Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-09-02
THE 18th VIRGINIA AT SECOND MANASSAS

THE 18th VIRGINIA At SECOND MANASSAS
The following extracts from the History
Of the I'm Virginia Infantry will not prove
uninteresting to the friends and survivors of
the old regiment. Saturday % years ago
it found itself face to face with the enemy
on the battle field of Manassas, having left
Gordonsvile on the 10th Of August with
Longstreets corps to relieve Jackson. who
was then receiving the attack from Popes
entire amy, and sorely needed assistance.
The regiment passed through Thoroughfare
Gap on the morning of the Goth, coming in
sight of General Jacksons army and the
enemy at passage of arms, mile or more
distant, in the valley below
1.-The march from the Gap was indescrib-
ably severe, the weather being exceedingly
warm and water not obtainable, except in
bitches or stagnant pools on the sides of the
road These were eagerly drained by the
half.tamished men, with their heat and
green Shiny skim, regardless oft the animated
nature which at other times would have
been revolving to them. Our regiment was
sent to the extreme right of the line, where
it took position under heavy shell!ng from
one of the enemy's batteries, posted near
the junction.
"The morning of the 30th of August, 1862,
dawned upon the first Manassas battle field
again lined with troops and artillery ready
for action. Not sound arose to disturb the
quiet Of the early morning. Cornfields and
gardens in the locality suffered terribly, no
rations having been issued to us for several
days previous. These were our only re-
sources against the ravages of hunger. The
fields around were dotted with half-starved
Coufeds, who were plucking the daily ra-
tions of corn to be distributed, three ears to
the man. The morning was passed in pre-
pairing and eating the food thus obtained.
Many poor fellow as he feasted upon the
delicious grain, little imagined it to be his
last repast upon this earth. Ere long came
distant rumbliug of artillery, and all eyes
were turned in the direction Of the cnemy's
line. whence tho noise proceeded. Clouds
Of dust arose i'll our front, and as they drew
nearer, the stiffness was harshly broken by
II cannon shot, followed by the bursting of
Il shell over the centre Of our line, 4 notice
that the battle was about to begin.
~ part Of our corps was moved to the front,
and the enemy received from its veterans
heavy blow that sent them reeing back
upon their reserves. The battle was con-
tinued all the afternoon. About five o'clock
our division, commanded by Gen. kemper,
formed and hurried to the scene of carnage.
Our brigade was commanded by Col. Corse
and our regiment BY Lt-Colonel Marye.
When near the Chinn house (the Seven
teenth occupying the right came under
heavy fire, shell and lnusketry, the enemy's
batteries and line Of battle being in full
view on the hill beyond. Our line advanced
finely under the enemy's fire, and not until
the men commenced firing and advancing
did any irregularity occur, though many
were shot down in this part of the engage
ment. 1t was here that Lieut.. Col. Marye
received his wound and fell nobly doing his
duty. The we'll known bravery and good
conduct OF this officer needs no eulogy. Our
color sergeant being struck down, the colors
were hardly allowed to touch the earth be-
fore they were seized by Corporal Washing
ton Harper, of the color guard, and by him
carried steadily and bravely to the front
during the remainder of the fight. They
succeeded in capturing the enemy's guns
and driving them from that portion of the
field. Private Sam Coleman, Co. Z, Mt.
Vernon Guards, taking from the enemy's
color bearer the national colors Of one Of
his rv nilEentS, banded them to Col. Corse,
vino waving them in front Of the brigade
added life and renewed vigor to our men.
Our regiment brought from the field five
stands ui colors. The brigade captured six
teen stands Of colors and four pieces of ar
lllery with the remaining horses attached,
mosi OF them having been killed by our
heavy fire. After the battle we bivouacked
on the field near the Chinn house, where
the night was passed. The dead were
buried by details for that purpose from the