Benson J. Lossing, Pictorial Field Book of the Civil War. Volume 1.

[601] who were there in much greater force than was expected. The gallant Cameron was killed,¹ and for the third time they were repulsed. Then Corcoran led his Sixty-ninth to the charge, and the roar of cannon and musketry was incessant. The regiment received and repelled a furious charge of the Black Horse Cavalry, whose ranks were terribly shattered by the murderous fire of the Irish and some Zouaves who had joined them.. They held their position for some time, but were compelled at length to give way before fresh troops in overwhelming numbers, who were pouring in and turning the tide of battle. At that moment, Corcoran was some distance in front, and becoming separated from his troops by the falling of his horse, which was shot dead, he was made prisoner. It was now half-past 3 o'clock.

Now was the crisis of the battle. The slaughter had been fearful. For an hour, dead and wounded men of both sides had been carried from the field in large numbers. The Confederates had lost many officers. Bee and Bartow had fallen near each other, not far from Mrs. Henry's. Hampton, at the head of his legion, had been wounded during the charge of the Seventy-ninth, and Lieutenant-Colonel Johnston of his corps had been killed. Beauregard had placed himself at the head of the Legion, and led it gallantly against his foe, when he was slightly wounded by a shell that cut off the head of his horse and killed two others on which his aids were riding. Jackson had been wounded, but did not leave the field.

At that time the Confederates were sorely pressed, and Johnston, at “The portico,” with full knowledge of the situation, began to lose heart. Victory seemed about to perch on the National standard. He believed the day was lost. Why did not Early come with his three fresh regiments? He had sent him word at eleven

Cavalry of Hampton's Legion.

o'clock to hurry forward, and now it was three. By some mischance, the order did not reach him until two. He was on the way; but would he be up in time? “Oh for four regiments!” cried Johnston to Colonel Cocke, in the bitterness of his soul.² His wish was soon more than satisfied.

Just then, a cloud of dust was seen in the direction of the Manassas Gap Railway. Johnston had already been informed that United States troops were on that road. He believed Patterson had outmarched his oncoming