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But one caution was given — to reserve their fire until they reached the brink of the ditch; but one exhortation — that they were counted on to do this work, and do it quickly.
Now the leading regiment of the Georgia brigade began to move out, when suddenly a brave Federal officer, seizing the colors, called on his men to charge.
Descrying this hostile movement on the instant, Weisiger, a veteran of stern countenance which did not belie the personal intrepidity of the man,1 uttered to the Virginians the single word--
This text is part of:
1 “Captain Hinton came up and reported that he had reported to General Mahone as directed, who said that I must await orders from him or Captain Girardey (who was then acting on Mahone's staff.) A few moments later Girardey came up to us. Just at that time I saw a Federal officer leap from the works with a stand of colors in his hand, and at last fifty or more men with him, as I supposed purposing to charge us. I repeated my orders to Girardy and told him that if we did not move forward promptly all would be lost. He agreed with me, and I then requested him to report to Mahone the circumstances and that I had moved forward. I then gave the command,” Attention, “” Forward. “The men sprang to their feet and moved forward at a double-quick, reserving their fire, as ordered, until within a few feet of the enemy, when they delivered a galling fire and then used the bayonet freely.” --Ms. Report of Brigadier-General D. A. Weisiger. Statement of Captain D. A. Hinton, A. D. C., Adjutant Hugh Smith and other officers. General S. G. Griffin, U. S. Volunteers, says: “The rebels made a very desperate attack at this time.” --Report on the Conduct of the War (1865), vol. i, p. 188.
Richmond, VA. 1876.
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