The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1894-09-13

manding surrender. Both Hancock and
Miles dashed to the front, leading up
handful, chiefly their staff officers and
headquarters guards, and charged the enc
my's swarming ranks, hoping to shame
the towards into action.
The Confederates made the most Of their
opportunity and rushed up and down the
works into the batteries. The cannoneers
Of Sleeper battery fired the right gun into
the enemy along the parapets the second
piece was turned to sweep the inside Of
the works, and the third followed suit.
The battery commander, many of the gun
ners and nearly all Of the horses had been
shot down during the fight, and the surviv-
ors, unable to defend or remove their guns,
retreated behind the railroad embankment.
The enemy then turned north toward
Dauchy's battery. The gun which had
been placed near the angle of the works
deluged them with grape until surrounded.
The commander Lieutenant Brewer,
and all the cannoneers were killed defend
ing their piece. The remaining pieces Of
this battery also fell into the enemy's
hands, but only for a moment. The STAN
pede and cowardice had only maddened
the real heroes Of the field, General Miles
rode into the ranks of his own regiment,
the Sixty-first New York, lying on the
east of the breach, and ordered them to
form across the breastworks at right an
giles. Placing himself in front, he led the
way back toward Dauchy's guns, recap
turing the breastworks and the three guns
east Of the railroad The Confederates
gave way before this assault and retired
into the railway cut. Gathering new men
as fast as his little band, originally not
more than 200 strong, was depleted by bull
let's, he crossed to the outside Of the breast
works. At this point Hancock joined him,
accompanied by the corps flag, which was
a conspicuous target for the enemys fire.
It was pierced by five bullets, and the staff
was splintered by another one. Hancock's
bride rein was cut in two by shots, and
finally his horse was killed while he rode
forward with Miles, bent upon the recap
ture Of Dauchy's guns. At last they
charged to the very angle where the enemy
had broken through, corps commander
and a division commander fighting with
less than 100 followers, and among them
brigade and regimental commanders and
staff officers. Turning thence into Gibbon' S
lines, Hancock attempted to rally those
| demoralized bands 90 emulate the brave
men who redeemed the day on the right.
| But they refused to stir, and riding to
Werner's Jersey battery in the center he
told it's commander to sweep the ground,
right, left and front, and save what re-
manned of the line. Hamptons horsemen
were crowding Gregg in the rear, and
there was no sign Of help coming down
the road which Miles had SO gallantly
kept open. Almost surrounded and de-
pendent upon men who wouldn't fight,
the hero was in despair Already shattered
with many wounds, he felt that his war
rior strength, his career, his fame, like
that of the old corps, always until that day
grand and invinoible in battle, was going
to pieces. Placing his hand upon the
shoulder of one Of his staff, he said, 8 Colo
mel, I do not want to die, but I pray
God may never leave this field. . With
4 Werner's battery, Miles indomitable sol
diers and Gregg's cavalry he kept the en-
envy at bay until night covered the retreat
back to the main camps Of the army.
GEORGE t. KILMER