Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/226

212 At this juncture an advance by a portion of D. H. Hill's troops diverted a part of the enemy's fire from our brigade. Seizing the opportunity, General Wright ordered another advance.

"Remember Beast Butler and our women!" rang out along the line as the brigade sprang forward with shouts that sounded far across the field. So impetuous and rapid was the advance that we came suddenly upon a Federal line, supported by batteries. The Federal infantry retreated in wild disorder, and the artillery made for the rear of a barn and stables.

When the Federal batteries came again into position we made our last and most desperate charge, coming within 100 yards of the Federal lines.

The battle now raged furiously all along the lines. Officers and men fell so fast in the Third Georgia it looked as if we would all be left in the field. Major Sturgis, in command, was instantly killed. Captain Nesbit, next in rank, was wounded, and Captain Hamilton killed. At the time of most desperate fighting night came on and darkness added to the horrors of battle. It was difficult to distinguish friend from foe.

Flashes from lines of battle were like the play of summer lightning. High, curving flames of fire, as shrieking shells flew through the air, were like a pyrotechnic display of the furies. Every musket seemed lighted on a mission of death.

The roar of musketry, thunder of artillery, bursting of shells, whirring of grape and canister, shouts of command, huzzahs of the exultant, curses of the repulsed, cries of the wounded, groans of the dying, all combined in a scene of passion, fury and death that would make mercy hide her face and devils dance with delight.

The battle continued furiously until 10 o'clock. Wright's brigade, after the first order to charge, had not been forced to retire one step, and when the battle closed the men spread down their blankets and bivouacked under the muzzle of the enemy's guns.

The Army of Northern Virginia was made of such stuff as the Third Georgia, and went through the campaigns of Manassas and Maryland fighting and marching on three quarters of a