The Snyder signal. (Snyder, Tex.) 1887-????, 1913-01-10

squadron marched back to Jonesboro General
Duke took command OF the remnant OF the di-
vision and remained at Jonesboro for nearly two
weeks.
General Vaughan's command was situated in
the same vicinity % miles northeast OF Knox
Vile. Jonesboro had population of about 800
women and children--no men. The latter were
in the army, and the negroes had skipped by
the light of the noon" more barren, forsaken-
looking hamlet did not exist in the South. II was
the victim of continuous ravages of war. first
by one side and then the other Many Of her
citizens had been slaiR and the women and chill
dren wore emaciated, distressed visage and
faded, threadbare garments.
In the latter part OF September Jonesboro was
evacuated and the command moved in the direc-
ton Of Greenve, passing through that town
the next day. marching rapidly toward Bulls
Gap where the Yankees were stationed About
four miles from Greenville, Captain Messick in
command OF the guard encountered Federal
scouting party about Is strong Messick gave
the command to charge. The assault was made
with yell and ten of the enemy were killed and
twelve captured The rest fled and were chased
for several miles. Some of them leaped from
their faded horses and took to the brush Mes
sick pursued until he reached Lick creek Here
the enemy was fortified in apparently strong
numbers. Captain Mcssick and Lieutenant Hop
kins halted and sent couriers back to Duke Lick
creek is about three miles from Bulls Gap. Duke
brought forward his troops on the double quick
The enemy showed signs OF disposition TO con-
test the crossing OF the squadron and Duke de-
ployed his men to force a passage across the
creek. The Yankees approached on the other
side and our men opened fire on them. Just then
Lieutenant Welsh carried his company across the
creek, the water coming up to the mems shout
ders. He attacked the enemy in flank and rear
This shook their line General Vaughan at the
same time brought up piece OF artillery and
opened fire upon them. The Yankees began to
waver. fall back and presently fled for their dear
lives back to the Gap, followed by Dukes COM
mand. They left scores Of their dead and wound
ed upon the field. Thirty horses were captured
and fifteen muskets beside other equipments
General Duke, however, did not deem it adj
visable to attack the Gap, and moved his com
mand back 70 Greenville where he remained sew
eral days.
While at Greenvc a courier came with the
information that General Burbridge was APP
preaching from Kentucky with a large force OF
infantry, cavalry and artillery. His destination
was supposed to be the salt works. Gtner
brigade was moved to Laurel Gap between the
salt works and the approaching enemy, leaving
General Vaughan with his own brigade at Car
ter's Station General Echols approached and
ordered General Crosby and General Duke TO
Bristol General Williams moved a few days
after TO the salt works where the reserves OF
militia were also collecting. At the same time
with Burbridges advance, the enemy approached
from Knoxville under General Gillen and Cen
eral Ammon, marching over the same ground
which Duke had traversed shortly before.
General Vaughan was attacked He was COM
PEELED to divide his brigade the greater part re-
naming at Carriers Station, and part being
sent under Colonel Carter TO Duvalt ford. five
miles below on the Watauga. where the enemy
sought to effect passage On the night after
the first demonstration against General Vaughan,
General Crosby and General Duke were sent to
reinforce him and marching all night reached
the position assigned them early the next morn
ing. General Crosby was posted where he could
support most speedily whichever point needed it,
and Duke proceeded directly to Duvalts ford.
On arriving there he found Colonel Carter max
ing all the preparations within his power 10 re-
pei the attack which he anticipated. ~ a. m,
the enemy recommended the fight al Carter sta
tion. and toward p. m. made his appearance
again on the other side OF the river, opposite
Dukes position. The firing by this time had
become heavy at Carters Station. Duke ar3rc-
hended that Vaughan would not be able to pre-
vent the enemy from crossing the river, and to
create diversion in Vaughan's favor. he instruct
cd Captain Mcssick 10 take 80 picked men. cross
AZ a ford one mile and half below, and take the
enemy in the rear He also requested Colonel
Carter 10 cause one of his battalions to dash
down TO fhe brink Of the river as soon as the
firing commenced and cross and attack the
enemy. He was 800 yards on the other side whsn
he met a battalion OF Federal cavalry approach
ING 10 try flank movement Of our men. They
were marching with drawn sabers, but halted az
the sight Of our men. Messick Immediately or
dered the charge and dashed into them. firing
RIGHT and left with their pistols. The Federals
recoed and in a little while gave way and lied
leaving twenty dead and wounded the field
Stephen Sharp Of Clu<es regiment rode at
the color guard and shooting the bearer through
The head. seized the flag While he waved %
in triumph he was fired upon. ball passing