lander, Milroy, and Fremont, and was engaged in several expeditions and minor engagements. It fought at Manassas then in McLean's (2d) Brigade, Schenck's (1st) Division, Sigel's Corps— losing 25 killed, 87 wounded, and 36 missing, with only 312 muskets taken into action. Soon after this battle the regiment was placed in Barlow's (1st) Brigade, Steinwehr's (2d) Division, Eleventh Corps, with which command it remained encamped in Virginia during the ensuing Maryland and Fredericksburg campaigns, and during the winter of 1862-'63. Barlow's Brigade was only slightly engaged at Chancellorsville, but at Gettysburg the brigade (Smith's) did some hard fighting, the regiment losing 21 killed, 120 wounded, and 4 missing, out of about 300 present in action. In September the Seventy-third accompanied its corps to Tennessee, where it was engaged, a few weeks after, in the midnight battle of Wauhatchie. In that affair the Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts carried a strong position by storm — a gallant action, which General Grant alluded to in his official report as "one of the most daring feats of arms of the war." While on the Atlanta Campaign the Seventy-third was in Woods's (3d) Brigade, Ward's (3d) Division, Twentieth Corps. At Resaca it lost 10 killed, and 42 wounded; at New Hope Church, 15 killed, and 59 wounded; and at Bentonville (Cogswell's Brigade), 5 killed, and 25 wounded.