Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 16.djvu/414

 408 Southern Historical Society Papers.

regard being had to locality and attending circumstances, no better results could have been obtained than by the plan adopted, and which failed only because not properly supported.

"G. T. BEAUREGARD, General.

"Headquarters Department North Carolina and South Carolina, 5th July, 1864."

Thus failed a brilliant design which might have given a different complexion to the history of this famous siege. The reports given are the only official papers in connection with it that have come to the knowledge of the writer. No court of inquiry was held. So carefully was the knowledge of the intended movement guarded, and so completely did it fail in the very beginning of its execution, that its purpose appeared at the time not to have been suspected by either anny, and to the men and officers of the line of Hagood's brigade it appeared inexplicable why they had been rushed upon a triple line of entrenchments, garnished with artillery and manned with four-fold their number of infantry. Some of their best blood paid the penalty.

Colonel Nelson was standing by Hagood's side on the right of the line when Hoke's aide brought the order to advance. The men who had been told off to follow his lead were intently watching him, and when he was directed to go, without speaking he drew his hand- kerchief from his breast and raised it aloft. The men sprang over the parapet with a yell, and rushed upon the enemy across the inter- vening space, he moving upon the right of the line. When they were driven back and had laid down amid the oats, keeping up their fire and awaiting the coming of the supports, he moved erect along the whole length of his line, and shortly after reaching the left disap- peared. Subsequently it was learned that he was killed. Thus fell a devoted patriot, a gallant soldier, a courteous gentleman.

Captain Axson was a valuable officer. He was mortally wounded early in the charge, and lingered painfully for some hours, where succor could not reach him. Captain Mulvaney was captured upon the enemy's works waving his cap and cheering on his men. Lieu- tenant Trim lost his arm, and was put on the retired list. Lieutenants Smitfy, Vandefordand Chappell died of their wounds. Chappell was a young officer, whose good conduct at Walthall Station, and again at Drewry's Bluff, had attracted the attention of the brigade com- mander, and had in each instance procured him a compliment on

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