Gen. Prince; two
divisions were in reserve, commanded by Gen. Waterberry. The Army of
the Center, under Gen. Buda, was within communicating distance, but
advancing very slowly, causing some fear that they would not get to
the field prior to the attack being made by the enemy, who was in great
force ready to be hurled against our comparatively small army at any
moment.

"The suspense must have been terrible for the time, but at last it was
over, for on the morning of the third day after Dick made his revelation
about the enemy's movements, our forces having become a little careless
on their front, the enemy were upon them without much warning. Just as
Gen. Sherwood was about to take his breakfast skirmishing commenced
not more than a mile from his camp, and nearer and nearer it seemed to
approach our lines. The 'long roll' was sounded and 'to arms' was the
cry all along the lines. The roads passing through the camp were leading
in almost every direction, affording the enemy ample opportunity for
unfolding their line all along our front by a very rapid movement, of
which they took advantage, and in rapid succession threw their divisions
in line of battle and moved with quick motion to the assault which was
made simultaneously along our front. From Peter's description it must
have come like a thunderbolt. They struck Sherwood's command on the
center and right flank and drove him from his first position back on
the reserves and a part of his command entirely from the field. So
thoroughly were they demoralized that they could not find time to return
to their places during that day. Sherwood tried to rally them, but
could not; so he joined his remnant to the first command he found, and
continued resistance to the impetuous assaults of the Confederates.

"The battle was now raging all along the line; our troops were in good
condition, and the ones that had won the victory at Dolinsburg were in
no wise discouraged. They came into action like veterans and stood the
first shock of the battle without the least movement to the rear or
panic. Our lines were again adjusted on the right, and one continuous
rattle of musketry from one end of the line to the other could be
heard. There was no chance for the operating of cavalry on either side.
Artillery was run up to the front by both armies. How the different arms
rattled and thundered. Batteries to the front, right and left rolled
amid confusion and death. Closer still the armies cam