The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-08-02
ARMY CORRESPONDENTS.
A,rr,xnR1,. Va. July %, 1862.

Give YOU much news; but thinking you
would like to know what saw, | take this
opportunity to give you some idea Of the
same.
We were encampcd about one mile from
Ccntrevillc, ON the eve of tho 2lst we got
orders to march the next morning at O'Clock,
accordingly we prepared to doso. Our Brig
ade was composed Of the Sd 18th and 9th
Maine and Sd Vermont regiments under the
command Of Col. Howard (of the Sd Maine)
acting as Brigadier General. We did not
get our Brigade ready to move assoon as was
expected, but about sunrise we were in mo-
tion-we marched short distance and were
ordered TO come to halt, here we were de-
layed about one hour, for another Brigade to
pass-thCn We passed on, and about . o'clock
we could hear in the distance the booming of
cannon. cannot say that was very much
in favor OF the sound, yet there is much in
the sound that is grand and | longed to be
with those Of my Country's brave sons who
50 nobly stood the charge against such odds.
We were at this time about miles from the
scene Of action, on the east Of the field, and
here We came to halt for one hour, after
which we took up line ofmarch around to
the north and came up on the west side, a
distance Of about ten miles should Judge,
and the last four miles We were marched
double quick which caused one half to fall
out from exhaustion. Each man had his
blanket, gun and hayersack with three days
rations in it, and canteen of water, making
aluggagc of over thirty pounds. A large
proportion threw them away except their
guns, but mine hung to. You know that
| am used to the double quick, therefore il
did not use me up as it did many of our Co.,
= who have never belonged to the Triumph
Engine Co., Of BiddetOrd. We were now
within sight of the enemy, and FROM thin
place to the scene ofactiOn, the roadside was
lined with men, some dead, some wounded
and some exhausted, it will be impossible fol
me to give you the iaintest idea of what
saw from this time until our retreat was or
dered, sumo were brought away in wagons
and some were led away by their friends, and
many were left on the field; yet | hope and
trus, that they have the best Of care, even il
they have fallen into the hands Of the enemy.
We now had to cross hill where the
enemy had raking Ere on us-they having
guns on our right and leit,and be assured ifa
soldier has any man about him he will require
itat moment like that for my part there wasa
strife within between fearand couNge, cOungc
got the best of it, and made up my mind il
| was TO die, to die like q man, and from that
time felt no more fear. While marching
under their fire saw many shots that took
effect, and some cannon balls struck within
few feet Of our company but not a man
ilinched one inch, but we did not stop under
quick time and when we had crossed the hill
and got into the valley, then we halted to
form into u line of Battle. IL was now found
that there was but 500 OF the 5th in the line.
Company b. had the most OF any company
in the regiment, and that numbered but 81
men, company A. Of Gorham next, and that
numbered "a men. How so many men stood
the march is more than can tell, for the day
was very warm and not half Of those that
started in the morning were tit to so.
We were the last regiment that went into
the field, after we had formed into line the
Cavalry came rushing down from the battle
shouting for us to run, which caused the right
Of our regiment to dee, but the left stood
fast, we had To climb a hill in order to get
where we could do some fighting, it was
covhred with thick growth of scrub pines,
which made it very hard to climb, and when
we got to the top there was not a rebel to be
seen, there being piece Of woods about one
hundred yards beyond they fled into it. s.
we marched up within fifty yards and poured
one yolley into it. and soon we saw then
come out on the other side in hot haste. Il
we had had some good field pieces at tina
time we would have cut them up in gooC
shape, hut we could not reach them with
our guns-this was all the fighting that WI
did.
Twill now speak Of the conduct of oul
brave officers. and then will give you a
short account Of our retreat. First, | will
speak of Capt. Goodwin, he was we'll nigt
used up before we got to the field, and wa'
not able to take command, but he went int
the field with US, and was with us until on,
retreat. and had our march been anything
but such quick time he would have had com
mand.
Lieut.. r. NJ. Stevens, he isa perfect brick
he was rs cool "a ever, and took US into thu
Geld and stood in our column until we wcr'
twice ordered to retreat. I tell you he is /
brave man. And he looked like hero
while his voice could be heard above the dir
Of the battle, plain and distinct.
Lieut.. S. NJ. Pilsbury is also all courage
he stood at his post and did not finch on,
inch, but was Us cool as ever. do not thinl
l could ever ask for more courage in otfcen
than there is in company B., Of the 9Th.
have heard it often remarked since we have
been here, tina. the coolest men in the fielC
were our drst and second Lieutenants anC
Major Hamilton, and | cannot pass further
without speaking Of him, of his GOODNESS ant
bravery you will doubtless learn by the pa
pcrs before you receive this, therefore vii