North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1862-09-17

and 9th Il. ", was Orderld into actlon, our
Regt taking the extreme right, to support a
battery belonging to the corps of Gen. Sigel.
The rebel cavalry were drawn up in line of
battle, stretching across large field still far
ther to our right. Cavalry scouts were con-
stantly bringing US intelligence of the suppos-
ed intention of the rebels to make dash up
on this battery. Our boys for the first time,
expected to have the chance to use their
bayonets, in charge against cavalry. How
ever, for some reason they did not make the
charge, and left us to play upon them and
their works with both shot and shell, through
out the day. At sunset this battery was
moved back, we joining our brigade some
time after dark. Five o'clock next morning
found US again in line of battle, behind the
rail Barricade, near the enemy's left. We
Immediately threw out few skirmishers,
and the firing commenced, and continued for
two hours, when we were relieved by two
Regiments from another Division. Our loss
was slight. Strange to say, these two Regi-
ments did not hold this position thirty min
utes, before they fell back in disorder. Gen.
Kearney declared the little 57th was worth
more than both these Regiments. Through
out the day, the battle ragged furiously the
roar Of musketry from one end of the line to
the other; the constant crashing and thun-
dering of artillery, bursting of shells, shout
ing and cheering of Regiments during bayo-
net charges, rafting of Sal bres, and the groans
of the wounded, filled the valley of Bull Run
with sad sights and sounds, which, to sens
tive person was decidedly unpleasant. Dur
ing the afternoon, the shot and shells flew so
thick around US, we moved back about half
mile, where we remained until after dark.
then fell back with the whole army, to Cen
/ treville during the night, wading Bull Run,
nearly waist deep, Eabout midnight, and ly-
ing out the remainder of the night, and part
of next day, without tents, during drench-
ing rain. Here we remained Sunday night,
and part of Monday, Sept 1st. The bugle
sounded to arms about 2 o'clock P. NJ. All
hands seemed to understand the nature of
this movement, as cannonading had already
commenced some four miles to our left, on
the main road leading to Fairfax Court House.
Our Regiment reached the scene of action af-
ter march Of one hour and 80 minutes
The 38th and 10th New York. we're first or
dered in, the remainder of the Brigade form
ing line of battle, in the valley, to the rear of
our batteries. Cannonading and musketry
by this time was very heavy along the entire
line. A dark and heavy cloud hung over the
valley, and soon the rain commenced to pour
| down in torrents. Streaks of lightning were
| playing across the heavens IN every direction.
| Loud crashing of thunder mingled with the
roar of artillery, seemed TO make the hour
one Of fearful and solemn interest. The mus
kerry had almost entirely ceased, but was
renewed with increased vigor, as soon as the
heaviest of the shower had passed. Night
was fast setting in, as our Regiment with the
Sd and 4th Maine, was ordered into action
As we passed our batteries on the hill, and
commenced to descend into the valley, we
met scores Of wounded being borne from the
field by their comrades. The thick smoke of
the battle, borne down by the heavy mist OF
the storm, filed the valley with darkness
Our artillery opened, just as we passed,
throwing shot and shell directly over our
heads. Their long streams of fire dazzlcd
our eyes for the moment, and the sharp con.
cusson almost prostrated Us upon the earth.
But without faltering, we moved on, taking
our position in line of battle at the edge of a
corn field, where the heaviest OF the fight
had been going on for the last five hours
! Here our brave and noble Gen. Kearney fell
| ct would be useless for me to ottcmpt to de-
scribe the feelings Of our division at present.
Others, far better qualified, have undertaken
it and failed. Suffice 1T to say, we are deter
mined 10 avenge his death, or die in the at
tempt.) Our Regiment held the line during
the night, moving back before daylight, to-
wards Fairfax Court House, reaching that
place about 10 o'clock, Tuesday From
thence to our present camp near Munsons
Hill, without any other casualty worthy of
notice. Capt. Peter Sides, of Co. A. has
been in command of the Regiment, for the
past few days, he being the seignior officer,
and one of the most efficient in the service
We are now hoping for a few days rest, as
we are nearly worn out. You will, undoubt-
edly hear from US soon again, as the rebel
pickets are but short distance from US, and
an attack is daily expected.
Yours Truly.
L. w. AVERY.
Kearney's Div. Birney's Brig,
70 57th Regt. P. V.