The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-11-08
sorg't Amblor's Military Exhibition.
Another Tremendous Battle.

Amlu the tumult anu WOnucriul rc'cia-
tiOns OF war, it is not surprising that the
fiery waves Of battle should break over the
quiet city of Biddclord, for places no less
prosperous and happy, have been quite as
seriously visited.
But the premonitions Of the conflict OF
which we are writing had been so freely scat
tered among us as to arouse and prepare the
people, in some degree at least, for the OPEN
ing of the warlikc drama. Nor had the an.
nOunccmcnt that West Pointer, a pupil OF
the ilolizel Mcclellan, would appear, served
to diminish the already excited authorizations
of the people.
The hall door was bescigcd by no noisclcss
thrOng, long before they were opened, and
after they were, q continual crowd poured in
until every nook and corner of the spacious
room was alive with human forms. Never
before was this hall 80 densely packed, and
we believe it never will be again, unless
Scrg't Amber should repeat his performance,
which he has already been requested to do.
The immense audience, all FESTIVE and anx-
ious. grew inpatient for the opening OF the
exhibition, and their uncaseincss soon in
creased to general.
Loud and earnest calls followed each other
up from different parts OF the auditorium,
were approved by peal after peal, with the
thousand different intonations OF that vast
assembly, and were waited out on the night
air like the mad surging of mighty sea.
"Oh, for a Pindar's harp to tune
The triumphs Of that day."
Finally the exhibition opened, and the au-
dicncc were enlightened in tho use OF the
bayonet and sword, giving them some idea OF
the skill which o soldier must acquire in or
der to do good service in battle.
The exercises with the sword and bayonet
elected universal admiration, and rs the
movements which no unfamiliar person could
comprehend were explained by this Sergeant,
his magic words famed the burning excite
mcnt into one long, wild shout OF applause,
as the gale fans the kindling flame into ter
rife con1agration.
The grand performance OF the evening was
the cavalry charge. Taking the Masked
Battery. Serg't Amber commanding the
centre rode in upon his splendid charger. pnr-
chased expressly for the occasion, with Haley
and Horton upon the right and lett wings
The conflict was long and severe and as AM
bier clung to his horse with obstinate tenac-
ity, his praises were borne upward from ev-
cry part of pit and gallery.
The fight grew hotter; and as tho keen
and perceptive Sergeant saw that tho courage
OF his troops was changing to dismay, and
feared another Bull Run stampede might oc-
cur, unless his own brave deeds could rally
them. no dismounted, and leaving his unter-
rifed charger loose, despite the yociferous ad-
monitions of tho audience, "hitch him, ""tie
him." &C., &C., walked up to the very face
of the masked battery which wasall the time
pouring out shot and shell from its savage
Coluuihiad, followed by his defiant troops,
who now seemed bent on victory or Death
The rebels under Beauregard resisted with
unwonted obstinacy, and were only ovcrpow-
cred after long and cruel fight such Us the
people Of this city have seldom been called
upon to behold.
Strange to relate. none were killed in this
engagement, but amoug the wounded were
tho following, who are all injured more or
lcco severely
Sergeant Amber. Co. A, LIST Infantry
side and leg, caused by severe collision OF
his body with sightlcss weapon in the hands
of rebel.
DR.. Haley suffered a facial Disagreement.
Stephen Andrews, confusion Cd the crani-
um.
Henry IIutchins, injured arm.
William lloppin, abrasurc OF the skin on
the shoulder.
Mr.. Horton, West Pointer, wounded in the
back and elbow by sword thrust.
William Annis, wounded in the back.
Many of the hest features of the perform
ancc woud improve by repetition, and we
hope to hear from our worthy citizen soldier
again