The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-01-23

prise for the nerve of the boys in
blue. their line broke for the rear,
whole regiments were seen to surren-
der, and confusion pervaded the re-
treat. The Confederate line was halt
ed while reforming and for making
disposition of the prisoners, and IN
the meantime Gen. Hanson had form
ed d new line at right angles to the
pike about three or four miles from
! the former and was again ready for
battle. Gen. Kirby Smith now made
most effective move on the chess
board of destruction, which, with a
smaller number of men in line he
could turn wings of a longer line of
the enemy, and at the same time keep
his lines in supporting reach to guard
against being check mated by his foe.
Advancing his right and left consid-
erably before moving the center, he
gave time for these to turn the wings
OF the enemy and then with a rush
and the Confederate yeil our line
rushed forward to meet a fearful VOL
ley of cannon and musketry. but again
their lines broke and now. 1t seemed
the fight was over for their artillery
and small arms were left on the field
to such an extent that It looked as
though they were only bent on saving
their lives. Not so. however, for Gen.
Nelson having arrived on the field. he
rallied the men and taking advan-
tage of an agile in the pike and high
enough for a breastwork, and by
placing men in the cemetery and on
high ground he presented a front adj
n1irably posted for receiving an at
tack. Gen. Smith used the same
movements as before, but owing 20
unexpected hindrances the movement
to turn the, left of the enemy did not
reach its place until the battle began,
the Confederates suffering heavy
losses. But when the Federal line
found itself once more danked on the
right and left, 1t again gave way, but
this time there was little chance for
retreat and soon our troops were in
the city, and the scenes as we en-
tered beggars description. The cheer
ing of Confederates, citizens shouting,
the waving of handkerchiefs, and hur-
raining from windows and galleries,
together with the commingling of the
men in blue and the men in gray, WIS
such as perhaps never seen before.
The victory was completed. Gen. Nell
son says in his report: THE enemy
attacked In front and on both tanks
simultaneously with ,vigor; our troops
stood about three rounds when struck
by a panic. they fed in disorder.
was left with my stan almost alone
Gen Nelson received a severe wound
but escaped. Gen. Hanson was cap
tured and received the courtesies of
the Confederates. The casualties as
given by the. United States reports
were zoe officers and men killed. 844
wounded, and 1903 captured, making
total of 1854. Other fruits Of the
victory were nine pieces OF artillery,
10000 stands Of small arms, immense
quantities OF comnlissary and quar-
termaster'ss stores, all of which were
gracefully furnished on the requisi-
ton OF Gen. E. Kirby Smith, drawn
upon Gen. VIM. Nelson, of the United
States army. While we could not
wear the captured uniforms it goes
without saying that shoes, hats and
underwear were strictly acceptable
and the feast of good things furnished
us by the United States commissary
department made broad grins upon
every Jofnnie's face.
The further results of this victory
was the clearing of Kentucky of Fed
eral forces from the mountains to
Louisville, the retaining of forces for
the protection of Cincinnati so that
they could not move to reinforce Gen.
Buell.. After the battle of Richmond
we were marched to and fro by bril-
gades expecting all the time to be or
dered to join Gen. Bragg. until the
middle of September we went into
camp at Shelhyville. where we re-
nsaind until about the 18th of October,
when We received orders to march 20
Frankfort. At Frankfort re Joined
the main army, and formed part CT
the military display at the Inaugural
ton Of Hon. Richard Howes as gov
ernor. AS soon as this was over we
marched to Harrodsburg and Were
there Joined to the corps of Gen.
Leonidas Polk, which bore the bur
den of the battle of Perryvilie.
Gen. Kirby Smith through the rest
of the war sustained the reputation so
calamity won. His last service being
that of commander of the trans Mis-
s.ssippi department, wher he and his
men did service almost beyond belief.
He was the last to surrender. after
which he went to Cuba. hut soon re-
eoAASO anu 0SNoteu ululSen 10 civil
pursuits, and Ike our great chieftain,
Robert E. Lee, he devoted his declin-
Ing years to the trailing of young
men at the Southern University at
Suwanee.
The Daughters of Pensacola Chapter
extend sympathy to their beloved
state president, Sister Esther Carlotta,
s R., in her very great sorrow. May
Gods richest grace rest upon her in
this dark hour is our prayer.
MRS. ~ z. E.