The National tribune., 1901-01-17

At dark the Quartermaster brought up
rations, and as soon as they were issued
we went on picket. There were two regi-
ments of US, and we entered the thick
woods and advanced about half a mile. II
was bright moonlight, and we went saun-
tering through the woods, reminding one
of coon-hunting. By o'clock we estab-
lished our line, and then in the rear some
what we had a reserve, where we made
beds and prepared to sleep.
At - o'clock orders came to gather up
the men at once, as our division was or,
dered to move up Chickamauga Creek,
and in half an hour we were on the way,
moving rapidly, to keep warm In the clear,
frosty air. We marched up the river four
miles, through cornfields, weeds and
bushes, until o'clock. At daylight we
the most Interesting we ever engaged in.
We followed little stream that led from
the river and took up over the ridge.
1t was now whispered around that we
were in pursuit of the rebels. We were
all In glorious spirits, and / don't thinl;
the men were ever in better condition for
marching. The weather was fine, the
roads good, and to add to our feelings we
learned that our army had taken Mission
Ridge, many guns and that the whole
rebel army was in retreat. With this 10
inspire us we pushed on rapidly, deter
mined to give the enemy no time TO get
away. We soon came to their camps,
shanties and shelter, with fires burning
and corn and rations scattered about. On
the highest hill near by were great forti-
fcations, and large force Of the enemy
had Just left them.
We pushed on a mile or so, and came
to a halt. Our whole division-21 regi-
ments-stopped together in a solid column.
Gen. Howard and staff came riding up,
and there was a consultation among the
commanders. 1t was generally believed
that the rebs were on the retreat, and
it was our business to drive and capture
everything before US. We pushed on, and
soon picked up struggling reb. He told
US their army was leaving, and, being I'M
able to keep up, he fell behind. Soon n
few shots were fired by our skirmshers,
who got sight of them. Stopping a short
time, the First Brigade was thrown out
In line of battle, ours next and then Nc
Cooks; these three formed Jeff G.. Davis
Division, and behind us was the whole
Eleventh Corps.
DRIVING THE ENEMY.
We advanced, and soon came to the
railroad, where the road branches, one to
Knoxville and the other to Atlanta. Here
we found extensive Notifications and com
missary buildings filled with sacks OF
shelled corn. Our batteries commenced
Smelling the woods in front, and at the
same time the columns advanced through
the heavy timber. A mile of this ia
tguing work brings US to an open space,
where we view a grand scene.
Half a mile In front the First Brigade
is advancing in long lines of battle, with
the enemy posted in the edge of the wood
beyond. Our men keep a steady line and
soon the firing commences; the men never
finch, but start on a charge, yelling like
Indians. The rebs break and run, our
artillery pouring shells into them, and
then this little episode is over. The First
Brigade enters the woods, and we remain
drawn up in line of battle.
At this time went to where the Gen
erals were, DESTROYS of getting the news
from Mission Ridge. We could now see
the Ridge from its rear, all covered with
huts and quarters of the rebel army. With
a glass troops could be seen In line, but
all facing Chattanooga. Heavy firing was
going on in Chattanooga, and Gen. How
ard wanted to know what Ii was. None
was certain that the Ridge was ours, but
as we could get no signals 1t was thought
it might yet be In the possession Of the
rebels. At this time our cavalry brought
in some prisoners, who told US that they
(the rebels had left Mission Ridge, with
all their artillery, and that Bragg was On
the run. We were all right now, and
ready to push ahead.
Gen. Sherman and staff came riding up,
and asked for Gen. Davis. They went
off at a gallop and We followed. Firing
was again heard In front. The rebels
were burning their storehouses at Chicka-
manga Station, and we saw huge volumes
of smoke rising. We advanced in line.
the Third Brigade following, each regi,
ment with colors flying, and we moved on
in as perfect order as II on drill, and after
a few miles march came to Chickamauga
Station. Here was the greatest destruc-
ton Of stores l ever saw. It IL the place
from which the rebel army has been sup
piled. Hundreds Of barrels, boxes and
rice tierces were laying around filled with
crackers; three large warehouses were
burning, all 6lled with cornmeal and
bacon; sugar and molasses were In
abundance In other buildings, and our
men went In for rations. After q stop Of