the
charging columns, right, left, and from the rebel center.
Thus on the very edge of the battle, nay, in the battle, the
Phalanx band poured out in heroic measures 'The Star
Spangled Banner.' Its thrilling notes, soaring above the
battles' gales, aroused to new life and renewed energy the
panting, routed troops, flying in broken and disordered
ranks from the field. Many of them halted, the New York
troops particularly, and gathered at the battery again,
pouring a deadly volley into the enemy's works and ranks.
The 54th had but a moment to prepare for the task. General
Seymour rode up and appealed to the Phalanx to check the
enemy and save the army from complete and total
annihilation. Col. Montgomery gave Col. Hallowell the order
'Forward,' pointing to the left, and away went the 54th
Phalanx regiment through the woods, down into the swamp,
wading up to their knees--in places where the water reached
their hips; yet on they went till they reached terra firma.
Soon the regiment stood in line of battle, ready to meet the
enemy's advancing cavalry, emerging from the extreme left.

"'Hold your fire!' the order ran down the line. Indeed, it
was trying. The cavalry had halted but the enemy, in their
rifle-pits in the center of their line, poured volley after
volley into the ranks of the Phalanx, which it stood like a
wall of granite, holding at bay the rebel cavalry hanging on
the edge of a pine grove. The 1st Phalanx regiment entered
the field in front, charged the rebels in the centre of the
line, driving them into their rifle-pits, and then for half
an hour the carnage became frightful. They had followed the
rebels into the very jaws of death, and now Col. Reid found
his regiment in the enemy's enfilading fire, and they swept
his line. Men fell like snowflakes. Driven by this terrific
fire, they fell back. The 54th had taken ground to the
right, lending whatever of assistance they could to their
retiring comrades, who were about on a line with them, for
although retreating, it was in the most cool and deliberate
manner, and the two regiments began a firing at will against
which the rebels, though outnumbering them, could not face.
Thus they held them till long after sunset, and firing
ceased.

"The slaughter was terrible