The 33rd Massachusetts at Wauhatchie  
by Corporal Andrew J. Boies

Corp. Andrew J. Boies

Oct. 28, 1863 – At four o’clock this morning the drum announced to us to get ready for another day’s march, and a t daylight we were on our way with slow and cautious step, for we did not know what might be in store for us, as there were any quantity of “Rebs” and “Bushwackers” awaiting to receive us. 

We went on until noon, stopped for dinner and a rest. At the word “Forward” we proceeded on, but it was not long before we pioneers were ordered to the rear and an advance guard was sent on ahead, followed by the 73^rd Pennsylvania. About 3 p.m. they were received very coolly by the bursting of a shell over their heads, giving them to understand that something must be “did”. We came on to a camp of “Rebs”, quite a sharp skirmish took place, which resulted in routing and driving them before us. On we went, they still falling back; we killed a few, took some prisoners. 

As we were nearing the valley we were welcomed by solid shot and shells that came over our heads from the top of Lookout Mountain, and am glad to say that no harm was done us during the day with the exception of Sergeant Adams of Co. F, 33d regiment, who was killed by a bursting shell. We succeeded in gaining the road which they (the “Rebs”) refused to give, and all praise is due to “Old Joseph”, the hero of battles. We proceeded on up the valley for about two miles, where we surprised a force of the enemy; here we formed two lines of battle, drove them through the woods so fast that we hardly got an opportunity for a shot at them; they set on fire and destroyed the railroad bridge on their retreat. 

We soon reached the foot of Lookout, which gave us a good sight of their “Long Tom” which was anything but pleasing, but its immense height at which it was placed (1400 feet above the level) rendered their shot and shell almost harmless. We still kept on for about two miles beyond and went into camp for the night, much fatigued by the march over rough roads, and we hoped for a good night’s rest. Here we prepared our coffee and “tack”, spread our blankets and lay down for the night in old Tennessee, among strangers and the enemy, expecting that on the morrow another hard day’s work for us was in store. 

During all this time the “Rebs” had succeeded in gaining a foothold upon a ridge near the scene of our afternoon skirmish, and after dark threw up a line of rifle pits which threatened us seriously. About midnight we were awakened by the beating of the “long roll” and a cry made, “To arms”. The enemy had attacked our pickets, and it was true a battle had commenced. 

It fell to the lot of the “Iron Brigade”, as Hooker calls it, which was immediately ordered out, and before 1 o’clock was marching back with orders to carry and hold the ridge at all hazards. Upon their arrival it was found to be a steep declivity of nearly 200 feet, so thickly wooded and covered with underbrush as to almost render it impassable; but it must be done before daylight, or the consequences would prove serious. To the 33d Massachusetts and 73d Ohio was assigned this perilous duty of charging up that steep mountainside and driving the enemy from the top, and how well it was done, the result will prove. The 33d regiment had only seven companies present, the other three having gone on a secret expedition. 

At the word “Forward” the boys took as quick a step as the nature of the ground would permit, and slowly worked their way up the steep side of the ridge, not knowing what might be in store for them upon their arrival at the top, determined to do or die. The 33d was on the right, the 73d Ohio on the left. Arriving near the top and but a short distance from the pits, a few shots were fired by our men, when the “Rebs” commenced their old game, crying out “Don’t fire on your own men.” It being so very dark, our boys did not know but such might be the case, and firing ceased. One of our officers inquired, “Is that the 73d?” “Yes”, was the reply, “what regiment is that?” Upon being answered “33d Massachusetts”, they poured into us a terrible volley from right and left. 

Our men gave them shot for shot, but the loss in our regiment was fearful. Adjutant Mudge fell dead at the first fire, Col. Underwood fell, dangerously, and we supposed mortally, wounded. It being impossible to advance the regiment further in its disordered state, it fell back to the foot of the hill and quickly formed for the charge, and as they now knew what they had got to contend with on their way up, and the disposition of the occupants at the top, they started slowly and cautiously, with orders not to fire, but drive the enemy out entirely with the point of the bayonet. 

Col. Adin Ballou  Underwood	Adjutant William Prescott Mudge

Once more gaining their former position, they were received with a murderous fire. The men, with knapsacks on, kept pushing and climbing for the top, which was finally reached, and then commenced a scene of heroism and bravery seldom equaled in this war. Over the bank and into the pits, with the enemy, was but the work of an instant, and at it they went, charging with the bayonet, dealing each other blows over the head with the musket, slashing and cutting with swords, until the whole scene resembled a grand knock-down, our boys reaching over the pits and dragging out the “Rebs” by the collar. 

This was too much for them, and they seemed amazed and confused, and finally gave way and started over the opposite side of the hill at a fast pace, our boys giving them the contents of their muskets as fast as possible, leaving the 33d in possession of the hill, about 100 prisoners, a large number of guns and all their intrenching tools, which were speedily given into the hands of the pioneers, and in a short time we had a formidable line of pits thrown up on the other side of the ridge. 

Then we had a little time to look over and see how much this gallant act had cost us in the loss of officers and men. Out of 238 men and officers who went into action, the 33d regiment lost 87 killed, including eight commissioned officers, colonel, adjutant, two captains and four lieutenants. The 73d Ohio did bravely and fought nobly, losing a number of good boys. Our brave Colonel Underwood is dangerously wounded in the groin, and the thigh bone shattered; Adjutant W.P. Mudge killed instantly, shot through the head; Lieut. James Hill shot through the heart; Lieut. Jones shot through the back, spine broken. The other officers are wounded more or less serious, but are not considered dangerous. Co. E, killed: Corporals John Mayo, Eliab Churchill and George L. Whitcomb of Townsend, and William Crockett of Groton. 

It was a fact, though remarkable, that these four had a string presentiment that they would be killed. Previous to this, they had always been full of life and mirth, but on each occasion I saw them during our march up the valley, they appeared gloomy and despondent; and Crockett remarked to me that he thought some of them were going into their last battle; and, poor fellows, their presentiment proved true, as I saw them, this morning, lying nearly side by side as they had fallen. Privates J.T. Hutchins of Westford, Franklin Wright and David Wares of Townsend were among the killed. They were within 10 feet of the enemy’s works. I saw them, this morning, sleeping their last sleep, having fought their last battle, and looking natural as in life. May we ever cherish their memory and remember that they died true to the old flag and for their country they loved so well. Peace to their ashes. Sergeant Williams of Groton and Private Evander Wright of Townsend were among the wounded.

One incident among the many was the heroic conduct of Sergeant John F. Buckley of Co. E. During the second charge of the regiment, Corporal Jubb went over the rebel works and was collared by a stalwart “Reb” who attempted to stab him with his dirk, and while in the act, Buckley brought him (the “Reb”) a blow over the head with the butt of his gun, knocking him senseless, and, there being nine more in the pit, he demanded them to surrender, which they accordingly did, and threw down their arms. He then collared his prisoner and ordered the others to follow. As he proceeded down the hill he met Major Lamson who ordered him to take the to the provost guard, which he did, and delivered them up for safe keeping. The next morning, each one commenced telling of their midnight adventure to the boys, and after a little explanation, it was found that Jubb was the man whose life had been preserved by Sergeant Buckley. When Buckley unrolled his blanket it was riddled with bullet holes.