In the "Annals of the 57th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers", it has an interesting chapter on the Battle of Stone River. The 57th Indiana was alongside the 15th Indiana Regiment, and 10th Indiana Artillery, near the "Round Forest" (critical area between Stone River and the railroad tracks).

On page 156, it states:

"But let us return to our command. The line composed of the 57th and 15th Indiana was now withdrawn to the belt of timber in our rear, and there halted to await orders. It was evident that to even hold our position would be doing well, and Col. Wagner was busily occupied in selecting the best ground on which to make an effective stand.

Closely following after the rabble who first commenced leaving the field, came hundreds of soldiers, rushing by in confused masses, perfectly demoralized, and, to appearance, entirely destitute of all regard for anything save their own personal safety. Thousands could be seen moving in the same direction. Even whole regiments were moving by; and it seemed that our line, which had thus far remained firm, must soon be enveloped in the surging waves of confusion that rolled around us. But the regimental commanders did their utmost to perserve order.

But where were our generals? Where was Wood? Where was Crittenden? And all of the others, where now was our commander-in-chief, who we could not believe would fail to bring order out of even such a scene as this? Surely, if anything could be done at all, it could be done here.

Finally, we are cheered by the appearance of the general. Dashing along at a gallop through the surging crowd, his quick eye glances at our line, then at the scene around us, and in a moment more, he gives orders to Col. Wagner. He is ordered to "cross the railroad, post his battery on the left, and to hold the position at all hazards." Then turning, the general gallops away again toward the right.

Already the storm of battle was bursting around us. Our men on the right had commenced struggling manfully, though abandoned by thousands of their companions. Brave men were fighting hand to hand with the overpowering force of the enemy in the thickets. Rebel shells and bullets were whistling and whizzing around; heavy columns of the enemy were moving across the open field near the ruins of Cowan's house; and our only hope was to secure and hold the position between the railroad and the river.

The 57th moved to the corner of the woods, and there laid down near the battery to await the onset of the enemy, who were massing their infantry beyond the railroad for a desperate attack. A constant sheet of flame streamed from the mouth of our guns; and in vain the rebels rushed forward with maddened fury. Every piece told nobly for our safety, and the certainty of holding our position.

Time after time, they dashed forward with fierce desperation, only to be drive back before the withering fire of Cox's well-served guns. Flushed with the success that crowded their efforts at almost all points on the right, they seemed to have boldly resolved that no power should prevent them from winning a complete victory. But all their mad attempts were fruitless, and they finally retired.

"Ah, I mow'd 'em, I mor'n mow'd 'em," said Capt. Cox, as Col. Wagner rode up near his battery. "I guess them fellows don't want my battery as bad as they did," continued the captain, in a loud tone. "If I had ammunition, I could keep all the rebels back that could come before me!"

Already, the battery had fired sixteen hundred rounds; but their supply was now exhausted, and the brave Cox was enraged at the thought of being compelled to remain silent at the next rebel onset. Col. Wagner told him he thought the infantry could hold them back, if they should come before he could get a new supply of ammunition. The captain repeatedly declared that the enemy should never have his battery, as long as he was able to fire a gun, and if surrendered at all, it must be after he was dead.