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one decrepit slave left, who was not able to follow the others.
Captain Dickison sent down his line for Mr. Lewis and requested him to remain with Mrs. Lewis.
With lofty patriotism she said, ‘Go on with the command and do your duty and help avenge this invasion of our homes.’
We record with proper pride that by 10 o'clock that night all of her property, excepting one carriage horse killed, was safely returned.
Learning that the enemy was moving on to Gainesville, 12 miles distant, Captain Dickison continued his march.
At this time Capt. W. A. Owens, with a detachment of 15 of the State militia, joined the force.
This gallant soldier was one of the first citizens in Marion county in the organization of the Marion Light Dragoons.
His health failing, he was compelled to resign, but he soon secured a commission as captain of militia and enrolled a small force of such as were not able to be in the regular service.
After the war closed, he said that as he rode by his side on this occasion, Captain Dickison with deep feeling said to him: ‘We will meet the enemy very soon; we must win this fight or the country is gone.
I can see in my brave men a determination to sacrifice their lives or win the fight, and I know they will win it. They have seen their homes invaded and the sore distress of their helpless families and neighbors.
Such men may be killed, but never conquered.’
As Dickison rode on with his advance—his surgeon, Dr. J. A. Williams, by his side—he saw in the distance the enemy's rear guard near Gainesville.
When within one mile of Gainesville he formed his line for the fight.
Lieutenant Bruton was directed to throw two shells into the enemy's line.
The enemy held the railroad at each crossing and were in the depot, and Dickison, dismounting most of his men, ordered a detachment under Captain Rou and Lieutenant McCardell to move up on the left and take the depot, while Lieutenant McEaddy with a mounted platoon on the right flank and Lieutenant
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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