Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 31.djvu/290

 282 Southern Historical Society Papers.

where we rested up, and, with the exception of a small affair at Snicker's Gap, had a quiet time.

Saturday, November 22, received orders to take up the line of march for

FREDERICKSBURG,

where we arrived December 2, and at once began preparations for the conflict of the i3th as Burnside's army was already strung along the Rappahannock river and beyond.

The hills near Hamilton's Crossing were soon crowned with artil- lery, and the guns of the Crenshaw Battery were not the least con- spicuous. When the enemy advanced and opened fire the battery was soon enveloped in a storm of shot and shell, as well as subjected to a galling fire of infantry, but right well did the men acquit them- selves, although they had to mourn the death of many brave men and one gallant officer, Lieutenant James Ellett, who fell early in the action. No officer of the company was more beloved than he, and none more deserved the affection of the men.

After Burnside's bloody repulse, came a lull for three or four months, and we amused ourselves in winter quarters until the roads dried up and the spring campaign opened. In the latter part of April we were again upon the march, and came up with the enemy on the ist of May at

CHANCELLORSYILLE,

but this time under a new commander, General "Fighting Joe" Hooker having succeeded Burnside.

Ah! who of the Crenshaw Battery does not remember Chancel - lorsville ? Who can forget the incessant fighting of the ist, 2d, and 3d of May, when we struck the enemy first in front, and then in rear, in the race down the plank road behind Rodes' Division after the " Flying Dutchmen," of Howard's Eleventh Corps, when Jack- son made his celebrated flank movement. (Howard's Corps was composed of Germans.) They were " easy marks." But on the 3d, when we had to cut a road through the woods to prevent anni- hilation before we could get in position, it was not so " easy," and as far as the eye could reach when we debouched from the road there was nothing to be seen but lines of battle. The Crenshaw Battery went into position near the centre of the battalion, and soon one of the hottest artillery fights of the war was on, while infantry engaged infantry on either side. After several hours' fighting our artillery