Fighting with his cane.
The storm had burst upon us. I could see
General Johnson with his cane striking at the enemy as they leaped over ths works, and a sputtering fire swept up and down our line, many guns being damp.
I found myself (as I had my sword out waiving to
General George H. Stuart to crowd in toward the left) in the midst of foes, who were rushing around me, with confusion and a general melee in full blast.
I also saw
General Johnson with his cane striking in the crowd and warding bayonets.
Having on a black rain overcoat, which had been picked up on a battlefield, I showed no official mark or uniform to distinguish who or what I was.
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A dozen Yankees could have caught me, for they were on all sides.
I ran about amongst then until I came upon an artillery horse of
Carter's battery, jumped on him, and sinking in my spurs, galloped to the rear, with bullets buzzing around me. As I galloped away in this fashion, the
Yankees sent shots after me, but I escaped unhurt.
Many of our men were now running back, and the line was breaking.