in quick succession was hurled into our midst. The Sixteenth
sprang up and returned the fire with good effect; some fixed bayonets,
advanced, and were captured. The most helpless confusion ensued. Our
men fell by scores on every side. Still our position was obstinately
maintained, until ordered to fall back. The rebels discovered the
disorder, and came on us in heavy column.

While we were falling back to cover near the bridge we were swept by a
destructive cross-fire, and the rebels becoming entangled in this
cross-fire extricated themselves and fell back to the stone wall. The
Eighth, Eleventh, and Sixteenth Connecticut, and the Fourth Rhode
Island, re-formed and were placed in position for defence. At this
time General Burnside's messenger rode up to McClellan. His message
was, "I want troops and guns. If you do not send them I cannot hold my
position for half an hour." McClellan said slowly: "Tell General
Burnside that this is the battle of the war. He must hold his ground
till dark at any cost. I will send him Miller's Battery; I can do no
more. I have no infantry." Then as the messenger was riding away he
called him back. "Tell him if he cannot hold his ground, then the
bridge, to the last man! always the bridge! If the bridge is lost, all
is lost." The enemy was pressing down hard upon the battery which had
been placed on the crest in front of the Eleventh. Burnside called for
aid and General Rodman having been killed, Colonel Harland took
command of the division, re-formed the disorganized regiments, and by
his bravery the unsupported battery was rescued from capture.

The fighting was ended. It was indeed a fearful day for the Sixteenth.
Without having time allowed to learn even the rudiments of military
science, it was hurried forward and was formed in regimental line
almost for the first time on the battle-field of Antietam, the
bloodiest day America ever saw. After sunset the brigade was relieved,
and retired across the river to reorganize and be ready for the duties
which they might be called upon to do when another day should come.
Arms were stacked, and the tired soldiers laid down to rest. Of all
gloomy nights, this was the saddest we ever experienced. All was quiet
and silent as the grave. The stacks of straw which the rebels had
fired burned slow and dimly. The cries and groans of the wounded that
lay on the battle-field could be heard distinctly, and the occasional
report of artillery sounded solemn