ear company" in the
same voice, which I took to be that of Col. Booker. At this time there
was a company of the Thirteenth which formed the rear company of the
reserve, the rest of the reserve being composed of the Queen's Own. When
the order to deploy was given a heavy volley struck the column, and I
heard a sound which I took to be that of men falling. The column swayed
backwards, as I supposed, from the effects of the fire. The column broke
immediately and commenced a retreat down the road. The main body of the
Thirteenth were at this time in the field, and firing was going on more
to the right. I went down the road with the retreat and felt a heavy
fire from a wood on the left as we retired. I saw several of the enemy
jumping a fence, as if they were intending to pursue the retreating
column. I fired at them, and several others of our men also fired at
them. After I had loaded my rifle I returned from the direction in which
we had just come and met Col. Booker with the Thirteenth following the
Queen's Own, or the retreating column. The Thirteenth were in a confused
mass, and I heard several officers say to Col. Booker. "Let us stop
them," or words to that effect, and prevent a rout. Col. Booker then
said he would go on to the front and stop the men of the retreating
column, and then ran out "at the double" and got in front of nearly all
of the Thirteenth. He then faced about and, flashing his sword about,
said. "For God's sake, men, don't make cowards of yourselves." I had
followed him in search of the doctor, and so had the opportunity of
witnessing this on the part of Col. Booker. I do not know the names
of the officers who said to Col. Booker, "Let us try and stop them and
prevent a rout." The men seemed to pay no attention to Col. Booker's
entreaties for them to stop, but continued the retreat. A man of No. 1
Company, of the Thirteenth, who was shot through the thigh, demanded my
attention, and I went to him. Dr. Ryall was with him attending to him.
We got him on a waggon and took him down the road to Ridgeway. While
going with this man I heard several officers (Col. Booker of the number)
urging the men to stop and take to the woods, as there was good cover
there. I think that Adjutant Henery was one of the officers who urged
the men to do this. At this time I saw a number of the York Rifles
obeying the order to take to the woods. They cried out, "Hurrah for old
York! Let us take to the woods and we will give them