West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 31
West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 31 site_adminWest Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 31 by Charlie Miller
LOOKOUT MT: On November 19th, we drew 6 days’ rations and moved out the next day. On the 22nd of November, Bragg had advanced within three miles of Chattanooga and the Confederates held Lookout Mountain just south of the city. Gen. Grant was ordered from Vicksburg to aid Gen. Rosecrans. Gen. Rosecrans was replaced by Gen. Thomas as Commander of the Army of the Cumberland. On the 23rd, we went camping in Lookout Valley. Our regiment was to hold Lookout Valley and make a demonstration upon the face of Lookout Mountain.
At 10 o’clock on the morning of the 24th, we were ready to advance, but recent rains had swollen the Creek. We were able to cross at about 8 o’clock that morning. The First Division under Co. Cruff joined in the attack on Lookout Mountain. At 11 a.m. we connected with Osterhaus’ Division on our left. Climbing over boulders and creeping through the brush we advanced cautiously and then charged rapidly, driving the enemy back about one mile. Our brigade, thoroughly aroused and forgetful of orders pushed on through the front line and continued to pursue the enemy. Our regiment was in advance, the brigade charged two additional lines capturing a section of artillery at the Craven House, and the right of our regiment, led by Lt. Col. William Jones, (son of Rev. Isaac Jones) pushed far beyond the rest of our line and at one time was actually in the rear of the Rebel line of battle. The heavy fighting ceased about 2 o’clock. Later on in the day fresh troops arrived and we were allowed to drop out of the line of fire, our men dropped down upon the wet ground and shivered through the night. Our regiment lost 11 men. Killed from Company A were Major Thomas Action and Nelson Glaze.
On November 26th and 27th, we moved back to Rossville and the Ringold Road pursuing the retreating enemy, but we were halted at Ringold. On November 28th we sent our wounded back to Chattanooga. At 4 a.m. on December 1st, we started in the direction of Chattanooga, our march being made by the light of the burning town. We reached Shellmound at 3 p.m. on December 2nd. The weather was very cold, never did home seem more delightful, more comforting than did our cabins perched on the hillside, to our weary regiment. We went into winter quarters at Shellmound. While Col. Jones resigned on account of ill health.,