John D. Billings, The history of the Tenth Massachusetts battery of light artillery in the war of the rebellion

[371] put be guns into position in the fields below. Here a stray shot struck him and he fell mortally wounded. It was the hardest blow to us yet, and made the darkness of the night then closing in more full of gloom. His memory we shall always cherish as that of a friend and a brave soldier. The tribute paid to his bravery by the chief of artillery in special order of thanks we feel was richly deserved,¹ and our grief at his untimely end is tempered by the reflection that he met his fate where the true soldier ever wishes to die, leading his men against the foe.

When lying in hospital, a valued friend in the service at City Point was sent for and remained by him while he could. After bidding this friend “good-bye” he called him back. “Tell uncle,” said he, “I am not afraid to die. I was ready to obey my last order.” His body was embalmed and brought home to his native town of Hardwick. Mass., to rest amid the scenes of his boyhood. Long will his memory be green in the hearts of his friends and townsmen. His surviving son, Louis E. Granger, is in his country's service on the staff of Brig. Gen. Ullman at Morganzia, Louisiana.

M. C. A.

In the death of Lieut. Smith the Battery lost a most efficient officer. He was a man of dauntless energy and decision of character, and whatever he undertook was sure of accomplishment. Although a rigid disciplinarian, there may truly be said of him what Gen. Garfield said of Gen. Thomas, that he rendered that same exact obedience to superiors which he required of those under his command, and those who knew him most intimately assert that under that mantle of sternness beat one of the warmest of hearts. He, too, was a thoroughly brave man in action, and never cooler than in his last battle.

The following synopsis of Gen. Hancock's report of this movement will throw light over much of the foregoing:

Gibbon's Division, commanded by Egan, and