Fight for God and Humanity: Chaplain Lyle Sends the 11th Ohio into battle at Chickamauga

All through the night of September 18th and into the early hours of September 19, 1863, the tired men of General John Turchin’s brigade marched north along the Glenn-Kelly Road, moving towards Chattanooga. “Our way the entire distance of about 12 miles was lighted by burning fences, all of which on each side of the road, were in a blaze,” remembered Chaplain William W. Lyle of the 11th Ohio. “The mountains on either side could occasionally be seen illuminated by the cold, wind which lifted up the heavy, dark cloud of smoke which hung above us. The stars seemed to shine with a pale, ghastly hue from out the reddish sky.” After a short rest and quick breakfast, the brigade again moved out, marching north while the sounds of battle echoed in the dim distance.

Around 8 o’clock, the brigade halted near the Dyer Tannery near Glenn-Kelly Road and prepared to go into battle. Chaplain Lyle, “feeling anxious to have one more opportunity of speaking a word of encouragement” to his comrades, rode up to Colonel Philander Lane and asked for five minutes of time to pray with the men. Lane readily assented.

Chaplain William W. Lyle, 11th O.V.I.

           “Before the skirmishers were deployed, a scene occurred with the 11th Ohio which for sublimity and moving passing has been seldom surpassed,” one correspondent noted. “The chaplain rode in front of the line and the regiment formed in two divisions with the chaplain in center. Without dismounting, he addressed the troops in a clear, loud voice that sounded strangely amid the loud explosions of artillery and the rattle of musketry. He spoke about the holy cause for which they were to fight that day, that it was not for territory or revenge or military glory, but for home and country, for liberty and truth, for God and humanity.

‘It is but little I can do for you in the hour of battle, but there is one thing I will do- I will pray for you. And there are thousands all over the land praying for you this morning, and God will hear them. You must pray now, too; for God is a hearer of prayer. And if this is the last time I shall ever speak to you, or these are the last words of Christian comfort you will every hear, I want to tell you, dear comrades, that God loves you. I pray God to cover your heads today in the battle storm and that he may give you brave hearts and strong hands. Be brave- be manly! Remember the dear old flag and what it covers. And if any of you feel uncertain as to your future, look to the Savior who died for you and if any of you fall this day in battle, may you not only die as brave soldiers for your country, but die as soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ!’

Instantly every head was uncovered and bowed in reverence while hands were clasped on the rifles, the bayonets on which were gleaming in the morning sun. The flag, pierced and rent on a dozen battlefields, was drooped and a strange but glorious sound on a battlefield, the voice of prayer, was heard. The blessings of the almighty were invoked upon the army, upon the generals, upon regimental officers, on our bleeding country, and upon the issues of that day. Loved ones at home were remembered, and God’s blessing invoked upon all who might fall in battle. When the chaplain closed, he raised himself in his saddle, waved his hat two or three times around his head, exclaiming, “God bless you today, dear comrades, and make you strong and brave! Strike for liberty and Union! Strike for God and humanity! And may our battle-torn flag lead to victory today! God’s presence be with you, comrades!”

Major General Joseph J. Reynolds, commanding Fourth Division, 14th A.C. 


A low murmuring “amen” was heard from the ranks as the chaplain closed. Major General Joseph Reynolds and staff passed along the lines during the services, but halted when they came to the 11th Ohio. With uncovered head, the general rode up close to the regiment and remained until the conclusion of the brief services. At the moment they were concluded, he uttered a hearty “amen” which had a thrilling effect. Grasping the chaplain’s hand and shaking it warmly while a tear glistened on his manly cheek, he exclaimed, “Sir, I am glad I was here to join with you!” Instantly, he rode off, followed by his staff. This acknowledgment of religious principle on the part of General Reynolds had a very happy effect.

Chaplain Lyle’s earnest prayer “brought tears to the eyes of many a stern soldier, wholly unused to weeping, even at the horrid sights so often presented to his vision,” recalled Private Isaac Criss of Co. C. Scarcely five minutes elapsed until the entire brigade moved forward and engaged the enemy.

Sources:

Lyle, William W. Lights and Shadows of Army Life, or Pen Pictures from the Battlefield, the Camp, and the Hospital. Cincinnati: R.W. Carroll & Co., 1865, pgs. 287-291

Letter from Private Isaac T. Criss, Co. C, 11th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Summit County Beacon (Ohio), November 19, 1863, pg. 2

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