George H. Gordon, From Brook Farm to Cedar Mountain

[127] the hostile line, unmoved by the Rebel fire, unterrified by the Rebel yell. In vain did Jackson hurry up his reserve regiments; in vain address them to stand; and, as “my brave boys,” in vain cry out, “Give them one more round!” Both commander and command were taken aback by this increased force of Federals (larger than they believed within reach), which soon pressed back the Rebel line upon its centre, swept over the stone-wall, and drove the Rebel left from the field, capturing artillery and many prisoners. While Jackson was in another part of the field, General Garnett had ordered a retreat. The Rebels turned in disorder. Garnett met the Fifth Virginia coming to his assistance, and ordered it to retire. With his force retreating in dismay, Jackson turned thoroughly beaten towards Strasburg. His flight was not stopped until he had made six miles south of Newtown, whence on the next morning he moved to the south side of Cedar Creek, and thence gradually retired again to Mount Jackson. The Rebel loss was 80 killed, 342 wounded, and 269 missing,total 691; 2 pieces of artillery, and many small arms. The Federal loss in killed and wounded was 568.

Jackson was angry with General Garnett, and soon relieved him from the command of his brigade,¹ and preferred charges against him for trial before a court-martial. Speaking of him in his official report he says, “Though our troops were fighting under great disadvantage, I regret that General Garnett gave orders to fall back, as otherwise the enemy's advance would have been retarded and other regiments brought up. Colonel John Campbell was rapidly advancing with his regiment, but night, and an indisposition of the enemy to pressfurther, had terminated the battle, which commenced at four o'clock P. M.” ²