The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1865-08-03

not unwelcomo news when the order for
the retreat was given. 1t was at this
point in our experience as soldiers that
we began to realize the magnitude of the
war and the consequenit necessity for
each man to prepare for additional trials,
suferings and dangers: The hastily plan
ned but decisive Battle of Williamsburg,
also taught the troops lesson Of impor-
tancc, and although our participation
was more passive than active, yet we
learned that courage and constancy was
not exclusively ours, and if we would win
the contest, we must be faithful, devoted
and brave.
The army under Gen. Johnston had
scarcely became settled in the lines select
ed for the defence of Richmond, when the
battle OF Seven Pinesoccnrred. Upon the
first day the Palmetto Sharp Shooters
participated, and won imperishablo re-
nown-and you must pardon Inc, my
friends, for dwelling at length upon the
events of that afternoon. Col. Jenkins
1commanded the Brigade, and the brave
and fearless Anderson led The Regiment.
This Company moved into action with
Sc men, rank and file, and at roll-call
that night, onc-llalf the number were
either killed OF wounded. Among the,
mortally wounded was man beloved by
every member of the Company for his no.
BILE and generous character, and in whose
bravery and devotion there was anlimi-
. ted confidence. Lieut.. FELTON, possessed
the entire sdniration of all who 's.ncw
him. In nfstnystrespects he was most re-
markable man-noble-heartcd, generous
to Il fault. and Of the purest and highest
integrity. May 1.-THE dews of Heaven de-.
scend lightly upon his lionorcd grave.
The Regiment was most conspicuous in
its conduct at Seven Pines, and received
the warmcst praise from general officers,
for It's gillaht bearing. The fighting was
s.urp and desperate, and when night fell
upon the scene: there was no cause for
congratulation, although the victory was
ours. More than two score from our
ranks lay in the stillAcss Of death, While
two hundred more had been pierced with
balls and ftr'thc time disabled. But there
was proves displayed is which every
man felt pride. Individual gallantly
was tie subject of common remark, and
one incident after aHothcr'w related as
ws bivta5uaclzcd that night. L cannot re-
frain from giving one, in this connection,
which is worthy, not less for its intrinsic
merit than for the associations which it
will revive among you. ':Nyhon the days
long fight was ovcv," the Regiment Was
halted at the edge of narrow strip of
woods, facing toward an old field. An
occasional ball was fyingin that direction,
and the danger was rot yet over. The
ranks had beon divided at the colors, ard
each wing rested respectively on the right
and Left Of the Williamsburg Road. The
color-bearcr ,#as standing in the centre of
tft Toad, with his colors planted on the
ground, and his arms cncilcling their folds.
lie was the only one left of the twelve
who entered the engagement as the Gus
todiansS Of that flag, and now, as the dusky
shadows of night appeared, there hostood
in sublime attitude, fondly cherishing his
precious charge. ] have often heard the
noble and heroic Gen. Jenkins remark
that this simple act of the gallant Poe
was the sublimest instance Of devotion he
had cvor witnessed. But 1 must hasten
on, lcstI weary you with the rectal OF
scenes with which most of you arc la
miliar.
The Battles before Richmond succeed
cd in less than month, and it was our
fortune TO Be engaged two out of the scv-
on days marked by such fearful sacrifice
of life and blood. Gaines. Mill was an
evidence of the courage of'the men and
the skill Of their accompliscd leader. In
single combat, the Sharp Shooters met
the 10th Michigan Regiment and com
pletely vanquished it, killing, wounding
and capturing three-fourths of the entire
Regiment Frazicrs Farm was, perhaps,
the severcst ordeal of fire through which
we ever passed. With artillery and mus
kerry belching forth missiles Of death
from our front and on each flank, the in
trepid Maj. Anderson led the Regiment
/ hollll,, on And when that gallant officer