The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1906-03-01

tIdl fFiSdQlef-GcnerdI SnOulu nave
knowledge OF the secret purposes OF
such a movement, in operations Of SO
great Importance.
On the TOttOpottomOy.
My brigade having been reinforced
by Hampton's Legion, under the COM
mand of Col. Geary, moved by railway
about the middle of June, via Lynch
burg, to Charlottesville, and thence
marched to Staunton. Upon our ar
rival at this place we received orders
to retrace our steps, return to
Charlottesville, and there take the
train to Hanover Junction. On the
25th l conducted my command, which
now formed part of Jackson's army,
to Ashland. At this point ratiOns and
ammunition were issued to the troops,
and the morning Of the 26th I marched
with my brigade In southeasteriy di-
rection towards Cold Harbor as the
advanced guard of Jackson's forces.
We soon came in contact with the Fed
eral outpOStS, whom we drove rapidly
to and across Tottapotamof Creek, a
sluggish stream, with banks steep and
densely wooded on either side. Here
discovered the bridge on fire. and the
enemy busily engaged Telling trees to
check our advance beyond: thereupon.
ReiIey's battery was placed In position,
and opened fire. whilst we continued
to push forward our skirmish line. The
Federals finally retreated in such
haste that they left their axes in the
trees. The bridge was promptly re-
paired, and we continued skirmishing
with their rear guard till we reached
Handley's Corner, where we halted, and
bivouacked for the night.
We had heard during the day, in the
direction of Mechanicsville, the guns of
Longstreet and A. p. Hill. which indi-
Gated that the issue of the great battle,
then in progress, would soon be de-
cided. At early dawn of the 9th the
march was resumed; EwelIs Division
bore off in the direction of our left dur
ing the day, and Writings to the right.
The latter received instructions, in the
afternoon, to repair to the support of
LOngstreet, then assaulting the Fed
eral left at Cold Harbor. l moved on
with all possible speed, through field
and forest, in the direction of the fir
ing, and arrived, about 4:30 p. m., at
point on the telegraph road, should
think not far distant from the center
of our attacking force. Here I found
Gen. Lee, seated upon his horse. He
rode forward to meet me. and, extend
ing his usual greeting. announced to
me that our troops had been fighting
gallantly but had not succeeded in dis
lodging the enemy; he added This
must be done. Can you break his line 2"
l replied that l would try. l imme-
diately formed my brigade in line of
battle with Hampton's Legion on the
left. In front was a dense woods and
ugly marsh, which totally concealed
the enemy from us: but the terrible
roar of artillery and musketry plainly
revealed. however, that thousands and
thousands Of living souls were strug-
Cling in most deadly conflict for the
mastery of that field, and, might say,
almost under the shadow of the Capt.
tol of the infant Confederacy My line
was established, and moved forward,
regiment by regiment. when I discov-
cred. as the disposition of the 18th Ga.
was completed, an open field little
10 its right. Holding in reserve the
4th Texas, I ordered tae advance, and