The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1862-02-14
The Late Battle.
'-tcOr. Of the Republican Banner.
os rHE MARCH IRON Kksrrckr, \
e. 1850 January 25, 1862. (

| 4hc 11htt bNttle. .
,.fcOr Of the Republicsn Banner. &
4 oS rHr MARCH rnos Krsrrckr,)
aLl- ta-s- January rs, 1862. !
As many reports have doubtless reached
you concerning the ight AZ Fishing Creek
l have concluded toRise you statement
of what saw, and knom Of The affair. It
is bad enough as il is, butt have no idea
that our zzasE=:s-=.= .ss. j,alf so bad as has
been represented aGgs
At about 10 o'clock on Saturday night,
the army marched for the camp Of the
enemy. which was at the forks Of the 60
lumbia and Somerset road, about IL miles
north of Mil Springs General zollicoff-
er's brigade moved in front, Col. Statham's
\ lMississippiI regiment in front, followed
by Col. Battles. Col. Cummings.' and Col.
Stanton's regiments, then Gen. CarrolPs
brigade and artilery .ioliowed. When
within two miles of the camp Of the ene-
my our advance guard was fred upon,
wounding - Williams, OF Captain San
der's cavalry company. About half mile
further on we encountered another squad
of their pickets. and general fight from
that commenced. The Mississippians
formed and advanced upon the right of
the road, driving the enemy before them
for half mile, and were in a constant
fire for at least two hours. They did their
whole duty, and the number of the ene-
my killed shows with what effect our boys
fired. Colonel Walthall commanded, and
was CALAMITY supported by Col. Battles
regiment, who also fought most valiantly.
After driving the enemy forsom distance,
and fighting for over two hours, they
quietly withdrew from the field. Colonel
Cummings regiment was next in order,
and was supported by Colonel Stanton's
regiment. | could not, from my position,
see much of what was done by Col. Cum
mings' regiment but saw him charging
through the field upon his horse, and
calling upon his boys to rally. Colonel
Cummings is brave man, good officer
and a gentleman.
Col. Stanton received a severe flesh
wound in the right arm very soon after
getting into the fight, from mimic ball,
which for short time prevented him
from using his arm, but soon after he was
in the midst of his men, on foot, (his horse
having escaped) most gallantly cheering
and encouraging his men on to action,
and remained with them during the bsl-
ance of the fight, doing his whole duty as
a commander COL SIS regiment was first
brought into action ON the left of the
road, and having, in thick wood, ergag-
ed the enemy for some time, and driven
them back into thicket, were ordered I,
by Gen. Crittenden in person 10 fall back |
and take position near fenoo at the
top of the hill, which they did in good
order.
The enemy mistaking his regiments
falling back for retreat pursued in hot
haste, advancing at least half way across
the field. Then it was that Stanton's
men did their duty most nobly. Leaving
the fence and the top of the hill for pro.
lection, they poured most murderous
fire upon the Yankees, killing a large
number, and driving their entire force, of
at least three regiments, out of range of
our guns. Col. Stanton's regiment was
in this last fight by part Of
Col. Newman's regiment, under Major
Sanders, who is brave end gallant man.
Capt. Hunter, of his regiment, also did
great good in that fight.
This was the last engagement, all others
having ceased firing for some time, and
were falling back over the hill, when it
was discovered by Maj. Sanders, on the
left, that the Yankees with large force
were hanking us on the left, when he
withdrew his men. Col. Stanton, thus
being the last regiment engaged in the
conflict, quietly withdrew, and formed
again on the hill on the opposite side of
the road, wheie they soon received or
ders to fall back to the Notifications,
which was done in good order.
am thus particular in giving you the
part acted by Col. Stanton's regiment, be-
cause see it reported oyour papers that
Colonel Statham's and Colonel Battles
we're the only regiments engaged in the
fght. l know these two regiments did
their duty most nobly, (the former com
manded by Lieut.. Col. Walthall, and
want them to have all the credit due
them. But certainly other regiments are
entitled alike to credit for what they may
have done. What have said about COL
Stanton's regiment know, for saw it
with my own eyes, and know that his
men left tho battle field very reluctantly;
we're in the last fight, the last TO leave {
.he fortifcations' at night, remaining
here alone until O'clock next morning,
md last TO cross the river in the retreat. {
As TO the cause Of the defeat, can as !
ign no better reason than that we were
the enemy having SUI
,erior force, had selected their own
,round, and were fresh, while our men
yere unaoquainted with tho location,
numbers, &C., &C., were very much ex.
lausted, having marched all night thro' {
he mud and rain. !
| have heard many mon who were in !
he fight place the whole fault and blame .
ipon Major-GsBars. cA.!enden; and some !
learn, have stated that 10 was not pres. !
mt, Others that he left, and many other 9
iharges against him. all Of which | be-
ieye to be faLse. Gen. Criitonden, occu. =
led position At the right Of Col. Stan 9
during most OF the Gght, y
vas perfectly cool and composed, was !