THE BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL.
421
It was at this time, in answer to my call for aid, that Sumner sent meMeagher, and Heintzelman sent Sickles, both of whom reached me in the heightof battle, when, if ever, fresh troops would renew our confidence and insureour success. While riding rapidly forward to meet Meagher, who wasapproaching at a “ double-quick ” step, my horse fell, throwing me over hishead, much to my discomfort both of body and mind. On rising and remount-ing I was greeted with hearty cheers, which alleviated my chagrin. Thisincident gave rise to the report, spread through the country, that I waswounded. Fearing that I might fall into the hands of the enemy, and if sothat my diary and dispatch-book of the campaign, then on my person, wouldmeet with the same fate and reveal in-formation to the injury of our cause, Itore it iip, scattering the pieces to thewinds, as I rode rapidly forward, lead-ing Meagher into action. I have alwaysregretted my act as destroying inter-esting and valuable memoranda of ourcampaign.
Advancing with Meagher’s brigade,accompanied by my staff, I soon foundthat our forces had successfully drivenback their assailants. Determined, ifpossible, satisfactorily to finish the con-test, regardless of the risk of being firedupon by our artillery in case of defeat,
I pushed on beyond our lines mto thewoods held by the enemy. About fiftyyards in front of us, a large force ofthe enemy suddenly rose and openedwith fearful volleys upon our advancingline. I turned to the brigade, whichthus far had kept pace with my horse,and found it standing “like a stone-wall,” and returning a fire more destruc-tive than it received and from which the enemy fled. The brigade was planted.My presence was no longer needed, and I sought General Sickles, whom Ifound giving aid to Couch . I had the satisfaction of learning that night thata Confederate detachment, undertaking to turn Meagher’s left, was met by aportion of the 69tli New York Regiment, which, advancing, repelled the attackand captured many prisoners.
After seeing that General Sickles was in a proper position, I returned tomy own corps, where I was joined by Colonel Hunt with some 32-pounderhowitzers. Taking those howitzers, we rode forward beyond our lines, and,in parting salutation to our opponents, Colonel Hunt sent a few shells, as awarning of what would be ready to welcome them on the morrow if theyundertook to disturb us.