The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-09-01

155th Pa. had the smoothbore gun, using buck
and-ball cartridge. We had orders to reserve
our fire until they got to close quarters,
and when they got within 80 feet Of as the
whole regiment fred volley into them, and
they soon turned their backs
Now, comrades, do not understand me to say
| we repulsed the whole line, but only what was
in front of Weeds Brigade. The boys all
fought well. guess we knocked the conceit
! out of Hoods graycoats: they would think it
took more than one reb to whip five Yanks
after that charge. Tho 155th Pa. was on the
right slope of Round Top, about 200 yards to the
right of Battery D, which stood on the highest
ground and about the center of the brigade.
Comrade Peter said he was on the extreme
left of the line. He must have been on Big
Round Top, as the line ran to the summit of
Big Round Top. The Pa. Reserves were on the
right and left of our brigade. I could not say
whether any other troops were between them
and our brigade on the left or not, but do
know the Bucktals Joined the 155th Pa. on
the right. The monuments will show the
position of Weeds Brigade on Ronnd Top.
There are two pieces of artillery to mark the
spot where the famous Battery d stood. /
think Battery did some of the best shooting
at Gettysburg that ever saw done with a can
non. / met rebel officer three years ago at
Gettysburg who was in Pickett's charge. He
told me the battery on Round Top cut them up
in great shape After the boys got their guns
on Round Top it was some time before they
could use them, for the rebel sharpshooters
watched them close but when they did start
they made every shot count They had about
as good position as there was on the whole
line and it was also good place for the reb
sharpshooters around Devils Den. There are
two granite rocks set on edge back Of Devils
Den. where reb sharpshooter was concealed
who did some bad work; but he did not live
long after the battery boys found his hiding
place. A shell exploded rs it struck the rock
in front of him, and when found he was dead,
without mark on him. 1t was supposed he
was killed by the conclusion OF the shell. The
burnt powder stain could be seen eight years
ago on the rock.
If any of the comrades know of any battery
that can beat that, just trot them out. If any
of Battery boys will go one mile straight in
front of Little Round Top they can see one of
their shots sticking in the gable of brick
spring house. 1t will stick there as long as the
house stands; money will not buy it. l was
all over the field in front of Round Top. and
helped gather guns. The 155th Pa. got enough
Springfield rifles to arm the whole regiment,
SO there must have been some rebels hurt.
We were not long on Round Top before we
lost our brigade commander, the gallant Weed.
Col. O'RoIke took command, but soon fell,
MORALLY wounded.
/ would like to hear from some Of the bril-
gade or Battery D; do not think they are
ashamed of their record. The 155th Pa. went
to the war with $50 men and came out with
less than 300. many of these MANNED and
crippled for life. Seventy of our COM
rades were killed in battle, 102 died OF wounds
received in BATTLE making total of ITO who
lost their lives by the casualties of war. Two
hundred and sixty eight were wounded q died
from disease, 81 were taken prisoners, five were
starved to death in rebel prisons. and 1877 were
discharged by reason Of wounds and disabili-
ties.-R L. WILLIAMSON, 1872 Jenny Lind
street, McKeesport Pa