The Seminary Ridge was full of men and boys from town, all eager to witness a brush with

the Confederates and not dreaming of the terrible conflict that was to occur on that day.

I climbed up a good-sized oak tree so as to have a good view.

When the artillery opened fire and shot in shell began to fly over our heads, one of them

passing dangerously near the top of the tree I was in.

There was a general stampede towards the town.

I was not long in reaching the town and found the streets full of men and women and children

all under great excitement.

Being anxious to see more of the battle, I concluded I would go upon the observatory

on the store building of the Fane Stock Brothers situated on the northwest corner of Baltimore

and West Middle Streets.

The observatory was on the back of the building and had a good view of the field where the

battle was then being fought.

We, several other persons were present, had been up there quite a little time when

I observed a general and his staff coming down Baltimore Street from the south of town.

Upon reaching the courthouse opposite the store, they halted and made an attempt to get

up into the bell-free to make observations, but were unable to accomplish this.

I went down into the street and going over to the courthouse told them that if they wished

they could go up onto the observatory of the store building.

The general dismounted and with two of his aides went with me up onto the observatory.

Upon reaching the top, the general, with his field glasses, made a careful survey of

the field west and northwest of the town, also the number of roads radiating like spokes

...