Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 16.djvu/394

 388 Southern Historical Society Papers.

from my own observations as well as from the reports of my scouts, that the enemy's skirmishers had withdrawn to the east side of the railroad, but they were plainly visible in a line perpendicular to the railroad and running over the hill which was carried by assault the following evening. I was then on their flank, but too far to deliver an effective fire.

Upon a reconnoissance made by myself and scouts, I found that I could not push further to the north so as to come more in the enemy's rear without disclosing the movement to their videttes, who were still on the west side of the railroad, and in an open field to the north of the woods. I therefore concluded to work my way as quickly as possible to the edge of the woods next to the railroad, and then make a dash upon their flank. Accordingly, after throwing Captain Nance's company on my left, deployed as skirmishers, to report any movement of the enemy, and to guard against any flank attack from that direction, I moved out of the woods unperceived by the enemy, and simultaneously opened fire and charged on their right flank. They immediately broke and retired beyond the hill on which they were posted, but just before we reached the railroad I discovered for the first time a considerable body of troops, who were unmasked by our passing from behind a thicket of small pines, posted on the railroad about five hundred yards to our left, some of whom were mounted and others dismounted. Under these circumstances I halted at the railroad, where I found protection for my men behind the embankment, and engaged the enemy who changed front and returned my fire from behind the brow of the hill intending to act as circumstances might dictate. Just beyond the railroad was an open meadow, which it was unadvisable to enter while the enemy's cavalry was on my flank. There was no sign of an advance of our line of skirmishers (whose left rested on the railroad) to connect with my right. Captain Nance reported a large body of cavalry facing around my left and to my rear towards the woods from which I had just emerged ; and a fire at the same time being opened on my left from up the railroad, I determined, upon consultation with my field- officers, to retire by the same route by which I approached. I did so, and after some time, having reached the woods, I received an order from General Kershaw through Lieutenant Dwight, A. A. G. , to rejoin the brigade on the London road. I did so immediately. Not knowing the exact purpose of my orders, I cannot say how far the design was executed, but if not fully carried out it was as much so as circumstances would allow.