The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1898-07-12

after time it was attempted, but the
bbfHed troopers went back again. As
they spread out upon our TANKS our
own line was stretched out more and
more TO meet them. At last, about
i've O'Clock, taking advantage Of q
momeDtarY lull in the attack, General
Wheeler, with the exception of Rus
sells Fourth Alabama Regiment, with
drew the troops and ordered them TO
retire as rapidly as possible to the
bridge and cross the river; 300 of US
were left under command OF Colonel
A. A. Russell, with orders to stay TN
tl they rode us down, in the hope that
this catastrophe would be delayed long
enough to permit General Wheeler to
clear the bridge in our rear. I did not
understand this movement at the time,
but have learned since from General
Wheeler that it was only then that
the last wagon had passed across Duck
River, and he felt now that he could
save at least a portion OF his troops on
the field by a rapid retreat. We were
told, when we were beaten, to make
our way, every man for himself as best
he could. Before the Federal cavalry
realized what had been done he was
gone at full speed, and, reaching the
bridge, had the troops and artillery
which accompanied him safe on the
southern bank. But before all this
was accomplished the lightning had
struck u little forlorn hope. The
Seventh Pennsylvania and Fourth
United States Regulars rode out and
over us in the most brilliant cavalry
mano9Ivre the writer eve witnessed.
They formed, and were in view for at
least a halt mile before they came
within firing distance. On either side
of the highway, II columns Of tours,
they advanced at a steady gallop until
they passed into the opening in the
line of earthworks through which the
main road led, some two or three hun
dred yards in our advance. As soon
as they reached this point inside the
works, still on the full run, they de-
ployed from columns of tours into line
Of battle, like the opening OF a huge
fan. The movement was made with
as much precision as If it had been
done in an open plain, on dress parade,
or in some exhibition Of discipline and
drill. Huddled there as we we're,
knowing what fate was impending, we
could not refrain from expressing our
admiration not only of the courage
(which they we're displaying, but Of
the marvellous precision in the change
of formation. Our orders were C
stand until they approached within
fifty yards, when we were TO empty
our riff %, draw our pistols, and ther
'sauve qui peut.' The Union troop
ers, with sabres high in the air, made
no sound whatever beyond the rum
bling tattoo which their horses hcofE
played upon the ground It was only
a short space Of time. probably the
fraction OF q minute, until they were
so near that we could distinguish their
faces, and, in fact, their individual
features. Levelling our guns at them
we fired our final volley, and by the
time our horses heads were faced te
the rear they, coming at full speed.
were upon US. In an incredibly short
space Of time the writer found himself
on the ground and well in the rear Of
the charging line. No more gallant
work was aver done by any troops
than was done on this day by the Sew
enth Pennsylvania and: the Fourth
Regulars. Meanwhile, G N. Wheeler,
who had safely crossed the river, wal
in the act OF firing this structure, wher
a member Of General Forests staff.
Mej n Rambaut, reported to him thai
Forrest, with two brigades, was within
two miles Of Shelbyville and advancing
rapidly to cross. Realizing the danger
which threatened Forrest, Wheeler
notwithstanding the Federals were ir
strong force in the suburbs Of Shelby
vile and advancing into town, taking
with him two pieces of artillery and
500 meD of Martins division, with this
officer, hastily r~ecrossed TO the NORTH
side in order to hold the bridge and
save Forrest from disaster. The guns
were hastily thrown into position, bat
the charges had scarcely been rammed
home, when the Union troops came IL
full sweep down the main street
When within a few PAGES of the muz
zles of the guns they were discharged
il fl citing, however, Insignificant loss
With their small force of 500 men Gsn
erals Wheeler and Martin stood up al
best they could under the pressure o
this charge. They held their GROUND
nnnfnlIu 40 the cavalry rnda throupE