The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1906-02-01

doned their guns, and after receiving a
roliey at close range, the supporting
troops followed the fleeing artillerists,
firing, however as they retired. One
artilleryman, mounted on leading
horse. made desperate effort to save
his gun. FuriOusly plying whip and
spur, he had succeeded in getting 100
yards away when he was shot from his
horse. The frightened animals, unre-
strained. then went tearing down the
road to the bridge. Passage across the
bridge being blocked. they turned aside,
and in an attempt to cross the creek
sank in the mire.
Morton's Battery, following close be-
hind the charging line. took position
that commanded the approaches to the
creek and rapidly fired double charges
into the ranks of the sullen foe, who
| continued to fire as they retired.
Having been driven to the creek,
where they were reinforced, the enemy,
evidently trained and gallant troops,
formed a line with their backs to the
stream and made resolute stand. Just
then the appearance of the field was
not promisingly fattcring to the Con-
federates. They could see a strong force
of infantry coming up the Ripley Road,
and fresh batteries hurrying across the
| fields to commanding positions beyond
| the creek. Forrest had all his men in
the fight. Morton moved his guns for
close range, but the determined Fed
erals, looking into the muzZles Of the
cannon, stood their ground with a
steadiness that would have been credi-
table to Macedonian phalanx.
"Opportunely, Barteau's Tennesseans
had succeeded in thanking the enemy
and attacking his rear, his action
creating diversion favorable to For
| rests troops that had failed to break
| the line at the creek. Barteau's at
| tack had a demoraiiZing effect Sturgis
| being compelled to send troops to meet
it. Capt. Tyler's squadron made a
demonstration on the other flank that
CONSERVATION. On the other hand these
successful movements to the TANKS and
rear had an exhilerating effect upon the
| COnfederates. They could see Bar
| teaus regiment, mounted and advanc-
ing toward the Ripley Road, the coun-
| try being open.
| 1T was then that Gen Buford, a West
Pointer, galloped along the line, max
ing the mud fly. Checking his horse
near the center, he cried with the voice
of stentor: Attention. battalion,
Cease firing. Fix bayonets" Bells
Brigade continued to fire. Down the
| line like cyclone went the ponderous
General. Reigning up in front of Gen.
/ Bell, he Numbered: - you stop that
| firing. Order your men To fix bayonets!
| There was, as Buford well knew not
a bayonet in FORESTS command. He
was simply indulging I'm little by-play
talking to the gallery, as it wcre-for
effect upon the now-disheartened en-
envy. They could easily hear his
| triumpet-like voice. Then, again he
shouted: Forward. Guide center!
March" When the line began to move
he gave another order. louder, il pos
sible. than before: Charged This
theatrical play had the desired effect
! The enemy surrendered, or scrambled
across the creek. The Confcderates, fol.
lowing. were confronted, however, by
another line beyond the stream. Nor
ton was delayed at the bridge 1t being
blockd. He got over, however, and
soon his guns were in action. Time and
again the enemy retired and rallied, but
| in general way he continued to re.
treat. Finally, the resistance was fee.
BILE, many of the troops throwing away
their equipments.
ION this occasion. as on others, Gen
Forrest knew how to profit by the
jSftuation--how to pursue defeated
foe. Vigorously and unremittingiy ne
pursued his retreating enemy until
nightfall. the fruits of victory being the
entire wagon train. some 1000 prison.
ers. and IA pieces of artillery"
In connection with the foregoing !,
may not be inappropriate for me tt
quote briefly from Gen. Raum's with
: the Western Army" He says:
This was the greatest disaster the
Union forces had met In the West. Gen
81 Sturgis's command consisted OF 5000
men. The most of these troops were
veterans true and tried. They were
J well armed. experienced In the arts OF
j war. and were ready to meet the enemy