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forces of the Federal army had been concentrated at Nashville, which was strongly fortified.
A demonstration was made against that point, and Bragg's army was thrown rapidly to Glasgow, Ky., reaching there on the 13th of September.
In the meantime, on the 30th of August, General Smith had met the Federal forces at Richmond, Ky., and won one of the most decisive victories of the war. The Federal troops were commanded by Brig.-Gen. M. D. Manson until 2 p. m., when Maj.-Gen. William Nelson reached the field and took command.
According to General Manson, ‘the Union troops did not exceed 6,500,’ and General Smith reported his whole force at 5,000 officers and men.
The attack was made and resisted with energy and vigor, so much so that Smith believed that he had encountered 10,000 men, and Manson was confident that he was beaten by an army of veterans 16,000 strong.
General Nelson reported, under date of 31st of August, that he arrived on the field three miles south of Richmond, at 2 p. m., and found the command in a disorganized retreat, or rather a rout.
With great exertion I rallied about 2,200 men, moved them to a strong position, where I was confident I could hold them in check until night, and then resume the retreat.
The enemy attacked in front and on both flanks simultaneously with vigor.
Our troops stood about three rounds when, struck by a panic, they fled in disorder.
I was left with my staff almost alone.
General Nelson was wounded in this combat and General Manson captured.
The return of casualties in the United States forces shows that 206 officers and men were killed, 844 wounded, and 4,303 captured.
Major-General Smith, in his report of the battle, said that his leading division under General Cleburne found the enemy in a fine position six miles from Richmond.
Without waiting for support, Cleburne commenced the action.
A brigade under Gen. Thomas J. Churchill was moved up to turn the enemy's right.
While he was in
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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