[235]
the road; for they had the range, though they could not see for the woods.
Near here was a swampy run, where our skirmishers drove those of the enemy across, and the division then got over and kept ahead.
General Meade, meantime, staid at the Globe Tavern, waiting for the movement to develop.
He sent out an aide or two, to tell Warren he was there and to bring news of the progress.
Warren sent in word that, having got across the run, he would soon see what could be done.
At 12.45 we could hear pretty brisk musketry, which continued a short time and then ceased.
Some time after, an aide came in from General Warren, with news that Griffin had captured a strong line and a redoubt, in handsome style.
Not long after, the General rode to the front, where we arrived at 2.45.
Most of the road was through a pleasant wood, chiefly oak. Passing the “church” (a little, old, wooden building that might seat forty persons), we turned to the right and came out on a large, open farm.
On a roll of land, just ahead, was the Peeble house (pretty well riddled with bullets), and hence you looked over more open land ending in a fringe of wood.
Perhaps 400 yards in front was the captured line and the redoubt: the former very strongly and handsomely made; the latter not quite finished inside, wanting still the platforms for the guns; otherwise it was done, with a ditch outside and an abattis.
So far as I can learn, the occupying force was about equal to the attacking; but they did not make as good a fight as usual.
The two assaulting brigades advanced very handsomely and rushed over the works.
The enemy began at once to draw off their cannon, but the horses of one piece were shot, and it fell into our hands.
The loss was very small in the assault, not over 100, which shows how much safer it is to run boldly on: the enemy get excited and fire high.
I went into the redoubt.
A Rebel
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