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then, that with such officers and such men the Baltimore Light Artillery should
soon become a household word in the Army of Northern Virginia ?

During the winter of 1861 and 1862 the battery remained quietly in camp at
Manassas, and when the army of General Joseph E. Johnston fell back from that
place in March, they were ordered to remain with General Evvell upon the banks
of the Rappahannock.

Here about the first of April the enemy for the first time heard the bellowing
of their loud-mouthed Blakeleys, which were destined to carry death and destruc-
tion into their ranks upon more than one bloody field.

It was a lovely afternoon, and fresh in my memory, that the enemy were
observed advancing in force towards the river. Their approach had been long
expected, and preparations made to receive them. The Baltimore Light Artillery
was posted on the extreme right of General Elzey's Brigade, and supported by the
First Maryland Infantry. As the dense masses of the enemy came within range,
Brockenborough opened with such accuracy of aim as to attract the attention of
Elzey, who upon the spot predicted for them a glorious future. For an hour or
two the light was sharp and severe, and most of the enemy's artillery fire concen-
trated upon the Maryland battery; but they stood their ground and fought their
pieces like veterans of an hundred battles. Late in the evening the enemy retired.

Once or twice after, they advanced in small force towards the river, but Brock-
enborough was ever ready to receive them, and a shell or two sufficed to drive
them back.

On the 19th of April, 1862, the division of General Ewell broke camp, and
began the wretched march to Gordonsville, and of which I have spoken in the First
Maryland. For three days the rain poured in torrents, making the roads almost
impassable, and for three days the officers and men of the Baltimore battery toiled
through the mud, into which the wheels sank to the hubs, and at length reached
Gordonsville.

After a halt here of three or four days, the division of General Ewell marched
to join Jackson at Swift Run Gap.

After the return of that General from McDowell, the whole army advanced
upon Kenly's forces at Front Royal, and in the sharp fight which ensued the battery
took a prominent part.

Early on the 25th of May, Jackson's army stood in battle array before Win-
chester, and the engagement soon began. The Baltimore Light Artillery was
stationed on the right, and throughout the fight played with much effect upon
the enemy's columns. A few days after, at Bolivar Heights, they were engaged
for some hours, and finally drove the Federal infantry and artillery from their
strong position.

In Jackson's memorable retreat down the Valley from the overwhelming forces