The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1902-05-01

a rife pit. | Immediately pushed up the
hill and in a few moments met Gen. Mat
thies coming down. He had received
painful wound in the head, and was quite
bloody, but able to walk. We conversed
moment He stated that his brigade
was almost out of ammunition; that their
losses had been very heavy, including Col.
Putnam. of the 93d Ill. / hurried up the
hill. and soon came upon the 18th Iowa.
met Col. Viewer, and informed him that
we must push forward until we came up
to the Third Brigade, and pass over them
through their line and take their places
at the front. Col. Viewer ordered his reg
iment 10 advance. The men went for
ward rapidly. the S0th Ohio. on the left,
moving in unison. We reached the rear
of the Third Brigade, when the unlocked
for happened.
CLEBURNE's CHARGE DOWN THE HILL.
A strong force which had been assem-
bled by Gen. Cleburne in the gorge over
the tunnel sailed forth, charged around
the hill, and made determined attack
upon the right flank of our line. At the
same time troops from the Confederate
breastworks came out and made front
attack. The Pennsylvania troops fought
with great distinction. as did the right of
Matthics's Brigade, which extended a
considerable distance to the right of the
18th Iowa.
| / was right up with the advance, and
saw the Confederate troops both upon our
front and flank. This front attack could.
and no doubt would, have been resisted.
as others had been earlier in the day; but
| the movement upon our right flank was 50
sudden, and pushed with such energy and
determination, that there was no time 10
make change of front TO meet it.
Our right fank was practically in the
air; il was not refused 50 as to offer ser
iOus resistance to flank movement. The
9th Pa, the Odd Ill. and the 9TH Iowa
were on the right of our line, and were
the first to receive the shock of the Con
fedcrate charge upon our flank.
These heroic men fought CALAMITY
against a neutrality-suspicious. force, holding
their ground until 1l2 of their number
were surrounded and captured. | saw the
first break in our line on the right. II
crumbled away rapidly, yielding to the
pressure of the Confederate charge.
| was in the midst of the Third Brigade
and 18th Iowa troops, and by word anC
act sought to keep up the fight; but the
advantage Of numbers and position were
against us, and these veteran soldiers re
tired from the hill. / was the last mar
Of the Third Division to withdraw.
A FooT-RACE
i must confess [ did not stand upor
the order of my going. The question wal
whether | should be killed, captured o.
escape. | went at once, followed by al
eager line of the enemy, who We're no
content 10 remain on the crest of the hill
i'll II place then of comparative safety, bu
We're anxious, now that their blood wa
up. to have it out with us. | ran dow
Missionary Ridge fast as my leg
would carry me | passed number o
killed and wounded on my way, but l ha'
no time TO stop and make inquiries.
The ground was rough and rocky.
fell twice. but hurriedly scrambled to III.
. feet and rushed on to keep out Of the wa.
of the determined men who were clos
, upon my heels. | could not see my re
: serve line, but | knew that the 18th Ill
r and 10th Mo. were in the road at the foo
of the hill, and would he there when
, arrived.
l The officers saw me coming down tn
hill. They saw the Confederates also
and We're waiting for them. Not a sho
5 was fired by my men until / reached tn
/. line. knew they were ready, and. as
( jumped down into the road with a lon
2 voice. shouted, Fire.
4 The advance of the Confederates wer
2 within 30 yards of our line, but the will
i ering volley delivered by the two reg
: mentS brought them to a sudden hall
-Four or five vollevs were exchanged wit
i deadly effect, when the Confederat
: troops retired precipitately up the hill
I The S0th Ohio being on the extrcm
o left of our assaulting column. receive
o less of the shock of the Confederat
n charge. Col. Metham Withdrew his me
\ TO the north. rallied his regiment whe
L about half way down the hill. and mG
n terially aided in repulsing the forces tina
:, charged down the ridge
: Thus three of my regiments kept tn
tall 4
The 18th Iowa rallied in the rear of OF