[CHAP. XXVIII.

one Captain Roddey. My own company and Company B (which agreeably to your instructions had joined us on the evening of the 30th from Frankfort) were encamped in an open piece of woods on the left of the road, about 3 miles from Russellville. Captain A. B. Emery had posted pickets on the main road toward Tuscumbia and Russellville and on a road coming into the rear of our camp or fronting the main road. The attack began by a furious dash of cavalry, of about 25 in number, on our pickets nearest Tuscumbia, who, after firing their carbines and pistols, started immediately to camp t give the alarm. By the time they reached the camp Captain Emery had the men in line and gave the enemy a volley as they passed by on the road, bringing down several horses and doing other execution not known by reason of the darkness. The enemy immediately returned the fire, wounding 1 man in Company G. Almost at the same time, and before our own men were yet mounted, firing began from the right, rear, and left; also from points in the woods. Captain Emery, thinking his retreat cut off and knowing himself to be entirely surrounded, at once made a determined stand. He sent one platoon (arranged the night previous) under my command to the right, with orders to dismount and deploy as skirmishers. Another platoon he placed under command of Orderly Sergeant [William H.] Woodlief to be sent to the front. The third platoon were dismounted and sent to the left. Company B was divided so as to leave a few skirmishers on the left, but placing the main part of said company facing the rear, commanded by Sergeant-Major [Hugh H.] Siverd. In this position we sustained a fight of about one hour and a half, being dark when the contest commenced and not entirely light when it ended.

Most of the fighting done with my platoon was a hand-to-hand combat. The firing on all sides was sharp and rapid. The enemy were partly armed with Maynard carbines, which, however, did not prevent our men from loading and firing their Sharps carbines with great effect. The fighting had continued for over an hour when Sergeant-Major Siverd came to me with the news that Captain Emery was killed and the enemy pressing hard upon our rear. In about twenty minutes from this time, knowing the wagons were ready to move and feeling the force opposed to us were far superior in numbers and being, by the unfortunate illness of lieutenant Fordyce, Company B, who was unable to do duty, left as sole commander, I thought best to draw off my force and try and cut my way back on the Tuscumbia road. Getting the wagons in the road, I drew my men off in columns of fours, finding no enemy in this move, neither did they pursue me.

The efficient men of Companies B and B in this engagement numbered 70.*

* * * * * * *

LEONARD ERWIN,

Second Lieutenant Co. G, First Ohio Volunteer Cavalry.

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*Nominal list of casualties shows 2 men killed and 1 officer and 4 men wounded.

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