Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-05-14
The stampede n. Bird gepor.:

From the Macon Telegraph, May I'd
Mr.. Cowles, who returned to Macon from
Chattanooga yesterday, gives a dePlorable account Of the
Confederate stampede at Bridgeport, by which a most
important gateway TO Georgia was opened to the enemy,
and the possession Of all our rich mines, deposits Of
coal, iron and saltpetre placed in imminent danger.
A guard Of about two hundred men had been placed
by Gen. Ledbetter on the western end Of the bridges at
Bridgeport. These bridges are two in number, resting
for their Inner termini upon an island in the middle Of the
river, aud distant about thirty miles from Chattanooga.
On Tuesday last word was brought TO Gen. Lrdbet-
ter, that the enemy was advancing and had driven IN the
pickets OF the guard stationed at the bridges. Accord
ingiy, Gen. /. started for the scene Of action with q
special tram, taking with him reinforcements TO the mum,
berOf three hundred msn.
Soon after bis arrival the enemy approached, To the
number, as was supposed, Of ten or fifteen hundred, and
opened Ere upon our mn. An instant stampede fol
lowed, in which Gen. Ledbetter led better than anybody
else. according 10 the account we have received He
took TO the cars he had brought up with him, put out
and never stopped till be reached Chattanooga. All the
officers, with one exception, 50 far as we have learned,
aid the same. The men followed in dOuble-qulck, throw
ing away their arms and accoutrements as they ran But
a Capt Cain remained behind, approached tn eastern
bridge and crept under 1t 10 shelter himself from the
euemys fire, and there, whiting shavIDgs from the tim
Der. kindled a tire with some matches be happened to
have IN his pocket, and never left his position till the
structure was too far IN flames to be saved.
Meantime, wbenG Gen LedDstter had arrived in Chat
tanooga, d Gen. Reynolds and a major from Virginia
(nauen not reeOnectedD took the train and ran back to
Bridgeport, meeting many ~sJragglers on The way, aud
gathered the arms and accouirements which had been
thrown aside. They collected some four or five hun.
dred knapsacks, caruidge-boxes, blankets, etc, and fud-
ing the bridge burnt, tho Confederate force all dispersed.
and no immediate likelihood OF the enemy's crossing, re-
turned 20 Chattanooga with what they had saved
The only loss Of life in this brilliant affair was said
to have been occasioned by a novel experiment IN gun.
merry. Some Of our men had rugged two pieces Of artl-
| lery upon a hand car, and Ia the act Of letting il down
the grade toward the bridge. the concern became uuman-
ageable, ran of the track, Killed two Confederate sold
and severely wounding two more. -
The s~tragglers We're daily coming IN, and say tbey ran
because the officers all ran, and left nobody TO take com-
mand.
Gen. Reynolds was, by last accounts, trying 70 get up
a volunteer force to defend the passes this side Of the
bridge. which. it is said, could be easily defended by q
small force. Mayor Smith, Of Chattanooga, hal been
telegrapbing about In hope Of arOusing the attention OF
the Confederate officers in that region TO the Importance
If defending il.
We tell this story as it was told TO us by one who had
he best opportunities Of getting at the truth. 1t IS q
record Of shame, unless our informant was altogether
mlsled in the facts. We learned by private telegram
yesterday, that the enemy havo now possession of both
sides Of the river at Bridgeport.