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of cannon ahead caused the division to hasten its steps. Johnson got there too late,
but it was no fault of his. Had General Ewell taken the division direct to
Gettysburg from Carlisle, instead of sending it there by a most circuitous route,
there would have been no second or third days' battles at Gettysburg. This
General Ewell freely admitted and regretted afterward.

Passing through the outskirts of the town, Johnson formed his line of battle
along the Hanover road, and that night the troops laid upon their arms.

The sun rose on the morning of July 2d clear and beautiful. Alas ! how
many saw it rise for the last time !

In the absence of Colonel Andrews, wounded at Winchester, the noble
Latimer was in command of the artillery battalion to which the First Maryland
was attached.

About 4 o'clock in the afternoon Major Latimer was ordered to take position
on Benner's Hill, the best position that could be obtained for artillery, but com-
pletely commanded by Cemetery Ridge.

Fiercely did the gallant fellow fight his guns (or rather what was left of
them after the first hour) until near dark, when he received a wound that laid him
in a soldier's grave a few days after.

And how fared the First Maryland in this fierce battle ? The battery was
doing its duty nobly, as it had done before, and as it did afterward. It suffered
with the rest, and among those who died was the gallant Sam Thompson, who
was killed by the explosion of an ammunition chest which was struck by one of
the enemy's shells.

Poor Sam Thompson ! And who in Baltimore did not know the handsome
fellow before the war ? Noble, generous and brave, he was the life of every
social gathering he attended. Sam Thompson was one of the happiest men on
earth, and he was happiest when making others happy. No soldier in the Confed-
eracy left a better record, and none were more beloved by his comrades. Peace
to his ashes !

Wearily and sadly the Army of Northern Virginia dragged its shattered
body back to Williamsport, and there recrossed the Potomnc. At Hagerstown
Colonel Andrews reported for duty and resumed command of the battalion.

After reaching Virginia the battalion moved to Martinsburg, and thence to
Bunker Hill, to Liberty Mills, and finally to the vicinity of Charlottesville, where
it remained until called upon to march to Mine Run to resist the advance of
Meade; and here it was heavily encased. In this battle George Scott, of the
First, said to be one of the best gunners in the Confederate Army, was among
the killed.

After Mine Run the battalion was sent to Frederick's Hall, where it was
turned over to Colonel Braxton. Colonel Andrews being; compelled, owing to the
terrible wound he received at Cedar Run,. to relinquish the command.