Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1910-07-09
SHAM BATTLE.

afternoon, while the sun was pouring
downrays that were piping hot. The vic
torious army, red force were under
Colonel Mansfield, of the Second
United States Infantry, made sue
cessful attack on blue force entrench-
ed at Granite, about six miles east OF
Gettysburg, and under the command
of Brigadier General c. G. Vaughan,
jr., of the Virginia militia. 1t was 4
case OF the regulars against the militia,
and chiefly because of that fact the
battle was brought to a close before any
parts of the opposing forces came
within the point of contact.
Colonel Mansfield began the adj
vice on Granite Hill about l O'Clock
and every movement of his force was
reported to General Vaughan's head
quarters by couriers from Troop A.
Soon a heavy infantry fire along the
front OF General Vaughan's battle
line indicated an engagement. The
First Maryland, under Colonel Little,
was on the firing line of ColoneLNfans-
fields force, and made an attack by
rushes across an open field. The
regiment deployed, with Major Reck-
ards battalion on the firing line,
Major Morgan's battalion as the sup
port and Major Riley's battalion as
the reserve. Coloney Little soon saw
that it would be necessary to throw
the entire regiment on the line, and
at once brought up the battalions
commanded by Major Morgan and
Major Riley. 4 zig-zag movement
was ordered. two companies making
rush and dropping until the others
came up.
Colonel Little was forced to make
the rushes, and in an open field di-
rcctly in front Of the euemy's en-
trenchments, because he was pro-
hibited from entering q corn field,
which would have given him Il better
position The Second United States
Infantry succeeded in enveloping the
right flank Of General Vaughan S
force and could have trimmed it,
completely rolling the long line OF
blue infantry men behind the railroad
embankment. A cessation OF hostlli-
ties followed this movement on the
part of the Second Infantry, but the
battle was soon resumed with heavy
losses on both sides until the recall
was sounded.
The fight opened soon after ! O'Clock,
the men having been given time i'll
which to cook their dinners in the field.
using the new haversack ration. Gen.
Vaughan established his headquarters
in a small grove at the intersection OF
the York pike and road leading to
the Hunterstown road. His command
consisted of the First, Second and
Fourth Virginia militia regiments OF
infantry, Troop A, Maryland National
Guard battery of the Third United
States Field Artillery, the Virginia
Field Artillery, a company Of engineers,
and Il hospital detachment. His orders
were to hold Granite Hill and prevent
an army advancing from the north
entering Gettysburg by the York pike.
General Vaughan sent the First and
Second Virginia Regiments to 4 natural
trench formed by deep cut along the
Western Maryland Railroad, while the
Fourth Virginia was held in reserve.
The artillery was given n position in the
woods east of headquarters, and Troop
A was used for patrol duty.
The battle was rcpletc with thrilling
charges and maneuvcrS. The decision
was given to the Reds on flank at
tack, which would have cnycIopcd the
tcntire right wing Of the Blue army.
Yesterdays battle was the final con-
certed action of the present mancuvers,
and the Virginia and Maryland troops
left for home today.
Governor Mann, Of Virginia, had the
summary court trial of colored Trooper
Carroll stopped yesterday after but two
or three witnesses had given their testi-
mony All the officers of the First
Virginia Regiment waited on the gov
crnor Thursday night and asked him to
request that Carroll be tried by a gene
raj court-martial, instead OF by sum-
mary court. They were afraid the man
would either get off entirely or receive
but minor punishment. Governor
Mann at once acceded to the request Of
the officers, and it is likely that the
papers in the case, with the recon-
mendation from General Wotherspoon,
will be forwarded to the commander Of
the department OF the east, at Cover
nor's Island, for his action.
Carroll is charged with having drawn
his pistol on Lieut.. Ernest NJ Hardy,
of Company B, Richmond, who was
officer of the guard in the First Regi-
ment camp last Monday evening, and
also on Corporal j. +. Truehart, of
Company A, Richmond, who was
corporal Of the guard. The colorcd
trooper pleaded not guilty when ar
raigned before the summary court yes
terday Virginia militiamen are en-
deayoring to make all they can out Of
the case. 1t seems that the sympathies
of the regulars in camp, officers as well
as enlisted men, are with the accused,
who has been in the service long time.
The Alexandria Light Infantry reach
ed this city at73:30 o'clock this even
ing, having enjoyed their camping ex-
perience.