The Washington times., 1915-09-28

now a most difficult. IL not an impos-
sible one.
The brave Sixth Corps o. had arrived
on the scene and Washington was
the James and up the Potomac and
was met at the Seventh street wharf
by President Lincoln. and a large body
Of enthusiastic citizens. The Presi-
dent warmly welcomed the s S'xth and
the soldiers sent up mighty cheers for
Lincoln.
Writing Of the arrival of the Sixth
and its participation In the defense OF
Fort Stcvcna Dr. George Stevens. his
torian Of the Sixth, says:
I'VE marched up Seventh street,
meeting on our way many old friends,
and hearing people who crowded on
the sidewalks. exclaiming. 1T is the old
Sixth Corps, These men are the men
danger is over now Washington. an
hour before was In panic; but as the
people saw the veterans wearing the
badge Of the Greek cross. the excite
mcnt subsded. and confidence pre-
vailed
THUS we made our way to the north
Of the city. the sound OF cannonading
In our front stimulating and Fastening
the steps OF the men.
Early Sought a Weak Spot.
Throughout the afternoon Of July II
General Early vainly tried to find a weak
SPOT In the lines around Fort Stevens.
Everywhere he was met by the fire OF
the guns OF the fort and muskctry. The
works he reported exceedingly strong.
consisting OF what appeared to be en-
closed forts for heavy artillery. with a
tier OF lower works in front of each,
pierced for an immense number of guns.
the whole being connected by curtains,
with bitches in front and strengthened
by palisades and abbatis. The timber
had been felled within cannon rangr all
around and left on the ground making
a formidable obstacle. and every pos
sitlC approach was rakcd with artillery.
On the right was Rock creek. running
through n deep ravine. which
had been rendered impossible by
the telling OF timber on each side.
Beyond were the work on the
Georgetown pike, which had been
reported to be the strongest OF all. On
tn" left as far as the eye could reach.
the works appeared TO be of the same
In prcpnahle character.
AsCertaining this. Early held a con-
sultation with his generals, Brecken-
ridge, Rodos. Ramseur. ard Gordon.
Eatly pointed out the necessity for ac-
passes were closed aGainst them. and
announced his intention Of delivering nm
assault on Fort Stevens at daylight on
the morning OF July 12
Abandons Capture of City.
When dawn broke Early saw the par
aptts lined with men. General Meigs
having instructed hi. auartermaster' 5
soldiers to make themselves as con-
spicuous as possible and convey the
Idea of large numbers of men in the
works Writing OF Fort Stevens. Cen
eral Early says he abandoned the idea
OF entering Washington upon discover
ing that the works were heavily man
ned
A distinguished writer who was at
Brightwood during the battle at Fort
Stevens says:
July IL came bright and glorious.
The First Brigade of our Second Di-
vision and our sharpshooters were on
the picket In front of Fort Stevens
from the parapet Of which could be seen
the lines OF rebel skirmishers.
THE principal force of the enemy
seemed to be in front of Fort Stevens
there 1t was determined to give them
battle.
About 5 o'clock in the afternoon
General Wright ordered General Wheat
on to drive back the Confederate skir-
mish line and occupy the wooded
points near the road. which. being so
near our entrenchments. gave the
enemy advantage of position; thercupon
Colonel Bidwcll was instructed to have
the Third Brigade move outside of the
fort and form. under cover of n ra-
vine and woods Isoutheast OF Battle
Ground Cemetery. In two line directly
in the rear OF the FIRST Brigade on the
skirmish line. Colonel Bidwcll was
also directed to select three Of his best
regiments to assist in the assault. the
remaining portion OF the brigade to be
held to support the general movement.
According to General Wheaton. the
Seventh Maine and Forty-third New
York and the Forty-ninth New York
were skillfully placed in position near
the skirnish line under the direction OF
Colone! Bidwell without the enemy dis
covering the movement
Many Commanders Killed.
This whole attack was as gallant as
1t was successful. and the troops never
cvinced more energy or determination.
The losses were very severe. the brave
Colonl B!dwell losing many of his most
valuabl regimental commanders. The
last shot was fired about 10 o'clock and
the remainder of the night was occupied
in strengthening the position, burying
! the dead. caring for the wounded and
! relieving the skirmish line. which haG
/ been for two days in front constantly