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Edwin Drury : Residence Warren IL; Enlisted on 8/9/1862 as a Private. On 9/6/1862 he mustered into "G" Co. IL 96th Infantry. He was Mustered Out on 6/10/1865 at Nashville, TN. Member of GAR Post # 5 (George H. Thomas) in Chicago, IL. Died 11/4/1913.
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HDQRS. NINETY-SIXTH REGT. ILLINOIS VOL. INFANTRY,
Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, November 30, 1863.
LIEUT.: Owing to the illness of Col. Thomas E. Champion,
I have made out the following report of the action of the Ninety-sixth
Illinois Volunteers since leaving Shellmound, which report is herewith
submitted, respectfully:
The regiment left Shellmound with the brigade on the 23d, and took
place in the column as rear guard. We arrived within Gen. Hooker's
lines at 9 p.m., and encamped for the night. The regiment was in line
before daylight of the 24th, and soon afterward followed Gen.
Geary's command up the Lookout Valley. We crossed Lookout Creek
and ascended the mountain to the base of the cliff, having our position
on the right of the third line. We then moved along the mountain side,
conforming our movements to those of the preceding lines, and
receiving a sharp fire from the enemy's sharpshooters on the cliff above
us. About noon we were ordered forward with the Fifty-first Ohio to the
support of the first line, and Col. Champion was placed in command
of the two regiments, the undersigned assuming the command of the
Ninety-sixth Regt. Passing through the second line, the regiment
advanced until it reached a point just above the white house, near which
the Fortieth Ohio was severely pressed. In obedience to prompt orders
from Col. Champion, this regiment was rapidly moved down the side
of the mountain to the assistance of the Fortieth Ohio, and poured in on
the enemy a hot enfilading fire. The contest was ended almost as soon
as begun, the enemy retreating precipitately. The regiment then resumed
its former course of march, and proceeded some hundreds of yards,
until it reached a point where a portion of Gen. Geary's command
was lying in line. Pursuant to orders we halted there, forming on the
right of the line. Here for nearly three hours we were engaged with the
enemy, but our position was so strong and sheltered that the loss was
comparatively light. A regiment was sent to relieve us about 3 o'clock
in the afternoon, but took position mainly on our left, and it was not
thought advisable to withdraw
the regiment until other troops occupied the very important ground we
covered. This was accomplished just at dusk, and the regiment retired
to the rear line.
On the morning of the 25th, the Ninety-sixth was ordered to occupy the
summit of Lookout Mountain, in conjunction with the Eighth Kentucky,
and we have since remained here.
I deem it proper to state that Col. Champion made persistent but
ineffectual efforts to induce regiments lying just in rear of the first line
to take position on the extreme right, and thus flank the enemy,
according to directions of Gen. Whitaker, and that efforts to relieve
the Ninety-sixth Illinois before dark, so that our regiment might thus
have moved, were also unavailing, Had such a move been made, our
success on the 24th would have been much greater, as we would thus
have obtained full control of the road leading from the mountain. The
line officers and men of the regiment all deserve commendation for the
manner in which they endured the unusual fatigue of the march up and
along the mountain and over acres of abatis, and their unflinching
bravery under the enemy's fire. I will add that I was greatly assisted in
the operation of the day by Lieut. E. A. Blodgett, adjutant, who
rendered efficient service and behaved with great gallantry.
It is with feelings of unfeigned thankfulness that I refer you to the fact
that our loss was wonderfully light, as will be seen by the report of
killed and wounded herewith appended.*
I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE HICKS,
Maj., Cmdg. Regt.
First Lieut. J. ROWAN BOONE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Source: Official Records
PAGE 159-55 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII.
[Series I. Vol. 31. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 55.]
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