Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 27.djvu/103

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crossings of the road with a battery. I soon perceived a disposition on their part to attack the division in flank. I rode back and threw our right so as to take advantage of some ditches and fences to ob- struct the cavalry if they should attempt to make a charge.

In the meantine the cavalry of Fitz. Lee were proceeding by a cir- cuitous route to get in rear of them at the cross-roads. The enemy, observing me, fired upon me with four pieces of artillery. I remem- ber well the appearance of the shell, and how directly they came to- wards me, exploding and completely enveloping me in smoke. I then gave the signal to advance. At the same time Fitz. Lee charged those posted at the cross-roads, when my skirmishers attacked the breastworks, which were taken without much loss on my part, also capturing several pieces of artillery and a large number of prisoners, I at the same time moving the division up to the support of the skirmishers in echelon by brigades, driving the enemy in confusion for three-quarters of a mile beyond the range of hills covered with oak undergrowth. I then learned from the prisoners that my right flank was threatened. Halting my troops, I placed the skirmishers, commanded by Colonel J. R. Winston, 45th North Carolina troops, in front, about 100 yards distant, to give notice of indication of at- tack. I placed Cox's brigade, which occupied the right of the divis- ion, at right angles to the other troops, to watch that flank. The other divisions of the corps (Walker's and Evans's) were on the left. I then sent an officer to General Gordon, announcing our success, and that the Lynchburg road was open for the escape of the wagons, and that I awaited orders. Thereupon I received an order to with- draw, which I declined to do, supposing that General Gordon did not understand the commanding position which my troops occupied. He continued to send me order after order to the same effect, which I still disregarded, being under the impression that he did not com- prehend our favorable location, until finally I received a message from him, with an additional one as coming from General Lee, to fall back. I felt the difficulty of withdrawing without disaster, and or- dered Colonel J. R. Winston, commanding the skirmish line, which had been posted in my front on first reaching these hills, to conform his movement to those of the division, and to move by the left flank so as to give notice of an attack from that- quarter. I then ordered Cox to maintain his position in line of battle, and not to show himself until our rear was 100 yards distant, and then to fall back in line of battle, so as to protect our rear and right flank from assault. I then