The 33d Massachusetts also opened a most effective oblique fire.

The batteries were penetrated but would not surrender.

Dearer than life itself to the cannoneer is the gun he serves, and these brave men fought hand to hand with handspikes, rammers, staves, and even stones.

They shouted, _"Death on the soil of our native State rather than lose our guns."_ Hancock, all this time should have been kept busy on his own front repelling an attack from Rodes and Pender, but as they did not come forward, and as he felt that there was great danger that Howard would lose Cemetery Hill and his own right be turned, he sent Carroll's brigade to the rescue.

Carroll was joined by the 106th Pennsylvania and some reinforcements from Schurz's division.