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Regiment: 1st Michigan Engineers
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Joseph Hooker
Chattanooga Nov. 3rd 1863
My Dear Eda
I scratch a few
moments while waiting for
some trains to write to you.
We have never been more
busy than for the last few
days. You may not know
how straitened this army
has been in consequence of
the roads being almost im-
passable & supplies could
not reach us.
The rebs had possessin of
Lookout & Will’s Valleys and all
the country south of the river
for 25 miles. Genl Hooker went
to Shellmount & was steadily
working his way up the river.
A hazardous enterprise was
projected to get possession
of the counrty on the opposite
side of the river and open
communication with Hooker.
I was ordered to have a ponton
Bridge in readiness soon as
possible – a complete outfit.
On the 26
th 65 wagons were
loaded with Chess plank balks
sidsails & cendage and crossed
the river here – and at night
went over the hill one & half
miles & parked in a covert place
near Browns Ferry. The enemy
had a Brigade on Picket on the
opposite shore.
At (seven miles by
river from town).
At 2 oclock A.M. of the 27
th all
being nearly fifty boats with 30
men each moved silently down
the river – passed Lookout – saw
the Pickets at their fires who
did discover them. Where now
the ferry they crossed to the opposite
bank & loaded 8 boats within a
few rods of the Picket – & actually
fired on them first. A confused
fight ensued both parties seeking
to get to the top of the ridge
(200 ft high) first. In a short time
we had possession for two miles.
As soon as the boats were unloaded
they recrossed & took over another Brig-
ade which was ready on the opposite
bank. The Rebels held a position
from which they threw shells a-
mong us & beyond. As soon
as our troops were in position
I was ordered to
the put in the bridge
Two thirds of my command was
employed at the mills. (we had
sawed all the lumber & made the
boats) At my request a detail
of 100 men from the 21
st Mich.
commanded by Capt. B. D. Fox as-
sisted by Capt. Prince & Lt. Woodward
assisted me. Lt. Hukner with
40 men & Lt. Robinson & 4 men, in charge
of getting up the trains was all
the force I had & with which
we put down the bess Porters Bridge
873 ft. long we have ever had in 8
hours. The same day communi-
cation was opened with Hooker &
at night a fight a full description of
which you have probably got in the papers.
We have had a hard rain, the river rose
8 ft. & the drift has taken both bridg
but ours is all right again.
Yesterday a complimentary order
was sent to me
order was sent
to me from Head Qrs. tendering
the thanks of the Genl Comdg. for
services performed in the expedition.
Two steamers come up to Kellys ford
& supplies are getting here.
I have not time to write more – Am nearly
tired out but must keep pushing for a
day or two more when I hope to get a
little rest. Have had no letter since
the 12
th Oct. Ever Yours
P.V. Fox
[On Envelope:]
Mrs. P.V. Fox
Grand Rapids
Mich.
