Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1885-12-11
The Ordeal of Battle.


crate line which did not share In the
tumult and fierce resistance which was
everywhere else apparent. This was
the portion held by the division Of MAJ
Gen. Cleburn. or, as all the Southern
people knew him, "Pat Cleburn." Ii
had been said of Cleburn that he was
the only man in the Confederate army
who could absolutely control his men
and make them hold their fire until he
was ready for it to be delivered.
On the day of this battle, when the
Federal advance began, it is stated that
he said to his troops that he would shoot
any man who would dare to fire gun
until he gave the word.
This was the explanation OF the omi-
nous silence all along that portion Of
the breastworks held by his force.
Probably the effect of this can be best
shown by representing the words of
Federal colonel who was captured In
this battle, and who described IL the
next day. Said he:
sit was the most severe ordeal which
my nervous system has ever undergone.
When we began the advance we natur-
ally expected that the artillery would
open upon us as soon as we got within
range, and that, having swep. forward
until we were In each OF the fire Of the
musketry, that would begin 10 open
upon us also. had been through so
much Of this that had ceased TO fear II,
and always relied on the excitement Of
the occasion carrying me forward; but
here we ran for some 200 yards or more
and there was not cannon shot. An
other hundred yards and still no explo-
sion of bombshell or anything Of the
kind. / now began to feel little
strange. Another 100 yards and still
no sign of life, and my nervousness be-
gan to give place to desire TO halt.
Another hundred yards and we were
certainly within range Of musketry;
but still there was no sign Of life in the
intrenchment In front Of us; nothing to
give cause for apprehension, apparently,
except the waving Of the Confederate
flags above the works as light wind
blew. Now over me began to come
feeling Of dread, feeling which | never
felt before, and which / can scarcely
describe. | would have turned and fled
but for the fear Of disgrace, which Was
stronger than even the horrors of death.
But knew what was coming, and de-
termined by my example 10 inspire my
men to brave il, no matter how terrible
it was. At length we were within
scarcely more than twenty yards OF the
entrenchments, when from all along the
line protruded forth scores and hum
dreds OF muskets. l could see them as
/ gave quick glance down the whole
front, and those Immediately before me,
particularly, seemed slightly waving
from side to side. There was no mis-
taking about 1t. | knew that every
holder Of a musket was picking out his
man. This continued for but few mo-
menis, when above all other sounds,
distinct and clear, heard the command
given, Now, men, firep Instantly from
aloug the entire line there seemed like
lightning fash to burst forth sheet Of
flame and of smoke. was struck, and
fell senseless for an instant, but when |
recovered myself and turned TO look
there seemed to be scarcely seven men
of my entire regiment on .heir feet.
Then the fury of the combat arose above
other sight or sound. The whole forest
and mountain seemed TO be on fire.
There is no army in the world that
could have stood before IT,"
As an evidence Of the correctness OF
this description, 1t may be stated that
after the battle the Confederates picked
up in front of Cleburn's line ,002 dead
and wounded Federals. - Cincinnati En-
qu,rer.