The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-08-14

Artillery, and afferward made Brgadier Cen
era, and commands the defences of Cincinna-
| ii, ] believe. 1t. Hall was promoted to the
vacant captaincy, and lately to majorship.
Ihe Battery has been In number of battles,
principally Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chan
ceiiorville, and Gettysburg 1t is now in the
first corps.
The Sd Battery has been assigned to the
lst Maine Heavy Artillery. The 4th Battery,
Capt Robinson, participated with credit In
the battles of Cedar Mountain and Antietam
Upon the army's reaching Harpers Ferry, 1t
was assigned to duty in the defence of Har-
per's Ferry, where it has remained all winter.
1t is now in the 3D. Division, Sd Corps.
The 9TH Battery was originally commanded
by Capt. Leppen, afterward promoted to 1t.
Colonel. Col. Leppien was a gallant officer,
and was wounded at Charlottesville, from
the effects Of which he died. Lieut. Stevens
succeeded to the command, and was severely
wounded at Gettysburg. The Battery is in
the 1st Corps, and numbers amongst its bat
ties Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellors-
vile and Gettysburg.
The 9th Battery was brought out by Capt.
Fireman MeGivery, of Stockton. and has
bravely fought in number of battles amongst
them Cedar Mountain, Bull Run t2 days),-
Chantily. Antietam, Dumfries and Gettys-
burg. Capt. McGlvery was promoted to Ma
jor for gallant conduct at Cedar Mountain.
and on the death of Col. Leppien to Lieut..
Colonel-the command of the company falling
upon Lieut.. Z. B. Dow, who nobly sustains
its reputation.
Col. McGilyery has proved himself to be
one of the most daring and ACCOMPLISHED ar
tilery officers in the service His keen per-
ception at Cedar Mountain in planting his
battery probably saved the entire corps from
being fanked and cut off in retreat, and his
mastery manueveres at Gettysburg gave him
the highest honor. After the Sd corps artil-
lery was driven back on the left centre. and
their chief wounded, Col. McGilvery was or
dered to bring in his brigade of Reserve Ar
tilery and relieve the Sd corps batteries. The
position was being hotly pressed by the enc
my's infantry, while their artillery poured shot
and shell all around
This was the crisis of the battle of the I'd
on the left centre. On came the enemy's
charge, driving our infantry back tonly by
superior numbers) bent on sezing the James
town road in our rear. and isolating our left
wing. Col. McGilvery's batteries poured in
sharpnell and canister, moving down hun
dreds at every discharge ; but soon was seen
another and heavier column moving down to
support the enemy's first line. Col McGil-
very's quick eye saw the desperation of the
position. He quickly ordered up other bat
teries in reserve /; formed a second line of ar
tillery 500 yards in rear of the first and plac-
ed so as TO sweep the whole ground in front,
then returned TO his first line and calmly
awaited the onset. He had not long to wait
Two batteries Of the enemy had darinply run
out and enflladed his position. Their infantry
came on prolongers were fixed to fire in re-
treat and so lead the enemy on, dealing death
to them at every discharge. Some of the bat
teries getting out of ammunition were sent to
the rear. The enemy supposing 1t to be re-
treat, charged and captured two of his batter
les, giving one Of their peculiar yells of victo-
ry. But 1t was short-lived. Immediately they
perceived the second line of guns right in front
of the much coveted road. McGilvery gave
the command to open on them. They were
staggered, but rallied again and again. They
fought for one hour when infantry supports
come to the Coils assistance, rushi past the
batteries, charged the enemy, driJ him dis
comnted and beaten back to his lair, and re-
covered the captured guns. The 9th Maine.
bettery run their caissons to the front and
hmbcring the rocaptured guns upon them
took them to the rear, Off the field. | thus
particularize this fight as l witnessed the
whole of il, and am proud to be able to put
1t upon record that Col. McGilvery was the
artillery there Of that memorable battle He
was everywhere present encouraging his Off
GERS and men, cool and determined His horse
received eight balls In him of which he has
since died. l understand his services have
been duly acknowledged by Gen. Tyler, Com
7mander OF the reserve. and Gen. Hunt, Chief
of Artillery, A ofP. He ought to be made a
General for Of such stuff are soldiers made,
and by such men are victories won.
Look at the doings Of the Maine Cavalry.
Their wonderful charges at Middlebury, at
Aldie and the stubborn defence against three
times their number near Leesburg, speak of
their merits. What would that regiment not
have been, had they been properly led when
they first came out The pride of Maine ?-
The death of Col. Doughty has not dampened
their ardor, but thinned as their ranks are
now, they are still a dread to Stewart, Lee and
their hosts.
Mr.. Editor, ! trust this letter will not weary
your readers. l have endeavored to give you
some idea Of the men by whom Maine is rep
resented in the army, and to whom she looks
for honor and successful issue to the war.
Men Of Maine They call upon you to fill
up our ranks. Come and join us. Leave
your counters your workshops YOUR pull
pits your Offices and your farms = Deter
mine to live an honorable lie, or die death
leaving name inscribed with "lving light
upon the tablets of your countrys glory.
Strike once strike hard for your liberties -
Strike "home thrust TO the heart of this
rebellion, ending it at blow by the over
whelming power Of your united arms and
soon we can return to our homes. no more TO
be disturbed by treason and rebellion, and
dying bequeath to your children the same le-
gacy left us by our patriot fathers"-a glo-
rious, united and prosperous country.