oot too high. The blaze of
their guns reveals their exact position to us. We reach the rude log
breastworks behind which they are standing and grapple with them.
Colonel Humphrey receives a severe thrust from a bayonet; others are
wounded, and some killed. It is pitch dark under the trees. Some of
Gaunther's shells fall short, and alarm the men. Unable to find either
staff officer or orderly, I ride back and request him to elevate his
guns. Returning, I find my troops blazing away with great energy; but,
so far as I can discover, their fire is not returned. It is difficult,
however, in the noise, confusion, and darkness, to direct their
movements, and impossible to stop the firing. In the meantime a new
danger threatens. Spear's Tennesseeans have been sent to support us,
probably without any definite instructions. They are, most of them, raw
troops, and, becoming either excited or alarmed at the terrible racket
in the woods, deliver scattering shots in our rear. I ride back and urge
them either to cease firing or move to the left, go forward and look
after our flank. One regiment does move as directed; but the others are
immovable, and it is with great difficulty that I succeed in making them
understand that in firing they are more likely to injure friends than
foes. Fortunately, soon after this, the ammunition of the Third and
Eighty-eighth becoming exhausted, the firing in the woods ceases, and,
as the enemy has already abandoned the field, the affair ends. I try to
find General Rousseau to report results, but can not; and so, worn out
with fatigue and excitement, lie down for another night.

4. Every thing quiet in our front. It is reported that the enemy has
disappeared. Investigation confirms the report, and the cavalry push
into Murfreesboro and beyond.

During the forenoon the army crosses Stone River, and with music,
banners, and rejoicings, takes possession of the old camps of the enemy.
So the long and doubtful struggle ends.

5. I ride over the battle-field. In one place a caisson and five horses
are lying, the latter killed in harness, and all fallen together.
Nationals and Confederates, young, middle-aged, and old, are scattered
over the woods and fields for miles. Poor Wright, of my old company, lay
at the barricade in the woods which we stormed on the night of the last
day. Many others lay about him. Further on we find men with their legs
shot off; one with brains scooped out with a cannon ball; another