Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 02.djvu/236

226 (his own and Pender's) was leading. General Benning's brigade of Longstreet's corps was also along and rendered prompt and valuable assistance. The enemy were soon put to flight in confusion, and no more annoyance occurred to Culpeper courthouse.

On the 1st of August, Anderson's division was sent out on the road to Brandy to repel some of the enemy's cavalry, who had driven back our own cavalry, and were quite near the courthouse. This was handsomely done by Mahone's brigade and Perry's and with but trifling loss. The total loss in the Third Corps, from the crossing of the Potomac to its recrossing, was 849 killed, 4,289 wounded, and 3,844 missing—total 8,982. The larger portion of those reported missing were killed or wounded on the 3d; but the field being within the enemy's fire, we are not able to separate the lists. 



To offer a man promotion in the early part of the war was equivalent to an insult. The higher the social position, the greater the wealth, the more patriotic it would be to serve in the humble position of a private; and many men of education and ability in the various professions, refusing promotion, served under the command of men greatly their inferiors, mentally, morally, and as soldiers. It soon became apparent that the country wanted knowledge and ability, as well as muscle and endurance, and those who had capacity to serve in higher positions were promoted. Still it remained true, that inferior men commanded their superiors in every respect, save one—Rank; and leaving out the one difference of rank, the officers and men were about on a par.

It took years to teach the educated privates in the army that it was their duty to give unquestioning obedience to officers, because they were such, who were awhile ago their playmates and associates in business. It frequently happened that the private, feeling hurt by the stern authority of the officer, would ask him to one side, challenge him to personal combat, and thrash him well.

After awhile these rambunctious privates learned all about extra duty, half rations and courts martial. 