Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-05-29

tDefu out tncy open nre. Inc crack OF the
rifles and the zip of the balls as they strike
all around them start the Reserves from the
lethargy OF siumber into lively action, and,
ments, they scurry forward to the cover Of the
wall, or, II already there, adjust themselves to
make place for their comrades. Once in line
But even there the slightest exposure invites
and receives the instant attention of the hostile
wound and causing some fatalities. Mean
while the pickets of the Reserves, lying low
amidst the trampled wheat, watch their chance
ments of the Confederates, and SO for hours
during the earlier part of that third day OF
July, and Of the battle. the desultory nghting
the soldiers crave most desperately. The
scant supply that the more prudent
exhausted, the last drop has been drained from
the canteens. The tOrrid heat and the sulphur
Gus atmosphere provoke even in the strongest a
parchlng thirst, while with the wounded who
have not yet been carried to the rear the desire
for water is almost maddening in its intensity.
But water is only to be had by cutting loose
boldly forth across the exposed plain to the
rear where the little creek known as Plum Run
surely fatal, is the enterprise Of obtaining it.
brave spirits are not wanting to make the at
tempt Ever and anon some two or three of
canteens as they can hang around them, set
lorth On their knightly quest. Bravely putting
out from the cover of the wall, veritable "tin-
stantly become the targets of scores of rebel
rifles. Some go down, stricken dead by the
ieaden nan; some are wounded, and some who
seem TO bear charmed lives make the perilOus
trip unscathed and return, bringing the dearly
purchased boon to their grateful comrades.
But while there are instances OF great daring
and exposure on the part of individuals such as
have just described, to the bulk Of the Re-
serves the forenoon of the Sd of July is q season
uclpation in either aggressive or defensive
lighting. Their pickets are of course constantly
and actively engaged. And 1 must not omit
mention of the irrepressible Bucktails, who
chafe sorely under the enforced inaction OF
their position. These men, hardy mountain
GERS OF western Pennsylvania. trained from
childhood in the use of the rifle, have no equals
In either army as marksmen. The tactics of
the Ccnlederates OF posting sharpshOOters in
bile of the Bucktails tremendously. Conscious
OF their superiority in that especial way, they
are highly irate at the state OF things which
holds them passive observers merely OF a style
of warfare that they feel is peculiarly in the
line OF their training and experience. They al
ready nave their proper contingent on the
squads OF two and three they come to Nc
Candies. and with sort of blushing diff1dence,
as thougn asking favor almost too great to be
togo
"GUNNING FOR REB."
McCandless is not the man to refuse such q
request; ana bidding them "Go ahead" the
Bucktails, glowing with pleasure like school
boys Unexpectedly granted a recess, bounce
over the wall with an agility modelled on that
of the red deer OF their native wilds and launch
forth to seek their game. One illustration of
their dOings must suffice. A couple OF them
find rebel slowed away among the upper
branches OF tree, from which "coign of van
tage" he has for hours been picking Off our
men. Don't shoot; I'll come down." calls out
the Confederate, seeing himself discovered
I'VE know you WILL reply the Bucktails; and
the crack of their rifles gives deadly emphasis
TO their words.
have much exceeded my intended limits,
ana must bring this paper to a close without
even gianeing at the great events that marked
the progress OF that historic day. Geary's fight
on the right, the terrific artillery duel all along
the opposing lines, Pickett's magnificent charge
ana Its gallant repulse, with the thousand incl
dents that attach 10 these themes, must be ex
GUIDED from this chronicle and the story be
brought to its closing scene.
REFUSED IN EVERY ATTEMPT
to break through the Union line, Lees shat
tered forces have Withdrawn to their original
position on Seminary Ridge, and the sounds of
battle have pretty much subsidized. But over
on the Confederate right, opposite the position
of the Reserves, rebel battery still plays a
stream of fire upon the Union lines. Meade,
standing on Little Round Top, inquiries what
troops are those he sees out in front. He is
told that they are the Pennsylvania Reserves
he immediately sends an order to Crawford to
silence the offending battery. Crawford directs
McCandless to advance and clean the enemy
out. Springing up with cheerful alacrity, the
Reserves form line. as If tor parade, under a
perfect blizzard of shot and shell. Forward
they rush, apparently conscious that the good
fortune that has attended them all through
this grand battle on their native soil has sim
gled them out for dealing the final stroke to the
1nsolent invaders. With parting belch OF
fury the rebel battery limberS up and retires
Moving somewhat too far to the right and get
ting actually in the rear of the more advanced
OF the Contederates, McCandless, by Crawford's
order, changing front TO left and rear dashes
down on Confederate brigade posted behind
oreastwork OF rails and sOds. which he takes in
hank. Utterly discounted by this onslaught
Which Is made by troops coming apparently
rom the direction OF their own lines, the Con-
federates stand not on the order of their going
but go at once. The Reserves give them a
speeding volley, and the hush Of silence falls
upon the field OF Gettysburg.
THE GREAT BATTLE IS OVER.
Whether the battle should have ended then
and there. whether Meade ought not to have
precipitated his whole army on the beaten
confederates and turned their repulse into a
rout, is q question will not undertake now to
discuss. My purpose has been answered IL
have succeeded in telling intelligibly the story
OF the participation of the reserves in this great
conflict. 1t will always be their pround refiec-
ton that 1t was they who saved Little Round
Top from capture by the Confederates at the
most critical moment OF the struggle; that they
dealt the final blow to the enemy, and that the
close of the battle found them holding the most
advanced position attained by any portion of
the Union forces. GEO. A. WOODWARD
Colonel U. S. A.
II N