The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1879-06-05

hotly contested, and especially SO where
a few houses and fences afforded tempo
rary shelter to the enemy but the elan
of our troops was irresistible riderles.
horses were seer galloping across the
field, and men and horses were captured
and dispatched to the rear. The strug-
gle, however, was unequal. The cavalry
carblne was ineffective against oul
longer Enfield range and destructive
buck and ball and but few infantry
We're supporting these Federal cavalry,
and they retired slowly at first, but
finally mounted and rapidly retired be-
hind their infantry III the woods, our
infantry still pursuing. We now ascer-
tanned from an infantry officer
hen captured brought to us.
that General Ord, with the woods full
Of troops was in the immediate front,
when taking a commanding position we
ordered a halt. The information was
timely, for 0 heavy columns Of IN
tantry were seen bearing down upon the
TANKS and Ill front OF the Division, not
only demonstrating the utter impracti-
cability of a further advance, but seri-
ously imperiling our safety, for We had
advanced SO far as to be without u
support save from a mere skirmish line
Oh our left. !.
TIE LAST CHARGE At ApFoMATToN.
The firing was now resumed, when a
courier from General Grimes directed
us to Withdraw the division, which we
did slowly, still contesting the field.
The Federal troops, seeing the move
ment, FASTENED their advance. and
moved SO rapidly as to make the situa-
ton alarming, and hence it became
necessary to check them by some sud
den stroke. In this emergency we di-
rected, through our aid, the Regimental
Commanders OF Coxs Brigade TO
meet us at It's entire without hating
the command, which they promptly
did. We then called their attention to
a hill gradually rising between us and
the advancing columns of the Federals
to our rear, and directed that they face
their Regiments about and at Il double
quick charge to the crest Of the
hill, and before the enemy should recoy-
from their surprise, halt and open
ire on them by brigade, and then with
Ike rapid movement face about. ana
the Division in its retreat. Rails
ng the Rebel Yell so familiar IN
he Army OF Northern Virginia, tie
Brigade, with precision and celebrity,
promptly and taultlesoiy executed the
rider, and having gained the brow Of
he hill the Federals naturally supposed
he charge would be continued, and
hey began ~deploying as if on parade.
'ut before the maneuyer was fully exc
uted. the command rang along the
Confederate line, clear and distinct
boye the din of battle =" Halt,
eady aim fire. and as the sulphur
Us sheet OF fire and lead swept on its
eadly mission the Federal line in our
'ont fell to the ground, and while the
nclrclmg troops were surprised and
5unned by the audacity of the charge
nd unusual character OF the fire, the
safely withdrew and rejoined
he Division, which, in the meantime,
ad been skirmishing heavily, as it
,treated, with columns on its tanks.
e now withdrew to a hill from which
battery that had rendered us most
ficient aid was still firing. Near it
e met the chivairous Gordon, who
claimed: "Gallantly, gloTiously
ne - for he had witnessed the whole
oyement and felt proud of his men.
lie white flag was waving over (
2 field, but the 30th, d part OF the |
and a portion of the Sd, Regiments i
Cox's Brigade, which had been de- {
Eyed as skirnishers, and CALAMITY Gov {
I'd the retreat, were still to the rear,
d did not Immediately perceive or u 9
the flag, and an irregular ex- /
of fire was for some time main a
ned by them. Lit was now about ten s
lock. Our loss had been severe. and t,
there was confusion at first in regard G
the flag OF truce, some captures were a
de after its first appearance and rec il
lltlOn by those who understood it. h