The Hero of Medfield (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1862 Excerpt: ... is close to us. I am going to see Frank Bonney to-morrow. There is any quantity of infantry and artillery here. Night before last we were awakened and turned out at 4 o'clock, and stood till sunrise, the whole Division; we expected an attack. Last night at 12, we were called out; a sortie was made by the enemy on our left, trying to take one of our earthworks of siege guns. They fell into one of our masked batteries; the roar of artillery and musketry was terrible for almost an hour. We were kept in line about an hour, but did not have to leave our camp at all; we were then dismissed. At half past 3, A. M., they commenced again, so out we had to go, waiting for orders. We stood in line till almost sunrise, and were again dismissed. Such is a soldier's life, he knows not when nor how to sleep We did not have any drums, bugles, nor music of any kind. Gen. Me Clellan does not mean to have the enemy know how strong we are. I can see Gen. McClellan's head-quarters from my tent, but I have not seen him yet. You wish to know how many buglers there are. There is one to each Co. We watch and keep by the side of the Capt. during an engagement. It is our business to sound the advance, halt, charge, &c., just as the Capt. or Col. gives orders. This battle will be one of the hardest of the campaign. I think the rebels have their best soldiers in Yorktown. If they are defeated here, their cause is irretrievably lost, for the way is then opened to Richmond. Col. Cowdin made a short speech yesterday morning when we were in line expecting an attack. He told every Capt. to shoot the first man who showed any cowardice, and to watch those who were brave and tell him, for, said he, "many who are now privates in the Mass. 1st regiment will have commissions in a few mo...