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Warfield, at suitable distances in rear, making four short lines across the gap. From these regiments skirmishers were sent forward, and in front of the mouth of the gap, supported by Govan's foremost regiment, was placed a section of Semple's battery, commanded by Lieutenant Goldthwaite, screened with withered branches.
Polk's brigade was held in reserve.
In the famous fight which soon followed, General Hooker's command was repulsed, and the duty of Cleburne's division performed with such splendid valor as to win the admiration of the army and the thanks of Congress.
Hooker attempted to gain a foothold on the ridge, to the north, but was foiled by the First Arkansas, hurried up by Gen. L. E. Polk, who won the crest twenty paces ahead of the enemy, repulsed them once alone, and being reinforced, hurled back a second and a third charge, taking 20 prisoners and two stand of colors.
Among the Confederate wounded was Lieutenant-Colonel Martin.
This fight of the First Arkansas was the decisive part of the combat, Govan, in the gap, having little trouble in holding back the enemy.
‘In a fight where all fought nobly, I feel it my duty,’ says Cleburne, ‘to particularly compliment this regiment for its courage and constancy.
In the battle the officers fought with pistols and with rocks, and so close was the fight that some of the enemy were knocked down with the latter missiles and captured.’
About 12 o'clock, the trains being at a safe distance, Cleburne withdrew without difficulty.
In his report General Cleburne adds: ‘I took into the fight: In Polk's brigade, 545; Lowrey's brigade, 1,330; Smith's (Texas) brigade, 1,266; Liddell's brigade, 1,016 effective men, making a total of 4, 157 bayonets.
My loss was 20 killed, 190 wounded, 1 missing. I am confident that the enemy's loss was out of all proportion greater than mine.
The conduct of the officers and men in the fight needs no comment; every man, as far as I know, did his whole duty.’
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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