Van Derveer's Brigade

At noon to 1 P.M. on September 19, 1863, Colonel Ferdinand VanDerveer’s Brigade of Brannan’s Division, Thomas' Corps, consisting of the 87th Indiana, 2nd Minnesota, 9th Ohio, 35th Ohio, and 4th U.S. Battery 1, faced a new Confederate attack after Liddell's Division had been checked south of the road. As a Confederate force advanced rapidly from low ground to the east and north, three regiments of the brigade with 10 pieces of artillery were hastily formed on the crest of the ridge facing north. The 2nd Minnesota held the right, next a section of Smith's Battery commanded by Lieutenant Rodney, then the 87th Indiana flanked by Church's and the other section of Smith's Battery, with the 35th Ohio on the extreme left. The two ends of the line formed an obtuse angle opening toward the enemy. The attacking column came within 40 yards, but was repulsed by combined front and flank musketry fire and artillery double shotted with canister. The 9th Ohio rejoined the brigade as the enemy was driven back, and soon after 1 p.m. the command moved to the crest of the next ridge west, facing east.

Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia · United States