Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-09-17
Heintzelman's Grand Bayonet
Charge.

The grand bayonet charge of Heintzel-
mans entire division, in the battle of Fri
day is thus described by. the eorrespon-
dent of the PFcSS-
The men were by no means fresh when
they were submitted to this trial. They
had fought through the greater part Of a
most iatiguing day. They had been with
out provision or rest since early morning;
and worse than all. an intolerable thirst
consumed them. They were tired-to
the verge Of exaustion-hungry, thirsty,
dusty everything was dispirited. In the
cyes of all the world they would have
been Justified in treating tie order to
charge as mistake, whether intentional
or unintentional. They had been forced
back By the sheer weight of oyerwhelm-
ing numbers; new forces had been con-
stantly hurled upon them. and it was but
madness to refuse the chances Of meeting
reinforcements in the rear. The awful
crash of the battle was still around them.
Y superior artillery was hurting havoc in
to the inks. Musketry was increasing
its deadly volleys, and there began to be
symptoms of a fianking movement and
cross fire. 1t is under such circumstan-
ceS that Heintzelman's corps ceased fire.
II made decided difference in the noise
Of the field; the diminution of sound was
almost hush, for although the enemy
was blazing away as rapidly as ever, it is
the guns Immediately about one that fills
ones ears. For an instant, the great line
wavered; this suspense was too horrible,
it must be filed with act of some kind !;
mortal men cannot stand it; for Gods
sake let the gap of inaction be filled-with
death even.
STEADY, men,"
4 resumption of the line. But also an
increase of the adverse firing. Again a
waver.
Steady, steady, men,
Aye, brawl till you are hoarse, brave
captains and lieutenants; but these sec
onds are centuries; you must give these
men something to do: you must steady
them by action And here comes enough;
aids gallop down with orders that bring
every musket to its most threatening po-
sition. Then the cheering words of the
commanders as they dash down the lines.
Then wild waving of swords by our shoul-
der-straps as the final word is given. and
he column starts .forlrGrd. Slowly, at first,
and rather lamely-joints stiff with IA
tigue But rs the distance to the foe is
shortened. the pace is quickened; faster
and faster moves that steadily advancing
column, till, ON run like deer's. with
leaps and shouts like more savage crea-
lures, they hurl themselves right into the
midst of the expectant foe. What passed
there no man can tell. They are not more
silent who fell with death-sealed lips than
/ are those who came out unharmed. The
excitement IS too great for memory to
hold any ground; all faculties are swept
/ away in the one wild thirst for blood
blood. We can only say. that alters short,
but desperate struggle, the rebel foe fell
+ back-not orderly and meaningly, but in
such confusion and lawless turmoil as on
ly terror can create. The day was won.
The blood and bravery of Heintzelman'
stout fellows won it. The plaudits of a
grateful country be with them. 1t was
the boldest and grandest charge of the
war The honor of all history must be
with them. -....r H-. --