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fell from his horse, wounded; but the command of his brigade was promptly assumed by Col. Arnold Elzey,1 who pressed forward, backed by the whole reassured and exultant Rebel host, who felt that the day was won. Our soldiers, who had been thirteen hours marching and fighting, weary, hungry, thirsty, continually encountering fresh Rebel regiments, and never seeing even a company hurrying to their own support, became suddenly dismayed and panic-stricken.
Elzey's and Early's2 fresh battalions filled the woods on their right, extending rapidly toward its rear, firing on them from under cover, and seeming, by their shots and cries, to be innumerable.
Two or three of our regiments recoiled, and then broke, rushing down to the Run.
Jefferson Davis, who had left Richmond at 6 A. M., reached the Junction at 4, and galloped to the battle-field just in time, it was said, to witness the advance of his cavalry, 1,500
1 A Marylander who did not “go with his State.”
2 Beauregard's report of the battle says:
Col. Early, who, by some mischance, did not receive orders until 2 o'clock, which had been sent him at noon, came on the ground immediately after Elzey, with Kemper's 7th Virginia, Hay's 7th Louisiana, and Barksdale's 13th Mississippi regiments. This brigade, by the personal direction of Gen. Johnston, was marched by the Holkham house, across the fields to the left, entirely around the woods through which Elzey had passed, and under a severe fire, into a position in line of battle near Chinn's house, outflanking the enemy's right.
Hartford. Published by O. D. Chase and Company. 1866.
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