Page:Journal history of the Twenty-ninth Ohio veteran volunteers, 1861-1865.djvu/96

 order at once moved forward to storm the ridge. The position of the Twenty-ninth regiment in the assaulting column was on the extreme left, the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania next on its right, connecting with the Second brigade. Our instructions were to make a strong demonstration, and to carry, if possible, the rebel position. While advancing to the assault, the brass bands in our rear indiscreetly commenced playing National airs, which attracted the attention of the rebel commander, who rapidly concentrated reinforcements in our front. The advance up the declivity was nearly as difficult as Lookout Mountain, and more completely fortified. Its summit was steep, precipitous, and covered with scraggy rocks and immense boulders. From our position we commanded a fine view of Dug Gap, a narrow, artificial cut through the rocky summit, connecting with a road extending almost parallel with the ridge to the gap beyond, and by a zigzag course reaching the mountain's base. The rebels had so completely fortified themselves that it was next to impossible for our assaulting force to get nearer than their base. As we approached the rebel line, a regiment was moved by left flank across our front. At this moment the rebel line opened a fire so deadly in effect that the regiment in our front became disordered and broke through our ranks to the rear, causing a momentary confusion in the ranks of the Twenty-ninth regiment. At this moment the order was given to advance, which was executed with a rush despite the deadly volleys that were cutting through our ranks. Up! up! we go to death or victory! and commenced to scale the obstructions close to their works; and now a storm of deadly missiles are hurled against us. Rocks, boulders, and even cart-wheels come crashing down upon us. Yet we moved steadily in the deadly advance until ordered back