286

For two weeks everything remained quiet, and well it was, for human endur-
ance had been taxed to the utmost limit in the severe campaign of the summer,
and required rest and repose.

On the loth of September Meade became restive, and General Lee moved
forward to give him battle if he desired it. Beckham was ordered to advance and
take position with his artillery near Muddy Creek. In a short time the enemy
appeared in force, arid a sharp artillery fight ensued. The enemy then threw
forward his infantry, and compelled Beckham and his supports to fall back to the
vicinity of Culpepper Courthouse. The artillery was here ordered to take a position
and " hold it." The fighting soon became fierce, and the Baltimore Light Artillery
was exposed to the severest part of it, but they gallantly held their ground for some
time, despite the fire of six pieces that were playing upon their three. But this
could not last long, for all support had been withdrawn, and the enemy's dis-
mounted men were advancing in heavy force. It seemed scarcely possible to save
the battery, but the brave fellows had been in such scrapes before, and they deter-
mined to hold on to their pieces as long as there was a hope. Retiring through the
town, they had nearly accomplished their purpose of escaping, when a body of the
enemy charged up a cross street and captured the rear gun, with Lieutenant John
McNulty and nine men attached to it. The remaining guns were safely taken
off the field.

The next morning the enemy made their appearance in considerable force, and
the battery was enabled to repay them for the rough treatment received the day
preceding, for as a body of cavalry were engaged in drill, entirely ignorant of the
close proximity of the Baltimore battery, it opened upon them with deadly effect
at very close range.

After the affair at Mine Run, which soon followed that at Culpepper Court-
house, the battery was detached from the main army, and temporarily assigned to
duty with General Young's Brigade of cavalry. On the 9th of October that General
crossed the Rapidan, and advanced by way of Madison Courthouse. His progress
was slow, as the march was by circuitous and concealed side roads in order to avoid
the observations of the enemy. On the loth Young met the advance of the enemy
at James City, without an intimation of his approach, and their bands were regaling
the citizens with patriotic airs, when a shot from Sergeant Harry Marston's gun,
of the Baltimore Light Artillery, plunged into their midst, and abruptly terminated
the musical entertainment for that evening at least. In a short time a battery was
brought up. and a severe artillery fight ensued. Soon another made its appearance
and opened an enfilading fire upon Griffin, but, notwithstanding, he stubbornly
held his position. Whilst this was going on a large force of the enemy's skir-
mishers attacked the Confederate flank, and threw the cavalry into some confusion
by their unexpected onset from this quarter. Griffin at the instant wheeled his