right wing, under cover of the timber. In doing- so,
Private F. M. McGraw, of Company I, was killed.
Afterward I moved my regiment to the left across the
railway and took my position in the new line, having-
thrown one company out as skirmishers under command
of Lieutentant-Colonel R. P. DeHart, who had command
of the skirmishers of the brigade. We moved to the
front and formed a line on the left of the 97th Indiana,
being now on the left of the brigade.
During- the next day (July 12) we lay in line all day
and on the 13th we moved to the right and rear, and
during that night and the next morning we threw up
earthworks to protect the men.
July 14th, my regiment was ordered to relieve the
40th Illinois on the skirmish line, where we skirmished
until 10 a. m. of the 15th, when we were relieved by the
100th Indiana. As soon as we were relieved, we marched
back and took our place in the brigade, which had
moved still farther to the rear, where we lay until the
17th, the day of the evacuation.
Between the 12th and 15th my regiment was con-
tinually under fire of the enemy's shell and grape. Both
the men and officers behaved well, with two exceptions,
whom I will bring to your notice in another report.
List of Casualties: Killed, one; severely wounded,
one; slightly wounded, five.
Capt. H. L Phillips, Alexander Fowler,
Acting- Ass't Adjt-Gen. Colonel 99th Ind. Inf.
Battle of Jackson.
67
CAPTAIN ALFRED H. HEATH, COMPANY A.
1900.
Born November 28, 1838, in St. Lawrence county. New York.
Was corporal until January, 1863; serg-eant to February, 1863; first
sergeant to November, 1863; second lieutenant to April 7, 1864; first
lieutenant to September 9, 1864; then captain until mustered out,
filling each grade in his company. On the march through the Car-
olinas, he was in command of the Pioneer corps of the second divi-
sion, Fifiteenth army corps. His record is one of which any soldier
might be proud. He was married October 5, 1858, at Ionia, Michi-
gan, and has a family of four children. Since the war he lived at
Ionia, Michigan, for sixteen years; was register of deeds for Ionia
county four years, and postmaster of Ionia for nine and one-half
years. Served four years at Lansing, Michigan, as commissioner
of labor for the state of Michigan, appointed by Governor Cyrus G.
Luce. Went to Detroit in March, 1890, and has resided there since.
He is a manufacturer of electrical apparatus, and his address is 336
Grand River avenue, Detroit, Michigan. Captain Heath is a com-
rade, indeed, and never forgets to send a letter to the reunion when
he cannot come in person.
68 New History of the Ninety-Ninth Indiana Infantry.
In the brigade commander's report, Colonel J. R.
Cockerill says:
"I desire to call attention to Colonel Alexander
Fowler, Lieutenant-Colonel DeHart and Major Berkey,
99th Indiana, as officers who have distinguished them-
selves for courage, perseverance and skill, and are com-
petent to every task imposed upon them. To the line
officers of the brigade and the gallant soldiers of each
and every regiment, I cheerfully testify that all per-
formed their duty to my entire satisfaction, and seemed
to vie with each other as to who was the bravest and
best soldier."
The regiment and corps returned to Black River,
where a large camp was formed and named "Camp
Sherman,"' in honor of the commander of the Fifteenth
corps. When I returned to my regiment on August 4th,
being delayed for some time at Memphis waiting for a
boat, I found Colonel Fowler, a dozen otlier officers and
some thirty men ready to start home on twenty days
leave of- absence. Having written the incidents of the
camp here at the time, I give them as I wrote them at
the time, preferring to depend on the writing rather
than on my memory after so many years.
On Friday, August 7th, I wrote:
"I am now duly installed in my tent and back at the old stand
franking letters, writing letters, visiting the sick, etc. Yesterday
was a day of thanksgiving for the triumph of our arms, and we had
a division meeting with more than 2,000 soldiers present. Having
just returned from the north I made them a patriotic speech."
Battle of Jackson.
69
WILLIAM MUSSELMAN, COMPANY L
1900.
Born May 22, 1844, in Lancaster count}', Pennsylvania; parents
moved to Miami county, Indiana, when he was ten years of age, where
his boyhood days and youth were spent on his father's farm; enlisted
in August, 1862, at the age of 18 years; he was with the regiment
from its organization to its muster out and participated in all the
battles in which tlie regiment was engaged. At tlie close of the war
he returned to the parental home in Richland township, wliere he
engaged in farming on the home place until 1872, when he purchased
a tract of land where he now lives, and has a farm of four-hundred
and fifty acres, all highly improved in one body; he makes a spec-
ialty of breeding thoroughbred Red Polled cattle, having at the
present time a herd of forty head. He has been twice married and
has four children, Samuel, Marj-, Franklin and William; he was
married to his present wife, Miss Priscilla Foor, December 5, 1873.
He is at the present time trustee of Allen township, Miami county;
his address is Macy, Indiana, and he is a true comrade.
CHAPTER VIII.
AT CAMP SHERMAN.
On Sunday evening, August 23rd, I wrote:
"Lieutenant-Colonel DeHart is in command of the regiment in
the absence of the colonel, and seems to be doing very well. We
have some sick men now, and I spend some time each day in the
hospital. Asa Yeoman of Company E died on the ISth, and to-day
I attended the burial service of Sergeant Andrew F. Robey, of Com-
pany I, a good man, and immediately after buried a man of the 97th
Indiana, their chaplain being away on leave. Captain Brewer, of
Company C, resigned, and his resignation was accepted on the 8th,
This will make Sergeant Scott a lieutenant. I visited Chaplain
Munn, of the 100th Indiana, a day or two ago, he having resigned
on account of ill health. Assistant Surgeon L. D. Robinson has
also resigned. I preached this forenoon to a good audience. We
have been having a division meeting for some time, but I want to
preach some to my own regiment. George Parker, another one of
my 'Benton boys, ' is to be sent north, and I think he will go home
to die. "
On Sunday evening, August 30th, I wrote:
"With the help of Quartermaster-Sergeant Severance and
Sergeant Dunham, of Company E, we have organized an 'Army
Church' during the past week, composed of the religious men of all
churches in the regiment. I have been preaching every night when
the weather would permit, I baptized two men in Black river on
Tuesday. Have a good place there not far from camp. On Wednes-
day I baptized two more, Sylvester King, Company C, and Shaw, of
Company K. At the service to-night two more came forward, and I
am to baptize them to-morrow. The religious element in the regi-
ment is strong now and increasing. On the 4th of the month, while
I was away, Nicholas Newman, of Company A, was drowned in
Black river, and yesterday I attended the burial service of Wallace
L. Defrance, of Company C, who was drowned while bathing in the
same stream. I also attended burial service of Thomas B. Emery,
of Company E, 97th Indiana, yesterday.
"Last evening about 9 p. m. I heard a confusion and bustling
in camp, and as I stepped out of my tent, who should I see but
At Gamp Sherman. 71
Colonel Fowler, and then came the regiment in the dark, marching
up and surrounding us. The fifes and drums were wildly playing,
three rousing cheers were given, and a general time of congratula-
tions followed, for as one soldier expressed it, 'Father has come back. '
I did not think it possible for a man to have the power over the
hearts of so many men as he has in this regiment. Any of them
would die for him, I believe. I need not say that his return is to me
as the coming of a brother."
On Tuesday evening-, September 1st, I wrote:
"Our meeting still goes on. I baptized two yesterday and one
to-day. Regiment mustered for pay yesterday. Colonel Fowler is
in command of the brigade. I see my old chums. Sergeant Irelan
and Scott, of the 12th Indiana, nearly every day. We are all,
officers and men, getting quite well acquainted with our companion
regiments, and there is a great deal of visiting back and forth. I
.like Colonel Catterson, of the 97th Indiana, very much. I have just
learned that we are to move our camp about a half mile from where
we are to-morrow, and that that will necessitate the close of my
meeting."
On Saturday, September 5th, I wrote:
"Lieutenant-Colonel DeHart has gone home on leave and Major
Berkey is in command of the regiment. Ephraim Loman, of Com-
pany E, a good man, died on the 2nd. Yesterday our entire division
was reviewed by General Sherman, and it was a grand sight to see
the fifteen regiments and three batteries all in line. The weather
in the middle of the day is very hot, but the mornings and evenings
are comfortable. Major Berkey, Quartermaster Cathcart, Hospital
Steward Whitman and about thirty others are going home on leave
next week. ' '
On September 10th, I wrote:
"While attending a burial service and talking in the sun I had
a slight sunstroke and have been quite sick. The doctor says I
must stay in my tent in the daytime and go out at night for a few
days, as the sun gives me an intolerable headache when I go out. I
have some fever with it, but think that is better. "
On Thursday evening, September 17th, I wrote:
"I am better than when I wrote last, but not able to do full work
yet.
"Yesterday our wagonmaster took two teams and five men out
for some forage in the country, where they were captured by guer-
72 New History of the Ninety-Ninth Indiana Infantry.
rillas. Three men managed to escape, but the wagonmaster and
two men were made prisoners and are now on their way to Dixie."*
On Monday, September 21st, I wrote:
"Our furloughed men and officers are beginning to return and
they are telling of good visits at home. I preached yesterday to a
good audience from Psalm 84, 10th and 11th verses, on 'A Doorkeeper
in the House of the Lord. ' "
On Wednesday, September 23d, I wrote:
"It seems we can't all be well at once, for I no sooner got well
than Colonel Fowler gets sick. Has been in bed most of the time for
two days with a fever. The health of the regiment is good, but we
have lost some good men, Francis M. Brummett, of Company I,
dying on the ISth, Adam Mock, of Company A, on the 11th, John
Lorey, of Company A, on the 21st, and Joseph L. Laforce, of Company
E, on the 17th. It seems so easy for men to die here. I am at the
hospital every day, and the surgeons and nurses do all they can, as
I know, but it seems of no avail. "
On Friday, September 25th, I wrote:
"The colonel is much better to-day, and it is reported we are to
march soon, and if that is the case he says he will be all right
again."
*As an illustration of what war means take these three men and their fate.
Wagonmaster H. H. Haskins died in Andersonville prison October 20, 1864, bear-
ing the privations of that horrible place more than a year before he suc-
cumbed. He was a bachelor and over fort}- j'ears of age Justice Barthol-
omew, of Company A, captured with him, died in the same prison August 22,
1864, while Jacob A. Treisey, of Company H, was sent to Richmond, Va., where
he died April 7, 1864. Notpne escaped a prison death.
CHAPTER IX.
FROM CAMP SHERMAN TO CHATTANOOGA.
On Wednesday morning, September I'^tb, from Vicks-
burg, I wrote:
"We are going to join General Rosecrans at Chattanooga. "We
were busy all day Saturday getting our sick ready to be taken to
the depot to bring them by railroad to this place, and that evening
Colonel Fowler ordered Dr. Butterworth and myself to go with them.
At 3 a. m. yesterday morning, while it was cool, we started from
camp with about fifty convalescent men and came six miles to the
railroad, reaching there at sunrise. Left there on train at 8 a. m.
and reached here at 11 a. m. We got eight of the sickest men on the
hospital boat, but the rest are here with us, camped by the depot,
which is a rough stone and brick building, and damaged by shot
and shell during the seige. The river is full of boats and regiments
are going on board to go up the river. From where I sit this morn-
ing I can see all the 'pride and pomp and circumstance of glorious
war. ' "Wagons innumerable throng every highway, officers galloping
here and there dressed in gay and fancy uniforms; generals with their
staffs, and the usual amount of half cavalry, half mounted infantry,
called the 'body guard,' following in their train, all riding at a
break neck speed, as if the salvation of the country depended on
their getting there in time. Ever and anon the shrill fifes and
rattling drums peal forth their notes until it makes one almost wish
they were born deaf. Everybody is in a hurry, a great deal of
which is useless. Our division will be here to-morrow, and it looks
as if we would have to wait for boats."
On Sunday morning, October 4th, I wrote:
"We are on board the steamer Glasgow going up the Mississippi.
Our regiment reached Vicksburg on "\^^ednesday, the 30th of Septem-
ber, and we had to wait there until yesterday before our transport
came. O, but it was a tedious wait, but everybody was in a good
humor at the prospect of going north and the hourly expectation that
the boat would come. Colonel Fowler has been quite sick all the
week, but is a little better now. Sergeant-Major McGlashon has
been promoted to adjutant, and Orderly Harry Brewer appointed
sergeant-major, and "Will Martin, of Company C, made colonel's
orderly. "We have a good, large, fast boat, but the orders are to
74 New History of the Ninety -Ninth Indiana, Infantry.
keep all the boats together, and some of them are as slow as tar.
We have quite a good many citizen passengers, so the cabin is full.
I cannot preach to-day, but I got a fine lot of magazines and papers
from the United States Christian Commission at Vicksburg which I
have just distributed and everj'body is reading.
"Wednesday, October 7th. We are still on the boat and have
just left Helena. Nathaniel Matthews, of Company F, fell overboard
at 7 p. m. last night and was drowned, at least our boats sent out
failed to find him. It is a beautiful sight to go on the upper deck
and see all the boats running along together and the boys never tire
of it."
From Memphis, Tennessee, Friday, October 9th, I
wrote :
"We arrived here yesterday afternoon, just five days from our
going on board at Vicksburg. Camped on the wharf last nignt and
this morning we came out two miles east of the city to a beautiful
grove where we are now camped. It is now definite that we are
to go to Chattanooga. Major Berkey and the other officers and men
on furlough joined us here. Quartermaster Cathcart, Hospital
Steward Whitman, Lieutenant Downs, of Company E, and how
many others I don't know, were married while they were at home.
Love and war go together, and no one can blame them. How the
lights and shadows mingle in a soldier's life! Your letter telling
me of the death of Holton and so many of my old chums at Chicka-
mauga is an awful shadow. I suppose from what I hear that the
mail to-day brought to more than fifty of our men accounts of the
death of relatives or friends in that terrible battle."
On Sunday evening, October 11th, I wrote:
"Our regiment left this morning at 7 a. m. to march to Corinth.
Colonel Fowler was unable to make the march and I remained with
him and a lot of convalescent men and will go by rail some day this
week. Quartermaster Cathcart and Sergeant-Major Brewer are
here with us. "
From luka, Mississippi, Saturday, October 17th, I
wrote:
"Our company left Memphis on the railroad on Thursday
morning and reached Corinth at 8 p. m., and yesterday at noon we
came to this place, arriving about 7 p. m. We are one hundred and
eighteen miles east of Memphis and twenty-five east of Corinth. It
is a famous watering place, with springs giving forth five different
kinds of water, and is called the 'Saratoga of the South. ' The
large hotels are now in use as army storehouses and headquarters
for officers. I forgot to tell you that General Smith has been
From Gamp Sherman to Chattanooga. 75
relieved and General Hugh Ewing appointed to command our divi-
sion, now on the way here from Memphis."
Sunday evening-, October 18th, I wrote:
"I preached this morning at a union service in a church near
our camp. Had a good audience. Chaplain Eckles, of the 4th Iowa,
preached in the afternoon, and Chaplain Griffith, of the S3rd Ohio,
at night."
Tuesday evening, October 20th, I wrote:
"The regiment came to-day and we are altogether once more.
Got a large mail and all heard from home. The people at home
have no idea of the circumstances surrounding men in the army or
the privations soldiers are called upon to endure. They do not com-
plain, but it is pretty hard to get up in the morning, sit down by
a smoky fire, eat hard-tack for breakfast, march all day, eat fat
pork for supper, and lie down on the hard ground and go to
sleep wrapped in a single blanket, with no covering but the sky
above. ' '
From Florence, Alabama, Friday, October 30th, I
wrote :
"Tuesday, the 27th, we started from luka and marched eight
miles to Eastport, on the Tennessee river. Here we spent all the
afternoon and night, getting across the river on gunboats. The
troops having got over a little after dark, we marched on three miles
to Waterloo, Alabama, and bivouaced for the night and not a wagon
came up. Having no blankets, our field and staff had to sit up all
night by the fire with no supper. It was so cold that if we went to
sleep we would freeze and so we had a hard night. Another such
a night would finish some of us and I am sure it would me. It was
the worst I have seen in the service. The night at length passed
away, and about daylight the wagons came up and we had a very
good breakfast, put up some tents and took a nap. Waked up at 10
a. m , had an early dinner and at 12 m., started on the march, 10
miles to Gravel Springs, reaching there about dark. Had a good
supper and slept well. Yesterday, October 29th, we started early
and passing through Cypress Mills, camped at Florence, the dis-
tance being 16 miles. At Cypress Mills we saw a large number of
women, who had worked in the factories there before their destruc-
tion the year before by our army. We arrived here in time to pitch
our tents and get settled before night. Yesterday there was a fight
going on all day south of the river, as we could hear the cannon all
the time. A lot of rebel prisoners were brought in to-day. I just
saw one squad consisting of a major, five lieutenants and six privates.
76 New History of the Ninety-Ninth Indiana Infantry.
The people here are suffering- from the effects of the war, and do not
have much to eat. We shall stay here a day or two, I think."
On Thursday afternoon, November 5th, I wrote:
"We are now on Elk river, between Pulaski and Fayetteville,
Tennessee. On Monday, the 2d, we left Florence at 8 a. m.,
marched fourteen miles and went into camp early at Center Star.
Crossed Shoal river at noon; weather fine.
"Tuesday, November 3d. Started 7 a. m., crossed Blue river at 8
a. m., passed Rogersville at 2 p. m. , camped on bank of Eel river at
7 p. m., distance 15 miles. Clear and warm.
"Wednesday, November 4th. Started at 6:30 a. m. up Eel river
which we crossed at 10 a. m. Passed Gilbertsboro at 2 p. m. and
Bethel at 3:30 p m. Camped at Prospect at sundown, distance
twenty-three miles. Clear and warm.
"To-day has been one difficult to describe. We started early
this morning but about 8 o'clock it commenced raining and kept pour-
ing down until we reached Elk river here at noon. There is no
bridge here, but our brigade is across and are building a bridge.
The river was quite deep, but the boys plunged in and were soon
across, saying it didn't make much difference as they were all wet
from the rain. We have now at 3 p. m., got our tents up and blaz-
ing fires in front of them, and the brigade is 'drying up.' I would
give a good deal for a picture of the 99th as they are now, as an
Irish soldier said to me just now, 'Begorra, Chaplain, they look
like muskrats, an' drowned ones at that.' "
On Wednesday evening, November 11th, I wrote:
"Friday, November 6th, waited in camp at Elk river for the
roads to dry off some, but started at noon and marched eight miles,
camping at sundown. Weather clear but j-oads very bad Our
headquarters wagon was overturned but no damage done.
"Saturday, November 7th. Started at sunrise, camped at 4
â– p. m. ; distance, thirteen miles, roads still bad but weather clear.
"Sunday, November 8th, started at 7 a. m., passed Fayetteville
at 10 a. m., and camped two miles east of town at noon, where we
remained over Monday. Monday became what it is at home, 'wash
â– day,' and as the division was camped close together a great many
visits were made. I visited the 100th Indiana and took dinner with
-Captain Bowman of the 12th Indiana."
"Tuesday, November 10, started at sunrise, marched twenty
miles and camped at Salem."
"Today we started . at daylight and marching twelve miles
reached this place at noon, where we are now camped, and I finish
this letter as we are to send out mail at 3 p. m. Reaching a rail-
road once more we come in contact with the outside world. We feel
From Camp Sherman to Chattanooga. 77
that we are nearing- Chattanooga, which we know must be our ob-
jective point. Lieutenant Wm. Mackey, of Company C, has been
dismissed from the service for a matter at luka about some sutler
goods and as I know the facts I think it entirely unjust; he will go
home from here."
Prom Bridg-eport, Alabama, Monday a. m., Novem-
ber 16th, I wrote:
"We left Dechard on Tuesday at 9 a. m. and reached the foot of
the Cumberland mountains at noon. We commenced the ascent at
1 p. m., and bivouaced at 9 p. m. near the summit, and succeeded by
2 p. m. on Friday in getting into the valley between the mountains.
We passed Anderson on Saturday and Stevenson yesterday, reach-
ing this place at 3:30 p. m., and here we are now, where all is hurry
and preparation, for we are stripping for the fight which must
come."
From this point, on the 17th, the regiment moved out
on the right of Lookout mountain with the division going'
as far as Trenton, Georgia, where a skirmish occurred with
some cavalry. On the 20th, Colonel Cockerill, com-
manding the brigade, received the following order from
General Hugh Ewing, commanding the division:
"Move your command at 8 o'clock this morning via Wauhatchie
to Brown's Ferry, where you will camp to-night, reporting your
arrival to General Sherman."
The reader will remember that at this time our regi-
ment was in the Third brigade of the Fourth division of
the Fifteenth corps. General Hugh Ewing commanding
division.
On Monday, November 23rd, from near Chattanooga^
I wrote:
"Your letter announcing the death of our dear boy on the 10th
instant came this morning. The blow has fallen heavily upon us,
and I can only pray God to comfort and bless you. I cannot write
you as I would, for we are in the midst of preparation. We crossed
the Tennessee river two miles below Chattanooga yesterday and are
now in the Sequatchie valley two miles above, stripped and ready,,
and waiting every minute for orders to move."
CHAPTER X.
BATTLE OF MISSION RIDGE.
The official reports as found in volume 31, page 639 of
the "War Records," give the best account of the battle
of Mission Ridge.
Colonel Cockerill, Brigade Commander, under date of
November 27, reports:
"On the morning of the 24th instant we left our camp on the north
side of the Tennessee river and crossed over in boats to the south
side and advanced at once to Missionary Ridg-e preceded by the
second brigade of this division; taking possession of the ridge in the
evening, the enemy shelled us sharply, vphere we proceeded to
entrench, and by morning of the 25th had a good line of works con-
structed, extending from the base to the top of the ridge facing south.
"On the 25th we were ordered to remain in our works and sup-
port a battery holding firmly our position if attacked; during the
night we remained in our works and at daylight on the 26th,
started in pursuit of the retreating enemy. Both the officers and
men performed their duties to my satisfaction. Our casualties were