William W. Bennett, A narrative of the great revival which prevailed in the Southern armies during the late Civil War

[187] pushed forward, passing through Orleans and Salem; at the latter place we learned the Yankees were only a few hours ahead of us. The young ladies waved their handkerchiefs at us, saying, ‘Whip the Yankees; don't let them come here.’ One sweet little girl said, in her own winning way, ‘Oh, they run, they run.’ Our boys declared they felt perfectly rested, and moved forward with eager haste. At Thoroughfare Gap they made a stand, and part of our forces had a sharp battle with them, completely routing them with great slaughter. This took place among the mountains to the right of the Gap. We were not delayed more than three hours by this battle. Night came on, but we pressed forward through the Gap, over the rocks, through the water and mud-one of the darkest nights I ever saw. Early the next morning we passed through Haymarket. The Yankees were two hours ahead of us, double-quicking. At their camp was a hog half consumed in the fire. Near the road was a beef skinned and abandoned. All along the way we found small arms thrown away, wagon-wheels with half the spokes cut out, one wagon on fire, and other evidences of hasty skedaddling. Our troops pushed forward, ‘faint but pursuing.’ Soon we came up with them, and fighting commenced. This was on Tuesday, the beginning of the battle which ended on Saturday so gloriously for our cause. Thursday and Friday were spent in skirmishing. Early Saturday cannonading commenced in earnest, both sides manifesting great spirit; about noon the musketry fighting commenced; at four o'clock P. M., the battle was general and most terrific. For about one hour the Yankees stood and fought heroically. Those who stood and fought thus were nearly annihilated. They were compelled to give way. I could hear the well-known whoop of our troops, as they charged and took battery after battery from the enemy. About sundown the last battery was charged and taken; then followed an ominous silence. The Yankees were fleeing