The National tribune., 1885-06-04


among the jack-oaks. Before they had
fairly formed Tor the charge the infantry on
our right rose to their feet and
DELIVERED 4 voLLEY
with as much deliberation and precision as
ifon dress parade.$ 1t was catching, and our
cavalry Immediately opened with their car
bines. For few minutes crash after crash
followed in quick succession, and the smoke
soon hid everything in front from view.
When it lifted little the rebel cavalry was
seen in much confusion going rapidly for
the cover of the woods.
So much for the first attack. We were much
encouraged and not half as badly scared as we
had been before the fight opened, when we
were impressed with the thought that 5000
rebels would swallow up i'll short order
We very quietly and with confidence awaited
the next attack. Scarcely anyone had been
hurt on our side rs yet, but we could see dead
horses and dead and wounded men lying in the
public square and in the streets.
We had not long to wait for the second at
tack and 1T once comprehended that 1t would
he a serious matter. A long black line OF in
fautry emerged from the woods and began
crossing the low open ground beyond the vii
lage. This was followed-a few rods interyen-
ing-by second line. These lines overlapPed
ours by one-half at either end. We simply lay
quietly in the brush and watched these two
lines, approaching in such perfect order, with a
good deal of interest.
When within musket range the first line
opened fire, though il is very doubtful if it saw
ANYTHING To shoot at, except Lieut.. Walsmith
and his little squad of artillerymen gallantiy
serving the guns. They guessed pretty well,
however for their balls began so sing, whistle,
buzz, zip pattcr and throw up the gravel-stoneS
in every direction. They advanced slowly,
stopping occasionally to fire volley, and these
do I
the brush.
WE HUGGED THE GROUND
and put our noses close to the roots of the jack
oaks but did not fire gun. Occasionally a
man was hit. lsaw Secrist drop his musket, put
both hands on his leg, and crawl away TO the
rear. Comradc Flcknger, near me, clapped his
hand on his wrist as the blood spurted, then
taking out his handkerchief coolly wrapped it
about the wound aud continued in his place.
Sergt CLAYTON was struck fairly in the breast
with musket ball. but pair of doubied-up
buckskin gloves in the pocket of his overcoat
saved his life The ball, passing through the
gloves. fattcued against the ribs. He picked it
out and put il in his pocket. The poor fellow
was subsequently, killed. After a few vOlleys,
to which no response was made by the silent
Federal line, the rebels advanced more rapidly,
passing through the village and becoming
somewhat broken by the houses; but forming
again and moving rapidly forward. they soon
reached the foot of the hill within so or 40
yards OF our position then our whole line
opened. every man taking deliberate aim. There
was little or no cessation in our fire; contin
uous blaze came from those bushes and jack
oaks Firing four or five times minute with
our Sharpe carbines at short range made deadly
work, and the
REBEL LINE MELTED AWAY
before it was half up the hill, and fell back be-
yOnd the second line, which continued to ad-
vance, only TO meet the same fate. Men could
not long face that shower of leaden hail. The
field was soon enveloped in smoke, and we
could only tell where the rebel line was by the
blaze OF its muskets. 4 wild cheer went up from
the boys on the hill when that line gave way.
After this there was breathing spell, and We
all hoped the rebs had had enough of it and
would let us alone. But their lines were re-
formed and second charge made. This time
they advanced rapidly, as if determined to
carry the hill by assault. Their line stopped
occasionally. fred quickly, then advanced on
the double-quick. This time the Federal line
began firing as soon as the rebels came into
view. They seemed reluctant to make this
charge, and screened themselves as much as
possible behind the houses as they advanced,
and occasionally we could hear their officers
urging them on and cursing them for towards.
The result, however, was the same as before :
they were repulsed with considerable iuss and
our infantry in turn charged them, driving
them through the village at the point of the
bayonct. This was not decisive, however Large
numbers took refuge i'm the houses and began
shaIpshooting from the windows trying hard
10 silence our battery. la short time the
courthouse was flled with them, and Lieut.
Walsmith turned his guns upon it, tearing
great gaps through its brick walls and causing
stampede of those who had taken shelter in
il. Several shells burst in the rooms of the
building.
Desutory firing was now continued by both
sides from cover. Every man kept his eyes
open for something to shoot at AMI every head
that appeared became a target. This was con-
tinued until almost o'clock. when both rebel
and Union forces began to withdraw. We were
lying in line, firing occasionally, when the
order came to seek our horses and mount. and
as we filed out of the woods on the Lebanon
road the rebel artillery gave us
PARTING SHOT,
single huge ball passing over our heads and
tearing up the finty road in the side of the
hill up which we were passing. Had we re-
maiued on the battlefield another half hour we
would have been alone. for the enemy were
rapidly retreatng, as we afterwards learned :;
indeed, Marmaduke began withdrawing his
forces soon after the last charge was repulsed.
During the battle Col. Merrill had caused a
road TO be cut through the woods in our rear,
so that the baggage wagons all passed safely
lFOII tue 10 the 1eDaUOu ROAD. anu
when we were ordered to withdraw these were
already far On the road to Lebanon. Through
some misunderstanding of orders. portion of
the infantry-I think the 99th Ill.-remained
on the battlefield until after dark, long after
the rebel forces had disappeared.
In this little battle of which no history
have found makes mention, the rebels lost
about 450 men killed and wounded while our
loss, by official report, was eight killed and 67
wounded.
We retreated - miles that night to Lebanon
Two days a1terward we returned TO Hartsvile
on our way Ia Huston. and found a rebel officer
on the ground, under flag Of truce, burying
the dead and caring for the wounded. We
asked him why, with 5000 20 800. they had not
anuihilated lis. lie answered. with an oath
You Feds squatted down in the brush where
We could not sec you, and stampeded our whole
army"
When Gen. Warren, at Huston, heard the
sounds of battle, he mmed atey marched with
the remainder Of the brigade to our relief, but
could not get there in time TO be of assistance
The above is written partly from memory
aud partly from notes taken at the time
He Flattered the Wrong Woman.
lDrdke'S Magazine.