The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1905-08-02


es and scant fare for many exhaustiog
days. The heat Of the day was any
thing but exhilarating, although there
was some relief in the light breeze
that just stirred the treetops, and
moved the leave, of the low bushes.
But, nothing daunted by fatig ue,
hunger or heat, the brave band of
patriots marched forward to attack an
enemy who had been resting for many
days, who were well fed and we'll
clothed, and moreover were protected
by strong intrenchments.
The stirring roll of the drum ming
led with the shrill tones of the fife,
and the stern words Of command. az.
driving the British pickets before
them, the little army marched steadi.
~ on, as calmly as though on pa
rade.
Not sound came from behind those
frowning breastworks, not a voice was
heard, not sound betokcning life.
1t might well have been a deserted
post. But the banner of England,
which years of cruel oppression and
rank injustice, had taught the colon
lists to hate, hung from the flag pole
in heavy folds, and we'll the devoted
patriots knew what lay below and be-
hind 1t. General Lincoln had given
slrict orders that not shot must he
tired by his troops, but that the double
quick bayonet charge alone must be
relied on. He had tested its efficacy
many time. Steadily, with shoul-
dered arms, and fixed bayonets, the
Americans advanced toward the enc
my. Not shot was fired, not a man
OF them all, raw recruits though most
OF them were, wavered in that steady
forward march. On, still on, in per-
feet alignment, though the suspense
was fearful, moved the Americans,
until they were within 10 yards of the
works.
Then, like sharp pistol crack, the
silence WAS broken behind those
frowning walls, by one word, "Fire!"
On the instant, artillery and musketry
poured forth veritable sheet of flame
on the advancing ranks. Almost
stunned, but untlinching, the intrepid
patriots marched steadily on, even
the recruits, under fire for the first
time: Keeping step as calmly as the
season continentals. But instead of
obeying the orders Of their general,
and advancing at double quick in q
bayonet charge, the whole line halted
and began to fire. For half an hour
perfect blaze of volley was kept up
by the Americans, and at the end of
that time the British were forced to
retire in disorder. Meantime, Lincoln,
brave and collected, though deeply
disturbed at the disregard of his order
to charge, was strainiug every nerve
to stop the firing Of his men, and at
last succeeded.
Then came q sudden and ominous
pause in the conflict. Silence sue
ceeded TO the crackle of musketry and
the roar of the artillery. Lincoln was
reforming his troops under cover of the
pine forest and preparing for the deadly
bayonet charge. Maitland was rally
ing his men aud getting them into
lighting trim again. Then came the
tug of war. The patriots marched out
into the open again, the order to
charge bayonets!' rang out clear and
stern, and the troops rushed forward
as one man, with fixed bayonets low
cred to the charge. But again they
were met by the same CALLING sheet of
hame, carrying in its midst veritable
storm of leadeu hail. Again the lack
OF habitual discipline showed itself.
The soldiers halted. and began to re-
turn the compliment of bullet for bull
let. In vain their frantic officers or
dered and plead with them. The
sturdy backwoods soldier could not
forget his life long habit of firing at
his enemy. For over an hour an in
cessant peal Of musketry rang out,
with an accompaniment at short inter
vals, of tho deep roar of the British
artillery.
At length to the dismay Of Lincoln,
the JOY of Maitland, Provost was des.
Dried, rapidly marching to the relief
Of his detachment. AS we have no.
led, Moaitrie had not been able to de-
ssin bim before Chpleston, and here
he was, just at tho wrong time for
Lincoln. He had heard the heavy
iring coming from the direction of
5tono Ferry, and at once retraoed his
steps 70 that poirt ct double quick
march.