to repel attacks, without
ever dreaming that the most effectual mode of so doing is to turn
the tables, and attack the assailants.

As our troops came up they filed off to the right and left, and
drew up just within cannon shot in the following order. The
light brigade, consisting, as I have formerly stated, of the 85th
regiment and the light companies of the other corps, in extended
order, threatened the whole front of the American army. The 21st
remained in column upon the road; the 4th moved off to the right,
and advanced through a thicket to turn the enemy's left; and the
44th, the seamen and marines, formed line in rear of the light
brigade.

While this formation was going on, the artillery being brought
up, opened upon the American army, and a smart cannonade ensued
on both sides. That our guns were well served I myself can bear
witness; for I saw the Shrapnel shells which were thrown from
them strike among the enemy, and make fearful gaps in the line.
Our rockets likewise began to play, one of which falling short,
lighted upon a haystack in the barn-yard belonging to the
farm-house, and immediately set it on fire. The house itself,
the stables, barns, and outhouses, as well as all the other
stacks, one after another caught the flames, and were quickly in
a state of conflagration; and the smoke and blaze which they
emitted, together with the roar of cannon and flashes of the
guns, produced altogether a very fine effect.

In the meantime the American artillery was not idle. Pushing
forward two light field-pieces upon the road, they opened a
destructive fire of grape upon the 21st regiment, and such of the
sailors as occupied that point. Three other guns were directed
against our artillery, between which and several of our pieces a
sort of duel was maintained; and the rest played without ceasing
upon the 85th and the light companies, who had lain down while
the other regiments took up their ground. Neither was their
infantry altogether quiet. They marched several strong bodies
from the right to the left, and withdrew others from the left to
the right of their line, though for what end this marching and
countermarching was undertaken I am at a loss to conceive. While
thus fluctuating it was curious to observe their dread of every
spot where a cannon-ball had struck. Having seen the shots fall,
I kept my eye upon one or two places, and perceived that each
company as it drew near to those points hung b