The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-04
WALLACE AT FORT DoSELsoN.
The General Rebuts the Statement that His
Force Was Driven Back at that Place.

The General Rebuts the Statement that His
Force Was Driven Back at that Place.
To the Editor Cincinnati Commercial Gazette.
In very interesting article, which appeared
N your paper the 10Th instant, Mr. Reed, speak
ing of the battle of Fort Donefson. and particu-
larry OF It's conditions on the morning of the 10Th
of February, says:
"On the morning of the 10Th the confederatea
attacked Grants right farkng McArthurs
brigade, doubling up Netherlands division.
and THEN DRIVING BACK WALLACE'S DIVISION
The small capitals are mine
We may be sure Mr.. Reed does not wish to
do injustice to the brave men of my command
that morning At all events, it is my duty 10
correct the error he seems to have fallen into.
The center of the line In the operation was
mlne with McClernand on the right and G. r.
Smith on the left. Maj af,erward Cen.
John A. Rawllns happened to be with ma
when we heard the noise of McClernand's re-
treat. One of my brigades under Colonel Truft,
had gone to the latters assistance. The other
brigade had but two--was in line across and
with its back to the road down which McCler-
nand was coming. The extraordinary clamor
attracted Rawlins's attention and mine at the
same time.
What is that!" he asked.
II don't know. but will find out and dis
patched an orderly to see what it was He came
back and reported the road and woods alive with
our men, horses and artillery getting away and
in rout 1t became instantly apparent that the
then position, and smash it
What are you going to dol" Rawlins asked
sGet out of this, answered.
'How?"
''By moving towards the enemy's works.
Rawlins saw, as l did, that to retire by the
left was retreat, while going by the right was to
advance. and possibly get between the enemy
and McClernand. To retreat was to fall back
upon G. F. Smith. and load that officer with the
debris of my brigade added to that of McCler~
hands division. Rawlins said: ''It's the best
thing. Do it quick"
In few moments had the brigade under Col
John M. Thayer, of Nebraska double-quicking
ress of the movements | fortunately met Col
". H. l.. Wallace retiring with the remnant OF
his brigade of Netherlands division
lis the enemy pursuing your asked him
'Yes," he answered.
'How far is he behindT
After brief consideration, he replied ssYou
will about have time to form line of battle right
here"
A line was formed on the instant Woods
Chicago Battery, A. six guns, came up on the
run, and occupied the road, with the infantry
right and left of it, Hardly was the preparation
completed before the enemy appeared, moving
by their flank. Under the fire opened upon
them, they could not deploy, but had to 60 back.
These facts, within the knowledge of all of my
command that day who are yet living. establish
beyond controversy that. instead Of being driven
back, as Mr.. Reed says, my brigade advanced,
and was interposed so as to successfully repel
pursuit of Netherlands troops. The circum-
stance is also well known to such Of the latter as
survive, for they awaited themselves of the inter-
position to reorganize behind my brigade and
repenish their store of ammunition. failure OF
which, after hours Of constant and close firing,
had caused their misfortune. Lew WALLACE
CHARLOTTESVILLE, June %.