Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 08.djvu/342

330 see a heavy reserve force. General Breckinridge had formed the command into two divisions, the left being placed under the command of Brigadier-General Daniel Ruggles, and the right under Brigadier-General Charles Clarke. The battle was opened by Ruggles' division, which encountered the enemy strongly posted in a wood in front of a regimental camp. Semmes' Louisiana battery, attached to this division, was splendidly managed, and fought well up with the infantry, using grape and canister at close quarters with fine effect. Clarke's division now closed in on the enemy, who found the fire too hot, and he slowly retired through the first encampment, taking position in front of the second encampment, and being reinforced by the reserves. Owing to the broken nature of the ground and the obstructions, the line had, in advancing, become considerably deranged and disconnected, but as soon as it was adjusted it was thrown forward on the forces posted in front of the second encampment. Here the first determined and obstinate resistance was met. The contest was warmly maintained for a considerable time, probably an hour, and our losses were heavy. Colonel Allen, one of Ruggles' brigadiers, was wounded, his brigade was repulsed and fell back in confusion. Colonel Thompson, commanding the other brigade of Ruggles' division, was wounded leading a charge. Colonel Thomas H. Hunt, who succeeded to the command of Helm's brigade when General Helm was disabled, was wounded and many regimental and company officers killed and wounded. Inch by inch the enemy was driven back, and the left of the army had reached the second encampment, when suddenly the right began to fall back. It was said to be in obedience to General Clark's orders, and Colonel John A. Buckner, now in command of Helm's brigade, rode along his line directing his men to retire to a ravine a short distance in the rear, and form there. The order to retire was unexpected and not understood, and the movement was made in some disorder, but the men quickly rallied in the ravine. Just as the line fell back General Clarke was badly, and it was supposed mortally, wounded. The enemy did not follow, but took advantage of his opportunity to change his line somewhat, shortening it, and retiring his left to the woods in front of his third encampment. Clarke's division was now moved a short distance to the left, being joined on its left by Thompson's brigade of Ruggles' division. The whole line was moved forward across a road parallel with the river, and now became exposed to a sharp fire from the gunboats. The enemy was in front of the third encampment, which was in the edge of town and near the arsenal.