Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 22.djvu/21

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menced, and hence it must have been dark when Major West returned from his interview with General Johnston.

The conclusion, therefore, must be that from the length of time, the writer's or relator's memory has failed to recall events as they were thirty years ago.

There was only a small part of my line enfiladed, and that was caused by it curving to the left near the ravine, where Hoskins' bat- tery was.

If Hood's line was enfiladed I did not discover it, and Captain Morris' plan, published in the War Records, plate 62, would be faulty, for the enemy's line is nearly parallel with his. To conclude, I have shown that if all this passing to and fro of officers took place between me and General Polk, and between Polk and Johnston, it must have commenced about 1.30 o'clock P. M., to have ended at 4 P. M., which could not be, for I was then east of Cassville. On the other hand, if a report was carried to General Polk about my line being enfiladed, it must have been done after 5.30 P. M., and this going to and fro, with examinations and discussions, could not have been accomplished before 8 P. M., whereas, it is stated to have been done before Captain Morris left Polk's headquarters, at 4.30 P. M., either of which is incredible.

Very respectfully,

S. G. FRENCH.

P. S. The result of the two hours' shelling my line in casualties was one officer and nine men wounded none killed. Horses, three killed. A small matter to create any apprehension, as described in your article. The order placing me in command of Canty's Division has no hour date.

Your readers will perceive that it was not I who influenced Gene- ral Polk in this affair.

S. G. F.