d back to his position in
line and waited further orders.

"Just about this date Gen. Sherwood received information that the
expedition up Blood River had failed, and that Forrester had defeated
Sturgeon and was now preparing to raid the railroads in our rear. This
was not very encouraging to our forces, but caused great joy in the
rebel camp in our front, as our forces learned. The next day the enemy
made a feeble attack on our right, but was handsomely repulsed by
Gen. Hord's Corps. Sherwood seemed determined to try to dislodge the
enemy,--a flank movement seemed to others to be the way to force the
enemy from his lines of works on the crest of the mountain.

"On the 27th of June, he ordered an assault on Little Kensington
Mountain. Our troops at the same time were to make demonstrations on all
parts of the line. McFadden assaulted, by order of the commander, the
face of the mountain, where there was no possibility of success. He
was hurled back, losing many officers and men. Papson assaulted on his
right, where the mountain sloped down to a low foothill with no
rugged heights. Here the enemy had strong earthworks, with an almost
impenetrable abatis. One division after another and one corps after
another were hurled against this breastwork, where fell many brave and
gallant men and officers on that fatal day. Papson did not believe our
troops could take those strong works, posted as the rebels were, but
obeyed orders from his superior officer.

"Towards noon our losses were heavy, and it seemed like leading men into
the very jaws of death to attempt another assault. Some of the officers,
as well as men, openly said it was most cruel and cold-blooded murder
to force men up against works where one man behind them would equal at
least four of the assaulting party. Yet another attack was ordered, and
about the middle of the afternoon all were ready. Sherwood was on a high
hill a good distance in the rear, where he could see all that was going
on.

"The order was given to move forward. Gen. Anderson was put to the
front, my son Peter in command of his advance brigade. On, on they went,
well knowing that many a brave boy would fall to rise no more. Not a
word was spoken save the one of command. The line moved right on, the
enemy pouring shot and shell into our ranks. Our brave boys fell like
grass before the scythe. As our ranks thinned and gaps were made by shot
and shell the solemn command could be heard, 'Close up, m