Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 40.djvu/84

80 stationed there, but not before they had carried off a mule train of ammunition, and thrown into disorder Berry's park of artillery which with fugitives from the 11th corps, rushed through Williams' division carrying part of that organization with it and adding to the general confusion. The chief of artillery of Berry's division describing it says, "As we passed General Hooker's headquarters a scene burst upon us which God grant may never be seen again in the Federal army of the United States. The 11th corps had been routed and were fleeing to the river like scared sheep. The men and artillery filled the roads, its sides and the skirts of the field; and it appeared that no two or one company could be found together. Aghast and terror stricken, heads bare, and panting for breath, they pleaded like infants at the mother's breast that we should let them pass to the rear unhindered." Berry who was near the Chandler house with two of his brigades when the fugitives from Howard's corps began surging in, was ordered by Hooker to cover the rear of the 11th corps, and he proceeded at double quick with Hayes' brigade of the 2d corps to endeavor to stem the tide and cover the retreat.

General Rodes in his report says the movement was slightly delayed because the order to advance was not promptly extended to the skirmishers, but when put in motion, the line rushed forward sweeping everything before it, and pressing on to Talley's carried the works there, capturing five guns: that so complete was the success, and such the surprise of the enemy that scarcely any organized resistance was met with after the first volley was fired: that the enemy fled in the wildest confusion, leaving the field strewn with arms, accoutrements, clothing, caissons and field pieces in every direction.

When the works at Dowdall's had been taken, General Jackson directed the pursuit to be pressed. Beyond on all sides was the forest again, the ground descending gradually for some distance to a feeble stream, and then ascending to the heights of Fairview, with gulleys and ravines interspersed. At a point between Dowdall's and the stream on the Plank road, Slocum's right had rested before Williams' division had been called to