The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1870-09-30

tneir column entered the road, when canister
was dealt and the guns were nimbly handled
The plank road was well suited to it, as tho
| splnters did as much execution as the shot.
A peck of bullets per minute was too much
for rebel digestion, and hiscolumn was forced
to give way. Advancing through the woods
upon the fanks, he succeeded in pushing
our lines back beyond the guns, and they
were in danger of being lost; but a fresh bril-
gade was promptly sent in, which restored
our position. After two hours of Constant
firing Brockway's section was withdrawn and
Snyder's substituted. Upon witnessing the
withdrawal the enemy made rush for tho
guns Unfortunately one of Snyder's guns
burst on the first discharge, and Lieutenant
CampbelIs were ordered up; but General
Hancock, who had now arrived, ordered tbs
battery to bewithdrawn. Later in the day
CAROLS Brigade ro.capturcd the abandoned
gun and eaisson.
Gen. Hancock, in his official report said:
Although the formation / had directed to
be made for carrying out nv instructions to
advance was not yet completed, Gen. Birney
Immediately moved forward on Gen. Getty's
right and left, one section of Ricketts, Bat.
tery, (Lieutcnant Brockway,) company +,
First Pennsylvania Artillery. moving down
the plank road just in rear of the infantry.
The fight became very fierce at once the
lines Of battle were exceedingly close, and
the musketry continuous and deadly along
the entire line. y The section of
Ricketts, Battery which moved down the
plank road when Birney and Getty attacked,
suffered severely in men and horses. 1t was
captured, at one time, during the fight, but
was re-taken by detachments from the -Four.
teenth Indiana ard Eighth Ohio volunteers
of CAROLS Brigade. 1t was then with
drawn"
The Battery participated in all the other
battles OF the Campaign, and distinguished
itself at Spottsylvania, North Anna River,
the Tolopotemy, Cold Harbor and the vari-
Gus fights in front of Petersburg.
Soon after reaching Petersburg Cant.
Brockway was appointed Assistant Chief of
Artillery to Gen. Hazard, then on Gen.
liancock's Staff as Chief of Artillery of the
Second Corps. This position he held until
after the Mine explosion, when he was at
tackled with the typhoid fever brought OH by
over exertion, and was first granted leave of
absence, and then sent to the Hospital at
Annapolis While recuperating he asked to
be sent to the front, but this the surgeons re-
fused to do, and he was first ordered on light
duty with Sheridan in the Valley of Virgin
ia, and afterwards detached by the Secretary
Of War for special duty at Rock Island, Ills.
His health continuing feeble he felt COM
PEELED to resign, after three years and near
eight months continuous service. Subse-
quently, Gov. Curtin commissioned him
Captain of his old Battery and he went to
the front to accept, but learning that his do
ing so would deprive the other officers of
their justly earned promotion, and as the
war then about closed, he declined to be
mustered in on his commission. For gallant
and meritorious conduct at Bull Run, he was
also brevcted Captain.
Returning home he resumed the study Of
the law, and soon after was admitted to the
Bar.
In 1867 he took charge of the COLUMBIAN
newspaper, which he conducted until about
the time of his recent nomination for Con
gress.
Capt. Brockway is prominent member
II the Masonic order having attained the 32l
D'sree of Scottish Rites, is Past Grand in
he Odd Fellows, and holds a high oliic,
n the knights of Pythias.
This sketch is not prepared as an eulog;uin
out as narrative from which the merits Of
.he Democratic candidate and his claims to
popular confidence and respect can be de-
iuced. His career exhibits energy and hon
orable conduct; useful labors in the peaceful
walks Of life and patriotic service in time
of war