The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1876-03-03
# EfYyIE PICTURE.
THRILLING DESCRIPTION OF THE GREAT
FIGHT AT CETTYsBURG, PA.

Swinton, in his work published in 1896,
entitled the "Army of the Potomac" al,
though intending, doubtless, TO render
full justice To every one who made part
Of that gallant army, fails to name many
officers i'll high rank and renowned for
daring deeds, who either fell on their
country's altar or yet live, wearing the
proud wreath accorded them by the hands
OF those who knew where to place it.
My attention at this time will be given
more particularly TO the battle of Gettys-
burg, in which tool, an humble part !;
and although I may fan short Of the forci-
blc and graphic style in which Mr.. Swim
toms pen has done its work, yet l shall at
least recall to the memory of many per
sons still living some of the exciting scenes
of that terrible and decisive conflict.
AS early as the morning Of the 2d day
of July both armies, with perhaps corps
on the Union side and n division on the
Southern side, had arrived at Gettysburg,
and there is little doubt as to the feeling
of confidence entertained among Tie Con
federates as to the result Of the contest.
They expected signal victory, and from
that forward to hold everything in their
own hands.
1t is we'll known to any one at all fami-
liar with the history Of that battle that
Gen. Sickles was ordered to place his conf
mand on the left of General Hancock, on
the same general line, which would draw
it alorg the prolongation of Cemetery
Bridge, toward the Round Top. The
ground in front Of this position being con-
siderably depressed, General SickIes took
the responsibility Of advancing his line
several hnndrcd yards, i'll order to occupy
the high ground between the one lie was
ordered to take and the EmmittsburG road.
This movement of his no doubt had
much to do with subsequent results.
Longstreet, under the cover of a powerful
artillery fire, commenced the attack-an
attack the most fearful and impetuouS
that | ever witnessed. The weight of
this movement fell chiefly upon that por
Zion of Sickles' corps which stretched back
from the Peach Orchard to Round Top
that is, upon the brigades of De Trobriand
and Ward.
The brigade of General De Trobriand,
to which / was attached as Adjutan: Cen
eral, was at that time made up of the
Third and Fifth Michigan, the Tenth
PENNSYLVANIA, the Fortieth New York,
and the Seventeenth Maine. That OF
General Ward was composed of the One
Hundred and Twenty fourth New York,
and some other regiments that L cannot
exactly recall. At the opening of the at
tack, General De Trobriand, surrounded
by his staff, and with his brigade in re-
serve, was awaiting his orders with as
much patience as is usual with brave
French soldier, full of enthusiasm, with
his enemy in sight. He sat upon his horse
the faithful Chasseur-and fixed his eyes
upon the coming foe with commanding
and most Inpcrturbable air. While thus
awaiting for orders to advance, an aide
from Gen. Birney rode up and ordered a
forward movement and directed that the
largest regiment of the brigade be sent
double quick to prolong the line ON the
left. so as TO fill the intervening gap at the
foot of Round Top, for the occupation of
which both forces were now engaged in a
deadly struggle. General De Trobriand
designated the Fortieth New York for this
duty, and ordered me to conduct it to its
assigned position, and if necessary to re
main there with it. We proceeded. The
air was filed with smoke and the inter
changing fires Of artillery and musketry.
The shouts of both armies were almost
deafening, but / succeeded in placing the