285

Upon arriving within sight of that town, the Yankee flag was found defiantly
flying from the public buildings, when Jenkins, supposing the enemy to be there in
force, prepared to attack. Placing two pieces of artillery in a position to rake the
main street, and disposing of his other troops in the most available manner, he
demanded the surrender of the town. It was not long before a deputation of the
" solid " citizens made their appearance, and surrendered the place, of which
General Jenkins at once took possession.

After remaining at Carlisle one day, during which time they were bountifully
supplied with provisions and forage by the citizens, the command moved in the
direction of Harrisburg. At Mechanicstown a small body of cavalry were encoun-
tered, but a shot from Griffin caused them to beat a hasty retreat. Upon reaching
the Susquehanna. the Confederate commander found the opposite side of the river
strongly fortified, but he at once opened fire from his batteries, which was promptly
responded to. This continued until late in the afternoon, when the enemy's
infantry advanced in force, and a severe skirmish ensued, which lasted until after
night. General Rodes (I have forgotten to mention the fact, that Jenkins and
Rodes united their forces at Carslisle) having accomplished his purpose, that
night withdrew in the direction of Gettysburg.

Upon arriving at Gettysburg the battery was ordered to report to Major Lati-
mer, who assigned it a position a short distance to the left of the Cashtown pike.
In the terrible battle that ensued, the Baltimore Light Artillery played its part, and
when the retreat commenced it was kept in the rear to assist in covering the passage
of the army and wagon trains through the mountain passes.

At a point near Mount Zion the enemy had so stationed his guns as to com-
pletely command the road through the gap over which a column of infantry must
pass. There was but little time to spare, for the enemy were pressing them hard.
Captain Griffin was ordered to place his guns in position, and if possible silence the
battery. It seemed a desperate undertaking, but there was no alternative. Quickly
the brave fellows ran their guns to within point blank range, and opened a deadly
fire. It was promptly returned, and a heavy artillery duel continued for some time,
when the enemy's battery was driven from its position, and the infantry and wagon
train passed in safety. I have heard it asserted by old soldiers that this was one
of the most desperate artillery fights they ever witnessed. And the Marylanders
had every reason to be proud of their victory, for it was their old antagonist,
Battery M, of the regular artillery, that they had again measured strength with.

At Hagerstown the battery participated in a severe cavalry fight, in which the
Confederates were entirely successful.

After the army of General Lee recrossed the Potomac, the battery was ordered
to Fredericksburg, where it remained for a few days, and then rejoined the main
army at Culpepper Courthouse, and was assigned to the battalion commanded
by Major Beckham.