Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1868-03-20
Bayonet Charges.

We notice some developments of |
interest upon this little understood
subject. There is general impress
sion that in bloody engagement the
number of deaths by bayonet wounds
must be large, if the contending fore
es are composed of brave men but it
is not so. In preparing for the charge
the attacking force is ranged in line,
as nearly as may be, square in front
of the opposing lines. But it cannot
keep up this formation in passing
over the space intervening between it
and the enemy, for one end Of the
line may advance faster than the 9th
er, which brings the first shock of the
conflict upon half dozen or so of
troops at the end, who are led of, by
sergeants stationed in those positions.
1t is the expression Of one of our
most experienced Generals, therefore,
that "the best sergeant decides the
fate Of the CHARGE" because only the
sergeant and one or two men at the
end Of the line which first comes in
contact with the enemy's line, are re-
ally engaged during the few decisive
moments, and thus the conduct, indi-
vidual bravery, and strength of per-
haps half a dozen men, who alone
cross bayonets with the enemy; gain
the victory for the side to which they
belong. The mere appearance Of an
impetuous and determined bayonet
charge is generally counted upon as
decisive by commanders. The troops
charged upon are almost sure to seek
shelter from the dreadful sight. ave
keep our bayonets bright to scare the
enemy" was the answer of a distin-
guished General to an inquirer on the
subject; and a Marshal of France
wrote: at is not the number Of kill
ed, but the number of frightened, that
decides the issue of a battle"
Well contested as was the engage
ment at Pittsburgh Landing, there
was but one bayonet wound disCov-
cred by our surgeons, and that was
not inflicted in the battle. Jomini
says that in all his military expert
ence he never saw a bayonet fight
but once; and in the history of Ma,
poleOn's wars, it is related that when
the French were once charging the
PrussianS with the bayOnet, the latter
being unable to retreat, muSkets were
dubbed on both sides, and in this
manner the conflict was decided
The imposing array of cleaning
blades which an attacking regiment
presents, is that which acquired {
Federal victory over the panic
stricken rebels at Williamsburg, Pes
Ridge, Fort DoneIson, at the gallant
but not less brilliant affair Of Soutl
Mills, near Elizabeth, North Carolina
and at the battle of Seven Pines, neal
Richmond.
The World says that it is some
WudJ ICllldI hdDlC GlldJ LuC lCUClS, d
far as the public know, have neye
yet won a fight, or even a skirmisl
by bayonet charge. Before tn,
war, the Southerners claimed, ant
their European admirers admitted
that they were the superiors OF tn,
Northern people in personal courage
and that kind of impetuosity ant
dash so effectual in hand-to-hand con
hicts, yet these bayonet charges o.
our Northern troops prick8 that bull
BILE pretty enectually. The South
erners show pluck and dash in al
their movements, and often succeed
as at Shiloh and Richmond, incarryin'
their point at first, but the superio
endurance Of the Northerners genel
ally wins in the end, as it did in bot
these battles.