...ldom before been exhibited during the present war. Elated with the prospect, the commanding General, as he mounted his horse that night to proceed to Lafayette, remarked to one of his staff officers ( Surgeon T. G. Richardson ) that "no commander ever had a better opportunity to annihilate his adversary;" and added, "if we fall it is our own fault," Having sent orders to Gen. Hindman, who had now not less than 15,000...