On April 6, 1862, the regiment had its regular Sunday morning inspection, and left its arms stacked on the color line at the close of inspection, to take breakfast. Breakfast call had just sounded when the "long roll" was beaten on the color line.
In three minutes, the men had their weapons in hand and the officers took their places. The order was given to move to the left and front at "double quick" to support Sherman.
The 45th went into action that day with about 500 men. It was in the front line from the first to the last of the day fighting. On Sunday it mainly fought on its "own hook" after the first engagement under Col. Smith. Several times they fought back and forth over the same ground.
Late in the day, they fell back, "leisurely" and took their place with its Brigade and Division on the right of the line. A stand was finally made here. The men laid on their arms in the rain that came that night.
--Old Secesh
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