Ms. Bradbury,

I have a gg-granduncle, Jesse Martin, who served in the 82nd Indiana from its inception to the Grand Review in Washington, DC. Here is an article about the "82nd's" participation in the battle of Chickamauga, and in particular, the defense of Snodgrass Hill. Thought you might be interested.

Jim Martin

From http://civilwarmini.com/chapm.htm

MEN OF THE BRAVE 82nd INDIANA

When the men of the 82nd Indiana, Army of the Cumberland marched from Winchester towards Chattanooga, they had no idea they would be fighting for their very lives and certainly no idea, their valiant actions would save Rosecrans entire army. After the famous "Gap," appeared, Rosecrans withdrew his forces towards Chattanooga.

The 82nd had been forgotten and left behind to fend for itself. Col. Morton C. Hunter and his men made a last ditch and valiant stand on a ridge known as Snodgrass Hill. The Rebels made repeated charges against Hunter but were repulsed. The Confederates needed to cross over this hill to pursue the fleeing Union Army of Rosecrans.

Time after time, the small 82nd fought back the Rebels. At one point, the 82nd's ammunition was so low, the men were ordered to fix bayonets and be ready to charge. It would have been a foolish, but brave charge against superior numbers. Finally, reinforced to a small extent, and supplied with ammunition, the little 82nd held off the Rebels until they were able to retreat to Rossville late in the evening.

At Rossville, the 82nd guarded Rossville Gap and roads leading to Chattanooga before continuing on to the city. What is remarkable about this entire event, is Hunter and his brave forces were never officially recognized for their brave efforts and fierce fighting. The small unit took heavy casualties. This dramatic event bought time for Rosecrans army to escape back to Chattanooga. Were it not for the 82nd, Bragg would probably have captured or killed Rosecrans entire force!