Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1853-06-16

balls seldom reached US, for they single
out our cannoniers. The most of their
balls passed over our heads, or else buried
themselves in the earth at our feet, cover
ing us with sand and gravel. As soon as
the command was given for US to advance,
my captain looked al me with an expression
which caused me to stroke my youthful
mous,sche, and to assume as much Of an
air of indifference as was possible. My on
IIy fear was that he might think me cow
ard The balls, which until now had been
harmless, increased my composure. MY
pride told me that The danger was great, for
there was no doub! but that was under the
fse of battery. The colonel passed our COM
pany, and perceiving me, SAID "You will
soon see something exlraoi dinary for your
commencement" Ifeigned a martial smile
and brushed from my coa.-sleeve some dust
which had been cast upon it from ball
which had thrown up the earth few PAGES
in advance Of me.
The Russians soon discovered that their
cannon sho, produced no effect. They sub
stiluted bomb-shells, one of which exploded
close by my side, killing soldier, and tear.
ing the plume from my casque. "ig give you
nv compliments; you are safe for to-day
laid The captain. J was already familiar with
the soldiers superstition, that non biS IN
idem is as good an Idiom on the field O
battle as IN cour, of justice. replaced
my, casque upon my head, and replied
This forces one to make salute wilhou
ceremony."
81 congratulate you," continued the cap
tain. you have nothing more 10 fear this
day, and this evening you will be promoted
feel that something will happen me to-day
Every time ! have been wounded, my Sc
lcond officer has made narrow escape, and,
he continued, half ashamed at his comics.
sion, s'thc first letter Of their names was 7 ,
The fire Of the Russians decreased in 6
great measure, in abou, half an hour. We
:. .a2F: III. :
Our regiment consisted Of three battalions
The second was commanded TO GO 10 the
rear Of the redoubt, and the other two were
directed 10 charge upon II. ] was in The
third battalion. When we lel, the trench
which in great measure protected US from
the fire Of the enemy, we were saluted by
avolley of ofmusketry, which, however, harm
ed us but little. The whsling of balls sur
prsed me, and turned my head, causing
my comrades, who were familiar with tha'
sort Of music, 10 rdicule me. "Tahe ii all
in ALL" said TO myself, "a battle is mol
such horrible affair after ALL"
We rapidly charged, the rifemen leading
U.S. Suddenly three cheers were heard com
ing from the redoubl, after which all was
silent. 81 do not like this slilness,' said
The captain, sit forebodes harm.'
The palisades Of the redoubs were spill
BY our balls. and the soldiers rushed for
ward, shouting, "Vive 7 Emperor u
gazed about me, and never shall forge
the scene which was opened before me-
The huge clouds Of smoke had arisen
hanging IN The air like pail over the ruins
of the redoubl. Russian grenadiers were
to be seen with their glis.ening bay onets, as
they stood, firm as statues, behind the pali'
sades.
Nov the ball begins" exclaimed the
captain. ''Good night ~ these were bis las
words. The beating Of drums was heard
within the redoub,. All bayonels were Im.
medisteIy depressed. shut my eyes, and
heard great explosion, followed by loud
cries and groans. Opening my eyes, look
ed around, aslonished that still lived. No.
thing was to be seen but the dead and the
dying The captain was stretched out 81
my feet, cannon ball bad struck his head
| was bespallefed with his blood and brains
OF the whole company six only remained
And now everything was quiet. Suddenly
the colonel placed his hat upon the point
Of his sword, and waving it over his head
clambered over the palisades, shouting,
"TiUe J. Empereurm All tha, were able
followed. have scarcely any remembrance
of what followed. We entered the redoubt.
know not how. We bauled with the enc
my breas. to breast, enveloped in such thick
clouds OF smoke, that nothing was discerni-
BILE. slashed righ, and left, and think
either killed or wounded some of The enc
my, for my sword was reeking with blood.
AT length ] heard the shouts, .Victory, VIC
tory" The smoke diminished, ] found
myself in the midst Of blood. About two
hundred French soldiers were standing in
irregular groups in and about the redoubt.
Some were reloading their muskels, and 9TH
ers wping their swords. Eleven Russians
had been taken prisoners
The colonel was stretched out upon bro
ken gun carriage. He was covered with
blood, and several soldiers were baihing his
temples. approached him.
"Whsre is the old captain ?" he inquired
Of the surgeon.