Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 24.djvu/327

 '/'/ GoocM<iil /,<//// Artillery-

ha/anlous. probably involving a great sacrifice on our part. It may not be inappropriate to mention an incident which occurred about 10 o'clock that morning.

BUCKNER RALLIED THEM.

During the battle a regiment of Confederate infantry wavered, but General S. B. Buckner soon rallied them. This happened about thirty paces to the left of my battery. The general's remarks on the occasion made an impression on those who heard him, and if I remember correctly, he said, " Mississippians, look at those Vir- ginians driving the enemy from our soil. Is it possible that you are going to leave them to do the fighting? No, never; your general will lead you," and he gallantly led them into action.

Not many years ago I happened to meet General Buckner at the White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., and mentioned the foregoing to him. He remembered it well. Upon being asked what regiment it was he rallied on the occasion referred to, he replied the I4th Mississippi.

REGAINED THE GUN.

Another incident happened that morning which may not be amiss to relate, though rather of a personal character. About 300 yards to the right of my battery, in an open field on a ridge, a section of artillery was actively engaged with the enemy's, when one of the cannoneers was instantly killed and others seriously wounded by a shot from the enemy's guns. The remainder of the detachment re- tired from their gun to the rear of the ridge, where a regiment of infantry was held in reserve. General Pillow, observing what had transpired, came up hurriedly to a detachment of my battery and inquired of us " where we were from." He was informed that we were from Virginia. He then said, "Will you follow me?" We replied that were not afraid to follow him any were. He said, "Come on." and we followed him in double-quick time across the open field. The bullets flew thick and fast about us. I expected every moment to be either killed or wounded. We, however, in a brief time succeeded in reaching the deserted gun. General Pillow at once directed the cannon himself, and a few shots from us soon dis- abled the enemy's piece of artillery. This was "a consummation devoutly wished for."

NUMBERS ENGAGED.

In view of the fact that the enemy had been heavily reinforced