Thirty~second Infantry.ÄCols., August Willich, Henry Van
Trebra Francis Erdelmeyer; Lieut.-Cols., Henry Von Trebra,
William Schnacken- burg, Francis Erdelmeyer, Jacob Glass,
William G. Mank, Hans Blume Majs., William Schnackenburg,
Charles Schmitt, Jacob Glass, William G. Mank, Peter Cappell,
Hans Blume.
This regiment was organized at Indianapolis in 1861, and was
fortunate in its choice of a commanding-officer, Col. Willich
having been a distinguished officer of the German army. The
regiment was mustered in Aug. 24, and left the state in the
latter part of September, going to Louisville, thence to New
Haven and shortly afterward to Camp Nevin.
It moved for Munfordville in December as part of R. W.
Johnson's brigade, McCook's division, and was engaged in
picket duty on the south side of the Green River. Four
companies of the regiment were attacked near Rowlett's Station
by Gen. Hindman with 1,100 infantry, 4 pieces of artillery,
and a battalion of Texas rangers, but one company forced the
attacking party back, while another sustained a similar
attack. They were quickly reinforced by the other two
companies, and the regiment speedily advanced driving the
enemy back. The Texas rangers then charged at several points
in succession, but a hollow square was formed which withstood
the cavalry and the subsequent infantry charge, the enemy
being compelled to leave the field with 33 killed and 50
wounded. The 32nd lost 10 killed, 22 wounded and 8 missing,
and was highly complimented in special orders for its
gallantry.
It was stationed at Bowling Green and Nashville in Feb. 1862,
participated in the battle of Shiloh, having 6 killed, 93
wounded and 4 missing, was next in the siege of Corinth, and
later moved to Stevenson, Ala., and Nashville.
Col. Willich was appointed a brigadier-general on July 17, and
was suceeded as colonel by Lieut.-Col. Von Trebra. The
regiment marched with Gen. Buell's army to Louisville, joined
the pursuit of Bragg through Kentucky then moved for
Murfreesboro and participated in the battle of Stone's River
losing 12 killed, 40 wounded and 115 missing.
It remained at Murfreesboro until June, then moved towards
Chattanooga, was engaged at Liberty Gap, took part in the
battle of Chickamauga, losing 21 killed, 78 wounded, and 17
missing, and also participated at Missionary Ridge in
November.
It marched to the relief of Gen. Burnside at Knoxville and
remained in that vicinity until the spring of 1864. In the
Atlanta campaign it was engaged at Resaca, Allatoona Hills,
Dallas Powder Springs, Peachtree Creek, and many minor
engagements.
After the capture of Atlanta, the non-veterans were mustered
out at Indianapolis, Sept. 7, and the recruits were organized
into a battalion of four companies, in command of Lieut.-Col.
Blume. The battalion accompanied the 4th corps to Tennessee
and was left at Chattanooga until June, 1865, when it was sent
to Texas with the 4th corps.
It was mustered out Dec. 4, 1865. The original strength of
the regiment was 899; gain by recruits, 484; reenlistments,
503; total, 1,886. Loss by death, 222; desertion, 171;
unaccounted for, 50.
The original strength of the battalion was 418, gain by
recruits, 256; total, 674; loss by death, 32; desertion, 1,
unaccounted for, 11.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 3
******************************************************************************
Rowlett's Station, KY after action report:
No. 3.
Report of Col. August Willich, Thirty-second Indiana Infantry.
CAMP GEORGE WOOD, December 18. 1861.
My regiment had, as usual, two companies on the south of Green River
for the protection of the repairing of the railroad bridge across the
Green River. The bridge built by our pontoniers being finished on the
evening of the 15th instant, the former order to defend our work in case
of an attack principally from the north side of the river was changed in
such a manner that four companies, deployed as skirmishers, should
form on the north side of Green River, while the remaining four should
advance over the bridge to the south side as support of our pickets.
At 12 o'clock on the 17th of December the right wind of our picket
chain (Company B, Capt. Glass) was annoyed by skirmishers of the
enemy. Capt. Glass sent out a patrol that drove them back and
followed them up with the balance of his company. About a mile from
the picket chain he met a company of the enemy's infantry, whom he
saluted with a volley, upon which they retreated in haste. Owing to the
arrival of large forces of infantry, who had by this time made their
appearance, he was obliged to retreat, executing the same in good order,
until re-enforcements
arrived. During this maneuver Company C advanced on the left of the
pike from Woodsonville in a southward direction. There they were
attacked by a company of Texas Rangers, whom they drove back. At
the same time the signal of alarm was given go the remainder of the
regiment and was answered with astonishing alacrity. In their anxiety to
hasten to the relief of the companies that were in danger the company
commanders failed to obey the instruction given by me, and all of them
rushed over the bridge and up the hill, there forming in our usual
position at alarm--in close column. The undersigned being at the time
of the general alarm at the headquarters of the division,
Lieut.-Col. Von Trebra ordered Companies K, G, and F to the
support of Company B on the right wing, and Companies A and I to the
support of Company C on the left wing, and Companies E and H and
a few men of Company D as reserve to follow along the pike, under
command of Maj. Schnackenberg, in the usual distance. The infantry
of the enemy on both wings were thrown by the mere advance of our
lines of skirmishers. But now ensued the most earnest and bloody part
of the struggle.
With lightning speed, under infernal yelling, great numbers of Texas
Rangers rushed upon our whole force. They advanced as near as 15 or
20 yards to our lines, some of them even between them, and then
opened fire with rifles and revolvers. Our skirmishers took the thing
very coolly and permitted them to approach very close, when they
opened a destructive fire on them. They were repulsed under severe
loss, but only after Lieut. Sachs, who left his covered position with
one platoon, was surrounded by about 50 Rangers, several of them
demanding of him three times to give up his sword and let his men lay
down their arms. He firmly refused, and defended himself till he fell,
with 3 of his men, before the attack was repulsed.
Lieut.-Col. Von Trebra now led on another advance of the
center and left flank, when he drew down on his forces a second charge
of the Rangers in larger numbers, charging into the very ranks, some
dashing through to the rear, which might have proved disastrous to
Companies C and I had not Company H, commanded by Lieut.'s
Cappell and Levy, and ordered forward by Adjutant Schmitt form the
reserve on the pike, advanced with a hurrah towards the Rangers and
repulsed them. At this moment the artillery of the enemy with six guns
commenced its well-directed but not damaging fire. Their balls and
shrapnels were thrown with great precision towards the reserve
companies and skirmishers near the pike, but only a few men were hurt,
and those by splinters from trees and fences. Among others, our
undaunted and ever-attentive Assistant Surgeon Jeancon was struck by
the branch of a tree and stupefied for a short time.
While this happened, the struggle on the right flank was not less severe.
Companies F, K, and B were thrown out as skirmishers, Company G
in column as support. The Rangers advanced within 15 yards, and then
fired with shot-guns and revolvers. Our skirmishers made great havoc
among them, but finally retreated behind the square formed by Company
G, Capt. Welschbillig. Now a fight ensued such as seldom occurs.
The Rangers, about 150 to 200, thinking they could ride over that small
squad of 50 men, attacked them in front and left flank, Capt.
Welschbillig suffered them to approach within 20 yards, and then fired
a deadly volley at them. They retreated, but only after having discharged
their guns and rifles at our men. They charged a second time, and
engaged in front and both flanks. Several of them came close to our
bayonets. A well-aimed volley sent them back again. They made a third
but weak charge, which resulted more disastrously to them than
the former. They now disappeared in wild disorder from the
battle-ground. In their place a regiment of infantry, the band playing,
advanced against the small squad. Capt. Welschbillig fell back before
them with his men in good order, to form with Companies I and B,
Company K holding the rear. At this moment the undersigned arrived
and took command of the right wing. Seeing the danger that threatened
the regiment in case the enemy's infantry (two regiments) would throw
our right wing and advance on the line of retreat on the left wing, I
ordered the signal "fall back slowly" to be given and formed the
companies. Companies B and G fell in quickest. Company K guarded
the rear. The forming of Companies B and G very likely gave rise to the
enemy's belief of a re-enforcement on our right. At the same time
Company A, till then delayed by their flanking movement, appeared on
the enemy's right wing, on our left, when their artillery retreated in
haste. The cavalry had disappeared from the battle-ground, and the
infantry holding it until the undersigned, Lieut.-Col. Von Trebra,
a company (B) of the Forty-ninth Ohio, and Adjutant Schmitt, with a
squad of men from my regiment, arrived to collect the dead and
wounded, which were carried home under the protection of said forces.
I cannot pass this without expressing my heartfelt thanks to Col.'s
Gibson and Harrison and their regiments, who volunteered to assist us
in searching for our dead and wounded, and who took position against
the enemy, giving our men help and protection.
In the fight participated 3 field, 1 staff, and 16 officers of the line, 23
sergeants, and 375 men. The force of the enemy consisted of one
regiment Texas Rangers, two regiments infantry, and one battery,
consisting of six guns. Our loss is, 1 officer and 10 men dead, 22
wounded, and 5 missing. The latter I hope to be able to report as
wounded, and after whom I have to-day sent Lieut. Mank,
Company A, with a flag of truce.
According to the reports of our surgeons several of the wounded are
beyond the hope of recovery. Yesterday the enemy reported his loss 40
killed and ours 200 killed. I venture to say that he lost in same
proportion more than 40 as we lost less than 200.
It would be difficult for me to distinguish special names for their brave
conduct, as this might be interpreted that others did not deserve the
same praise. Every officer actually engaged distinguished himself by his
coolness, courage, and judgment. Lieut. Sachs gave way too much
to his courage and advanced too hastily and too soon, which caused our
morning over his loss and that of several brave soldiers of his platoon.
As stated above, our assistant surgeon, Jeancon, was on the
battle-ground, while our first surgeon, F. Krauth, discharged his duties
faithfully at the hospital. Capt.'s Giegoldt and Kodalle, Lieut.'s
Schutz, Trenck, and Kimmel were on the sick list. Lieut. Knorr was
on guard duty, and Lieut. Pietzuch guarding the bridge with his
pontoniers.
The noble conduct of some surgeons of the rebels I cannot pass with
silence, although I am unable to give their names. They dressed the
wounds of 3 of our men and sent them back to us in a farmer's wagon.
On our part, Lieut. Mank, of Company A, permitted 4 men of the
rebel force to carry off the corpse of Col. Terry, of the Texas
Rangers, and several wounded men.
If I take into consideration that my regiment engaged successfully a
force at least seven times as strong as our own, consisting of the
selected troops of the enemy, I think I have reason to say that everybody has
done his duty faithfully.
A. WILLICH,
Col. Thirty-second Indiana Volunteers.
P. S.--Although I did not intend to mention any one individually, I feel
myself induced to state that Lieut.-Col. Von Trebra has gained
and confirmed, not only the admiration, but the love and confidence of
every man in the regiment by the skill and gallantry with which he led
them to the attack.
I have to mention also Lieut. Pietzuch and his pontoniers, who by
their unceasing efforts succeeded in constructing a bridge across Green
River with the poor tools and scanty material furnished them in
incredibly short time. Without this bridge it would have been impossible
for me to cross the river with the regiment to support our pickets and
frustrate the designs of the enemy by defeating them.
In conclusion, I most respectfully call the attention of the general
commanding to the report which I laid before you in regard to strength
and number of my regiment, and would ask you to take it in favorable
consideration.
I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant,
A. W.
[Indorsement.]
HDQRS. SIXTH BRIGADE,
Camp Wood, Ky., December 18, 1861.
Respectfully forwarded. By direction of the general commanding the
division I threw two regiments across the river to the assistance of the
Thirty-second, though they did not reach the ground until after the
enemy had been put to flight. All praise is due to Lieut.-Col.
Von Trebra and the men under him for the gallant manner in which they
repulsed the picked troops of the enemy. As only a portion of the
Thirty-second was engaged I forward the report of its colonel as a full
and complete report of the affair.
R. W. JOHNSON,
Brig.-Gen.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. XVII.] ACTION AT ROWLETT'S STATION, KY. PAGE 17-7
[Series I. Vol. 7. Serial No. 7.]
******************************************************************************
Shiloh after battle report:
Report of Col. August Willich, Thirty-second Indiana Infantry.
FIELD OF SHILOH, April 10, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by
the Thirty-second Indiana Regt. in the battle of the 7th instant:
The regiment arrived at 10 a. m. at Pittsburg Landing and marched up
the hill, where it received orders from Gen. Grant to start
immediately for the field of action. The regiment marched as fast as
possible, and having received no special direction, took its course to the
heaviest firing. Having arrived at the line of battle, Gen. McCook
ordered the regiment to form the reserve of the center of his division,
and in case the enemy should throw our lines, to advance and charge
bayonet. The regiment took its position about 200 yards in the rear of
the second line of battle. About this time, neither party advancing nor
retreating, I asked Gen. McCook, I asked Gen. McCook for
permission to pass with the regiment to the front and make a bayonet
charge, which was granted. The regiment formed into double column to
the center, marched up about 200 yards toward the enemy, when he
turned and retreated, without stopping to receive the charge; after which
the regiment was deployed into line of battle, to give him the benefit of
all our rifles. The whole division then advanced for some time. The
Thirty-second formed into the double column to the center again, and
two companies deployed as skirmishers in advance, until Gen.
Beauregard in person brought up
his reserve against our forward movement, when, by had management
in our squeezed-up position, our skirmishers received fire from
regiments behind, right and left, putting them in immense danger, which
caused them to retreat in a hasty manner, when they should have
retreated slowly and firing, and bringing disorder in the whole regiment
for a few moments, forcing the commander to order a retreat into a
ravine, where it was formed again in double column to the center, and
immediately marched up to charge the enemy once more, supported by
only one regiment on its left wing.
After having advanced for some time in this formation the regiment was
deployed in line of battle, made a charge with the bayonet, and
succeeded, after short and heavy firing, to check the enemy's advance
till re-enforcements came up, which, supported by batteries, fell on both
flanks of the enemy, when the whole of our force advanced again and
threw the enemy back finally; the Thirty-second Regt., making his
last advance, with four companies deployed as skirmishers, and double
column to the center following. Then the regiment advanced on the line
of the enemy's retreat for over a mile, where the complete exhaustion
of the men obliged me to give them some rest. Here I received orders
to rejoin the division near the Landing, but not succeeding in finding the
Sixth Brigade, the regiment bivouacked in an open field, coming up with
the brigade the next morning.
I cannot but mention honorably the gallant and skillful conduct of my
lieutenant-colonel, Von Trebra, particularly in leading the skirmishers;
of my major, Schnackenberg, in commanding the left wing of the
skirmishers and in forming the regiment when it was thrown into
confusion by the fire from our own regiments; and of my adjutant,
Lieut. Schmitt, for the coolness and activity with which he
supported me in every way and manner; also of all the company
officers, without a single exception, for their courage and skill in
performing their respective duties, and of the non-commissioned officers
and men, with a very few single exceptions, for their bravery and
coolness in the hottest fire. As a proof of the latter I will mention that
when, during the last charge, they fired at too great a distance, I
stopped the firing and practiced them in the manual of arms, which they
executed as if on the parade ground, and then reopened deliberate and
effective fire.
It was a very unhappy accident for the regiment that the ambulances had
been left behind at Savannah and that I was ordered so rapidly to the
scene of action that my surgeon could not follow, which obliged me to
weaken my command considerably by having the wounded carried to the
hospitals by their comrades. Lieut.'s Cappell and Borck, against
whom I had to prefer charges, behaved so gallantly, that the whole
regiment would feel gratified if those charges could be withdrawn. I also
feel bound to express my thanks to the chaplain of the regiment, Dr.
Fischer, who is also a skillful surgeon, rendering most effective
services, and without whose assistance our distinguished surgeon,
Jeancon, would not have been able to procure the wounded all the help
they needed.
I inclose a list of the killed and wounded.* Of those reported slightly
wounded, 21, after having their wounds dressed, returned to the
regiment, to do such service as they were able to do.
I have the honor to remain, your most obedient servant,
A. WILLICH,
Col., Cmdg. Thirty-second Regt.
Col. GIBSON, Cmdg. Sixth Brigade.
Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 10. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 10
Stone's River after battle report:
Report of Lieut. Col. Frank Erdelmeyer, Thirty-second Indiana Infantry.
HDQRS. THIRTY-SECOND INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, Camp near
Murfreesborough, Tenn., January 7, 1863.
SIR: I respectfully submit to you the official report of the part taken by
the Thirty-second Indiana Volunteers in the late battle at
Murfreesborough and in the events of the days preceding.
The regiment left camp, near Mill Creek, on the morning of December
26, 1862, and marched to Nolensville.
On the 27th, the regiment advanced to Triune.
On the 28th, having the advance guard of the brigade, participated in a
reconnaissance toward Shelbyville.
On the 29th, we left Triune, crossing over to within 4 miles of
Murfreesborough.
On the 30th, the battle having commenced, the regiment moved up to
the road and performed picket duty on the right flank of the extreme
right of the army corps.
On the morning of the 31st, firing having been heard on our left,
Lieut. S. Green, of the staff of Gen. A. Willich, ordered me to draw
in the pickets and move up to the brigade. Before I was able to assemble
seven companies of my command and form them in line, facing toward
the center, I observed the enemy's columns advancing and firing. At the
same time a great portion of our battery, guns, caissons, and battery
teams, together with a dense mass of infantry, in disorder, came rushing
toward us, and, breaking through the regiment, forced our men to give
way and fall back. The confusion and panic having then become
general, I was unable to reassemble the regiment until we had retreated
along the creek for nearly three-quarters of a mile, when we succeeded
in rallying about 200 of our men.
I would respectfully state that Lieut. Belding, of Capt.
Goodspeed's battery, retreated with me with one gun, and, by firing
several times on the enemy, checked their flanking columns. We then
moved toward the center of the engagement, firing on the enemy's
cavalry at different times, and met at a rise of the ground the rest of the
division, where Col. Wallace, of the Fifteenth Ohio, directed me to
fall in line with his regiment. The enemy advancing at that time, we
fought there for more than an hour, and, being relieved by fresh troops,
fell back and joined the brigade.
In the afternoon of January 1 we moved to a strip of wood on the right
of the first hospital on the Nashville road, and remained there during the
night, picketing.
On the 2d we moved with the brigade as reserve to the center of the
right wing.
Toward 5 o'clock the brigade was ordered to charge on the enemy on
the left of our center. While the regiment advanced in line of battle
toward Stone's River, Gen. Palmer rode up and ordered me to move
the regiment by the right flank into a strip of wood on our right,
occupied by the enemy.
On approaching said wood I received their fire and threw out my
skirmishers to cover my advance. We then charged and drove them back
to the edge of the hill, where the heavy firing commenced, the enemy
contesting every inch of ground. My skirmishers, advancing on the right
and left, unexpectedly found themselves within 15 yards of the enemy,
lying below the crest of the hill.
At that time a regiment came up to our support on the right. They fired
one volley and fell back in disorder. A second regiment [Thirty-first
Indiana] came up in fine style, and at the right moment assisted us in
driving the enemy from his position, causing him to retreat precipitately
and in great disorder across Stone's River. It having grown night for
nearly two hours, it was impossible to gain more advantages or better
results of the fight, keeping our position until relieved by Gen.
Palmer's pickets, after which we returned to camp.
The casualties of December 31 amount to 2 killed, 13 wounded, and 115
missing; of January 2,10 killed, 27 wounded, and none missing.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANK ERDELMEYER,
Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Thirty-second Indiana Volunteers
Col. W. H. GIBSON,
Cmdg. First Brigade.
Source: Official Records
PAGE 312-29 KY., MID. AND E. TENN., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [CHAP. XXXII.
[Series I. Vol. 20. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 29.]
***********************************************************************************
Chickamagua after battle report:
Report of Lieut.-Col. Frank Erdelmeyer, Thirty-second Indiana Infantry.
HDQRS. THIRTY-SECOND REGT. INDIANA VOLS.
Chattanooga, Tenn., September 27, 1863.
GEN.: I have the honor to report to you the part which the Thirty-second
Indiana Volunteers took in the battle of Chickamauga Creek.
The regiment marched at the head of the brigade on Saturday, the 19th
instant, from the right wing of the army toward its left wing; reached the
scene of action at 10 a. m. The regiment advanced with skirmishers in the
front and soon was wholly engaged. Our right flank being exposed by our
advanced position, could not proceed any farther until the evil was remedied.
We then, in connection with the other regiments of your brigade, charged the
enemy and drove him from his position, taking 2 pieces of artillery and 3
caissons and many prisoners; also recaptured the men's baggage of the
Thirty-third Ohio Regt. Having been relieved by the second line of brigade,
we remained quiet until nightfall, when our line was fiercely attacked and
repulsed. We slowly fell back, keeping a well-directed fire upon the enemy.
Night having come on, we ceased firing and slowly returned from the field
to the bivouac of the division. Our loss on this day was heavy, especially in
wounded, of which 4 were commissioned officers.
On the morning of the 20th of September the regiment, with the brigade,
was in reserve position, and was ordered to engage the could do no more
than stand at ease and repulse on e attack which was made against it, most
of the time nothing but a few sharpshooters being in our front. As the
enemy's attack upon the left wing of the army was becoming desperate, the
Thirty-second Indiana marched to the support. We formed a line toward the
left flank of the original line of battle, and, in connection with collections of
men from different regiments, charged on the advancing lines of the enemy,
and drove them under continual fire over a mile.
Passing over the field, we found the dead body of Gen. Walker,
commanding a division of the so-called Confederate army, also a colonel
von Zinken, of the First [Twentieth] Louisiana, and a great many officers
killed during this fight. I would also claim a rebel flag, which was passed
over by our men during the engagement, and picked up by some stragglers
in the rear of my regiment.
We returned from this charge, and again returned to a reserve position on
the road and in the rear of Gen. Reynolds' division. There remained quiet
until about 5 p. m., exposed, however, to the fire of the enemy's
sharpshooters.
At this time the enemy, being invited by the withdrawal of Gen. Reynolds'
division, recommenced throwing shells upon us and over us in such a
manner as to make our position not maintainable; we therefore changed front
and fell back across the road. Hardly in position, the left wing of the army
commenced falling aback, and after the most of the troops were gone and
the enemy had taken possession of the breastworks in our front, we fell back
through the woods, taking possession of a hill in the rear of the woods,
covering the Chattanooga road, and then followed the brigade as rear guard
of the army. The total loss of my regiment during the two days was 21
killed, 81 wounded, and 20 missing, supposed to be partly killed or
wounded. The above includes 1 captain killed, and 1 captain and 3
lieutenants wounded.
Before closing this, my report, I cannot abstain from mentioning that my full
praise and most sincere thanks are due to all my officers and men for their
promptness in obeying my orders, as well as of the courage displayed during
the whole of the battle and under such trying circumstances.
I have the honor to remain, general, your obedient servant,
FRANK ERDELMEYER,
Lieut.-Col., Comdg. 32d Indiana Volunteers.
Brig. Gen. A. WILLICH,
Comdg. First Brigade.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. XLII.] THE CHICKAMAUGA CAMPAIGN. PAGE 546-50
[Series I. Vol. 30. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 50.]
***********************************************************************************
Report of Col. Frank Erdelmeyer, Thirty-second Indiana Infantry.
HDQRS. THIRTY-SECOND INDIANA VOLUNTEERS,
Chattanooga, Tennessee, November 28, 1863.
GEN.: I have the honor to report the part taken in the engagement
of the 23d, 24th, and 25th instant, at Missionary Ridge, by the
Thirty-second Regt. Indiana Volunteers, as follows:
On the 23rd instant, the regiment marched out of camp at about 1 p.m.
took position in front of Fort Wood, on the right of the brigade, second
line, to support the Fifteenth Ohio Volunteers Infantry. The regiment
did not become engaged that day, but lost, while advancing toward the
enemy, 1 man killed and 1 man wounded.
We built breastworks on top of Bald Knob on the evening of the 23d
instant, and relieved the Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in front on
the morning of the 24th instant, and remained on picket during that day,
without any shots being exchanged in our immediate front.
On the morning of the 25th instant, at about 10 o'clock, the pickets of
my regiment were ordered to advance. The line advanced boldly toward
the enemy, driving their strong picket line into their intrenchments on
foot of the ridge. The pickets were than relieved by the Fifteenth Ohio
Volunteers Infantry, and the regiment took position in the second line
behind Bald Knob. At 3 p.m., a general advance having been ordered,
the regiment advanced in double column when the signal was given. The
column being exposed to the enemy's artillery fire, I deployed the
regiment, and advanced through the woods in line of battle. Coming to
an open field, the artillery fire of the enemy becoming desperate with
grape and canister, I advanced the regiment in double-quick time,
driving the enemy out of the intrenchments on foot of the ridge. On
arriving at the breastworks, being too much exposed to the artillery fire
of the enemy, I deemed it advisable to advance at once. The order
having been given, the men at once vigorously and gallantly advanced
and slowly climbed
up the Missionary Ridge, taking possession of the ridge, capturing five
pieces of artillery with caissons and many prisoners, who were sent to
the rear.
The colors of the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and the
Thirty-second Indiana Volunteers were the first that arrived on the crest
of the ridge, where the enemy had partly rallied and seemed to be
disposed to make another stand. The men immediately turned the
artillery of the enemy and forced the rebel cannoneers to load and fire
into their own men. The organization of companies and regiments was
entirely broken, but the men resolutely pushed forward, driving the
rebels precipitately before them, and routing their lines who tried to
rally on foot of the ridge in the woods; also killed several cannoneers
and artillery horses, who tried to haul several pieces of artillery away,
and compelled them to surrender.
It is my painful duty to announce to you herewith the death of
Maj. Jacob Glass, who was lately commissioned as lieutenant-colonel of
the Thirty-second Indiana Volunteers, and wounded at about the center
of the Missionary Ridge while charging up the ridge.
The losses of the regiment during the engagement are 1 field officer and
8 enlisted men killed, and 35 enlisted men wounded.
Before closing my report, I cannot abstain to give my full praise to all
officers and men for the promptness, gallantry, bravery, and good
behavior displayed by them during the whole engagement, and under
such trying circumstances.
I have the honor to remain, general, very respectfully, your most
obedient servant,
FRANK ERDELMEYER,
Col., Comdg. Thirty-second Regt. Indiana Volunteers
Brig. Gen. A. WILLICH,
Cmdg. First Brigade.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGA-RINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. PAGE 270-55
[Series I. Vol. 31. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 55.]
|