Part 8 (1/2)

Early the following morning considerable skirmis.h.i.+ng ensued, and continued through the forenoon, with s.h.i.+fting of positions.

Between 3 and 4 o'clock in the afternoon, the Rebels, in strong force, opened an attack on a single brigade of ours, which was posted near Stone river, and in advance of our extreme left. Pressed by greatly superior numbers the brigade was compelled to fall back, which they did in good order, contesting every inch of ground, and making great havoc in the enemy's ranks. Our reserve force soon pushed forward, with cheers and yells, determined to do or die. With a shock that could not be withstood, our brave men rushed upon the foe. Their columns shook--they wavered, reeled, and fighting desperately, fell back, while the brave Union troops pushed them at every step. Vainly did the Rebel General in command strive to rally and turn back his horror-stricken legions. But furiously, more furiously, did our n.o.ble men a.s.sail the rebellious foe, till the ground was piled heap on heap with the slain, and the thirsty earth drank up their life blood. And now, in utter confusion, the enemy gave way, and soon were flying before us, like chaff before the wind.

Night had now set in, and darkness was gradually stealing over us; but still we fought on, determined to achieve a glorious victory for our country, and our firesides.

Our forces were now ma.s.sed, and with cheers that made the welkin ring, we charged down upon a battery of artillery, which had been pouring destruction into our ranks.

So great was this onset, that again did the enemy give way and retire from their guns, and fled in wild disorder back into the cedar thickets which dotted the battle-field.

In this charge we captured four guns of the enemy's celebrated Was.h.i.+ngton battery, of Louisiana, and also recaptured several of our own guns, which were taken from us in the first day's fight.

The Rebel loss, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, was nearly three to our one. Had but two hours more of daylight intervened, the Rebel army would have been well nigh annihilated. It was fortunate for them that darkness put an end to the conflict, when

”Our bugles sang truce--for the night-cloud had lower'd, And the sentinel stars set their watch in the sky; And thousands had sunk on the ground overpower'd, The weary to sleep, and the wounded to die.”

Thus pa.s.sed another night on the battle-field.

FOURTH DAY.

During this day the enemy kept up a continual skirmis.h.i.+ng along our front, but without seeming inclined to risk another general encounter. This afterwards appeared to have been only a blind to cover their retreat, for during the same night they evacuated the field.

On Sunday morning, January 4th, General McCook entered Murfreesboro, and took formal possession of the town.

Thus ended the great battle of Stone river, which, for desperate and hard fighting, has not been excelled by any battle fought during the rebellion.

SUMMARY.

It would be occupying too much time and s.p.a.ce to give full particulars of all that transpired during this memorable conflict. And where all fought so bravely and so well, it will not be necessary to discriminate. Taken as a whole, it was one of the hardest contested, and most decisive battles, which has yet been fought. The loss, in killed and wounded, on both sides, was very heavy. The enemy's loss, in killed and wounded, will not vary far from twelve thousand to fourteen thousand. About five thousand of the enemy fell into our hands as prisoners of war. We captured but few arms or equipments. Our loss, in killed and wounded, was about eight thousand, and from three thousand to four thousand captured and missing. The Rebels probably gained a slight advantage in the amount of artillery captured.

Several Generals, and other officers high in rank were killed and wounded, on both sides. The Rebels retreated towards Tullahoma.

This victory once more placed us in possession of a good part of Middle Tennessee, and thereby materially afforded us help in obtaining supplies.

The enemy were confident of success, but were woefully disappointed, and it has been a severe blow to them, and one from which they will hardly recover. General Rosencrans rather outwitted the redoubtable Rebel Bragg, and came off with increased laurels. Rosencrans has shown himself to be the right man in the right place. He knows no such word as _fail_.

Our Battery, in this engagement, was in command of Lieutenant Norman Baldwin. Captain Standart was still acting as Chief of Artillery, on General Palmer's Staff. Lieutenant Sypher was sick, at Nashville. Both Lieutenants Baldwin and Sturges acted with great coolness and bravery.

Lieutenant Baldwin had one horse killed under him. The Battery was several times in a dangerous position, and once was nearly surrounded by the enemy, and subjected to a severe cross fire. The men heroically stood at their posts, and fought like veterans, while the air was hissing with shot and sh.e.l.l. None wavered from their duty, and all are deserving of the highest praise. But, alas! some laid down their lives in that fearful battle-storm. This was the first time that any of our company were killed in battle.

The following is a list of the members of the Battery who were killed, wounded, and taken prisoners:

_Killed_--Orderly Sergeant Thomas J. Thompson; Sergeant George Wolf; Privates Chauncey Lyon, Samuel Ruple, John Elliott.

_Wounded Seriously_--Privates Benjamin F. Sarles, S. W. Shankland, William Broe, Alfred French John Blanchard.

_Wounded and Missing_--A. J. McLaughlin, George Overy.

_Slightly Wounded_--L. L. Sawtell, N. Schoh, J. Arndt, J. Grant, --.

Hayes.