Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-31

particularly was this the case in the CEN
tire and on the left Of the line as it neared
the river.
Under such hlndrances and embarrass-
mcnts The little band OF skrmishers
moved forward 20 hunt the enemy far
IN advance OF the main army that lay
back towards the turnpike awaiting in
formation as 10 where the Federal forces
We're to be found.
THE ENEMY IN FORCE.
Just before sunset. as the skirmish line
approached the river and the Hewlett
House line OF entertainments. that had
been recently evacuated by General
Beauregard5 forces, the enemy were
found IN force. They had advanced some
little distance over the Confederate
works. and had located themselves a few
hundred yards Ia front OF them, and most
OF the troops had stacked arms, and many
were iu reclining and careless POSI-
ton-not expecting an attack.
an" Confederate reconnaissance had up
10 this Time been 30 successfully executed
that no discovery had been made by the
Fedcrals that the C0nfederates were upon
them. When this was accomplished and
halt made Colonel Morrison passed to
Tie LETT Of the line and interviewed Cap,
tain HuLsn, whose line rested on the
river, 20 know II his LETT flank vas safe
from surprise. II was then near sunset.
Tho main line Of COrse's Brigade was
nearly " not quite a mile away I'm the
rear. Before communication could b. had
with General Corse IL would be dark,
ana the Federal forces could I'm all prOOa-
bility discover the Confederate position
and attack 1t. our force was weak and
FAR from support. The other force was
strong and close "A hiram
While Colonel Morrison ana Captain
Hudgin were in conference as 70 what
should be done many Of the officers and
men lmIortunei them 70 make an 'imme-
date attack. The sun was dropping be-
hind the hills. 1t was too late 10 get
support from the rear: besides 1t would
take strong force a long time TO move
in line Of battle through tho woods over
broken ground to the point Of attack.
There was no time for long dellberatlon.
Any moment the Confederate position
might be discovered and preparations
made not only TO repel an assault, but
10 completely oyerWhelm and gobble up
the little army OF observation"
\ DESPERATE DASH.
Under all the circumstances II was
thought best by Colonel Morrison and
Captain Hudgin % 80 forward and make
a bold and aggressive movement before
discovery was made OF MorrisOn's posi-
ton and 10 take the chances OF success
despite existing orders. II was despe-
rate dash against desperate odds: It was
Il rush for victory against orders; u
was a era h FOR country regardless OF
censure or consequences.
Quickly the word went down the line
Prepare for fight" A moment more the
.l...l Ill -
followed by the rafting roll Of muslletry
Morrison. Hudgin, and the brave officers
of the Fifteenth Regiment led the charge
and for fifteen or twenty minutes the bat
tie RACED.
Thin woods and open fields lay between
tho assailants and the breastworks a dis
tance OF some 600 or coo yards, so that II
tire Federals sheltered behind the fortlh-
cations in their rear almost certain de-
struction awaited the thin and slender
line Of Confederates that ventured 10 at
tack a fun line OF battle, though the
former. II is true, were unprepared for at
4 OK.
AS the men rushed forward TO the as
ssllt IL was indeed moment OF intense
and awful anxiety.
VIII the Federals fee behind their own
breastworks about half a mile away OF
VIII tut1 EdiAg bliAiAa NAN COAAF%NAe1N
works in their immediate rear and stay
the sklrmish-llne as IL advances? The
latter seemed most reasonable and ra-
tional. because they had numbers and
arms and position 10 secure success. Cool
courage on the part OF the Federals would
have enabled them 10 kill and capture
every man In Morrison's command.
There was no time for timid men 10
ttirk 1t was short. sharp, and decisive
work. The enemy was surprised and de-
moralized at such desperate venture.
FLED IN CONFUSION.
They fired a yolley as a parting shot,
but they fed in confusion. The boys In
gray rushed after them ike demons and
drove them over the works, across the
fields, and back into the Butler fertifisa-
tons az Bermuda Hundreds.
BY twilight Morrison and Hudgir
walked the heavy earthworks in apparent
serenity, bat with profoundly anxious
hearts and apprehenstops. Teey knew
they had only thin line Of skirrnishers
10 guard tLis important strategic position
- The men were posted at long interval.
In the trenches, and few pIcxets placed
In front OF and on top Of The works to
prevent surprise and disaster.
Men and officers saw and appreciated at
a glance the great advantage gained by
speortnzs uovrxsAA sd tsssy reDNed