Question

“As they marched on down through an open field toward the rampart of blood and death, the Federal batteries began to open and mow down and gather into the garner of death, as brave, and good, and pure spirits as the world ever saw… "Forward, men," is repeated all along the line. A sheet of fire was poured into our very faces.” ~ Sam Watkins on the Battle of Franklin, Co. Aytch
What was Sam Watkins referring to when he said, “A sheet of fire was poured into our very faces.”?

A. The order to attack
B. The terrible weather
C. Smallpox spreading throughout the army
D. The amount of ammunition being fired at them

Answer 1

The correct answer is D. The amount of ammunition being fired at them

They were running towards enemy gunfire and he claims that it was like a sheet of fire because of the sheer amount of bullets. There was also bombardier fire from grenades and similar things like cannons. It was a terrible sight and he described it further and how they behaved in the book Co. Aytch that you mentioned in the question.