Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 39.djvu/204

 192 Southern Historical Society Papers.

continuing their play upon the confused masses, completed the route of this portion of the enemy's line, and my attack was therefore made against the forces in my front. * * *"

In the report of Gen'l C. M. Wilcox, published in the same volume, page 559, he says : "About 3 :30 P. M., the enemy's infantry were seen emerging from a road, upon an open field in line of battle, the wood and field being in front of Jackson's extreme right and to the left and near Featherston's brigade, this field about 500 yards wide, terminating 150 yards from Jackson's line, the ground here rising rather steeply for a short distance and then back to the railroad, behind the embankment of which, at this point, were Jackson's men. Seeing this ad- vance of the enemy, I repaired at once to the interval between Pryor's and Featherstone's brigades. From this point there was an excellent view of the field and not more than 400 yards distant. The first line of the enemy advanced in fine style across the open field. There was but little to oppose them. They were fired upon by our pickets and skirmishers, but they continued to advance, and, ascending the rise above referred to, came within full view of Jackson's line, and were here received with a terrific fire of musketry at short range. They hesitated for an instant, recoiling slightly, and then advanced to near the embankment. Twice did I see this line advance and retire, exposed to a close and deadly fire of musketry. Seeing a second line issuing from the woods upon the field, I was in the act of ordering a battery to be placed in position to fire upon them, when a battery was directed by the major-general com- manding to fire upon them, this battery being near the turn- pike in an excellent and commanding position. The fire of this battery was most opportunely delivered upon this advancing line of the enemy. They were caught in the open field. The effect of every shot could be seen. A rapid fire of shot, shell and spherical case, delivered with admirable precision, checked their advance. As shells and spherical case would burst over, in front and near them, their ranks would break, hesitate and scatter. This artillery fire alone broke regiment after regiment and drove them hack into the woods. * * *"