Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-11-12
Another Account.

COLUMBUS, Nov. s, 1861.
EDITOR APPEAL: The 21st Tennessee regiment
after crossing the river, formed, marched out anC
took position about half mile from the landing
Ell Picket colonel II. TilmRn lieutenant colonel
and ]. Cole major. Il was composed of nine com
paules The enemy 1000 strong, with batteries
and cavalry advanced on the 18th, 18Th and 2ls
Tennesseans, 18th Ark&nsisns with Wstson's bate
ry, which latter was supported on the right by the
2lst Tennessee occupying the extreme right,
After receiving and returning their voleys the
enemy holding thu woods, the 2lst formed in open
ground. The order to charge bayonets was given
which was executed in handsome style, through an
open field (the enemy being protected by the NO I'd
uD3er most CALLING fire, the shot falling like hail
and whistling like the north wind. The ranks were
sorlely thinned but the men fell they cheered the
others on to the charge.
On reaching the road halt was ordered, and the
men commenced to kneel aud FIRE and for about
half an hour the most incessaM fire of musketry
was kept up. Our men were on the edge, and the
enemy still protected by the wood with sill the ad-
vantsges given by trees, we exposed, and picking
our men as they showed themselves.
The enemy by this lime had formed kind of half
moon and 30 far Outnumbering Us that they had
fanked US, when we were ordered to fell back
which was done. Rallying and forming twice be-
tween that and the river-on the only tenable
ground-au average of thirty rounds were fired
During this time our ammunition being exhausted
we gladly fell back to where boat had put of
ammunition, when we again rallied. Deeds of he
rosm were performed in this fight which. will en-
liven many camp fire.
The officers generally, dIsdaiuing to take advan
tage of the kneeling posture, stoOd by cheering
their men and directing Gheir fire. OF course we
can speak of the gallsItry of the field officers Col
Pickett was slightly wounded in the hand, and had
his horse shot in three places. Maj. Coles horse
was killed instantly. l do not like to be invidious
by naming speciLl instances Of bravery, where so
much gallstry was displayed; but 1 cannot
but speak of Capt. Layton, who, though Sc
verely wounded in the left breast. continued, with
sword uplifted. to cheer on and rally his own men
and others to the last; also, Capt Frazier who at
the imminent risk of his own life, from cur own
fire well that of the enemy, stood in front Of
his gallant company, and cheered them on. He bore
himself calamity, and is entitled to great honor for
the conspicuous part he took in the engagement
Such sights are imposing, and should be remem-
bered.
wounded, Capt. Dashiell slightly-four Captains
out of eight in the fight. Isiutenants Coleman and
Tate were also severely wounded. We had fifteen
men killed and eighty-fve wounded out of some
$50 carried out. We only had IN the fight about
2 500 men, opposed to 1000 with all advantages of
position.
On reaching the river, regiment after regiment
rapidly crossing the river to reinforcs Gen
Cheatham with portion of his brigade moved out
and engaged the enemy, and after short fight they
commenced retreat The 2lst Tennessee had in the
mean time reformed on the bank and waited orders
to support Gen. Cheatham, and no aid was needed
The number Of killed and wounded on our side
was, as near as can be ascertaned, about seventy
five killed and between three and four hundred
wounded; on the other about six hundred killed
and wounded unknown.
The slight description here given Is mostly con-
fined to the 2lst Tennessee volunteers COl Picketts)
there being no time for prospecting to
ONE ACTUALL ENGAGED.