The 20th was at the front all day, sharp shooting. There is a good deal of danger in this kind of business, but we have our fun at it notwithstanding. Another effigy hoisted a little above our rifle-pits, in an instant drew the fire of the enemy. It was our ruse to get them to raise their heads a little, and when they did, we fired back, and the result generally justified the refrain to which our thoughts were moving,
Should a rebel show his pate,
To withdraw he'll prove too late.
We have caught them
that way several times.
We still keep
unshaken confidence in General Grant, and the ultimate success of our cause. We
shall stand firm at our posts, yielding cheerful obedience to all orders, and
march bravely on without halting to wrangle and grumble at every imaginary
shortcoming in our officers, while our country is in such distress, and when
her cries are borne to us upon every breeze. To be in Grant's army, McPherson's
corps, Logan's division and the 20th Ohio, commanded by our brave and courteous
colonel, M. F. Force, is to be as well off as any soldier in any army in the
world.
SOURCE: Osborn
Hamiline Oldroyd, A Soldier's Story of the Siege of Vicksburg, p. 46
No comments:
Post a Comment