Battle Report of Captain Charles H. Vantine, Co. I, 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Headquarters, 21st Regiment Ohio Vol. Infty.,
Chattanooga, Tenn., September 27, 1863
Sir:
In obedience to order just received, I have the honor to submit the following report of the proceedings of my command since leaving Cave Springs Ala.: On September 1, 1863, the regiment Cave Springs, Ala. taking up the line of march at about 7 p.m., Lt. Colonel D. M. Stoughton being in command. Passing through Stevenson we crossed the Tennessee River the same evening, bivouacked on south side of the river until morning, going into bivouac at 1 a.m. of 2nd instant.
Took up line of march on morning of 2nd instant at 7 o'clock: went into bivouac evening of 2nd at 4 o'clock, near Bridgeport, Ala., and near foot of Big Raccoon Mountain. On the 3rd we crossed Big Raccoon, the companies being scattered along the mountain to help the teams up. At about 3 p. m., the teams being over, took up line of march and marched 6 miles, going into bivouac about sundown. On the 4th instant we marched to foot of mountain and went into bivouac at about 4 p. m. On the 5th a reconnaissance was made some 2 or 3 miles into the valley to the iron works, capturing some salt and some tobacco.
The troops composing the reconnoitering force were the 78th Pennsylvania Volunteers, 21st Ohio Volunteers, and one section Battery G, 1st OhioVolunteer Artillery. No enemy was discovered during the day. The regiment went into bivouac at 5 p. m. Company D being detached as picket, did not rejoin the command until the next day. At daylight on the 6th, the command was marched back to the foot of Big Raccoon for knapsacks.
After getting knapsacks started back and marched until 6 p.m., when we went into bivouac. On the 7th we marched about 4 miles and reached the foot of Lookout Mountain. On 8th we crossed Lookout; the companies were scattered along the mountain to assist the train up. The train was gotten over at 10 a.m., when marched to the top and went into bivouac. On the 9th we marched to the foot of the mountain and went into bivouac at 4 p.m.
On the 10th we moved from our position at the foot of Lookout and advanced slowly toward Pigeon Gap, the 21st OVI being in the advance, Companies F and C being deployed as skirmishers, llight skirmishing being the order of the day. We reached a hill that evening within a mile and one half of the Gap. At 3 a. m. we changed position going about three quarters of a mile to the rear of the hill occupied the evening before, the regiment being formed in the edge of a dense woods, completely concealing it from the enemy. At 6 a. m. of the 11th we changed position a short distance to the left. We lay there until 10 a. m., when we were moved to the rear to protect the wagon train from some rebel cavalry who were reported about to attack it.
While lying here we threw up a light breastwork of rails, logs, ect. At 3 p.m. we were ordered back still farther, the corps being compelled to fall back. We marched about 2 miles to the rear and took up position in a woods on the left as support Battery G, in double column on the center closed en masse. The artillery was firing quite rapidly, and in about half an hour we were moved still farther to the rear, marching by the left flank. Shortly after we were deployed in line of battle. After a short time we again commenced the retrograde movement, marching by the right of companies about 4 miles. At 9 p. m. we took position on the brow of a hill and went into bivouac.
Moved our postion slightly on the morning of the 12th and formed line of battle; stacked arms. On 12th and 13th we lay in the same position taken up the morning of the 12th. On the 14th changed position to the right about three quarters of a mile. We lay in that position until the 17th, when we took up the line of march at 7 a. m. We marched to Chickamuaga Creek and went into bivouac on its banks that night about dark. On 18th took up line of march at 3 p. m., marched 5 miles to the front and got into bivouac after dark. We lay about three hours, when we were ordered back to the Chickamauga again. We reached the creek, threw out pickets, and went into bivouac by 4 a. m. of 19th.
At daylight we threw out pickets and marched back a mile, where we took position as support for Battery G; threw up breastworks of logs and stones. Lay there until 3 p. m., when we were again marched up to front about 5 miles. Heavy fighting had been going on all day on our left. About 6 p. m. reached the battlefield, formed line of battle, and marched forward in a strip of woods about a mile. Just after entering the woods we were saluted by a volley of 10 or 12 guns. We returned the fire, when the enemy threw down their arms and fled. Lay in line of battle all night, every man on alert. We lost 3 men wounded and 2 killed on the 19th.
Next morning, the 20th, we were moved from our position about 9 a. m. over to the left, the enemy having made a spirited attack on the point. After changing position several times we were finally put into position on the brow of a hill as support for a battery belonging to General Brannan's division. At about 11:30 a. m. the enemy advanced on us in heavy force. We, however, held our ground until 3 p. m., when some of the reserve corps came up and relieved us, charging down the hill and driving the enemy in gallant style. They kept the enemy at bay for about one hour, when they fell back and we were again engaged with the enemy.
In the meantime we had thrown up a slight breastwork of logs and stone, behind which we fought until 5 p. m., when we were relieved by som eof General Brannan's division. Our ammunition was exausted, and we could not procure any more. At about half past 5 p. m. the enemy sent up messengers to Brannan's men stating that some of them were waiting for them (our men) to cease fire in order to give themselves (i. e., the enemy) up. The firing ceased and the enemy came up, but instead of giving themselves up they fired a volley and charged up the hill, gaining possession of it entirely. The commanding officer of Brannan's troops asked that the 21st Ohio should charge up and retake the hill.
After some delay one round of ammunition was procured per man from the dead and wounded. With this one round in our guns, we charged up the hill. We delivered our volley, but the enemy was in too large a force, and we were forced back. Twice again, with no ammunition, we charged, with the vain hope of retaking the hill. But we were repulsed. In the meantime Brannan's men were reforming and we lay down to wait until they reorganized, inteading to make one grand charge, and if possible retake the hill. While we were waiting a column was observed filing in a small ravine on our right flank.
Supposing they were our men (they being dressed in blue jeans) we took no notice of them until they formed a line of battle facing toward us. They formed and commenced advancing on us; when asked who they were, said they were "Jeff Davis' men;" supposed they were some of J. C. Davis' division. When they were within a few rods of us called upon us to surrender, "lay down," and ect. A portion of the men jumped up to retreat toward General Beannan's division, when they poured in a heavy volley, wounding and killing a great many. A few of the men of the 21st Ohio who escaped formed, and were lead to Rossville by Colonel Walker, of the 31st Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
On the morning of the 21st we collected all that could be found, reported to Colonel Sirwell, our brigade commander, and took position on the left of the 78th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. On the 21st, together with the rest of the brigade, we took up position on a hill near Rossville, where we lay about 12 midnight, when we were withdrawn and marched to Chattanooga, reaching our present camp on the 22nd. Since then we have done nothing but work on the fort, ect.
Of the officers and men of this command I have only to say that they have done their duty. We ask no higher praises than that. Every man fought as if the fate of the nation rested on his individual efforts. Lt. Colonel D. M. Stoughton was wounded about 3:30 p. m. on the 20th. A cooler, braver, more patriotic officer than he never drew a sword. You will see by the official report of killed, wounded, and missing that we lost some 272 officers and men.
I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Charles H. Vantine, Captain Company I, Com. 21st Ohio Vol. Inf.
Capt. Charles B. Gillespie, Acting Assistant Adjutant General, Third Bridgade.
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Headquarters, 21st Regiment Ohio Vol. Infty.,
Chattanooga, Tenn., September 27, 1863
Sir:
In obedience to order just received, I have the honor to submit the following report of the proceedings of my command since leaving Cave Springs Ala.: On September 1, 1863, the regiment Cave Springs, Ala. taking up the line of march at about 7 p.m., Lt. Colonel D. M. Stoughton being in command. Passing through Stevenson we crossed the Tennessee River the same evening, bivouacked on south side of the river until morning, going into bivouac at 1 a.m. of 2nd instant.
Took up line of march on morning of 2nd instant at 7 o'clock: went into bivouac evening of 2nd at 4 o'clock, near Bridgeport, Ala., and near foot of Big Raccoon Mountain. On the 3rd we crossed Big Raccoon, the companies being scattered along the mountain to help the teams up. At about 3 p. m., the teams being over, took up line of march and marched 6 miles, going into bivouac about sundown. On the 4th instant we marched to foot of mountain and went into bivouac at about 4 p. m. On the 5th a reconnaissance was made some 2 or 3 miles into the valley to the iron works, capturing some salt and some tobacco.
The troops composing the reconnoitering force were the 78th Pennsylvania Volunteers, 21st Ohio Volunteers, and one section Battery G, 1st OhioVolunteer Artillery. No enemy was discovered during the day. The regiment went into bivouac at 5 p. m. Company D being detached as picket, did not rejoin the command until the next day. At daylight on the 6th, the command was marched back to the foot of Big Raccoon for knapsacks.
After getting knapsacks started back and marched until 6 p.m., when we went into bivouac. On the 7th we marched about 4 miles and reached the foot of Lookout Mountain. On 8th we crossed Lookout; the companies were scattered along the mountain to assist the train up. The train was gotten over at 10 a.m., when marched to the top and went into bivouac. On the 9th we marched to the foot of the mountain and went into bivouac at 4 p.m.
On the 10th we moved from our position at the foot of Lookout and advanced slowly toward Pigeon Gap, the 21st OVI being in the advance, Companies F and C being deployed as skirmishers, llight skirmishing being the order of the day. We reached a hill that evening within a mile and one half of the Gap. At 3 a. m. we changed position going about three quarters of a mile to the rear of the hill occupied the evening before, the regiment being formed in the edge of a dense woods, completely concealing it from the enemy. At 6 a. m. of the 11th we changed position a short distance to the left. We lay there until 10 a. m., when we were moved to the rear to protect the wagon train from some rebel cavalry who were reported about to attack it.
While lying here we threw up a light breastwork of rails, logs, ect. At 3 p.m. we were ordered back still farther, the corps being compelled to fall back. We marched about 2 miles to the rear and took up position in a woods on the left as support Battery G, in double column on the center closed en masse. The artillery was firing quite rapidly, and in about half an hour we were moved still farther to the rear, marching by the left flank. Shortly after we were deployed in line of battle. After a short time we again commenced the retrograde movement, marching by the right of companies about 4 miles. At 9 p. m. we took position on the brow of a hill and went into bivouac.
Moved our postion slightly on the morning of the 12th and formed line of battle; stacked arms. On 12th and 13th we lay in the same position taken up the morning of the 12th. On the 14th changed position to the right about three quarters of a mile. We lay in that position until the 17th, when we took up the line of march at 7 a. m. We marched to Chickamuaga Creek and went into bivouac on its banks that night about dark. On 18th took up line of march at 3 p. m., marched 5 miles to the front and got into bivouac after dark. We lay about three hours, when we were ordered back to the Chickamauga again. We reached the creek, threw out pickets, and went into bivouac by 4 a. m. of 19th.
At daylight we threw out pickets and marched back a mile, where we took position as support for Battery G; threw up breastworks of logs and stones. Lay there until 3 p. m., when we were again marched up to front about 5 miles. Heavy fighting had been going on all day on our left. About 6 p. m. reached the battlefield, formed line of battle, and marched forward in a strip of woods about a mile. Just after entering the woods we were saluted by a volley of 10 or 12 guns. We returned the fire, when the enemy threw down their arms and fled. Lay in line of battle all night, every man on alert. We lost 3 men wounded and 2 killed on the 19th.
Next morning, the 20th, we were moved from our position about 9 a. m. over to the left, the enemy having made a spirited attack on the point. After changing position several times we were finally put into position on the brow of a hill as support for a battery belonging to General Brannan's division. At about 11:30 a. m. the enemy advanced on us in heavy force. We, however, held our ground until 3 p. m., when some of the reserve corps came up and relieved us, charging down the hill and driving the enemy in gallant style. They kept the enemy at bay for about one hour, when they fell back and we were again engaged with the enemy.
In the meantime we had thrown up a slight breastwork of logs and stone, behind which we fought until 5 p. m., when we were relieved by som eof General Brannan's division. Our ammunition was exausted, and we could not procure any more. At about half past 5 p. m. the enemy sent up messengers to Brannan's men stating that some of them were waiting for them (our men) to cease fire in order to give themselves (i. e., the enemy) up. The firing ceased and the enemy came up, but instead of giving themselves up they fired a volley and charged up the hill, gaining possession of it entirely. The commanding officer of Brannan's troops asked that the 21st Ohio should charge up and retake the hill.
After some delay one round of ammunition was procured per man from the dead and wounded. With this one round in our guns, we charged up the hill. We delivered our volley, but the enemy was in too large a force, and we were forced back. Twice again, with no ammunition, we charged, with the vain hope of retaking the hill. But we were repulsed. In the meantime Brannan's men were reforming and we lay down to wait until they reorganized, inteading to make one grand charge, and if possible retake the hill. While we were waiting a column was observed filing in a small ravine on our right flank.
Supposing they were our men (they being dressed in blue jeans) we took no notice of them until they formed a line of battle facing toward us. They formed and commenced advancing on us; when asked who they were, said they were "Jeff Davis' men;" supposed they were some of J. C. Davis' division. When they were within a few rods of us called upon us to surrender, "lay down," and ect. A portion of the men jumped up to retreat toward General Beannan's division, when they poured in a heavy volley, wounding and killing a great many. A few of the men of the 21st Ohio who escaped formed, and were lead to Rossville by Colonel Walker, of the 31st Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
On the morning of the 21st we collected all that could be found, reported to Colonel Sirwell, our brigade commander, and took position on the left of the 78th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. On the 21st, together with the rest of the brigade, we took up position on a hill near Rossville, where we lay about 12 midnight, when we were withdrawn and marched to Chattanooga, reaching our present camp on the 22nd. Since then we have done nothing but work on the fort, ect.
Of the officers and men of this command I have only to say that they have done their duty. We ask no higher praises than that. Every man fought as if the fate of the nation rested on his individual efforts. Lt. Colonel D. M. Stoughton was wounded about 3:30 p. m. on the 20th. A cooler, braver, more patriotic officer than he never drew a sword. You will see by the official report of killed, wounded, and missing that we lost some 272 officers and men.
I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Charles H. Vantine, Captain Company I, Com. 21st Ohio Vol. Inf.
Capt. Charles B. Gillespie, Acting Assistant Adjutant General, Third Bridgade.
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