of
the enemy look as though they were only fighting for time. You see
how easily they are forced back--in numbers engaged more than equal to
ours.'

"'What of Fitzgibbon on the left? I have not heard a gun in that
direction.'

"'Nor will you,' replied the officer.

"'But he has orders to attack at once. He must attack very soon, I am
sure. How can he see and hear a battle like this without engaging?'

"The officer made no reply. The General thought he would ascertain, and
ordered his staff officer to proceed to the line of Gen. Lyon, and ask
him to feel out from his left for Fitzgibbon, and to open communication
with him. This order being executed, Gen. Lyon reported that he could
not find any force to his left, but at the same time reported that there
was much noise and dust in his front on the main road, and he feared
re-enforcements for the enemy.

"Just then Gen. Mcintosh reported with his command, which had been
marching from Fitzgibbon's rear for some time in order to reach the
battlefield. As soon as he had reported Gen. Pike directed that, as soon
as his command could rest, so as to be in condition to move forward,
he desired him to move up in support of Gen. Lyon; as he feared
re-enforcements were moving to his (Lyon's) front.

"Just about this, time Fitzgibbon had discovered much dust rising in the
direction of the south. He called the attention of some of his officers
to it, and proposed a retreat. But his command did not think a retreat
without losing a man or testing the enemy would look quite soldierly,
and the retreat was abandoned for the present; but in a few moments an
immense flock of wild pigeons (having been by some means disturbed,)
came down like a great cloud, and the roaring sound they produced in
their flight so startled Gen. Fitzgibbon that he thought a large corps
of cavalry were charging upon him. Thereupon he immediately ordered his
men under cover and to prepare for retiring, at the same time announcing
that our forces were evidently beaten. Gen. Mcintosh moved forward and
at once engaged the enemy, and the battle became general.

"The enemy, then evidently being re-enforced, made several desperate but
unsuccessful assaults upon our center; but soon fresh troops were thrown
in its support, and our lost ground regained. Our right at this time
pressed forward, and at once were hotly engaged. Our artillery now
opened from the different positions occupied by our batteries. The
enemy's