The National tribune., 1881-12-31

the One HunQreQ ana S1Xtn, ana part the One
Hundred and Fourth, the remainder scattering
through the woods where they were shot down
or captured by the cavalry stationed so as to cut
off all communication with Castllian Springs.
Meantime the confederate line had pursued it's
relentless way in the wake of the One Hundred
and Fourth Illinois. Colonel Moore now seeing
no means of escape hoisted white handkerchief
upon bayonet, which was at once recognized
and acknowledged by the order to cease firing"
Relieved of the necessity of heavy force in front,
portion of that which had secured the surren-
der of Moore reinforced that which had attacked
Tafel. Unable to maintain his position at the
wagon train, he had fallen back toward ravine,
where he had, up to the time of M0Ore's surren-
der, held his regiment together. Here he was
astonished at the sudden appearance of conted-
crate cavalryman wearing blue overcoat, who,
gallOping up the ravine, shouted to him to sur
render as all the others had done. He was at
first induced to disregard it, but soon found his
command surrounded, and further resistance
useless.
General Morgan lost in this affair about 125
killed and wounded Among the dead left upon
the field were Lieatenants Rodgers, of Bullitt
county, and Thomas, of Hardin county, KY. The
Union loss, nearly all in the One Hundred and
Fourth Illinois, was 55 killed and 100 wounded.
The remaining AS were captured and sent i'm
mediately under guard across the river. Wagons
were hastily loaded with abundant supplies, guns
hours after the first shot was fired the entire force
with their captives, were On the march to Muir
| fresborro.
The capture of an infantry brigade by what
was supposed to be M0rgans cavalry was heralded
to the country as another evidence of the proves
! of that renowned command. hforgan's star was
now in the ascendant. Praised in general orders
and in dispatch from Bragg to the adjutant-
general of the army, leader in the gay society
of Murfreesboro, he shortly after led to the altar
a daughter of Judge Ready, one of the fairest
| of the lovely women whose presence at Muir
freesboro inspired their favored gallants to feats
of arms not unworthy of the days Of chivalry.
| Reports of the battle, however gave the credit
where it actually belonged-to the infantry regi-
ments of HansOn's brigade, $50 strong, under
command of Colonel Hunt. The Rebel Banner
published at Murfreesboro, in its account Of
the affair, said, in closing: But the most re-
markabe fact connected with the expedition
was the endurance of the infantry troops
| They marched on bitter night over fifty miles,
fought splendid battle, captured twice their
numbers, crossed the Cumberland River twice.
and yet there were no complaints heard or strag-
! CLING witnessed. The losses Of the cavalry
regiments were trifing." General Rosecrans
promptly telegraphed the fact to Halleck, who
replied that the President wished to be in
formed how an isolated brigade was left in such
an exposed position. The report of General
Thomas was called for and transmitted. In it
he stated the fact that Colonel Moore's brigade
relieved Colonel Harlans at Hartsville, and at
| the time of the capture the latter, together
with Millers brigade, was at Castillan Springs,
| only nine miles distant; that Colonel Harlan
| had represented the position to be strong and
defensible and that Colonel Moore allowed him.
self to be surprised. The report made by Colonel
John NJ Harlan exhibits the prompt action taken
by that Jealous commander on the occasion.
Hearing cannonading in the direction of Harris
vile about half-past seven o'clock, he at once
dispatched courier to ascertain the cause of the
firing, and to return rapidly as soon as he heard
! musketry. The brigades were called out, and
Colonel John F. Miller's at once put in motion
toward the scene of conflict. Colonel Harlan
learning in the meantime through his pickets
on the Hartsville road mile distant that mus
kerry was audible, determined to follow with the
| Tenth Kentucky, Lieutenant Colonel Hays, the
| Seventy Fourth Indiana, Colonel Chapman, and
four pieces of Southwick's battery, leaving the
Fourth Kentucky, Colonel Croxton, the Tenth
Indiana, Lieutenant Colonel Carroll, and two
pieces of artillery in charge of the camp. His
intention was to place the Tenth Kentucky and
Seventy Fourth Indiana and the four pieces of
artillery within supporting distance of both
places if necessary; but soon after, receiving a
request from Colonel Miller to go to the front and
assume command he complied, ordering up the
Fourth Kentucky and taking his anvance regi-
menus WlCQ ullu he ICunu COlOu6l hllI6T
brigade within three miles of Hartsville, formed
in line of battle.
Up to this time they had not met straggler
nor messenger Of any description from the
field. The firing had ceased, and it was evident
that Moores brigade had either repulsed the
enemy were prisoners. Riding forward to an
erainence Colonel Harlan observed dense smoke
arising from the hill that had been occupied by
the Union camp. A rapid advance across the
| country was ordered and few minutes suf
feed to bring the advance in sight of the ford
Morgans rear guard, in charge of several wag-
ons loaded with captured property, were in the
act Of crossing. On the other side of the river
the road was filled with men and horses Each
| cavalryman seemed to have man behind him.
All were moving on the road leading to Lebanon
Nicklin's battery of hIiller's brigade sent few
shells among them, when the rear guard, aban-
doning the wagons, took to their heels and speed
lily disappeared beyond the hills Pursuit was
useless The water was waist-deep to the men,
and fully two hours would be required to cross
a force in wagons sufficient to warrant an attack
in case the enemy should be Overtaken.
Eleven wagons and thirteen mules were recap
! tured. The camp presented a sckening specta-
Gle. Down along the edge of the ravine where
the conflict had ragged between Hunts infantry
and the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois, the
dead lay thick upon the ground The wounded
lay helplessly bleeding where they had fallen,
tents were burning and vast pile of subsistence
stores piled up and set on fire were slowly cook
ing in the flames. Fifty-five Union and fifteen
confederate dead were buried. The only Union
officer among them was Captain Gholson, a brave
! J1l1s1 80 u L 4