Morris's men have never been under fire. They are new troops. They have heard the roar of battle through the morning, and now, as they advance across the fields, the Rebel batteries on the hills all around Rulet's house open upon them, gun after gun, battery after battery. The hillside grows white. A silver cloud floats down the ravine. They are so near that it infolds them. There are flashes, jets of smoke, iron bolts in the air above, also tearing up the ground or cutting through the ranks; they feel the breath of the shot, the puff of air in their faces, and hear the terrifying shriek. A comrade leaps into the air, spins round, or falls like a log to the ground. They behold a torn and mangled body. They saw not the shot which wounded him. It is a terrible experience, yet they bear the trial firmly. They drop upon the ground while the lines are forming, and the shells do them little damage. Hill has his front line in the ravine by Muma's. The Rebel soldiers have an excellent opportunity to fill their canteens from the cool water bubbling up from his spring-house. The sharpshooters are in Muma's chambers, firing from the windows at French's troops as they advance over the field east of the house. There is a graveyard east of the house, and the skirmishers lie behind the graves, their muskets resting upon the white headstones. French's division joins Sedgwick's; it faces southwest, while Richardson's faces west. French arrives while Sedgwick is having the great struggle in front of the church. Kirby's, Bartlett's, and Owen's batteries of Sedgwick's division are on the hillside east of Miller's field, raking the Rebel lines. [Illustration: FRENCH'S AND RICHARDSON'S ATTACK. The diagram shows the positions occupied by French and Richardson, also by Franklin's and Porter's corps. 1 French's Division in brigades. 2 Richardson's " " " 3 Richardson's batteries, with Sykes, of Porter's corps, in support. 4 Taft's and Weber's heavy batteries, and Porter's corps. 5 Slocum's and Smith's Divisions, Franklin's corps. 6 Sedgwick's. B Boonesboro' Bridge. H D. H. Hill. Hd Hood in reserve. L Longstreet. M Muma's house, and burial-ground. P Dr. Piper's. R Rulet's. Smith relieved French in the afternoon. The roads are narrow carriage-ways leading to the farm-houses.] The Rebels occupying Muma's house and barn annoy Sumner's artillerymen, who in turn aim their guns at the buildings. A shell bursts in the barn and sets it on fire. A black cloud rises. The flames burst forth. The Rebels, finding the place too hot for them, apply the torch to the house, and retreat to Rulet's orchard. The dark pillar of cloud, the bright flames beneath, the constant flashing of the artillery, and the hillsides alive with thousands of troops, their banners waving, their bayonets gleaming, is a scene of terrible grandeur.