Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 200, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 August 1912 — CAMP FIRE STORIES [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

CAMP FIRE STORIES

BRICE’S CROSSROADS BATTLE Prominent Part Taken by Third lowa Cavalry In Battle and RetreatMany Were Killed. In answer to Comrade Riley I will give a condensed report from Colonel Noble (Third lowa cavalry) to Adjutant General Baker of lowa, writes W. E. Hayden of Portland, Ore., in the National Tribune, which ought to satisfy him as to the part the cavalry took at Brice’s Crossroads: “Headquarters Third lowa cavalry. Near Memphis, Tenn, August 9,1864. “Sir: I have the honor to report as to the part taken by the Third lowa cavalry in the expedition unaer Gen. Sturgis. Approaching Brice’s Crossroads at 11 a. m., this command went into line of battle by battalion on the right of the main road, and soon after the artillery opened In front. We then advanced beyond Brice’s about 600 yards.' After forming in line with the balance of the brigade the cavalry was dismounted and the horses sent to the rear. Soon after we became heavily engaged with the enemy, and held them In check for an hour. On the left of our brigade the enemy was driven back throe different times. At this juncture my whole command was relieved by regiments of infantry, and was retiring when the infantry became engaged. We formed a new line in their rear, rather than to appear to leave them in an emergency. “The contest lasted but a short time after this, and the enemy was hotly pressing his victory, and we took a mounted, to protect the retreating column. A column of squadrons was again formed facing the enemy and retired by alternate squadron, keeping the enemy in check. “Our greatest difficulty was to cross the swamp in our rear, and in it were caught most of the artillery and train of the army. Arriving at Stubbs* plantation, we rested from 11 p. m. to 2 a. m., when we again moved toward Ripley, holding the roar. At Ripley I found the infantry filling the streets, and was notified that the enemy was about to attack on the left. I formed a column of squadrons, faced to the roar, and at the same time was ordered to support the Fourth lowa cavalry, then in action. Deploying a battalion, I ordered It to the rear, and at the same time pushed forward another battalion in column to hold the road of retreat for the other troops. My ad-

vance in line was made under severe fire, but officers and men were cool and kept a steady line. The enemy was checked and the position held until bis object attained. Then General Grierson ordered me to retire. “To retire was difficult, for the enemy, having no resistance elsewhere, were flanking as well as pressing from the rear. Their fire was redoubled as we moved again upon the road. In this stand we lost several men. Much relief .was given to the infantry regiments who were retiring from Ripley, and the enemy did not escape without punishment; his flag was seen to fall three times under our fire and many of his men were killed and wounded. Platoon after platoon was thrown out right and left along the road, presenting a front'to the rebels, This method of defense was continued throughout the day. A cavalry force and an infantry command finally appeared and gave my regiment temporary relief. But the enemy, still pressing the cavalry, failed to hold their place, and a portion of the Infantry was thrown into confusion and captured. Colonel Thomas, commanding the infantry, applied to me for relief, and I formed another battalion line, supporting it with several squadron placed at advantageous points. The infantry passed through my line, and I was once more contending with the enemy. I was finally relieved by the Fourth lowa cavalry. The losses in my regiment were 62 killed, wounded and prisoners. —John W. Noble, Colonel, Third lowa eavalry.

We Formed a New Line in the Rear.