Evening star., 1901-02-23

sweeping the foe from the range to the
west We're of the Army of the Potomac,
with the glory of Gettysburg agleam on
their banners. Those who were storming
southwark at the range to the east were
of the Army of the TenneSsee-yictors of
Donelson and NickSburg, and here in the
plain, facing full front on Bragg's chal-
longing center, gazing alOft on d line OF
heights Dristling with guns in battery.
scanned with intrenchmentS, crowned from
north to south with the blue barred, blood
red battle flags of the south-here were
men of the same brain and Drawn and
lineage begging only for opportunity to
show their mettle, and yet being unac-
countably held in leash. black rumOr
was going the rounds that Grant had writ
ten TO Sherman, or said to somebody, that
these men of Thomas were so demoral-
lied by Chickamauga that they couldn't
be got out of their trenches" to fight. Yet
here they were well out of the trenches.
There was the foe Haunting his flags in
their very faces. What mattered it that
the heights were heavily held and forti-
fed-that fifty guns were trained upon
them-that 10000 veterans with steady
nerves and vengeful eyes lined those ugly
red parapets from right to left? The men
of the Cumberland cursed the very skrmish
line that covered their front, and clamored
for the word to go ahead and finish what
they had SO well begun. Ever since Mon
Gay afternoon. when they held that bogus
review, and in sudden dash had driven the
foe from Orchard Knob and his foremost
line of rifle pits, had they OF the center
Thomas own men. been compelled to hang
fire. as it were, to watch each successive
and triumphant sweep of Hooker from the
right and rear, to listen to Sherman volley-
ing far out to their left front, and to di-
gest in rising wrath the bitter things said
of them by fellows who had never seen
them fight, being occupied with easier
propositions elsewhere in the field. All day
of the 24th-Tuesday-whleS Sherman ham
mered unavaiingly at Funeral Hill, these
men, so little understood by the strangers
in high command. watched, waited and
marveled Obedient to the restraining
orders, they had halted at the captured
works. even though the enemy was In full
flight for the srefuge of his second line at
the foot of the ridge. and even as they
madly cheered the advance of Hooker
when. sharp and clear. Wednesday morning
came all along their eager, murmuring
front, the word was going from man to
man, No stop next time boys" And the
grim. silent soldier waiting there on Orch
ard Knob in stolid patience for the on
ward sweep of his own old favorite Sher-
mana sweep that seemed unaccountaby
delayed-turned at last to that equally
silent subordinate, the man who so Loyalty
served his country and the successive Off
GERS appointed over him. no matter how
they might differ in mold manner, and
gave the long withheld consent for the men
of the Cumberland to go In.
1t was then long after noon. Hooker
was far out up the valley, heading for
Rossville Gap, but halted at the swollen
creek. Sherman was still far over toward
the Tennessee. his fighting divisions held
by the splendid stand of the men in gray
Grant, impassive. yet displeased, had
thought to see that stern resistance ended
by Hooker's dash at the southern left and
rear. But. never needing what was doing
elsewhere. Hardee still saYagely opposed,
and Sherman stormed in vain. The day
was going by without decisive result. 1t
was now the turn of the men $50 demoral-
a al1po hot fhau dr,st
come out of their trenches
swift flew the aids to the division COM
mander. Swift went the word along the
chafing. curbing ranks, and men took q
rolled blankets and a glance right and left
as they sprang into line. Six guns from
the knob-quick throbbing like a frigate's
salnte-would be the signal for the ad-
Just at $3.50, you could hear the clenching
of teeth in Sheridan's lines and the low
muttered. Now, by G.. let's show 'em!'
Quick as followed the five. they couldn't
fourth report some bugler sounded "Skir-
mishers, forward" and the doubled rank
sprang to its feet and started. Second in
line from the right, Sherfdans eager divi-
sion got wind of the signal. their little
chief burning with impatience and hitching
forward In saddle as was his wont when
mad to push out In the lead. All along
the battalion fronts, all along the reserves
were moving-not in prayer-only in count
ing those rhythmic. fateful shots Then,
eyes to the front. touch to the center. guide
on the colors, silent but with a storm of
pent-up vim and zeal and soldier wrath
straining at every breast. up rose the divi-
sion and away 1t swept across the east
ward field. On their right. almost aligned.
trudged the brigades Of Johnson: on their
left their old comrades of Woods three
brigades; farther still the lines OF Baird
four fine divisions. enyious OF the opportu.