The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-10-06

watched them file by, with steady grave
eyes. and an occasional calm nod or quiet
greeting to an acquaintance.
The hurrah, the swagger, the noisy effer-
yescence of a few months ago had disap-
peared from men who had learned to know
what battle WIS.
The dripping clouds cleared away as the
200th Ind drew ont into the muddy road,
and let the sun suddenly beam forth in full
Midsummer power. In an instant every
body was reeking with perspiration, painting
for breath, and scorching inwardly and out
wardly.
1t was too much for some who had bravely
maintained their places thus far, and they
had to sink by the roadside.
Every minute of the first hour it seemed
to 81 and Shorty that they could not 90 a rod
farther but at the end of every rod they
made an effort to 90 another, and succeeded.
The sun momentariIy grew more burning,
but also it seemed that every step brought
them nearer the enemy, and the thought
nerved them up to further exertion. Occa-
sional ripping shots from watching parties of
the rebel cavalry helped stimulate them.
Noon PASSED They were so near the
works of Tullahoma, that the collision might
come at any minute could not be postponed
many minutes. The regiments left the
road and went into line-of- battle, stretching
a long wave of blue through the deep green
of the thick forests How far it reached no
one could tell. Occasional glimpses obtained
through the openings i'll the woods showed
miles of length.
Everything was deeply quiet, except oc-
casonal startling crashes from rebel out
posts and the distant booming of cannon on
the left
The 200th Ind. was advancing through a
heavy growth of jack-oaks.
Lines of rebel skirmishers mad occasionally
appeared in front of the regiment fired 4
few shots, and then disappeared. The ease
with which they were driven gave the i'm
preston that they were trying to lead the
regiment into ambush, and it moved slowly
and very watchfully.
At last. as the hot sun was beginning to
sink in the far west the regiment came to
the edge of the young jack-oaks, and saw be-
fore it u sight which thrilled every heart.
There, little distance away, lay the for
midable works guarding Tullahoma. To the
right and left, as far as the eye could reach,
stretched bristling line of abatiS hundreds
of yards wide. and seemingly hopelessly i'm
passable 1t was made OF the young jack
oaks felied outwards and their limbs sharp
ened till they were like thorns.
browning behind this fearsome barrier
were high-rising forts mounted with cannon,
and connected with long sinuOus breast
works. A deep ditch filled with muddy
water ran along the foot of the works.
Squads of rebels could be seen running
back to the shelter of the fortifications
Every man in the regiment gave quick,
involuntary gasp as he saw his work before
him.
The whole of the long line was halted and
carefully dressed by the officers, still speak
ing as softly and kindly as if arranging Il
funeral procession, and the men stepping
into places promptly, and with tender
solemnity of manner. There was none of
the customary rude jostling and impatient
sharpness. 1t was:
You'll have to give away to the left a
little, John; | haven't room"
Come out there, boys, on the right. You're
too far back. :"
Jim, you'd better fall in behind don't
believe you're strong enough TO keep up"
Even the br:iSh young Second Lieutenant
and Abide Camp" seemed impressed with
the intense gravity OF the moment. He came
up to the Colonel, and seeing he was on foot,
respectfully dismounted, saluted, and said,
Colonel, the General presents his COM
plments, and says that the battery is badly
stuck i'll the mud a little ways back. As
we shall need ii very much, lie directs that
you send q company 10 bring it up at once"
Very good, sir, said the Colonel, gravely
returning his salute" and speaking as gently
as at a tea-table. 1t shall be done Capt
McGilcuddy, take your company back and
bring ND the battery ~
Attention. Go. g." suggested rather than
commanded Capt. McGillicuddy. Stack
arms. Corporal KlegaG, you and your squad
remain where you are. You are too tired to
do any good. Right face; file left; for
ward-march."
The Colonel mounted his horse, rode down
to the center of the regiment, and said, in a
tone hardly raised above the converse
tional, but which made itself distinctly
heard by every man:
Fix-bayonets."