ranks, advancing at every discharge, and loading as they came. Our
artillery was mixed up and the portion of it that could be got into
position was operated in vain. The two forces came together and fought
hand to hand amid a musketry fire that struck friend and foe alike. Gen.
John's brigade held their ground manfully, but could not long withstand
the impetuosity of the attack and the superiority of numbers. Their line
broke in several places, and the batteries, deprived of horses, fell
into the hands of the enemy. Gen. Willis's brigade was totally routed
and he made a prisoner. Kirkham's brigade was broken to pieces and
routed. The first assault did not last long, but was extremely damaging
to our forces. Thus attacked, our lines were falling back in the
direction of Overman's Creek, when Lawting's rebel cavalry fell upon
their flank, capturing many prisoners, guns, and much camp equipage.
Polkhorn now assaulted Gen. Davies' division with two fresh divisions.
Davies repulsed the first assault, but was struck in flank by Clayber,
which forced him back. Potter's brigade was by Clayber entirely
dispersed. By this time our right flank had been broken and driven back
on Hospital Hill, and finally from there.

"The rebel cavalry then came charging down, capturing many prisoners.
Our wagon trains, ammunition and rations were only saved by the action
of one regiment of our cavalry charging the rebel flank and forcing them
back. News reached Rosenfelt that his right was completely routed. He at
once countermanded his order to attack with his left, and moved to the
right in order to save a great disaster and perhaps his army.

"In the meantime Biggs was preparing to attack the center, and on came
one of his divisions in double column and struck the troops of a general
who was in waiting to receive them (Gen. Sherlin). The attack was quick
and terrible, but they were rolled back, attacked in turn, and the rebel
loss in one brigade was one-third of its force. Gen. Sull, one of our
brave officers, here lost his life while leading a charge. Rosenfelt and
Gen. Papson now commenced forming a new line, which had to be done under
a heavy fire, as the battle had extended down to and on the center.
Sherlin had fallen back to form on the new line. Rosen felt had become
excited, and was riding over the field with his hat off, ordering
everything he came to--batteries, regiments and companies. Papson, who
was always cool and calm in battl