Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1892-11-24

tdlu man DelOre MIN. his commence
in tactics was boundless, with some.
thing of contempt for military opinion
not thence derived. He replied to Mil.
Ter that it was impossible to act in such
storm; moreover, it was unmilitary-
against the best rules of strategy.
Miller urged, with increasing warmth,
that while he did not pretend to know
much about the technical rules of war,
he did know this-that a daylight, the
enemy would be in a demoralized con-
dition; that on the morrow they would
probably have to fight; instead of wait
ing an attack, it was best to make it, as
favorably opportunity now presented
itself, with every prospect of success.
He added: "There is not mile between
this and Greeneville that is not familiar
to some man in our command"
Gillem bluntly responded, he would
probably be cOurt-martialed by his su-
periors if he undertook such fool
headed expedition; it was full of haz-
ard; he had information that the enemy
greatly outnumbered his own troops.
Miller continued to press for immed-
ate action, and urged the feasibility of
his plan, saying that if blame came of
it, he would take it on his own shoulders;
he would proclaim himself responsible,
and in case of court-martial would
ask that he Miller, and not Gillem,
should be tried. Gillem was still un-
moved, and refused. Miller then re-
minded him that he was his (Gillem 's)
superior by commission, and while Gil
lem wasin command, it was simply by
favor, both were Colonels of regiments;
that he had been detailed on Gov. John
son s staff and sent up to this command
because of his West Point experience;
that his nomination for Brigdiear- Gen.
eral had been once rejected by the Sem
ate, and though his nomination had
been again sent to the Senate, he had
not been confirmed.
Miller then demand that he should
be allowed to undertake the expedition
with his own regiment, reaffirming that
such an opportunity as now presented
itself should not be allowed to pass un-
improved.
This squirt of hot feeling mollified the
situation. Gillem finally yielded, say
ing that he would give his consent un-
der the conditions proposed, as Miller
seemed bent upon it, and moreover, was
familiar with the country and
the roads. Then, verbally, he put Mil
Ter in charge of the expedition. Miller
summoned his officers, explained his
Plan, which ssimply to reach. Greene
vile, iS miles distant, just at daylight,
and attack the enemy at dawn in their
camps. Coils. Ingerton and Brownlow
warmly concurred in the movement
Miller ordered his Captains to select the
best men and the best horses, and to
wake the men 80 quietly that those left
behind would not be aware of what was
taking place, and promptly at 12 clock
they would set out.
THE MIDNIGHT RIDE.
AT midnight the rain still fell in tor
rents, but the men were up and the best
horses saddled SO quietly as not to awake
those that were left behind. Lieut.
Col. William H. Ingerton was put in
charge of Col. Miller's own regiment,
the 18th Tenn. Cav. Lieat. Col. John
B.Brownlow commanded the 9th Tenn,
and was the only field officer with his
regiment. Maj. Newell was in charge
of skeleton battalion of the 10th Mich.
Cav. Lieut.. Patterson commanded one
section of the Tennessee Light Artillery
two pieces. Before starting Col. Gil
lem sent for Miller, and again protested
that the movement was unmilitary.
Miller was in the saddle, and the order
was not countermanded. The storm
was the best friends of the midnight
riders. Trusty guides were placed in
advance, but the lightning played along
the ground so as to enable them TO pick
their way forward. The crisp descrip-
ton of Col. Brownlow is graphic:
The night was very dark and the
rain fell in sheets; so dark that you
could not tell by sight the man next to
you. Col. Gillem, yself, and the Sur
geon of my regiment, DR.. A. E. Duncan,
rode abreast. There was no light or
frolicsome conversation. Rain and
gust had it all their own way; the
lightning played along the ground and
showed us where to go. Col. Gillem
spoke very discouragingly; he said il
was a wild goose chase; that Mil
Ter was responsible for it-really in
command of the brigade. suggested
to him that the men might overheal
the conversation, and the tone was low.
cred. We had between 1,1OO and 1,2O(
men. The enemy's picket were caught
sleeping on the outpost. The last few
miles before reaching Greeneville VIC
passed in gallop, the road being
good"
BY previous order of Col. Miller, Col.
Ingerton and the 18th regiment turned
off on circuitous road, and was di
rected to get in behind Greeneville, on
a ridge
IN THE REAR OF THE ENEMY;
to hold this position without firing un.
g.. -