I am now about to close my account of this battle and the false statements regarding it. I have written it because of Gen. Corse's willfully making an erroneous statement toward the close of his report about driving the division away, and because of his (so-called) famous dispatch, the gospel hymn, and the shouts of victory, congratulatory orders and admiration parties; because of Hood's statement about orders given me—all of which have thrown a glamour over the conflict, making things seem to be what they were not.
I have endeavored to dispel the illusion, remove the glamour, uncover the hidden truth to him who will seek it.
The "holding on" power of the Federal soldier in this battle was remarkable, and his faith commendable. From 11 A.M. to near the close of day they were pent up inside and around in the ditch of a small fort in such numbers that they lay on one another, sat on each other, stood on others dead or alive, praying for relief. There they stayed till, in the silence of the gloaming, they ventured out and "had the advantage of the enemy and maintained it"—without opposition, for the enemy had long been gone away!
In what I have written respecting this battle I have made no charge against the Union soldier of the want of courage or the desire to surrender.
It is they who furnish the evidence of their distress, refusal to man the parapets, and desire to surrender under the long delay and disappointments of the so-often-promised aid. Amidst all their environments, let none condemn them without cause.
JOSEPH M. BROWN.
The Soldiers' Grave.
BY JOSEPH M. BROWN.