would prove equal to any demand. Before we had cleared
the wood Jackson came galloping from the rear, followed by a company of
horse. He ordered me to deploy my leading regiment as skirmishers on
both sides of the road and continue the advance, then passed on. We
speedily came in sight of Front Royal, but the enemy had taken the
alarm, and his men were scurrying over the bridge to their camp, where
troops could be seen forming. The situation of the village is
surpassingly beautiful. It lies near the east bank of the Shenandoah,
which just below unites all its waters, and looks directly on the
northern peaks of Massanutten. The Blue Ridge, with Manassas Gap,
through which passes the railway, overhangs it on the east; distant
Alleghany bounds the horizon to the west; and down the Shenandoah, the
eye ranges over a fertile, well-farmed country. Two bridges spanned the
river--a wagon bridge above, a railway bridge some yards lower. A good
pike led to Winchester, twenty miles, and another followed the river
north, whence many cross-roads united with the Valley pike near
Winchester. The river, swollen by rain, was deep and turbulent, with a
strong current. The Federals were posted on the west bank, here somewhat
higher than the opposite, and a short distance above the junction of
waters, with batteries bearing more especially on the upper bridge.

Under instructions, my brigade was drawn up in line, a little retired
from the river, but overlooking it--the Federals and their guns in full
view. So far, not a shot had been fired. I rode down to the river's
brink to get a better look at the enemy through a field-glass, when my
horse, heated by the march, stepped into the water to drink. Instantly a
brisk fire was opened on me, bullets striking all around and raising a
little shower-bath. Like many a foolish fellow, I found it easier to get
into than out of a difficulty. I had not yet led my command into action,
and, remembering that one must "strut" one's little part to the best
advantage, sat my horse with all the composure I could muster. A
provident camel, on the eve of a desert journey, would not have laid in
a greater supply of water than did my thoughtless beast. At last he
raised his head, looked placidly around, turned, and walked up the bank.

This little incident was not without value, for my men welcomed me with
a cheer; upon which, as if in response, the enemy's guns opened, and,
having the range, inflicted some loss