Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/20

 14 Southern Historical Society Pajjers.

Artillery" — the whole commanded by Captain Greenlee Davidson of that battery.

As the sun came bursting through the mist on that glorious morn- ing, the army from its position looked down upon a scene which stirred the heart of conscript and veteran alike. Countless batte- ries, supported by serried masses of infantry, were moving in all the pride and circumstance of war across the plain, sworn to wrest vic- tory from the perch to which she so obstinately clung — the tattered battle-flags of " Rebellion." Far on the right, as the steady march- ing columns passed the "River Road," the youthful Paladin, Pel- ham, his cap bright with ribbons, was seen manoeuvering his single "Napoleon" within close range of the looming masses of the enemy, doing his devoir with a valor so gay and debonnaire as drew to him the heart of an army. Pegram, always generous and quick to recognize extraordinary daring, broke out into eager expressions of admiration as he watched the young soldier stubbornly holding his advanced position. Those who in turn watched his own faintly flushing cheek, and the light of battle kindling in his eyes, looked at each other and smiled, knowing how he himself was burning to "go in."

Nor did he have long to wait. The great columns were now marching straight upon his guns. Not until the enemy were within eight hundred yards did these batteries open fire. Before the storm of shot and shell the enemy broke and fled. Again the "Grand Divisions" (as they were then called) of Hooker and Franklin came surging up, and pierced the gap between Lane and Archer. Jack- son's second line was now advanced, and the enemy speedily driven back. In both attacks the picked guns performed superb service, but their loss was severe. Not only were they subjected to a galling infantry fire, but the artillery of the enemy admirably served, and opposing thrice as many guns, poured upon them an unceasing rain of shot and shell. But the Confederate batteries were never silenced. It was here that Magruder, of "the Purcell," and James Ellett, of " the Crenshaw," two daring officers, both fell.

Shortly after "Fredericksburg," Pegram received his majority. His energy, his devotion to duty, his brilliant skill and valor, had won the commendation of all of his superior officers, from his imme diate Chief of Artillery to the General commanding the army.

He spent the winter much as he had done the last, attending to the administration of affairs in camp, and busying himself in pro- moling the comfort of his men. His letters to his family at this