Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 07.djvu/270

262 instructions, the whole of Siegel's command would have been captured. As it was, Breckinridge captured five pieces of artillery, which were abondonedabandoned [sic] on the field, besides five or six hundred prisoners, exclusive of the wounded left on the field. His own loss, though not nearly so large as Siegel's, was several hundred killed and wounded. That night his soldiers slept on the battlefield, going into camp with cheers of victory such as had not been heard in the Valley since Stonewall Jackson had led them. In fact, everybody hailed Breckinridge as the new Jackson, who had been sent to guard the Valley and redeem it from the occupation of the enemy.

General Breckinridge modestly telegraphed General Lee the result of the battle and the same night received from him his own thanks and the thanks of the Army of Northern Virginia. Next day General Breckinridge issued an order thanking his brave soldiers, particularly the cadets, who, though mere youths, had fought with the steadiness of veterans.

Immediately following General Lee's congratulatory dispatch came another, directing General Breckinridge to transfer his command as speedily as possible to Hanover Junction. The battle had been fought on the 15th. One day being given the troops for rest, General Breckinridge gave orders for them to march to Staunton on the 17th, he going in advance to make better disposition for their transfer by rail from Staunton to Hanover Junction, a distance of near one hundred miles. The energy and promptness of his movement were such that, notwithstanding the inferior facilities for transportation at that time in the South, his whole command, including artillery, was at Hanover Junction on the 20th. The Augusta reserves being disbanded, the cadets returned to Lexington and Imboden left to watch the Valley. 1em