Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-01-02
Gbe 4ap spp cQlureeser, tioag Munno, GAM 2, 1858.

the left, that told us wo must prepare for work,
for well we knew that whenever there was
fighting to be done, there would be the 10Th,
bearing our torn and bloody banner, that we
are so proud to say has never been disgraced.
1t looks tar more beautiful to us to-day, Abe
it so manyled and ragged that it can scarce be
unfurled without losing some of its parts than
it did when all untried, we received it from
the fair hands of its generous donors. We
cannot forget that this mark on the staff was
got at Balls Bluff. That bloody stain at Fair
Oaks; this mark at Yorktown; that tear was
received in the woods in front of Richmond /;
that mark was left on it at Savage's Station |;
and that at White Oak Swamp, or Malvern
Hill that mark at Centreville, and that, and
that at Antietam; and now at Fredericksburg
it is again to be borne at the front, in the
midst of bloodieSt scenes. l repeat, we are
proud of the old rags, and should we ever be
permitted to bear them through the streets of
Worcester again, it shall be returned unsul-
lied, as pure from dishonor as the fame of its
fair givers. Passing rapidly down the street
we halted for u moment to breath, and then
moved forward to act our part.
And now my narrative must stop, for just
as we were entering the engagement l re-
ceived a disabling wound, and SO was obliged
to leave the ranks and seek surgical treat
ment. quick, sharp sting, (these buzzing
bees have stings,) and l see the crimson tide
that tells me more than the pain that | am
wounded.
1t don't hurt much to be shot, indeed suf-
fered scarcely anything until the intlamma-
ton set in, and every movement reminded me
of the old saying that "a sore finger is always
in the way. Passing off the field l saw our
surgeon, CDR. Hayen,) who had ventured too
much so that our wounded might be speedi-
ly relieved, himself lying dangerously injur-
ed. Poor fellow, he has gone, another VIC
tim to this dreadful war.
Further on l saw another of our brave
boys, who, much against his will, had remain
ed out of the fight, owing to sickness. See
ing me he exclaimed in the rich brogue that
proclaimed him a countryman of General
Meagher and his fighting brigade, ''Och and
are yees hurled" l showed him the bloody
proofs, which seemed to inspire him with new
strength. Selling his musket he rushed to the
front, and, not readily finding the 10Th, enter
ed the ranks of the 10Th Massachusetts, and
shortly after came from the field with the loss
of part of his right hand. AS he was having
it dressed he turned to me and said, "Faix,
gave them round or two, any way" and this
reflection seemed comfort enough.
Passing across the pOntoOn, we (my COM
mand and y speedily found ourselves at the
Lacy house, in front of which stood Gems
Burnside, Sumner, and others, overlooking
and directing the progress of the conflict.
tried to read the story of our success in the
face of the commanding general, but it was so
calm and still could detect no sign of either
pleasure or pain. Not even when at dark an
orderly rode up and delivered the message,
''the left is driving all before it," could | see
any change. AS light faded the rapid mus
kerry died away, and only the booming of the
heavy guns on the hill beyond the town told of
the bloody work that had been going on dur
ing the day. passed sleepless night, and
the next day took the cars for Aqua Creek,
glad to get away from the sight and sound of
war. Yours, &C., LANKToN.