The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-09-03

ported that the Federals had broken
over the strong works in the angle and
were pouring to the rear unoppoSed
Evans faced his men toward the firing
and advanced on the general principal
of seeking the thick of it in battle
Gordon saw the bold initiative of his
subordinate and told him to go ahead
double quick. Evans rode in front and
led his men on charge which checked
Hancock's advance at that point.
Holding his ground, Evans waited I'M
til Gordon formed the rest of the di-
vision, and in one grand charge the
base of the angle was cleared of blue
coats. 1t was that stroke. led by
Georgians-for Gordon Evans and the
other brigade leader, Phil Cook. were
all Georgia soldiers-which saved the
angle that day, and the angle was the
stronghold of Lees line. 1t is said that
Lee went to the front and wanted to
lead the Georgians in person at that
time, but was induced to go back out
of the firing and leave the cause to
others. Evans brigade lost half it's
numbers, and both he and Gordon were
promoted for their gallantry.
Gordon's division decided the battle
of Monocacy. Md, in July, 1854, by one
OF the most brilliant flank attacks on
record. The march of Gen. Early's
raiding column toward Washington
was stopped at the Monocacy river by
vigilant and active force under Lew
Wallace. Early outnumbered Wallace,
but the latter posted his troops and
cannon in excellent positions at the
bridges, to prevent the enemy crossing.
Gordon led his men across by a ford
below the Federal position and march
ed up the bank, giving Evans brigade
the post of honor to begin the fight
ing. The moment the column showed
itself in front of the wood where it
formed, Wallace's men opened upon
it with singing volleys, having a clear
range as the men in gray advanced
across the plain. Evans rode in front
of the colors, accompanied by Cant.
Eugene Gordon, his chief aid-de-camp
Capt. Gordon was the brother Of Geu.
Gordon, and like him, a gallant soldier.
Evans confided his orders and plans to
his aid, and luckily, for at almost the
first volley he was shot from his horse
while cheering on the men. At the fall
of his chief Capt. Gordon notified the
senior colonel Of the brigade and re-
sumed his place in the advance.
The fire proved exceedingly hot at
that juncture, and several officers fell,
causing a check to the march. The
brave captain again rode up and down
the ranks urging the soldiers to avenge
their fallen leader. Wallace's first line
had already given way Evans men
rushed upon the second with renewed
spirit and swept it from the field In
spite of his terrible wound-a bullet
through the body-Gen. Evans moved
with the army to Washington to wit
ness the demonstration against the
capital.
After the return Of Early to the
Shenandoah valley Evans was disabled
for months and did not take part in
the fighting of his brigade at Opequon
and Cedar Creek. The brilliant night
attack on Forts Steadman and Haskell,
in front of Petersburg, March rs, 1865,
was his next battle. Gordon at that
time commanded the corps, which had
formerly been Stonewall Jackson's.
Evans led Gordon's division. His men
surprised Fort Steadman before day
light and poured over the breastworks
in numbers, which swept away the gar
rison. Guns were turned upon Fort
Haskell and the adjoining works. After
entering the gap at Steadman, Evans
men turned to the right and marched
aiong the works toward Fort Haskell,
intending to roll up the Federal line