The National tribune., 1903-03-12

men as could conveniently man the loop
holes. and disposed of the rest in the pits
on either side. at the same time sending
out Cos. A and Il as skirmishers on the
left Of the railroad toward the COnnaSauga
and on the road in the direction from
which the first demonstration was made
upon us. They had been deplOyed but a
few minutes when they were charged by
the rebels, forced back to the blockhouse,
ard very soon we were surrounded by a
very heavy force of skirmishers, who
secreted themselves behind trees, logs, and
cur partially-destroyed huts. A brisk fire
was maintained on both sides for four
hours, during which time the rebels gained
no ground, and were punished consider
ably, willie my loss was but three or four
men from chance shots, into the ditch or
through lOOphOles.
A THREAT TO TAKE NO PRISONERS.
"At II o'clock the following was re-
ceived, under flag Of truce, by me:
=" Headquarters Stewards Corps, Army of
Tennessee,
"'Near Tilton, Ga, Oct 13, 1864.
"'To the Officer Commanding U. S.
Forces at TiltOn.
Sir: / have ample force to take the
garrison at TiltOn. To save loss of life /
demand an immediate and unconditional
surrender. If this demand is complied
with all the white troops and their officers
shall be parOled within few days. and
the negroes shall be well treated. If re-
structions to take no prisoners.
VERY respectfully, your obedient
servant,
"ALEX. ?. STEWART,
Lieutenant General, c. S. Army
'To this demand l replied:
81 will not surrender; if you want my
garrison you will have to take it
81 at once notified the command that
there would be no surrender. which was
applauded by all. During the truce the
rebels posted themselves more advantage
ouSly, and as soon as their bearer of truce
had passed out Of danger, commenced 4
very brisk fire.
GALLANT DEFENSE AGAINST OvERWHELM-
ING NUMBERS.
81 exhorted my men to waste no ammu-
milton, of which / had but $1,000 rounds
at the commencement. SharpshOOting was
kept up until ] p. H., and L was conSratu-
lating myself that the enemy, having no
artillery at hand. would soon abandon the
place. knowing that charging would re-
suit dsastrously to them, when n cannon
ball passed over the house, and it was dis
on the crest of the hill, distant about 275
or 800 yards southwest of us. Twenty-One
shots were fred from these guns o.
FOUNDER howitzers) at intervals of about
two minutes, doing no further injury TO
us than few slight wounds, a part of the
roof torn off, and the protection to the
entrance shattered.
Discovering that we would not yield,
but OH the contrary poured vOlley after
int tlnr tIair VIII
ed into position, they introduced three 81
FOUNDER NapOleons, and opened terrific
fire upon us. Every shot that struck the
blockhOuse sprung and shattered its tim
bers and shook the building as if it were
a reed. The roof was soon demolished
and its timbers so much strained that the
dirt covering rained down on us in tor
rents.
SURRENDER OF TILTON.
1--WE endured this. hoping for assistance
from some quarter, until $50 o'clock. The
last and 47th shot fired (24-pounder shelD
entered lOophOle and exploded in the
center of the room, prostrating half the
men and envelOping us in a smoke so dense
that no one could see his cOmrade. Failing
to receive assistance, and conscious of the
fact that two or three more shots would
reduce the house and crush my men, that
the pits were gradually being brought I'M
der enflading range, and having but 10
or eleven rounds of ammunition left, sur
the garrison, satisfied with hay-
ing detained the rebels seven and half
hours. My force consisted of $50 muskets
and about 20 extra duty and other dis
armed men. Capt. Homer Go. G) and
81 men made their escape before we were
and eight men were left with
the wounded"
The Confederate loss was very severe,
particularly among their artillerists.
Lieut.-COl. Archer and his officers and
men were taken to Dalton, where on the
of Oct. IA, he and Adj't +. Wool
sey We're paroled in consideration of the
gallant defense of the Post of Tilton. The
balance of his command were hurried
south to Coosaville as prisoners of war.
GEN. HOOD BEFORE DALTON.
Col. Lewis johnson, of the 44th q. s.
Colored Inf, commanded the Post of Dali
ton when attacked by the Confederate
Lorces'