|
Lieutenant John D. Black, staff officer, Barlow’s Division, Second Corps: “[T]he red earth of a well defined line of works loomed up through the mists on the crest of another ridge, distant about two hundred yards with a shallow ravine between...and we moved quickly forward and, just as the command reached the bottom of the depression, or ravine, there belched forth from the works a volley of shot and shell that would have proved disastrous had we been in range. But, fortunately for us, the guns, in anticipation of a night attack, had been trained on the ridge we had just crossed, and so the shells passed over our heads doing no damage. At once came the order from General Barlow repeated by every officer in the command, “Forward! Double-quick! Charge!” and with cheers and yells which were heard two miles away, they rushed up against the works.” Black’s 1896 Address “Reminiscences of the Bloody Angle” in Glimpses of the Nation’s Struggle: Papers Read Before the Minnesota Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, volume 4, pages 425-426
Major Robert W. Hunter, staff officer, Johnson’s Division, Ewell’s Corps: “The storm had burst upon us. I could see General Johnson with his cane striking at the enemy as they leaped over the works, and a sputtering fire swept up and down our line, many guns being damp. I found myself...in the midst of foes, who were rushing around me, with confusion and a general melee in full blast. I also saw General Johnson with his cane striking in the crowd and warding bayonets.” -- Hunter’s account “Major General Johnson at Spotsylvania” in Southern Historical Society Papers, volume 33 (1905), page 338
|
