George H. Gordon, From Brook Farm to Cedar Mountain

[240] same caution to the Third Wisconsin, for it too had turned. The scene unfolded to Jackson was one in which two regiments were retiring, somewhat in disorder, down the hill towards the town; another, the Second Massachusetts, breaking to the rear in columns of companies as quietly and orderly as if on parade; while the fourth and last, the Third Wisconsin, with line of battle formed to the rear by an about face, was moving leisurely in retreat. Seeing this, Jackson, setting spurs to his horse, bounded upon the crest, and shouted to the officers nearest to him, “Forward after the enemy!” Then, on right, left, and centre, they swarmed in pursuit. There in front were the Stonewall, Carpenter's, and Taliaferro's brigades; to my right was Taylor's brigade; and hurrying up from the reserve was Elzey's,--all in pursuit of my four regiments, who were now in full retreat for the town.¹

On right, left, and centre, immensely superior columns of the enemy were pressing upon my brigade, which numbered at the beginning of the fight, all told, exactly 2,101 infantry and one battery. Not another man was available. There was no support between us and the Potomac.² Above the surrounding crests surged the enemy, who opened upon us a sharp and withering fire of musketry. A storm of bullets from the hill where we had so long confronted the main body of Jackson's forces crossed a deadlier fire from Taylor's brigade, now on the crest in our rear. Above the din of musketry, a yell of triumph rose from the