All told us the same, but encouraged us to press forward, as we “might get there in time yet.” As we drew nearer the field, the enemy were made aware of our approach by the clouds of dust we raised, and several pieces of artillery were trained upon us. The scene that presented itself as we emerged from a strip of pines was frightful indeed, and in no way calculated to encourage us to advance farther. Wagons in great numbers were coming to the rear at headlong speed, and demoralized fugitives by hundreds from the battle-field were rushing frantically by, crying out, “All is lost, all is lost; go back, or you’ll be cut to pieces; the army is in full retreat,” etc. And indeed so it seemed; for presently we met a whole regiment coming off, and, upon making inquiry for the cause, we were coolly told that “They had got somewhat _tangled_ in the fight; and as we were whipped and retreating, they didn’t think it worth while to stay any longer.” But amid prospects so discouraging, the command from our gallant general was ever “Forward, forward, my brave men! pay no attention to those miserable cowards and skulkers.” The First Maryland had the right of the line, at the head of which was riding General Kirby Smith. We were still marching by the flank, when, just as the column entered a strip of woods, it was fired upon by about a dozen of the 14th Brooklyn Zouaves; and the general fell from his horse shot through the neck, and it was feared at the time fatally wounded. Corporal John Berryman, of Company C, First Maryland, fell at the fire also, with a dreadful wound through the groin. The regiment, as did the brigade, formed line of battle instinctively, and, not knowing what might be the enemy’s force, prepared for an attack. The command now devolved upon Colonel Elzey, the senior officer, who, after waiting some minutes, and the enemy not appearing, moved the brigade obliquely through the woods to the left and front, and as we approached its edge the Federal line of battle appeared in view, which, as they perceived us, poured into our ranks a terrific volley of musketry, that took effect upon several of the men of the brigade. Private John Swisher, of Company A, First Maryland, fell from a musket ball in the head, and died soon after, being the first man from Maryland killed in actual battle. Colonel Elzey immediately prepared to attack. Holding the Thirteenth Virginia in reserve, he formed the First Maryland, Tenth Virginia, and Third Tennessee, and under cover of a hot fire from the Newtown battery of light artillery, ordered a “charge!”