I almost forgot to mention another pressing problem facing the 118th Pennsylvania. Not only were the rookies coming up against seasoned veterans, but also there were a whole lot more of them. In addition, a problem with their weapons developed. Half the Enfields issued to the regiment probed to be defective. Their mainsprings caused the hammers to strike too weakly to pop the percussion caps.
Some men, dazed by their first elephant, were not even aware that their rifles weren't firing. They kept ramming cartridge after cartridge into the barrel. As some gave up their useless weapons and tossed them away, others pounded on the hammers with rocks to force them to fire. Officers searched desperately for rifles dropped by the dead or wounded, hoping to find some that would work.
So, the 118th was in a real desperate situation.
Some of them fell over the bluffs and were hurt. Others took cover in the old limekilns near the cement factory. There, they not only had to dodge fire from the Rebels, but also the Union guns from across the river. The gunners there were cutting the fuses too short and their shells were exploding among friendly soldiers.
Lt. Donaldson believed he saw one Union shell killing 12 or 15 of his own soldiers. He also said he'd seen several of his men rush with a white flag to Rebel lines to surrender.
Friendly Fire-- Old Secesh
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