Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-01-21

scription Seven Pines Col. Hunt. di-
ree4ng the artillery, was twice dismount-
ed by having his horse shot under him
but though constantly exposed contin-
ued his labors until after dark. Gen
Couch. who was also diSmounted in like
manner. took advantage Of every. oppor-
tunity to make his opponents feel his
blows.
1t is not to be supposed that our men,
though concealed by the Irregularities OF
the ground were not sufferers from the
enemy's fire. The fact is that before
they exposed themselves by pursuing the
enemy the ground was literally covered
with the killed and wounded from drop
ping bullets and bursting shells and their
contents; but they bravely bore the Sc
we're trial Of having to remain inactive
under damaging fire.
AS Morells front ranks became tlinned
out and the ammunition was exhausted
other regiments eagerly advanced: all
We're stimulated by the hope of a brilliant
the approving shouts of their comrades
and the cry of Revenge, boys!" "Remem-
Der McLane!' Remember Black!' Re
member Gove!" or Remember Casst
been killed at Gaines Mill; Coils. Wood
bury and Cass were then lying before
them. Col. McQuade was the only regi-
mental commander of Griffin's brigade
who escaped death during the seven days,
and he was constantly exposed.
1t was during that onlinous silence of
which I have spoken, that. in answer to
my call for aid, that Sumner sent me
Meagher. and Heintzelman sent Sickles,
both OF whom reached me in the height
of battle when. il ever fresh troops would
renew our confidence and insure our sue
cess While riding rapidly forward to
meet Meagher. who was approaching at
.'double-quick step, my horse fell, throw
ing me over his head. much to my dis
comfort both Of body and mind. On
rising and remounting I was greeted with
hearty cheers, which allevfated my cha
grin.
Fearing that might fall into the hands
of the enemy, and If SO that my diary
and dispatch book OF the campaign. then
on my person. would meet with the same
fate and reveal information to the injury
of our cause, tore 1t up, scattered the
pieces to the winds. as ! rode rapidly for
ward. leading Meagher into action.
have always regretted my act as destroy
ing interesting and valuable memoranda
of our campaign.
Advancing with Meagher's (the Irish)
brigade. accompanied by my staff. ] soon
found that our forces had successfully
driven back their assailants. Determined,
IL possible, satisfactorily to finish the con-
test, regardless OF the risk of being fired
upon by our artillery in case of defeat
I pushed on beyond our lines into the
woods held by the enemy. About fifty
yards in front of use a large force of
the enemy suddenly rose and opened with
fearful volleys upon our advancing line.
l turned to the brigade. which thus far
had kept pace with my horse, and found
it standing like a stonewall." and return
ing a fire more destructive than it re-
ceived. and from which the enemy fed.
The brigade was planted.
My presence was no longer needed and
/ sought Gen. Sickles, whom found
giving aid to Couch. After seeing that
Gen. Sickles was in a proper position, /
returned to my own corps. where I was
joined by Col. Hunt with some thirty
two-pounder howitzers. Taking those
howitzers, we rode forward beyond our
lines. and. in parting salutation to our
opponents, Col Hunt sent few shells
as a warning Of what would be ready to
welcome them on the morrow II they I'M
dertook to disturb us.
Almost at the crisis OF the battle-just
before the advance Of Meagher and
Sickles-the gunboats on the James river
opened their fire with the good intent
teries at the Malvern house for those of
the enemy or were unable to throw
their projectiles beyond us. II the former
was the case. their range was we'll es-
timated, for all their shots landed In or
close by Tyler's battery. killing and
wounding a few of his men. Fortunately
members Of our excellent signal service