Sirwell's Brigade

On Sept. 20, 1863, at noon, Col. William Sirwell's brigade of Negley's Division in Thomas Corps included the 37th Indiana under Lieut. Col. William D. Ward, the 21st Ohio under Lieut. Col. D.M. Stoughton, Maj. Arnold McMahan, and Capt. Charles H. VanTine, the 74th Ohio under Capt. Joseph Fisher, the 78th Pennsylvania under Lieut. Col. Archibald Blakeley, and Battery G, 1st Ohio under Capt. Alexander Marshall. Troops from this brigade were the first infantry to occupy Snodgrass Hill. The command was sent about 10 o'clock from its position in front of the TanYard to re-enforce John Beatty's Brigade, then engaged north of the Kelly field. On the way it was turned toward Snodgrass Hill, reaching it about the time of the break in the Union line near Brotherton's. The 78th Pennsylvania took position on the slope in front of the Snodgrass house. At General Brannan's request, the 21st Ohio was sent to his assistance and held the right of his line on the hill until about 3 P.M., when it was relieved by the 35th Ohio and 2d Minnesota of VanDerveer's Brigade. It subsequently fought on the left of Whitaker's Brigade until dusk. Soon after noon the rest of the brigade, acting under orders from Gen. Negley, retired toward McFarlands Gap.

Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia · United States