The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1867-12-05
CHAPTER V.
THE BATTLE-FIELD.

i THE BAIT E-FIELD.
A flourish of trumpets, long and pierc-
ing, brake upon the summer morning. =
The Federal Standard foated in the ex-
hiliratiug breeze, and the brave stood res
olutely fixed under its lofty furl From
the indeuted ridges the red breath of war
flashed dimly down the forest glade, and
buried the flying missels in the turf of
the valley. Dark bursts of heavy smoke
sailed along the side of the mountain, and
formed the scenery of general burial
Jackson and Ewell commanded the
Confederate Army, having crossed the
Rapidan at Barnett's Ford, and approach
ed Slaughter Mountain. near the position
occupied by General Banks = 1t was
! from information obtained at Washington
/ by the military authorities that General
Halleck authorized Pope to summon the
forces under Cox's command then In
Western Virginia, while he himself was
directed to cross the Rappahonnock, oc-
cupy Culpepper aud threaten Gordons-
vile. This movement excited the appre.
henson of the Rebel leaders, as it indi-
Gated that their plans were already known
and their. schemes for crushing Pope's
army, and the reduction of Washington
or Baltimore were frustrated az once.
1t was afternoon on Saturday, the ninth
Of August, when the battle commenced.
On the day previous, Crawford's brigade
had been thrown forward to observe the
movements of Jackson, and to oppose his
advance. Banks occupied his position
alone. Ricketts, division of McDowell's
corps was three miles in his rear The
corps of Sigel, which had been marching
all night, was allowed to halt at Culpep-
per, and thus Banks, with his seven thou
sand men, was preparing to give the Re-
bells battle.
The point of contest was place about
four miles south of fCulpepperCourt- House,
on the road to Gordonsville. The enemy
pitched on the side of the mountain,
where they were protected by thick for
ests. 1t was a very advantageous position,
as it commanded full view of the ope-
rations of the Federals below, and ena-
bled them to fix their batteries so as to
direct destructive and simultaneous fire
on every side. They were placed in sue
cessive tiers and semi circular In out
line, always bearing down on every por-
tion of Banks little band. The position
of the latter was exposed to the enemy on
every side, having no defence whatever,
having no natural or artificial barricade.
The combat opened with an artillery
duel in the afternoon. 1t was evident
that the enemy had immense superiority
in the number of their guns. The firing
of the Federals was uphill, which tended
to the greater accuracy of their aim. In
an hour one of the enemy's batteries was
silenccd The Federals closed up and
advanced. The enemy also left their po-
sition and attempted to flank their left
wing, but was repulsed and defeated by
the gallant advance of Geary's brigade.
At four o'clock Generals Prince, Green
and Gcary were ordered to assault the
batteries on the left. AS they approach
ed the mountain, the Rebels under Win
der, whom the woods had concealed until
now, rushed forward, aud moved down
the veterans like grain before the reaper !;
but still they advanced, and in the des-
perate collision forced the enemy back
upon the base Of the mountain, and held
them firmly. Eight regiments poured
down upon the assaiants and forced them
back The movement was accomplished
quickly. and in good order
Six o'clock came, aud with it general
struggle Hosting the stars~and stripes,
formidable body OF Rebels suddenly
emerged from the woods, apparently
reinforcement; and the Federals, de
ceived by the imposition. allowed them to
approach till they were near enough to
intiict upon them terrible chastisement.
A desperate charge repaid with double
interest the cOwardly deception and the
Rebels fell back to their former position.
As the night approached the contest be-
came more furious. General Banks still
held the position he had occupied in the
morning. General Pope arrived upon
the field and ordered Mcdowell to ad
vance Ricketts, division to support the
troops engaged; but night soon darkened
over the scene, and nothing but artillery
was heard from the Businesses of the enc
my. The lurid and angry fame OF can