Chapter 15:
Reams Station.
Aug. 23-25, 1864.
- By the left flank -- Reams Station -- destroying the Weldon Railroad -- the earthworks -- portentous Omens -- Rebel guns silenced -- the day grows Darker -- Sharpshooters -- heroic horses -- the First charge and repulse -- the Second charge repulsed -- a storm of Rebel shells -- the final charge -- all is lost but honor -- the retreat -- Hancock's bravery -- our losses -- what Hancock says-the losses of the Corps and of the enemy -- what the enemy says.
The expected attack against Warren's left, in anticipation of which we had moved down to our present position, did not take place. One division of the corps was said to be occupied in tearing up the track, one was in the front line, and the third (Barlow's) lay near us ready for any emergency. But in the afternoon of Tuesday, the 23rd, the bands struck up lively strains, and in accordance with precedent orders soon came for us to move. It was about noon that General Hancock ordered the First Division, under command of General Miles (Barlow being absent sick), to proceed to the Weldon Railroad, there to aid in covering the working party, and to assist in destroying the road. This was the movement enlisting our services; so, drawing out of the field we entered the Jerusalem Plank Road, halting at 10 o'clock to bivouac.
