Tweet
Just as we were about to enter Littlestown, we were halted and given the order which of all orders conveys the most meaning to a soldier--"LOAD!"
Instantly there was a confusion of springing rammers and snapping caps to see if the guns were all right. Boxes were opened, cartridges torn and rammed home, the piece brought to half-cock with cap on tube; while every man's heart rose up into his throat with the same feeling one has when he sees his flag raised over the enemy's works.
"Stop snapping those caps!" exclaims an officer, as some jokers, (and you will find them upon the battle field where bullets fly thickets, as well as any where else)--continue to keep up a fusilade of exploding caps "just for fun."
"FALL IN! FRONT! COUNT-TWOS!" Now let no one leave the ranks for anything; not even the file closers. RIGHT-FACE! FORWARD MARCH!" and we were off with a firm, quick step, with arms at a shoulder, up the central street of the little village.
-Lee Mulford, Co. F, 107th NYV.
Instantly there was a confusion of springing rammers and snapping caps to see if the guns were all right. Boxes were opened, cartridges torn and rammed home, the piece brought to half-cock with cap on tube; while every man's heart rose up into his throat with the same feeling one has when he sees his flag raised over the enemy's works.
"Stop snapping those caps!" exclaims an officer, as some jokers, (and you will find them upon the battle field where bullets fly thickets, as well as any where else)--continue to keep up a fusilade of exploding caps "just for fun."
"FALL IN! FRONT! COUNT-TWOS!" Now let no one leave the ranks for anything; not even the file closers. RIGHT-FACE! FORWARD MARCH!" and we were off with a firm, quick step, with arms at a shoulder, up the central street of the little village.
-Lee Mulford, Co. F, 107th NYV.
Comment