Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 4.djvu/112

94 on until he struck Taliaferro’s flank. This brigade was already hotly engaged with Geary, and as Crawford’s men rushed steadily on, a part of Taliaferro’s brigade, after a gallant resistance, also fell back. Early, however, manfully stood firm. Ronald moved up his reserves to fill the gap left by Campbell and part of Taliaferro’s force, and the battle raged anew. Taliaferro had energetically rallied his men, but the battle was still in doubt when Branch’s North Carolina brigade hurried on the field, and with a cheer, rushed against Crawford. The Seventh regiment was detached, but the Thirty-third, Twenty-eighth, Thirty-seventh and Eighteenth moved into Campbell’s position and drove back the enemy, who, however, made a gallant resistance. General Taliaferro says: &quot;At this critical moment the First brigade and Branch’s brigade encountered the enemy, confused by their severe conflict with the Second brigade, and drove them back with terrible slaughter. Just as Taliaferro resumed his place in line, Bayard s cavalry followed its brave leader in a charge upon the Confederate line. However, the fire of Branch and Taliaferro was too galling, and the cavalry broke in disorder. Gordon’s Federal brigade now came into action, and gallantly led, tried to break the Southern advance; Gordon was, however, only to waste blood, for he came too late. Archer was now up to the front line, and Fender s North Carolina brigade struck Gordon s flank. Just at this time, Thomas, Early, Forno and Trimble joined the left in a general advance, and Banks whole line was swept back in the gathering darkness. The victory was largely due to Branch’s front and Fender s flank attack, and the North Carolina soldiers felt proud of stopping an enemy that had just broken the &quot;Stonewall brigade. &quot; Jackson says: &quot;At this critical moment, Branch s brigade, with Winder’s brigade farther to the left, met the Federal forces, flushed with temporary triumph, and drove them back with terrible slaughter through the woods.&quot; Gen.