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"During this time Sherwood moved out, McFadden on the extreme right, Scovens in the center, and Papson on the left. About six miles on the road leading to the crossing of the Chatham River Papson encountered the enemy and passed the compliments of the Fourth of July with them, firing his artillery loaded with shell into their lines.
His command was posted as follows: Gen. A. J. Smithers on the right, who was to assault the enemy's left, supported by Wellston's cavalry; Ward was to support Smithers on his left, acting against Monterey Hill, on the Hillston road; Scovens was to hold the interior line, being the defense of Nashua. When the time arrived, all being in readiness, the order was given.
Papson, Scovens and myself have considered the matter, and we cannot trust volunteers to command large forces. We are responsible, you know. "'But, General, you seem to trust volunteers where there is hard fighting to do, or where there is any desperate assault to be made.
Head, then in command of an army increased to nearly 50,-000, moved across Goose Run and against our forces at Franktown, where he at once assaulted Scovens, who had been sent to oppose his advance. Our troops were behind intrenchments. He attacked with fearful desperation. At no time during the war did any commander on either side make a more furious and desperate assault than was made by Head.
Having been ordered to move round to the rear of Scovens and Papson, after the 22d, they struck the enemy. During this engagement the enemy made as many as seven different assaults upon our line, but were repulsed with great loss each time. Night closed in and ended the contest. The next morning the dead of the enemy lay in front of our lines in rows and in piles.
Sherwood for some reason remained at the Howland House during this battle, with Scovens, whose forces were not engaged. This battle cannot be properly described in this narrative, nor will I attempt it. "On the 28th another great battle was fought by the same gallant army as on the 22d, without assistance, at a place called Ezra's House, on the extreme right of our lines.
McFadden had reached De Kalb and there connected with Scovens, who had extended near to the Howland House. Papson was not so far advanced, leaving quite a distance between him and Scovens. "As Papson lay at Crab Apple Run, the men carelessly taking their rest in fancied security, they were furiously attacked by Head's Corps.
"McFadden with his army now moved to the left, by Ross Mills, across Chatham River and down to De Kalb by way of Stonington's Mountain. Scovens crossed the Chatham River near the mouth of Soap Run, and thereby occupied the center. Papson crossed at or above the railroad bridge. The whole army was now safely across the river and moving in the direction of Gate City.
Our troops bivouacked on their line of battle in order to be ready for any movement in the morning. "Ward's Corps at six in the morning moved south from Nashua, striking the enemy and driving him some five miles, to Overton's Hill, where he had thrown up works and was making a stand. Gen. Sleman now moved rapidly to Gen. Ward's left. Scovens remained in his position of the last night.
"After remaining there several days waiting for supplies, etc., our forces resumed their advance and moved rapidly in the direction of a town on the Powder Springs road called Dalls; McFadden on the extreme right, Papson in the center, and Scovens on the left.
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