The National tribune., 1900-06-07

Eli A - y a y a
sun were destined to be handicapped by
many more.
While the fight was going on a fire broke
out in stable, think, but whether it was
the result of accident or design | never
knew. The ConfederateS were very sorry,
as the citizens We're friendly to us. The
flames were not subdued until nearly all
the business houses and q number of other
valuable buildings had been consumed.
The citizens were too badly demoraliZed
to do much, and the Confederates did not
have time, as they almost Immediately
had to fight another battle.
During the fight we observed number
Of the Federals running from the town
down the river, apparently endeavoring to
escape by way of kellar's Bridge, a mile
below town.
Col. Ed. Trimble was ordered to the
bridge to cut off retreat by that route.
While our men were scattered about
town, partaking Of the hospitality of the
citizens generous, although their town
was burning down-Col. Trimble sent in
a courier from Kcllar's Bridge, announcing
that he had met strong force OF Federals
whom he was powerieSS to hold in check.
Giltner quickly withdraw his brigade from
the town and double-quicked it to Trimbie's
support. The 4th Ky, led by Col. Pryor,
went by way of the Fair Grounds, and the
line OF battle was soon formed-Chenowith
and Trimble on the right, Clay's battalion,
commanded by Holiday, and Johnson's
battalion. commanded by jackson, in the
center, and the 4th KY. on the left. 1t was
then about . O'Clock. The Federals, in
gallant array, moved upon us, through
open fields; their line was about as long as
ours, but with heavy reserves behind. 1t
was pretty cerulean picture, but we did
not remain in our position to admire the
| imposing line of blue. With a YELL our
| line charged and drove them back and down
the slopes to the bluffs of the Licking
| River, where they reinforced their line,
and made a stubborn stand. The fighting
was close and deadly; the enemy plainly
outnumbered us two 10 one, if not more.
! Their evoiutlonS and steadiness under the
/ calling fire OF our unerring rifiemen indl-
Gated that they were brave, disciplined
/ troops, commanded by a gallant and trained
officer.
The fighting became most desperate.
/ On the slope | saw Jesse Falls, of the 4th
1 KY, stretched on his back, his feet to the
| foe, his face ghastly pale in death Lieut..
! Parker Dean, of SCOTS company, was also
killed. Six Of Clay's battalion fell side
| by side. Maj. Diamond lost a brother
! There were many others killed and wound
ed, whose names cannot now recall.
Our men marched desperately up TO the
blue line, and at 'pointblank range" poured
a deadly fire into the compact ranks of the
brave federals. That being more than
lIl'S cOluh tiiIuEe, lile enemy lell DacE JtlSt
beyond deep railroad cut, in a bend OF the
river, an extraordinarily strong position.
the river encircling them like a crescent
the railroad cut in their front While ad:
vancing upon this new stronghold we
passed over at least 50 of their dead and
wounded: The situation now looked de-
cidedly blue" The 4th KY, the largest
regiment, was out of ammunition, and the
greater part of it had to be withdrawn,
Then we undertook TO play bluff" game
The 4th KY. mounted their horses, and
with empty guns, in plain view of the enemy,
went through eyolutions and made demon
strauonS TO impress the Federals with the
belief that we were about TO execute a grand
coup dc main.
Where was Gen. Morgan? Where was
the Second Brigade? Since moving out OF
the town we had neither seen nor heard OF
longing for Grouchy-for Morgan. We
suspected, however, that he was manuver-
ling to fall upon the enemy at another point,
probably in the rear. We fervently hoped
that his coming would not be long delayed,
and, as the sequel proved, he did come in
expectedly.
Chenowith, johnson, Holiday and
Irimble gallantly and persstentIy CON
tinued to fight, and being unable TO cross the
railroad the they fought across 1t at close
range. The enemy, with fixed bayonets.
attempted to charge them, but were re,
pulsed again and again.
Courier after courier was sent to Gen.
Morgan, advising him of our desperate
situation; that we were fighting a largely
superior force Of gallant troops, who were
evidently commanded by sensible and
trained officer; that the 4th KY, being out
Of ammunition, had withdrawn, and that
the remaining battalions, reduced TO about
25O fighting men, were also rapidly ex.
hausting the contents Of their cartridge
boxes while desperately holding the grim
determined enemy at bay. We knew
Morgan would come. But when? Would
he come too later