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soon the whole army was engaged.
General Bragg, in his official report, says ‘the attack on the left met with less resistance, much of the enemy's strength having been transferred to our right’
In the first advance of Cleburne, Wood's brigade lost 500 men killed and wounded in a few minutes, and the brigade was withdrawn.
L. E. Polk's left had in turn been driven back, and his entire brigade was ordered to retire.
Breckinridge, after a fierce combat at close quarters, routed the first line of the enemy, but found it impossible to break the second, and retired to his original position.
Finally, another advance was ordered and Breckinridge dashed over the enemy's breastworks in his front, though the enemy made a stubborn resistance.
In this assault he had the co-operation of Jackson's, Maney's and Wright's brigades of Cheatham's division.
Cleburne's attack was upon the point from which he had been repulsed In the forenoon.
Lucius E. Polk's brigade, mainly Tennesseeans charged and carried the northwestern angle of the enemy's breastworks, taking in succession three lines.
The enemy fled precipitately and was pursued to the Chattanooga and Lafayette road.
In his official report General Cleburne said of General Polk: ‘It is due to him and to the country which wishes to appreciate its faithful servants, to say that to the intrepidity and stern determination of purpose of himself and men I was principally indebted for the success of the charge on Sunday evening, which drove the enemy from his breastworks and gave us the battle.’
During this advance Lieut. W. B. Richmond, aide-de-camp to Lieutenant-General Polk, was killed; an active and efficient officer, invaluable to his chief.
Major-General Stewart attacked with Brown's brigade of Tennesseeans, advancing with Wood's brigade.
Clayton was moved up, and Bate placed in line with him. The front line, says General Stewart, met ‘the most terrific fire it has ever been my fortune to witness.’
Wood
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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