The National tribune., 1911-02-16

on the south bank to hold Hood off
the Chattanooga Railroad as long as
possible. On the night of Nov. q,
Schofield was convinced that he could
not hold the south side of the river
and crossed his troops to the north
bank, where he took up strong po-
sition. The movement was made in
the midst of heavy rain, which great
ly iinpeded the march and fatigued
the men, giving them most comfort
less bivouac as they settled down into
position. The Confederates detected
the movement and tried to interfere
with it by pushing up columns of at
tack, but the rain and darkness were
the same embarrassment to them as
to our men, and tho there was a great
deal Of firing, there was but little ex-
ecution.
Hood Outfanked Schofieid.
Hood put Lees Corps into position
at Columbia to force a crossing, and
massed his artillery there to make a
noisy cannonade while he was prepar-
ing TO cross Duck River at Huey's
Mil, six miles above the town. He
sent Forrest TO drive back our cav
airy, and cover the line of the pontoon
bridge. Gen. j. II. Wilson, command
ing our cavalry corps, had in the mean
While arrived from Nashville, where
he had been engaged in gathering up
VI nOTSeS anu TSmOuntlIS MS men,
and took immediate command. He
found he had in Hatch's Division about
1000 men. in Croxtons Brigade 1000,
and in Capron's Brigade 1900. This
was all he could oppose to FORESTS
1900. The cavalry was concentrated
at Hurts Crossroads. on the Lewis
burg pike, with Capron's Brigade
watching the crossings of the river.
Forests movement WAS made with
skill and celebrity as to separate Cap
ron's Brigade and cut off the retreat
of bigger part of it. Maj. J. Morris
Young, 9Th Iowa Cav, came into COM
mand of that portion which was sur
rounded, and made the soldierly de-
cision TO cut his way out The 5th
Iowa was formed in charging columns on
the pike, the Sth Mich. was dismounted
to the left of the 5th Iowa, the 10th Ill.
the same on the right, and the 14th
jill. put in columns of tours to the left
and rear of the Sth Mich. The orders
were for the whole body to advance
When the enemy opened fire the dis
mounted men were 10 run back to their
horses. mount, and follow the lead of
the 5th Iowa Cav. which was to charge
with drawn sabers. All these dispo-
sltons were completed within Is min
utes, and the command moved forward,
striking the enemy behind barricades
out-houses, and buildings. II was hot
saber work for short time but the
brigade cut thru with a loss of only go
killed. wounded, and missing, while the
loss IL inflicted must have been much
greater. The whole brigade, 1900
strong, joined Wilson, who drew his
command back to Mount Carmel, with
Coon's Brigade of Hatch's Division COW
ering the rear and repulsing every at
tack of the enemy.
Screened by this audacious cavalry,
Hood moved his two corps across the
river. leading them in person, and
making for the important point of
Spring Hill, 10 miles in the rear of
Columbia, and the meeting place of a
number of good roads.
SchoieId's Delay at Columbia.
Gen. Schofeld has been severely crit
fcised for remaining so long at Column
bia, allowing himself to be amused by
one corps in his front, while Hood was
throwing two corps around his left
hank TO his rear. In Van Horne's
Life of Gen George II. Thomas" it is
stated that as early as Nov %, Thomas
telegraphed TO Schofield as follows:
If Gen. Wilson cannot succeed in
driving back the enemy, should il