Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 37.djvu/150

142 That this was not a perfunctory order was unexpectedly brought home to the writer about this time. When the retreat was suspended in the neighborhood of St. James' College, it was the first opportunity for rest since the struggle began on the first inst. We were told at that point to go into camp, that rations would be issued and the men would have an opportunity to do some cooking. The sight of a nearby grove arrested our attention, and the battalion at once took possession. Worn out with fatigue, I dismounted and threw myself on the soft grass in the grateful shade, and was soon locked in the embrace of Morpheus. My sleep was of short duration. I was aroused by my faithful colored valet and told that General Lee wanted to see me. Making my way to where he was, I awoke to the fact that a long row of camp-fires were blazing brightly in full view, piled high with fence rails, and I became duly conscious that something was wrong. General Lee received me with grave austerity of manner, and inquired if I had received general orders No. 72. I replied that I had, and that the orders had been duly published. Looking at me for a moment, he said: "Then, sir, you must not only have them published, but you must see that they are obeyed," and with a bow and majestic wave of the hand he turned and rode away, leaving me decidedly crestfallen.

On the evening of the 13th we left the trenches at St. James' College at dark, and withdrew to Falling Waters. It still rained, the road was next to impassable, and the night was blackened itself. On reaching the river, Lieutenant Price was ordered to cross on the pontoons with all the caissons of the battalion, and proceed to the rear. The guns were retained on the north side until all the troops, with the exception of the cavalry, had gotten over. While waiting here, a dash was made by a squadron of Federal cavalry, which for a moment produced much confusion and excitement, and during which General Pettigrew was shot and mortally wounded.

In writing to the President of the Confederacy on July 8th, General Lee says of the Army: "Though reduced in numbers by the hardships and battles through which it has passed since