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[184] trying to enter the town below, and succeeded in keeping him back in the woods. The men being much exposed to the enemy's fire from almost all sides, I took possession of the rifle-pit in front of the fort facing west toward the white house, where the enemy was seen thickest; the rifle-pits then being thinly manned, as the troops of other commands, who occupied them, were fast seeking shelter inside the fort, leaving the ditch almost empty. A small portion of my regiment, for want of room in the out-works or shelter, were placed inside the fort. The engagement lasted with terrible fury for about four hours, the enemy enfilading great parts of the poorly constructed rifle-pits; but the men fought with veteran coolness, bravery, and determination, without discarding their perilous position — the ditches filling fast with dead, dying, and wounded — my officers assisting me in encouraging and cheering up the men, and obeyed and executed all orders with alacrity, regardless of danger and exposure. Five out of seven company commanders were wounded, but their wounds did not prevent them to stand with manful bravery at their posts, till the enemy was finally repulsed, and retreated. The conduct of both officers and men was highly estimable, and where all have done their duty so well without exception, I refrain special mention.

The following is a list of the number engaged and casualties during the action:

Present in action: Five captains, four lieutenants, twenty-three sergeants, twenty corporals, one hundred and twelve privates. Killed, four sergeants, one corporal, five privates; wounded, four captains, one lieutenant, eight sergeants, six corporals, twenty-seven privates. Total killed and wounded, four captains, one lieutenant, twelve sergeants, seven corporals, thirty-two privates.

After the close of the engagement, the men were re-formed, the ditches cleared, and the old position retained, the men rested on their arms, and pickets posted to cover our front, while a heavy rain set in during the night. On the following morning, the sixth instant, the First brigade arrived, and I reported my command to Colonel Hurlbut, Fifty-seventh Illinois infantry, Colonel Rowett and Major Hanna both being wounded in action the day before. On the seventh instant, the regiment was assigned to the Third brigade, till we could rejoin our own. Left Allatoona for Rome at four P. M.; arrived in Cartersville at half-past 7 P. M., where we camped for the night. Left Cartersville for Kingston at eleven A. M. on the following day, which place we reached at half-past 5 P. M. Started at day-break on the ninth instant for Rome, and rejoined our brigade on the old camp-ground at one P. M.

Accompanying this report is a list of casualties, giving names, rank, company, and regiment of the killed and wounded, and particulars.

I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

Robert Koehler. Captain Commanding Regiment Twelfth Illinois Infantry Volunteers.


Report of Lieut.-Colonel William Hanna.

headquarters Fiftieth Illinois infantry veteran volunteers, Rome, Ga., October 10, 1864.
In compliance with orders received from brigade headquarters, I took measures, and provided my regiment with three (3) days' rations, and forty (40) rounds of ammunition to each man. I then formed the regiment, and marched it to the depot at Rome, Georgia, where there was a train in readiness, upon which I embarked the regiment on the evening of the fourth of October, 1864. About eight o'clock P. M., the train moved out, and arrived at Allatoona, Georgia, about one o'clock the same night. We then disembarked, and bivouacked for the remainder of the night on the east side of the railroad, immediately in front of the two forts occupied by the troops stationed at that place; and a little before daylight I received orders to move my regiment back from the position I then occupied, and take a new position in column by division in rear of a temporary breastwork built of wagon-boxes and wheels, which I did, the men moving quickly but silently in position. During this time the pickets had been firing. I then received orders from Colonel Rowett, to move on the hill in rear of the fort on the east side of the railroad. I moved by the right of companies to the rear, and gallantly did the officers and men move up the steep hill-side, covered with underbrush and briers, expecting every moment to be opened on by the enemy's artillery, which was reported they had in position. After I arrived on top of the hill, I took up a position a few yards in the rear of the fort. I had just taken the position, when began a fearful artillery-fire from the enemy's battery, which was spiritedly replied to by the battery in the fort. Many of my men being wounded by the rebel shell, I kept the regiment in the same position for about three hours. At about ten o'clock A. M., the Twelfth Illinois infantry reported to me by direction of Colonel Rowett. I placed them on the right of the Fiftieth Illinois infantry. In a short time I received orders to move one of my regiments to the bank of the railroad cut. On receipt of the order, I moved the Twelfth Illinois infantry on the double-quick. They then halted, and took up a new position as directed.

I regret that, being personally unacquainted with the officers and men of the Twelfth Illinois infantry, I am unable to give you the names of those worthy of particular mention. Both officers and men of the Twelfth Illinois infantry performed their part most gallantly. It being about eleven o'clock A. M., the artillery firing partially ceased, and the enemy advanced, in force, both in front and on our right flank, nearly in rear of my position. I then went to see if I could find a better position, which I did. I countermarched the Fiftieth Illinois infantry, and took up a new position, my right resting a little in the rear and to the right of the fort, on the right of the railroad, my left resting on the dirt-road running up between the two forts. I then ordered company B of my regiment out as


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