middle. From the middle to the north was quite a rise of from fifty
to 100 feet, where was spread out a broad plateau, which commanded the
whole open tract of land. The village was in the lowest part of the
tract. Upon the plateau at the north, General Burnside was placing a
portion of his troops, including three or four light batteries.

Our battery soon had orders to move, and on we went, followed closely by
our rear guard, which itself was closely pursued by the rebels. Our
front line of battle was partially in the village of Campbell's Station,
protected very well by the buildings. Our battery did not halt until we
arrived upon the plateau. Soon we were assigned a position to protect
our extreme right and right flank. After getting into position, we had
nothing to do but to observe the movement of the enemy. We soon beheld a
splendid exhibition of war. The rebel skirmishers first appeared in the
open, carefully examining the ground to find if we had a concealed line
of battle near. They soon advanced a half mile or less and found no
opposition. There they rested, and we soon saw the rebel columns debouch
from both the Loudon and the Kingston roads. At last there came a
battery of 20-pounder rifled guns, with several white horses, and went
into position on the right of the road.

This battery we had often met in the East. It was one of the batteries
of the Washington corps of artillery of New Orleans. This was an
excellent battery. The enemy soon formed two strong lines of battle
clear across the open country, about 200 yards apart. Light batteries
came forward, halting in front, and took positions between the
brigades. On the flanks the cavalry was seen in the open woodland. This
scene was all spread out before us. In all our great battles, such as
Manassas and Antietam, we rarely saw more than a fourth of a mile of our
enemy's line.

About 12 M., the signal was given, and the rebel lines, with flags
flying and batteries firing, advanced against us. The fighting for the
last forty-eight hours had evidently convinced Longstreet's veterans
that they had worthy foes to meet. Four rifled batteries planted upon
the brow of the hill, under General Burnside's personal directions,
opened rapidly upon the enemy's lines of infantry, paying no attention
apparently to the enemy's artillery fire. The very first discharge sent
havoc into their first line and killed a color bearer. In five minutes
their heavy lines were fearful