nded him before Hudson could
form on his right, and he was compelled to surrender with a portion of
his command, the rest having fallen back and thereby saved themselves.
Hudson joined on the remainder of Prince's command and made resistance
to the further advance of the enemy. Our line, being again intact, fell
back behind a ravine that crossed the battlefield from northwest to
southeast--from Moccasin Run to the river. The enemy by this time were
in possession of the camps of the Union forces, and partially giving
themselves up to plunder, the battle gradually slackened until darkness
closed in on the contending armies The enemy occupied our camps during
the night, intending the next morning to capture what was left of our
army. During the first part of the night they kept up a fearful noise,
evincing their joy over what they thought a great victory. Gen. Silent,
however, was engaged in arranging his forces for an attack at daylight,
being satisfied that he could surprise the enemy and defeat him, as he
would not expect our forces to fight, and, therefore, take the noise of
preparation for a retreat. The column under Gen. Wilkins came up early
that night and was posted on the right of our army, with its right on
Hawks Run.

"Gen. Buda also arrived during the night and was given position on the
left, his left resting on the river. The center, held by Sherwood, was
re-enforced by Hudson and that portion of Prince's command not captured.
The artillery was put in battery in the center and on the right center,
and orders given for the men to replenish their boxes with ammunition,
to sleep on their arms, and at 4 o'clock in the morning to make a
simultaneous attack all along the line with infantry and artillery,
moving the artillery rapidly to the front. This being understood, all
were quiet. The enemy were so confident of having our army at their
mercy that they lighted fires and made night hideous with their howls.
During the night the leaves and grass were set on fire by some unknown
means and burned over the battlefield, causing great consternation, as
many of the wounded were yet lying where they fell. Their shrieks and
appeals for help would have made the tears come to the eyes of the
most heartless. An allwise Providence, however, heard their prayers and
appeals for help, and the windows of heaven were thrown open and the
flood poured forth and subdued the flames, saving many a poor fellow
from dreadful torture and d