Hide Article Text (OCR)
Our Army Correspondence ~The Mattie of Chicka mauga—The Gallantry of the Hoosier Soldiers—The Casualtties of the Indiana Reginazain. Cuattanooca, Tenn, Sept. 23. Editor Sentinel:—Enclozed you will find a list of the casualties, resulting from the real battle just passed, be tween the armies of Rosecrans and Brag in the Chickawauga Valley, about 18 miles southwest of this place, on the 19th, 20th and 2st inst. The general plan of this battle cannot be given for fear of inaccuracy, but that which is important and of great interest to all Indianana is to know who was killed and wounded. Up to this time the list furnished is perfectly accurate, but unfortunately it only embraces one of our regiments. The other surgeons have not, as yet, from the press of duty been able to furnish lists of their casual ties. Major J. P. Colling, of the 23rd, is missing. Ot is thought he is a prisoner in the hands of the rebels. Major Fitz gerald, of the 30th, is also missing. The Second brigade of Johnston’s di vision which includes the 29th and 30th Indiana regiments, went into the fight about one o’clock on the afternoon of the 19th, and from their impetuous charges on the enemy’s batteries and dense columns with bayonet and ball, they drove the rebels before them like sheep. In the first charge made Capt. Dunn, and Lieut. J. Cutter fell at the head of their respective companies, gal lantly cheering on their men. Captain Dunn died as the men were removing him. Lieut. Cutter fell dead on the spot. The bravery of these two gallant regiments have added fresh laurels to the men composing them, and great credit to the State. The rebel lines were very full and strong; their position was chosen by themselves, and of course, it was select ed with a view to military advantage.— The fight continued favorable to our men until about dusk, when the rebels pour ed out of the woods in dense masses, and literally crowded our boys back to the ground from which they commenced the attack, when the fight ceased for the night. The wounded were all carried from the field except a few who fell into the rebel lines. Early on the morning of the 20th the fight was renewed upon the left of our division, where the rebels had massed their forces. A part of Davis’ line gave way and the rebels drove our men back under a most deadly fire which no troops could withstand. ‘The division hospital fell into their hands, but not until we had removed all our wounded but about 25. When it was noticed by the Surgeons that our lines had commenced falling back all the wounded that could walk were started on the road for Chattanooga, others were carried on stretchers and the worst cases were put in the few remain ing ambulances. The enemy threw a number of shot and glee l into the hospi tal, by which some cases were seriously wounded and one killed. Qur men gain ed a part of the ground again, and most of the Surgeons and the remainder of the men were released and escaped. Quiarny then fell back in good order about eight miles, toward Chattanooga, until they took another position, but finding it unsafe they retreated after night into this place, where we now are, undergoing the very ticklish operation of a siege. The rebels have followed closely, and are determined to keep it on the move. They are now planting batteries in front of us and extending their lines above the town to the river. — If they succeed in obtaining a foothold on the north side this army will be se verely handled. I have just learned that the 39th In diana and the 13th Ohio were driven from Missionary Hill, east of the town, and from Shell Ford last night,, which will bring the rebels uncomfortably close to our rear. Our cavalry have all crossed the river, as they are of no use to us ex cept to keep open communication be tween here and Bridgeport. Our infant ry and artillery are frightfully reduced. No great amount of ammunition or sup plies has yet been captured, but nearly all has been expended in battle, and whether we maintain this army three days further remains to be seen, and de pends altogether upon the ferocity or wildness of the rebel attacks. The 29th Indiana has 90 men wound ed, 11 killed and 67 missing. The reg iment has now 115 men for duty. Cr. Dunn is safe, and still in command, but the only field officer left. His gallant bearing throughout the terrible fighting has not been surpassed by any. The 39th Indiana has lost 65 men wounded and 9 killed. Col. Herd still maintains his position with honor at the head of his regiment. The cannonading has just commenced and as the bursting shells have a stimu lating effect upon my nervous system, I shall be compelled to close. J. M. CONFER, Surgeon 29th Ind. Vol. Pensona, Liperty.—Festus had a much better idea of liberty than Presi dent Lincoln. About eighteen centuries ago, when Percius Festus and King Agerippa were examining the Apostle Paul, who had appealed from the prov incial court to the Roman Emperor, the former said: “It seemeth to me unrea sonable to sentence a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.” ,
Newspaper Details
Covington Peoples Friend
Covington, Indiana, US
Tue, Oct 07, 1862
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
JP 14 Feb 2026
Other Publications Near Covington, Indiana
Covington Weekly Northern Indianan
Covington Western Constellation
Covington Daily Friend
Covington Peoples Friend
Covington Friend
