Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1850-1854, 1853-06-17
VOLUME XIII.
my FIRST BATTLE.

the 4th day of September The Colonel was
IN bNouac. He received me at first rather
ungraeIously; but when gave him letter
OF introduction from General P, he chang
ed bis demeanor toward me. [ was then
! presented to my captain, who had lust re-
turned from a reconoitering expedition. He
was tall man, with harsh, repulsiye features
enveloped in coarse, black hair. He had arr
sen from the ranks4by his courage and gal
iantry, and had gained his epaulets and Cross
of Honor upon the field of battle His fee
bic voice contrasted greatly with his gigantic
bulk. This infirmity was caused by gun
shot, which had pierced his breast during
the battle of Jena. When he was informed
that 1 came from the military school of Fon-
tainebleau, he made very wry face, and said
1t was but yesterday that my first lieuten-
ant fell upon the battle field. Understood
his hint, that | was not able to fill the yacan-
cy. | at first intended to return his compli-
ment with sarcastic answer; but finally
concluded to swallow the pill. aagl.a ~
The moon arose from Its concealment be-
hind the enemy redoubts of Cheverino, which,
were almost two cannon shots distant from
our camp. The moon was large and red,
which is usually the case when it first arises;
but my imagination caused me to think it
much larger than ever had seen before
The dark shadow of the redoubts appeared in
the moonlight like the crater of volcano
And old soldier near me, pointing towards
the moon, said ~. - -
'She is very red tonight sign that it
will be necessary that much blood be split,
before we can take yonder redouht.'
i have always been slightly tinged with
superstition, and this prophecy, especially at
thus present moment, made a deep impression
on my mind, | stretched myself upon the
ground; but it was impossible for me to sleep,
and therefore rose again, and gazed at the
line of watch-fires of the enemy, as they glm-
mered along the height of Cheyerno. When
my hot blood became cool in the night air, /
returned to my fire, and wrapping myself in
my cloak, closed my eyes, tervently hoping
that might not open them until morning.
But sleep would not visit my eye-lids, and
, my thoughts became still more serious and
gloomy. | thought | had not one friend
among the hundred thousand who were gath
cred together upon that field. If / should
chance to be wounded, iguorant surgeons
would dress my wounds unskilfully. All that
| had ever heard concerning such operations
came home to my mind. My heart beat
5 heavily. Involuntary formed a kind of a
cuirass Of my pocket book and handkerchief
over my breast. ef e
At the dawn of day we were summoned
by the reveie. Afterwards the guns were
+ stacked Everything betokened that we would
). have quiet day. Towards three O'Clock our
! aid-de-camp appeared, bringing an ORDER
We were placed under arms again. Our
scouts were dispersed over the field. We fol-
lowed them marching slowly. In twenty
minutes we discovered the Russian sentinels,
who ir,.Aodotol,- retired beyond their re-
doubts A park of our heavy artillery was
e placed upon our right and upon our left each
. being quite distance from us. They com
. menced'a lively fire upon the enemy whorc
turned it with equal vigor In few mo
mcnts the redoubt was concealed behind dense
clouds Of smoke
Our regiment was covered from the fire of
the Russians by a slight mound, Their balls
seldom reached lis, for they singled out our
cannoniers. The most of their balls passed
over our heads, or else buried themselves in
the earth at our feet, covering MS with sand
and gravel. As soon as the command was
: given for us to advance, my captain looked
! at me with an expression which caused me to
stroke my youthful moustache, and to assume
as much of an air of indifference as was pos
sible; My only fear was that he might think
me coward. The balls, which until now
had been harmless, increased my composure.
Ny pride told me that the danger was great,
for there was no doubt but that | was under
the fire of battery. The colonel passed our
company, and perceiving me said: You will
soon see something extraordinary for your
commencement" | feigncd a martial smile
and brushed from my coat sleeve some dust,
which had been cast upon it from a ball which
had thrown up the earth few PAGES in ad
fance Of usi
The Russians soon discovered that the can
non shot produced no effect They substi-
tutcd bomb-shells, one of which exploded
close by my side, killing soldier and tearing
the plume from my casque " | give you my
compliments; YOU are safe to-day" said the
captain. | was already familiar with the
soldiers superstition, that non BIS IN idem is
as good an idiom on the field of battle as in
a court Of justice. I replaced my casque up
on my head and replied, This forces one
to make salute without ceremony"
Il congratulate you" continued the cap
tain. "You have nothing more to fear this
day, and this evening you will be promoted,
| feel that something will happen me to-day.
Every time l have been wounded my second
officer has made narrow escape, and he
continued half ashamed at his confession,
the first letter Of their names was p"
The fire of the Russians decreased in a
great measure, in about half an hour. We
Immediately advanced upon The redoubt.-
Our regiment consisted of three battalions.
The second was commanded to 90 to the
rear of the redoubt, and the other two We're
directed to chrge upon it, | was in thethird
battalion. When we left the trench, which
in great measure protected MS from the fire
of the enemy. we We're saluted by yoley of
musketry, which, however, harmed us but
little. The whistling of balls surprised me,
] I l..