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

lanyards taut behind the double-shuttle
guns. 81 galloped around the left flank
of the 9th Ohio Cav, followed by the
men of the ODD H.. as fast as they could
disengage themselves from the ruck. Some
of them brought prisoners with them,
whom they had dragged along by a firm
grasp on their collars.
In minute or two the front was clear.
The heavily-charGed cannon leaped from
the ground, as if in savage cascrness to
hurl their shower of death, the CarbineS Of
the 9th Ohio Cav. blazed ont con-
summing flame, answered instantly by tho
rolling fire of the 9th Mich. Cav.'s Spen-
GERS.
The pursuing rebels were staggered By
the awful tempest.
This way, ODD H., This way, 92i
H., Form, Here at once shouted Col.
Van BuSkirk. Everybody into line. Let's
go back and bring in our skirmsh line.
Forward. everybody
The well-drilled regiment responded in
simultaneously 70 the command, and the
next minute it and its sister regiments
swept forward in an irresistible charge,
The rebels fled back in the directions they
had come, and the Union line rushed on
until il had reached the battalion in town,
which was pluckiy holding back the
eEemy in front of it.
1t would have gone farther, but Kill
patrick. who now comprehended the great
ness of the swarm he was contendins
with, ordered the recall sounded, and the
three regiments fell back on the 10th
Ohio Cav, with their faces toward the
enemy.
The whole country was now swarming
with rebels. They came out from the
woods everywhere in front and on the
TANKS. They were everywhere met with
Scorching fire, which seemed to wither
them. The 92d ILL., carefully gathered up
its wounded, and did not retreat step
until all We're sent to the rear. 81 found
the handsome Sergeant Travis lying III
the streets Of the town, at the farthest
front, with a bullet through his heart,
and around him several Of his squad. His
face was still full Of the ardor of the
fight, though the rigor of death was steal
ing over it.
81 dismounted, lifted the body to the
side of the street. where it would be safe
from trampling hoofs, and Strengthened
the limbs for burial, after which he took
off the dead mans cartridge-box, and
picked up his earbine. The rest OF the
squad did the same, and came back fully
armed with the coveted Spencers.
Fitzpatrick was everywhere, yelling,
swearing, and commanding, his hat off,
and his eyes blazing with the fierce light
of battle. He was in his element, and
guiding the storm-now sending a bat
TALON to meet flank attack, now with
drawing a regiment TO n commanding posi-
ton TO cover the retreat.
For two hours the brigade fell slowly
back, contesting every furlong Of the six
miles back to Johnstons Station.
There it filed behind the breastwOrkt
and barricades behind which the First
and Third Brigades were stationed, and
the defeated rebels sullenly withdrew.
Great Caesars ghost" exclaimed XII
patrick, as the rebels disappeared, but
you stirred up a hornets nest, Atkins.
Two or three times / was on the point of
sending back for the other two brigades
to help you let go of the bear. But I
wanted you to have the honor Of this
great fight, and you have it,
I'm very much obliged to you, Cen
erar' replied Atkins. Il think we've
been fighting the whole OF Wheeler's
force"
YES, and HamptOn'S and Buffers, too.
But there is one satisfaction. II they are
all out there, they aren't watching the
fords of the Edisto, and the army's get
ting across without any trouble. That's
all we came out here fOr-to draw
Wheeler away, so that he wouldn't bother
Sherman while he was getting through
those ugly swamps. We've accomplished
that, and done all that's expected of u.s."
aren't we going to Augusta?" asked
Atkins, in surprise.
Not a bit of it, laughed Fitzpatrick.
What made you think that?H
We'll, I'll be eternally best" eI-
claimed the Colonel, surprised and
chagrined.
Strategy. my boy; strategy" said XII
patrick gaily. We've really accom-
plished more than if we had taken
Augusta, for we've let Sherman into the
heart of South Carolina, and given him
clear road to Columbia, where he's go
ing"
Columbian gasped the astonished
Colonel. well, I will be blessed again."
Certainly, if you like, my boy. Wen
stay here day or two, and amuse these
gentlemen, until Sherman has everything
across the EdistO. when Wheeler and
Wade Hampton will probably wake up
to the little bunkO game we've played on
them when it will be too late. | shall
make a fine report to the General Of your
conduct today, Colonel, and strongly rec
Ommend your promotion to Brigadier-Gen-
eral TO date from today"
after ALL, Shorty cOnfided to ST that
evening, as they sat around the campfire
and discussed the events of the day, II
believe that man who likes quiet life
should stay in the infantry"
ITO be contnued)
1rr.rop TT y1r.rc uyAp prcapn