I GET PROMOTED.
Today a sergeant, corporal and eight privates from each company have
been detailed to manipulate the big guns. I had the honor of being selected
from my company, and was assigned the left gun, a most dangerous and hazardous
position. I feel proud of my promotion and am sure I shall sustain the honor of
the artillery service. For a day or two we shall be under the, instructions of
a battery sergeant who will instruct us in loadings and firings. We shall also
have to inform ourselves from a small book, giving instruction in loading, and
firing, and in calculating distances, elevations and depressions of the guns.
My gun on the left occupies a very commanding position, being some ten feet
higher than the other guns. From the top of the parapet to the bottom of the
ravine, it is some 30 or 40 feet, and a part of the way nearly perpendicular. I
have a range of the whole clearing and covering both the other guns; because of
its great natural strength and commanding position, I have dubbed it the
Malakoff. I being the senior sergeant, am styled on all hands, by both officers
and men, as the chief of artillery, a rank I accept and have assumed all the
privileges which that rank implies.
The little steamer Undine plies between town and this port, making her
trips mornings and afternoons, giving us frequent and easy transit to town. I
intend giving my command two or three passes a day, so they can visit town if
they wish to. I am going to be liberal with them, and then if their
professional services should be required, I shall expect them to stand by those
guns and fight like bloodhounds till the last armed foe expires.
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