New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-05-03

mined to push heavy force of picked in
fantry to take the browning eminences and
be amply sufficient to maintain itself. and
also, If necessary, to sweep the hills by en-
tilade supported at proper place by columns
in direct attack. The infantry was to be
supported by formidable field artillery,
cavalry and the siege batteries on the east
side of the river which could easily throw
their enormous shells across the valley and
upon the hills beyond. The conception of
plan was admirable--it only renamed for
the various commanders to promptly and
cordially support their chief, and Burnside
would have ranked as a military success.
To the first grand division was assigned the
honorable position of scaling the heights
south of the city, taking and holding the
road and rolling up the rebel army, to the
right and left to be caught again and aga.n
by the advancing columns.
To General Franklin was assigned the OPP
portunity to win ID great name. To him
was intrusted 45,e00 infantry, numerous
batteries, and strong force of cavalry.
Early in the morning of December Is,
1862, this mighty array debouched upon the
beautiful plain and took positlon-the sixth
corps in advance; the first in position to
move either way, as the fortunes of the con-
q
man in that splendid host seemed to doubt
the result of the dawning battle. AS the
splendid lines stretched out and moved
slowly forward over the space between the
river and bills, every heart bounded with
pride. The rebels looked from their hiding
places and hills and knew that day of
judgment was before them Staff officers
and couriers dashed along the brow of the
hill, and there Is no doubt, as your cor
respondent says, General Lee said that the
anxiety of that day was great with him,
and that General Burnside had found out
the weak point of the foe.
Soon the sixth corps halted. In a few
moments the Pennsylvania reserve division,
$500 strong, stepped forward, and then it
was understood that to this battle-tried
body was given the dangerous and glorious
duty of the forlorn hope. Slowly they
pushed forward, and soon the dropping
skirmish fire began, followed by the occa-
sional discharge from a battery on either
side. Rebel guns soon began to point to
them from left to right. Union batteries
took position and answered, and then the
long roll of battle commenced. Steadily
the torlorn hope pushed on and up, farther
and farther from their suppOrts-driving
the enemy up the hill, upon the hill, and
over the hill. Then for succor and victory
won. AS they looked down from their
hard-w positions they see 10000 infantry
resting on their arms. Not a man of that
host in motion. A mile between them and
friends; they surrounded in front and flank
by thousands, who, seeing that no support
advances, hasten to attack the daring few
who have driven the sword to their
very vitals. Their general sends back for
with word that he has
won and can hold the road for
an hour. General Franklin lolling under
tree, surrounded by his staff and enjoying
his lunch, hears the report of the aid, takes
out his watch, and says: at is three o'clock,
and too late-let the reserves fall back from
the HILL And down they came--what there
was left, for over half had fallen-and the
battle was lost. The faces of 10000 men
burned with shame as they saw that hard
pressed band come slowly back, broken
hearted, and sore with thoughts of the vain
sacrifices they had made. The rebels had
been saved, not by their own prowess. When
a full history of the action of General Frank |
lin upon that occasion is written, the reports |
will show that he, for jealousy, deliberately |
sacrificed thousand men and lost battle. |
Rather than see General Burnside, who had |
been placed over him, win a laurel, he i'm |
,erilled cause he had sworn to defend |
md more For General Lee, with the quick |
,ye of practiced soldier, made prepare
ions to follow up the advantage which this
criminal blunder had given him, and was |
Don ready to descend the hills and drive |
franklin back upon the river. and away
rom his pOntoons.
1t was then the rapid and bloody charges,
lgainst almost impregnable positions, by |
he divisions of French and Howard upon
he center and left of Lee, prevented him
rom concentrating upon Franklin. To
vert such possible danger, part of the
ecOnd grand division had been thrown into
he city In the morning, and also to be I
eady, in case Lees army was broken, to
dvance, supported by the whole army,
nd complete the work of destruction.
As General Burnside from commanding
saw his plan so wickedly thwarted
y the actions of Franklin's command
citing under Franklins order-he turned
way and said, ''God only knows how near
We came to browning victOryw That
light the whole army recrOssed the river
nd went into camp once more.
General Burnside issued, in few days,
order relieving Generals Frank
IN, Smith, and John Cochrane from COM
1and in the army. The order was couched
D plain terms, also. The general informed
ir. Lincoln that no officer could succeed
Jhile they retained their commands.
Powerful influences were set to work, and
ieneral Burnside was forced to suspend his
rider; but that Mr.. Lincoln believed him to
e right is proven by the order issued about
ne month afterward by the President,
yhich did relieve Franklin-and not at his
wa request.
1t will be remembered that neither
locker. Meade, nor Grant ever intrusted
i'm with a command, and had he served
| the armies of the first Napoleon drum
cad courtmartial would, on the day follow
lg such a treacherous action as he COM
lifted on that battle day have brOuUht |
is military career to a just and sudden
I'D.
| am glad to see that "Napanoch" has
lrned up that item, and if he will search
ne history of the battle of Antietam he will
nd still more praise for Burnside, who was
ways a soldier, faithful and true to
is country, and his name will become
Fighter as years roll on.
ONE OF THE SIXTH CORPS.