Chapter XV: The Battle of Chickamauga

FIRST DAY.

At 2 o'clock on the morning of the 19th of September, we passed our former camping ground near Lee and Gordon's Mills, and about one mile beyond, came to a halt. The weather was very cold, but fires were not allowed, and every one was cautioned to remain as quietly as possible--to keep our stations, and be prepared to obey any orders that might be given.

Although the men were weary and nigh worn out, yet they cheerfully obeyed, as all well knew that danger threatened, and it behooved us to be on our guard.

It was well that this caution was taken, for at daylight, the booming of artillery and the rattle of musketry proclaimed that another battle had commenced.

The enemy, in part, were stationed in a piece of woods near the banks of the Chickamauga river, but in a short time they attempted a flank movement, and the lines of both armies were at once changed. At 9 o'clock the engagement became general, and the enemy now made several desperate charges, but were as often repulsed with heavy loss. At 11 o'clock, the battle raged with great fury, but both sides still maintained their ground, and frequently a fierce hand to hand conflict ensued. Charge after charge did the Rebels make in heavy body upon our sturdy lines, and as often were they driven back.

Our Battery was exposed to a hot and galling fire, but we maintained our position through the entire day, the guns belching forth a continuous sheet of flame. Several of our men were wounded in the engagement, but none were killed. Lieutenant Baldwin still commanded the Battery, and here, as well as at Stone river, he displayed great coolness and bravery.

At dark, hostilities ceased, only to be renewed with greater fierceness on the following day.

SECOND DAY.

Early in the morning the battle again opened, when both armies for some time kept up a series of maneuverings, each endeavoring to gain some advantage in position. The Rebels having greatly superior numbers, were enabled to extend their lines, so that our army was in imminent danger of being outflanked; and at one time they had nearly succeeded in cutting off our communication with Chattanooga. But General Rosencrans had anticipated this, and had made preparations to check the movement, which was successfully done, but not without great loss.

General Bragg, finding himself foiled in this attempt, now ordered a general assault along the entire line, and soon the battle raged with increasing fury.

About this time, a large body of the enemy charged upon our Battery. On, on they came, with steady front, feeling confident of victory. But our gallant men wavered not. Nobly did they face their hated foe, and anxiously watched the countenance of our brave Captain. Soon he gave the word, and instantly the brazen throats of all our guns spoke out their thunder, and the enemy went down like grass before the scythe. But onward came the foe, and at each instant our guns mowed great gaps in their ranks. Now they were seen to waver--to sway backwards and forwards, and finally when it seemed as if they must surely accomplish their object, they fell back in confusion.

Soon thereafter, a large body of the enemy were massed and thrown forward on our Brigade. For a time this assault was withstood, but owing to their superior numbers, the Brigade was finally compelled to give way.

The ground over which we retired was very rocky, and covered with a heavy growth of underbrush. Two of our guns had been disabled, by the breaking of the trails. As the enemy were closely pressing us, we were compelled to abandon these guns, which fell into their hands.

During the above charge, several of our Company were wounded and taken prisoners.

The retreat now became general, the Union forces slowly retiring towards Chattanooga.

Thus, after nearly two days' hard fighting against a greatly superior force, the Army of the Cumberland were compelled to give up the field.

The Union loss in this engagement was, two thousand and eight hundred killed, eleven thousand and five hundred wounded, and five thousand prisoners. The Rebel loss was, from their own account, twenty thousand killed, wounded and prisoners.

Our Battery reached Chattanooga about dark the same night, and early the following morning the forge and baggage wagons crossed the river. The army took position in the town and extended their works for several miles along the river. Skirmishing frequently ensued, and the battles of Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and Chattanooga were fought, when Bragg was compelled to give up the offensive, and retire, with his whole army, into Georgia.