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had preceded me, consisting of two regiments of cavalry, under command of Colonel Smith, the 64th Georgia regiment, and two companies of the 32d Georgia regiment.
Subsequently other troops were sent forward, and I was directed to call for such reinforcements as might be needed.
About two miles from Olustee Station I found the enemy advancing rapidly, and our cavalry retiring before them.
I then sent forward a party of skirmishers, and hastily formed line of battle, under a brisk fire from the enemy's advance.
The 19th Georgia was placed on the right, and the 28th Georgia on the left, with a section of Captain Gamble's artillery in the centre.
The 64th Georgia and the two companies of the 32d Georgia were formed on the left of the 28th, and the 6th Georgia regiment was sent still farther to the left, to prevent a flank movement of the enemy in that direction.
Instructions were sent to Colonel Smith, commanding cavalry, to place his regiments on the extreme flank, and to guard against any movement of the enemy from either side.
The line of infantry was then ordered to advance, which was gallantly done, the enemy contesting the ground, and giving way slowly.
Perceiving that the enemy were in strong force, I sent back for reinforcements and a fresh supply of ammunition.
The 6th Florida battalion and 23d Georgia regiment soon arrived for my support.
The 6th Florida battalion was formed on the right of the 19th Georgia, and in such position as to come in on the left flank of the enemy.
The 23d Georgia was put on the left of the 64th Georgia. Colonel Harrison, coming up with the 32d and 1st Georgia Regulars, took position on the left, between the 23d and 6th Georgia regiments, and was instructed to assume the general direction of the left of the line.
The section of Gamble's artillery in the centre having been disabled by the loss of horses and limber, Captain Wheaton, who had early arrived upon the field with the Chatham Artillery, and had taken position on the right, was ordered to the centre to relieve Captain Gamble.
This battery moved forward and took position under a heavy fire, and continued to advance with the line of infantry until the close of the action.
Towards night, when Captain Wheaton's ammunition was almost expended, a section of Ginrood's battery, of Harrison's brigade, under Lieutenant Gignilleat, moved up and opened fire on the enemy, furnishing Captain Wheaton with part of his ammunition.
After our line had advanced about one-quarter of a mile the engagement became general, and the ground was stubbornly contested.
With two batteries of artillery immediately in our front, and a long line of infantry, strongly supported, the enemy stood their ground for some time, until the 6th Florida battalion, on the right flank, and all the troops in front, pressing steadily forward, compelled them to fall back and leave five pieces of artillery in our possession.
At this time, our ammunition beginning to fail, I ordered the commanding officers to halt their regiments and hold their respective positions until a fresh supply could be brought from the ordnance-wagons, which, after much delay, had arrived upon the field.
Major Bonaud's battalion came upon the field, followed soon after by the 27th Georgia regiment and the 1st Florida battalion.
These troops were put in
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1883. Harper. New York.
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