gh the woods like leaves before the blast, and after them
pressed the charging regiments of Ector and Raines' Confederate cavalry in
resistless volume. Meanwhile, Wharton's Cavalry Brigade was moving rapidly
past Colonel Zahm's right, and the Confederate infantry pushing by his
left at a distance of two hundred yards. An aide to General McCook came
requesting succor for the supply train moving over toward the Nashville
pike. Col. Gates P. Thruston, one of McCook's aides, gave a graphic
picture of the capture and recapture of the precious supply train.
"McCook's baggage train, starting for the rear, was soon in the hands of
the enemy; our supply trains shared the same fate. Gen. Joe Wheeler's
command appeared in rear of our flank on the Murfreesboro pike, and all
soon became excitement and confusion there. Wharton, after a succession of
captures, charged over the fields in rear far down toward our infantry
lines, sweeping everything before him. By Rosecrans' orders Stanley's
Cavalry hastened to the rescue. There was a succession of conflicts over a
wide field, with varying fortunes. The whole area in rear between our
right and left was a scene of strife and confusion that beggars
description. Stragglers from the front, teamsters, couriers, negro
servants, hospital attendants, ambulances added to the turmoil. Wounded
and riderless horses and cattle, wild with fright, rushed frantically over
the field.

While in the open ground, moving our ammunition train rapidly to the left,
it was discovered by the enemy. In my anxiety for its safety I had
already reported the importance of the train to every cavalry officer
within reach, and appealed for protection. Colonel Zahm, of the Second
Ohio Cavalry as he states in his report (official record), promised me all
possible help, and promptly formed his regiment in line for that purpose.
Major Pugh, of the Fourth Ohio Cavalry, at my request also placed his
regiment on our flank, facing the enemy. The First Ohio and the Second
East Tennessee and a battalion of the Third Ohio Cavalry were near at
hand.

Alas, when the crisis came a few minutes later they were not in position
to successfully withstand the shock. They were unprepared, and not in
brigade line. Wharton's Confederates unexpectedly appeared in great force.
His artillery opened fire furiously upon the Fourth Ohio Cavalry, and
threw the regiment into some confusion. Soon apparently his entire command
charged down upon us like