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Knoxville, returning the fire of the Federal forces (General Buckner having in Knoxville only about one hundred infantry) with good effect, when after an hour or more firing, and after several attempts of the Federals to get to the Knoxville railroad depot, they finally withdrew and left us in possession.
For the success of this manoeuvre I was very much indebted to Lieutenant Wollohan, of Columbus, Ga. (Battery C), Lieutenant York, of Atlanta, Ga., and also Lieutenant Blount, of Montgomery, Ala. (Battery E); and also to the young and gallant Sergeants John Martin, now of Chattanooga, Tenn., and M. L. Collier, now of Atlanta, Ga., of Battery E, and as gallant and brave a set of young men of our command as ever drew a sword in defense of their country.
I cannot remember distinctly the loss, but to the best of my remembrance three men were killed and seven or eight were wounded.
I have detailed to you about all of importance that I can call to memory now of my connection with military affairs in Tennessee.
You will excuse me in this connection to refer to the personal courage and bravery of Private John Sanders, the last man left at one of my guns (others being either killed or wounded), who, after having had both ram-rods of the gun shot in two by the rifled pieces of the Federals, split a plank and continued loading the piece and firing it, with the assistance of myself and Major Haynes, of General Buckner's staff.
General Buckner, after the engagement, addressed me a very complimentary note thanking me and my command for services on that occasion.
With best wishes and assurances of esteem I remain, very respectfully,
Your friend,
Benjamin F. Wyly, Formerly Captain Commanding Company E, Ninth Georgia Battalion of Artillery.
