Another night was passed on the battle-field.
THIRD DAY.
Early the following morning considerable skirmishing ensued, and continued through the forenoon, with shifting 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 noble men assail 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 massed, 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 Washington 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.”