We use today’s anniversary of a decisive battle in Tennessee to remember two Londoners’ experiences among, ‘blue coated lines as they marched in solid phalanx to meet the enemy’.
James White served in the 113th Ohio volunteers on this day in history at the battle of Missionary Ridge at Chattanooga, Tennessee 160 years ago on November 25th 1863.
Another Londoner present that day had already experienced their baptism by shot and shell at Wauhatchie and Lookout Mountain. George Denham served in Company F, 111th Pennsylvanian volunteers. He was several miles south of James at Rossville Gap.
The two Londoners numbered among approximately 56,300 union men positioned north and south along seven miles of the ridge. The bluecoats faced an enemy of 44,000 Confederates, with three lines of rifle pits and the added strength of artillery.
Of the events that day, one of James’ comrades, F M McAdams* serving in the 113th recalled, “We took a position half a mile closer to the Ridge, where we lay all day, while the terrible conflict, which had been pending for days, went on. At four o'clock in the afternoon the noise of the conflict indicated to us that the enemy had been driven from his stronghold on Mission Ridge, and that the day had been a Chickamauga to our enemies. We rested on our arms awaiting orders. Night came on. Late in the afternoon I went with Brigham with a load of ration and issued to the men as they lay at the base of the Ridge. From my position on Stringer I viewed the events of the day; saw the blue coated lines as they marched in solid phalanx to meet the enemy; saw the smoke of the guns of Bragg's veterans, as they sent a deadly welcome to their advancing foe; saw the invincible columns of the Union as they ascended the side of the Ridge and heard the shouts of victory as the Confederates fell back in full retreat. Oh for a pen or tongue that could depict it”.
Elsewhere around 10.00 am George and his company formed up and commenced marching towards the ridge. Artillery could be heard in the distance. On reaching the base of the ridge the 111th assembled on the southern end, near Rossville Gap. They loaded their muskets and joined the other union brigades. The majority of bluecoats extended towards Georges left as far as he could see north. There was much commotion visible among the rebels who were subject of union artillery fire. Orders were then given; some units were to charge up the slope and attack the summit.
Being at the southern-most point of the rebel held ridge, afforded George, and his comrades an advantage, they could outflank the defenders. Knowing the 111th had been able to successfully cross the Chattanooga Creek General Thomas ordered the Union force to attack the confederate centre. This was met with cheers that rang out across the battlefield. From their different positions no doubt George and James would heard the battle cries among the sound of musket and artillery fire echoing across the valley. John Richard Boyle serving in the 111th described the scenes thereafter, “Enveloped in smoke and vomiting fire, the quick shifting of troops, the flash of steel, the gallop of staff officers, and the cheering of sixty thousand men breaking upon the terrific thunder of arms, exhibiting a great example of war. And the final moment when the besieging front gave way, and with redoubled ‘Huzzahs’, the triumphant Union army swept after the retreating foe” In what he described as perfect weather, the siege of Chattanooga had finally succumbed to the might of men like George and his Union comrades and with it turned despair into joy of a great conquest”’
To both James and George, we resound that ‘Huzzah’ and thank you both for your service. You are not forgotten.
For further information -
* “Every-Day Soldier Life, A History of the One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry”.
*” The Spartan that Climbed Lookout Mountain – The Civil War experiences of George Denham” by Gina Denham is available on amazon here in the
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