Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 37.djvu/118

110 battalion of artillery, moving on the north side of the road, followed Davis' advance, and McIntosh's battalion, quickly coming up, followed Archer on the south side of the road, the guns of either battalion being used in the advance whenever a favorable opportunity offered.

When Davis moved to the attack, the dismounted cavalry occupied the east slope of Willoughby Run, and several hundred yards beyond and in the rear of the ridge occupied by them, was a higher and more commanding ridge, running generally in the same direction and extending northerly to Oak Hill where the view was lost in the forests. Davis' right rested on the turnpike and overlapped, for a considerable distance the line of an unfinished railroad, running nearly parallel with the turnpike, with alternate cuts and fills. A considerable portion of the ridge was in wood, the intervening spaces being open and under cultivation or in grass and intersected by ditches and fences. As Davis advanced the contest became warm and he soon discovered that the position he was assailing was supported by artillery and infantry. General Reynolds, riding with Wadsworth's division when it left Marsh's Creek, hearing the firing, turned the head of the column to the left and marched it across the fields to the Cashtown road at Seminary Hill, riding on himself in advance.

It was while observing the ground and giving directions where the approaching infantry should be posted that he was mortally wounded and the command devolved on General Doubleday.

The leading brigade of Cutler had scarcely time to form in line before meeting the shock of Davis, who had ordered a charge. A fierce fight followed, but Cutler was finally driven back, and after one or two vain efforts to resist the rush, was forced from the field towards the town, the artillery being gotten away with much difficulty. In a short time the fight was renewed, and Davis was in turn driven back, but rallying his men, he made a second charge and regained his advanced' position. By this time Cutler was receiving support, and the appearance of a considerable force on Davis' right forced him to retire, and in doing so a number of his men were captured in the railroad cut. The loss in this engagement was severe, and the