The National tribune., 1890-09-04
RICE'S BRIGADE.
Their Gallant Charge in the wilderness.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Early on the
9th OF May Hancock made u vigorous attack
along the Orange plank road, his attack falling
on Wilcox's Confederate troops south of the
road. Their right was driven back in great
confusion, and the moment was n critical one
Tor the enemy. Lee, however, had sent TO
hasten Longstreet, whose troops, rs usual, came
up in the nick of time on the double quick.
korshaw's Division went into line on the south
OF the road, and most vigorously attacked tho
Union left. AT the same time Fields (Conied-
erato) Division formed north of the road, with
Gregg in front, and Bennng, Law and Jenkins
following in the order indicated. Gregg s
Texas troops wero roughly handled, losing
about half their number; but Law and Ben
ming came promptly to their aid, and the tide
OF battle ebbed and flowed many times
The enemy held n line of works against sew
oral determined attacks, in one of which Gen.
WadswOrth, commanding the Fourth Division
Fifth Corps was killed. The division, having
lost it's commander, fell into some confusion in
those interminable thckots, whore there
seemed to be neither front nor rear. The last
we saw of the Iron Brigade" they were in
line on tho north side of the Plank road with
some troops of tho Second Corps, apparently
under the command Of Con. Owens The Sec
ond Brigade, after getting together, was ordered
TO take position ut the intersection of tho
Brock and the Plank roads. Gen. Hoffman, was
now in command, Gen. Rice having been as
signed to the command of some works farther
TO the right.
The evidences of Generalization among tho
troops of Hancock's left wing invited a Con-
federatc attack. Lee had asccrtained that the
Federal left rested only n short distance south
of the Plank road, and determined to attempt
turning movement. Longstreet accordingly
moved the four brigades of Wofford. Malone,
Anderson and Davis around the Federal left.
IL.
attacked him in flank and rear, while general
advance was made in front. Hancock's left
was rolled up, and his line forced back upon
the Brock road.
The enemy were not satisfied with the sue
cess already achieved, but determined to gain
possession of tho Brock road also. Jenkinss
fresh brigade moved down the Plank road,
supported by Kershaw, while Fields thanking
division came into position on their right The
attack was delayed in a singular manner A
few shots from the north of tho road drew
volley from Mahone's men on the south, which
killed Jenkins and wounded Longstreet.
Owing TO the fall OF Longstreet it was o'clock
before the attack was made.
The Brock road was defended by line of
strong log intrenchments. The advance of the
Conlederatos was impetuous, and Fields troops
charged into the works, while the line which
had held Thorn and supporting line in tho
rear took to their heels with tho utmost
alacrity, as if pressing engagements called them
elsewhere. Had the enemy been permitted to
hold these works, there was nothing TO prevent
them from taking the Union line in reverse
and repeating Charlottesville. That was the
program Lee had made out.
During this time Hancock, with a part of his
staff, was on the Plank road, which was COM
manded by two brass guns (Dow's 9th Me-
battery.
where is Rice7" asked Hancock.
Here" responded HOFFMAN,.
Take those works" replied Hancock
There was a whole world of business in this
diaog. Gen. Holman gave the necessary
orders and the men sprang to the attack. The
Confcderates were not prepared for the i'm
petuosity of the onset. Their colors narrowly
escaped capture, the color bearer being killed
by member of Co. A, Both Pa; but n comrade
seized them and carried them TO the edge Of
the woods, short distance from tho works
The conflict was short, sharp and decisive, and
the Coniederates, realizing that they were not
wanted there, took a hasty aud unceremouious
departure.
10 was brilliant aud daring deed, aud de-
serves to DO made prominent in history. The
absence Of This brigade at that time aud place
might have changed tho character and tho ro.
suits Of the battle. Hancock in his report
made no mention Of tho matter-as was 10 be
expected-nor has any historian, except one,
alluded to it.-E. L. GRAHAM, Captain, Goth
Pa, Grand Pass, No.