Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-12

Dattalions and batteries of Hills corps, while
EWell, having seized the town with his
right, is extending his left to grasp Culps
Hill. from which he would command the
road to Baltimore. To hold Cemetery Hill,
thus threatened. there is a single brigade,
not yet engaged. that of Col. Orlando
smith, about one thousand strong. which
had been left in reserve when Howard
went forward to support Reynolds. Here
and there remnants of other brigadeS have
halted, unwilling to retreat farther, yet
surveying with gloomy apprehension the
faSt-gathering mass of the confederates.
To the left, adown the crest of Cemetery
Ridge the broken bands of the first corps.
which have done tranScendent Soldierly
service during the long hours Of the day.
stand firmly in their places to keep their
position for which they had made such aw-
full sacrifices. In front of them. and still
further to the left Is the one inspiring fea-
ture OF the scene; Bufords splendid divis-
ion OF cavalry, drawn up in line of bat
talions, en- masse, mistaken and undaunted
IN the face of the confederate infantry.
Upon this field of wreck and disorder APP
PEARS Hancock And as the sun, shining
through rift in the clouds. may change
scene Of gloom to one of beauty, so the
&C inning Of this prince of soldiers brings life
and courage to all. At this call the Drawer
spirits flame to their height: the weaker
souls yield gladly to the impulse of that
powerful. aggressive. resoute nature
At once the doubtful halt on Cemetery
Hill Is transformed into the confident as
sumption of new lire of battle; the fear
fui stream adown the Baltimore road is
peremptorily stopped; shattered regi-
nts, as they reach the mill, are reform
ed; on every side men seek their colors
win alacrlty; commanders rectify their
jiHes; ammunition is brought up; troops are
sent to occupy Culp's HILL threatened by
E"ells divisions; skirmishers are thrown
out on the frCnt and right: batteries are
planted along the crest; every position Of
advantage Is occupied with the bravest
q
view to deterring the enemy from attack
ing until the reinforcements now rapidly
approaching the field shall arrive.
An hour had sufficed to make great
chanSe within the Union lines; vastly
greater change, as seen from the enemy's
ground. though hot man besides Han
Geek and his staff had come upon the field
since Seminary Ridge was lost, Lee hest
tated to give the,order to attack positions
naturally strong, which appeared to have
neen suddenly occupied by fresh troops. so
prave was the show of force everywhere
made He instructed Ewell to feel our line
on It's right. but not to bring on general
engagement. That delay saved the field of
Gettysburg to the Union arms.
An Eye for u Battlefield.
have said that Hancock had an "eye
for battlefield The terms Use are not
technical. but they describe quality in an
o'f1cer that every practical soldier under
STANDS. 1t has its application to a field
like that of Gettysburg, and, in less de-
gree to Chickamauga-; AT Gettysburg por-
tons of two great armies Suddenly and un-
expectediy collided The confederate forces
We're OF necessity aggressive, while the
Union army could accomplish its proposed
results by successful, defensive battle
Wh n M reached Gettysburg, Hancock
found the position held by the Union forces
meaacea by startling dar gers. At a glance
he saw the advantages of the position. and
boldly resolved that there the great battle
should be fought to determine the fate of
the contint TT. The confederate general in
vaded Pennsylval ia for the double pur-
pose of relieving his own people from the
strain of Union army constantly menace
ing Richmond and producing discourage
nlent Throughout the north and the pres
tlge to o.. given the confederate arms
abroad. 1t was. at that stage of the war, a
bold resolution. which nothing but pos! tive
success could yiEdicate.
IL the Invasion was successful even to
the extent contemplated by Lee, 1t might
have resulted in the overthrow of the