The National tribune., 1895-09-05


were
RUMoRs OF A CHARGE
on the rebel works. The troops were
moved forward as they had been for the
two preceding days, the only difference
to our regiment being that we Were
moved into a ravine a little TO the right
of where we had been stationed.
We formed in close column by divis-
ion, left in front, and then our old
Colonel made us a speech. He stated
that of I 0 o'clock sharp a general charge
was to be made by the whole army
that the signal was to be the firing of a
single heavy gun near the center of our
line; that after carrying the works we
were to deploy into line and
FIGHT OUR WAY
into the town. We were ordered to
shoulder arms, right face, and then we
moved out from behind the protecting
bank and into another ravine connect
ING with the one we had lately occupied.
This latter ravine was 200 wards in
width, nearly level in the bottom, and
clear of obstructions. This larger ra-
vine is formed by the uniting of two
smaller ones, and It's trend was about
north and south. OF the smaller valleys,
one came in from nearly due west and
the other came In from little east Of
north.
From the junction of these two ra-
vines the ground had gradual slope
to the north for perhaps go yards, and
here, at an elevation Of % feet above
the level Of the valley, was well-built
redoubt, or earthwork, in which were two
feld-pieces, about 24-pounders. This
redoubt was at the point where the works
made the westerly bend toward the
river, and
COMMANDED THE ENTIRE SLOPE
above the junction of the two smaller
rayines, as well as the entire length of
the middle part Of the large ravine, be-
low the junction.
After running west for some distance,
perhaps quarter of a mile, the line Of
rebel works bore off to the south, so
that the slope from the Junction of the
ravines to the works and redoubt ON the
north could he subjected to an enflad-
ing or cross-fre from a great portion Of
the line.
This was the situation, and this was
the valley of the shadow into which we
were ordered. Not one regiment alone
went into that valley, for as We came
out then moved up toward the enemy's /
works, we were the hindmost Of four or
FIVE regiments.
Here were the 42d Ohio, 49th Ind,
69th Ind, 22d KY, and perhaps other
organizations, in a compact and solid
mass
As the head of the column reaches
the junction Of the ravines and begins
the ascent Of. the slope, the two field
pieces in the fort belch forth death and
destruction, while hundreds Of rifles in
the hands Of well-trafned Southern sol
diers. protected in part by their bitches
and earthworks, send down their leaden
shower upon the devoted heads of the
boys from the North.
THE DIS AND CONFUSION
is something appalling. The air seems
to be filed with death-dealing missiles.
Shells 90 shrieking overhead, grape-shot !
and canister swirring and splashing,
while minie-balls with vicious zip and
hiss add their full share to the general
commotion and bear death or grievous
hurt to many Union soldier.
We move on, and amid all the
din and confusion, and rising high
above the roar Of the battle, can be heard
the voices Of the brave boys of the 69th
Ind. singing:
well rally round the flag, boys"
They march steadily forward up the
slope and toward the active and ener-
getic enemy, who appears at this time TO
be having everything pretty much his
own way.
The head Of the column is now con-
siderable distance up the slope, and our
regiment, in the rear, has Just reached
the junction Of the ravines. Our Colo
mel has been wounded, shot through the
mouth and down through the shoulder,
while bravely in front and leading bis
men. Others in the regiment have been
struck; the fire in front and the cross
fire from the left upon the head Of the
column has proved more than men could
bear, and orders are given for all to halt
and lie down. To those farther in front ,
some inequalities in the ground afford
some protection, but at the point where |
we lie no shelter is afforded, and men are
killed in the ranks while living fat.
Until the column was halted, and for
q short time thereafter, the guns in the
fort DO great deal Of injury. but the
Esd Iowa come in far up to our right,
charge into the fort,
DRIVE OUT THE GUYyERs.
and capture some prisoners. Unfortu-
nately they are not able to retain posses
sion Of the fort, but having planted their
colors on the angle of the bastion, they
withdraw short distance down the
slope, and from there keep up such fire
upon the fort and into the elnbrasitres