The Camden confederate. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1861-1865, 1863-01-23
FROM OUR oocAsIoxAL coRREspoNDENr.,


s:s:s TgLLAaoMA, Tens, January 10. 1858.
Bsing At leisure this morring, forsthe first
tirae since the great struggle near Mulfresboro,
Z viii give you short sketch Of the { Seventful
week jnst passed, which, trust, win not be
wholly embarrassing. Our Regiment left Tri-
une on the 9th December, and marching
tlirongh crenching rain all the day, reached
Murfresboro on the 2sth. The vast camp
around the city appeared deserted, for the troops
were all out on tile, front in line of battle,
awaiting the approach of the Abolitionists
Our position was soon assigned ne, and We
stood there for twod days shivering in the cold
rain that was falling. On Wednesday the s1st,
the Brigade was ordered to the lett, where the
coLfict Of the previous day had tagged. Cross
ing Stones River, Gen. Polk rode up and told
us that the enemy was being driven back.
This information fell gratefully upon our hearts,
and we pushed forward. A few minutes after
wards Gen. Bragg and staff. cane up. Three
deafenipg cheers greeted the veteran soldier.
Acknowledging the compliment he spoke a
few words Of; f;oheer.to us and moved to the
head of the column. Could we have gone into
the fight ct that moment we would nave car
ried any position. 4 never saw soldiers so en-
thused before, but onr time had not yet come.
Forming in line ofbattle we had to march a
mile through an open field under the raking
fire Of the enemy's guns. Shell and shot flew
thick and fast over our heads-these we needed
not, but marched in solid line still towards
"a ~ - - - . III. T.
them gT hat battery must be taken" was the
order. Three brigades had already tried it,
and ourswas The fourth that was to seek its
reputation cen at.the '.cannon's mouth" On
reaching the Nashville Pike we formed in col
ufnn Of companies across it. l was trnly ner-l
vous for the safety Of the Regiment while in
this position. A abnnd shot would have gone
through every company. Luckily the enemy
did not take advantage of the occasion, and
very soon VIC deployed. When within good
range we gave the enemy vollcy, and then a
charge. The first line of the Abolitionists gave
way and left two pieces of their artillery in our
possession, but the second line stood the shock
valiently. could see the Yankee officers ri
ding up and down their line, encouraging their.
men. Their artillery had Iimbered up and was
moving of, but at this moment the regiment
on our right gave way, and soon our regiment,
with thinned ranks, was subjected to a murder
ous enflading fire. We could not stand it
longer. Our Brigadier seeing our condition,
ordered retreat. Had the rest Of t1e brigade
stood up to us, we would have taken that for
midable battery and carried il safely to tile
rear. After being shelIed for come time we
took another position, and rested from the wea-
ny labors Of the day. was glad to gets place
where I could breathe freely again, for was
well nigh exhaustcd. We lost many brave
men in killed and swoanded ia this charge,
among whom was our Colonel than whom
none was brayer. 7 escaped nnhurt thanks
unto Almieaity God d7-bnt my clothes were
shott in several places. We slept npon our
arms on the bsttie asld. The scens was !. sad
ONE. The eri;ses sof tle wounded and dying
reached roy sst4 fsss fsss every difseticn s,Ihs
dead lay nsbeAps, and the pale slaoolbsams
resting upon theft pallid chssks filed me With
the most painful emotions. Never more do I
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