To-morrow would be an eventful day.
CHAPTER XII.
THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
FIRST DAY.
Just at daylight, and while some were getting breakfast, others watering their horses, the Rebels made a sudden and vigorous attack on the Division of General Johnson in General McCook’s Corps, and which was stationed on the extreme right.
Owing to the suddenness of the attack, and the overpowering force which the enemy had brought to bear at this particular point, the troops of General Johnson were thrown into confusion, and ere they could recover from their surprise, the enemy had broken through their lines, and forced them to fall back, at the same time firing volley after volley, killing and wounding a large number of Union troops. They had also succeeded in capturing several pieces of artillery, and, in one instance, the entire battery of Captain Edgarton, taking the Captain and most of his men prisoners.
General Johnson rallied the remainder of his troops as speedily as possible, and others coming to his support—but not until having lost considerable ground—by 9 o’clock, A. M., the engagement had become general along the entire line. At 10 o’clock the battle raged with great fury, and slaughter. Our Battery was stationed on the left of General Negley’s division—it being the last, or left division of the right wing. The enemy, at noon, had succeeded in turning this wing, and had partially got in on our rear, subjecting us to a severe cross-fire. General Cruft, however, managed to extricate the brigade from this unpleasant predicament, and our Battery was drawn off in fine order, but not until we had expended all our ammunition. Our men, as well as those of the entire brigade, stood their ground bravely, and dealt dire destruction to the enemy. Several of our men were killed and wounded about this time.
The battle still raged with great fierceness. The Rebels had gained a great advantage, and had driven General McCook’s wing two or three miles.
At this critical juncture, when it seemed as if we must suffer complete annihilation—when the Rebel star was in the ascendant—Generals Rosencrans and Thomas coming dashing along the line, cheering and rallying their men, when they turned and fought like very tigers. And now the scene was truly thrilling.