Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 40.djvu/231

 Rh Yankee skirmishers departed. I think their stealing up was due to the temporary withdrawal of Hill's men to cook rations, but no harm was done, and the cut was soon in our possession again. Of course these skirmishers "popped" at me as I rode back, but the woods were thick and my horse fleet, so I got back unharmed. I mourned over that hat, and my old cap had to do duty again for that campaign.

We had a good position on the hill, but could not cross the cut without moving to the right or left, so it was a barrier to both sides. We lay there all the morning, and I think it was about midday when the enemy advanced on us, Fitz John Porter's corps, as we afterwards learned. They came up in good order, and as those opposite us reached the fence on top of the railroad cut, they lay down and commenced firing. I recollect distinctly seeing their flag held up against the fence. Between the woods and the cut there was a small open space in front of us, and Col. Baylor, flagstaff in hand, Nat Burwell, sergeant-major of the Second Virginia Regiment, and some others went out into the open space, and were soon killed. It was a rash exposure of themselves, for neither the Yankees nor we could cross the railroad cut at that point. I remained in the edge of the woods and had plenty of company, for I recollect seeing Capt. Raleigh Colston, later Lieutenant-Colonel of the Second Virginia, Maj. Williams, of the Fifth Virginia, and others near me. The woods were full of men and officers. Presently I felt a sting in the meat part of my left thigh, and clapped my hand to the place, thinking I was wounded. I was on foot holding my horse's bridle. But on examination it proved to be only a sting, although there were two holes in my clothes. Not long afterward John Baldwin, sergeant-major of the Thirty-third Virginia, whom I knew very well, came to me and said in an excited tone: "Mr. Garnett, for God's sake can't you bring us some re-inforcements?" I told him that I would try, so I rode off to the left in the woods to where Gen. Starke was, and reported our situation. He replied that he had no troops that he could send, but directed me to ride back to Gen. A. P. Hill, who had some troops in reserve. As I went back, I met Fender's brigade marching through the woods, and when I reported what Gen.