The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1906-07-19

Division, followed by the remainder of
Cheatham's Corps, as 1t marched by
seemingly ready for battle.
Within about one-half hour from the
time Cheatham left me skirmishing be-
gan with the enemy, when / rode for
ward to point nearer the pike, and
again sent a staff officer to Stewart and
Johnson to push forward. AT the same
time I dispatched a MESSENGER to Gen.
Cheatham to lose no time in gaining
possession of the pike at Spring Hill.
1t was reported back that he was about
to do so.
No Roar Of Musketry.
Listening attentively to the fire of the
skirmishers in that direction, / discov-
cred there was no continued roar Of
musketry, and being aware of the quick
approach of darkness, after o'clock
at that season Of the year, / became
somewhat uneasy, and again ordered
an officer to go to Gen. Cheatham, in
form him that his supports were very
near at hand, that he must attack at
once, il he had not already done so,
and take and hold possession Of the
pike. Shortly afterwards 1 intrusted
another officer with the same message,
and. IL my memory is not treacherous.
finally requested the Governor of Ten
nessee, Isham G. Harris, to hasten for
ward and impress upon Cheatham the
Importance Of action without delay. l
knew no large force of the enemy could
Schoield's main body still In front OF
Lee. at Columbia, up to a late hour in
the day. / thought 1t probable that
Cheatham had taken possession of
Spring Hill without encOuntering ma
terial opposition, or had formed line
across the pike, north of the town. and
intrenched without coming in serious
Of wi no
account for the little musketry heard
In his direction. However. to ascertain
the truth. l sent an officer to ask Cheat
ham IL he held the pike, and to inform
him of the arrival OF Stewart, whose
corps l intended. to throw on his left,
in order to assail the Federals In flank
that evening Or the next morning. as
they approached and formed to attack
Cheatham. At this juncture the last
messenger returned with the report that
the road had not been taken possession
Of. Gen. Stewart was then ordered to
proceed to the right OF Cheatham and
place his corps across the pike north OF
Spring Hill.
BY this hour, however, twilight was
upon us. when Gen. Cheatham rode up
in person. at once directed Stewart
to halt. and, turning to Cheatham. l
exclaimed with deep emotion, as | felt
the golden opportunity fast slipping
Of God have you not attacked the enc
my and taken possession OF that pike ?"
He replied that the line looked q little
tooe long for him. andnthat Stewart
should first form on his right. I could
hardly believe 1t possible that this brave
old soldier. who had given proof OF
such courage and ability upon so many
hard-fought fields, would ever make
such a report. After leading him with
in full view Of the enemy. and pointing
out to him the Federals, retreating in
great haste and confusion. along the
pike, and then giving explicit orders to
attack. I would az soon have expected
midday to turn into darkness as for
him to have disobeyed my orders. I
then asked Gen. Cheatham whether or
not Stewards Corps, II formed on the
right. would extend across the pike. He
answered In the affirmative. Guides
were at once furnished to point out
Cheatham's right to Gen. Stewart, who
was ordered to form thereon. with his
right extending across the pike. Dark