attack with
the whole army in mass, for the purpose of breaking through the enemy's
line and making one more effort to move on.

Finally the order "Forward!" ran along the line, and as it advanced the
chiefs of detachments, gunners, and commissioned officers marched in
rear, keeping up a continual cry of "Close up, men; close up!" "Go
ahead, now; don't lag!" "Keep up!" Thus marching, the line entered a
body of woods, proceeded some distance, changed direction to the left,
and, emerging from the woods, halted in a large open field, beyond which
was another body of woods which concealed further view in front.

After some delay, a detail for skirmish duty was ordered. Captain Jones
detailed four men, Fry and Garber the same number. Lieutenant McRae was
placed in command. The infantry detailed skirmishers for their front.
All arrangements completed, the men deployed and entered the woods. They
had advanced but a short distance, when they encountered a strong line
of picket posts. Firing and cheering they rushed on the surprised men,
who scampered away, leaving all their little conveniences behind them,
and retreating for about a mile. From this point large bodies of the
enemy were visible, crowding the hill-tops like a blue or black cloud.
It was not many minutes before a strong line of dismounted cavalry,
followed by mounted men, deployed from this mass to cover the retreat of
their fleeing brethren, and restore the picket line. They came down the
hills and across the fields, firing as they came. On looking around to
see what were the chances for making a stand, Lieutenant McRae found
that the infantry skirmishers had been withdrawn. The officer who had
commanded them could be seen galloping away in the distance. The little
squad, knowing they were alone, kept up a brisk fire on the advancing
enemy, till he was close up in front, and well to the rear of both
flanks. On the left, not more than two hundred yards, a column of
cavalry, marching by twos, had crossed the line and were still marching,
as unconcernedly as possible, to the rear of McRae. Seeing this, McRae
ordered his squad to retire, saying at the same time, "But don't let
them see you running, boys!"

So they retired, slowly, stubbornly, and returning shot for shot with
the enemy, who came on at a trot, cheering valiantly, as they pursued
four men and a lieutenant. The men dragged the butts of their old
muskets behind them, loading as they walked. All loaded,