The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1863-07-11

advanced his columns of infantry for
the covers. and made several desperate
attempts to carry our lines by assault,
but each successive attempt was repul-
sed with fearful havoc to their ranks
After an hours incessant cannonading
the fire grew less intense for a short
time, but was again renewed for a short
period with equal spirit.
During this period, some of our bat
terlcs whose ammunition had been ex-
hausted ceased to fire, and on the
approach Of the reserve batteries with
drew to the rear. The enemy only see
lng the batteries withdrawing, and mis-
taking this for a retreat, made a rapid
charge up the hill and obtained posi-
ton in our line, cutting to pieces and
almost annihilating the small infantry
support but, before they had time to
rejoice at their imaginary success, the
fresh batteries poured in deadly fire of
canister and case shot The infantry
reserve joined on either flank of the gap,
charged them, and added greatly to their
destruction. They were completely sur
prised, and hundreds threw down their
arms and asked for quarter. Nearly the
entire brigade Of Gen. Dick Garnett
surrendered, and Garnctt himself was
wounded, and barely made his escape.
The worry earth seemed to tremble,
but our lines wavered not. The mus
kerry in the woods and in front of the
ba terics We'd with one another IN the
! incessant rattle. Now and then the fire
would slackcn in some quarter, and then
again it would start up in some fresh
place, as though our lines were swaylng
to and fro. On our extreme right the
the Rebels had the previous evening
secured II position which rather broke
into our lines, and it was determined to
diSlodge them. The Twelfth and por-
tlon of the Sixth went in, and by eleven
the Rebels were driven back and our
lines formed to be held. About l p.
NJ, the enemy could be seen masslng his
troops in three columns Ewell in the
streets of Gettysburg, Hill to the left
Of tie town: and Longstreet upon the
right about two and half miles. Long
street made an attack cast of tho ceme-
terry, and Hill on the opposite side of the
town. On they came, up to the very
mouths of the cannon, up the hill sides,
along which were stone fences in all
direc ions.
Our rihemen lay behind them, and as
the Rebels played upon us at Freder-
cksburg, SO we poured sheet of flame
into their faces as they came within
range, and hundreds were piled up as
quickly as grain would fall before the
reapcrs iron hand. About three, the
Rebels, under Longstrcet, succeeded in
reaching the top of the hill just in the
rear of the Ccmctry.
Their battle-hag was planted boldly
/ upon the crest and shout went up from
/ he demons who seemed to court death
Fand destruction, but our lines swayed
dbut for moment : back they went, the
ground was regained, and our lines again
Intact. A other points they succeeded
Gin gaining temporary advantages, but ere
lthcy could realize their importance they
owere torn to pieces and hurled back
'tppon their column, and so the column
qwayed until they could no longer get
1.-The troops to make charge.
Then Ewell, who had laid in town all
day, ready TO cut his way through when
yr cen er was once pierced, began to
Ttall back. The reinforcements he had
emit % the other columns were in vain,
glur left was pushed out nearly mile,
oulad the sun set over one of the most
arful scenes Of carnage there has been
the whole war.
,ost livery corps was engaged, and the
dcdlole army covered itself with such
IL S, mortal glory that We cannot at present
soliyldualize the daring acts of Aeroism
ofsthe unparalleled manner with which
wings army received the assaults and hurl-
;in9 back their mang!cd columns.
he At 400 p. NJ. the artillery of the enc
had jslackenod, and had entirely ceased
Ting 5 o'clock, the last shots which they
on ' being far beyond their original
ition, and the infantry columns had
con- idrawn to their covers.
and Ne captured upwards of 5000 prs
EN- Is, while the enemy took but few of
dent
rise. be Rebel prisoners report that their
we're srs suffered far greater casualties
and in any previous engagement.
! as terrific was the onemy's fire that
por- mail house where General Meade
were 'taf we're chartered was perforated
very Fveral shots. Many of the staff
of es were killed around the house,
be sraf Butter6eld was struck on the
ened y, and it is feared internally injur-
dis y piece of shell which exploded
The building. Lieut.. Colonel Joseph
y of mson, Of the staff, had his left arm
they rated BY flying fragment of shell,
our tsccncd miracle that no greater
ntry &c was done to life and limb.
able, 9 day was warm the sun seemed
Mess We come fresh from the tropics to
,els + hands and faces, to dazzle eyes,
very agate choking thirst. Not being
,rmi- aO drive our troops, they found
glitter tslves unable to resist their increas-
~ ibpe,uosity. Slowly they yielded
, fol- uground, and we continued to drive
the tautil noon, when both armies,
sig eted, rested as it were by mutual
ever ct. -t
re be close of the action Lee had
that tlpdence to send us n fac of truce