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[181] major-general and three brigadier-generals. But toward evening word was brought that the center of the Confederate line was broken, and at 9 p. m., Cleburne said, he ordered ‘Smith's brigade to move in retreat. Sadly, but not fearfully, this band of heroes left the hill they had held so well, and followed the army across the Chickamauga.’ But yet again they were destined to pluck the flower of glory from the funeral weeds of general defeat. Two days later Cleburne was ordered to defend the gap in Taylor's ridge, at Ringgold, Ga., against the Federal pursuit, and he posted Granbury's brigade, now about 1,200 strong, in the place of danger, the Sixth, Tenth and Fifteenth, under Capt. John R. Kennard, and the command of Maj. W. A. Taylor, at the north of the gap, and the Seventh, under Capt. C. E. Talley, at the top of the right-hand hill. The first determined attack of the Federals was made on the Texans, but they were held in check, and Major Taylor charging down the hill with three companies put the enemy to rout and captured over 60 prisoners and a flag. Then the Federals attempted to gain the hill further north, avoiding the Texans, but were handsomely repulsed by Lowrey and Polk. The brigade lost 5 killed, 34 wounded, 23 missing. In the organization of the army in Mississippi commanded by Lieut.-Gen. Leonidas Polk, as reported in February, 1864, Ector's brigade was included, and the Texas cavalry brigade, now under Gen. Lawrence S. Ross. The latter was composed of the First legion, Col. Edwin R. Hawkins; Third regiment, Col. Hinchie P. Mabry; Sixth regiment, Col. Jack Wharton; Ninth regiment, Col. Dudley W. Jones; Lieut. Rush L. Elkin's escort company, and King's Missouri battery. Ross' brigade served under Gen. S. D. Lee until ordered to Georgia. Ross disabled and drove on shore the transport Delta, January 6th; and then was ordered to take position at Benton, Miss., and guard the country west of the Big Black river. On January 28th he attacked with his battery and
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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