Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-08-16

stopped while a desultory fire was kept
UP.
The rear companies halted on thu
side of the ravine away from the enc
my. while the advance took a position
part way up the hill. Then the rear
companies began to advance and the
cry came that the enemy was thanking
on the left. A general movement for
ward began amid sharp firing. Co c
was sent to the assistance of the left
wing At this time the firing ALL along
the line was fierce. The Sd Battalion
advanced toward the assailants and
fired a furious volley.
Then for q time there was a cessa-
ton of the firing except on the left
where a hot fight was raging. Lines
were reformed and the 81 seemed about
to mass its strength on an attack on
the left wing of the ID. The assailants
lay flat on the ground and kept up a
continuous firing. The left flank seem
ed to give way somewhat.
The firing from the Sd was very
sharp. and the I'd Battalion began 70
retreat down the hill in good order.
Then a double quick retreat began ana
the ID fed to the fence, where it stood
it's ground. 1t was found that the am
munition of the assailants had been
exhausted. and the assembly call was
given. The firing on both sides was
then discontinued. and the Sd Battalion
went back part way to its former posi-
ton at the top of the hill, while the
I'd reformed its ranks.
At the assembly it was found thai
only eight privates Of Co. +, Augusta,
were present, and it was thought for 2
time that they had been taken prison.
ers. But after a time they We're seen
returning. and it was learned that they
had not been killed or captured, but
had been bravely holding a position
behind a stone wall at the left of the
line of battle.
And so ended the famous battle. The
I'd Battalion had driven the 1st back
to their position but We're unable to
take the hill.
Throughout the fight good order was
maintained and all commands werc
quickly obeyed to the letter.
The Sd Battalion did excellent work
in holding its position. Part of Co. NJ
was in the, advance with the rest of
that company and Co. | for supports
while Cos. G.. and II acted as reserves.
The contest was witnessed by many
spectators. 1t could be seen very we'll
from Camp Powers and nothing but
praises was to be heard from all. 1t
was stated by many that it was the
most successful sham battle ever seen
in Augusta.
In the battle at the hill but one casu-
NJ
naugh Of co. /, received a charge of pow
der in the back Of his right nand, inflict-
ing wound that bled somewhat but
from which no danger is likely to result
The lines of the unsuccessful assailants
were reformed and the return to camp
began. 1t was part Of the plan to have
the late contestants, the % and 80 Bat
talions. make an attack upon Camp Pow
ers, and they We're joined for that pur-
pose. Ammunition was sent Tor as both
battalions had none left.
Meanwhile the 1st Battalion had passed
the afternoon in camp going through drill
and practicing firing at an Imaginary en-
envy. 1t now made preparations 70 pro-
tect the camp from the attack Of the "a
and Sd.
There was some delay while the anmu-
milton was being brought for the assail-
ants and when it finally came 10 rounds
per man were given out. Then the ad-
vance began by a more easterly route
than that taken from camp AS the bat
talions approached a hill about half 4
mile from the camp they were fired upon
Co. was detached to charge the Skin
mishers and sent vollcy after them as
they retreated. a detail from co. Is cap
tured prisoner hiding behind a wood
shed and he gracefully gave up his arms.
Company G of the ID Battalion dis
lodged the skirmisherS from their posi-
ton behind a stone wall and meanwhile
the Sd Battalion had been driving back
the defenders on the left. The lst Bat
talon was pushed steadily up the hill by
superior numbers but made gallant
fight The ammunition of the defenders
gave out and they were forced to surren-
der to the enemy.
During this engagement several men
were seen to fall and the ambulance men
were given an opportunity of showing
their fine work None of the casualties
are of Il serious nature and the day S
fighting resulted happily for all con-
cerned.
It had been hard afternoon for the
men and they went to mess with ire
mendous appetites. After mess prepare
lions for dress parade were made as
usual and the lines were formed at the
usual time.
Last nights dress parade was far ahead
of any that has taken place since the
men went into camp. The men were com
plimcntcd by Col Kendall, last evening,
for the excellency of their work and 1t
was deserving praise. Last evening s pa
rade was executed with a correctness and
spirit that gave a handsome effect 10 the
movements.
Chambers Band under the leadership
Of c. NJ Brooks has been giving universal
sa tisfaction at the encampment. Two re-
hearsals each day have been in order
since the band entered camp. 1t is now
planned to have the band give concert
ca ch evening at 40 Glitter at the general
or regimental headquarters. The first Of
these concerts was given, last evening. at
the general headquarters, and the excel
lent music afforded much pleasure to all
who heard 1t. Last evenings program:
''22d Regimental March," P. S. Gilmore
Overture, "Racockzy. Won kela Bella
Puerto Rican Dance. "Rosita.
n