Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/186

 186 Southern Historical Society Papers.

and division commanders. The couriers detailed declared themselves entirely unacquainted with that section of the country, and the im- possibility of finding the way anywhere on such a terribly dark night. I offered my services, which were accepted. General Johnston called me in his office and gave me instructions, pointing out on the map- where I would find Generals Whiting and Smith, and said: " Deliver these dispatches to Generals Whiting and Smith and bring me their receipts for them as soon as possible; if you fail you had better not show yourself to me again.

A TERRIBLE NIGHT.

I immediately started to find General Whiting. It was the worst night I ever saw. The rain poured down in sheets, the thunder roared, and the lightning, though blinding, was my only guide through the dense darkness. I rode at a full gallop until in the darkness I was suddenly knocked off my horse by a blow upon the breast. Somewhat dazed, upon rising I found a long pole placed across the road on a fence on either side, but tall enough for my horse to pass under. Though feeling hurt I remounted and pro- ceeded on my way to find General Whiting, which I did after arous- ing a good many Dutch sleepers to direct me. After delivering my dispatches to General Whiting and taking his receipt for them, I pro- ceeded to find General Smith, which I did with great difficulty. On my return to General Johnston's headquarters I found General Whit- ing's camp-fires lit and his men all astir. I arrived at headquarters on the morning of the 3Oth of May, some hours before daybreak, and delivered the receipts for the dispatches, for which the General thanked me.

THE BATTLE BEGINS.

The battle commenced on our right early in the day and raged with unmitigated fury. The left wing of our army was not moved forward until later in the day, when it pushed down the Nine-Mile road in the direction of York River railroad, encountering the enemy's guard pickets, which we drove in, captured their camp and a good many stores. The enemy seemed to be in full retreat. Our lines were pushed forward rapidly, General Johnston and staff riding in front of his line of battle. Just as he reached the point where the York River railroad crosses the Nine-Mile road the enemy opened a tremendous fire with musketry and artillery from a body of woods on our front and left. General Johnston and staff rode back about