The National tribune., 1909-04-08
JEFF C. Davis's Attack.

As before stated. Gen. Thomas desig-
mated Davis's and Newton's Divisions
to form the assaulting column, and
these were massed in readiness by 8
O'Clock on the morning of June 81. to
be simultaneous to the minute with the
attack of the Army of the Tennessee,
some miles farther to the left. II had
seemed to Gen. Davis and his brigade
commanders that the most favorable
point was the salient on the ridge.
which was unprotected in front by the
usual abatis of fallen timber. The proS-
unity of the Union line enabled Davis
to form his division within 500 yards of
the point of attack. Altho there were
no abatis, the ground between the
works was exceedingly rocky and
rough, with an entangling amount of
underground. McCook's and MitchelPs
Brigades were given the honor of lead
ing the assault, with Morgan's command
in reserve.
Col. Dan McCooE was one of those
solid reliable soldiers who gave such
an enviable reputation TO the McCook
family. and the brigade he commanded
had played no small part in the history
of the Fourteenth Corps. 1t consisted
of the S5th Ill.,, Col. c. ]. Dilworth;
seth H.. Lieut.-Col. A. l.. Fahnestock:
10th Ill, Lieuts-Col E. II. Tapping;
125th H.. Col Oscar +. Harmon; 22d
Ind, Lieut.-Col. VIM. NJ. Wiles, and SD
Ohio. Lieut-CoL ,Chas. w. Clancy.
Col. John C, Mitchell was another
soldier of the McCook type, who had
grown up ,withf the Army of the Cum
berland, and made record of fine SER
vice in every one of its battles. His
brigade consisted of the 54th ILL.,. Lieut.
Col. Oscar Van Tassell; 18th ILL.,, Col.
Carter Van Week; 9Sth Ohio. Lieut.
Col. John S. Pearfe; 10Sth Ohio, Lieut.
Col. Joseph Good; 18th Ohio, Lieut.
|tnI oJcfn nI1ia CsI
Henry b. Banning.
All of |he artillery that could be
brought TO bear had been massed to
make way for the attack, and did so by
pouring in upon the enemy for ] 5 min
utes a concentrated fire. which seemed
as if it would beat away the noun
tains themselves. The signal was given,
and, led by their gallant officers, the
men of the two brigades leaped over
their works, and rushed forward into
the storm of fire which the enemy now
opened upon them. The brushwood
was rnown down as if by a scythe, small
trees were cut off by she'll and canister
and splinters torn from the solid trunks
of the ancient monarchs of the mountain
sides. In spite of this devastating fire.
McCook's and Mitchelps men pressed
forward until they were actually at the
base of the enemy's works, when they
found these manned by a force even
was impossible to dislodge. BY this
time McCook had fallen with n mortal
wound, and had been succeeded by Col.
Harmon, who was almost Immediately
killed. Col: DiIworth then assumed
command, and led the brigade forward
with the greatest gallantry until reach
ing the trenches. where number of
his men and officers were killed or
wounded. He fell. and was succeeded
by Col. Langley.
Mitchelrs Brigade had charged
abreast of McCook's, and with an inn
petuosity and determination rivaling
the other brigades had also forced its
way to the trenches. where it met with
similar frightful cost in officers and
men who fell
Col. Mitchell claims that few of his
men actually succeeded in scaling the
works, when they were Immediately
taken prisoner. Among those killed
were Lieut.-Col. Shane, 9Sth Ohio, and
Maj. Yager, 121st Ohio. In q few min
utes the division had lost 131 killed, 625
wounded and 6S missing. making a to-
tai of S24 When the assault failed the
two brigades were so close to the enc
my's lines that it would seem to be
suicide to attempt to retreat, and, gain
ing what shelter they could, a heavy fire
was opened upon the defenders of the
breastworks. which repressed their fire
and brought what safety could be Sc
cured. Rocks, logs and whatever could |
be moved forward to make a shelter
were brought into reQuisition. and in
few minutes a line was formed, which |
was strengthened by the men digging
up the earth with the bayonet, tin cup |
and half canteen. 1t was seen that the |
position secured was of the utmost i'm
portance, and Gen. Thomas ordered it |
to be held. Intrenching tools were
worked forward to the men in front |
during the day. and a formidable line
of works soon arose.
(To be continued.)