Johnson's Division

On Sept. 19th 1863, Johnson's Division of McCook's Corps, commanded by Brigadier General Richard W. Johnson, included the 1st Brigade under Brigadier General August Willich, the 2d Brigade under Colonel Joseph B. Dodge, the 3d Brigade under Colonel Philemon P. Baldwin, and a brigade under Colonel William W. Berry. Soon after Johnson's line, with Baldwin on the left, Willich on the right, and Dodge moving from the rear to the right of Willich, was attacked by Cheatham's Division advancing from the south, Palmer's Division of Crittenden's Corps appeared on Johnson's right. This enabled Johnson to force Cheatham's first line considerably to the rear and capture two guns. Johnson held this advanced position, without support on either flank, until 5 P.M. At that hour Starkweather and Scribner of Baird's Division were brought forward and placed to the rear of his left. At dusk, while Johnson and Baird were withdrawing to take up position for the night at Kelly Field, they were furiously attacked by the combined forces of Cleburne and Cheatham. Cleburne's Division had crossed the Chickamauga at 4:30 P.M. at Thedford's Ford, moved in rear of Cheatham near Alexander's House, and formed behind Walker's Corps at Jay's Mills. Passing over Walker's troops at 6 P.M. and advancing on the right of and in conjunction with part of Cheatham's Division, Cleburne joined in a severe contest with Baird and Johnson that lasted until after dark, after which the latter divisions gradually fell back out of fire and bivouacked near the east line of Kelly Field.

Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia · United States