A LETTER FROM COL. BERNARD F. MULLEN, of the 35th Indiana Infantry, to
Col. John E. Balfe of this city, will be preserved with interest:
We are in comfortable quarters and will remain all winter. Everything is
going on smoothly, and "barrin the want of a drop of water," I am as happy as a "Brigadier on a long leave."
Of course you have heard of our recent battles. The gallant little 35th
came in for their share of it. Never did a regiment behave better, thank God, never did a regiment under the circumstances
escape so well. We left here on Monday morning, the 23d inst, and marched up to Lookout Valley with scarcely a halt.
On Tuesday morning our brigade formed under cover of Wahatchie Mountain.
For the first time, now I began to suspect what work was cut out for us, as orders came for the men to "strip to the blouse"
and the officers to "shuck" themselves down to the "shell jacket.": We were to storm Lookout Mountain.
General Whittaker called his regimental commanders around him. "Gentlemen,"
said the General, "we are to storm the enemy’s works on the mountain." The 8th Kentucky and the 35th Indiana will form
the first line of storm on the right-the 10th Ohio and Geary’s Division will boe on the left. Push rapidly on, keep
the enemy moving, and when we whip him, as we certainly shall, we will all take a good drink."
This short speech suited the occasion. The 8th "Kaintuck" filed out, and
the 35th followed. Passing around the hill, we came to Lookout Creek, across which the pioneers had hurriedly throw a rickety
bridge. "Good morning, Colonel," said an officer to me, who was standing, glass in hand by the stream. "Push on you brave
fellows rapidly but silently. Good bye." It was Major General Butler, field chief of Hooker’s staff. "Forward, close
up thirty-fifth," and the gallant fellows bounded lightly forward with the step of dancing masters. The route lay across the
mountain side; rugged and steep deep chasms, steep ascents, and rocky obstructions were before us. Three miles of this infernal
wood was passed over.-
"Bang, bang, whiz-e in the line of skirmishers." "Our fellows have jumped
the game; now for the pursuit." We raised a hill; there in view were the enemy’s ranks, crash! came a volley of musketry.
The gallant Capt. (James) Fitzwilliam was shot through the arm, Sergt.
Kernes of Co. A, through the lungs, and Barney Smith of Co. I, in the head-were some of the casualties of this receptive fire.
"Steady men-don’t fire, press forward." A rousing cheer answered the enemy’s fire; another volley, forward charge
with a cheer, and away went the 35th at a run, carrying the works without firing a shot. Color bearer Tim Summers planted
the flag of the 35th on the breast works.
Our work had just commenced; another, and stronger fortification was in
our front, Lookout Peak on our flank, from both of which raised a terrible fire. Two pieces of artillery in our front opened.
On our left was Gearey was bravely fighting, and the enemyas stoutly resisting. The 40th Ohio on my left joined me, and we
went for the second work which was gallantly carried. Gearey swept the enemy out the lower works, and Lookout, the key to
the situation was won. The whole of the army in and about Chattanooga witnessed the storming of Lookout. As each regimental
flag came in even over the works-loud cheers came from the valley below, and stimulated us to a hearty work.
We slept on the ground we won, not a tent, overcoat, or blanket. Bless
me but it was cold; I said we slept-not a bit of it; we remained awake shivering with the intense damp cold that seemed to
search out the very marrow in our bones. The next day we marched upon Missionary Ridge; fought that through, next to Ringgold-where
we cleaned out the enemy and then returned to our present quarters where we are likely to remain.
Statement of the strength of the Second Brigade, First Division, Fourth
Army Corps. Brig Gen. Walter C. Whitaker commanding, and the deduction from loss in battles of Lookout Mountain. Missionary
Ridge, and Ringgold.
Officers Enlisted
Total
96th Illinois
14 238
272
40th Ohio
16
333
349
99th Ohio
24
276
300
51st Ohio
14
160 174
35th Indiana 24
144 168
8th Kentucky 18
184 202
Total
140
1,355 1,465
Mullen, Bernard F. Colonel "The Storming of Lookout Mountain" Lafayette Daily
Courier December (1863)
