ement on his right flank, and in that way
measurably destroy him. The troops being thus disposed they were
ordered to advance. The battle soon commenced by slight cavalry
skirmishing on our right. Our cavalry having met the cavalry of the
enemy, he, discovering our movements and positions, moved out to
meet us. The firing and cracking of carbines increased, until finally
musketry was distinguishable on the line fronting our cavalry. They soon
asked for support, which was sent, and the enemy driven back. At this
time skirmishing opened in several places on our infantry line, and
continued until our whole line was formed and advanced. The enemy having
advantage in position, did not advance to meet our forces, but held
themselves in readiness to receive any attack that our troops should
make upon them, Wall intending to save his men as much as possible, and
to hold out until the main rebel army should arrive. Finally an assault
was ordered all along the Une, and Wall was driven back to a deep
depression in the ground, behind which, on the rising slope beyond, he
reformed his line. Our forces pressed forward and assailed his left with
great energy. Wall gradually gave way and was being easily driven back,
when all at once a dash was made from the position to which they had
been forced. This onslaught was so vigorous and irresistible that our
forces had to give way and fall back to the main line. Gen. Rackett,
seeing this dash of the enemy, at once said:

"'These are fresh troops. They are re-enforcing from some other part of
the line.'

"This being communicated to the commanding General, he said they must
have weakened the center. In order to test this he ordered an assault to
be made at once upon their center. In this opinion he was correct. The
assault upon the enemy's center dislodged him and drove him in much
confusion back to another position. Our left then moved forward
rapidly with the same result, and the battle was going well and very
satisfactorily. Our right being then re-enforced, the enemy was driven
from his line at every point. Gen. Pike believing that he had the enemy
in a position where he could easily beat him, if his other forces would
come up promptly, sent to the rear to find Farlin, but he could not be
found. He said to one of his staff officers:

"'Does not this look as if I was betrayed?'

"The staff officer, now dead, replied:

"'General, this is what I have feared for some time. The movements