The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-02-16

capturing from the enemy both men ana ne hneses ,ssn back 5s 0snse shose him, and in turn fell back behind us. This was continued until Big Heypeth was crossed at Franklin. The .grsAtest danger was supposed to be passecs as ton moved on, leaving the two brigades the post of honor and danger. Standing at bay some distance from Franklin. to our surprise. the enemy soon swooped down upon us in strong cavalry force The contrast made one think of Dayid( before Goliath. The chances seemed all against us, and at first almost produced a panic. But the desperation of the sit- aH Sespepate epa saSsa resiseanee We e never @ en- countered bolder foe, nor did the writer ever see cavalry do better fight ing than did the fot of that day. They back in our desperation. We would then about face and march in line until they were seen coming again. Again We would about face, drive them back, and con- the rainy winter evening was about to set in' in darkness. Then came the last and fiercest attack of all. During this engagement hot firing sounded not far over, that Clayton, hearing this repeated firing. had halted his division to give us support if needed. While so halted, a heavy detachment of the enemy that had mountain to take us In rear. fell into his line, and got such a warm recep- ton that they hurriedly put back for their own safety. This saved us, and in SO doing. the rest of the army. few come on while fighting, brought us to where we could lie down for a few hours of much needed rest. We were worn out, wet. hungry. but covered with glory Highly complimentary orders came to us from headquarters for our gallant pro- lection of the army. which were as fol- lows:
 Headquarters, Lees Corps.
 "In the Field. Dec. IS. 1884 General Orders No. 67.
 Before taking temporary leave of this corps, l desire to express to the officers and men of my command my high ap- preciation of the good conduct and gal lantry displayed by them at Nashville in the engagement of the 16th inst, and to assure them that they can be held in no way responsible for the disaster of that day. I extend to all of them my thanks for the manner in which they preserved their organization in the midst of temporary panic. rallying to their col ors and presenting determined front to the enemy, thus protecting the retreat of thank the officers and men of Holtz- claws and Gibson's brigades of Clay tons division, and of Pettus' brigade, of Stevenson's division. for the gallantry
 
 repulsed repeated charges of the enemy upon their line, killing and wounding large numbers of the assaflants and causing them to retreat in confusion. desire also to tender my heartfelt thanks to Major General Stevenson and the of- ficers and men of Pettus' and Cummings s brigades, of his division, for their skill full, brave and determined conduct while protecting the retreat of the army from Franklin yesterday; constantly attacked in front and on either flank, these brave troops maintained an unshaken line. re- pulsed fncesant attacks and inflicted heavy loss upon the enemy.
 In conclusion, my brave comrades beg to assure you that I am not only satisfied with your conduct in the recent campaign, but that I shall repose unal- "a future which. despite the clouds which seem to lower around us, will yet be rendered bright by patriotic deeds of our gallant army, in which none will gain prouder laurels or do more gallant deeds than the veterans whom have the "Lieutenant-Gene
 (War Records. Series. l. Vol 45. part Z, page 106.)
 There were many rumors that the brig ades were to be rewarded by a furlough home. But, alas! the closing scenes of this long, fercely contested struggle were so hurrying upon each other that there was no time for furloughs. The tragedy was nearing its end.
 An occurrence of thrilling interest awaited us when the Tennessee River was reached above Florence. The stream had been swollen by the rains that h d been falling It was difficult to lay the pontoon bridge across the broad. rapid stream. It was about finished when a gunboat of the enemy steamed up near 1t and began shelIiHg us. A few of our pieces were put in position and opened upon the vessel, and sharpshooters were trying to pick off her men. But one