and moving in the
direction of Gate City. McFadden had reached De Kalb and there connected
with Scovens, who had extended near to the Howland House. Papson was not
so far advanced, leaving quite a distance between him and Scovens.

"As Papson lay at Crab Apple Run, the men carelessly taking their rest
in fancied security, they were furiously attacked by Head's Corps. At
first our men were scattered in confusion, but were soon in line
again, and the battle raged with great fury. After some two hours' hard
fighting the enemy fell back and again occupied their breast-works.
The losses on both sides were heavy for the length of time they were
engaged.

"On the same afternoon Gen. Legg's division had a very sharp contest for
a high hill in an open field to the left and south of the railroad from
the east to Gate City. Legg secured this hill, which overlooked the city
and was the key to the situation on the east side.

"On the 22d a great battle was fought over this ground by McFadden's
army, which was severe and bloody, lasting well into the night.
Thousands were slain on both sides. The field almost ran with blood.
Gen. McFadden fell early in the day, and the command then devolved upon
another. The battle was a success to the Union troops. It was a great
victory. Many prisoners and a great quantity of munitions of war fell
into the hands of our troops. Gen. Sherwood for some reason remained at
the Howland House during this battle, with Scovens, whose forces were
not engaged. This battle cannot be properly described in this narrative,
nor will I attempt it.

"On the 28th another great battle was fought by the same gallant army as
on the 22d, without assistance, at a place called Ezra's House, on the
extreme right of our lines. Having been ordered to move round to the
rear of Scovens and Papson, after the 22d, they struck the enemy. During
this engagement the enemy made as many as seven different assaults upon
our line, but were repulsed with great loss each time. Night closed in
and ended the contest. The next morning the dead of the enemy lay in
front of our lines in rows and in piles. The enemy having retreated
during the night, our troops buried their dead, which numbered hundreds.
One of their Color-Sergeants, of a Louisiana regiment, was killed, and
his flag taken by a boy of an Ohio regiment within twenty feet of our
lines.

"Skirmishing and fighting continued around and about Gate City for
nearly a month, durin