d recommend these lines of retreat, but if he did
the suggestion was not favorably considered. At daybreak on the
14th of June I received a written order to take the 110th Ohio
Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel W. N. Foster, one company
of the 116th Ohio Infantry, commanded by Captain Arkenoe, and L
Company of the 5th Regular Battery, six guns, commanded by Lieutenant
Wallace F. Randolph, and occupy an open, isolated earthwork located
three fourths of a mile west of the fortifications on the heights
between the Romney and Pughtown roads, but in sight of the main
works. The earthwork was barely sufficient for one regiment. The
troops assigned me were soon in position, and quiet reigned in my
front. The enemy appeared to be inactive. Milroy advised me that
the Pughtown and Romney roads were picketed and patrolled by cavalry,
and I was not, therefore, charged with the duty of watching them.
About 3 P.M. I rode to the main fort, and directed my horse to be
unsaddled and fed while I sought an interview with Milroy. I found
him in high spirits. He complimented me on the strong fight I put
up the previous day, and declared his belief that the enemy were
only trying to scare him out of the Valley. He referred to the
quiet of the day as evidence that they had no purpose to assail
him in his works. He said the cavalry had just reported no enemy
in my front on any of the roads.

About 4 P.M. I started leisurely to get my horse to return to the
earthwork, when, from the face of Round Mountain, about one mile
to the southwest of my command, not less than twenty guns opened
fire on it. I dismounted a passing wagon-master, and on his horse
in less than five minutes reached the foot of the hill on which
the earthwork was situated, and then, hastening on foot through a
storm of shot and exploding shell, I was soon in it. Lieutenant
Randolph with his six rifle guns replied to the enemy as long as
possible, but his battery was soon largely disabled, the horses
mostly killed, and most of the ammunition chests exploded. Two of
his guns only could be kept in position for the anticipated assault.
About 6 P.M., under cover of the cannonade, and protected by some
timber and the nature of the ground, Hays' Louisiana brigade of
five regiments, supported by Smith and Hoke's brigades, advanced
to the assault. My men stood well to their work, and the two guns
fired canister into the enemy. Many Confederate officers and men
we