The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1884-01-23

between regiments anu DTlBauts
among ourselves, an armistics was
declared and a proposal made to 60
mp and whip cut Stewards division.
Regiments were formed on their
colors with full complement of OFF,
GERS. Col. Smith, Twentieth Ten
nessee, commanded Bates and
Lewis brigadee. Gen. Finley's
Florida brigade was detached as
n thanking force. The colonel COM
handing had full staff and host
Of couriers.
About ii o'clock in the morning
We advanced over the hills on
Stoval's brigade, of Stewards divi-
sion, with the Fourth Georgia bat
talon sharpshooters and Twentieth
Tennessee deployed in front as Skin
mishers. They were ordered to en-
gage the enemy briskly wherever
they found him. In few minutes
eur advance was engaged and check
ed by the enemy in ambush. Our
main line was hurried forward. We
emerged from the woods into field,
to see the enemy on n hill in front
Of his camps, 200 yards before us.
We halt and Col. Smith dispssi-
tons for an attack. All is excite
ment and hustle, the lines are dress
cd, field officers enjoin firmness and
deeds of valor upon their men; and
staff officers and couriers are dash
ing wildly up and down the lines.
Now the colonel, hat in hand, dis
tinguished by his glittering sash,
superb charger and knightly bear
ing. rides to the front. His face is
boyish, but his eyes are flashing like
an eagles in the sun, he chances
down the lines, and the command
forward rings, out clear upon the
air.
The veterans of a dozen battles
are heroes still, they advance under
q heavy fire within twelve PAGES of
the enemy, when the engagement
becomes general. We charge into
their midst, the struggle is desper-
ate, We are rspulsed, we rally horses
and men are feartully cOmmingled,
prisoners are dragged to the rear
by each party, the shOutsof the men
are deafeninS as a mighty cataract,
and snowballs, like frightened me-
teors oil the air. Finally, the enc
my was routed, and We captured
his camps with numerous colorS,
stores and prisoners. Gen. Stovall
and staff escaped TO the woods, but
was pursued and paroled.
Just then we heard that Cleburn's
divisions had taken our camps, and
we FASTENED to the rescue only to
End that it was q ruse to get us of
the track.
In q few minutes the long roll was
beat, and we fell in to line just as
Stewards division appeared on the
next hill, advancing on US. We
charged them at once, and succeeded
in dislOdging them from the hill,
but only to discover new hosts mar
shaling for our destruction. They
looked as numerous as the yankees
did at Missionary Ridge. Several
brigades were fresh troops, while
our men were tired, and many of
them in camp, and the remainder,
regret to add, were afterwards in
ducsd to retire to camp also.
In few minutes we were attack
ed in full force. At least FIVE thou
sand men were engaged. The deaf
ening shouts ofthe men, the neteoric
display of white bOmbshells, and,
withal. fierce snowstOrm blowing
in our faces, made the scene at once
grand, sublime and terrible. Our
Gttsnuated lines fought with obstin-
ate courage, but were over-whelm-
ed and compelled to retire. DIR.
Hall was captured, and Col. Smith,
while sndSavoring to capture MAJ.
Thornton, was himself captured.
Our loss, in officers especially, / am
panied to say, was heavy.
The Kentuckians were the last to
leave the field. Several stands were
made by them and their few adhsr-
ents, but were unsuccessful until
driven to their own camps. Here
q gallant Kentuckian, Col. Moss, /
believe, made a desperate sally; sim
ultanesuslv with a flank movement.
1t was the last solitary hope and
was successful. The enemy was
dispersed, and bravSly escaped an
Inhalation. We followed him half O
mile, capturing ammunition men
and hats.
All parties behaved with great
gallantry. Where all acted so brave
ly, it would be inVidIous to mention
particular instances, butt cannot
close without returning the thanks
of the colonel commanding, (who,
| am sorry to say, have not seen
since,) to the members of his staff,
Capt. Will Ewing and Adjt. J. n.
Farris, also, to Privates Wood and
Shey, for their daring and prompt
ness, and have no doubt the col
snel is also very grateful to me for
the services i had the honor to rem