[424]
order was, however, anticipated by Colonel Carter, who had seen the hazardous situation of Armistead and promptly sent several batteries to his relief.
The enemy was soon forced to retire before the storm of shot that was now hurled against him.
While this cannonade was in progress I received a message, through a staff officer of General Gordon's, to cease firing as a flag of truce had been sent to the enemy.
I immediately sent to the different batteries this order, with directions to withdraw the artillery towards the Courthouse.
On my way to that point I observed a battery to the south of the road, on an eminence near the village, firing rapidly across a ravine at an advancing line of infantry.
I proceeded to the battery and directed the Captain to cease firing.
He seemed surprised, and ventured some remonstrance.
I could only say it was necessary to change the position of the battery.
The order was reluctantly obeyed and the battery was slowly withdrawn to the place indicated.
I regret I do not recollect what battery this was. It was, I believe, either one of Colonel Duke Johnston's batteries or Colonel Pogue's. No doubt there are some survivors of that battery who will recollect the incident above related and be able to identify the battery that fired the last shot for constitutional liberty.
On the last day of our great sectional struggle the artillery moved to the contest with the same alacrity that had characterized it on more hopeful fields, and when the last blow was struck the veterans of a hundred battles did not conceal the manly tears that flowed in sorrow for the lost cause.
Very respectfully,
A. L. long, Chief of Artillery Second Corps, Army of Northern Virginia. General W. N. Pendleton, Chief of Artillery A. N. V.
