Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/243

Rh some hours for the purpose of reporting to General Breckinridge, and was ordered by him to put the Cadets in camp one mile south of Staunton.

On the morning of the 10th, I received orders to march at daylight on the road to Harrisonburg, taking position in the column, in the rear of Echols' brigade. We marched eighteen miles and encamped, moved at daylight on the 11th, marched sixteen miles and encamped.

At 1 o'clock on the night of the 14th, received orders to prepare to march immediately, without beat of drums and as noiselessly as possible. We moved from camp at 1:30 o'clock, taking position in the general column in rear of Echols' brigade, being followed by the column of artillery under the command of Major McLaughlin. Having accomplished a distance of six miles and approached the position of the enemy, as indicated by occasional skirmishing with his pickets in front, a halt was called and we remained on the side of the road two or three hours in the midst of a heavy fall of rain. The General having determined to receive the attack of the enemy, made his dispositions for battle, posting the corps in reserve. He informed me that he did not wish to put the Cadets in if he could avoid it, but that should occasion require it he would use them very freely. He was also pleased to express his confidence in them, and I am happy to believe that his expectations were not disappointed, for when the tug of battle came they bore themselves gallantly and well.

The enemy not making the attack, as was anticipated, and not advancing as rapidly as was desired, the line was deployed into column and the advance resumed. Here I was informed by one of General Breckinridge's aids, that my battalion, together with the battalion of Colonel C. M. Edgar, would constitute the reserve, and was instructed to keep the section of artillery with the column, and to take position, after the deployments should have been made 250 or 300 yards in rear of the front line of battle, and to maintain that distance. Having begun a flank movement to the left, about two miles south of New Market, the nature of the ground was such as to render it impossible that the artillery should continue with the infantry column, I ordered Lieutenant Minge to join the general artillery column on the main road and