Thus nature had here providentially supplied that which our commanders had so singularly

neglected to provide, a defensive line upon which to rally, with a prominent knoll upon

which to place the battery, with front covered by an almost impenetrable growth of underbrush.

Soon the shells gave warning and the skirmish fire grew stronger and deeper.

One came the long lines of bristling steel, whose stern-faced bearers protected and yet

impeded by the heavy undergrowth, came pressing on until our cannons loud acceptance of their

challenge and the infantry's crashing bollies caused the assailants to hesitate, break

and confusion, and hastily retire.

This temporary defeat of the attacking forces had given time for caring for the wounded

and for the hasty strengthening of the defensive line.

But it also allowed the smoke to clear away.

Thus supporting a better view of the Confederate line is they again moot forward in a charge

of increased impetuosity.

The ear piercing and peculiar rubble yell of the men in gray and the answering cheers

of the boys and blue, rose and fell with varying tide of battle, and with the horse and

scarcely distinguishable orders of the officers, the screaming and bursting of shell, the swishing

sound of canister, the roaring volley firing, the death screams of the stricken and struggling

horses, and the cries and groans of the wounded, formed an indescribable impression which

can never be a faced from memory.

Quickly came the orders sharp and clear, shrapnel, two seconds, one second, canister, and then

as the enemy made preparations for their final dash, double canister was ordered and delivered

with such rapidity that the separate discharges were blended into one continuous roar.

...