The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1863-01-15


this is doubtful We have prisoners re-
presenting about eighty regiments, from
all the rebCllious States. Bat whatever
disparity-if any--of numbers there was
in our favor, was more than eaualized bv
choice Of position. The country is a svs-
tenn ofnatpral Qualifications, and decisive
battles, except by regular approaches,
are almost impraclicable
Touching the plan Of the battle. there
seemed to be no flaw in It. McCook's
strong corps, composed chiefly Of vete-
rams, and commanded by some Of the
most skillful Generals in the army. was
justly deemed able TO hold the enemy in
check until our left could be swung
around 70 the rebel rear. Gen. McCook
himself was confident of his ability Ia
sustain himself, and he omitted no care
to secure success. The right. however
was unfortunate. The enemy adroitly
took advantage Of a fOggy morning 10
move slyly to the extreme right. and
plunged suddenly upon it with great ar
Cor. The capture OF two Of Salomon's
batteries had demoralizing effect upon
the troops, and the brigades Of Kirk and
Which, instead of falling back together.
separated and opened a wide zap. through
which the enemy streamed in great force
thus cutting off portion of our troops.
Had the right made strong fight, the
battle would have been decsiyeIv in our
favor in a few hours. but It's disaster rem
dered il impossible TO swing the left ac
cording to programme. The fighting of
the right was not equal to its reputation.
Sherridan's division did its duty hand
somely, and he won great reputation for
capacity and steady valor. Another mis-
fortune, to which the disasters of the day
may be partially attributed, was the loss
Of five brigade commanders in success
sion, which necessarily destroyed the
confidence of the troops.
The general conduct of the other troops
was irreproachable. They fought with
the steadiness of veterans; and what is
most gratifying, the new levies emulated
the old soldiers. 1t was again the for.
tune of Maj. Gen Rousseau TO save the
day. The gallan; fighting of his divis-
ion and that Of Negley, covered them
with glory. But this is, perhaps, in
vidious --Palmer's, Woods and Van
Oleve's divisions Of Crittenden's corps.
were never wanting The gallant 9th
Ohio is named among the trusty and de-
voted hosts; the long list of casualties in
the 18th Indiana is its record. But, alasl
the list Of gallant dead. We have lost
scores Of noble officers
Among individuals conspicuous for
gallantry, The commanding General
stands first. Ever in the most critical
positions when needed, he never spared
himself Again has he proved himself a
hero ADD a General The fidelity of his
stall is beyond praise. They adhered to
him in every emergency aud did their
whOle'duty in the midst OF carnage and
death. Lamencd Garesche, one of the
most striking figures on that field. chiv-
airous aud gay IN his department. died
as true soldier lOyes 10 die. Lieut.
Kirby, Of Cincinnati, seriously wounded.
was steady, cool, and brave as a lion.
After he was gent TO rear, and while "
ing PROSTATE on his pallet, the brave tel
low sent the following message to the
General - Tell him | would like 10 re-
turn TO duty, but cannot get out of bed. !"
His left arm was shattered, and the Sur
geon feared he would lose it, Kirby
shook his head and declared he would
die first When his message was deliv-
cred TO the General, the latter facetiousiy
remarked why, would the poor fellow
apologize for not returning to duty il his
brains were blown out Z?
Colonel Barnett, young Thompson, A..
DC, Major Goddard, A. A. A. g., Cap
tain Wiles, Provost Marshal, Generals
Taylor, Simmons, Curtis, Gilman, Mich
Ter, Thomas, Volunteer A. ID. G.. Major
Skinner, Frank s. Bond, and Newhall, of
Tennessee, Lieutenant Benton, young
Willie Porter and James Reynolds, were
under fire, without finching during ten
hours Of hot strife.
Rslslon, Skinner, Bond, and Thomas,
all of Cincinnati, were never under fire
before The staff rates them veterans
now. One of the most gallant fellows
Of the whole gay cavalcade was Captain
Wiles. If Governor Morton does not
promote him now, he will be guilty of
ingratitude
After The General, the three finest fig
ures of that field were Rousseau, Loomis,
and st. Clair Morton. II was worth the
risk Of life to witness their glorious gal
lantry.
Among the youthful officers, Captain
Thruston, Of the LIST Ohio, and Chief OF
I Ordnance on General McCook's staff,
achieved more distinction than any other
His conduct in preserving his ammuni-
tion train, has already been mentioned
/ His department in the fierce battle on the
left on Friday was most conspicuous
Van Cleve's division was broken and dis.
persed. ThrustOn, under furious liie
collected the fragments of regiments, or
ganized them, led them across the river
and carried them into action. His de.
pertinent was so conspicuous that Genera
Negley, who witnessed it, took persona
pleasure in reporting it to the Command
erin Chief But must leave such de
tails for the future.
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