of our guns.

"Frequent calls were now made for re-enforcements, but until
the infantry should arrive, I had none to give. Colonel
Winslow, 4th Iowa Cavalry, commanding a brigade and
occupying a position on the Guntown road a little in advance
of the cross-roads, was especially clamorous to be relieved
and permitted to carry his brigade to the rear. Fearing that
Colonel Winslow might abandon his position without
authority, and knowing the importance of the cross-roads to
us, I directed him in case he should be overpowered, to fall
back slowly toward the cross-roads, thus contracting his
line and strengthening his position. I was especially
anxious on this point because through some misunderstanding,
that I am yet unable to explain, the cavalry had been
withdrawn without my knowledge from the left, and I was
compelled to occupy the line, temporarily, with my escort,
consisting of about 100 of the 19th Penn. Cavalry. This
handful of troops under the gallant Lieut.-Colonel Hess,
behaved very handsomely and held the line until the arrival
of the infantry. About half-past 1 p. m. the infantry began
to arrive. Col. Hodge's brigade was the first to reach the
field and was placed in position by Colonel McMillen, when
the enemy was driven a little. General Grierson now
requested authority to withdraw the entire cavalry as it was
exhausted and well nigh out of ammunition. This I authorized
as soon as sufficient infantry was in position to permit it
and he was directed to reorganize his command in the rear
and hold it ready to operate on the flanks. In the mean time
I had ordered a section of artillery to be placed in
position on a knoll near the little bridge, some three or
four hundred yards in the rear, for the purpose of opposing
any attempt of the enemy to turn our left. I now went to
this point to see that my orders had been executed and also
to give directions for the management and protection of the
wagon-train. I found the section properly posted and
supported by the 72nd Ohio Infantry, with two companies
thrown forward as skirmishers, and the whole under the
superintendence of that excellent officer, Colonel Wilkins,
of the 9th Minn. While here, the head of the wagon train,
which had been reported still a mile and a half in r