nable against a counter attack, which was
constantly expected. While busily engaged in this work the rebels opened
upon us with a fierce artillery fire. A powerful force, said to be under
the direction of General Lee in person, had been silently massed in
front of Fort Harrison, screened from our view by the inequality of the
ground. They soon made their presence known, however, and advanced with
determination. They were met by a fire that sent them reeling back with
immense loss. Again they formed, and were again driven back. Another
charge more furious, and another repulse more bloody, finally convinced
them that the attempt was useless, and we were left in possession of our
victories of the previous day. After this, comparative quiet reigned for
a few days, but they were not days of idleness; the captured lines had
to be reversed and heavy picket duty to be done, and of these duties
this regiment had its full share.

"On the 7th of October, the enemy made a dash on our right, and at first
met with considerable success. This regiment was detached from the
brigade, and ordered to the right to assist in repelling the attack.
Before reaching that point the attack had been repulsed and the fighting
was nearly over. We formed a skirmish line and remained until midnight,
when we returned to the brigade.

"On the 13th of October a reconnoissance was made upon the enemy's lines
in front of our right, in which this regiment took an active part. The
fighting was severe, and the loss considerable. The men behaved like
veterans: but the wary foe behind his strong works bade defiance to our
small force, and so, after fifteen hours of fighting, at night we
returned to camp. On the 27th of October a movement commenced on our
extreme left which required the active co-operation of the Army of the
James, that the enemy might be kept busily engaged at all points. This
regiment, as part of the force selected for this purpose, set out early
on the morning of the 27th, and came in contact with the outposts of the
enemy. Deploying as skirmishers, after a short, sharp action, we drove
the enemy within entrenchments. After driving in the skirmish line, we
remained in front of the enemy's works, picking his men as opportunity
offered, and keeping him engaged generally. We were in an open field,
exposed to the fire of an enemy protected by strong earthworks. The men
behaved very well; for twenty-three hours they held this position,
exposing th