Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1892-11-11
AT The Battle Of Antietam.

~ w NUutNaUNs
Perhaps entitled 10 be considered
the greatest Of ex-Confederate vet
erans, General James Longstreet has
figured personally in many thrilling
scenes. One OF his peculiar distinc-
tions is that he was the only corps
commander on either side during the
war TO serve artillery with his own
hands in an emergency. The .inci-
dent referred TO is part Of the un-
written history OF Antietam.
Another historic figure in the nara
tive i General George h. Mcclellan.
at whom two OF the cannon shot,
fired 10y Longstreet's own hand, were
/ directed. Ii was only known at the
/ time that the human target in federal
uniform was some oIiicer OF consider
able prominence. General q NJ. Sor-
rell, now living in New York, presi-
dent OF the Ocean Steamship Com
pany, Savannah and New York, IT, a
living witness ofthe occurrence. Gen
eral Robert T.. Lee and General ID. u.
Hill We're interested spectators aud
had special reason TO remember II.
Perhaps there are also living some
members Of General McClellan's stan
to corroburate the narrative.
Longstreet, born soldier, gradu
ated at West Point, experienced 10y
years Of active duty in the Mexican
War and in other service as an officer
OF the regular army, was an excellent
artillerist, sighting a cannon with as
much precision as a pistol or musket.
At the battle OF Antietam, McClel-
Ian sent IA strong force against an un-
occupied portion OF Longstreet's line.
The latter was quick To notice this
movement. Calling 70. General Sor-
rell and Captain Latrobe To follow
him, Longstreet galloped 10 the gap
in his lile toward which point the
Federals were advancing rapidly.
Two cannons had been left there, al
most the entire crew Of both guns
dead or lying desperately wounded.
Longstreet instantly dismounted and
with the aid OF Sorrell and Latrobe,
wheeled the heavy pieces into line,
double shotted them and trained
them on the advancing Federal line.
Longstrset sighted both pieces and
jerked the lanyards with his own
hands. The effect was terrific. Both
shots went true, moving great gaps
In the Federal line. The pieces were
loaded and trained rapidly, so that
again and again the advancing line Of
Federals was broken and momentarily
halted, giving time to accomplish
what Longstreet had in view-the re-
establishment Of his own line. con
centrating at the point OF attack.
Noticing group OF Union officers
watching the fight from n distant
hill, Longstreet elevated his two
pieces and fired at them. The shells
went Just above the group, In which
wa- Mcclellan, scattering them imme-
diately. Unknown then TO the Con
federate officers, Mcclellan sent post
haste for one OF his best batteries.
A few minutes later Lee and Long
st eet were conyersing on high bill
10 the east OF Sharpsburg, near the
point from which Longstreet had
been firing. While these two were
talking. General d. II. Hill rode up,
bringing message 10 Lee. Long
street advised Hill TO dismouDt as his
conspicuous appearance on horseback
might draw the Federal fire. For
some reason the advice was not foi-
lowed. A few seconds later pun OF
smoke drew their attention for the
first time TO the Federal battery which
Mcclellan had just posted. The shell
aimed at Lee and Longstreet and
Hill. was well directed. Lee gas on
one side Of Hill, his hand resting on
the bride OF the latter's horse. Long
street was or the other side OF the
horse, "a few feet away. The shell
struck Hills horse, cutting of both
legs Just below the knees. The poor
brute fell TO his knees and remained
in that position, with bis back at an
awkward slant, while Hill was making
vigorous and very ludierous, because
necessarily awkward, efforts TO dis
mount. He fret threw his legs eve!
the cantle OF the saddle, but In his
haste came near topping over bis
horses head. Lee and Longsfreet
both laughed heartily at Hills posi-
ton and bastened TO help him dis
mount. Hill, throwing ops leg over
the pomInel OF his saddle, dismounted
without help, and then joined In the
laugh at his expense.
The same shell from McClelians
battery narrowly missing Lee and
Longstreet, and killing Hills horse,
went on its way OF destruction, e1-
ploding just over Confederate regi-
ment behind the hill, killing and
wounding a considerable amount oil
men.
G.daanI,, ralfsyed from ,s condition