The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-06-30

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Bentonvillc.
We reached this point at 2:40 p. M, and went
into park in an open field near house and
peach orchard. We had seen the peach trees
in bloom all the morning; it being regular
Spring weather, warm and the roads muddy.
As we came to halt the lines were extended
to tho left by tho Twentieth Corps troops, to
which Battery G. was now attached, forming on
the left of the Fourteenth Corps. All the time
there was hard skirmishing in 'front.' nearly a
mile ahead of us. Two brigades--one Of the
Fourteenth aud one of the Twentieth Corps
were advanced upon the rebel works to try
their position. Soon after our arrival wo heard
great uproar toward the front; then pack
mules, baggage wagons. and part OF a battery
ramc back in great disorder. Our advancing
brigades had been fanked by an overwhelming
force. and came back in awful confusion. The
command was given US, Right wheel into
battery" and at 3:15 D. m. We were in good
shape for callers. We were no sooner in posi-
ton than the Fourteenth Corps brigade came
running through our line, one Captain crying
out. " Lees whole army is after US; run for
your life, boys, run !" The Fourteenth Corps
boys were not in the habit of running away
from fight, so we knew that there must be
something ahead worth running for. But We
there first, and meant to hold our ground.
Gen. Robertson formed his brigade to support
our battery, the only one on the field, aud then
began the work of ra1ying the fleeing troops.
The flag bearer Of the SD Ohio halted to the
left of our battery. and rallied his comrades by
waving the colors and railing, Where is the
s3d Oho?"
All this had taken place in Is minutes, and
we had Iedoubts started three rails high in
front of our pieces when the rebels came out
of tho woods in the front and OH the left of US,
about 500 yards away. AS they emerged from
the woods our skirmislers heard their officers
say, Boys, go for that battery" and they
started. But about this time was our put in,
and sent them volley of caseshot cut
just right to burst among them. We kept this
up as fast rs we could load and fire, and they
soon fell back to the cover of the woods.
AS they did this, troops were
ad vanced to the edge of the woods on our right
and left, leaving our front for US to take care
of, while we strengthened our works. In the
meantime, Battery /, 1st N. Y. had arrived
and taken position, ready to assist in repelling
the second charge. Before the third charge
another battery was in position belonging to
the Fourteenth Corps. The rebels charged
seven times before dark, hut as VIC were rein
forced all the time, they did not get out of the
woods after the first charge.
During the second charge Corp'l d. A.
Reed, of Battery G. was severely wounded,
and died three days afterward, and was buried
on the way to GoldsbOro.
Battery NJ 1st N. Y, arrived about p. m.,
making four batteries in position. ready for
business at the same old stand. There was
now no hope for the Johnnies. Our lines
were too strong, and they retired to their works.
Battery G fred 271 rounds. mostly caseshot.
Tho first charge was repulsed wholly by case
shot, showing that to be powerful weapon
when properly used. The Twentieth Corps
arrived not n minute too soon, as the Four
teenth was boing roughly handled by John
stons whole army, and Battery G had the
honor of saving the day by repulsing the first
charge Not that we did any better than
wond any Of the other batteries, but we were
there and they were not, but came up during
the fight. The infantry, as always, did their
duty. But was watching the enemy and the
work of the artillery that day. and had large
open field to do it in; SO | can say but little
for the work of the infantry.
AS the enemy were charging us it was pre-
emnently IN artillery battle, aud proved the
efficacy of caseshot in that kind of disease. 1t
did good execution, rs was proved by
the line Of dead left in the open field from the
frst charge and from the fact the enemy could
not be coaxed or driven out Of the woods to
meet those shreking, bursting shells second |
time. They would form back in the woods |
and come up to the opening all right but there |
they would break and rush back out of reach |
then form and advance, to break and fall back |
again.
This is Bentonvile as saw it. Comrades, |
now did it look to you? Let US talk it over |
through The NATIONAL TRIBUNE.-L. HEN
DRIcK, l1O2 Fourth avenue east, Hutchinson,
Kan.