The National tribune., 1884-07-10

him to present a strong front at the angle in
his center, in opposition to Crittenden, Me-
Cook. and detached portions of Grants COM
mand. The forward movement of Wallace left
him without support on his left where Sher-
mans line was expected. Finding that by
moving still farther he could gain position
where his right would be projected by the
swampy low grounds of Snake Creek, and ef-
fectually cut off any flank movement Of the
enemy in that direction he executed a Left
half-wheel of his entire division and advanced.
While this movement was in progress, re-en-
forcements from Folks corps were sent to
strengthen the left, which, commanded by
Bragg was composed of Ruggies' division,
Trabue's brigade of Breckenridge's division,
and such detachments as were at hand. Bragg
says: Against overw helming numbers this
gallant command maintained Its position from
the commencement of the action until about
IL o'clock, when, our forces on the right falling
back, it was left entirely without support, far
in front of our whole army. Safety required
| it to retire"
The position seized by Wallace, far in ad-
vance of that assigned him at the beginning OF
the action, forced a corresponding advance OF
| the troops on his left.
THE ATTACK on ROUSSEAU.
| Referring to the attack made by Rousseau's
troops Wallace says: "a handsome line of bat
| tie now moved forward on my left to engage the
enemy. l supposed it to be Sherman's troops,
| but was afterwards otherwise informed. Stimuli
| taneously mine were ordered to advance, the
First Brigade leading. Emerging from the
| woods, it entered the second field / have men,
| toned, speedily followed by the Second Bri-
| gale, when both marched in face of the enemy
| aligned regularly as if on parade. Having
| changed front, as stated, my movement was
| now diagonal to the direction originally started
on, though the order was still in echel0n, with
the center regiment of each brigade dropped
behind its place in line as a reserve. While
thus advancing Col. Whittlesey, as appears
from his report, in some way lost his position,
but soon recovered it. The position of the en-
envy was now directly in front at the edge of
| the woods fronting, and on the right of the
open field my command was so gallantly cross
ing. The ground to be passed getting at them
dipped gradually to the center of the field,
! which is there intersected by small run, well
fringed with willows.
Clearing an abrupt bank beyond the branch,
the surface ascends to the edge of the wood held
| by the enemy, and is without obstruction, but
marked by frequent swelis, that afforded pro-
lection to the advancing lines. and was the Sc
cret of my small loss. Over the branch, up the
bank, across the rising ground, moved the
steady First Brigade; on its right, with equal
alacrity, marched the Second-the whole in
view, their banners gaily decking the scene.
| The skirmishers, in action ali the way, cleared
the rise, and grouped themselves behind the
groundswellS within 20 yards of the rebel line.
As the regiments approached them suddenly a
sheet of musketry blazed from the woods and a
battery opened upon them. About the same
instant the regiments supporting me on my
left fell hastily back. To save my flank was
compelled to order halt. In short time,
however, the retiring regiments rallied and re-
pulsed the enemy, and recovered their lost
ground Ny skirmishers meanwhile elung to
their hilloeks sharpshooting at the battery.
Again the Srigades advanced, their bayonets
fixed for charge; but pressed on their flank
and so threatened in front, the rebels moved
their guns and fell back from the edge of the
woods. In this advance Lieut-Col. John Ger
Der was killed, and it is but justice to say OF
him, No man died that day with more glory
yet many died, and there was much glory.
Capt. McGufin and Lieut.. Southwiek, of the
same regiment, also fell-gallant spirits. desery-
ing honorable recollection. Many soldiers
equally brave perished or were wounded in the
same field.