where we arrived December 2, and at once began preparations for the conflict of the 13th—as
Burnside's army was already strung along the
Rappahannock river and beyond.
The hills near
Hamilton's Crossing were soon crowned with artillery, and the guns of the
Crenshaw Battery were not the least conspicuous.
When the enemy advanced and opened fire the battery was soon enveloped in a storm of shot and shell, as well as subjected to a galling fire of infantry, but right well did the men acquit themselves, although they had to mourn the death of many brave men and one gallant officer,
Lieutenant James Ellett, who fell early in the action.
No officer of the company was more beloved than he, and none more deserved the affection of the men.
After
Burnside's bloody repulse, came a lull for three or four months, and we amused ourselves in winter quarters until the roads dried up and the spring campaign opened.
In the latter part of April we were again upon the march, and came up with the enemy on the 1st of May at
