The National tribune., 1901-05-30

the next day, making a circuit around
the north side of Atlanta. and came to a
halt on the west side of the doomed city
This move brought US to the right flank
of Sherman's army, where we again took
position. Skirmishing commenced imme-
diately upon going into position, and be-
tween that and throwing up breastworks
we managed to pass the day and succeed
ing night.
Early the morning of July % we moved
forward to a new position, and then en-
gagged in throwing up n new line of works.
About 10 o'clock the enemy made a
furious assault upon the Fifteenth Corps,
but were handsomely repulsed with great
loss.
BATTLE OF EZRA CHURCH.
In this engagement, which was known
as the battle of Ezra Church, only part
Of Leggett's command was engaged, our
brigade being held in reserve under orders
to be ready TO move any moment. Lo-
gan's Fifteenth Corps, however, proved
to be more than a match for the flower
Of Hoods army; therefore, we were not
called into action.
During the succeeding days we changed
our position in the line a number of times,
the object being TO get little closer to
the enemy.
One morning We were ordered to pick
up our worldly goods and move to the
right through a belt of timber and take
q new position. 1t was a very dark night
when we made this change, but the enemy
seemed to know of II, as they treated us
to a lively shower of shot and shell at
short range, which made us feel little
more uneasy than when in the works we
had left
In some way the idea got out that we
had better move back from such close
proximity to eternity. The idea was acted
ha- ~
gait to the rear. Directly in our rear was
an abrupt decline of about six feet, and
a number Of our comrades walked over
this bank.
That little bank proved to be q friend
worth more TO us than riches, as it pro
tectcd US from a storm Of iron hail sweep.
ing over our heads and telling trees
all around US.
Early July 30 our division was ordered
to move about two miles, and fill up q
gap OH tho flank of the Fifteenth Corps
Soon after changing our position a spirit
ed engagement took place, lasting about
one hour, after which everything became
quiet save 4 scattering fire along the
picket line.
Sunday, July 81, spirit of Cancellation
seemed TO peryade the men all along the
line; cornet bands were entertaining eacl
other with many choice selections, which
came to us mellowed by the distance, anC
thus July, 1854, passed into history.
During the long month Of August We
moved from one position TO another. now
throwing up line Of earthwOrks at on'
place, and now at another, meantime liv
ing on green corn. that was found IL
abundance around us. This we served il
every possible style; when found too hare
10 roast or boil, we would punch one-hal
OF a discarded canteen full OF holes will
our bayonet, and with these improYiset
graters prepare our meal.
i do not wish to convey the impression
that Uncle Sam did not provide for ou
wants. Immense supplies of army ra
tons were held in store subject to orders
The rustic living, however, offered us :
change from army rations, which we en-
3Oyed.
Aug. l brought heavy skirmishing alonI
the lines. Late in the day an artiller,
duel took place, many of the shells goinj
into Atlanta, two miles away. From tn
top of a giant oak near US one coul,
plainly see into the city and observe tn
confusion created by the heavy cannonad
ing.
Early Aug. 4 we were ordered to ad
vance our lines, but our skirmishers me
with such serious opposition that the at
tempt was abandoned. Late in the after
noon our regiment was ordered out to sun
port the picket line, which was bein,
warmly engaged.
The night of Aug. G we were engage,
In constructing a new line of works an,
setting out two lines of pointed stakes a
q half-pitch. After the work was com