double quick, took his column past the barns and buildings toward
an orchard on the hither side, hoping that he could get them back
before they were cut off, for they were faced by ten times their
number. By going through the orchard he expected to be able to
take advantage of a hollow, and partially escape the destructive
flank fire on his return.

To hope to keep the barns from which they had driven the
sharpshooters was vain, for the single Maine regiment found
itself opposed to portions of no less than four Confederate
brigades, at least a dozen regiments all told. When the men got
to the orchard fence, Sergeant Benson wrenched apart the tall
pickets to let through Hyde's horse. While he was doing this, a
shot struck his haversack, and the men all laughed at the sight
of the flying hardtack.

Going into the orchard there was a rise of ground, and the
Confederates fired several volleys at the Maine men, and then
charged them. Hyde's horse was twice wounded, but was still able
to go on.

No sooner were the men in blue beyond the fence than they got
into line and met the Confederates, as they came crowding behind,
with a slaughtering fire, and then charged, driving them back.
The color corporal was still carrying the colors, though one of
his arms had been broken; but when half way through the orchard,
Hyde heard him call out as he fell, and turned back to save the
colors, if possible.

The apple-trees were short and thick, and he could not see much,