Page:Journal history of the Twenty-ninth Ohio veteran volunteers, 1861-1865.djvu/105

 woods a short distance to our front. During this time we hastily changed front in form of a semi-circle to protect us from flank attack. This movement was executed none too soon, as the enemy came immediately to the attack, and a sharp engagement opened all along the line, which was a hot one, yet it gallantly held its own until the balance of its division came up. Forming in bolumn with us, we advance on the rebel line and drive them slowly back.

The battle now became fierce and our assaults were heroically met. Generals Hooker and Geary were present and ordered the attack, the plan of which was to advance lines and fire, to be followed by bayonet charges, by which the enemy was steadily driven back. Our front line was frequently relieved by columns from the rear, thus keeping fresh men at the front. Geary's division alone had driven Hood's rebel corps back to the forks of the road at New Hope church, when Butterfield's Third division arrived and took position on our left. Soon after, Williams came up with the First division and passed to the front, which allowed the Second division to drop in the reserve long enough to clean our firearms and replenish cartridge-boxes, when we again advance in support of the First and Third divisions.

Just as the sun disappeared in the western horizon, General Geary ordered the First brigade to charge the enemy. This movement was executed on the double-quick, and as our columns passed in perfect alignment to the front, Butterfield's and Williams' commands greeted us with hearty cheers of genuine admiration. Onward the column rushes, and closing with the enemy delivers a terrible volley. The charge is continued, the air resounding with defiant cheers as the enemy is driven from the field and down a hill at a brisk run. It was