own the depot
was fired and the track destroyed.

The command now took a brief rest, having eaten nothing all day and not
having slept for over twenty-four hours. Marching again at 11, the 2d
Division passed south and reached the McDonogh road at daylight. At
Pittsburgh again turned south toward the railroad. The first few miles
developed nothing of interest, but, finally, during a temporary halt,
the rear guard was attacked and the 1st Ohio sent back to its support.
The enemy developed considerable strength and the 3d and 4th Ohio were
hurried to the scene. A sharp engagement, but brief, followed; the
opposing force was routed and the column again moved on--moved on to
encounter something of a foe more determined and with better staying
qualities. Minty led, and, striking the Macon road near Lovejoy's
Station, he dismounted the 4th Michigan to tear up the track. Hardly had
operations commenced when the regiment was suddenly and impetuously
attacked in front and driven back. Simultaneously an attack was made in
force on the right flank, which was met by the 7th Pennsylvania. A
detachment from Long's Brigade was dismounted and sent forward at double
quick. The skirmish line was being gradually forced back and a strong
line of infantry was developed coming out of the woods. This proved to
be Cleburne's Division. Long's entire brigade (the 2d) was now
dismounted and deployed on the right, while a line of breast-works was
thrown up in the rear. The firing became heavy on both sides. In front
the enemy was resolutely held for awhile and our men then fell back to
the works, whence a fire was opened that staggered the advancing lines
and threw them into some confusion. This enabled Lieut. Bennett, of the
battery, to bring off his two pieces which were near being lost. In this
affair we had several killed and wounded; of the latter two officers of
the 4th Ohio.

It was now apparent that not only was there a formidable force of
cavalry in the rear, but a large body of infantry, with cavalry and
cannon, in front. The dismounted regiments fell back and remounted under
severe musketry. Kilpatrick called a hurried council of the brigade
commanders. The foe was not only in front and rear but our flanks were
being enveloped. There was but one advisable course--to make a quick,
vigorous, desperate charge, break their lines, and cut our way out. The
decision was prompt. The force behind was evidently the weaker and was,
therefore, cho