The National tribune., 1882-08-26
GRAPHIC SKETCH OF 4 BATTLE.

To 45n Editor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:
have been a reader OF your paper for some
months EAST. and have become deeply inter
csted in lis contents, PaTticularlyin in the perusal
ofyar "reminiscences and sketches of campaigns,
in some of which | took an active part be-
7onced to the Fifty-seventh New York veteran
regiment. Ninth Army Corps, and was unit in
General Burnside's army of occupation IN Ken
tpckv and East Tennessee. Inotice among the
commanders of his forces in that department
4beuames of Generals FeTTero and K. b. Potter,
Goth of whom, I am proud to say, were pro-
7noted to that rank from colonel and lieutenant
colonel of my regiment; both fine, dashing
officers with whom served during most Of the
war; was with them at the capture of Roanoke
Island and Newbern; fought under them in
many of the principal campaigns and battles
Of the war: in Pope's Virginia campaign, end
ing with battles of Manassas and Chantilly,
where the gallant KeaTney and Stevens fell;
under Mcclellan at South Mountain and Antie-
tam. In the former battle our brave division
commander. Reno fell; at the latter my regi-
nent and the Fifty-1irst Pennsylvania, la his
rorical fact under the cool and intrepid r. B.
Potter. then colonel,) stormed and carried the
kntietam bridge. And right here, should this
article chance to fall under the eye of that
officer. would like TO ask him if he remem-
bered the lad who just before the final charge,
while we were hotly engaging the enemy
across the stream. whose murderOus fire was
playing deadly havoc in our ranks, with left
arm already shattered by two balls, yet so in
tentIv occupicd with the business in hand,
= =, l.,
and his reply, with broad smile: "Go to the
rear" then turned on his heel-his steel scab-
hard at that moment broken by minie-ball-
TO cheer on mis- men; and the youths response,
while 4 hailstorm of leaden bullets were tear
ing the sods about his feet, was: 81 be id if
I do" And the next moment he with his
command was tearing across the bridge driving
I.ongstreet's veterans before them in panic
stricken fight, nor did they halt until the
heights beyond were gained. Our line of battle
reformed then. When Burnsids's entire corps
had crossed and taken its place in the line your
humble servant retired to a safe distance in the
rear. aud witnessed the grandest display of his
life: The Union army advancing up the slopes
81 tl,o Maryland hills, their lines extending to
u aaa left IS Car as the eye could reach, the
Stein. AID Stars and battle-fags floating in the
Hrs - bavonats flashing in the bright Sep
tea, saa The rattle of musketry, thunder of
caI.uec. ale screcching of shot and shell, and
bevo1u tal grey line of the confederate army,
firm as q granite wall from which issue unceas-
inc sheets Of flame and the grim smoke of bat
tie hanging Ike a huge canopy over all. Such
a sight one rarely sees IN a lifetime, but once
seen is never forgotten and one beyond the
power Of toEgue or pen TO portray. All that
afternoon and well into the night the tide of
battle waged, at times our lines advancing
upon, again in perfect order retiring before the
foe. At times victory seems perching upon
the banners of the stars and bars Again and
again the Union hosts, with loud huzzas, above
whose heads triumphantly floats the Starry
Flag, upon whose eagle-mounted standards the
palm of victory seems at last to rest hurl their
broken columns upon the rebel horde Dark
ness draws her mantle over the scene. The
noise Of strife has ceased. How our hearts are
cheered. In suspense in the hospitals we
await the news. Is the day lost or won? Are
our troops holding the ground? Are we to fall
intO the merciless rebels hands? Are the in
vaders TO overrun our fair North? Such queS-
tons as these we ask ourselves. When 10! the
tidings from the battle comes: "The day is
Ours!" "Hurrah! Hurrah!l Burnside has
saved the left ~"