Page:Journal history of the Twenty-ninth Ohio veteran volunteers, 1861-1865.djvu/75

 CHAPTER IX.

Gettysburg.

1863.

July 1, 1863, the Twenty-ninth regiment, under command of Captain Edward Hayes, marched at 6:30 , passed through Littletown and on towards Gettysburg. After moving some five miles, we halted, and while preparing for dinner, first heard the distant artillery firing which seemed to be many miles away.

While resting, troops were passing to the front. Meanwhile some of Company H had advanced to an eminence, from which they soon returned, reporting that the cannonading was not far off, as they could plainly see the shells as they burst above the timber. We were soon on the march, halting occasionally to breathe, as it was excessively hot and dusty. When about two miles from Gettysburg, we met ambulances returning with the wounded of the First and Eleventh corps, which had been engaged. Advancing a short distance, we found still further evidence of the fight in the bodies of those who had been killed in battle, and left beside the road. Late in the afternoon the Twenty-ninth reached the Union lines near Seminary Hill, and here batteries were in position. The troops were moving, and the rapid forming of lines gave evidence that a battle was nigh.

The Twenty-ninth regiment filed to the left of the pike, and advancing about forty rods, took a position in a wheat field, in line of battle, and here remained on arms during the night.