‘
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when within easy range I ordered the ensign to fire.
He gave them shrapnel with good aim, and they were apparently surprised, as they had seen nothing of artillery.’
After this repulse and some time had elapsed,
Captain Pope was relieved by the Thirty-second United States Colored Troops, and moved on. Halting at the church for dinner, just as fires were lighted, heavy volleys were heard, and he again moved forward at the double-quick.
Nearing
General Hatch and staff, the enthusiastic
Capt. T. L. Appleton of ‘ours’ flung up his cap, shouting, ‘Hurrah!
here comes the old Fifty-fourth!’
The road was found blocked with ambulances, caissons, and wagons causing the men to be strung out. It was about 1.30 P. M.
Captain Pope continues, saying,—
‘I saw General Hatch speak to Colonel Bennett, chief of staff, who at once rode to me and said, “Follow me.”
I replied, “I would like a moment to close my men up, Colonel,” when he said in a most excited manner, “General Hatch's orders are for you to follow me.” . . . Well, after Bennett's remark I had only to follow, which I did. Arriving near the section of artillery posted at the intersection of the roads, he halted, and said, “Go to the rear of that battery, file to the left, and charge.”
I obeyed orders, all but charging.
Arriving on the right of the battery, I looked round for the first time and found only Lieut. David Reid and eight men. How the shot tore down that hill and up the road!
I could see where the Fifty-fifth had charged, and their dead lying there.
I went back, and only two men followed me.’
Lieutenant Reid and
Corp. R. M. Foster of Company C were there killed.
Captain Pope joined
Colonel Beecher, Thirty-fifth United States Colored Troops, in the front battleline, and after nearly an hour, hearing a familiar cheer on
