The National tribune., 1890-01-30

tion 10 attack III front with all his force, no fur
ther order was given to Wagner.
Gen. SChofeld says in his official report:
1.-TWO brigades of Wagners Division were left
i'll front to retard the enemy's advance. Our
Outposts, imprudently brave held their ground
too long. and hence were compelled TO come in
on the run"
Gen. Stanley, in his report, says: "By whose
mistake cannot tell it certainly no part
OF my instructions, but the two brigades had
orders from Gen. Wagner not to retire to the
main line until forced To do so by the fire of
the enemy"
Gen. Cox, in his report of Dee. 9, says: "At
| o'clock, Gen. Wagner, commanding Second
Division, Fourth Corps reported to me his di-
visions, aud informed me he was under orders
to keep out the two brigadcs until tho enemy
should make advance in line in force, when he
was to retire skirmishing. and become re-
serve to the line established 10y me-"
In another report which he made, dated Jan.
III, 1863, Gen. Cox says: "At2 Q o'clock Wagner
presented orders TO report to me. His orders
were to hold the enemy back till they developed
force superior to his own, and then retire
slowly to the lines At 3 o'clock the order was
reiterated To Gen. Wagner to withdraw his bri-
eades whenever the enemy appeared advancing
IN overwhelming force without becoming ser-
ously engaged AT o'clock Wagnor's two br-
gades opened fire and commenced throwing up
works" / invite attention TO Gen. Cox's state
ment that WagnGr'S two brigades opened fire
and commenced throwing up works." There
arc still hundreds Of living witnesses to the
fact that Conrad's Brigade which was imme-
diately under the eye and in plain sight Of Gen.
Cox, began throwing up works, thereby ind
catlng It's purpose of remaining whore it had
been put as soon as its line was established. It
had been engaged in throwing up works for
nearly two hours before il began firing, aud it
Quit throwing up works 10 commence firing.
Innp'g Hriua1n huI I,n Of ptn c,,,c
and did not attempt to throw up works. A
very few minutes after the firing began the
two hrgades were on tho run for tho breast
works. There is this further important tosti
mony bearing or the question of responsibility
for keeping out Wagner's two brigados. In his
report of Dec Gen. Cox says: About 2 o'clock
the enemy came in full view. The fact was re-
ported to the commanding General, as we'll as
the disposition Of the troops as they were and
his ordors received In reference TO holding the
position"
Capt. Whitcsidcs, Assistant Adjutant- General
OF Wagncr's Division. makes this statement:
AT about $50 p IN. ! was ordered by Gen.
Wagner to see Col. j. q. Lane, commanding the
Second Brigade, and learn what was transpir-
ing in his front. The Colonel informed me
that while on the top of Stone Hill he saw the
enemy
PASSING THROUGH THE GAP AT STEVENS
and forming in order of battle, and without
doubt IL was Hoods intention to attack in
force; that the position oil the Second and Third
BriRadcs was faulty. being without support on
either fiauk that tho Third Brigade, having
been broken the day before, would receive the
frst shock Of battle, and the two brigadcs
would be run over by the enemy or obliged TO
fall back under fire to the works. Upon ro-
porting these facts TO Gen. Wagner. he directed
mo To find Gen. Stanley and report to him what
Col. Lane had said. / found Gon. Stanley, in
company with Gon. Schoield. at tho house Of
DR.. Clife, on tho main street In the town aud
reported tho facts as above after which / re-
turned 10 Gen. Wagner and reported what had
done"
To these reports OF Cox aud Wagner the CON-
manding General gave no heed. He remained
at the house OF DIR. CliIe, where he had heard
the report Of Capt. Whitosidcs, till the thunder
of Hoods guns sounded the signal for the
assanlt. Then he mounted his horse aud, turning
his back on tho aghting, he rode to the fort
across tho river, beyond tho range of every
missile fired, and there remained an mpassve
spectator OF tho tremendous conflict in which
his array vas engaged. While the lives of
hundreds of brave Union soldiers as well as
the safety Of his army ITSELF hung trembling
IN the balance, be WAS waiting for his dinner
aud could not spare "a iow minutes 10 inspect
his line. His neglect 10 heed the reports from
tho front, aud to sec for himself that his battle
line was properly prepared Tor action, has never
been explained 1t never can bs explained.
II IS no pleasant task 10 recount these thankless
truths, bat the memory OF our brave old divis-
ion commander. who was made scape- goat for
tho sins OF his superiors, as we'll As the truth
OF history, demands that they bc told.
Ta h.