BATTLE OF GAINES MILLS,
And the repeated charges made here deserve to rank with the most glorious
deeds of the war. The corps of General A. P. Hill had made the
first charge upon the Federal intrenchments at this place, and a terrible
struggle had continued throughout the day, neither side seeming to
have the advantage—the Federals holding their position, but powerless
to keep at bay the Confederates, whose dauntless successive charges were
ineffectual to carry the works. An eye-witness says that Hill's division
made repeated charges, but were as often driven back by the murderous
sheet of fire from the formidable works. Twenty-six pieces of artillery
were belching forth their thunders, and a perfect leaden hail-storm fell
thick and fast around them. In front stood earth-works stretching for
miles away; and drawn up in line of battle were three full divisions, commanded
by Generals McCall, Porter and Sedgwick. Banners everywhere
filled the air; artillery vomited forth incessant volleys of grape,
canister and shell, and the angel of death hovered over the field amid
the sulphurous atmosphere of battle. But at last as the sun was descending
behind the western hills Pickett's brigade, from Longstreet's division,
came to Hill's support. Then came Whiting's division, consisting of the
"Old Third" and the Texan brigades; they advanced at a double quick,
charged the batteries, and drove the Federals from the intrenchments
which they had defended with such obstinacy throughout the day. Belonging
to the last mentioned brigade was the 4th Texas regiment commanded
by a gallant Virginian, Colonel Bradfute Warwick; this was
his last charge; just as the works were carried his breast was pierced by
a minie-ball, and he fell to rise no more. Thus ended the second of
the terrible Seven Days. Skirmishing was kept up during Saturday,
and on Sunday the 29th was fought the
