3 Years in The Army



THE FATAL CHARGE JUNE 18th

    On the morning of the 18th there was no sign of the enemy in front. All was quiet as the sun rose. It appeared that the enemy had retired during the night. Our Regiment was formed into line faced to the right in columns of four and marching by rifle left over the breastworks directly towards where we last saw the enemy the night before. We marched through the now deserted picket line of the Jonnies and a little way beyond the Regiment was massed in an open field. We remained there about half an hour. The Colonel knew perfectly well what he was about, but the rank and file could not understand such a move as that. This was what is called "Armed Recognoicense". We were placed in this exposed position to draw the fire of the enemy, but they let us entirely alone. We marched back over the breastworks into the woods and lay down in the shade of the pines. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon we marched a short distance to the right and formed in three lines in a sunken road.

    We could see by looking over the embankment of the road a cleared field in front and on the further edge of the field a line of breastworks about 300 yards away. There was a large brick house on the left side about half way across the field. We could plainly see that the breastworks were occupied by men and cannon, and we were informed that we had been ordered to assault and take the breastworks. I think every man present realized the hopelessness of the undertaking, but it is a soldier's duty to obey orders, and when Colonel Chaplin from his station in front rang out the order—"First Maine Forward Charge" we sprang forward with a cheer upon what we all knew was a forlorn hope, and as soon as we showed ourselves out of the sunken road the Jonnies opened on us with musketry and artillery.