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it was only to be driven back, leaving the ground covered with heaps of dead
and mangled men. In this unequal contest artillery was not available, for not a
position was to be had. Two or three times the Baltimore Light Artillery tried
it, but was as often compelled to hastily withdraw, and when night ended the
conflict, Malvern Hill was not yet won.

Before morning McClellan withdrew to Harrison's Landing, on the James,
where he was safe.

The long spring campaign in the Valley and the operations around Richmond
had made sad havoc in the ranks of the Maryland Line, and it became necessary
for them to recruit and reorganize before again being ready for the field. For this
purpose the First Maryland Infantry and Baltimore Light Artillery were ordered
to Charlottesville, where they remained a month, when they were once more
ordered to join Jackson, who was about to make his great movement to the rear of
Pope's army at Manassas. Alas ! the two commands did not journey together far,
for at Gordonsville an order overtook Colonel Johnson requiring him to at once
disband the First Maryland, and the order was reluctantly obeyed.

The separation was affecting to the greatest degree, and the little battery pur-
sued its way with sad and lonely hearts. It was like severing the ties that bind
brother to brother, for in the series of battles in which they had participated side
by side, the conduct of each had inspired the other with confidence and respect.
" With the First Maryland in support," I heard Captain Brockenborough say, " I
know I am always safe." And so it was, for one would never desert the other
while life lasted.

On the morning of the 19th of August, the battery reached Orange Court-
house, where, much to the joy of all. it was attached to Starke's Louisiana
Brigade. An affinity had long existed between the Maryland and Louisiana troops,
and they commanded each other's fullest confidence. In fact, they seemed nearer
akin, for in both there was that sprightliness, dash and vim not so noticeable in
troops from other States.

With three days' rations in haversacks, Brockenborough, on the 21 st. moved
towards the Rappahannock, where he found the enemy occupying the north bank
in force. A severe artillery fight immediately began, and was maintained for
some hours. The battery pitted against Brockenborough was Company M, United
States Regulars, which, towards nightfall, he succeeded in silencing and driving
back with the loss of many men and an exploded caisson.

On the morning of the 22nd, the artillery was thrown across the river, but
soon after encountered the enemy in heavy force, and were compelled to recross
after a desperate struggle. In this affair the Baltimore Light Artillery suffered
a loss of four men killed — Irvin, Cox. Bradley and Reynolds — and several
severely wounded.