The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1897-07-08

IOuitu OulO VOL
20 unteers. After
engaging in sew
eral minor battles with his regiment
Colonel Steedman took command of a
brigade in the west and was conspicu-
Gus at Perryville, where he brought up
e-enforcements in mick O. time'' to
save part of the line from complete dis
aster.
Steedman has been given the credit
Of saving Thomas at Chickamauga by
an act Of independent boldness It is
also said that General Gordon Granger,
who commanded the corps in which
Steedman led division, ordered the
movements which brought about the
grand result. give below statement
Endorsed by Steedman, in writing, as
the first and only truthful account Of
the part taken by his division in that
fearful crisis when the fate Of Thomas
hung by u thread. Granger's corps had
been ordered by Rosecrans to hold Ger.
tain positions in the rear of the army
which was fighting at Chickamauga.
To Steedman was assigned the guarding
Of Ringold road and bridge. After Rose
Grams right and center had been de-
stroyed and the sound of battle made it
clear to those at distance that the
whole Confederate force was being
hurled upon Thomas, Steedman an
nounced to his officers and men that he
was about to disobey his orders, burn
the bridge and march at once with his
whole force to the field of BATTLE -
The situation at Chickamauga is we'll
known to every reader and needs no ex-
PLANTATION here beyond the bare state
ment that Thomas on the left was over
whelmed and was sending aids in all
directions to summon help from distant
parts of the field. Steedman put his
command in motion, and after short
march was met by General Granger,
who inquired with much impatience
what he was doing. General Granger,
am going over to the fight that Thomas
is having with the enemy was the
courteous reply. Amazed, as we'll he
might be, and recalled to his proper dig
nifty, Granger said, General, you have
been ordered by General Rosecrans to
hold the Ringold bridge at all hazards,
and it is fearful thing for AL officer to
disobey an order of the commanding
general in the face of the enemy
Whether the language used in the dia-
logue is given literally in the account
Endorsed by Steedman or not is Of no
consequence. The points at issue are
stated clearly, and words of the same
purport must have been used. Steedman
answ cred: "True, General Granger, but
the situation is much changed since the
Issuing Of that order, and if the COM
manding general were here, or knew the
facts, he would certainly change it and
order me to the field. Thomas is fight
ing against large odds. Iffhe can hold
his position without US, he can win a
victory with US. There is no enemy in
our front. We are doing no good here
and are much needed on the field"
Steedman was all impetuous volunteer,
Granger a schooled regular, and the re-
ply OF the latter may be anticipated.
Said he, II know you are right; but,
being with you, I will be censured'
Granger was not unduly cautious or
sensitive tor corps commander, and
doubtless the volunteer general was
from the first aware of the boldness Of
his act from the official point of view.
lie responded with earnestness: mo,
General Granger, you shall not be CEN
sured. This is my movement, and take
the whole responsibility of it, At that
Granger turned his horse to the front,
saying: "You are right anyway, gen.
eral. Carry out your purpose, and will
sustain you" And he rode with him to
the field. Steedman reached the out
skirts of Thomas battlefield after long
march, and the uniforms of his men and
the dropping flags were gray with dust.
Immediate orders were given to Steed-
man to drive the enemy out of a piece
OF timber where the line was in danger.
The men were hardly in motion to charge
the wood when Thomas beckoned Steed-
man to halt and said, II have changed
my mind" Why Thomas so quickly
changed his mind is best explained in
the account which l. have followed thus
Tar and now quote word for word:
"On the extreme right of the crescent line.
Which there faced directly SOUTH the relative
quiet on the ridge told plainly that it had
changed masters and was rapidly changing
occupants The key to the Federal position had
surely been abandoned: for the enemy gain
ing that hill, the whole right of the curve was
at their mercy by an enhlading fire. tho CEN
ter, facing south. and the left, facing north,
exposed to fire directly in the rear a situa-
ton In which no troops can possibly remain.
That vital position should have been held at
all hazards The plainest duty demanded that
to the last man 1t should have been defended. :,
But 1t had been abandoned. It's loss would
nave appalled, one less brave than Thomas
Polntlng toward the hill, he continued, quiet
~, slow ~, 1mpressively, though he recop-
nized terrible blunder, but feared to be un.,
Just: General Negley's command occupied
tnas ridge short time since and why he has
abandoned 1t do not know. Possibly he NAV
have received an order from General Rose
Grams. The enemy are now posting battery
there and will shortly enflade our position
with the fire Of its guns
AT that very instant the flash Of the guns