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We remained upon the Island from the 7th to the 13th,
when we broke up camp, bid farewell to the pleasant land and marched
to the Coosa river, which bounds the Island on the north, and
is navigable for the largest boats. The rebels made their appearance
on the opposite shore, and opposed our crossing as they had successfully
done to Foster and others. The opposite shore was strongly fortified,
and had been the object of frequent attacks by our gunboats and
iron-clads. About 10 P. M. in the darkness of the night,
the Sixty-Eighth and Seventy-Eighth Ohio embarked on skiffs and
crossed without opposition. The rebels, learning they were of
Sherman's army, fled without firing a gun. By dawn of day the
pontoons were stretched across the river, and the remainder of
the Division and trains crossed and were again in rebeldom.
Before day-dawn, while standing on the river bank
holding my horse, a stranger came forward from the crowd and addressed
me. I did not at first recognize him, but he proved to be Captain
C. M. Roberts, who had just returned from an absence of over two
years, to his regiment, who, after crossing and exchanging a few
salutations with officers and men, entered upon his official duties
by taking command of a company; he, with his grave but pleasant
face, soldierly bearing and respectful manner, is more than welcomed
back to his regiment.
The Third Division, under command of General Leggett,
with his two best Brigade commanders, General Force, First, and
Colonel G. F. Wiles, Second Brigade, moved forward. Skirmishing
soon commenced, the rebels rapidly falling back to fortifications
on the opposite side of an extensive rice swamp. Colonel Wiles
quickly deployed the Twentieth Ohio as skirmishers, in front of
the enemy's works, which opened a brisk fire. Artillery was also
placed in position, which opened with good effect upon their works.
The First Brigade, under General Force, accompanied by General
Leggett, moved upon another road, which flanked two strong lines
of works. These the rebels left and fell back to a third line,
near Sundown; the Division moved upon the third line. The Forty-Fifth
Illinois being deployed as skirmishers here, lost several killed
and wounded; among the killed was General Force's picket officer.
The approach of night prevented farther operations, and the Division
encamped. Next morning our Division moved forward – having now
the advance for three days, they found the strongest works we
have ever seen in the Confederacy, built two years ago, and evacuated
by the rebels. The Division advanced to the Savannah and Charleston
railroad, and encamped at the station, to await the arrival and
concentration of the army, when a rapid movement will be made
upon ——. In this movement General Leggett handled his Division
with great efficiency. Thus one Division of two Brigades, advanced
from Port Royal and took possession of this railroad, which other
Generals with probably five times the force, made seven attempts
and as often failed, General Foster included.
The Seventy-Eighth Regiment is in good health, and
never stood higher in efficiency and military reputation. Surgeon's
call is thinly attended. There has
been four deaths since leaving Atlanta, added to which list is
the name of David Willis.
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