This position was in the edge of the woods with considerable underbrush. In a few minutes,

the Johnny's could be seen marching in columns of fours to our left. As soon as they came

opposite each company of our regiment, our men commenced firing, the rebels being within

easy range. They made no reply until far enough to the left to outflank us when they came

to a front and the fun began. I did not realize the sense of danger until a man named Robinette

and company G, a few feet to my right, fell dead with a bullet through his brain. For

I had for some time been looking for bees, not knowing, being a green soldier, that the

buzzing and zips were made by bullets. Lieutenant Samuel T. Caricot, 61st Illinois Infantry.

First in front was a ridge, a peach orchard, and the federal encampment. We moved forward

at double quick, passed through the encampment, down the slope on the north side of the ridge

to a creek. Here, line of infantry rose up and poured such a destructive volley into our

ranks that we were coiled and fell back to the first ravine. Here we rallied. We leaped

forward with the deafening cheer, but firing from the battery and a line of infantry just

in rear of the battery was so heavy that we again fell back with great loss, but soon

reformed and we were ready for the third charge when Louisiana Brigade was brought up to our

support. Another charge was ordered and we moved forward over the dead and wounded, this

time to reach the goal that had cost the lives of so many of our best men. But the struggle

was not yet over for the battery, as the boys in blue fired some of the guns when we were

within ten feet of their muzzles. Here we had a hand-to-hand contest over the guns, but

we were triumphant, and this fine battery was ours. Private James Wheeler, 23rd Tennessee

infantry.

Hey everyone, welcome to episode 116 of our Civil War podcast. My name is Rich. And I'm Tracy.

...