Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 34.djvu/181

 First Battle of Manassas. 17o

skill of General Smith, at the railroad. Seizing upon the First Maryland, when alighting, we were hurried into the road, or- dered to place jackets and knapsacks under a nearby cherry tree, then formed column and moved off at "double-quick." The General's curt command was " Forward to the firing : The pass- word is Sumter."

The Maryland regiment (battalion of direction) nearing the battlefield was turned from the road into an open field, when, im- mediately, while in column of fours, they met a severe musketry fire, which disabled General Smith and others. Instantly, at double-quick, the column was deployed into line (right in front), and, charging, rushed to the woods from which the enemy were firing, causing them to retreat, and preventing them from form- ing in Jackson's left rear.

PRIVATE SWISHER'S RASHNESS FATAL.

Halting here, at the edge of the pine thicket, we were ordered to lie down, hence were protected from the enemy's desultory fire, directed principally toward the colors, but, Private Swisher, of " A " company next to the color company more curious than the others, failing to obey the order to lie down, was killed by a bullet through his forehead. So anxious was Elzey to con- tribute to save the day and speedily, that, without waiting for re- inforcements, we were soon ordered to " Attention," and the regiment moved off by the left flank, in twos, then formed in battle line and advanced to support Jackson's left, which they did and most opportunely.

FALLING FROM RANKS PERILOUS.

Men famishing with thirst and hunger dropped in the rear to gather blackberries we were marching over, but instantly the gallant Geo. H. Steuart, lieutenant-colonel commanding, ran at them, with his sabre raised very ominously, yelling at them, " Get back in ranks : We may be cut to pieces," and there was no more falling out of ranks. But, escaping the possible enfilad- ing fire, the regiment pressed on until the enemy was met and defeated, as first related.

SMITH LEFT FOR DEAD : ELZEY SUCCEEDS HIM.

Colonel Elzey was chagrined at General Smith's superceding