The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-10-07

ing deliberate aim the marksman would
blaze away, and then watch the effect
Of his shot with the greatest interest. The
rebels soon became impressed with the
most profound respect for the Whitney
rifles, and rarely showed themselves near
err than thousand yards. The right Of
the company was superintendent by Lieut..
White and Sergeant Blonden, the center
was commanded by Capt Lee, who push
ed forward with the greatest energy,
while Lieut. Lewis was stationed on the
extreme left. The rebels were scattered
along the line Of the road, and had every
advantage, which they were not slow TO
improve. For the last mile, before the
company was relieved, it was continual
fusiade along the whole line. think
that TWO rebels were killed outright; one
was cavalry man, a splendid looking
tellow about twenty four years of age
He had been shot through the breast,
and when we came up was breathing his
last. ooh God," exclaimed he, has il
come to this" He asked for water and
looked unutterable thanks to the soldier
who handed him his canteen. By the
side of the wounded man ran small
brook. The stately forest trees around
formed an interlacing canopy above, the
thrush chaunted his merriest notes, the
breeze came laden with the fragrance oil
blossoms, the sun shone warm and brill
liant. but amid all this wilderness of ma
lures beauty lay the youth, his clothes
and the ground matted with gore, while
his means of pain came up feebly. 1t
was a sickening sight. When your en-
envy stands forth in all the pomp and
circumstance of war, and offers resistance,
you can meet him on his own terms, but
let him be laid PROSTATE, with his young
vigorous life ebbing away, and it is i'm
possible TO resist feeling of pity. Al
least | found il SO with me. When the
battle commenced Company E. was
stationed on the extreme right flank, a
place that was not SO much exposed &c
the enemy's fire as the lett, as we were
more protected by ridge in front. The
enemy poured in terrible volleys along
the whole line, and the order was giver
TO lie down. Some however were anx
ious to get sight of the rebels anc
stood up. while The balls were rafting
around them like hailstones. Az soor
as the enemy's fire slackened little We
sprang to our feet and were ordered te
charge bayonets, firing as we advanced
Up to the crest of the hill-oyer and
beyond-down into the ravine of flame
and smoke, with cheer and yell went tn,
noble Independence Guards. Back flew
the rebels terror stricken, they could no
be forced to meet our lines. Bullets
fairly rained upon US, men were dro pins
every instant, the battery that was plant
ed for our protection, threw its scream
| ing shot and shell over our heads, bu
the boys showed no signs of panic
When the order was given TO retire, they
formed an unbroken line and fell bacl
fighting as they went. There were
many wonderful escapes, Fuller had hi,
bayonet broken off while il was pressed
almost against his head. Others Of tn,
boys received balls through their clothe
and hats. But all this time there wa
no fear, no disposition TO retire from be
fore the enemy, neither did the boy
yield TO wild excitement and fire care
lessly They pressed the charges home
drew good bead, and the bodies of th
lei lint
them in the morning, testified that lhei
shots had awful effect. The Com pany
the regiment, the officers, every one don
their duty nobly, but i cannot forbea
adding few words in praise Of th
mastery energy and bravery displayed
| by Capt. Lee. | say that all OF the com
pany officers done well, that Leuts
Lewis and White, and S-rg-ants Peck
Rea, Bunce and Pulney We're all in firm
ness and courage that could be desired
but Capt Lees efforts were almos
superhuman. Regardless Of the enemy
bullets, he was here and there, sustain
ing and encouraging the men by his ex
ample and presence, With such a lead
er, men are not apt TO forsake lhei
colors. Ii these lines meet the eye {
the Captain, hope that he will no
deem me guilty of flattery. 1t seems a
though this tribute was due from me t
him, and take pleasure in thus maxim
a public statement Of his gallanlry
Captain Lee stands high 10 day, in III
estimation Of his company. for they no'
know him TO be patriot, who is willIn,
to shed his blood on the field in defens
of liberty, and who would lay down hi
life to preserve their honor unsullied.
Lieut. Lewis was wounded early in til
engagement, and was assisted from tn
field. Poor Towle, a printer by pro
fession, and young man Of many brill
ant qualities, was killed at tho third G
fourth volley. He had also been wound
ed, but refused TO 90 to the rear, and join
ing the company in the second charg
was killed. He was hero, and ifther
is a niche preserved in the temple {
! fame for the enrolment of tic names {
the great and noble hearted, Johns wi
be there. The regiment is now all bac
on the old camping ground near Jacint
and the boys have many talk of thei