The National tribune., 1906-05-24

vantageous to prevent or delay the ex-
tension Of the enemy's right flank This
officer promptly obeyed orders, and
came unexpectedly in the afternoon in
contact with the Federals in the vicinity
Of Ezra Church, where a spirited en-
gagement ensued. The enemy was al
ready in possession OF portion of the
ground Lee desired to occupy, and the
struggle grew to such dimensions that
sent Lieut.-Gen. Stewart to his sup
port. The contest lasted till near SUM-
set without any material advantage
having been gained by either opponent
Our troops failed to dislodge the enc
my from their position, and the Fed
erals likewise to capture the position
occupied by the Confederates. Although
the actual loss was small in proportion
to the numbers engaged, Gems. Stewart.
Brown. Loring and Johnson were slight
ly wounded. I desired OF Lieut.-Gen.
Lee an opinion as to the manner in
which our troops had conducted them
selves upon the field. In answer to my
request he replied that he could not
succeed In bringing about united action;
whilst one brigade fought CALAMITY, an
other failed to do its duty. l learned
afterwards that such indeed was the
case, Notwithstanding he had led one
or more to the attack, and had even
offered to lead others. Although this
affair occurred subsequent to the i'm
provement OF the morale of the army
and the check to assertions, which had
resulted from the battles of the 21st
and 22d, the lack Of spirit manifested
In this instance will convey q Just idea
Of the state Of the army at this pc
Rod.
In reference to the non-capture OF
the position held by the enemy, he says
In his official report:
II am convinced that II all the troops
had displayed equal spirit, we would
have been successful, as the enemy's
works were slight, and, besides, they
had scarcely gotten into position when
we made the attack
Wheeler After the Federal Cavalry.
Whilst these operations were in prog
ress, Wheeler and Jackson were In hot
pursuit OF the Federal cavalry, Gen.
Lewis's infantry brigade having been
sent to Jonesboro. the point about which
l supposed the raiders would strike our
communications.
At an early hour on the 2sth dis
patches were received from various
points upon the Macon road to the ef-
feet that Gen. Wheeler had successfully
checked the enemy at Latimer's, and
was quietly awaiting developments. On
our LETT the Federals succeeded in elud-
ing our cavalry for time by skirmish-
ing with our main body. whilst their
main force moved round to the rear.
and cut the telegraph lines at Fairburn
and Palmetto. Gen. Jackson, however.
soon discovered the ruse, and marched
rapidly toward Fayetteville and Jones'
boro, the direction In which the Fed
erals had moved. The enemy succeed
ed In destroying a wagon train at the
FORMER place, In capturing one or two
Quartermasters who afterwards made
their escape. and in striking the Macon
road about four miles below Jonesboro.
when the work Of destruction was be-
gun In earnest.
Gen. Lewis. within three hours after
receiving the order, had placed his men
on the cars. and was In Jonesboro with
MS brigade, ready for action. Mean
Time jackson was coming up with his
cavalry, when the Federals became
alarmed and abandoned their work. but
not without having destroyed about a
mile and half OF the road which Va
promptly repaired.
While Jackson followed in pursuit
ana Lewis returned to Atlanta. Wheel
er moved across from Latimer's. with q
poriloh or his command. In rear of this
BODY or the enemy, leaving Gen. Iyer-
son 10 pursue Gen. Stoneman, who.
after somewhat further damaging the
Augusta road. and burning the bridges
across Walnut Creek and the Oconee
River, had moved against Macon.
These operations had been ordered
by Gen. Sherman upon a grand scale.
picked men and horses had been placed
under tho command Of Gems. McCook
and Stoneman, with the purpose ia da.
stroy our sole line Of communication
and to release, at Andersonville. 81. O00
Federal prisoners to ravage and piliaee
the country.
Capture OF ytonemau.
Thsse raiders. under McCook, came
| In contact with Gen. Roddy's Cavalry
at Newman. and were there held in
check till Wheeler's and Jackson's
troops came up. .whereupon the COM
binsd forces. directed by Gen. Wheeler.
attacked the enemy with vigor and de.
termination ana finally routed them.
Whilst these operations were progress
ing In the vicinity Of Newman, Gen.
Cobb vas calamity repelling the as
saulI e1 Stonsmao q Macon. when Iyer.