night, and, knowing me to be in rear, halted and
formed line to await me. His men were fed and rested, and he insisted on
taking my place in the rear. Passing through Winder's line, we moved
slowly, with frequent halts, so as to remain near, the enemy pressing
hard during the morning. The day was uncommonly hot, the sun like fire,
and water scarce along the road; and our men suffered greatly.

Just after midday my brisk young aide, Hamilton, whom I had left with
Winder to bring early intelligence, came to report that officer in
trouble and want of assistance. My men were so jaded as to make me
unwilling to retrace ground if it could be avoided; so they were ordered
to form line on the crest of the slope at hand, and I went to Winder, a
mile to the rear. His brigade, renowned as the "Stonewall," was deployed
on both sides of the pike, on which he had four guns. Large masses of
cavalry, with guns and some sharp-shooters, were pressing him closely,
while far to the north clouds of dust marked the approach of troops. His
line was on one of the many swells crossing the pike at right angles,
and a gentle slope led to the next crest south, beyond which my brigade
was forming. The problem was to retire without giving the enemy, eager
and persistent, an opportunity to charge. The situation looked so blue
that I offered to move back my command; but Winder thought he could pull
through, and splendidly did he accomplish it. Regiment by regiment, gun
by gun, the brigade was withdrawn, always checking the enemy, though
boldly led. Winder, cool as a professor playing the new German game,
directed every movement in person, and the men were worthy of him and of
their first commander, Jackson. It was very close work in the vale
before he reached the next crest, and heavy volleys were necessary to
stay our plucky foes; but, once there, my command showed so strong as to
impress the enemy, who halted to reconnoiter, and the two brigades were
united without further trouble.

The position was good, my battery was at hand, and our men were so
fatigued that we debated whether it was not more comfortable to fight
than retreat. We could hold the ground for hours against cavalry, and
night would probably come before infantry got up, while retreat was
certain to bring the cavalry on us. At this juncture up came General
Turner Ashby, followed by a considerable force of horse, with guns. This
officer had been engaged in destroying bridges in Luray Va