The National tribune., 1909-02-11

living tete-de-pont, ssshich in the ensu-
ing movement proved of great value.
Directly in frontDf M. l.. Smiths Divi-
sion, and at Ia9 distance varying from
one-half to three-qaarters OF a mile
from It, series of low irregular hills
extended from the Oostanauia due
north as far as the Resaca road. They
were occupied by the enemy in force
and were partially fortified. This posi-
ton. il in our possession, would bring
us within three-eighths of a mile of
the ene!ny's nearest fort and within a
half mile of the railroad bridge, thus
practically cutting the railroad. To
gain this position had been the work
intended for the next day, and a num-
Der of bridges were to have been
thrown over Camp Creek on the night
Of the 14th inst. to facilitate the pas
sage OF troops, but the continuous ar
tillery and musketry fire on the left
and the necessity for us to make a
further diversion precipitated the move
ment, and at $3.50 p. m. of the 14th
the assaulting column crossed Camp
Creek as best they could, some over
the bridge, others on logs and others
wading, with their arms and equip
ments held over their heads. The as
saulting force consisted of Brig. Gen.
Charles r. Woods Brigade of the First
Division; the Sd Mo. of the Third Bri-
gade, being substituted for the 26th
Iowa, which, being engaged as skir-
mishers, was unavailable, on the left,
and Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smiths Bri-
gade of the Second Division on the
right Both brjgades were formed in
double lines, and in front and on the
left of Woods Brigade the 18th Mo-.
disposed as skirmishers, accompanied
| the assaulting columns The average
distance to the objective point was
about one-third of a mile. over
marshy bottom, nearly clear of stand
| ing timber, but full of fallen tree
trunks and thickets and intersected with
| miry sloughs. AT 10 minutes before 6
.. IN. the advance sounded, and the
lines of gallant men started at the
double-quick over the difficult ground
followed by the cheers of their fellow
soldiers on the Camp Creek hills, and
met by a storm of lead and iron from
the enemy. The rebel infantry poured
in from the hills in front a close. de-
structive and well-directed fire. The
artillery from their fort opened in one
continuous roar. The direction of most
OF their artillery fire was at first dag
osally across the lines, the angle grow
ing less as the storming column ad-
yanced. until it nearly enfiladed them.
Their practice was excellent the burst
Ing OF shells directly over the devoted
lines seemed continuous, but neither
thicket nor slough nor shot nor shell
distracted for a moment the attention
of the stormerg from their objective
point. Lines temporarily disarra nged
were reoganize6 without slackening The
| speed, until, wifAout airing a shot they
at the point of the bayonet. PLANTED
their colors on the submits of the con-
quered hills. Under the soldierIy and
efficient direction OF their brigade com
manders the TROOPS were at once dis
posed in the most advantageous posi-
tions for holding the ground and for
protection from the artillery fire still
rurlousiy Kept iup. iisPioneers and in
trenching toolsti were sent over. and
work %as Immediately commenced
making rifle pits. The indication being
that additional troops had been brought
up by the enenX, and that an attempt
would be made to-, retake the hills.
the vigilant brigade commanders kept
their troops ready f4t every emergency
ana tne line OF skirmishers well adj
vanced and on the alert The indica-
tions proved true, and about 7:30|
O'Clock in the evening the skirmishers
came in, and shortly after them n large
force of the enemy, In column of regi-
ments, advanced to the assault. They
were met by a whitening fire, which at
first they received steadily. soon shook
and finally broke their lines. and forced
them to retire and reform. 1t being
evident that their lines were of sreater
extent than ours, and that their next
attack would endaHger cur flanks. Gen.
Lightburn's Brigade of the Second Di-
vision was sent to their assistance. This
brigade responded in the most prompt
and gallant manner, From the Camp
Creek hills they had seen the progress
of the engagement. had noted the first |
repulse of the enemy. and as the red |
fame from the muskets (showing plain