The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-07-09
CHAPTER XIV.
THE RIVER OF DEATH.

THE RIVER OF DEATH.
MA ior Bcsant, let me congratulate
you. There is not man in the regi-
mcnt who does not hail your promotion
with pleasure, to say nothing of my
self. who have gained step by your
good luck" cried the jovial Gregory,
grasping Franks hand with an en-
thusiastic energy that made him vince.
But, what do you mean-are you
crazy, JACKIE" was the astonishcd de-
mand.
''Sane as a bench of Judges! The
boys would hear of no mans name but
yours for the vacant post. and I'm glad
to say for once the popular cry was for
the right man in the right place, and
you are second-in-command of the
Fighting Fourth. Won't that be
scrumptious news to write and tell your
sweetheart?'
1T would, indeed. if it were true, but
know you are chatting me-
Chatting you. As if I'd dare to chaff
Il living Major-but here comes the
Colonel. and as he's promised me a
jobation for being late at roll-call, I'll
spare him the pain Of an interview and
skip"
And when Colonel Hopkins, with a
smile Of delight in his honest eyes,
grasped Franks hand and wished him
joy in his preferment, the young sol
der knew that the glorious but i'm
probable news was true.
II can hardly believe it now, SIR" he
e<, ssyILox d., 7 30 IL,
| serve such honor?'
"Your duty, Frank" was the simple
answer.
Not until the leafy month Of June
did Rosecrans assume the aggressive,
presumably because he was deficient in
cavalry, and our young knight fretted
sorcly because he could not use the
spurs he had won so CALAMITY; but the
time ut last arrived when he had no
cause to complain Of inaction.
With sixty thousand men the Union
General advanced against Bragg, now
entrenched at Chattanooga, and sue
ceeded in maneuvering him out of his
position early in September. Rosecrans
extraordinary delay excited universal
criticism, especially after his splendid
record up to that date. Having seized
the city evacuated by the Confederates
and supposing Bragg to be in full re
treat for Alabama, he advanced hi.
whole force after him, but the Southern
commander had been reinforced, and
being assured that Longstrcet's corp.
from Alabama was close at hand, re
solved upon retaking Chattanooga
which, as a military position, was O
vital consequence to either side. Boil
armies had become much scattered ovel
the mountainous region; but on tn,
18th of September they were fairly con
ccntrated upon the banks of the Chicka
manga.or River of Death, twelve mile
from the coveted city.
The battle opened on the 10th, and al
that day there was hot fighting, with NJ
pronounced result. During the nigh
that followed Longstreet'sco corps arrived
and he was given command Of the Con
fcderate left, Polk being assigned t
that of the right, while opposing ther
Thomas led the Union left, and Rose
: Grams in person the right.
On the dawn of the Goth the furiou
: onslaught began. Like a rushing tol
rent Longstreet's men east themselve
, as though each had a hundred live
upon the gallant ranks that Rosecran
led. Again, again. again-each tim
with madden fury, till, yard by yart
5 they drive them back and break the
line. In vain Hopkins and Besar
n ~, -.
The tide of battle is against them an
they can not Withstand is irresistib
, force.
e And who are those two horseme
: galloping at headlong speed from til
extreme right, with their horses heae
e turned toward Chattanooga?
e General Rosecrans and Garfield, h
t chief of staff. What does this mean!
> Colonel Hopkins cried to Frank in ster
dismay as they rested at cross-road
$ to allow their scattered men time
e gather round their standard.
They find the road they are talsin
impracticablc and are coming tn
. way" Besant replied, a., the rider
wheeled their horses and made for tt
Il crossroads.
:. As they reached the spot where Ho
a kins and Frank stood they halted.
r "IIarl,, sir" Garfield said to his s.
e rcrior, and pointing with his sword ,
t the left, whence came the regular firiI
q from Thomas division. ''rhat does n,
sound like a defeat
h Il tell you," was the petulant repl
= lit is a rout-wc are beaten, man; al
am off to Chattanooga to telegraph Il