our cavalry had to retire. While this tragedy was being
enacted, the infantry on the right, left and centre were also playing
the role of death. Column after column were hurled against each other,
only to be repulsed. Our two corps first drove the enemy back and
occupied the ridge, and for awhile held this advantage, until the whole
rebel army, save a skirmish-line, was withdrawn from the right and
center, and concentrated on and against our right. It looked as though
the contest was now to be continued only on this part of the line.
Farlin was now in line on the left of Mausker. Many of the enemy's
troops were thrown in at this point who, not having been engaged,
were comparatively fresh. Their column was formed in two lines. On and
against our lines in quick succession they were thrown. Another great
slaughter then commenced and continued, line facing line in open field.
Gaps were made by falling men. The command on both sides could be heard,
'Close up!' Never did men stand more courageously amid slaughter and
death. Gen. Anderson rode to the line and along its full length,
sword in hand, with a large white plume in his hat, that his men might
recognize him. Artillery roared and musketry rattled as if they were the
hail and thunder from a hundred clouds. Groans and shrieks were heard.
The ground was strewn with the dead and dying. As the lines finally gave
way, the spot could be designated by rows of the dead. Our line was now
distended and no reserves. The rebels were again re-enforced, Their dash
and desperation broke our center, and Farlin fell back. Gen. Mausker now
fell, shot through the head. His corps became demoralized and fell back
in fragments. Gen. Anderson tried to rally the lines, but could not, and
was compelled to fall back to the rear, where the artillery was posted.
The situation at this time was most critical. The General in command was
desperate. To lose this battle was his disgrace, having more troops than
the enemy, as it would also probably in a measure seal the fate of his
whole army. He at once gave Broomfield an imperative order to cross the
run at the point of the bayonet, and to advance upon and assault the
enemy's position, being his extreme right. This was done in good style,
the enemy driven at the point of the bayonet from the crossing and from
his position on his right. The contest was now changed from the enemy's
left to his right. Troops were thrown in on his right quickly, and the
batt