The National tribune., 1909-02-25
TIic Capture of Rome.

Under orders jeff c. Davis made a
rapid march with his division to follow
up Garrard's Cavalry advancing on
Rome. About noon on May II the
enemy's piQkets were encountered at
Farmers Bridge a bout eight miles from
Rome. Davis halted to park his trains
and allow his men to get dinner Leav-
ing two regiments TO guard the trains,
he resumed his rapid march at 2
O'Clock. with MitchelPs Brigade in ad-
vance and the 34th III. as the advance
guard. Mitchell found the enemy in
strong orce;withsartillery on the west
side of thel Oostanaula, and engaged
him sharply, "a hrigade of infantry ad-
yanced from the works to attack Mitch-
ell. Col. Dan McCook moved his bri-
gade as rapidly as possible to the front.
and succeeded in reaching a command
ing ridge before the enemy, who were
pushing for the same point. and both
sides opened a severe fire at close range
Altho McCooks Brigade had marched
Is miles. they threw themselves into
the fight with the greatest spirit. Nor
gan's Brigade was sent forward far
around to the right, and pushed back
the enemy in that direction, so that at
nfghtfall the division was in an excel
lent position, completely investing the
enemy's works on the west bank of. the
river, with one flank resting on the Oos-
tanaula and the other near the Coosa.
The fighting had cost Davis about $50
men. In spite of their days fatigue.
the troops covered themselves with
breastworks. A heavy fog the next
morning prevented an attack before 9
O'Clock. at which time Davis ordered
the enemy'5 lines to be burst at all
points. Only skiIInish line was found
when the advance was made, and this
ran back across the river, setting fire
to the bridges as they crossed. Our
skirmishers were so close TO their heels
however, that the pontoon bridge was
not destroyed. The enemy had two
strong works on the other side of tho
river. which our artillery engaged and
nearly silenced in half an hours firing
1t was evident that the Confederates
were trying to evacuate the place. and
only prolonged their resistance to cover
this movement.
1t was desirable that the troons
should be gotten across the river at
once, and the S5th ILL.,. under Col. Dill
worth. hastily constructed RATS ont of
whatever could be found and pushed
across the river above the town. This
was an attack from an unexpected
quarter, and the enemy fled across the
Etowah, burning the bridge behind
them. Col DiliW orth then moved down
the OOstanaula, uncovering the cross
ings and enabling the rest of tbe divi-
sion to come across. On taking posses-
sion great quantities of stores were
round which the enemy had not had
time TO destroy or remove These were
Quartermaster, Commissary and medi-
cal supplies, which We're largely issued
To the troops of the division, while much
was sent on toward Kingston bv the
railroad. A great store of cotton was
found, and three field pieces. five 40
FOUNDER guns and two eight-inch howit-
Zers were captured. 1t was the inten-
tion of the Confederates to dastroy
their great machine shons and iron
works, which werefso important in fur
nishing ordnance supplies, but the ad-
vance of the S5th Ill. had been roo ranid
to permit of this. Col Bannipe, rennrt
ed that the 121st Ohio got a good sun
ply of shoes and clothing and n yerv
acceptable quantity of fresh vegetables.
Rome was garrisoned by Maj.-Gen
Samuel G. French, with a division Of
infantry and IA brigade of Texas cav.
airy. The report of Brig. Gen. Law
renee S. Ross, CTS. A.. commanding
a cavalry brigade, gives the fullest re |
port of any of the commanders ON eitb-
er side as to the fight at Rome h,t
strangely enough. he omits to tell how
ports as follows: %
"Headquarters Texas Cavalry BRIGADE
IN tne fteiu, May 25, 1864
CaP,ain: n compliance with Gen,
French's desire, as expressed In yonr
note just received. have the honor to
submit the following report of tha fiqht
made by my brigade at Rome. Ca on
the 17th instant, to wit:
II had been posted TO guard the
crossings Of the oostanaula River above
Rome, and was eight miles djstant u,ta
received dispatch from Rrig Cen
Morgan, informing me that the enemy
we're advancing upon the town. and
me TO move at once 70 Aid
n its defense. My command was
promptly IN motion; Arrived in Rome,
nand. and, reporting to him for orders.
vas directed to move at once to the I
ront and learn. II possible. the strength
y the advancing foe. Dismounting my
h ,eu' ! auvahced mem on foot. drove in
ne ehemys line OF skirmishers. and I