Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/322

 316 Southern Historical Societij Papers.

of four companies of the First Alabama, under command of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Locke. For two days there were frequent skirmishes with the enemy's advance guard along my whole front.

On Sunday afternoon, the 24th May, I was ordered by the Major- General commanding to determine the enemy's strength, if possible, and drive him from my front.

After receiving reinforcements, consisting of a battalion each from the First Mississippi and Fifteenth Arkansas regiments, commanded respectively by Major Johnson and Lieutenant Colonel Lee; also the battalion of the Provost guard, commanded by Captain J. R. Wilson, ihis force was pushed forward until dark, but only en- countered a few of the enemy's pickets or skirmishers. At the first fire these parties fell back upon the main body, and I did not think it prudent to advance further that night, but after placing pickets upon this advanced line withdrew my command to its original posi- tion. This line of pickets was not disturbed until about Monday noon, when ihe enemy advanced in heavy force from the direction of Aberger's fields. I advanced my whole line about five hundred yards to a favorable position and formed line of battle ; the section of the Watson battery, Lieutenant i'oledano, commanding the road, the infantry ambuscaded to the right and left under cover of the crest of a hill and logs and brush thrown up temporarily for the purpose. In front of this line of battle was an open space of about ten acres, but thickly studded with heavy timber, the undergrowth having been cut down for camping purposes. My force at this time numbered about six hundred. Two companies from each flank hav- ing been thrown forward as skirmishers, soon encountered the enemy; heavy skirmishing at once began; the enemy pushed forward boldly, our line slowly retreating until they reached the open space fronting my line of battle, when, in obedience to previous orders, they flanked right and left and took position in line of battle. Lieutenant-Colonel Locke ( First Alabama), commanding righi wing, and Major John- son, First Mississir)pi, commanding left wing, were ordered to keep their men under cover and concealed until orders to fire were re- ceived from me. The enemy 3'elling and shouting rushed forward into the open space selected for the battle-ground. This advance, consisting of a heavy line of skirmishers, soon discovered our artil- lery, and at once took cover behind the numerous trees and began sharpshooting the artillery horses and cannoneers. Hoping the mam body of the enemy would advance I reserved our fire, but soon found that the artillery was suffering too severely. I ordered the