Not much sleep and
rest for us last night. Pickets kept up a ceaseless firing, with an occasional
shell dropping in our midst. Could also hear the trains running into town all
night. Beating of drums, pounding and hammering, and much noise. Estimated our
lines are formed within three miles of the town. Our regiment holds the extreme
left of the line. In the early morning the enemy dropped a shell in our midst.
Two of our boys were severely wounded, one having his leg shattered, from which
he later died. With us on the left was Captain Snow, with his Maryland Battery,
which we had to support. The enemy made two attempts to take the battery. We
charged them and drove them back into their earthworks both times. That battery
did good service, as we could see, when the shells exploded in their works.
Lieutenant Robert
Kerr, Company A, had command of our skirmish line. A cool, brave man in charge
of a responsible duty, which he performed well. Our national flag was made fast
to the roof of a large barn, in plain view of the enemy. They tried to dislodge
it. It afforded us some amusement as we watched them waste their ammunition.
Later, when they ceased firing, it was taken down. Our Colonel was wounded in
the neck by a piece of shell. While painful, it was not very severe. He left
the field, putting us under the command of Major Peale, our Lieutenant-Colonel
being a prisoner at Richmond. At this point, on the left of the line, in our
rear, was a peach orchard. So severe was the firing of the enemy that hardly a
tree escaped the enemy's shells, some being cut down and others had limbs cut
off, while many bore marks.
Our regiment, when
not called up to protect the battery, was lying down in a road, which afforded
us protection. We did lie close to the ground and were protected by a two foot
knoll of gravel. At one time the enemy tried to sneak through a ravine to get
our battery. We were ordered to charge them. As they fell back we followed
them, until we were under a cross fire by our own men and the enemy. Our boys,
seeing our colors, ceased firing, as we came to a halt, when orders were given
to right face, and forward, by file right, double quick, which soon brought us
in our position, just in the rear of the battery. We put in a hard day and were
only holding our position, nothing gained. Supplies and ammunition running very
low. No prospect of help as far as we could learn, and night coming on.
Orders received
that we fall back tonight. We are a sick, tired, discouraged lot of Yankee
soldiers. After dark the army began the return march. Our regiment detailed for
the rear guard. We cannot leave our position until the army is well under way.
Our duty is a very dangerous one.
SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary,
1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 79-80
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