Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 03.djvu/302

292 church for the fire to be continued without danger of harming our own men. I accordingly withdrew the batteries to a position further to the rear, where our own line could be seen, and ordered General Early to rejoin his division, with the exception of the Thirteenth Virginia infantry, commanded by Captain Winston, which was retained as a support for the artillery.

The artillery opened from its new position at close range upon the enemy, with still more terrible effect than before: the Thirteenth Virginia infantry being within musket range, did telling execution. Early's division now pouring a deadly fire into their front, while the artillery and its support were bearing so heavily upon their flank, the enemy soon broke in confusion, and were pursued for half a mile along the Williamsport turnpike. I recognized in this pursuit part of Barksdale's and part of Semmes' brigades, and I also got hold of one regiment of Ransom's brigade, which I posted in an advantageous position on the extreme left flank, after the pursuit had been checked by the enemy's reserve artillery coming into action. Having informed General Jackson of what had transpired, I was directed by him to hold this advance position, and that he would send all the infantry he could get in order to follow up the success. I executed this order, keeping the cavalry well out to the left, and awaiting the arrival of reinforcements. These reinforcements were, however, diverted to another part of the field, and no further engagement took place on this part of the field beyond a desultory artillery fire.

On the next day it was determined, the enemy not again attacking, to turn the enemy's right. In this movement I was honored with the advance. In endeavoring to pass along up the river bank, however, I found that the river made such an abrupt bend that the enemy's batteries were within 800 yards of the brink of the stream, which would have made it impossible to have succeeded in the movement proposed, and it was accordingly abandoned.

The Commanding General having decided to recross the Potomac, the delicate and difficult duty of covering this movement was assigned to Brigadier-General Fitz. Lee, while I was directed to ford the river that afternoon with Hampton's brigade, at an obscure ford, and proceeding to Williamsport, cross the river again at that point so as to create a diversion in favor of the movement of the army. Hampton's brigade did not reachedreach [sic] the ford until dark, and as the ford was very obscure and rough, many got over their depth and had to swim the river. The duty assigned to Brigadier-General Fitz. Lee