"A few more rounds, general!"
And turning to the men, he shouted:--
"Give them canister!"
At the word, the guns spouted flame, and the canister tore through the
line of skirmishers, and the Federal line of battle behind; but it did
not check them. They came on more rapidly, and the air was full of
balls.
"Look out for the guns, Breathed! Take them off!" exclaimed the
general.
Breathed turned toward one of the pieces, and ordered:--
"Limber to the rear!"
The order was quickly obeyed.
"Forward!"
The piece went off at a thundering gallop, pursued by bullets.
"Only a few more rounds, general!" pleaded Breathed; "I won't lose the
guns!"
"All right!"
As he spoke, the enemy rushed upon the single gun.
Breathed replied by hurling canister in their faces. He sat his horse,
unflinching. Never had I seen a more superb soldier.
The enemy were nearly at the muzzle of the piece.
"Surrender!" they were heard shouting; "surrender the gun!" Breathed's
response was a roar, which hurled back the front rank.
Then, his form towering amid the smoke, his eyes flashing, his drawn
sabre whirled above his head, Breathed shouted,--
"Limber up!"
The cannoneers seized the trail; the horses wheeled at a gallop; the
piece was limbered up; and the men rushed down the hill to mount their
horses, left there.
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