Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/245

 of infantry were put into action at the same time. The fire was withering. It seemed impossible that any living creature could escape, and here we sustained our heaviest loss, a great many being wounded and numbers knocked down, stunned and temporarily disabled. I was here disabled for a time and the command devolved upon Captain H. A. Wise, Company A. He gallantly pressed onward. We had before this gotten into the front line. Our line took a position behind a line of fence. A brisk fusillade ensued, a shout, a rush and the day was won. The enemy fled in confusion, leaving killed, wounded, artillery and prisoners in our hands. Our men pursued in hot haste, until it became necessary to halt, draw ammunition and re-establish the lines for the purpose of driving them from their last position on Rude's Hill, which they held with cavalry and artillery, to cover the passage of the river, about a mile in their rear. Our troops charged and took the position without loss. The enemy withdrew, crossed the river, and burned the bridge.

The engagement closed at 6:30 P. M. The Cadets did their duty, as the long list of casualties will attest. Numerous instances of gallantry might be mentioned, but I have thought it better to refrain from specifying individual cases, for fear of making individous distinctions, or from want of information withholding praise where it might have been justly merited. It had rained almost incessantly during the battle, and at its termination the Cadets were well nigh exhausted. Wet, hungry, and many of them shoeless—for they had lost their shoes and socks in the deep mud through which it was necessary to march—they bore their hardships with uncomplaining resignation which characterizes the true soldier.

The 16th and 17th were devoted to caring for the wounded and the burial of the dead.

On the 17th, I received an order from General Breckinridge to report to General Imboden, with the request on the part of General Breckinridge, that the corps be relieved from further duty and be ordered back to the Institute. The circumstances of General Imboden's situation were such as to render for a time our detention for a time necessary. We were finally ordered by him to proceed to Staunton, without delay, for the purpose of