Uncle Daniel's Story Of "Tom" Anderson Part 17

"The General telegraphed Capt. Day at Dolensburg to report at once to him at Gen. McGregor's Headquarters, Army of the East. The preliminaries being arranged, all were to be ready early the next morning. The General and Capt. Jackson having arranged and got ready their proper uniforms, horses, mess-chest and everything that would be required in the field, they spent the evening quietly. The Doctor was very sleepless, and suffered more than usual, but was thought not to be in any immediate danger. My wife and Jennie were now also quite recovered.

"The next morning, the General having procured a car for their horses, camp equipage, etc., they took leave of the family, who were in tears, the two little girls, Mary and Jennie, crying aloud. As the General, Capt. Jackson and Ham walked away, Aunt Martha called after Ham:

"'Now, Ham, ef you eber spects to see me agin, don't you forgit your prares ob a night, and de good Laud will fotch you back ef you do dat; but He let you git kill like a cat when you done forget it. Do you mine me, Ham?'

"Turning to me, she continued: 'I 'spect de rebs git dat darky,' then going to the kitchen she gave vent to her grief. The poor old woman felt as badly to part with her Ham as did Mary in parting from her General, but gave expression to it in her own simple way.

[Ill.u.s.tration: General Anderson taking Command 154]

"The General, Jackson and Ham arrived safely at the headquarters of Gen.

McGregor, which were in the valley to the north and east of Cochineal Mountains. His commands of infantry and artillery were variously located on the mountains and in the valley, with his cavalry at Pottstown. It so happened that one of the division commanders had been taken seriously ill, and was sent to the rear. This gave an opportunity for Gen.

Anderson to be placed in command of a good division at once. To Anderson's great delight Gen. McGregor ordered him to take command of this division. Having reported, he sent immediately for all the commanding officers of the division and made their acquaintance. He was greatly pleased with them and they with him. He learned all he could in so short a time about the troops, and at once took measures to put them in good condition. In a few days Capt. James Day reported, and the General's military family was organized, he having taken an Adjutant-General from the command.

"The army was now being rapidly put in good shape; a complete re-organization was being effected, and all were feeling less discouraged. They seemed to well understand that there was to be a great battle fought, and the imperative necessity for a victory by our forces East at this particular time.

"The enemy found means by which to pa.s.s the obstructions in his way, and moved through the country in different directions. Finding that the movements of our army were slow, he seemed to feel that there was no immediate danger of a serious engagement. But the surrender of our forces under Gen. Milo (who died immediately afterwards) so elated the rebel army that they were determined to attack our forces whenever and wherever opportunity offered. Both parties were, however, maneuvering for some advantage; the General of the rebel forces holding McGregor off until his force under Wall could come up from Brown's Ferry. The cavalry of both armies were now scouting continuously for many miles on the flanks of the armies. The pickets were out quite a distance in advance of the opposing forces. No conflict had yet occurred between any of the outposts. Finally the commander of the rebel forces selected his position and gave challenge to our forces, with his rear to the Grand River, covering two main roads leading to the rear, his front facing the winding course of Antler's Run, his right resting on a bridge at the main crossing, his center occupying a ridge commanding the open fields in his front, the right of his left and right center resting on the junction of the two main roads, his extreme left refused so as to form an angle at his left center, extending along and through a skirt of heavy woods; his reserves to the rear on the roads, so as to be thrown easily to the center or either flank in case of necessity; the country to his front, right and left being very uneven, full of gulches and ravines, difficult of pa.s.sage, especially under fire. So posted he flaunted the rebel flag in the face of our army, although at this time his main support had not arrived from Brown's Ferry. But no doubt existed in his mind, I presume, as to their coming up in good time.

McGregor did not then seem inclined to accept the challenge, His command was moving slowly. Farlin, still in command of a corps (for shame be it ever to our indulgent chiefs), was some distance away and did not arrive on that day. So the armies rested. In the meantime Gen. Anderson was eager for the fray. He visited Gen. McGregor's headquarters and indicated his desire to bring on the engagement, saying very soon the enemy would be so securely posted that it would be exceedingly difficult to dislodge him. To this McGregor replied that he could not risk a battle without Farlin's forces being up and in readiness to support our line.

"During the night Farlin came up. A battle must then and there be fought. The whole country stood with bated breath awaiting the result, as all understood that the rebels must be driven back on what they claimed as their own ground, or our country was in imminent danger of becoming demoralized should they see the battlefields changed to the North.

"When the morning came, the commands being in readiness, the movement of our forces commenced. It was soon discovered that the main crossing of Antler's Run was held by a strong force of the enemy, which compelled our troops to seek for some other and less dangerous pa.s.sage. This was found to our right, facing the left of the enemy. His left being refused gave a safer pa.s.sage over the stream. The plan of battle was to throw Gen. Horn's Corps at the upper crossing, a.s.sail the rebel left and, if successful, to cross the left of our forces, under Gen. Broomfield, by a.s.saulting the enemy at the lower crossing, and if he could be driven from there, to cross and a.s.sault his right, his center being too strongly posted to risk an attack on it then. (Gen. Anderson had been a.s.signed with his division to Gen. Horn's Corps.) The crossing over on our right was effected without much difficulty, and the enemy pressed back in the heavy woods. The enemy were evidently holding and waiting, as no general engagement ensued. Another corps crossed in the rear of Gen. Horn's and formed ready to a.s.sault. Our left had not as yet been able to cross in front of the enemy's right, and in this position we found ourselves,--part of our army on the one side and part on the other of Antler's Run, in front of the enemy; thus the two armies rested that night. Our intention being thus revealed to the enemy, he had only to wait the attack, which they must have concluded would be commenced at an early hour in the morning. The night was most beautiful; the vault of heaven being studded with stars, so that either army was in plain view of the other, at no very great distance separated. During the night another of our corps crossed the Run at the same crossing that Gen. Horn had pa.s.sed over in the morning, and moved down to the left and in front of the rebel center. Occasionally the movement of this corps would be responded to with a few musket shots and a few sh.e.l.ls from a battery posted on the ridge in the rebel center. At an early hour in the morning the Union forces took the initiative and hurled Horn's Corps against the rebels' extreme left. The struggle was a severe one--re-enforcements could not well be sent to the rebel left for fear of the movement being now made against their right. The battle on the left was at full height, and the lines swayed to and fro. Gen. Anderson made a movement around a skirt of woods near a chapel, and charged the enemy's lines, with sword drawn, leading his men in person. The a.s.sault was of such an impetuous character as to send dismay into the ranks of the enemy, and they gave way in confusion. Gen. Horn, however, advanced his left and center farther to the front than should have been done without other troops being in position to sustain the movement, and the rebel center, with their left reformed behind the woods, fell upon Horn's left and center with great energy and determination. The two columns now engaged with dauntless courage on both sides. The combatants, equal in mettle, faced each other in open field at very close range; each holding his ground until it appeared as though none would be left alive on either side.

Neither line wavered, and it seemed as though the contest would only be determined by a complete demolition of the two forces. Gen. Horn fell, mortally wounded, and the command fell upon Gen. Simmons, who was killed soon after taking command. At this time the killed and wounded of the superior officers were such that it left Gen. Anderson the ranking General of the corps. He at once a.s.sumed command, and could everywhere be seen giving his orders and encouraging his men to stand. This they did until the slaughter on both sides became a shocking sight to behold.

"Gen. Hughes and Gen. Baily had fallen on the rebel side. The batteries from our side were playing from a hill on the east side of Antler's Run, pouring a galling enfilading fire into the rebel Une. Thus these lines stood amid death and desolation in their ranks until the men themselves on both sides, in order to stop the cruel slaughter of comrades, with one accord ceased firing, and the officers sat on their horses looking at each other as their forces slowly retired each to his rear. At this time, if Gen. Far-lin had moved forward the day would have been won without further slaughter. Gen. Anderson repeatedly sent word to him that if he would attack the enemy he could be routed, as their left was almost destroyed; but he did not a.s.sault at the opportune moment.

"It was then seen that nothing more than skirmishing had been going on between the forces on the Union left and the rebel right. Gen.

Broomfield had not succeeded in crossing the run, and was held at bay by a small force, thus enabling the rebel commander, after discovering this hesitancy on our left, to concentrate on his left and center for the purpose of renewing the conflict. His re-enforcements had now arrived from Brown's Ferry, and he was eager to make an a.s.sault, being now satisfied that he should take the aggressive. Our batteries had crossed the run, and were supported on elevated ground by sufficient infantry, as we thought, for their safety. The rebel forces moved from their cover behind the woods, and were advancing to the crest of the ridge that ran across the open field from north to south, the best position to occupy for vantage ground. Gen. Anderson seeing this, determined to meet the attack and contest for this ground. Both forces were now in motion, each determined the other should not occupy this ridge. Orders were given to Gen. Broomfleld to cross the run at once and attack the enemy's right.

Gen. Mausker was ordered to move on the left of Gen. Horn's Corps, now under Gen. Anderson, and attack at once; Farlin being in reserve, perhaps, because he could not be got anywhere else.

"The artillery was all across the run and ready for action. The cavalry had crossed some miles above and to the north, and were ordered to charge the enemy in the flank as soon as the engagement should be renewed. So on came the troops of both armies, and when in close range, the firing commenced again on our right and the rebel left, it continued all down the line until all were engaged. The firing was terrible and most destructive. Our batteries opened, and on in full charge came our cavalry. The rebel infantry on the left prepared to receive the cavalry, kneeling on one knee with fixed bayonets. What a charge that was, and what a slaughter! On came the cavalry; on, on to the bayonet came horse and man. Clash against bayonet came saber. Many the horse and man went on and over the bayonet in that charge. Part of the cavalry halted and hesitated, some retiring to the rear. Many an infantryman that did the same. Infantry and cavalrymen were piled together in the long slumber of death. At last our cavalry had to retire. While this tragedy was being enacted, the infantry on the right, left and centre were also playing the role of death. Column after column were hurled against each other, only to be repulsed. Our two corps first drove the enemy back and occupied the ridge, and for awhile held this advantage, until the whole rebel army, save a skirmish-line, was withdrawn from the right and center, and concentrated on and against our right. It looked as though the contest was now to be continued only on this part of the line.

Farlin was now in line on the left of Mausker. Many of the enemy's troops were thrown in at this point who, not having been engaged, were comparatively fresh. Their column was formed in two lines. On and against our lines in quick succession they were thrown. Another great slaughter then commenced and continued, line facing line in open field.

Gaps were made by falling men. The command on both sides could be heard, 'Close up!' Never did men stand more courageously amid slaughter and death. Gen. Anderson rode to the line and along its full length, sword in hand, with a large white plume in his hat, that his men might recognize him. Artillery roared and musketry rattled as if they were the hail and thunder from a hundred clouds. Groans and shrieks were heard.

The ground was strewn with the dead and dying. As the lines finally gave way, the spot could be designated by rows of the dead. Our line was now distended and no reserves. The rebels were again re-enforced, Their dash and desperation broke our center, and Farlin fell back. Gen. Mausker now fell, shot through the head. His corps became demoralized and fell back in fragments. Gen. Anderson tried to rally the lines, but could not, and was compelled to fall back to the rear, where the artillery was posted.

The situation at this time was most critical. The General in command was desperate. To lose this battle was his disgrace, having more troops than the enemy, as it would also probably in a measure seal the fate of his whole army. He at once gave Broomfield an imperative order to cross the run at the point of the bayonet, and to advance upon and a.s.sault the enemy's position, being his extreme right. This was done in good style, the enemy driven at the point of the bayonet from the crossing and from his position on his right. The contest was now changed from the enemy's left to his right. Troops were thrown in on his right quickly, and the battle became desperate on this end of the line.

"Gen. Anderson, discovering this, without orders rallied his men and all others that he could, and made a furious attack again on the enemy's left, driving him from the open field into the woods. He then ordered the artillery to advance to the ridge occupied by our line, and from there poured shot and sh.e.l.l into their ranks. The enemy became demoralized and broke in many parts of his line, ours still advancing and Gen. Anderson moving his artillery to the front as he could get position for it. The enemy on their left commenced a retreat down the Sheepstown road in great disorder. The batteries poured their deadly missiles after them, doing great damage. Gen. Anderson pressed forward, believing that their army could now in a great measure be destroyed before they could get back to a strong defensive position for protection. Many prisoners were now being captured. Gen. Broomfleld was following upon the Brown's Ferry road, when darkness set in. An order was now received from Gen. McGregor to desist from any further pursuit for the present. Gen. Anderson put his troops in position for the night, and ordered up stores and supplies for their comfort and made all necessary arrangements for an early movement in pursuit of the enemy the next morning. After attending to these matters he left Capt. Jackson Lyon and Capt. Bay, both of whom had been by the side of the General during this terrible battle. The General with an Orderly retired to the headquarters of the commanding General, which he found in a small farmhouse some two miles to the east side of Antler's Run. When he arrived he was welcomed very heartily and highly complimented by Gen.

McGregor.

"The General said:

"'Anderson, we will not attempt to follow these rebels. Our army is worn out and so terribly damaged and demoralized that it would not do to risk another a.s.sault, should the enemy make a stand, inasmuch as they would have an advantageous position, which they certainly will, as they can select where they will fight if we pursue.'

"'Yes,' said Gen. Anderson; 'but, General, could we not press them so close and worry them so as to keep them on the run, and virtually destroy them before they can get back to their own ground? You know that while our army is terribly mangled, the enemy is certainly in no better condition.'

"'That is true,' said Gen. McGregor; 'but I never have, nor will I ever fight my army when in bad condition. But we will not discuss the matter any further now. You will stay and get a bite to eat and take some rest, but before doing that take a gla.s.s of wine.'

"'Thanks, General; I think I would enjoy a gla.s.s about this time.'

"After taking a gla.s.s together they sat down and had quite a conversation on the events of the day. The house being very comfortably furnished with beds and cots, Gen. McGregor said to Gen. Anderson, 'Lie down and rest while the servants are preparing the supper.'

"The General did so, and dropped off to sleep. Soon some general officers came in and were seated at a table, imbibing rather freely.

The noise they were making aroused the General from his slumbers. He recognized Farlin; to the others he was afterwards introduced, being Gen. Bowlly Smite and Gen. William Cross. The General did not rise, nor did he, by any means, exhibit any knowledge of their presence.

"In the conversation between these three Generals they were discussing the probable success of the war and the course of the Administration.

"Farlin said: 'I am very decidedly of the opinion that this war will last for ten years, and finally the South will gain their independence.

The North will tire out, and the property-holders will get tired of paying taxes. This war is very expensive, and the debt will eventually alarm the country, so that they will be ready to accede to anything.'

[Ill.u.s.tration: Anderson overhears the Conspiracy 162]

"Said Smite: 'Well; but what will become of everything? This Government is not strong enough to stand this strain. It has not power, except it be usurped, to prosecute the war against these Southern States. I do not believe in a Republic anyway. We ought to have a government of central force and power--a military government, or a monarchy, such as England.

Suppose we had such a government as that. We would not be afflicted every now and then with new commanders that we who make soldiering our profession know nothing and care nothing about, and cannot allow to be placed over us when we can avoid it.'

"'Well; but,' said Cross, 'what can we do? That is what we should think about. For instance, here, to-day, we have won a great battle. It is not likely that either of us will be put in command of anything higher than a corps. The command of the different armies will be given to some of those pets who want to free the n.i.g.g.e.rs; and I was told the other day in Washington by Mr. Thos. A. Strider, who is one of the ablest men in this country, that this Abolition President was going to try to set the slaves free and thereby impoverish the South, so as to force them to lay down their arms. He said that if this was done he would not be surprised if Indiana would rise up in revolt.

"'If that be true, I will leave the army myself, said Smite.'

"'No, you are wrong,' said Cross. 'If this is the intention of the Administration, we ought to organize the army on a better basis than it now is, have McGregor relieve every one who is not his friend; and let us urge him to march upon the Capital and there we can install him Dictator, recognize the South's independence, with the understanding that they in turn will send their army to the front near to us, so as to sustain him. We could seize all armories, a.r.s.enals and war materials.

The people would then be powerless. England would at once recognize the South, and if we can maintain ourselves six months, which we can easily do, the whole of Europe would recognize our government.'

"'Just at this moment Gen. McGregor entered the room and said:

"'Gentlemen, I hope you have been enjoying yourselves. I have been out to my Adjutant-General's office, dictating my orders for to-morrow. I hope you have helped yourselves to my sherry and champagne. I had quite a good lot of it brought on, not knowing how long this campaign might last.'

"Farlin said:'General, I would think that the campaign for the present is almost over; our troops are in no condition for further offensive operations.'

"'Do you think so?' said Gen. McGregor.

"'Yes; most a.s.suredly.'

"'Yes,' added Smite; 'we are in no hurry; this war cannot be rushed through; and if this Administration is going to do what I understand it is, there are some of us who will not submit.'

"'What is that?' inquired McGregor.

"'Free the negroes. We will not stand that. We want you to be up and dressed. We will put you in place of the Administration, and have the country governed properly, make peace with the South and stop the war.'

"Gen. McGregor here put his finger to his lips, indicating silence on their part; and looking in the direction of the bed on which Gen.

Anderson was resting, all became silent on this subject, and commenced speaking of the quality of the wine. Very soon supper was announced, and the messenger was told to call Gen. Anderson. The General, turning over and groaning as if awakening from a deep sleep, arose, and addressing Gen. McGregor, said:

"'General, I would have slept till morning, without intermission, had I not been called.'

"'He was then introduced to Generals Cross and Smite, and all repaired to their elegant meal, and there discussed the occurrences of the day, the merits of the several officers who had fallen, etc.

"When supper was over, which continued quite late, Gen. Anderson repaired to his own headquarters, which had been moved up to and in a depression or cut near Antler's Run, on the east side. There he found his Adjutant-General, a few darkies, and old Ham.

"'How are you, Ham?' inquired the General. 'Are you still alive? You did not stay very close to me, to-day, so that you "might be safer," did you Ham?'

"'No, Ma.s.sa Tom. When you fust start out, I was gwine long wid you, but you lef me, and den you said nuffin 'bout me comin' wid you, and I spose you not kear 'bout habin me bodderin' you. Dat's all how it war, Ma.s.sa Tom.'