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superior genius of the Confederate Generals. With Lee, Jackson and Longstreet in
command nothing seemed impossible to their troops, and, therefore, it was with no
feelings of fear for the result that they surveyed the long and glittering lines
before them.

Soon after sunrise slight artillery skirmishing commenced along the lines,
which increased in volume until the air seemed filled with exploding shells. Upon
the position held by the batteries of Brockenborough, Carpenter and Poague,
Moody. Raine and Caskie, was opened a terrific fire, which was promptly returned,
and the enemy's batteries several times compelled to change position. This con-
tinued for two hours, when it became evident that the infantry was massing for a
charge. The position was of the most vital importance, for should the enemy
succeed in gaining possession of this point and turning Lee's left flank, he would
be irretrievably lost. His orders to General Jackson were, therefore, to "Hold the
range of hills to the last ! "

McClellan's advance upon this point was gallantly met by Jackson's veteran
infantry, and for some time the fighting was of the most determined character;

but at length the immense superiority of numbers prevailed, and Jackson's troops
gradually fell back across the turnpike, past the Dunkarfl Church, and through the
woods, and appeared upon the plain beyond. Most beautifully did the heavy
columns emerge from the woods and moved forward upon the batteries quietly
awaiting their near approach. " Do not pull a lanyard," said Brockenborough,
who was temporarily in command of the whole, " until you get the command."
Xearer and nearer those solid columns approached, and amid loud huzzas rushed
forward at the double quick. It was a moment of dreadful suspense. On. on, they
came ! " Will Brockenborough never give the command ? "Yes; he now has
them at the muzzles of his guns, and the next instant the command, " Fire ! " was
heard above the exultant cheers of the advancing columns, and twenty-four pieces
of artillery, double-shotted with canister, belched forth their deadly contents into
the very faces of the assailants.

The scene that was presented as the smoke lifted beggars description. The
ground was literally covered — nay. piled — with the slain and maimed of the
enemy, and the survivors were in full retreat. They were soon re-formed, how-
ever, and again moved boldly to the attack, but only to be again mercilessly
slaughtered and driven back. A third time they essayed, but with the same result,
when, a disordered mass of fugitives, the survivors sought the shelter of the woods
from which they had but a few minutes before emerged, confident of success.

How anxiously the great chieftain. Lee, who was close by. must have watched
the dreadful struggle which was to decide the fate of his army, and perhaps of
the cause for which he was battling: and how great must have been the relief
as he saw the enemy in retreat, and Jackson's shattered columns once more