The National tribune., 1902-09-11

part in the battle Of Peach Tree Greek.
Attacked by overwhelming numbers from
'front.'. right flank and rear. five regiments
with the artillery held the key position
while fighting terribly all the time. The
rest of my command changed its front,
formed a connected line, and threw them
selves into the combat with such deter
mination and valor that they overcame five
times their number. This result was
largely due to the fact that by changing
my front in the manner. described our
troops delivered an effective and persistent
cross-fire upon the enemy at the moment
when they were flushed with the anticipa-
tion of victory, and, suppOsing themselves
entrapped, they retreated, broken and dis
mayed.
This battle was q very remarkable one
as test of the discipline and valor Of our
troops, and as the first defeat of the new
ly appointed commander of the rebel army
it was glorious in its results. The field
| everywhere bore marks Of the extreme
severity Of the contest. and recalled to my
mind, in appearance, the scene of conflict
where the same division fought at Gettys-
burg. Not a tree or bush within our en-
tire range but bore the scars of battle. The
appearance Of the enemy as they charged
upon our front across the cleared field was
magnificent. Rarely has such sight
been presented in battle. Pouring out
from the woods as they advanced in i'm
| mense brown and gray masses mot linesl,
| with flags and banners. many of them new
and beautiful, while their general and staff
| officers were in plain view, with G-awn
sabers flashing in the light, galloping here
and there as they urged their troops to
the charge. The rebel troops also seemed
| to rush forward with more than customary
nerve and heartiness in the attack.
This grand charge was Hoods in
| augural. and his army came upon us that
day full of high hope, confident that the
small force in their front could not with
stand them; but their ardor and confidence
| were soon shaken. My artillery, served
| with the utmost rapidity, even while re-
| ceivins volleys from the rear, poured out
steady discharges of canister and shell,
and we could see the great gaps in that
compact mass of human beings as each
shot tore their ranks. Those masses of
the enemy that charged upon my right and
rear reached at one time within few
yards of Bundy's Battery. but by the
cool bravery of the officers and men We're
driven back. 1 cannot refrain from
| especially mentioning Maj. Reynolds,
Chief of Artillery of the corps, who, with
Capt Aleshire, my own Chief, was PIES
cnt on my line and rendered distinguished
services throughout the severest portion of
the battle.
"Col. Ario Pardee. Of the 147th Pa,
deserves special mention for the deter
mination. discipline, and personal gal
lantry displayed in holding his position in
support Of the artillery under a terrible
fire from his flank and rear. My loss in
valuable officers was particularly severe.
Capt. Thomas H. Elliott. Assistant Ad-
jutnnt- General on my staff. was killed in
stanily in the thickest of the battle. His
death was severe loss to me personally.
as well us to my division. He mad served
with me as Assistant Adjutant- General
for nearly three years, and was distin-
gui.hed for his ability and gallintry. Col.
George A. Gotham, 111th Pa. model
gentleman and commanded. fell mOrtally
wounded. For one year pre- 'ious to the
organization Of til, Twentieth Corps, bv
tie consolidation of the Eleventh ALI!
Twelfth. he commanded the Second Bri-
-a1e of my division. and led it with great
r', dit through the battles of Gettysburg,
Wauhatchie, Lookout Mountain. Mission
Ridge. and Ripgeold. Ha participated
with his regiment in ali the battles and
movements of tho present campaign, and
Gur,Hc the absence of Col. ireland COM
Ii,an,ied my Third Brigade in the battles
CT Rnsaca and New Hope Ckur.n. His
los. is decp.y felt and GcploIei through
mt tie divisi.,n. Lieut.-Col. Randall,
10th N. Y, tfave and excellent officer,
WIS killed wll:'e fighting .l!iantly in COM
rnasG of his regiment.
Casualties in the battle OF Peach Tree
Creek. Ga:
-