Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1896-12-05
WAR "REMINISCENCES.
FIRST TIME UNDER FIRE.
An Artillery Captains Story of McClci-
lands Change of Base.

| Nhpthihb 5bOEy OI uuCNlch-
lands Change of Base.
We were the advance toward the York
| town line on the James river road, and
near the territory in which during the
next 80 days the army constructed
| scores of miles of corduroy through
| forest and swamp. We were Gen. BAL
| dy" Smiths division, Davidson's brigade
in front, with the Seventh Maine skirm-
ishing.
On the intimation that the enemy was
making another stand not far in front,
leaving part of the battery almost hope
lessly stalled, pushed on with ParkerNs
section and one OF Underhill's pieces,
and presently struck larger opening
than we had seen during the day. The
skirmishers had halted at the border of
the woods. We were on the border of
quite n large plantation. On the fur
ther side was the Warwick river; be-
yond that earthworks of formidable
size, stretching from away ut the left
TO point in front of us, and thence
bending ut an angle and hidden by
trees. Over these works were some
black guns, with groups around them.
From tall flagstaff foated the "stars
and bars" There was no firing; every
thing was peaceful.
Hating the three forces q short dis
tunce back, took in the scene from the
edge of the woods. We had evidently
"got up against it" at last. While glanc-
ing around for good position for the
battery l noticed the trees Scared and
shattered by shot and shell, as though
fight had already taken place there. The
forts had practiced on these trees; we
stood at their target.and the cannoneers
whom we saw so plainly about their
guns doubtless, thought, knew the
range perfectly.
My peaceful meditations were rudely
interrupted by an aid, who rode up in
state of agitation.
Take your guns to right and left of
the road in the field and open on those
forts!"
by whose ordeEs2"
"By order of Gen. Smith."
Later. should have questioned those
orders. and even then l recognized their
nbsurdity. But we We're green soldiers
then, with no thought of debating or
questioning. The aid rode hastily back.
Sending Parker with his section to the
right, ard Underhill's one gun to the
left, we moved out beyond the slirmish
line into the open field and dropped our
trails. Parker was not to fire until
gave the range. Corn had been grown
in these fields, and the ground was soft.
Dismounting, throwing the reigns to
Bugler Graham and ordering "percus-
sion" was the work of few seconds.
Then l got astride the trail of Under
hills piece, fingered the elevating screw,
and looked through the sights. How far
might it be? All our previous practice
had been over a known range. | screwed
up and 1 screwed down and debated
within-would that be about right. or
is it too much or not enough? To tell
the truth, l had no definite idea how far
it was.
How does man feel the first time un-
der fire, has been answered in print, but
/ never heard the question asked in
actual service. Nor do l remember ever
hearing anybody say how he felt under
the circumstances. In certain maga-
zine article young West Pointer, who
became general, told his experience,
and an account from Solferino and an
other from the Crimea have come under
my notice, all interesting, one psyche
logically 50, as it seemed that intense
realization Of danger could cause n
peculiar optical phenomenon. But l
was not under fire yet-only straddling
the trail of three-inch rifle, trying to
guess the distance of a certain black
object.
That object suddenly disappeared, q
white cloud taking its place; somebody
exclaimed: There it comes!" The gun
detachment sceTed to huddle closer