Part I - Don's Metal Detecting Forum

file:///I|/civil war books/war of rebellion/38a.txt
General Newton was directed to push up a brigade to support his
skirmish line. 12.45 p. in., Generals Newton and Wood each directed
to place two brigades in two lines in the advanced positions
which they had gained, General Newton’s right to connect with
Stanley’s left an ood’s right with Newton’s left. These dispositions
were made without delay. We took nearly all of the enemy’s
skirmishers in front of General Stanley. Just in the front
of our lines now can be seen the enemy’s works. They are very
strong and are full of troops. During the advance of our skirmishers
the enemy opened fire upon them from two batteries placed in different
parts of their line, one in front of Stanley’s center and one in
front of Newton’s right. 1 p. in., General Garrard has connected
with us on our left. The direction of our line now runs a little to
the north of east. Stanley’s right rests on the railroad and he faces
south, while Newton and Wood face southeast. Stanley has one
brigade in the rear of the left of his line as a reserve (the other two
brigades in line), and Newton and Wood each have a reserve brigade
mu the rear of their lines. 5.15 p. in., instructed Generals Wood and
Newton to hold their presentpositions if they did not think it advisable
to attempt to occupy the eimemy’s rifle-pits in their fronts, and
take those that they have not driven the enemy from, and after
dark to push their skirmishers well out and have them dig rifle-pits
for their protection. 6 p. in., received note from Brigadier-General
Wood stating that his officers commanding skirmish lin~ report that
the enemy’s skirmishers have been driven from their pits (though
he does not occupy them) in his front, and that he has given orders
to push out his skirmishers well after dark. 6.30 p. in., General
*For letter from Sherman to Thomas (here omitted) see Part V.
Cxx~~. L.] REPORTS, ETC.—ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND. 893
Newton reports that Colonel Bradley has taken the rifle-pits of the
enemy in his front, and that the others in front of his (Newton’s)
division vacated, all save one, which seems to be the end of a covered
way to the house on the high hill in his front, which is easily
re-enforced, and that there would be no advantage in taking it;
further, his (Newton’s) skirmishers are well Ilposted] and occupy
the most favorable ground in his front. Lost in killed and wounded
to-day about 130. Took 90 prisoners. Day very hot and bright.
July 5.—4 a. in., General Stanley reported that the enemy has left
his front, and that he occupies his works. At once reported the~fact
to General Thomas. 4.15, General Newton sends report, dated 3.30
a. in., stat~ig that lie occupies the enemy’s works. 4.25 a. in., directed
division coniinanders to make reparation to follow the enemy
as soon as possible, General Wood’s ivision to lead, Newton’s to fob
low, then Stanley’s. 5 a. in. started on the march. The enemy’s
works proved to be very formidable. In our front were two lines of
breast-works in addition to the usual line of skirmish rifle-pits. 8 a.
in., it is reported that the enemy’s wagon train, or a small part of
s moving to the southeast toward the river, on our left. Sent
word back to General Newton to send a brigade of infantry after
it, bat to move parallel to the railroad, down which our column is
marching, and not far from it. Palmer’s corps is moving down the
main road on our right, running near to the railroad in some I)laces
and in others from one to two miles. 8.30 a. in., skirmishing quite
heavy. Hazen’s brigade in advance. 10 a. in., head of column arrived
at Vining’s Station, about two and a half miles from the
river at the railroad crossing, five miles from camp, and one
mile from the river on a direct road running to Pace’s Ferry.
Here we captured the station-master, who says that the enemy has
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