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Brigade. As it was, no harm had been done other than the disquietude growing
from the few shells our battery had landed in their midst.

The march was then resumed, and it was not long before heavy firing off on
the right and front told Jackson that a great battle was in progress, and that he
for the first time was late in getting into the position assigned him. But that was
the fault of the ignorant guides he was compelled to depend upon, and many
miles were needlessly marched through the dense pines which surrounded him.

But finally the enemy under Fitz John Porter was encountered in force north
of the Chickahominy, when Jackson attacked him with great fury. For hours the
fearful struggle continued, and still Jackson had made no impression upon the
strong position held by the enemy. Some of his finest brigades had been sent
forward only to be hurled back shattered and beaten.

During this time the little First Maryland, being attached to no brigade, had
been kept in the rear and ordered to support the batteries. But this kind of
work did not suit Colonel Johnson or his men, who had been chafing for two
hours to move forward.

In the meanwhile the gallant George Kyle, of Baltimore, joined the regiment
in citizen's dress, having ridden from Richmond to participate in the battle. He
had with him a large batch of letters for members of the regiment from loved
ones at home. Bidding his men to read their letters as hastily as possible,
Colonel Johnson prepared to move forward.

Inclining to the left the regiment marched in line of battle with beautiful
precision. It was, indeed, an inspiring sight to see this little line move all alone
over that storm-swept field. Presently Lawton's fine brigade of Georgians
were overtaken, moving in the same direction. The fire became too hot, and they
were ordered to lie down, and as Colonel Johnson marched his regiment over the
prostrate Georgians they broke into hearty cheers. On they pressed in the most
perfect order. Coming to a ridge that gave his men shelter, Colonel Johnson
halted them in order to rest them for the final struggle, which was to be for the
possession of a battery in his front. It was a most desperate undertaking, and
would have resulted in disaster had not matters turned out differently, for, as
after events proved, Colonel Johnson had mistaken the strength of the enemy.

"Forward!" was the command, and the column resumed its steady advance.
But a short distance had been traversed before fragments of regiments were
encountered going to the rear in great confusion. The men of the First Maryland
became unsteady for the first time as these fugitives crowded upon them and
almost swept them off their feet. They began to tread upon each other's heels and
the alignment was broken. Then was witnessed one of the most remarkable sights
ever seen upon a battle-field, and proved the value of discipline.

"Halt!" cried out the gallant Johnson. "On the colors, dress!" The