The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1880-03-26


groups peacefully enjoying a rest after the
rapid march Of the day before. The troops
that arrive upon the field or changed their
position did 50 loisurely and uumolested.
Sickles came up and went into position on
our left and Geary took his division over to
Cnlp's hill. About ten O'Clock picket firing
was heard out toward Little Round Top,
continuing at intervals until long after noon
at times becoming quite sharp But three
O'Clock came, and still no indications of the
general engagement.
a SPLENDID SPECTACLE.
The boys had partly recovered from tn cir
fatigue aud were actually beginning to en-
JOY life; some Of them INDUCED in quiet
game of euchre, while others toasted their
hard tack or fried little bacon at the small
fires in the rear Of the lines. Shortly after
three O'Clock a movement was apparent
on our left. From where we (Caldwells di-
yision) lay, the whole country in our front,
and far to our left, away to the peach orch
ard and to little Round Top, was in full
view. Our division was in brigade columns,
and when it became evident that something
was going to take place the boys dropped
their cards regardless Of what was trump
even the men who held both bowers and the
Gce-au all gathered on the most favorable
position to witness the opening of the ball.
Soon the long lines of the Third corps are
seen advancing, and how spleudidly they
march 1t looks like dress parade, a re-
view. On, on, they go, out toward the peach
orchard, but not shot is fired. A little
| while lopger and some one calls out,
"There!' and points to where puff of
smoke is seen arising against the dark green
of the woods. Another and another cloud
until the whcle face of the forest is envel
oped and the dread sound of the artillery
ing in all directions along the lines. The
bright colors of the regiments are conspicu-
Gus marks, and the shells burst around them
in great numbers. The musketry begins,
the infantry become engaged, and the battle
extends along the whole froat of Sickes'
corps. Now the sounds come from Little
Round Top, and the smoke rises among the
trees and all the high and wooded ground
10 the left Of the peach orchard now seems
to be the scene of strife. An hour passes
and our troops give way, and are falling
back; but slowly, very slowly, every inch OF
ground is fought for The Third corps is
not in the habit .of giving it up, and they
hold their own well, but the odds are against
them and they are forced to retire.
Now help is called Tor, and Hancock tells
Caldwell to have hi. division ready. "Fall
in ~ and the men runto their places. "Takc
arms - and the four brisadee of Xoo!, Cross
Brock and Kelley are ready for the fray
There are yeta few minutes to spare before
starting and the time Is occupied in one o.
the most impressive religious ceremonies
have ever witnessed. The Irish Brigade
which had been commanded formerly 10y
General Thomas Francis Meag CHER and whose
green flag had been unflred in every batllt
in which the army of the Potomac had beer
engaged, from the fvst Bull Run to AppO
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