of the shoulder were placed six
guns, sweeping every inch of the plain to the south. Federal lines,
their right touching the river, were advancing steadily, with banners
flying and arms gleaming in the sun. A gallant show, they came on.
Winder's and another brigade, with a battery, opposed them. This small
force was suffering cruelly, and its skirmishers were driven in on their
thin supporting line. As my Irishmen predicted, "Shields's boys were
after fighting." Below, Ewell was hurrying his men over the bridge, but
it looked as if we should be doubled up on him ere he could cross and
develop much strength. Jackson was on the road, a little in advance of
his line, where the fire was hottest, with reins on his horse's neck,
seemingly in prayer. Attracted by my approach, he said, in his usual
voice, "Delightful excitement." I replied that it was pleasant to learn
he was enjoying himself, but thought he might have an indigestion of
such fun if the six-gun battery was not silenced. He summoned a young
officer from his staff, and pointed up the mountain. The head of my
approaching column was turned short up the slope, and speedily came to a
path running parallel with the river. We took this path, the guide
leading the way. From him I learned that the plateau occupied by the
battery had been used for a charcoal kiln, and the path we were
following, made by the burners in hauling wood, came upon the gorge
opposite the battery. Moving briskly, we reached the hither side a few
yards from the guns. Infantry was posted near, and riflemen were in the
undergrowth on the slope above. Our approach, masked by timber, was
unexpected. The battery was firing rapidly, enabled from elevation to
fire over the advancing lines. The head of my column began to deploy
under cover for attack, when the sounds of battle to our rear appeared
to recede, and a loud Federal cheer was heard, proving Jackson to be
hard pressed. It was rather an anxious moment, demanding instant action.
Leaving a staff officer to direct my rear regiment--the 7th, Colonel
Hays--to form in the wood as a reserve, I ordered the attack, though the
deployment was not completed, and our rapid march by a narrow path had
occasioned some disorder. With a rush and shout the gorge was passed and
we were in the battery. Surprise had aided us, but the enemy's infantry
rallied in a moment and drove us out. We returned, to be driven a second
time. The riflemen on the slope worried us no lit