Chapter 77

CHAPTER LXXVII

Here we remained in Camp over night but on the following morning we were aroused quite early by the shrill blasts of a score of bugles, and which to us announced the tidings of an “on to Atlanta,” move.

At about half past 7 o’clock, a. m., General Kilpatrick rode past us, his troopers having already preceded him.  In less than half an hour afterwards the news reached us that the General had been seriously wounded, which was soon afterwards confirmed by the appearance of the General riding to the rear with his arm bandaged.

We broke camp at about 9 o’clock, a. m., and marched towards Resaca.  A little before noon we heard firing in our front. This was anything but desirable information, although we had fully anticipated it.  After marching about six miles our Division was moved into a field on the right of the old Resaca road, where we were ordered to stack arms, and to hold ourselves in readiness to “fall in at a moment’s notice.”

All this time the musketry was increasing and the movements of the troops indicated that a general engagement was being brought about.

We remained in the field until almost dark when we were moved over to our front and left, and ordered to fortify a small elevation, something similar to Bake-oven Hill, only not so much of a cone.  We went to work in good earnest, felling trees, carrying logs, &c., and by 10 o’clock in the evening we had a strong line of works finished.

Occasionally during the night we heard the discharge of musketry in our front, which was evidence that the enemy had not yet withdrawn from the field.  At the first dawn of morning we were up and about, ready to meet the enemy.

A mile to our front we could see long columns of blue coats advancing, and soon little rifts of smoke, announcing the renewal of hostilities.  The battle raged with unabated fury, and in a very short time the smoke of the contest effectually hid the combatants from our view.

We remained in our position until about half-past two o’clock, p. m., at which time the enemy had been driven into his main line of works, and was making a determined resistance to our advancing columns, and it was thought necessary to move us up within easy supporting distance.  We were consequently moved up almost within the range of the enemy rifles.

We were ordered to lie down and to be ready to fall in at short notice.  The sun was sinking fast to rest behind the Western hills, and through the dark rifts of smoke it had the appearance of a fiery dragon about being engulfed in a sea of blood, when we were ordered to fall in.  The engagement had been going on fiercely, but now there was a lull in the affray.  Away to our left there arose a yell, the very sound of which caused our very hearts to stop beating.  It was the famous southron battle yell, there could be no mistaking it for anything else.  And to us it plainly told of some temporary rebel success.  The command was given “quick time,” and forward we sped in the direction of the “yell.”

Soon the cause was apparent to us, for we came upon a large body of men belong to the 4^th Corps who were rushing back pell-mell, having been driven from their position and having left their artillery in the hands of the enemy.

As they passed us some of our boys ventured to inquire whether there were any Johnnies where they came from? and to which they received the following answers:

“You bet,” You’ll find out,” “Go and see,” etc.  To which our boys responded, “We’ll make ‘em git.”

Nothing daunted we pressed up the hill and soon came in sight of the enemy who had driven the 4^th Corps and taken their battery from them.  The command was given to “charge,” and this was done in gallant style by the advanced troops and in less than ten minutes we had regained everything that had been lost, and our victorious shout announced to the 4^th Corps, as well as the rest of the Army, that we had carried our point.

Darkness and gloom settled over the field, and the contestants, as if by consent ceased hostilities, and silence reigned supreme.  We were moved to the left and rear where we were ordered to stack arms and to put up temporary breast-works.  After this was accomplished, a strong skirmish line was thrown out and the rest stretched out upon the ground, to obtain if possible, a few hours sleep.

Sunday morning, May 15^th, dawning bright and beautiful, not a cloud was to be seen, and all nature seemed to smile its brightest, as if to shame the events which were shortly to be enacted and in which many valuable lives were to be sacrificed.

Orders were given us not to stray away but to remain with the regiment.  At a little before 2 o’clock, p. m., we were moved to fall in, and moving promptly, in less than ten minutes we were moving upon the main works of the enemy, and from which they were pouring a destructive fire upon our advancing columns.  Fortune favored us at first, as our Brigade was in the reserve, we halted behind the crest of a knoll, and for a while were protected, but the contest becoming very warm we were ordered up on the hill.  The enemy observing the movement they opened on us with grape and canister.  We were ordered to lie down whilst the grape shot went whistling over us, now and then striking some unfortunate fellow with a “thud,” then a groan would follow and all would anxiously await the next.

At about 5 o’clock, p. m., the battle reached that point when a small point might turn the tide of battle and gain it for either side.  The rebels advanced in force against the position held by the 4^th Corps, and again drove them like they had the evening previous, this move if unchecked would have endangered our flank.  General Hooker, ever ready for any emergency, led a part of one his brigades, in person, against the advancing column and gallantly repulsed the rebels, and thus unquestion­ably saved the day.