The Maryland Line in the Confederate States Army by W. W. Goldsborough

Author:W. W. Goldsborough [Goldsborough, W. W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Literary, Historical, General
ISBN: 9783752507706
Google: l4r_DwAAQBAJ
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Published: 2020-09-23T03:29:50+00:00

CHAPTER X.

Table of Contents

On the 18th of August the Confederates in heavy force, under Mahone, made a desperate attempt to dislodge the Federals from a strong position at Ream’s Station, on the Weldon railroad. The battle was a terrific one, and the Confederate General gained a complete victory, driving the Federals before him with heavy loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners.

He was attacked in turn next day by a large force, and after making a brave and determined stand, was compelled to fall back, leaving the enemy in possession of the road.

The loss on both sides was dreadful; and here again the Second Maryland proved of what material it was made. Disdaining to retreat without the command, when all others were seeking safety in flight, they stood to their post to the last. Again and again were they assaulted, but again and again they drove their assailants back with heavy loss. At length in overwhelming numbers the enemy came upon them and reached the breastworks. But there that little band remained for a time as firm as the rocks of Gibraltar. But the enemy crossed the breastworks, and the struggle was hand to hand. Desperately the bayonet was thrust, and the butts of muskets crushed through human skulls. But this unequal struggle could not be of long duration, and surrounded and overwhelmed, the survivors sought to fight their way out. Many succeeded, but one-third of that gallant band lay dead and wounded, or were prisoners in the hands of the foe.

Many were the noble spirits who fell, and among the number the brave and chivalrous Adjutant J. Winder Laird. The author had served with him in the First, and then in the Second Maryland, in both of which, by his kind and affable disposition, he had won the love of his companions; and but a short time before his death he had been promoted to the rank of Adjutant, as an evidence of their esteem. Gentle as a woman in his daily intercourse with men, upon the battle-field his whole nature underwent a change. Ever foremost in the fight, his splendid figure towering above his companions, with eyes flashing, nostrils dilated, and his features all animating, he became as fierce as an unchained lion, and by his reckless exposure of person and daring courage made himself the target for many a bullet. Here at Ream’s Station, in the full tide of victory, and whilst cheering his men on in the pursuit, he was struck in the forehead and fell dead without a groan. Alas, the fatal bullet that pierced the brain of Winder Laird went straight to the heart of a fond, doting mother, who did not long survive the death of her darling, and they now rest side by side in the little churchyard at Cambridge, Md.

The following is the loss sustained by the battalion in killed, wounded, and prisoners:

Battle of Weldon Railroad.—Captain J. Parran Crane commanding, who received a severe contusion.

Field and staff.—Killed, Adjutant J. Winder Laird.

Company A, First Lieutenant Clapham Murray commanding.

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