The Thirtieth Georgia was ordered to get over the breast-
works, form line of battle and march fibout 500 yards across
a large open field in close range ^nd . in plain ' view of the
enemy's sharpshooters, who were at the edge of a thick
woods on the opposite side of the field. The line of battle
moved to the attack in splendid order and perfect alignment,
preceded by Company E, deployed as skirmishers, about
seventy-five yards in advance, with orders to withhold their
fire unless the enemy made strong resistance, and in case
they did so, to fire and fall, so the main line could charge
over them. Our skirmish line had not proceeded more
than one-third the distance across the field when they were
greeted with heavy volleys from the enemy's line, which
wounded several of our men. Our skirmishers returned the
fire and dropped to the ground, and the regiment raised the
rebel yell and rushed forward at double quick, driving back
the enemy to their original position and re-established our
picket line, which was held until we were relieved by other
troops.
The conduct of the regiment on this occasion was in
full view of Gen. W. H. T. Walker, who was enthusiastic



32 History of The

in his praise of the men and officers of the regiment, highly
complimenting them in a general order which he issued for
the fearless manner in which they charged, and put to rout
a superior force of the enemy, who had gained an import-
ant position in front of our entrenchments.
