batteries promptly replied. Our cav airy were ordered to try and
penetrate to the rear of the enemy. Here was a contest between cavalry.
Carbines cracked and rattled almost like the heavy musketry of infantry.
Many a horse was seen going at full speed over the field riderless. Many
a cavalryman fell. At last a charge with sabers drawn was ordered. The
sight, as described to me, was one of grandeur to behold. On to the
charge they went, each saber flashing in the sunlight. Crash went saber
against saber. Sparks flew as if from heated steel. 'Forward?' was heard
on both sides. Flashes of sparks and ringing sounds from the steel as
saber came against saber. Arms were gashed, hands and faces were cut,
heads were cleft, and sabers pierced the bodies of the troopers on
either side.

[Illustration: Henry Lyon is Captured 135]

"Back went the rebel cavalry and on against them our men were thrown,
until infantry came to the enemy's support, accompanied by a battery
of artillery. A deadly fire from both was poured into the ranks of
our horsemen. Our lines staggered, then recovered again, but could not
withstand both the infantry and artillery. They were compelled to fall
back. Many were unhorsed and quite a number captured. Among them was my
son Henry, of the Michigan Cavalry. His horse was killed, and his own
back injured in the fall, so that he could not make good his escape.
(He was sent to the rear. I heard nothing from him for months--only
knew that he was taken prisoner.) But the command again rallied and held
their line on the flank of our infantry. The artillery on the left of
our line were having a regular duel with several batteries of the enemy.
Our center was being sorely pressed again. Column after column assaulted
and checked our advance. Gen. Pike was very anxious about his support,
and repeatedly sent to find Farlin, but the same report was made each
time, 'Not in sight; cannot be found.' At last a report came that Farlin
was some twenty miles away, and moving very leisurely.

"'My God!' exclaimed Gen. Pike, 'my army is sacrificed. These men will
not support me. The battle is to be lost, and perhaps all depends upon
the issue here to-day. To win this battle makes our success sure; to
lose it may be the loss of all.'

"He called an officer and said, 'Take this written order to Fitzgibbon.
He must attack at once.'

"Fitzgibbon was found beneath the shade of a broad oak. He had not fired
a gun; his men were pan