The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-06-28

READQ'Rs THIRD PRoyIsToy4L BRIGADE

IEwIsBURG. Va, May "A, 1852.
CArTATS: At O'Clock on the morning of the
23d our pickeis were driven IN by force under
Gen Heth. and shortly after their advance was
seen on the crest of a hill beyond Lewisburg. Two
companies Of infantry from each regiment were
ordered forward to ascertain the force OF the enemy
and TO hold them in check until we could form ana
advance to their relief The advance companies
were met by very severe fire. and, deploying as
administers fell slowly back coutesting the ground
inch by inch. The ziih regiment under Col. Oil
bert was ordered forward on the right flank; the
35h regiment, under Lieut.-Col. Clarke, on the
left flank with instructions 10 push forward rapidly
before the enemy had time 10 form.
Gen Heth had pushed forward six pieces OF artii-
lery. and was throwing round shot ana smell into
our camp and into the ranks OF our troops as they
passed through the streets Of the town. many OF
the shells striking the dwellings.
While Lieut.-Col. Clarke pushed steadily up the
slope OF the Hill IN The lace OF a severe lire, Col
Gilbert was also advancing on the right flank, and
by a vigorous movement succeeded IN capturing
four pieces OF artillery, one OF when was loaaeu
with canister the time Of the capture. The
locality Of the battery after the battle showed by
the number Of the dead and wounded the fierce
ness Of the eight at that point
Gaining abe open ground on the slope below the
enemy. steady, rapid advance was made by our
entire line, loading and firing as they advanced,
and upon gaining the crest OF the hill the enemy
fell back in confusion
Col. Bolles. Of the I'd Va. Cav, who had been
held IN reserve, was ordered forward IN pursuit;
but their retreat was 80 rapid and the ground so
unfavorabe for pursuit, the road passing through
narrow and rocky defles. that they crossed Green
brar Bridge burning il behind them, before they
could be overtakeu, and from the best Information
IN my possession has continued his retreat down
the Union road; and az number OF hls troops arc
men who have been pressed into the service under
the State CONSUMPTION, and this Is their first engage
eut, there IS every reason to believe that tie dc
ieat VIII be TO them very deInCTalZing. Ihe force
actually engaged with as was about 900 men, in
ending about 10 cavalry and SIX pieces OF aftl-
leTy.
Col Fiuney. Mai Edgar, and a number Of minor
officers and 90 pryatesi also, 65 wounded prisoners
and 5 dead; four pieces Of artillery 1.-TWO -
FOUNDER field howilzcFs and two 6-poundeT riiied
cannOnl aud about 800 stand Of arms.
We have a loss Of II killed and 81 wounded, the
greater number Of whom are not dangerously so
Idauy Of our wounded were fred upon by citizens
Of the town they returned on the way 10 the
hospital, and one wounded man shot dead II the
street The houses which can be fully identified as
having been fired from viii be burned, and If ]
can capture any II the parties engaged they vii
be hung in the street az an example 10 al such
Our forces engaged were about J, 200 infantry
Had nay force been larger so that ] might have
left my rear uuguarded there being reasonable
ground to expect another force ia our rear, and
had possessed transportation (which need very
mucbl the enemy would have been pursued unit
they were captured or dispersed
IL is unnecessary 10 euOgize the men whom
have The honor 10 command. Their steady, firm
advance in the face Of the fire which met Them ant
the result viii speak for itself need only sa5
that not officer OF private in my command faeI
ia doing his whole duty as q soldier.
! arn, sir, very respectfully, your o5edient serv
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. 9. n. BAscoN, Assistant Adjutant General.
Report Of Lieut-CoL Melvin Clarke, 36tI
Ohio:
LEwIsBCRG May D, 1852
SIR: In obedience TO your order Of this morning
issued on the approach Of the enemy under Gen
Beia. formed the regiment which had The homo
10 command on the left % the line Of your brigade
ny position being 10 the left Of the road leading +
Greenbriar Bridge, aud al the foot Of a steep dc
ciiTity. having elevation Of some 80 feet, an
along the brow Of which were several houses SUI
rounded 10y Enclosures. beyond which the large
portion Of tie eHcmy's infantry, commanded b.
Gen. lletl4 "a person. were formed.
Having taken tins position al once marched 10,
battalion TO the top O. the steep deciviy, and pass
ing the houses over numerous fences. found Tnysc
IN 'front.' Of the enemy, who were posted behind
fence. and Immediately opened brisk fire upo
u, which was returned with promptness and ALAG
Tiiy.
For short time the fight was very sharp. cor
huued 70 advance until the line Of the battalio
WAS within 90 yards Of the enemy, when they fle
u confusion. The firing ceased only when Ia
enemy had got beyond our range We pursue
The enemy considerable distance but rs they &c
with great speed Il ialp0ssb le 10 keep Up wit
them. a large number o. tEeir dead and wounde
lay behind the fence where they were first poste
and scattered through The fields beyond.
Though tie FIRST battle ia which The regiment wa
ever engaged, The men behaved nobly. From Ii