light battery going to the rear. In reply to questions, they said
their time was out, and they were going home. This regiment, the 4th
Pennsylvania, and the battery of the 8th New York, were the
recipients of comments from our men not in the highest degree
complimentary to them as men and soldiers, turning back in the face
of the enemy, and that must have caused their cheeks to tingle with
shame.

The whole three divisions of the army were now in the vicinity of Cub
Run. The first division, General Tyler's, was ordered to cross, after
doing which these troops advanced along the road to near the Stone
Bridge. We crossed Cub Run bridge at 5.30 A. M., after which we
struck off to the right through the woods from the main road.

At precisely 6 A. M. the first gun was fired, by Tyler's forces, the
object being to engage the enemy's attention while the second
division could get into position on the left and rear of their lines.
Soon after entering these woods, K and F Companies of the 2d Rhode
Island, and the carbineer company of our regiment, were thrown out as
skirmishers. When we entered these woods we had with us a guide,
dressed in citizen's clothes, riding a grey horse at the head of the
brigade, but after firing began he disappeared from view.

At 10 A. M. we arrived at Sudley Ford, where we were to cross.
General McDowell and staff met us, and we were informed by them that
the enemy were moving a large force to meet us. After a short halt
for the purpose of filling our canteens, we forded the stream. The
firing of Tyler's troops could now be distinctly heard. We marched on
up the road, past Sudley Church and a number of farm houses; a female
standing at the gate of one of these latter made the remark in our
hearing that they were all ready for us, and that she hoped we would
all be killed before night.

Soon after passing these houses, the 2d Rhode Island, who were in the
advance, continued on in the main road, our regiment branching off
into and through a cornfield. Our skirmishers were now engaged with
those of the enemy, and driving them back; shells were exploding
around and above us as we again came out upon the road. Soon we
passed a soldier lying near a fence, wounded. It proved to be William
McCann, of K Company, (of Newport) of the 2d Rhode Island; he had
been struck in the head by a fragment of shell, and died soon after.
I think he was the first man wounded belonging to our brigade.

Our entire briga