Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1863-10-08

posts and skirmishers. and gaining Important
advantages. He considered it best probably,
to strike even before Rosencrans could be re-
uforced, and even before all his OWE reinforce
ments could arrive. The Federal commander
was evidently surprised by the vigorous move
ments of Bragg, from whom he expected only
feeble resistance Even as late as Sunday
morning when the Confederates deployed on the
west bank of the Chckamauga, he was hardly
prepared for a serious attack from an army
which he supposed would be only too glad to
effect it's escape.
The great battle was fought on the vest bank
OF the Chckamauga on Sunday the goth day of
September. The line Of battle extended east and
west across the boundary liae between Walker
and Catoosa counties, resting here and there on
the bends in the Chickamauga river, very
crooked stream, running east and northeast and
empty ing into the Tennesses above Chattanoo'
ga. d. Fl. Hill commanded on the right, Polk
in the centre, and Lorgstreet Oil the left. The
command of LoDgstreet was composed of such
Of the brigades of Hoods and McLaws' divis.
ions as had come up, and Hindman's, Preston .
Stewards and Bashrod Johnson's divisions of
the army of Tennessee. The three last con-
stitutiEg the corps of that intrepid officer, Maj
General Buvker. These forces held the ex-
treme left, and were opposed to the right wing
Of the enemy, which rested upon the mountain
and occupied strong position. Hills corps on
the right was composed OF Breckinridge's and
ed Of the composition of Poik's command,
which occupied the centre, nor Of Walkers
corps which was held in reser ve.
BY order Of Gen. Bragg the attack was com.
menced about 10 O'Clock Sunday morning, on
the extreme right, and was taken up by each
succeeding division to the left, reaching Long
streets left at Ii o'clock, and thus taking one
hour for the wave of battle to roll from one end
of the line to the other. On the right and in
the centrs the attack was not successful in the
early part Of the day. The enemy had nassed
heavy force on this part of the field, and main
tanned his position with so much stabborness
that Walker was ordered with his reserves to
the support Of Hill and Polk. He moved for
ward ia superb style, aud fell upon the enemy
like thuuderb bolt; but the Federal columns
still stood their ground ald fought with despair.
ate gaIlaLtry. 49,
In the meantime Longstreet ha2 been steadi.
lJ pushing back the enemy on the left, meet
ing no check and carrying every thing before
nm. Under his orders Buckper executed
successful faux movement, whist Hood and
otne's made vigorous assault in front. The
effect cf this combned attack was to force the
tederais TO abandon that part of the field and
10 seek position on a high ridge They bad
not more than formed their lines, however, be-.
fore the brigades of Kershaw and Humphreys.
OF McLa~'s division, under command of Ker-
shaw, lMcLaw not yet having arrived with the
remainder ot his division, } were ordered TO as.
sault the ridge. Here a desperate struggle en-
sued. kershaW carried the position again and
again, aud lost it as often. 1t was evident that
the enemy had the advantage both in position
and numbers, out the brave Carolinians and
Mississlpplans did not stop to consult the odds
against them. Gen Longstreet very properly
however sent Gregg's Ely 5 and Trigg's brig
AIDES, OF Preston's heroic division, to their sup
port. A vigorous and simultaneous assault was
tnen made, and the enemy finally driven with
great slaughter from the Greet OF the ridge and
down rs side. Preston and his entire COM
mand behaved with distinguished gallantry,
and, like the veteran kershaw and his loyal fol
lowers, excited the admiration of all who wit.
messed their conduct. Kershaw captured nine
guns, number Of small arms, and some pris-
oners and Humphreys. took. 435 prisoners
four regimental standards, and one hsadquaster
flag. .s..s<.s as.e@s. S. j. = r s,es..ss. ssos
Hindman, whose position was Eext on the
left, was not idle while this struggle was going
on. He engaged the enemy ID hls front, and
after a fierce encounter compelled him 10 re-
tire along with the rest of the Yankee forces.a
Ths advantages which Longstrees had gained
on the left could bat arrest the attealion Of