The National tribune., 1905-10-05
SPLENDID DAsH-TiiE CAPTAIN TAXING THE LEAD

ing a breastwork Of logs to protect our
came into camp from the enemy's rifle
pits, few hundred yards in advance of
our works, and had that day killed one
of our men as no was sleeping i'm his
tent. and had wounded several others
as they were walking about the camp.
At dark our work was done, and we
were congratulating ourselves on the
prospect of good nights sleep without
the danger of our skin being perforated
with bullet during the hours of slum-
her, that some of the boys seemed to
dread almost as much as an attack of
nightmare.
Just as we had finished our evening
smoke and were about to turn in or
Gers came to Fall in," and, after re-
ceiving fresh supply of cartridges, ]
was ordered to take the company To
the line of skirmish pits, relieving the
men who had occupied them for the
last "a hours.
After placing the m>n in the pits
that covered the front of our regimental
camp, we sat down and waited for some
thing TO turn up. We had strict orders
not to fire unless the enemy advanced
We remained very quiet all night, but
IriSed to see the men on our right leave
their pits and start across an open field
for those occupied by the enemy, abou,
zoo yards in advance.
1t was splendid dash, the CAPTAIN
taking the lead The pits were can
of no;
but before our men could turn the pits
the enemy made dash to retake them
i ms was just the opportunity we were
waiting for, as il was an advance and
gave us a good excuse for firing and
we gave them the Warmcst enGIading
fire in our power.
This drew their fire on rs and for
few minutes il was very sharp. Sew
eral OF our company Were wounued. but
they dropped down in the pits out of
the way of those still able to shoot II
also helped the troops on our right to
and hold them.
Soon all became quiet when we sent
the wounded to the rear and settled
down To wait for something else to
break the monOtony. and watched for
another advance that did not come.
During the day the officer who had
ied the advance came over to our pits
and, inquiring for the officer in com
mand. was directed to me. He seemed
surprised at not meeting a commissioned
oihccr-only Sergeant. Still he
srasped me warmly by the hand and
thanked me for the help given him a,
the opportune moment in the morning
He was Il splendid looking officer stand.
Ing over six feet, built for strength and
endurance. with clean-cut features and
mouth denoting firmness, determina-
ton and will power.
After an hours chat he got up from
the edge OF the pit where we had sal
resting. and as he left he handed m.
his card, Henry w. Lawton, Captain
5oth Infantry Indiana Vols"
we never met again. but just befor,
starring from Atlanta on Sherman,
march, In November, | heard he hat
Deeh promoted 10 Lieutenant-Col
The memory of that little Angus
racket will always remain a bright 500
In my soldier experience, and when
read OF his death at the front i'm the
Iar-on Philippines d dimness came be-
Tore my eyes that almost obscured tn,
page.
Perhaps, however, IL was the effect,
OF Old age and loss of sight that caused
the suspicious moisture that clouded m,
v1sion-Wm. Il. Westervelt, 18th n Y
veteran Zouaves). Fourteenth corps
WOODLAND. Newburgh. " Y.