There was no place of shelter upon any portion of the field. Wounds were given and death inflicted by the enemy's artillery in the ranks of the reserves, as well as in the front rank. During five hours, shells, solid shot, grape and canister, and storms of bullets swept the entire ground. Many gallant officers and many soldiers, equally brave, fell dead or wounded, but their comrades stood as firm as iron. Volunteers sustained their reputation. ‘Conscripts’ arose at once to the same standard, and splendidly refuted the slanders put upon them. A Federal officer under flag brought the following letter:
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retiring in great confusion.
Blunt having arrived, now advanced his line against Shoup's left, when Frost's division in reserve was brought up on the left of Marmaduke and received the attack of Blunt, which was principally directed against Parsons' brigade, and though persistent and bloody, was also repulsed with heavy loss, causing the retirement of the enemy in disorder.
The enemy now massed his artillery against the Confederate left, and with his rifled guns played upon the Confederate line for an hour, meanwhile throwing his whole cavalry force against the Confederate right, in which he was defeated by MacDonald.
Then moving up with his combined force against the Confederate center, he was finally routed by Shoup's division, Shelby of Marmaduke's division, and Shaver's and Parsons' brigades of Frost's left division.
The Federal commander left his dead and wounded and the colors of several regiments, besides a number of prisoners, in the hands of the Confederates.
Some of these were found to be of Totten's division, of the central district of Missouri.
In all, 275 prisoners, 5 Federal flags, 23 wagons of clothing and equipage, and over 500 small-arms were captured by the Confederates, who held the ground but made no attempt at pursuit.
The Confederate loss in killed was 164, wounded, 817, missing, 236.
The enemy had not less than 400 dead on the field, and 1,500 wounded.
General Hindman said in his report:
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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