ear,
arrived. It was immediately ordered into an open field near
where the cavalry were reorganizing, there to be turned
round and carried farther toward the rear. The pressure on
the right of the line was now becoming very great and
General Grierson was directed to send a portion of his
cavalry to that point. At this time I received a message
from Colonel Hodge that he was satisfied that the movement
on the right was a feint and that the real attack was being
made on the left. Another section of artillery was now
placed in position a little to the rear of Colonel Wilkins,
but bearing on the left of our main line, and a portion of
the cavalry was thrown out as skirmishers. The cavalry which
had been sent to the extreme right began now to give way,
and at the same time the enemy began to appear in force in
rear of the extreme left, while Colonel McMillen required
re-enforcements in the centre. _I now endeavored to get hold
of the colored brigade which formed the guard to the train.
While traversing the short distance to where the head of
that brigade should be found, the main line began to give
way at various points; order soon gave way to confusion and
confusion to panic. I sent an aid to Col. McMillen informing
him that I was unable to render him any additional
assistance, and that he must do all in his power with what
he had to hold his position until I could form a line to
protect his retreat. On reaching the head of the supply
train, Lieut.-Colonel Hess was directed to place in position
in a wood the first regiment of colored troops I could find.
This was done, and it is due to those troops to say here
that they stood their ground well and rendered valuable aid
to Colonel McMillen_, who was soon after compelled to
withdraw from his original line and take up new positions in
rear. It was now 5 o'clock P. M. For seven hours, these
gallant officers and men had held their ground against
overwhelming numbers, but at last overpowered and exhausted
they were compelled to abandon not only the field, but many
of their gallant comrades who had fallen to the mercy of the
enemy. Everywhere the army now drifted toward the rear and
was soon altogether beyond control. I requested General
Grierson to accompany me and to aid in checking th