History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, by Samuel P. Bates.

6 FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 1862
flanking the approach to the bridge at either end. The valley in winch the
stream runs is quite narrow, the steep slope on the right bank approaching to
the water's edge. In this slope the road-way is scarped, running both ways
from the bridge and passing to the higher land above by ascending through
ravines, above and below, the upper ravine being some six hundred yards above
the bridge, the town about half that distance below. On the hill side immediately above the bridge was a strong stone fence running parallel to the stream;
the turns of the road-way were covered by rifle-pits and breastworks made of
rails and stone, all of which defences, as well as the woods which covered the
slope, were filled with the enemy's infantry and sharp-shooters. Besides the
infantry defences, batteries were placed to enfilade the bridge and all its approaches."* Against this position, strong by nature. rendered doubly strong
by art, the Eleventh Connecticut and Crook's Brigade, supported by Sturgis'
Division, were ordered to the assault. As this force advanced up the open
valley, by the road which leads along the river bank to the bridge, it was exposed to so warm a fire from the opposite heights, alive with the enemy, that
it was forced to halt and reply. Sturgis' troops reached the head of the bridge,
and the Second Maryland and the Sixth New Hampshire charged at double
quick with fixed bayonets; but the concentrated fire of the enemy upon it,
forced them to fall back. After repeated efforts these regiments were withdrawn. Burnside, nettled at the failure of this attempt, and the consequent
delay of his columns, and knowing full well in whom he could trust, ordered
forward the Fifty-first. General Ferrero dashing up to the regiment said,
"'General Burnside orders the Fifty-first Pennsylvania to storm the bridge."
Iartranft, avoiding the road by the river bank, led his men in rear of the heights
overlooking the river, until he arrived opposite the bridge, when he moved boldly
down the slope for the crossing. The instant his men came into the open ground
in the valley they received a withering fire from the enemy's well posted infantry,
and many fell. A fence skirting the road proved a serious impediment, and in
crossing it, the men were particularly exposed. Here fell Captains Bolton and
Hart, severely wounded, a serious loss at this juncture. Unheeding the enemy's bullets or the obstructions by the way, the column moved forward with a
determined front, and made straight for the bridge. As they entered, a storm
of missiles swept it, but no danger could stay that tide of living valor. Hartranft, who led the way, paused in the midst, and was hastening on the rear
of his column, when he was joined by Colonel Potter, with the gallant Fiftyfirst New York. With a shout that rang out above the noise of battle, the two
colums rushed forward, and were soon firmly established on the thither bank.
The bridge was carried!
A regiment was quickly advanced, and took position on the heights commanding the bridge and its approaches, driving out the enemy and rendering
the crossing for infantry secure. The whole corps now advanced rapidly, took
position on the heights above the bridge, and immediately advanced to the attack. The Fifty-first was posted on the second range of hills overlooking the
creek, some distance below the bridge. Here it was soon hotly engaged with
the enemy under cover of a stone wall, and in a cornfield on its left. Its ammunition was soon exhausted, and a fresh supply failing to arrive as ordered,
the men held their position with the bayonet until relief came. But all this
*General Cox's Oqiccial Report-Moore's Rebellion Record. Docs. Vol. 5, p. 454-5.