The National tribune., 1902-05-29

sumed cur march, and marched 10 miles
on the way to Smithfield; then camped
March 1S.-We had a good rest last
night which we needed. Resumed our
march today at II a. m, and cut across
the country to go to Bentonville, n. c. We
halted about eight miles from Bentonville.
Things indicate another battle. Our corps
and the Western Army, under Joe John
ston. are about to effect junction.
March 19.-My brigade was put on
picket last night to guard point while
the wagon train of our corps passed. We
have been acting as protection to our
wagon train ever since we left Charles
ton. and we have mad lots of picket duty
to do in consequence. Being in. this posi-
ton, we have been separated from the bal
ance of the army most of the time. and
times with no knowledge of any support
anywhere about.
We left this point at midnight, after
the wagons had passed, and marched two
miles and camped for the night. On the
tramp at daylight this a. m. and reached
Bentonville at s o'clock q. m.
Our corps and the Western Army are
now in one body under the command of
Gen. Joe Johnston. We found all of our
my. Ny brigade took position in the left
wing. This Is a beautiful Sabbath Day.
BATTLE, OF BENToNvILLE.
March 20.-After building breastworks
yesterday on the left of the line, our bri-
gade was moved to the right wing, where
the enemy were making a hard fight, and
pressing our lines heavily 1t was in the
afternoon when we moved to the right
We moved in a hurry. and passing along
road we saw Gen. Joe Johnston sitting
on log by the side of the road We
chcered him, and he sauted us. We
reached the point in our line which we
were to support, and formed line in an old
field on the right of a road as we faced
the enemy. My regiment was on the left
Of our brigade and next to the road. The
enemy were Smelling the road and the
musketry FIRE in our front was the heav-
lest | had heard during the war Our di-
vision commander. Gen. McLaws, made
the same observation. / wondered how
enough men could survive under it to keep
it up, but somehow they did l guessed
we would find out when we got into it.
While we were forming Gen Johnston
rode up and sat on his horse in the road,
regardless of the Yankee shells. Gen. Nc
Laws was with him. and they were watch
ing US form our line. i guess we took in
the situation and formed our line quicker
than have written about it.
As soon as we formed we were ordered
IorWafo, ana as we passed INTO the ire
Gen. Johnston raised his hat to Us.
Our line was so formed that after ad-
vancing perhaps 100 yards and on reach
ing the timber my regiment had crossed
the road, and when we struck the enemy's
line the right of my brigade must have
also crossed the road.
When we had entered the timber the
distance of 200 or 800 yards we came upon
a line ct Alabama troops lying down and
| lliing as fast as they could load their guns.
| could not see the Federals OH account of
! the woods aud brush, and do not know if
they were lying down or not, but they
were surely initiating the Alabama troops
! IN shooting. 1t looked like both sides were
| trying to see which could make the most
noise without exterminaiing each other.
thus saw how the fuss was kept up.
| The roar of the guns was terrific As we
were on our feet the Federal fire took eff
feet III our ranks. As we passed over the
| Alabama troops we opened fire and charg-
ed the enemy and forced them to retire.
| We never halted, but pushed on, and the
battle ragged between us
There were three colorbearcrs of the
| regiment. Of which / was one After we
| had been engaged perhaps half an hour
| the one who had the flag was knocked
| down by ball. He had n small Tesla
ment III the left breast pocket of his lack
| i
ball struck the book and went through 10
the inside cover. The book saved his life,
but the blow knocked him out Ny color.
bearer companion seized the flag as it fell.
and was instantly killed. / got it and was
hit slightly in the face, but carried il
through the fight without any further
damage 10 my person, but had my cloth
ing pretty badly shot up.
About this time orders came to left
ODlIQlip, which Ohpyed and xpa poyar
got the Forward order, we continued ia
left-oblique, and kept it up the balance of
the engagement We drove the enemy
steadily until after dark, and then kent on
lighting by the light of the burning woods,
until suddenly We were fired into from the
rear. We were then separated from the
balance OF the brigade. 1t turned out that
shortly after We received the order to left
! ooilque the command was given to for
ward, which was communicated to all the
regiments but mine. Thus we became sep.