Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 07.djvu/527

Rh and around the house. The enemy, armed with Springfield rifles, were "flushed" like so much game, and dropped back into the wheat before our unerring marksmen. Here and in the woods we killed and wounded not less than two hundred (200) and took a large number of prisoners, only about seventy-five (75) of whom we were able to send to the rear, and put in charge of a small detachment of cavalry, from the Fourth Virginia regiment, which was retiring from the mill. It was not until we had swept the Twenty-fifth New York regiment before us and passed nearly across the wheat field that we found ourselves in the presence of a whole brigade, commanded by General Martindale, about four hundred (400) yards distant from our extreme right—left as faced. The enemy opened a heavy fire on us from two batteries, planted upon an eminence between the balance of your brigade and ourselves, but fortunately fired too high, and gave us time to reform in an open field on the opposite side of Dr. Kinney's dwelling and in a direction perpendicular to our previous position. Our flag bearer was shot down while we were reforming, but one of his comrades seized the flag and bore it onward. It was here that I sent to you for reinforcements, stating that we had been cut off by an overwhelming force. I also sent a courier to Hanover Courthouse for assistance, with instructions to proceed to Hanover Junction, if none could be had there.

After we had reformed, the men, heated and excited, threw off their knapsacks, made heavier than usual by the drenching rain, of the previous night, were advanced a short distance and made to lie down, while the section of artillery, previously planted in the road, was ordered to take a more commanding position in rear of the dwelling, between six hundred and seven hundred yards from the enemy's guns; after which we opened a brisk and well directed fire, forcing the enemy to withdraw one of his pieces, which was thrown forward a little on the same side of the road with ourselves. Lieutenant Potts and the men under him behaved with great gallantry and must have done considerable execution. This unequal contest was maintained for three long hours, in expectation of assistance either from you or Hanover Junction. During the artillery firing, Captain W. J. Montgomery, with his company, was ordered to the right to observe the enemy and check his advance up a hollow not far from the artillery, while Captain Johnston, with a part of his company, was sent to the left to reconnoitre. Company B, under Captain S. N. Stowe, and the