FRANKLIN COUNTY OHIO - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND PICKAWAY COUNTIES, OHIO [Page 113] *************************************************************************** OHGENWEB NOTICE: All distribution rights to this electronic data are reserved by the submitter. Reproduction or re-presentation of copyrighted material will require the permission of the copyright owner. *************************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by LeaAnn Rich leaann1@bellsouth.net February 22, 1999 *************************************************************************** HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND PICKAWAY COUNTIES, OHIO Page 113 Western Virginia, to reinforce McClellan's command. September 10th, Colonel Smith led his regiment in the battle of Carnifax Ferry, occupying the extreme left, where a good record was made for the command, after which the regiment encamped at Gauley Bridge until November 6th, when it began the pursuit of the rebel Floyd. The first brush occured at Cotton Hill, where the regiment lost one killed, and two wounded. The chase was continued to Fayetteville, and having driven the rebels from western Virginia, the troops were ordered west, the Thirteenth going into camp opposite Louisville, Kentucky. The regiment finally moved to Bacon Creek, where it remained engaged in drill until February 10th, when it marched to Bowling Green. From there it repaired to Nashville, encamping near the city. April 2d the regiment marched to reinforce General Grant, and reached Savannah, on the Tennessee River, on the morning of the 6th. It at once marched to the battle field, and with the Fifth division formed on the right of Nelson's command. About eight o'clock the division moved forward. The enemy was soon found in position, supported by the famous Washington Battery, of New Orleans. The Thirteenth charged on this battery, and after a desparate struggle, captured it entire, but only to lose it, as the enemy , in large numbers charged and retook the pieces. Major Ben P. Runkle was severly wounded at this time. About one o'clock, in the last great advance, the Thirteenth again dashed forward to capture the battery, and this time was successful. The enemy retreated, and the Thirteenth joined the advance on Corinth. After the evacuation of this point, the Union forces advanced against Cattanooga. August 20th orders were received to march in pursuit of Bragg, and this march made the army of Ohio a record as enduring as time. From August 21st to September 26th, a period of thirty six days, the National soldiers patiently toiled on after the enemy, enduring the hot sun, almost unbearable thirst, half rations and the stifling dust. What soldiers of the Thirteenth Ohio will ever forget this terrible march? Reaching Louisville, on the 26th, a rest was had until the first of October, when the pursuit of Bragg was resumed. October 8th the regiment was at Perryville, but was not actively engaged. December 2d the army was reviewed by General Rosecrans, near Nashville, and the Second was complimented by the General for their soldierly appearance. December 26, 1862, the advance on Murfeesboro was commenced. The Thirteenth was in Crittenden's division, and the next we see of it is at Stone River. Here, on Wednesday, December 31st, the regiment lost, in one hours time, one hundred and fifty two killed, wounded and missing. The total loss in the series of battles at this point was one hundred and eighty five. Now followed comparative inactivity until the battles of Chickamauga, and in these the regiment preserved, unsullied, its record made sacred at Stone River. On the twenty second of September the regiment skirmished on Missionary Ridge, withdrawing at noon to its former place, in the intrenchments of Chattanooga. November 23, the army moved to the expulsion of Bragg from the ridge. History has already recorded the successful charge, that swept the host down the mountains, across the valley, and converted its retreat into a shameful rout. In this charge the Thirteenth bore itself bravely, and it is claimed, was the first to plant the colors on the rebel works. Sergeant Daniel Ritter, of Company A, was the first in the regiment to scale and enter the fortifications. The losses were severe. On the twenty eighth of November the Thirteenth advanced, with the army, to the rescue of Knoxville. The enemy retreated, and were pursued to near Church Mountain. This was a march of much suffering, for want of shoes and clothing, as well as rations. Returning to Knoxville, the regiment re-enlisted, as veterans, and the men were granted a furlough. Those who failed to become veterans, were transferred to the Fifty-ninth Ohio, then (January 28, 2864), stationed at Marysville, near Knoxville. The latter part of March, 1864, the regiment returned to duty, and was assigned to the Third Brigade, Third Division, and Fourth Corps, in the army of the Cumberland, then commanded by Major-General George H. Thomas. May1, 1864, the troops were ordered to prepare for the Atlanta Campaign, and on the third, struck tents and advanced against Ringgold, Georgia, then to Rocky Face Ridge, and on to Resaca. In the engagements of this march the Thirteenth lost heavily. Still, the pursuit was continued until the rebels massed around Lost Mountain, and on May27th the battle occured. The Third division struck the enemy's center, and encountered breastworks gray with men and bristling with artillery. Our troops advanced, in three lines of battle, through a dense wood, and were met by a terrific discharge from the enemy, then but a few yards in advance. This destroyed the first line. The second line, of which the Thirteenth formed a part, immediately advanced on the double quick, and with a yell and a volley, rushed up to the works, and the contest continued from four o'clock in the afternoon until nine at night. Although our forces held the position, they were unable to capture the rebel works. The ammunition of the Thirteenth was exhausted, McCulloch was wounded, Thompsons right arm was shattered, and the killed and wounded were lying thickly around. Major J.T. Snyder, in command of the Thirteenth, still rallied the regiment, and the ammunition becoming exhausted, he took that remaining in the boxes of the dead and wounded comrades, and distributed it with his own hands to the men. General Thomas finally ordered our forces to withdraw. The Thirteenth lost, in this engagement, fifty men killed, wounded and prisoners. June 21st, the non-veterans were discharged, and the remainder of the regiment formed into a battalion of four companies, under command of Major Snyder, still retaining its endearing title, "Thirteenth," and retaining its position in the brigade. At Kennesaw the Thirteenth was in the thickest of the