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near Aquia Creek, where it remained until October, when it was sent to the
Potomac batteries blockading that river. Whilst stationed here the battery was
busily engaged for awhile mounting guns at the Ship Point Batteries. The boys
had altogether a pretty good time here, and they improved their practice wonder-
fully, for many a saucy craft tried to run the blockade, and came to grief from
the accurate fire of the First Maryland Artillery.

The battery remained on the Potomac until the following March, and when
Johnston fell back from Manassas it was sent to Fredericksburg, and encamped
on the south side of the Rappahannock.

The battery was now attached to General Pettigrew's Brigade, and in a
review by General Joseph E. Johnston he paid it a high compliment for its neat
and soldierly appearance.

From Fredericksburg the battery was sent to Ashland, and in a few days after
to Yorktown, where it remained until the evacuation of that place. From York-
town the First fell back to Williamsburg, and from there was sent to assist Hood
at West Point, but was held as a reserve battery. From there the battery went
to Poor's farm, near Richmond, and when the terrible battle of Seven Pines took
place, part of the First was actively engaged.

At Mechanicsville, on June 26, the First Maryland had the first opportunity
to show of what material it was composed. The battery was hotly engaged, and
lost heavily in men and horses. The gallant Andrews was severely wounded, but
did not leave the field. That battle won for Captain Andrews his star, and for the
battery most honorable mention in official reports.

The glorious Dement now assumed command of the battery, with which he
was destined to carve out a name, and his command a reputation, second to no
commander and no artillery command in the service.

We next find the battery, on the following- day, at Games' Mill, in the
hottest of that dreadful battle of the Seven Days' series, when blood flowed like
water; and next at Frazier's Farm, and then at Malvern Hill.

Oh ! those were seven fearful days, and brave men willingly died by
thousands; but a great sigh of relief went up throughout the South when it was
announced that McClellan and his vast array had been driven to the shelter of his
gunboats on the James, and the siege of Richmond was raised.

After the battle of Malvern Hill Lieutenant Dement received his commission
as Captain, and at the same time there was assigned to the battery by the War
Department Lieutenant John Gale, who subsequently proved himself to be a most
efficient officer.

The author has forgotten to state that the brigade to which the battery was
attached was now commanded by General Pender, General Pettigrew having
been wounded at Seven Pines. To these brave officers the men of the battery