The National tribune., 1903-05-07

some distance to the rear, and so on in
succession retire from any force that
might pursue.
Gen Fitzpatrick determined to remain
with the rear guard, which was composed
of the Sth Ind, Lieut.-Col. Fielder A.
Jones, of the First Brigade, and the 9th
Mich, Col. George S. Acker, of the Sec
ond Brigade.
| A PERILoUs POSITION.
By some misunderstanding Col. Atkins
moved on without stopping, as was con-
templated. AS result considerable gap
was created between the main column and
| the rear guard.
Gen. Fitzpatrick, with his two regiments,
had marched about three miles, when the
enemy in strong force attacked the rear,
under the command of Maj. Herring, of
the Sth Ind. Dispositions were at once
made to support Maj. Herring, when sud-
denly Wheeler's force charged the flank
in several columns, and threw a heavy
on the read between Gen. Fitzpatrick with
| his two regiments and the division.
For time the position of these troops
was perilous in the extreme. To add to
the embarrassment, heavy fog covered
the country, so that it was difficult to dis
tinguish friend from foe. But these ex-
perienced troopers were not appalled, by
an experience of this kind. They firmly
| held together. attacked the foe at every
available point, broke through Gen.
Wheelers line, and slowly pursued their
march, repulsinG every attack of the
enemy until the main column was reached
| beyond Buck Head Creek. The fact must
| be recognized that Gen. Fitzpatrick made
| a very narrow escape from capture of him
self and his entire staff. The heroic bear
ing Of his troopers, however, carried him
safely through this enterprising attack
| upon his small force.
About two miles beyond Buck Head
Creek the entire division was halted to feed
and rest. Gen. Fitzpatrick was soon in
| formed that Gen. Wheeler was crossing
the creek with his entire force. He now
decided. before marching farther. to give
the enemy severe punishment and put an
end to this pursuit.
REYNoLDs's PLANTATION.
A strong position was selected at Rey-
noldss plantation, and long line of barri
cades was hurriedly constructed with the
TANKS thrown well to the rear.
Gen. Murray's Brigade occupied the
right, Col. Atkins's Brigade the left, in
| two lines, two battalions each of the 9th
Ohio, 9TH Ohio and 92d H., dismounted,
were in front, while one battalion each Of
those regiments and the 9th Mich. and
10th Ohio were in reserve.
These preparations were scarcely COM
pleted when the enemy appeared in sight.
Gen. Wheeler promptly made his DISPOSE
ton. Gen. Dibrell with his brigade was
directed to turn the Union right flank by
moving through a wood which screened
his advance. Gen. Dibrell moved nearly
Il mile TO his left, but still found the
Union barricade fully manned. Gen.
Thomas Harrson's Brigade occupied the
center, in line, while Col. Henry NJ.
Ashby's Brigade was on their right. The
Sd Ark. was drawn up in line and the Sth
and 18th Tex. in column. The bugIc
sounded the advance. and these courageous
men charged in splendid sayle. They first
encountered q battalion of the 9th Ohio
Cav, left as rear guard. These men fell
back fighting handsomely. The skirmish-
ers dismounted were next met and driven
in.
The barricadc was now before them.
They rushed toward it with reckless cour-
age. Six pieces of artillery and the line of
dismounted cavalrymen opened upon them.
This shock was too great TO be overcome.
Wheeler's troops were in the open; Kill
patricks were behind barricades. Gen.
Wheeler's line. the center, the right, the
left, in turn gave way. and retired from
the field. Gen. Fitzpatrick did not under
take to pursue his antagonist. He was
content to resume his march, and rejoin
the infantry column. He marched away,
camping for the night about eight miles
from the scene Of this engagement
On Nov. % Gen. Fitzpatrick joined the
Left Wing of the army at Louisville. He
| felt that his demonstration toward
Augusta had produced the desired effect,
namely, to deceive the enemy as to the
| actual intentions of the General in CHIEF.
Gen. Wheeler withdrew from the fur
Their pursuit of Kilpatrick's column, being
fully satisfied that his energetic move
ments against the Union cavalry had
saved Augusta and prevented the destruc-
ton Of 4 vast amount Of valuable Confed-
crate property. Gen. Wheeler exhibited
great energy and activity in this short
| campaign. The skirmish at Sandersville
was scarcely over on the forenoon of Nov.
26 when he started in search of Gen. Kill
patrick. He formed and attacked his
camp about midnight, having marched
more than 30 miles to oyertake the Union
forces; but while engaged with Fitzpatrick
the infantry columns marched forward
with their heavy trains without any dis
turbance whatever.
UNION FORCES CONTINUE MARCH on MIL
LEN.
Upon reaching Sandersville on Nov 20
the Left Wing paused until Gen. Sher-