The Maine bugle ... campaign; 1-5 Jan. 1894-Oct. 1898 - Maine.gov

THE HATTLF. op TI/E PINES. 255
Wc were put into the line at Fort Welch to support a charge
of the Sixth Corps on the south side of the railroad the morn-
ing of April 2nd, which was successful, and it compelled the
evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond. After the line was
broken we were ordered back to Petersburg to assist the Ninth
Corps, who were trying to capture the entrenchments in front
of Fort liell. We were too late to he of any assistance as the
city was captured before we got there. Our men and horses
were ordered into the captured lines to get the ammunition out
of the magazines and we hauled out ten of the abandoned guns.
None of the rebel dead had been buried ; they were scattered
around in all directions, and every one of them had their pockets
turned wrong side out, showing that someone had given them
attention.
This ended our active service as we did not follow the army
to Appomattox, but went into camp on the City Point road,
where we remained until we started for home May 3d, arrived
in Augusta June 7th, and discharged the 17th.
Note.—Comrade Rhoilcs visited the localities descril>ed in this article in the (all of
1S92, and will, in a future issue, give the present appearance of these historic .ijrcmiKls.
— Ei).
The Battle of the Pines.
Come all ye j^allant heroes who now are under arms,
Who wore the robe of hattle, the llnion uniform,
Come listen to my ditty while I sing you a few lines
In jiraise of Casey's heroes at the 1 'attic of the I'ines.
It was on the 31st of May, about the hour of one,
The rebel force from Kichmontl came ]iroudly marching on
With overwhelming numbers; 'twas plainly their design
To crush the gallant Casey ami penetrate our line.
The hilltops and the valleys with rebels seemed to swarm.
And dashing down ujjon our camps scarce giving us time to form;
l>ul round the lianner of the Free we rallied with three cheers,
.\nd with blow for blow we met the foe like Yankee volunteers.
The venerable old Casey seemed in his prime again :
With sword in hand he faced the foe and cheered his sjallant men.