Harvard memorial biographies ...

William lames Temple.

339

marches, many who were in like positions will remember
Temple. They will recall his handsome figure, the beauty
of his head and face, his light step, his clear, ringing voice.
Many will remember the knot of officers that would group
together when the division was massed in some field for
rest, and they will not forget Temple's ready wit, his animated conversation, his cheerful smile. His commanding
officer will recollect that he was always prompt, that his men
marched well and rarely straggled. Those more intimate
with him will remember him at night when the camp was
reached. They will remember the precautions he would take
that he might not become foot-sore, or break down on the
next day's march. They will smile as they recall the satisfaction and contentment with which he would drink great
quantities of tea, to him an all-restorer. They will remember
him at the scanty bivouac fire, as after the evening meal,
frugal or bounteous as the case might be, the last pipes were
smoked. He never seemed wearied nor desponding, whatever
had been the fatigue or fortune of the day.
In this campaign Temple saw his first battle, - the second
Bull Run. His first experience was to lie all day exposed
to a heavy artillery fire, with nothing to do but keep his
men quiet and give directions to carry the killed and wounded
to the rear. Just at dusk, however, he learned what a battle
really is. The day had gone against us, and our forces were
in full retreat, when the division to which he belonged was
moved to hold the road upon which the artillery must be
withdrawn. Could the enemy be checked half an hour, we
might fall back to the heights of Centreville under cover of
night. Hardly was the division in position when the attack
came. The fight took place in a belt of woods. For three
or four minutes the fire was terrific, but the Rebels were
at a disadvantage, their opponents having cover, while they
made the attack. In the smoke and darkness now rapidly
coming on, it was difficult to see what had been the effect
of our fire. Here Temple gave evidence of great prudence
and coolness. While the average number of cartridges spent