he trenches, until
the 24th of September, at which time the 10th Corps marched to the rear
to rest a few days preparatory to an advance upon Richmond then in
contemplation. While here our ragged, dirty, and shoeless men were clad,
washed, and shod as rapidly as possible.

"At length, at about sundown, September 28th, the corps broke camp, and
we once more started for Deep Bottom, which place we reached about four
A. M., September 29th.

"Just as the first faint glimmerings of light were visible the movement
against Richmond commenced. After pushing through a deep wood our
brigade formed in line of battle near the New Market Road, under fire of
a rebel battery. We had scarcely formed when it was found that the rebel
lines had been broken further to the left, and we were ordered forward
in pursuit of the flying foe. Three successive lines had been carried by
impetuous charges, and during that summer forenoon the enemy on all
sides was pressed steadily back. By noon Fort Harrison, a large powerful
work, and a key to a large portion of the rebel line, had been carried
at the bayonet point by the 18th Corps, and we found ourselves in front
of the strongest line of the outer defenses of Richmond. An assault was
immediately ordered. Two regiments of the brigade to which this regiment
was attached,--the 7th Maryland and 8th Pennsylvania--were selected to
make the attack on Fort Gilmer, the 29th Connecticut and 9th Maryland
being held in reserve. A charge was made on the double-quick through a
felled forest, half a mile in extent. They were met by a murderous
enfilading fire, and after an obstinate struggle were forced back. They
re-formed quickly and again charged, this time up the very guns of the
fort. After a most heroic fight they were again compelled to retire.
Some of the companies sprang into the ditch, and refused to surrender
even after their companions had been driven back. They continued the
unequal contest until dark, when we were forced to leave the brave men
to their fate.

"After the repulse of the second charge, the brigade formed under a
galling fire, preparatory to another charge, but after a careful survey
of the enemy's position, it was deemed advisable to delay the attack for
the present. Darkness soon after coming on, the troops were quietly
withdrawn to one of the captured lines a short distance in our rear.
Next morning vigorous measures were at once taken to reverse this line,
and to render it impreg