The Republican journal., 1882-02-02

insenslbe on the field when the day is
done.
Reclining there under tree while the
skirmishing is going on in front and the
shells are tearing up the sod around us,
observe how evidently hard pressed is
that battery yonder in the edge of the
wood, about fifty yards to our right. The
enemy's batteries have excellent range
on the poor fellows serving it. And when
the smoke lifts or rolls away in great
clouds for moment, we can see the men
running, and ramming, and sighting, and
firing, and swabbing and changing posi-
ton every few minutes to throw the enc
my's guns out of range a little. The men
are becoming terribly few, but neverthe
less their guns, with rapidity that seems
undated, belch forth great clouds Of
smoke and send the shells shrieking over
the plains.
Meanwhile, events occur which give MS
something more to think of than mere
skirmishing and sheling. Our beloved
Brlgadler general, stepping out amoment
to recOnnolter the enemy's position anu
movements, is seen by some sharp shoot
er off in a tree, and is carried severely
wounded into the barn. Our Colonel as
sumes command Of the brigade. Onr
regiment facing westward, while the line
on our right faced to the north, is observ
ed to be exposed to an entilading fire
! from the enemy's guns, as we'll as from
the long line of gray now appearing in
full sight on our right. So our regiment
must form in line and charge front for
ward, in order to come in line with the
other regiments Accomplished swiftly,
this new movement brings our line at
once face TO face with the enemN's which
advances to within fifty yards, and eX-
changes few volleys, but is soon check
ed and staggered 10y our fire.
Yet now, see Away to our left, and
consequently on our flank, a new line ap-
pears, rapidly advancing out of the woods
halt-mile away, and there must be
some quick and sharp work done now,
boys, or, between the old foes in front
and the new ones on our flank, we shall
be annihilated. To clear us of these old
assailants in front before the new line can
sweep down on our flank, our brave
Colonel, in a ringing command, orders a
charge along the whole line. Then, be
fore the cleaning and bristling bayonets
of our ''Bucktal" brigade, as it Nells and
cheers, sweeping rcsstlessly over the field,
the enemy gives way and flies in cOntu-
sion. But there is little time to watch
them fly, for that new line on our left is
approaching at rapid pace; and, with
shells falling thick and fast into our ranks,
and men dropping every where, our regl-
ment must reverse the former movement
by ''changing front to rear" and so re-
sumo its original position facing westward,
for the encmy's new line is approaching
from that direction, and if it takes us in
flank, We are done for
To: ''change front to rear is a difficult
movement to execute even on drill, much
more so under severe fire ; but it is cXecut-
ed now steadily and without confusion,
yet not a minute too soon For the new
line Of gray is upon us in mad tempest
of lead, supported 10y a cruel artillery fire,
almost before our line can steady itself
to receive the shock. However, partially
protected by Il post-and rail fence, we
answered tiercely, and with effect so ter
rife that the enemys line Wavers, and at
length moves off by the right flank, Civ
ing us breathing space for time.
During this struggle, there had been
many an exciting scene all along the line
as it swayed backward and forward over
the tield-scenes which we have had no
time to mention yet.
See yonder, where the colors of the reg
iment, on our right-our sister regiment,
the 10th have been advanced a little
to draw the enemy's fire. while cur line
sweeps on to the charge There ensues
about the flags wild Nteice and close
hand to-hand encounter. Some of the
enemy have seized the col0rS and are
making off with them in triumph, shout
ing victory But a sqaud of our own reg
iment dashcs out, and amid wells and
smoke, YOU see the battle-tlags rise and
fall, and sway hither and thither upon the
surging mass, as if tossed on the billOWs
of tempest, until wrenched away by
strong arms, they are borne back in tri-
umph to the line Of the 10th.
See yonder, again, Our Colonel is clap
ping his hand to his cheek, from which
a red stream is pouring our Lieutenant
colonel is kneeling on the ground, and is
having his handkerchief tied tight around
his arm at the shoulder; the Major and
Adjutant both lie low, pierced with balls
through, the chest: one Lieutenant is
waving his sword to his men, although
his leg is crushed at the knee; three
other officers of the line are lying over
there motionless now forever. All over
the field are streWn men wounded or dead
and comrades pause a moment in the mad
rush to catch the last words of the diving.
Incidents such as these the reader must
imagine for himself, to fill in these swift
sketches Of how the day was won-and
lost
Aye, lost For the balls which have
so far come mainly from our front, begin
now to sing in from our left and right,
which means that we are being hanked.
Somehow, away off to our right, half
mile or so, our line has given way and is
already on retreat through the town, While
our left is being driven in, and we our
selves may shortly be surrounded and
crushed-and so the retreat is sounded
Back now along the railroad cut we 90,
or through the orchard and the narrow
strip of woods behind it, with our dead
scattered around on all sides, and the
wounded crying piteously for help.
Harry Harryw 1t is faint cry of
dying man yonder in the grass, and
must see who it is.
"Why, Willie Tell me where you are
2" ask, kneeling down beside him,
and | see the words come hard, for he is
fast dying.
"Here in my side, Harry. Tell Moth
MOther-"
Poor fellow, he can say no more. His
head falls back, and Willie Black is at
rest forever!
On, now, through that strip of woods,
at the other edge of which, with my back
against stout oak, | stop and look at a
beautiful and thrilling sight. Some re-
serves are being brought up; infantry in
the center, the colors flying and officers
shouting; cavalry on the right with sabers
flashing and horses on trot artillery on
the left, with guns at full gallop sweeping
into position to check the headlong pur-
suit-it is grand sight and fine rally,
but vain one ; for in an hour we are
swept off the field and are in full retreat
through the town.
Up through the streets hurries the rem
nant of our shattered corps, while the
enemy is pouring into the town only a few