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A.P.  Hill’s division went into bivouac some five miles south of Shepherdstown.

On the morning of the 20th the warning rumble of the long roll called us once again to action.  We were marched rapidly back to the Potomac.  Firing could be heard in front, and wounded men could be seen here and there.  Men said that in the night McClellan had thrown a force to the south side of the river, and had surprised and taken some of our artillery.  As we drew near the river, we could see the smoke of cannon in action spouting from the farther side, and from our side came the crackling of musketry fire.

The division was formed for battle; we were to advance in two lines of three brigades each, General Gregg in command of the first line.  Orr’s Rifle regiment was thrown forward as skirmishers and advanced to the river bank.  The division moved behind the skirmishers.  The ground was open.  We marched down a slope covered with corn in part, and reached a bare and undulating field that stretched to the trees bordering the river.  As soon as the division had passed the corn, the Federal batteries north of the Potomac began to work upon our ranks.  The first shots flew a little above us.  We were marching at a quick time, keeping well the alignment.  The next shots struck the ground in front of us and exploded—­with what effect I could not see.  And now the enemy had our range and made use of the time.  Before us, about three hundred yards, was a depression of the ground, with a low ascending hill beyond.  Shells burst over us, beyond us, in front of us, amongst us, as we marched on at quick time.  We reached the hollow and were ordered to lie down.  The sun was oppressive.  The troops had scant room in the hollow; they hugged the earth thick.  Shells would burst at the crown of the low hill ten steps in front and throw iron everywhere.  The aim of the Federal gunners was horribly true.

We were cramped with lying long in one position; no water.  Behind us came a brigade down the slope—­flags flying, shells bursting in the ranks.  Down the hill that we had come they now were coming in their turn, losing men at every step.  The shells flew far above us to strike this new and exposed line.  Behind us came the brigade; right against Company H came the centre of a regiment.  The red flag was marching straight.  The regiment reached our hollow; there was no room; it flanked to the left by fours; a shell struck the colour-group; the flag leaped in the air and fell amongst four dead men.  A little pause, and the flag was again alive, and the regiment had passed to the left, seeking room.

For hours we lay under the hot sun and the hotter fire.  The fight had long since ended, but we were held fast by the Federal batteries.  To rise and march out would be to lose many men uselessly.