Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-11-14
RayOnet CHARGES.

To read the graphic description of fierce
of almost every engagement, one would
suppose that desperate hand 10 hand en-
counters where the glttering steel is crossed
in deadly conflict, were every day occur
rences of the war, whereas not single in
stance can be found in the whole history Of
the war where two opposing forces of ary
considerable number, have stood at close
quarters with this terrible instrument of
death, and l think hardly twenty instances
can be found in the history of modern war
fare. This may seem bold statement TO
many, but | think it can be substantiated.
O.. si.o bioeay fold of Fair. o4Iss, whore
Sickles' Excelsior Brigade dispersed twice
their number in charge which gained for
them imperishable glory, saw perhaps
two thousand dead bodies among them |
noticed.but three pierced by the bayonet.-
Since then l have myself participated in
two charges-the latter-that of Hooker's
Division at Manassas Aug 29th, the most
sanguinary of the war, but at no time was
our line nearer than ten PAGES to that of the
enemy, and the only two instances where l
saw the bayonet used, was that of two reb-
els who had got in advance of line, and then
refused to surrender.
have been informed by number who
participated IN the grand charge of Han
cock S Brigade at Williamsburg, that they
did not see single man injured by the bay
onet At Waterloo, it will be recollected,
the Old Guards" led by Wellington him.
self, repulsed the French in final charge
the next morning the English could find
but five bodies on the entire field killed by
the bayonet, and yet all English historian
gravely relates as an instance of John Bull
prowess, that number of the Guard-a
giant size--was surrounded and killed after
having bayoneted fUe of his adversaries
These facts, however well substantiated,
do not detraet in the least from the value of
the bayonet as weapon, nor from the
grandeur of a charge, but only from those
demon-like exhibitions of passion which we
see so graphically portrayed in illustrated
sions of reporters, who are always careful
to gather their information at a safe dis
tance from all daneer-from skedaddling
towards as they make their way to the rear
with the played out stcry that their regi-
ment SIS all cut to pieces" These pictures
are terror to anxious mothers, and de-
light TO bar-room loafers, and furthermore,
are nuisance.
But the impatient reader will ask" if
the bayonet is so seldom used. in what man.
ner does II so often decide the fate of bat
ties and of nations ?" In short, where lies
its merit3 1t lies, Gf pious noncombatants
() will permit the expression) in its moral
effect, or that almost instantaneous convic-
ton of success or defeat which the first
sight of the glittering steel inspires. The
attacking party alwas has the advantage in
this particular, for it is reasonable to sup
pose that they know the number and weak
points of the party TO be attacked, will ap-
proach force on the charge at double
quick, with the terrific yell which usually
attends such movement, gives one an ex-
aggerated idea of its number. Therefore
it is that oftener than otherwise, the party
attacked breaks and runs, after discharging
their pieces at short range. But should
they make determined stand the chances
are that the attacking party would them
selves halt and contest the ground with
powder and ball.
Thus the bayonet, although seldom draw
ing blood, performs an important part in
almost every engagement
1t is quite impossible adequately to de- |