Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1864-08-02
FROM THE t25th,
The Rebel Army Changes Commanders
Hoods Maiden EffOrt-He il Re.
tTaised with Great Slaughter. How
The Rebel Soldiers Talk-Our adj
FIVE MILES North OF ATLANTA, I
July 2lst, 1864.

Powers Ferry, ChattahOOchee river, and
marched to the front. The same unac-
countable destiny that has given US a con-
spieuous place in every engagement of
this eyentful campaign, again placed the
I25th on the slirnish line. The 20th A.
G. had swung round to the left the day
previous, and we We're enabled to move
about two miles before coming in contact
with the enemy's videttes. They consist
ed of scattering cayalrymen who fed after
delivering few shots. A mile further on
the enemy had burned the bridge across
Nancy creek and was posted in house,
and behind rail breast-works on the OPP
posite bank. The skirmish line was inn
mediately strengthened by the deployment
of reserves; and strong supports were sent
to the right and left to protect the hanks.
The men now pushed gallantly forward
across an open field, waded the creek and
pressed the enemy with such vigor that he
was glad to retreat carrying with him his
wounded and two pieces Of artillery which
he had used with littleefect. During the
| remainder OF the day his resistance was
less determined; though we were several
tunes obliged to charge him in order to
drive them from strong positions
Col. Opdyke, who was in charge OF the
entire skirmish line, handling it with
great shrewdness, had his horse killed un-
der him and several times made hair
breadth escapes without being hurt.
Lieutenant Colonel Moore, command
ing the l25th. had his horse wounded, one
ball lodged in his saddle, and another pass
ed through his blanket attached TO the
rear of his saddle.
Our entire loss only amounted to two
men killed and seven wounded.
The enemy two brigades OF Wheelers
cavalry. dismounted admit Il loss Of
twenty-five killed and wounded, inclnd-
ting CAPTAIN, who fell into our hands,
and Wheelers Asst Adit. General killed
We bivouaced at night at Buck Head
crossroads, six miles from Atlanta, hav-
inc diminished our distance from the fated
city one half during the day.
Resting till late IL the afternoon Of the
next day qgth inst) we again moved to
the front; one brigade of Woods division,
after severe skIrmishing had effected a
crossing of Peach Tree Greek, and the re-
mainder OF the corps was ordered to follow
as soon us practicable. The enemy display
ed great Obstinacy, having burned the
bridge and massed infantry and artillery
50 as TO sweep every apprOachable point.
Under cover Of night we were able 10 eff
feet partial crossing. Hooker on our
right, engaged in the same undertaking,
met equal opposition, and was no more
successful. Sunrise next morning (2OtS)
found those Of our troop on the south
banks of the creek well fortified. We
had also constructed rude bridge and
pushed across several pieces Of
artillery With these we were able TO i'll
terspersea pleasing variety to the conti-
nuous popping Of musketery on the skir-
mish nne. Foot by foot we were gaining
ground; and regiment after regement was
getting into position under the very
mouths Of rebel guns. The entire fore
noon was thus spent in crossing troops by
detail The sun poured down an almsot
mere than tropical heat; and the men
were glad to improve every opportunity
to shelter themselves from his scOrching
rays.
TIE CHARGE.
-Four o'clock, and the 4th corps was
nearly across Peach-tree creek. We had
ascended 10 the crest of the first rise of
ground; and part of the troop were en-
gagged in throwing up a rail breast north
Butterfelds division of Hooker's
corps had formed on our right, but had
not got fully into position. Our left was
confused, being prolonged to rest on the
creek, only by a line of skirmi hers
Captain Goodspeed (chief of artillery bad
got four pieces of artillery into position
at the extreme 'front.' and our brigade ex
cept our regiment deplOyed on the right
of the battery, was resting in column by
regiment a short distance to the rear, ready
for an emergency.
We exuect to move " the front IN
few moments, and prolOng our line. Du-
ring the entire campaign we had not
been charged by the enemy, and had
about come to the conclusion that we new
er would meet any such good luck. But
we were happily disappointed. The ap-
pointed hour was already at hand. Our
first intimation of the onset was a shower
of balls that came whizzing through the
branches over our heads. Then followed
savage yell, that filed the air with dis
NAL sound-and the charge began.
Our artillery opened first; the four pieces
in front charged with grape and canister.
The infantry did not open till the enemy
approached within short range when their
lire was delivered with most unerring
aim. Nothing dauuted; on came the foe;
massed in heavy columns, he thought to
trample down and over run our new
formed lines He missed his mark. The
veteran 4th was firm as adamant. Their
well directed .volleys were too much 70
Southern chivalry. Again did the enemy
try to rally and break our lines: but he
was as often repulsed. Hooker on our
right thundered away with artillery, and
his volleys Of musketry were loud and
rapid. He too was heavily engaged. AT
one time he reels under u terrible blow
that is thrust upon him; but in a moment
his lines are again reformed; and he
charges in turn and drives the enemy in
confusion.
Night ended the contest, when the en-
emy retired behind his works, leaving the
field in our possession. The result is most
satisfactory. Officers and priYates are all
pleased with the days Operations. The
debt of the 9th Of June, when we charg-
ed the enemy behind heavy works is fully
Cancelled. l rode over the ground this
morning and was surprised to behold the
extent Of the enemies losses. The ground
is literally covered with dead rebels
You may find them in groups of four, five,
six, eight or ten, and in one place count
ed sixteen laying within the radius of
rod. Among them are many officers [
saw two majors and several Captains and
dead and was told of
dead Colonel on part of the field that 1
did not visit General Stevens, command
the Corps Hoods formerly that charged
in our front, is reported killed
His horse was shot, and his saddle is now