I could never shut my eyes on a scene like this, and, late as it grows, there will yet be a battle to-day.

Weren't some orders sent along the line a little while ago ?" "Yes, the older men took 'em.

What time is it, George ?" "Four o'clock." Then he closed his watch with a snap, and added: "The battle has begun." The heavy report of a cannon came from the Southern right under Longstreet.

It sped up the valleys and returned in sinister echoes.
It was succeeded by silence for a moment, and then the whole earth shook beneath a mighty shock.

All the batteries along the Southern line opened, pouring a tremendous volume of fire upon the whole Northern position.
The young officers leaped to their feet.