Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/113

SCOUTING SERVICE The next day served to clarify the situation, a series of sharp skirmishes proving the enemy to be in considerable strength to both east and south of our line, sufficiently well protected among the hills to render a direct attack impracticable. However, our flank movement had regained for us nearly all the ground lost by the defeat of three days previous, and the brigades opposite Minersville were ferried across the river and posted at our extreme right. Gaps in the line were filled, and the various commands immediately began strengthening their positions by entrenching. While these details were being arranged, a minor affair occurred in our rear proving much more momentous to me than would a battle. Guerillas had suddenly swarmed forth from the mountain lairs, swooped down upon several ill-guarded supply trains, driven off the guards from at least two, and rifled the wagons. There had been a brisk fight, but the attacking party had escaped with little loss and considerable booty. I was outside Rosecrans's headquarters when the first news of this affair arrived, followed shortly by a report that the detachment of cavalry despatched in pursuit of the raiders had been ambushed along Sand Creek, and driven back badly demoralized. It was then I was sent for.

"Lieutenant," spoke the General sharply the moment I appeared, "you know something of the country west of the ridge, and I am told Daniels knows every inch of it. I want to locate the headquarters of that gang of outlaws over there. There will be no end to this thing until we can strike them at the centre and get our hands on their leader, a fellow named Donald. There is no doubt but [ 103 ]