Part I - Don's Metal Detecting Forum

file:///I|/civil war books/war of rebellion/38a.txt
ing in front. Sent forward the Thirty-first Ohio to take and occupy
a high hill on our front. This was gallantly achieved with light
loss. On the 22d we marched toward Atlanta; met the enemy
about two and a half miles from the city; formed a line of battle in
front of the enemy’s works under a sharp fire of artillery and musketry;
remained in this position from the 23d to the 31st inclusive,
skirmishing with the enemy, and much of the time exposed to an
annoying fire from artillery planted upon the works around Atlanta.
762 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. rCHAP. L.
During the time we were in this position two of my regiments, the
Twenty-third Missouri and Eighty-second Indiana, deserve honorable
mentioii for having each driveii the enemy from an advanced
position; captured, held, and• fortified the same. The loss of the
Eighty-second Indiana was trifling in this affair; that of the Twentythird
Missouri more serious. The taking of these two points rendered
it an easy matter for the troops on our right (Sixteenth Corps) to
gain an advanced position.
August 1 and 2, remained in camp. Early on the morning of the
3d marched to the right of the Army of the Tennessee. Late in the
afternoon crossed Utoy Creek under a heavy artillery fire; advanced
about three-quarters of a mile upon the enemy, driving back
his skirmishers, and taking up a position from 250 to 400 yards in
front of the enemy’s works. We did iiot get into position until after
dark. The night was very dark and rain fell in great quantities,
rendering it very unpleasant for the men to work, but morning found
us behind works of sufficient strength to enable us to repel any assault
the enemy could have made. Such was the nature of our position
here that it b~came necessary to watch our right flank vigilantly,
and my brigade was placed in position almost perpendicular
to the rear and right of Colonel Gleason’s brigade. On the 4th
sent the Eighty-second Indiana, Eighty-ninth Ohio, and Twentythird
Missouri, under Colonel Hunter, to support the Secoiid Brigade
in a reconnaissance; took the enemy’s rifle-pits and captured
about 30 prisoners. On the 5th advanced our skirmish line and
again took the enemy’s rifle-pits and captured 56 prisoners out of the
works; took up an advanced position, posting the Seventeenth Ohio
and Twenty-third Missouri on the right of the Second Brigade;
Thirty-first, Eighty-ninth, and Ninety-second Ohio and Eightysecond
Indiana on the left of the Third Brigade; advanced -our
lines a third time to within 200 yards of the enemy’s main line.
This position has been a very trying one, and our losses in gaining
and holding it will be seen to be heavier than in any of our former
operations except at Resaca.
I have no doubt General Turchin will furnish a report of the
operations of the brigade during the time he commanded it. I have,
therefore, endeavored to condense this as far as possible, but to
report the operations of a single brigade through an entire campaigi~
of over 100 days is not a work which can in justice be limited
to a very small compass. To sj~eak of the officers and men I must confine
myself mainly to genera ities. Where all have done so well,
defying danger and disregarding hardships and privations, it would
be almost invidious to point to the merits of a single man. I might
occupy much space in individualizing. None, however, can consider
themselves neglected where all are approbated. During the time I
have commanded the brigade I have had opportunity of proving
the composition of my staff. Capt. W. B. Curtis, assistant adjutant-general;
Capt. M. B. W. Harman, acting assistant quartermaster;
Capt. James J. Donohoe, acting commissary of subsistance;
Capt. E. G. Dudley, provost-marshal; Capt. Edward Grosvenor, inspector;
Capt. A. Whedon, acting aide-de-camp, have each and all
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