The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-11-09

semblv." after which boots and saddles" fol-
lowed by each company leading into line of
regimental formation, mounting our horses,
sna marching TO the review grounds. which
lay about q half mile TO the east of town.
The First brigade formed on the right, the
Third on the left, and the Second in the centre.
After the division was formed, brigade com
mandcrs placed their brigadcs in column OF
companies for inspection. Colonies accom-
panied the inspection through their respective
regiments, followed by the captain as they
passed from right to left of his company, after
which they resumed their former position.
The effective strength of the division was
about eight thousand all veterans well
mounted and equipped.
Just as the inspection closed, Gen Fitzpatrick
and staff rode upon the ground, followed by
Gen Sherman and staff, while the band played
Hail to the Chief taking their position di-
ractly in front, while Gen. Sherman with his
staff occupied a more elevated position still in
their rear.
A call from the chief buglcr soon brought
the officers in line before our commander
when he addressed us nearly as follows: "Osi-
GERS, You are about to PASS your commands
before Gen w. T. Sherman, reviewing officer
of the day See that you keep your men well
in hand. lines well dressed. As you come within
wheeling of the review stand, salute him. In
struct both officers and men rs you pass to look
daggcrS at the Gencral,-let him know you are
full Of fight. Officers TO your posts-march'
Arriving at our places, followed by the COM
mands Attention" Draw sabres," BY pla-
toons right wheel" "Forward-march," the
band then struck up, when each brigade
wheeled into column OF platoons, moving for
ward at a walk. As the right of each rcgi-
mcnt came up they saluted with the colors,
passing first at a walk, then at n trot, and
the third time on the galloP; finally coming
upon the ground of our formation, wheeled into
line, receiving the congratulations of our colo
mel, when our reviewing officers, together
with their escort, followed by our brigade COM
mandcrs, retired from the field amid three
hearty cheers. Not a few of the rank and file
were dismountcd while Ieapng bitches by their
horses falling. The bright sun gave q glitter of
steel blades and arms that day, the like OF
which was never seen before at that place.
The railroad had been destroyed north, and
as far south as Atlanta. AS we were returning
already commenced the destruction of the
depot and freight buildings, which were then
on fire As these buildings were on one of the
principal streets, during the afternoon the fire
communicated from one building to another,
until nearly all of the business portion of the
town was destroyed. Several private residences
were burned. As night came on the dense
smoke seemed to hang like pail over the
doomed city, and in the darkness the light of
burning buildings here and there could be
seen for miles around; even the old military
school buildings over on the heights were on
fire. Above all, still far beyond in the dark
ness could be seen the dim light of the burn
ing city of Atlanta. A scene like this, SO de-
structive and appalling, l had never before
witnessed during the service.
As we sat by our camp-fires contemplating
the situation with no prospect of having any
communication for months with friends at
home and the uncertainty Of war, we heard
"Ofiicers' call" Going TO the Colonels quar-
tiers, he informed US that General Fitzpatrick
desired to see all of his officers at his head
quarters that evening, and asked us to go over
with him. This was the first and only time
i
save one, and then we invited ourselves. 1t
was at Greensboro, \. c.. after the close of the
war, when the officers of his division presented
him with very beautiful sabre.
This gathering, however was under very
different circumstances The war was then
ended, and we were only awaiting transporta-
tion to carry us home. At o'clock we
mounted our horses and escorted the Colonel
over. Fitzpatrick had made his quarters tenn
porarily at a vacant house near town, the
owner Of which had refugeed when General
Johnston withdrew. We were received cor
daily, and requested to make ourselves at
home General Fitzpatrick at that time was
about thirty-two or thirty three years of age.
a West Pointer, small in stature, light auburn
hair, with thin side Whisllcrs, sharp gray eyes
resolute mouth, clear ringing voice. always
well dressed, quick and positive in his manner
of expression; good Eorscman, gifted with
that dash and spirit which charac,crizes good
cavalry officer; was always confident in battle,
and would be termed at times rash but that he
usually succeeded in what he attempted. He
was severely wounded in the charge on Resaca,
early IN the campaign, but returned before we
evacuated the place, made the entire circuit of
the city with his division, cutting their railroad
communication.
There was one Characteristic Of this division
which I mention here proudly and gladly. I
DO not believe there ever was division where
there was so little petty jealousy among the
officers generally, or between the brigadcs and
their commanders. This was worthy Of cmula-
ton, such as became brave men fighting in a
common cause. The various organizations
worked together in harmonious cooperation,
imsuring success and bringing honor to their
General, whom the several commands never
passed without cheering.
The band played both Dixie" and "Fhe
Star Spanacd Banner," in each of which we
joined, singing the chorus. The gathering was
not a council of war; simply for social greet
ing, which had its moral effect. The General
was extremely fond Of the old war songs many
Of which we sang as lie called for them. In
these days that tried mems souls we could sing
those old camp songs in the spirit and with the
understanding Especially was this true of AS
We Thought on the Morrow"
Before leaving, the General addressed his
officers briefly, referring to the soldicrIy bear
ing Of the division at review what it had ac-
complishcd in the past, and what he lad reason
TO expect in the future; closing by saying
We are now going to water our horses in the
Er,lf Of tTryioo m. ar, il,a c,agf Of ba D,c;f.