The National tribune., 1883-11-08
FAIR OAKS,
And the Part the One Hundred aud Fifth Penn
sTiEaHia Took in the Battle.
RISING SUN, IND.

/ nave been very mucn interested II the
graphic "reminiscences from the rank and file,
published in TIE TRIBUNE, and it is pleasant
10 note how, from the fireside, old comrades
fight over again the battles and campaigns OF
twenty years ago. But as l have long looked
in vain for something from comrades Of hear-
ney's old division, / will therefore now attempt
a brief description of the part taken by the One
Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania volunteers
Of shat division in the battle at Fair Oaks, hop
ing thereby to draw out others who partici-
pated IN that Inflated Pennsuiar campaign.
Although the twenty-first anniversary of the
battle of Fair Oaks has swept by in the dizzy
waltz and whirl Of 1eeting years, the thrilling
scenes and incidents which transplred on that
ever memorable 3Ist of May, 1862, are still
fresh TO the mental vision of every survivor who
participated in that sanguinary struggle, an
ever fresh and enduring panorama.
A GLOOMY MORNING.
The day was gloomy, cherries one, after a
nights deluge of rain which had literally in
undated the fat country between the Chieka-
hOminy and Richmond, and II was with but
little relish that the soldier with dripping
garments arose from his inadequate shelter TO
enter upon the duh routine of camp and fatigue
duties of the day. Toward midday, however,
the monotoBous quiet was suddenly broken by
the roar Of cannon IN the direction of Caseys
camp near Fair Oaks Station some four miles
distant Admonished by the heavy firing that
help was needed, onr brigade (Jameson'sl was
soon formed, awaiting orders. Only seven
companies, however of the One Hundred and
Fifth were present. Companies and / were
on fatigue duty and company G was guarding
the railroad bridge across the Chickahominy.
Receiving orders 10 move forward, the brigade
marched rapidly along the railroad past Savage
Station, from thence through fields obliquely
TO the left. until near the battlefield.
The scene presented IN approaching battle
/ from the rear at such times is neither ealcu-
lated TO cheer nor inspire with enthusiasm. A
constant STRAIN OF wounded with laeerated
limbs and bleeding wounds was pouring by,
and many who were not wounded, blt to
whom the smoke of battle appeared 10 be
| offensive were fastening TO the rear In search
Of more congenial atmosphere. AT brief in
| tervals the prolonged cheers of charging bat
tali0ns could be heard swelling above the roar
Of battle, and then suddenly were flushed by
the deafening volleys that followed, like the
fitful gusts Of a raging storm, amid the thun-
derlng Of artillery.
| Under cover of thick second growth of pine
our regimen had approached to within close
proximity 10 the enemy, aud then halted for
moment awaiting orders. Peering out from a
curtain Of green foliage on a large field to our
| right, We could see a line of half-Gnishcd
rifie-pit5 extending across the Richmond road
/ az right angles. Behind these rife-pit5 were
posted line Of our troops apparently awaiting
an attack. A short distance 10 their front was
I a strip Of "slashiDg" some forty rods wide,
separating this from extensive fields beyond.
1 at the farther edge of this abatis was a strong
| line Of the enemy advantageously posted in
1 conceaiment, while in the open field TO their
rear the tents were still standing from which
Casey's division had inst been driven, and
| rebel battery crowned the crest OF slight ele-
walton near the Richmond road.
GOING INTO BATTLE
Having received orders, our regiment filed
| right and at double-quick entered the field
| between the rifle pits and the abatis. In
stantly, as the right of the regiment emerged
| from cover, terrific fire greeted them, answer
ed only by defiant cheer, and the regiment
pressed onward at its utmost speed, moving
parallel and within easy nusket range Of the
rebel line, and hence exposed to an ineessant
CALLING fire, while sinking over shoe-top in the
! Iniry soil at every step. As a natural couse-
queBce, by the time the left had cleared the
woods, the regiment was drawn out to nearly
twice the proper distance, the right extending
beyond the Richmond road. The order was
now given, . By the left flank, charged" and
then, under the eagle eye Of the impetuous
/ kearDey and the direction Of the gallant
jameson, the regiment entered the abatis with
a cheer, facing most furious fire, but press
/ ing forward over logs aid tops of fallen trees
and through tangled eopse, until painting and
ready to sink from exhaustion, broken and de-
cinated, the rebel line WAS almost reached. 1t
Was now manifest to all, that with but little
more than q skirmish-lne, broken and utterly
exhausted with fatigue an attempt TO rout with
the bayonet an enemy so vastly superior in num-
bers aud so compact fresh and vigorous, could
but inevitably result in overwhelming disaster
tous. However, a deliberate and well-directed
fire was now opened on the enemy at distance
Of not more than thirty PAGES, and, being well
supplied with the prepared c9mbustible car
1
The enemy, thinking, doubtless 10 end this san
culinary struggle with single blow, now in
turn attempted a charge. but their close packed
groups, crowded together into narrow open
spaces IN the tangled abatis, presented Tempt
ing target On which to concentrate with un-
erring aim most devastating fire, from which
they quickly TecOiled though they continued,
as before, . stubborn struggle
N A TIGHT PLACE.
While thus desperately engaged with vastly
superior force in front, many an eye was turned
{ anxiously towards our right and rear as the
( terrific roar Of musketFy and triumphant
> cheer Of the enemy in that direction marked
Enthusiastically their victorious progress. They
were sweeping everything before them, like a
resistiess tidal wave from the right around to
our rear. Our position had now become criti-
cal IN the extreme. There was no alternative
the enemy IN our front must be routed, or es-
cape from this perilous position was hopeless
: A rebel battery on a crest in front of us now
too, become an object Of cur marked attention
which, happily, soon resulted in their seeking
5 a safer position, much 30 our relief This close
contest had now ragged furiously for nearly two
hours with terrible slaughter, and without
/ either side gaining or losing ground. Ulti.
mately, however this animated interview with
: the renowned South Carolina chivalry termi
mated quite abruptly. Induced by . very press
! ing engagement, they uncereinoniously quit oul
e presence with surprising CELEBRITY, though we
s cheerfuliy excused their rather undignifed
0 departure as their presence must soon have
: proved embarrassing TO us.
, One long loud, triumphant shout such a.
S only so dearly-bought victory coHld inspire
0 now spontaneously burst forth as the enemy
: in utter confusion, fed hastily from oul
! front, a furious fire giving wonderful i'm
0 petus 10 their fight. Pursuit Of the fleeing
0 foe, however, was continued but short dis
I lance The enemy. being already in our rear
: was sweeping on toward the Chickahominy
e Our ammunition. also, was about exhausted
D and hence 10 withdraw, if possible, from this
D perilous position was our chief object. Orders
e TO move Off TO the left was now executed very
: deliberately, many lingering for long time
Q tenderiy ministering to wounded comrades
: while others were horne along Or assisted frau