The National tribune., 1881-09-10
THE FIFTH CORPS HELD THE LEFT

wick Richardson, Smith, and SlOcum, IN the ordel
named, and finally Keyes with so much OF his
CORPS as had not been detached to other points
The latter rested his left nearly upon the river in
the vicinity of Haxalls, short distance below
Malvern. The line taken as whole, formed an
elbow at about the point where Couch's and Kear-
news divisions Joined each other, the angle point
! ing northeasterly, the two arms extending back
ward south and southeasterly to the James, as
already indicated The troops of Porter and Couch
occupied a sort of ridge; and having conformed to
its contour presented slightly semi-circle front
curving inward. The artillery, some sixty pieces
was posted so that its fire could be concentrated
at any point along the lne its chief support lying
in front of the guns, the face of the country being
| favorable to such arrangement. When the line
was first formed General Porter found himself
somewhat in advance of General Couch, and sug-
gested that the latter advance his line, which he
subsequently did To the right of Couch, and
especially beyond Kearney, where the troops were
more deployed, the roads We're barricaded the
timber slashed and every possible obstacle inter
posed to strengthen the position The Pennsyl-
vania Reserves were stationed
BEHIND PORTER AND COUCH,
might demand. In rear of Porters position a
dozen or so sege-guns had also been put in bat
terry to assist in strengthening his line The
enemy first appeared between nine and ten o'clock
in the morning, and began the conflict by open
ing upon Porter, Couch and Kearney. At two
o'clock movement was made in frOlt of Heintzel-
mans corps, but did not result in an attack.
At three o'clock heavy artillery fire was opened
upon Kearney's left and upon Couch, and was
speedily followed by an advance of infantry upon
the latter. The rebels moved on in gallant style
to within two or three hundred yards, when
Couchs men, who had been lying down, arose
and poured in such deadly volleys that the foe
soon broke and retreated, followed by the Boys
in Blue for some considerable distance and who,
having gained more advantageous position, and
one which brought them into better alignment
with the Fifth Corps, held it during the day.
Just about this time quite an amusing incident
occurred which served to somewhat relieve the
monotony of the situation of a portion of the
First Brigade, First Division of the Fifth Corps
lying under the muzzles of the Federal cannon
awaiting the onset
A CONFEDERATE BATTERY
succeeded in getting in position which enabled
it to rake the whole length of the Thirteenth
New York Volunteers as the men lay in line. In
the regiment was one man-COnnOlly, of "B"
company-an odd sort of genius, with dash of
the Green Isle" in his nature who, though
capital soldier, yet inclined to be just trfie
too indulgent to himself in one respect: he never
would bear a burden, not even weapon when
he could find any way to get rid of it. A short
time previous, while on the march, he had sue
ceeded in getting his Remington rife rendered
unservceable by carelessly fastening it to a
wagon, from which it fell under the wheels, and
the value of it was charged to him upon the pay
rolls. Just prior to the battle he received his
new weapon. When the artillery opened he was
lying fiat upon the ground, his gun underneath
him, the muzzle projecting foot or so beyond
his head which was slightly elevated, taking
observations" The shells came in thick and fast
for a few moments, and most of the "boys" Rugged
their neither earth pretty closely; but not so Con-
molly. He still kept the lookout, cracking
jokes missile after missile flew by without do
ing any harm. Presently a shell struck a slight
elevation in front of the writer ricochetted struck
again with dull, heavy thud, and then glancing
over the heads of the men On the left, exploded
When the shell struck for the second time Con-
molly got up. In fact, he was obliged to do So
for the 12-pounder struck the muzzle of his rifle
ploughed furrOw underneath him the whole
length of his body and gave him
A MOST DECIDED LIFT IN LIFE
AS he afterward said, he felt as if he had swal-
lowed barrel of powder and a friction primer"
Of course the conclusion knocked the breath out
of him. tore his clothing, bruised and lacerated
his person. at the same time reducing his Rem
ington to complete wreck. Every one expected
to see him fall dead, but for several moments he
danced about, first upon one foot, then upon the
other, meantime rubbing his stomach and gasp
ing like drowning person. Lie down! Lie
down, you id fool, you!" (the situation de-
manded strong language) was shouted from every
side but Connolly paid no heed. Presently he
stopped over keeping his stomach well III hand,
picked up his dismantled weapon, which looked
like Rip Van Wrinkles after the twenty years
slumber, and continuing to caress his antonished
front hobbled up to his commanding officer and
drawled out: " say, Cap, will | have to pay for
this id old gum" The effect was irresistible;
and high above the boom of cannon and Kissing
and screaming of shot and shell, went up :three
cheers for Connolly" from half thousand thrOats.
In response to the inquiry he ordered to the
rear to repair damages, and reluctantly obeyed; !;
but it was many a weary day before he fully
cnyarad from What he called his attemnt In ride