21st Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry

***** Company A *****

Capt Keller

Sgt Biggs (1840-1863)
Sgt Didway (1842-1912)
Sgt Fellers (1839-1863)
Sgt Harritt (1834-1862)
Sgt Morrell (1841-1864)
Corp Leonard (1833-1905)


Pvt Carpenter (1842-1909)
Pvt Cornwell (1843-1905)
Pvt Goodwin (1841-1918)
Pvt Hershey (1847-1930)
Pvt Hershey (1845-1905)
Pvt Kleckner (1839-1862)
Pvt Kleckner (1844-1863)
Pvt Leonard (1842-1864)
Pvt Tanner (1843-1862)
Pvt Teems (1827-1862)
Pvt Worsley (1836-____)
Pvt Watson (1840-1864)

Jenera Ohio
Feb 14th 1890

My Dear Colonel,

Yours of the 11th inst. examined and in reply, I will say that I was 2d in command of Co "F" 9rank 2 Lieut.) at Chicamauga. The information I furnished you in a previous letter was based on the 1st Muster roll of Co "A" after Battle. I was mustered in "A" on the 25th of May 1862, was in com'd just 2 months. Richards commanded A on the Atlanta Campaign. I think he resigned at Atlanta or on the Hood campaign, into Alabama. On the Muster rolls, Lieut. Richards is marked absent without leave from Nov 24th 1864 until April 30 1865 where his is marked discharged by S.O. 49, War Dept. There is no date given. Said roll (Apr 30 1865) is signed by Lieut McClintock. The above is authentic if the company office rolls are correct.

I come now to your 2d question, "when was I wounded?" I cannot give the hour. I was struck with a canister about one minute after our regiment had fired the 1st round of 5 shots from our Colts rifles. At the time I was wounded there was a number of cannon on the right of Co. "A" which we were supporting.

I believe Colonel the above answers so far as I can. Be at liberty to write any time. If I can give you any information that will be of any service to you, I shall be only too glad to do it.

Wishing you great success in your undertaking
I remain yours
J.L. Keller

Jenera Ohio

Jenera Ohio May 11th '90

My Dear Colonel,

Yours of the 8th inst. examined and in reply will say from my recollections of that eventful day and the brief time I was with the command while on the hill I may miss the mark somewhat. My idea of our formation was this, Our left rested on the hill in the open wood about ten rods from the open fields farther east, our line of battle was almost east and west facing to the south.

The regiment was on the crest of the ridge except "A" and "F" which were on the southern slope, "F" or the right of F seemed to me to be about one rod from the crest, A and "F" were much exposed at the time I was wounded. I have leared [learned] that the right was afterward thrown back so as to conform more with the shape of the hill. the right of "F" rested in a small depression in the ground carved by a tree falling out of root some long time previous to the battle as I saw no signs of the trunk of said tree.

To the right of our front sat 20 degrees and 1/4 mile distant a low hill seemed to push itself out toward Chickamauga Creek which was occupied by the artillery of the enemy. In the valley east of this hill the enemies infantry were crowding when we gave them our first round from our Colts rifles. Before the smoke of our rifles was lifted, I felt the effects of their artillery, and my acquaintance with the furious battle suddenly terminated. I would be pleased to know how near my idea of the affair is correct.

I am, Col., yours truly

J.L. Keller