The National tribune., 1884-11-13
FRIDAY DAHNe.

The rain has ceased, but the dark clouds yet
lower in the sky. Each army seems to feel
easier and begins to move more freely. Van
Cleve's Division has been sent across to the
east side of the river. The most of our artii-
lery has been massed on q rise of ground near
the west bank. Our division is placed in easy
supporting distance near the west bank OF the
river in rear of the artillery. Before noon an
artillery duel was INDUCED in by both armies;
then all was quiet again. At about p. m.
heavy forces are seen moving in front OF our
left. 1t is the right wing of the rebel army
under Breckenridge moving to
CRUSH THE DIVISION OF VAN CLEvE
as McCook's command had been swept from its
position oil Wednesday. On came the masses
in full view of our army. Our cannon can
reach every part of the field over which they
must pass. The artillery opens with an emf
lading FIRE, and. as each gun belches forth ITS
missiles of death and destruction, the rebel
ranks are rent and torn; but on they came
with almost an irresistible power. Van Cleves
Division is routed and driven across the river
Now is the supreme moment of the battle. In
their precipitate pursuit, the ranks OF the en-
envy have become confused and broken, but
they charged to the very waters edge This is
THE MOST EXCITING TIME OF ALL.
II is now that that grand counter charge is
made which drove the rebel horde from the
field. 1t was this charge upon which that
grand song, Who'll Save the Left2" is based
the song which immorralzes the gallant Col.
Scott, Of the 10Th Ill. Our brigade was lying
just back from the rivers bank, on the lest
side. When the opportune time came, the or.
der was Forward! double-quick, march"
Col. Stanley, of the 18th Ohio, commanding
the brigade, shouted: "Up, my Michiganders,
and st 'em!" We did not wait for second
invitation or command. The double-quick be-
came rush and a run. In crossing the river
the ranks were necessarily broken, but 1t DID
not stop our progress or slacken our speed.
The retreat of the enemy became q rout. They
fed, helter-ske lter, back over the ground upon
which they had SO recently e1ultingly ad-
vanced, throwing sway their guns and all else
which might impede their fight. After the
first impetuous charge our progress became
slower and slower. We pushed after them
through the woods, out into the open cornfield,
until our advance was far beyond the original
line of the enemy and darkness prevented any
farther pursuit. Largo numbers OF prisoners
were taken, four pieces Of artillery and stand
of colors were captured, and we were masters
of the situation. Firing continued until late
in the night, but gradually died away. This
ended the great battle of Stones River.
THE LAST SCENE.
In the night cold, wintry rain set in. All
day Saturday that pouring rain continued,
and we yet in line of battle in an open field,
with the mud becoming deeper and deeper
every hour. During the day there was but
little firing on either side. The night was no
improvement on the previous cce. 1t still
rained necessarily. Sunday morning, Jan. 4,
dswned clear and bright, with no clouds in the
sky and no enemy in our front. He had re-
treated during the night, leaving the dead and
wounded for US to care for. During to-day tho
army rested, excepting burial parties, who
were busy all day burying the dead Of friend
and foe. Monday morning we advanced into
Murfreesboro, driving the rear guard Of the
enemys cavalry from the town, and following
him far to the south, toward Manchester.-D.
d. RosE, Co. A, 18th Mich.