The National tribune., 1894-03-01

We aligned ourselves in good position. In
our front darkness reigned supreme, while in
our rear, towards the town, buildings and
bonfires were burning, making it light; we
were thus exposed. The enemy made sew
eral charges, but were repulsed every time.
We remained there until q. m. Aug. 20,
the other regiments being busy destroying
the railroad tracks. We were then ordered
TO quietly withdraw and join the rest of our
column. A few of those in line with us
were so soundly sleeping that in the dark
ness they were left, and awOke later to find
themselves prisoners in Dixie"
To The north Of the town could be heard
the scream of the locomotive whistle and
the rumble of trains bringing troops from
Atlanta.
As we Joined the column we learned we
were en- route for Loveioy Station. At day
light we stopped and fed our horses green
corn, and in all rested 80 minutes, then rode
forward again to the railroad and COM
menced tearing up the track, but were COM
PEELED 10 deslst on account of the presence OF
a superior force We made several attempts
with the same result. Rebels seemed to be in
all directions Our rear-guard was having
lively time, and the advance did not have
a very brilliant prospect, rs rebel troops
p. H., as we were passing through some large
open fields, we found heavy bodies of troops,
with artillery, in our front, with bIeastworks
thrown up In fact, we had gone into horse
shoe at the heel, the circle consisting OF rebel
infantry from Atlanta and the heel being
closed up by the three brigades of cavalry
following u.s. OF course it took some time
to develop the situation.
The notes of Kilpatrck's Bugler called
an assemble. Gen. Murray came riding up,
wondering if possible Fitzpatrick thought
of surrender, and said:
Well, General, what is it?"
KiIps reply was: 1--WE are going to charge
out of this internal hole"
Let me lead the CHARGE" says Murray.
"No," says Gen. fitzpatrick, Il lead this
charge"
Gen. Murray said: I am with you"
And these two brave officers led the 4th
Regulars, the two batteries making it hot
for The cavalry guarding the exit, which was
the point by which we had entered. Three
battle-fagS one battery and division train
we captured and destroyed, besides, which
was best of all, got ourselves out of serious
dilemma.
The 92d Ill. supported the batteries, and
was the last out. The rebels were making
every effort to gobble up some, if they could
not get the whole. We were compelled 10
form in line-of-battle aud stop a column
trying to cut off the battery. A few mo-
menIs' work at the head of that column was
an effective argument in favor of letting us
pass without further molestation.
We reached McDonough, the Countyseat
of Henry County, about 5 o'clock p. NJ.
Heavy clouds were advancing from the
west, and in few minutes the dowDpour
commenced. Co. f, 92i, was ordered to go
to South River, a branch of the Ocmulgee,
and hold bridge until the Command cross
ed. We STOPPED on either side oi the bridge
We had had no sleep for 80 hours so we
dismounted, wrapped The halter-straps to
our wrists, felt our way to a fence and select
ed three rails, leaned them against he fence
at an angle of As degrees, lay ourselves
upon them, covered ourselves with our rub
Der ponchos, and were soon lost in sleep.
Ga the morning OF the 21st of August we
awoke stiff and sore. The command shortly
came up and we renumed our march, having
t. swim UT horses across the Cotton River
which at that time was swift and danger
Gus current some so feet wide. The COM
mand was a long time crossing here We
lost our ammunition-train and one piece of
artillery. OF course. we were all soaking
wet, and as we assembled on the other side
of the river were Notwithstanding set
During this days march | counted Is
horses and their riders sound asleep, rs they
were marching along in file behind one an
other. In the evening we met some people,.
mostly ladies and old gentlemen, in car
riages on their way from church some of
the boys ahead had conf Gated their horses,
and as we passed them they sat in their
carriages very much disgruntled company
of worshipers.
Lithona Station was reached at dark.
The 92d Ill. was put on picket again, and it
rained again all night. Monday morning
We resumed our march. We passed Stone
Mountain, which stands alone, grand and
impressive landmark for miles around
At Decatur the advance had lively
brnsh for little while; then rebels here
left US, and troubled US no more. We
marched until we reached point about
halfway from Decatur TO Atlanta, then
turned due north and found our old brigade,
Gen. Wilder's, encamped-the only Union
camp we had seen for some days. They
had got word that we were coming, and
were hungry and weary; and, noble men
that they were, when we came up they
greeted Us with three hearty cheers, and,
what was better, keitlesful of hot coffee,
fried pork, and bareback.
Thus ended our raid round Atlanta
C. l.. HoLBRooK, Co E, ga Ill, KIpatrIck's
~, IL. \