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consulting with the Colonel commanding; and, as the command was separated and communication cut off, the entire force was betrayed into the hands of the enemy.
I merely state the facts as they were told me by men whom I know to be good, reliable men, and whom I believe to be gallant soldiers.
When the history of this raid shall be fully known, many men who have been loud in their denunciations of good men, will hang their heads in shame because they allowed themselves to abuse those whose every pulse throbbed only with patriotism, and whose every wish is for the honor and glory of our country.
There is a habit of throwing blame upon immediate commanders, without reflecting that it is probable they have not only done all that it was possible for them to do, but, perhaps, even gone beyond, and offered suggestions which would have prevented disaster if followed.
old soldier.