As soon as we formed, Colonel Walker ordered us forward and all went well.

Our line was perfect as we moved through a piece of wood.

We struck a high fence which we got over, forming as we did so, and again we moved up the

side of a hill through a wheat field on our left, resting on a fence line leading to a

barn.

As we rose to the top of this hill, we came face to face with more of the enemy than I had

ever seen in one position, and with several pieces of artillery which opened on us with

grape, canister, and small arms which were mowing the wheat about us like a hail storm.

Immediately in our front was a very strong post-vents which could not be torn down.

We could not go forward and would not fall back, so our only alternative was to stand

and take it, and most notably did the regiment do it, but most humbly do I now confess nothing

but pride and a sense of duty kept me from running.

Fortunately, the enemy's infantry was not expecting us from that direction as this was

on their flank.

Besides, they thinking our force larger fell back.

One of my company, McCopower, was badly wounded and fell almost on me, begging me to take

him off the field, but there was no time for favors then.

I have seen six men carrying one wounded man from the field, often four and always two.

This in itself would render an army almost useless.

The best way to protect our wounded friends was to do our duty in the line and drive the

enemy from them.

Sergeant Samuel D. Beck, 13th Virginia, Elsies Brigade.

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