they were moving along our line.
He checked their advance, and, being re-enforced, drove Gad-den's
Corps back, recaptured the fort and all our abandoned lines, with 2,000
prisoners. Meador arrived on the field and at once ordered Wight and
Hume to advance on Parker's left, which was promptly done, and that part
of the enemy's picket-line was taken, with many prisoners; so that the
temporary success of the enemy proved very expensive to him in the
end. This was the only unprovoked assault that Laws had made since the
campaign of the Summer before.

"On the night after this assault Gen. Meador, General Orden and several
other Generals were at Gen. Silent's headquarters, discussing the
contemplated movement to be commenced on the 29th. The President had
also been down to see Silent, and agreed in every particular to his
programme. Gen. Tom Anderson was also present, having been ordered to
Sentinel Point for assignment to duty. He was introduced by Gen. Silent
as an able and brave officer. Gen. Orden said to Gen. Silent that he
would be pleased to have him assigned to his command; to which Silent
answered that he would speak to Anderson.

"When the movement was understood, preliminary thereto Gen. Orden was
directed to move the next day to the extreme left, in connection with
and in support of the cavalry under Sherlin, designed to prevent Laws
from finally retreating in that direction, as was thought he might
attempt, in order to make a junction with Jones and fight Sherwood's
forces instead of Silent. This was not desired, as the General
commanding wished the army that had always confronted Laws to have the
honor of the capture of him and his army.

"When all had left for their respective headquarters, Gen. Silent spoke
to Gen. Anderson of Gen. Orden's request.

"Anderson replied: 'General, assign me anywhere; I will try to do my
duty wherever I may be placed.'

"Gen. Silent then wrote the order and handed it to him, saying: 'You
will proceed to join Gen. Orden in the morning; he will move to the left
during the day.' Silent said that he would give him a larger command
in a few days, but could not do so then, as they were on the eve of the
movement in contemplation.

"Gen. Anderson expressed entire satisfaction, and directed Lieut.
Whitcomb, who was with him, to have preparations made for starting at
daylight the next morning.

"During the evening, they being entirely alone, General Silent said:
'Gen. Anderson, d