orks, replied
and soon silenced those of the enemy. Then Early's infantry moved
forth, Hays' brigade on the right, Hoke's brigade on the left,
under Colonel Avery, and Gordon's brigade in reserve. It was
supposed Johnson's division would protect Early's left flank, while
Rodes' and Pender's divisions would come forward in time to prevent
any attack against his right. The enemy first struck Von Gilsa's
brigade, which was posted behind a stone fence at the foot of the
hill. Still farther to its left, at the base of the hill, was
Ames' brigade, both enclosing Rickett's and Weidrick's and Stevens'
batteries, which had been a good deal cut up on the first day, were
now brought to bear on the approaching enemy. Colonel Wainwright,
Chief of Artillery of the First Corps, gave them orders not to
attempt to retreat if attacked, but to fight the guns to the last.
The enemy advanced up the ravine which was specially commanded by
Stevens' battery. Weidrick, Ricketts, and Stevens played upon the
approaching line energetically. The rebel left and centre fell
back, but the right managed to obtain shelter from houses and
undulating ground, and came on impetuously, charging over Von
Gilsa's brigade, and driving it up the hill, through the batteries.
In doing so Hays says the darkness and smoke saved his men from a
terrible slaughter. Weidrick's battery was captured, and two of
Ricketts' guns were spiked. The enemy, in making this movement,
exposed their left flank to Stevens' battery, which poured a terrible
fire of double canister into their ranks. The 33d Massachusetts
also opened a most effective oblique fire. The batteries were
penetrated but would not surrender. Dearer than life itself to
the cannoneer is the gun he serves, and these brave men fought hand
to hand with handspikes, rammers, staves, and even stones. They
shouted, _"Death on the soil of our native State rather than lose
our guns."_ Hancock, all this time should have been kept busy on
his own front repelling an attack from Rodes and Pender, but as
they did not come forward, and as he felt that there was great
danger that Howard would lose Cemetery Hill and his own right be
turned, he sent Carroll's brigade to the rescue. Carroll was joined
by the 106th Pennsylvania and some reinforcements from Schurz's
division. For a few minutes, Hays says, there was an ominous
silence and then the tramp of our infantry was heard. They came
over the hill and went in wi