The National tribune., 1897-10-28

pared for an assault that might reasonably
be expected IN the morning. We worked
faithfully in mud aud water till near mid
night, feeling that our lives might be the
forfeit if we failed 10 make Our works bullet
proof: and with such an incentive who would
not work?
About midnight we prepared for little
sleep, and those who were able to get piece
OF plank or couple of rails TO keep them
out of the mud were lucky indeed.
Resaca, Ga, May 14.-The night passed
quietly. We got few hours good sleep,
and felt very much refreshed. The troops
from Dalton have arrived, and all are in
good spirits ready to do their duty when
Gen Johnston, in whom we have the utmost
confidence, says the time has come to fight.
Skirmishing all day along the entire line.
On the right several EeFce assaults wers
made and calamity repulsed by our boys.
We have been watching and waiting for an
advance in our front all day, but they don't
seem 10 be inclined 10 repeat the experiment
OF yesterday.
At sunset the artillery opened all along
the line from both sides. II was grand and
terrific For miles 10 the right and left the
cannons belched forth their thunder until 9
o'clock, when gradually they ceased, and
everything became quiet except the con-
linual bang Of the pickets, which was kept
up without intermission all night.
Resaca, Ga, Sunday, May 15.-The Day
of Rest opened bright and beautiful, and
we expected a general engagement would
lake place between the two armies now con-
fronting each other, but were disappointed.
] never saw more enthusiasm among our
soldiers or more eagerness for battle. Gen.
Johnston has infused new life into the army,
and we feel that cow is the time to retrieve
The misfOrtunes which have befallen us in
the past, and If we can meet Sherman Oh
anything like an equal footing we have no
fears of the result. Why NE did moi have
a general battle to-day / have no means OF
knowing, but presume that each commander
is waiting for the other to make the attack.
Several minor engagements took place
during the day. In the forenoon the Yam
KEGS attempted to take possession of the
railroad bridge, and after short but fierce
little battle We drove them off A NUM- Der
of attacks were made on different points OF
our line, which were handsomely repulsed
with considerable loss to the enemy. Late
ia the evening a very determined assault
was made on Steyenson's Division of our
CORPS.
ii was very exciting to those of Tx who
were not engaged, watching line after liae
OF blue as they moved forward with = iidr-
rah, but our boys stood firm, driving them
back al leaving many of them on the field.
We have spent all our leisure tis.e be-
tween fights III strengthening our werks,
working in mud and water from shoe
mouth " TO knee deep. and when night closed
the conflicts of the day we felt hat we were
better prepared to resist the attack which
we hope will he made Tomorrow
after eating supper, which consisted of a
small corn-dodger and piece OF bacon we
lay down to rest, with nothing 20 disturb
| us except the firing OF the p;ckets, which
extended IS far as We could hear, both on
the right and left.
Monday, May 16.-We got TO sleep but Q
! few short hours last night. Al O'Clock We
were reused and formed into line mot line.
of-battle but of retreat to our great surprise
and regret, for we had hoped 10 defeat Sier
| man to-day and drive him back at least to
! tie Tennessee River.
| 1t is reported that We are largely outnum
bered, and IL must be true, Or Gen. Johnston
certainly would have made determined
stand, for he will never have an army in
| better condition OF more eager for the fray
From the best information / can get VIZ
have about $4,000 men, aud the report j:
that Sherman has ut least 100000. II thi,
is correct, Il is better to ia.l back, and W,
| have so much confidence in Old Joe that w,
are willing to be guided by his judgment