Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 23.djvu/205

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The pit in which this gun had been placed was on the crest of a hill projecting considerably in advance of ;i straight continuation of our line. Between this hill and the town the ground was boggy, and there was no infantry nor artillery in our immediate front nothing but Mrs. Washington's tomb offering food for meditation, which tew, il" any, indulged in at that time.

As the heavy fog of that morning disappeared we beheld the enemy debouching from the town, forming in line and marching bravely to the attack. Until we saw them advancing, we had no idea of the splendid position of that gun. It could enfilade them as easy as rolling off a log and it did it with a hearty good will.

The enemy was not slow in perceiving this, and to silence that gun became object worthy of their attempt. To accomplish this the heavy guns on Stafford's heights began to pay us their respects. If only one of their shells had fallen in our pit it would have silenced many a voice besides that of our gun. Fortunately for us none did, but unfortunately for the infantry supporting us, some did fall among them, as usual, and killed many.

Presently a battery of six guns sallied forth from the town, and appearing in our front, began to play on us. We let it play on, preferring the enfilading game, w-hich was more interesting and more profitable. According to General Ransom's report this battery was reinforced by another of four guns. We did not count them.

A little later a number of sharpshooters from many windows be- fore us began to send us those little bullets which kill more men than your big cannon balls. These guns soon got the range on us to such a fine point that almost every shot hit the epaulement of our pit and ricochetted over our heads. We had now to load and fire kneeling.

We then beheld a grand spectacle. Instead of falling back, like all its predecessors before the rapid and well-directed fire of the Washington Artillery and our double line of infantry, one regiment kept on advancing in the face of this storm of lead and iron.

It kept on advancing until it had reached a declivity at the foot of Marye's Hill, where the men squatted in comparative security. What followed is more than your humble servant can describe. He will, therefore, let the naked facts speak for themselves.

Having rested a moment, the commanding officer ascended that declivity, followed by his color-bearer, and within pistol-shot of the star-spangled cross the star-spangled banner waved defiantly. Rais-