Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1863-05-22

and canister from several guns on the heights
further to the left, and shelling US from one or
two brass pieces on the second heights, about
half a mile in front, and above Us.
Depoying as skirmishers, we made for the
brass piece in front, which was supported by a
regiment Of infantry The infantry abandoned
the piece for moment, and it seemed as If we
were TO capture il, but they ralled again and re-
turned, turned the pieces upon us again, and
gave US several parting shots By this time our
batteries had gained the first heights and were
replying to the enemy Another regiment had
deployed on the right Of the 9Th, and was sp-
preaching the gun from the right, just here the
enemy brought up several horses, and in no
ment more the gun was wheeled out ofour sight
its support following at rapid pace.
Meantime the ID regiment had been fighting
for battery some distance on our left Its in
hntry support stood their ground, the 26th Y. J.
came rather slowly to the aid Of the ID, and
hence the md lost heavily. They drove the enc
my, however, capturing at least very fine brass
piece, which the enemy had loaded, but did not
remain 10 discharge. The other Vermont regi-
mcnts, meantime, had been coming forward un-
der FIRE, bu; 10; suffering as did the 2d reGi-
ment
Having lost his best position. the enemy made
no further determined stand Our brigade ad-
NADctl 10 lllf ullltA
ell by Gen. Brooks, when we returned TO the Aats
after kuapsacks, &c. We rested only long
enough TO make coffee. when We marched up
through the suburbs Of the city, reaching The
heights via the plank road before SPOKEN Of, a.
running up back Of the city.
When we returned 70 the heights, We found
Gen. Brooks had pushed on up the plank-road
or turnpike, and was already hotly engaged with
equal or superior numbers.
When We reached the front. it was currently
reported that the enemy were endoavoring to
turn the left flank Of Gen Brooks position.
Our brigade was Immediately moved 70 that
flank, and | am tod that al one time while We
were getting into position, the enemy appeared
in our front with a formidable force.
Bu, night, the soldiers friend, was fast put
ting an end to the contest. The firing gradually
sLtckeucd-like the lulling away # a fierce
storm. when the electric shocks giys more and
more seldom. until the elements assume the quiet
and repose Of peace. 50 after the battle; one by
one the combatants ceased firing, the wounded
knit their brows for a struggle with death-that
quiet, unspeakins, sullen determination, too
deep, profound and awful for utterance-seen
only ON the battlefield
The dead, ghasily and staring, looked up TO
Heaven a mute protest against war.
The living, thankful for continued life. lay
down 10 gather strength for the morrow's con-
hict. Anon the stars came forth, the moon went
sailing on her way, and We were listening 10 the
'' voices Of the night
Dogs were barking in the distance. cow-bells
(omiuou, music sometimes, IN rebeli0m) were
jngling in the fields and the Whip-poor-will"
made night lonesome by her plaintive, monoton-
GUS but suggestive song.
In a word, l was on picket. 1t was the eve Of
a bloody battle-one which should carry mourn
ing % many a home far away among the dear
Oh hills Of Vermont, and Of which have writ
ten.
ON rc-crUssing the river, and while encamped
near Banks Ford, the following Brigade Orders
were published