[58] there was a momentary surging back of the infantry, then a recovery of their position. Now a hail of shot from the foe, and a deafening response from our guns, and quickly repeated volleys from the infantry of our brigade. Now was severely tested the pluck and endurance of the Fifth Maine, and the Sixteenth and Twenty-seventh New York, and grandly was the test met. The drivers of our pieces and caissons, had plenty of food for contemplation, and ample opportunity to exercise patience and self-control.

Now our howitzer section under Lieut. Sleeper is hastily despatched to the right, where it is said that Gen. Kearney has need of more short-range artillery. The boys reported that, coming into action near a rail fence, the Confederate shots in their front made an exceedingly lively shower of slivers, as the section commenced work in its new position. During the heat of the action, the conduct of our officers was superb. The calm resolution of Capt. Porter, the sanguine energy and inspiring self-confidence of McCartney, the sprightly cheerfulness of Sleeper, the quiet attention to duty of Federhen and Sawin, will be remembered by the boys while memory endures.

Now two regiments of Confederates charge upon Randall's battery, then there is a desperate hand to hand fight with the supporting regiment; there is no unemployed infantry to be sent to its aid, and the battery is captured. Now there is another Confederate onslaught upon McCall's left; it wavers; the flank is turned! A yell and a rush of Confederates ensue, as they attempt to follow up their success. But suddenly one hears a resounding cheer—unmistakably Union; farther to the left, Hooker has taken the grays, in turn, by a flank fire. They are driven across Sumner's front, and before and along McCall's centre, and forced back. It was during this part of the action that shots from the front and left went thudding into the enclosure to which we have alluded, where were wounded men, spare horses and teams. Now, as sunset is merging into night, the sounds on the right and left indicate that Hooker and Kearney are respectively gaining ground.

Night has come on; the vigor of the Confederate attack seems scarcely abated. Now again is a quickened movement in our command, and we participate in repelling a last attack in our


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