The National tribune., 1900-10-25

half mile in the rear, unconscious of
danger.
! Hardee's assault was made on johnson
with great impetuOsity and overwhelming
force. 1t found the troops unprepared for
effective resistance, and soon drove them
from the field. The attack fell on Jeff.
G. Dayis's Division, in turn, and it, too,
after stubborn fighting, was obliged to
yield. 1t then came with augmented fury
on Sheridan, but here preparation and ds-
cipline and magnificent leadership inter
posed to save the day. Had Sheridan's
artillery been also abandoned, and his SOL
diers Joined the disorganized mass of fugi-
tives which environed them, nothing could
have averted disaster to the entire army.
But they stood like a granite ledge against
the victorious enemy during the precious
hour needed to rearrange the plan of bat
tie, and the day was won.
Six times the rebels fiercely charged the
unwavering lines and were each time
hurled back with terrific loss, making no
impression. Three times the division
changed front, facing the foe, until its pO-
sition was completely reversed. Finally the
necessary time for ROsecrans's new dis
positions having been gaineds the ammuni-
ton being completely exhausted, and one.
third of the command lying dead or
wounded on the field of their immortal
achievement, Sheridan's Division fell back
slowly and in order, through the dense
cedar thicketS and went to its allotted
place in the new line of battle.
Its work was not yet done. With replen-
ished cartridge-bOXes and n half hour S
rest, the division was hurriedly seat to the
assistance of Woods Division, where il
helped repulse determined attack, fight
ing in open timber and i'll railroad cut,
and suffering more heavy losses.
Thus in various parts of the field and
in most critical emergencies Sheridans
II.
everywhere its gallant commander, by the
inspiration of his presence, by his coolness
and intrepidity, had won a new title to
their confidence and devotion.
At about ) o'clock in the afternoon, af-
ter eight hours practically continuous
service on the firing line, the division was
withdrawn from the Immediate front by
order of Gen. ROsecrans, and ordered to
prepare for making desperate charge
which he had then in contemplation to re-
cover some vital point of the field. The
charge was not made, but much needed
rest was gained by the weary troops who,
as it turned out, had done their last seri-
Gus fighting during the battle.
AT o'clock in the afternoon, while we
were thus lying in reserve, my left hand
was shattered by a rebel mimic ball, and l
retired to the nearest field hospital to Sc
cure the necessary surgical attendance.
Ny active service with the regiment and
with that army then ceased. For three
DAYS and nights ! lay upon the battlefield
amid the thousands of dead and wound
ed, while at intervals the conflict which
was to decide our fate ragged in different
directions Finally, on Sunday, Jan. 3,
Bragg retreated from Murfreesb0ro, leav-
ing Rosecrans master of the field, and on
the same day l was sent back TO hospital
in Nashville.
My promotion to the rank Of Adjutant
was made Immediately after the battle,
but as it was contingent on the promotion
of the former .Adjutant 10 be Major, which
latter was successfully resisted by some
of the Captains, my commission did not
come. After some delay awaiting this de-
cision ! was discharged as an enlisted
man.
My wound did not heal for nearly 10
months, and at the first opportunity there
after / rc-entered the service, having
raised company of young men, who elect
ed me Captain. My second tour of duty
was with another army, but relatives and
friends were numerous in the old regl-
ment, and / naturally watched their sub
sequent adventures with unfagging inter-
est.
Sheridan's total force engaged at Stone
River was 4, 154 and his loss in killed,
wounded and captured was ,G33, or about
40 per cent. Among the killed were four
brigade commanders. His splendid con-
duct in the battle was mentioned by his
superior officers, and resulted in his pro-
motion to the rank of Major General of
Volunteers to date from Dec. 81, 1862, the
principal day of the engagement.
SHERIDAN AT CHICkA AMAUGA.
The ensuing six months were occupied
with various expeditions and operations
of the Army Of the Cumberland, with
headquarters at Murfreesboro. After that
interval began tue march toward Chatta-