The right of the battalion, where were stationed companies A and C, under the command of Captain Murray and Lieutenant Charles Hodges respectively, were exposed to the severest part of the fire, and suffered in greater proportion than the others. Until nearly eight o’clock this dreadful storm of bullets continued to sweep over and around us without the slightest abatement. All along our line wounded men were lying bleeding to death, as it was impossible to remove them to the surgeon’s quarters after they were struck. Feeling anxious to know how the right fared, I cautiously made my way there, and sheltered myself behind a rock where were Colonel Parseley and Captain Murray. I inquired of Parseley if he had suffered much.
“Very much indeed. I have but thirteen men left. And now I have but twelve!” he exclaimed in the same breath, as one of his men fell over dead in Captain Murray’s lap, shot through the head.
I heard the words but imperfectly, for the same ball struck me full in the forehead and knocked me almost senseless; but its force was spent, and an ugly bump was the only result.
“Take care there, Sergeant Blackistone, you are exposing yourself too much,” I shortly after remarked to the orderly of Company A, and even as I spoke a ball passed through his arm, lacerating it badly. Poor fellow, it was his first and last wound, for he died shortly after in the hospital at Frederick, where he was held a prisoner.
“My men are out of ammunition, sir,” said Captain Murray; “and with your permission, I will withdraw them to the cover of those rocks on the left for half an hour—or a less time should you need me—and get some water and replenish their cartridge boxes. I have suffered fearfully, sir, and the men are somewhat dispirited.”
I suggested it would be a dangerous undertaking, but with great caution the point might be made.
Gradually they worked their way down the line, and reached the shelter in safety, and another company was ordered to take their place.
As I returned, the commanders of companies informed me that their ammunition was also exhausted. The difficulty was to get it, as none was within half a mile, and it was almost certain death to leave the shelter of the breastworks. I reported the matter, however, to General Steuart, whom I found sitting with his staff behind an immense rock, and he told me I had better call for volunteers.
“General, do not ask one of your officers or privates to volunteer to perform this duty whilst you have a staff officer left. I will bring the ammunition, if I live!”
Words that should be written in letters of gold, and they fell from the lips of Lieutenant Randolph McKim, one of the General’s aids. The noble fellow made the venture, and succeeded in his mission.