Civil War Battle Letter 61st Oh Infantry ALS Joseph Mader Battle of Wauhatchie

Description

"At about 12 O'Clock at night our whole line was attacked and we doubled quicked to the front..."
Wonderful Civil War battle letter that was written by 1st Lt. Joseph Mader, of Company B (at the time the letter was written), 61st Ohio Infantry. He relates the actions he was involved in on October 28, 1863 at the battle of Wauhatchie,  Tennessee. Very good content with actual reference to the famous nighttime attack at Wauhatchie  - a very rare tactic during the Civil War.
The 61st Ohio was mustered into service on April 23, 1862. With the Army of the Potomac, they had seen heavy action at 2nd Bull Run, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. After the battle of Gettysburg, they were transferred to the Western Theater, where they saw action in the Chattanooga Campaign, Kennesaw Mountain, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, the Atlanta Campaign and the March to the Sea. During the Battle of Wauhatchie, Tennessee, the 61st Ohio was attached to Tyndale's Brigade, of Schurz's Division, of the 11th Corps under the command of Major General Oliver Otis Howard.
ALS, 1 pg. bifold document in pencil.
"Lookout Valley Georgia
November 4th/63
Miss Mary,
Since I last wrote to you we have had pretty hard times. On the morning of the 27th we commenced to march and crossed the Tennessee River and moved in the direction of Chattanooga,  and camped for the night 16 miles from Chattanooga. We resumed our march by daylight next morning and by night after a little skirmishing and artillery firing from the top of Lookout Mountain we encamped at the base of the mountain. At about 12 O'Clock at night our whole line was attacked and we doubled quicked to the front. Our company, commanded by [William H.] McGroarty was ordered up the mountain as skirmishers. I had charge of the left flank, with orders to join on our left with the right of the 82nd Ohio, and in this way marched up the hill, now and then fired into by the Rebel skirmishers. Capt. Mcgroarty was killed just as we got to the top of the mountain. The 33rd Massachusetts and seventy third [Ohio] lost about three hundred men. The 11th and 12th Corps lost something like eight-hundred or a thousand men.
Well, we have whipped the Rebs and have reinforced, and tomorrow will be one week since we have been in line of battle and digging rifle pits. From Lookout Mountain the Rebs can throw shells where ever they please in our lines. We look for a great battle in the next 72 hours, or the Rebs will retreat.
The most of our picket line is within gun shot of the enemy's lines, and skirmishing is now going on. I have received now 60 dollars and all the back letters that stated you had received all the money I had sent you.
Nothing more at present, but remain yours truly.
J. F. Mader
Yours of the 21st and 25th came to hand with 20 dollars in each of them.
J.F. Mader
PS: If I live and keep well, I will write you another letter in a few days."
The letter remains in good condition, showing signs of age. Bifold crease from mailing. Please see the pictures for more detail.
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