The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-03-17
WITH THE CAVALRY.


Minneapolis, Mimi.
WITH THE CAVALRY.
Second waynesboro Eighteen. wheeler
Failed to Fu.fill Ills Boast.
EDIToR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The I'd
day of December, 1864, found us ready
for an early resumption of our march
for Waynesboro, in the vicinity of which,
but a few days before, We had been SO
roughly handled. We expected to again
encounter Wheeler's cavalry, feeling GER
tain of our ability to clean him out, if
we could induce him to stand. When we
reached Rocky Greek, two miles from
camp: found the rebels strongly barri-
caded on the opposite bank, prepared to
dispute our crossing. but our artillery soon
demolished their works, and caused them to
retreat on the Waynesboro road. They OBJ
structed the road as they went, telling
trees across it, which delayed our advance.
There are times when patience ceases
to be virtue; this time had arrived and
Gen. Fitzpatrick determined to push the
enemy so hard that he would be compelled
to move rapidly or stop and fight.
We pushed the advance, striking when
ever within reach, until, by the middle OF
the afternoon, we drove their rear behind
strong barricade. built on rise, which
made it formidable, behind which was
Wheeler's cavalry, ready to give US fight if
we desired. Gen. Fitzpatrick, after examin-
ing the position through his field glass,
determined to give them shower of shells,
and ordered Capt. Beebe to open on them
with his battery, which was promptly done.
The rebels Immediately returned the COM
pliment, and an artillery duel set in.
Affairs soon became SO interesting, as
well as serious, that an Aid was sent back
to Gen. Baird to inform him that there
was business in front, and asking that he
send up his artillery. Gen. Baird ordered
his division to close up, accompanied the
trick explained to him the situation, and
proposed to send one brigade of cavalry to
protect our right, while he, with the other
two. would push to the enemy's right and
rear, and make an attack; Gen. Baird in
the meantime, to bring his troops in the
center and charge the works as soon as he
heard the cavalry fire.
The charge of the cavalry was SO unex-
pected and SO vigorous, aided by that of
Gen. Baird, that it took but few mo-
ments to gain possession of the works
and start the entire command on rapid
retreat
After destroying their works and clear
ing the road for our artillery, We followed
to within FIVE miles of Waynesboro when,
night coming on, we went into camp on
a plantation at Thomas Station, on the
Augusta Railroad; the infantry camping
near Uy. 0eH DdIfu put DETAIL at Work
destroying the railroad, while the cavalry
deployed along their front to prevent an at
tack upon the workmen.
Gen. Wheeler, finding that he was not
followed to town and that we had gone
into camp, took a portion of his command,
early in the evening, and reconnoitered TO.
ward our front. but had not advanced
more than three miles before he encoun-
tered one of Kilpatrick's advance cavalry
regiments, which he Immediately attacked.
After brisk fight of few moments, he
was compelled to retreat.
The infantry, not used to fitting with
Wheeler's cavalry, rolled themselves in
their blankets in front of their fires for
a good nights rest. The cavalry boys
warned them of the danger of drawing fire
of the enemy, but they thought they were
safe, and disregarded the warning. It was
not long before the rebels began dropping
shots from their artillery in the midst of
the infantry, and there was not much sleep
for them during the remainder of the night.
We were used to this manuyer, and some
times would have to change our position
several times in a night to get away from
their shot and shells.
Gen. Sherman had ordered Gen. Kill
patrick to reconnoiter toward Waynesboro
in force, and fight Gen. Wheeler's command
wherever found and he gave orders for his
brigades to strip for fight, for on the
morrow there would be music and bullets
in the air. and some business doing.
On the morning of December We moved
toward WaynesbOr0, with COL Aiken, Sec
0nd Brigade, in advance. They had not
gone far before they found the enemy's
line, which, after a strong and spirited
engagement was driven to another line be.
hind q strong barricade, with both tanks
1t was said that on the previous evening
Gen: Wheeler made a speech to the citizens
of Waynesboro, in which he said that to-
morrow he would cut to pieces and destroy
that Yankee cavalry. He had reckoned
been pushing the fght-only brushing the
enemy from our path change was to take
place.
The Second Brigade was lined up for
charge, when Capt. Beebe, 10th Wis. Bat
terry, opened fire at short range. The charge
ing sabers, went rushing upon the enemy.
The contest was short but stubborn, and
ended in the rebels abandoning their posi-
ton. They soon made counter charge en-
deavOring to drive the Second Brigade
back SO that they could save their dis
mounted men from capture. Failing TO
drive the Second Brigade, the entire rebel
command moved rapidly back to the edge
stand.
When we moved from our camp it was
breakfast time for the renowned rebel
the meal hot upon the table, and had
called Wheeler to partake, but at that
moment Kilpatrick's advance showed up
and he there had other business more
pressing than breakfast, and gave way to
the Yankees, who soon did ample justice
to the prepared meal, as Wheeler had lost
his appetite.
Between Us and Waynesboro was a val
ley, through which ran q small creek. On
the north or opposite side Of this creek
the rebels had taken their stand, having
their artillery well posted. Gen. Kilpa-
trick determined to break the center of
the enemy's line. and to this end ordered
Col. Murray with his First brigade to
take the advance.
. Accordingly, the 9th Pa. Col. Jordan,
formed on the left; the Sd KY. Col. King,
took the center; the I'd KY, Capt Fore
Col. Jones, was dismounted and formed in
front Of tho center. The Third Brigade
formed IN field, on high ground, on the