Episode 46: 1LT Charles T. Clark and the 125th Ohio at the Battle of Missionary Ridge

At the Battle of Missionary Ridge, 25 November 1863, 1LT Charles T. Clark and the 125th Ohio advanced in the Second Line of their brigade in what was intended to be the seizure of Confederate Rifle Pits at the base of the ridge. Once completing this, the Ohioans rallied with the rest of their Division and joined in the spontaneous charge of the Army of the Cumberland up the face of Missionary Ridge.

Sources used for this episode:

Clark, Charles T. Opdyke Tigers 125th O.V.I. A History of the Regiment and of the Campaigns and Battles of the Army of the Cumberland. Columbus: Spahr & Glenn, 1895. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=loc.ark:/13960/t8qc07r7f&seq=9.

Davis, George B., Perry, Leslie J., Kirkley, Joseph W. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. ser. 1, vol. 31, pt: 2: Reports. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1890. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924077700270&view=1up&seq=3.

Episode Transcript

(00:02):
The co-mingling of regimentsbrought groups of battle flags
near together.
Soon.
There was an apparent rivalry asto whose flag should lead.
All of them were pushed to thefront and then advanced by short
stages each striving to lead.
By this time, the assaultingtroops were in triangular masses

(00:23):
in every ravine and gorge.
Each detachment headed by agroup of flags, followed by
tired, perspiring, panting,thirsty, but resolute soldiers.

(01:00):
Hi, my name is Bill Coghlan andhost the first person Civil War
podcast.
While the generals of both sidesget most of the recognition, the
Civil War was fought by the menin the ranks, and they told
their stories during and afterthe war.
I.
Follow me as I reveal what thesemen witnessed in the battles of

(01:22):
the Civil War.
Episode 46 is entitled FirstLieutenant Charles T.
Clark in the 125th Ohio at theBattle of Missionary Ridge and
relies on his book Dyke Tigers125th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, A
History of the Regiment and ofthe Campaigns and Battles of the

(01:46):
Army of the Cumberland, which hepublished in 1895.
Charles Theodore Clark was bornon 17 January, 1845 in Dalton,
Ohio, and lived in LibertyTownship during his childhood.
After attending Mount UnionCollege for two years.

(02:06):
He enlisted as a First Sergeantin Company I 85th Ohio on 26
May, 1862.
The 85th Ohio was intended tohave a strength of 10 companies
like most civil war regiments,but was only able to muster four
companies for service in CampChase 23 September, 1862.

(02:30):
The 85th Ohio disbanded, but menlike Charles T.
Clark were able to transfer toother regiments forming around
Cleveland, Ohio on 24 September,1862.
The very next day, Charles T.
Clark accepted a commission as asecond lieutenant in Company F
of the 125th Ohio.

(02:54):
The 125th Ohio derived theirnickname, the Dyke Tigers from
their first commander, ColonelEmerson Dyke, present at the
first Battle of Bull Run andShiloh Colonel Dyke formed the
125th Ohio and commanded theregiment through the Battle of
Chick Maga and into the siege ofChattanooga in late 1863.

(03:20):
The 125th Ohio was part of thearmy of the Cumberland, who in
September, 1863 were met withdefeat at the hands of general
Braxton Bragg and his army ofTennessee at the Battle of
Chicka maga.
Following the battle, the armyof the Cumberland retreated to
the city of Chattanooga,Tennessee, and established

(03:40):
defensive positions.
General Bragg and the army ofTennessee occupied key terrain
features around the city ofChattanooga.
There was Lookout Mountain tothe Southwest, which had a
commanding view of the city.
Missionary Ridge, approximately330 feet elevation to the east

(04:01):
throughout the remainder ofSeptember and October, the
Confederate slate siege to nowfirst Lieutenant Clark, the
125th Ohio, and the army ofCumberland.
As soon as the exterior lines ofworks was complete, an interior
line was laid out, intended toenable a small force to hold the

(04:22):
town where the main bodyoperated elsewhere, and the
troops took regular turns atlabor.
Upon the new works, thedeprivation of full rations was
on that account more seriously.
Felt half rations, only wereissued before long, even that
scanty supply became uncertain.

(04:44):
Chattanooga during the Civil Warwas a logistics hub and the key
to future operations of theunion and Confederate armies.
The Tennessee River flowedthrough the city, and it was
also a hub for four separaterailroads that linked the south.
Together, though besieged unionreinforcements began converging
upon Chattanooga, which includedthe army of the Tennessee Fresh

(05:09):
from its victory at Vicksburgand two core from the army of
the Potomac.
What followed was a series ofbattles on the periphery of
Chattanooga, where the unionsolidified its supply lines into
the city known as the CrackerLine.
During those two months ofsiege, three men from the 125th

(05:29):
Ohio died, but eventually,conditions within the city began
to improve for first LieutenantClark and his regiment.
On November 2nd.
The rations were increased fromone half to two thirds the
regular allowance on the 16thcompany.
I arrived from Ohio with threeofficers and 80 men who are most

(05:52):
heartily.
Welcome to the ranks of the125th and a full share of short
rations and arduous duties.
By late November, 1863, theUnion Buildup of Troops was now
complete and first LieutenantClark and the 125th Ohio were
assigned to the third Brigade.

(06:13):
Commanded by Colonel Charles gHarker of Major General Philip h
Sheridan's.
Second division of Major GeneralGordon Granger's, fourth core
and major General George hThomas's Army of the Cumberland,
which was alongside the army ofthe Tennessee and hooker's
command, which comprised themilitary division of the

(06:36):
Mississippi commanded by majorGeneral Ulysses S Grant.
First Lieutenant Clark in the125th Ohio, departed their
fortifications alongside thearmy of the Cumberland on 23
November to push Confederatelines up against Missionary
Ridge.

(06:58):
Then over in the direction ofFort Wood.
A bugle sounded advance, andinstantly the peaceful pageant
changed to the tragedy ofbattle.
With a shout.
The skirmishers ran forward,followed by the lines marching
in QuickTime down, went theConfederates into their pits and

(07:19):
opened fire.
The distance from Fort Wood toOrchard Knob was a little over
one mile extending from the knobto the right and left.
The enemy had rifle pits towhich their picket reserves and
possibly other troops near athand were thrown and made a
vigorous, but hopelessresistance on 24 November.

(07:45):
Major general hooker's command,which were the two transferred
core from the east seizedlookout mountain from
Confederate hands, and whatbecame known as the battle above
the clouds.
The next day, 25 November.
Major General Sherman's army ofthe Tennessee was tasked with
advancing on the Confederatefortifications on Missionary

(08:07):
Ridge from the north while majorGeneral Thomas's army of the
Cumberland were to advance inthe Center Up missionary ridge
and support despite the unionadvances on 23 November, the
Confederates still helddefensive positions at the base
and summit of Missionary RidgeMajor General William b Bate

(08:30):
commander of Breckenridge'sdivision made preparations for
the expected union advance.
By repeated application from thefront, representing the picket
force there without support onthe left.
I was induced upon consultationwith the core commander to send
the seventh Florida regimentthat came from the brigade

(08:51):
immediately in front of FirstLieutenant Clark and the 125th
Ohio as a reserve to our picketline.
This little force under thefrown of such a horrid front
remained defiant and inobedience to orders maneuvered
handsomely amid the perils ofcapture until by order.

(09:12):
It found a lodgement in thetrenches at the foot of
missionary ridge, knowing thedisadvantage under which the
line strung out without reserveson the summit of the ridge with
labor in resisting with aplunging fire, the advance of
three strong lines.
I ordered that it hold thetrenches at all hazards.

(09:34):
While, the Floridians preparedfor the inevitable advance upon
their positions.
First, Lieutenant Clark provideda soldier's opinion of the
Confederate defenses they wereabout to assault.
The position, strength andarrangement of Thomas's line
being open to observation of theenemy from the Crest, Bragg was

(09:55):
able to prepare deliberately andto place in position all of the
troops deemed necessary for thesafety of the position.
The summit of the ridge wasalmost level and narrow in
places.
The slopes were rugged anddifficult.
The timber have been clearedalong the front, giving the
enemies guns unobstructed range.

(10:19):
At the start of the advance,Colonel Harker arranged the
third brigade in four lines.
The 42nd Illinois served asskirmishers for the entire
brigade.
In the first line was the 27thIllinois, third Kentucky, and
64th Ohio, 300 yards to the rearwas the second line with the

(10:42):
22nd and 51st Illinois, as wellas the 65th and 125th Ohio 200
yards.
Further back was the rear linewith the 79th Illinois.
Now a raid for the assault.
What followed was not fullyintended, but led to the taking
of Missionary Ridge by FirstLieutenant Clark, the 125th

(11:05):
Ohio, and the army of theCumberland on mass.
When the movement commenced, the125th was immediately behind the
64th Ohio.
All were ordered to conform tothe movement of the command.
Next on the left.
At the given signal, the linesadvanced marching, quick step,

(11:27):
then double quick, and finallyrunning on arriving at the rifle
pits, the 65th and 125th, passedon without halting and closed up
with the first line passing overa swell in the ground where the
fire was very hot.

(11:49):
At this point, the brigadehalted and even fell back to
stabilize its line.
It was then noticed that thetroops on the right were still
advancing, but already near thesecond line of rifle pits, which
extended across their front, butnot to extend to ours.
The troops to the right of FirstLieutenant Clark was Colonel

(12:11):
Francis t Sherman's firstbrigade consisting mostly of
Illinois regiments.
It also contained one Indianaregiment, two Missouri
regiments, and the 24thWisconsin.
After seizing the flag of the24th, which fell to the ground
at some point in the advance,first, Lieutenant Arthur
MacArthur Jr.

(12:33):
Rallied the regiment and shoutedon Wisconsin and continued the
advance, witnessing two of histhree brigades moving forward.
Major General Sheridan rode upto the third brigade to get them
to advance again.
I rode from the center to theleft, saw disappointment in the

(12:53):
faces of the men, told them torest for a few moments and they
should go at it again.
First Lieutenant Clarkcorroborates this story of Major
General Sheridan as well as hepassed the 125th.
He said, it's all right, boys.
When you catch your breath, youcan go on again.
Instantly the order was given byCaptain Bates 125th forward.

(13:19):
The order was promptly obeyed.
Brigadier general bait,directing his division upon the
crest of the ridge.
Witnessed the pause of the thirdbrigade in their advance, and
tried to take advantage of thestalled column.
A well-directed and effectivefire having been opened on their

(13:39):
advancing line, handsomely,repulsed it, throwing a portion
of it behind our vacatedtrenches and precipitated others
on their second line, whichbeing out of range of small
arms.
I ordered the firing to ceaseand the line to fall back a few
paces to replenish ammunitionand give the artillery an

(14:00):
unobstructed sweep order wassoon restored in the ranks of
the enemy, and another onwardmovement made in systematic and
defiant style.
The army of the Cumberlandcontinued its advance up
missionary ridge, but due to therugged terrain, all semblance of

(14:20):
a formation broke down.
It was the determination ofFirst Lieutenant Clark, the
125th Ohio, and thousands ofothers that drove the men toward
the crest of the ridge.
The co-mingling of regimentsbrought groups of battle flags
near together.
Soon.
There was an apparent rivalry asto whose flag should lead.

(14:44):
All of them were pushed to thefront and then advanced by short
stages each striving to lead.
By this time, the assaultingtroops were in triangular masses
in every ravine and gorge.
Each detachment headed by agroup of flags, followed by
tired, perspiring, panting,thirsty, but resolute soldiers.

(15:10):
Following his men up.
The ridge was major.
General Sheridan stillcoordinating the advance as best
he could.
Captain Avery of General Grangerstaff here came up and informed
me that the original order wasto carry the first line of pits,
but that if in my judgment, theridge could be taken to do so.

(15:34):
My judgment was that it could becarried and orders were given
accordingly.
Obeyed with a cheer and theridge was carried.
The right and center reached thesummit first, being nearest to
the crest, crossing it to theright of General Bragg's
headquarters.
Within this first column to thecrest of Missionary Ridge, was

(15:56):
first Lieutenant Clark and the125th Ohio.
Our change of direction to theright brought us to the crest,
the short distance to the right.
Our right of Bragg'sheadquarters, part of the 125th,
together with the advance men ofother regiments, helped clear
out the enemy, still clinging tothe battery and breastworks near

(16:21):
and at the right of the house.
First Lieutenant Clark and the125th Ohio advanced down the
eastern face of MissionaryRidge, where they eventually met
the Confederate rear guard.
After a brief engagement, theenemy to their front departed
and the Ohioans went into Pwac.

(16:43):
While Sherman's advance in theNorth was thwarted, the charge
of the Army of the Cumberlandwas a complete success with its
center shattered.
The Army of Tennessee was forcedto retreat from Chattanooga,
though major general Grantdesired a pursuit of the
Confederates into Georgia.
He eventually called it off,following the successful rear

(17:04):
guard action of Major GeneralPatrick Clayburn at the Battle
of Ringold Gap search episode 25of the podcast for an account
from that battle From hisheadquarters on Orchard Knob
major.
General Grant was initiallysurprised to see the continued
assault of the army of theCumberland.

(17:24):
According to his originalorders, they were to stop at the
rifle pits at the base ofMissionary Ridge.
Charles Clark provides his ownexplanation as to why the men
did not stop the charge.
The storming of Missionary Ridgeis often spoken of as the
special work of the rank andfile, because it was begun

(17:45):
without orders and carried onfinally, without much
organization, the bravest andstrongest, especially the latter
leading, but all going as fastas physical strength permitted.
It should not be forgotten,however, that Sheridan sent an
aide to Grainger askingpermission to try for the crest.

(18:06):
At the moment, the signal wasgiven for the advance and that
none of the general officersgave explicit orders to stop at
the first line of works, andalso that the division and
brigade commanders went up withtheir men.
Thank you for listening to the46th episode.
Links to First LieutenantClark's book and to social media

(18:29):
accounts are now available onthe podcast website, first
person Civil War podcast.com.
On Facebook, Instagram, x, andLinkedIn.
This week you'll find a pictureof First Lieutenant Clark in
1863.
In two weeks time.

(18:50):
Private John Overton Kassler ofCompany A 33rd Virginia provides
next episodes first personaccount as he stood with
Jackson, like a stone wall atthe first Battle of Bull Run.
My name is Bill Coghlan, andthank you for listening to First

(19:13):
Person Civil War Podcast..