This remarkably spirited photograph of Battery D, Second U. S.
Artillery, was, according to the photographer's account, taken
just as the battery was loading to engage with the Confederates.
The order, "cannoneers to your posts," had just been given,
and the men, running up, called to the photographer to hurry
his wagon out of the way unless he wished to gain a place for his
name in the list of casualties. In June, 1863, the Sixth Corps had made its third successful crossing of the Rappahannock, as the advance of Hooker's movement against Lee. Battery D at once took position with other artillery out in the fields near the
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ruins of the Mansfield house. In the rar of the battery the veteran Vermont brigade was acting as support. To their rear
was the bank of the river skirted by trees. The grove of white poplars to the right surrounded the Mansfield. With characteristic coolness, some of the troops had already pitched their dog tents. Better protection was soon afforded by the strong line of earthworks which was thrown up and occupied by the Sixth Corps. Battery D was present at the first battle of Bull Run, where the Confederates there engaged got a taste of its metal on the Federal left.
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