Early the following morning considerable skirmishing ensued, and continued through the forenoon, with shifting of positions.
Between 3 and 4 o"clock in the afternoon, the Rebels, in strong force, opened an attack on a single brigade of ours, which was posted near Stone river, and in advance of our extreme left. Pressed by greatly superior numbers the brigade was compelled to fall back, which they did in good order, contesting every inch of ground, and making great havoc in the enemy"s ranks. Our reserve force soon pushed forward, with cheers and yells, determined to do or die. With a shock that could not be withstood, our brave men rushed upon the foe. Their columns shook--they wavered, reeled, and fighting desperately, fell back, while the brave Union troops pushed them at every step. Vainly did the Rebel General in command strive to rally and turn back his horror-stricken legions. But furiously, more furiously, did our n.o.ble men a.s.sail the rebellious foe, till the ground was piled heap on heap with the slain, and the thirsty earth drank up their life blood. And now, in utter confusion, the enemy gave way, and soon were flying before us, like chaff before the wind.
Night had now set in, and darkness was gradually stealing over us; but still we fought on, determined to achieve a glorious victory for our country, and our firesides.
Our forces were now ma.s.sed, and with cheers that made the welkin ring, we charged down upon a battery of artillery, which had been pouring destruction into our ranks.
So great was this onset, that again did the enemy give way and retire from their guns, and fled in wild disorder back into the cedar thickets which dotted the battle-field.
In this charge we captured four guns of the enemy"s celebrated Washington battery, of Louisiana, and also recaptured several of our own guns, which were taken from us in the first day"s fight.
The Rebel loss, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, was nearly three to our one. Had but two hours more of daylight intervened, the Rebel army would have been well nigh annihilated. It was fortunate for them that darkness put an end to the conflict, when
"Our bugles sang truce--for the night-cloud had lower"d, And the sentinel stars set their watch in the sky; And thousands had sunk on the ground overpower"d, The weary to sleep, and the wounded to die."
Thus pa.s.sed another night on the battle-field.
FOURTH DAY.
During this day the enemy kept up a continual skirmishing along our front, but without seeming inclined to risk another general encounter. This afterwards appeared to have been only a blind to cover their retreat, for during the same night they evacuated the field.
On Sunday morning, January 4th, General McCook entered Murfreesboro, and took formal possession of the town.
Thus ended the great battle of Stone river, which, for desperate and hard fighting, has not been excelled by any battle fought during the rebellion.
SUMMARY.
It would be occupying too much time and s.p.a.ce to give full particulars of all that transpired during this memorable conflict. And where all fought so bravely and so well, it will not be necessary to discriminate. Taken as a whole, it was one of the hardest contested, and most decisive battles, which has yet been fought. The loss, in killed and wounded, on both sides, was very heavy. The enemy"s loss, in killed and wounded, will not vary far from twelve thousand to fourteen thousand. About five thousand of the enemy fell into our hands as prisoners of war. We captured but few arms or equipments. Our loss, in killed and wounded, was about eight thousand, and from three thousand to four thousand captured and missing. The Rebels probably gained a slight advantage in the amount of artillery captured.
Several Generals, and other officers high in rank were killed and wounded, on both sides. The Rebels retreated towards Tullahoma.
This victory once more placed us in possession of a good part of Middle Tennessee, and thereby materially afforded us help in obtaining supplies.
The enemy were confident of success, but were woefully disappointed, and it has been a severe blow to them, and one from which they will hardly recover. General Rosencrans rather outwitted the redoubtable Rebel Bragg, and came off with increased laurels. Rosencrans has shown himself to be the right man in the right place. He knows no such word as _fail_.
Our Battery, in this engagement, was in command of Lieutenant Norman Baldwin. Captain Standart was still acting as Chief of Artillery, on General Palmer"s Staff. Lieutenant Sypher was sick, at Nashville. Both Lieutenants Baldwin and Sturges acted with great coolness and bravery.
Lieutenant Baldwin had one horse killed under him. The Battery was several times in a dangerous position, and once was nearly surrounded by the enemy, and subjected to a severe cross fire. The men heroically stood at their posts, and fought like veterans, while the air was hissing with shot and sh.e.l.l. None wavered from their duty, and all are deserving of the highest praise. But, alas! some laid down their lives in that fearful battle-storm. This was the first time that any of our company were killed in battle.
The following is a list of the members of the Battery who were killed, wounded, and taken prisoners:
_Killed_--Orderly Sergeant Thomas J. Thompson; Sergeant George Wolf; Privates Chauncey Lyon, Samuel Ruple, John Elliott.
_Wounded Seriously_--Privates Benjamin F. Sarles, S. W. Shankland, William Broe, Alfred French John Blanchard.
_Wounded and Missing_--A. J. McLaughlin, George Overy.
_Slightly Wounded_--L. L. Sawtell, N. Schoh, J. Arndt, J. Grant, --.
Hayes.
Of those mentioned as killed, Chauncey Lyon was killed instantly; Sergeant Wolf had his head entirely blown off, and, as is supposed, by one of our own guns, as he was seen to step in front of the battery just as the command to fire was given. Immediately thereafter his lifeless body was found near one of the guns. The others died a few days after, from the effects of their wounds. Those seriously wounded were removed to the hospitals at Nashville. Alfred French had his arm amputated. The others will all probably recover without loss of limbs. Those who were slightly wounded continued on duty. We had twenty-one horses killed. A shot struck the forge, knocking out a spoke and splintering the box. The battery wagon was made a complete wreck.
CHAPTER XIII.
WE LEAVE THE BATTLE-FIELD.
We remained camped on the battle-ground until the 7th of January, when we moved about three miles beyond Murfreesboro, on the McMinnville road, and camped in a piece of woods near the road. The same night the wagons came out from Nashville, bringing our tents and baggage. We remained here through the next day. On Friday, January 9th, we struck tents, and went one mile nearer town.
We camped about a quarter of a mile off the road, and near a house. The ground was not very well adapted for such a purpose, being quite low.
During our stay here we experienced much heavy weather; it rained or snowed a great portion of the time. But we now received a supply of new clothing, and other necessary articles.
After remaining here for ten days, on the morning of Sunday, January 18th, we once more made a move.
The morning was quite cold, and considerable snow lay on the ground--a heavy snow storm having prevailed during the night.
A march of six miles brought us to Cripple creek. We pitched our tents on a hill overlooking the surrounding country, and near the creek. The place was very rocky, and covered with young cedars. The trees, rocks and stumps, were so thick that it was almost impossible for a wagon to get through. But the men went to work, and soon had the ground sufficiently cleared to pitch the tents. This camp was on the McMinnville road, and eight miles from Murfreesboro. We had pa.s.sed the place several times previously.
The day succeeding our arrival all hands went to work clearing up the ground, felling trees, and building breast-works and fortifications. This occupied several days. The weather was cold, with frequent rains, which rendered our condition rather unpleasant.
Nothing out of the usual way occurred until January 24th, when the entire brigade made a reconnoissance towards Woodbury. On reaching Readyville were joined by General Hazen"s brigade, and then proceeded as far as Woodbury, where a skirmish ensued with a small Rebel force. Our troops repulsed and drove them from the town. Our brigade returned to camp the same night.
Sunday, January 22d. This being the anniversary of Washington"s birth-day, at sun-down we fired a salute.
The next day Captain Standart started for home, having obtained a short furlough.
March 2d. A skirmish reported beyond Readyville.
March 3d. The entire division of General Reynolds pa.s.sed our camp, going towards Woodbury.
March 5th. An election took place for five persons whose names should be placed on the Roll of Honor, according to published order of General Rosencrans. The following men were elected, viz: John Boon, Joseph Axford, Thomas C. Potter, John Snyder, and C. B. Valentine.
March 6th. Were paid this day for four months" services, being up to January 1st. The first payment we had received in six months. This put the men in good spirits again; but they had one difficulty, and that was, they had no means of getting rid of their money, as the market in this vicinity was not over-well stocked with what a soldier wants.
The next day a portion of General Reynold"s force--which went towards Woodbury a few days previous--returned to Murfreesboro. Cannonading was heard this day--supposed to be in the direction of Franklin.
The morning following, the order was pa.s.sed to prepare to march. But, after getting ready, we stood all day waiting for the word to proceed.
Just at dark were told to unharness horses, as we were not to move for the present.
Tuesday, March 10th. All quiet on Cripple creek. Tents were again pitched.
Considerable rain fell during the day.
Thursday, March 12th. Lieutenant Baldwin went to Nashville this day, to procure horses.
Sat.u.r.day, March 14th. Buchanan Reed, the artist and poet, of Cincinnati, addressed our brigade this day. Lieutenant Kelley left for home, having resigned, and his resignation being accepted. Captain Standart returned to his command.