if he would attack the enemy he could be routed, as their left was
almost destroyed; but he did not assault at the opportune moment.

"It was then seen that nothing more than skirmishing had been going
on between the forces on the Union left and the rebel right. Gen.
Broomfield had not succeeded in crossing the run, and was held at bay by
a small force, thus enabling the rebel commander, after discovering this
hesitancy on our left, to concentrate on his left and center for the
purpose of renewing the conflict. His re-enforcements had now arrived
from Brown's Ferry, and he was eager to make an assault, being now
satisfied that he should take the aggressive. Our batteries had crossed
the run, and were supported on elevated ground by sufficient infantry,
as we thought, for their safety. The rebel forces moved from their cover
behind the woods, and were advancing to the crest of the ridge that ran
across the open field from north to south, the best position to occupy
for vantage ground. Gen. Anderson seeing this, determined to meet the
attack and contest for this ground. Both forces were now in motion, each
determined the other should not occupy this ridge. Orders were given to
Gen. Broomfleld to cross the run at once and attack the enemy's right.
Gen. Mausker was ordered to move on the left of Gen. Horn's Corps,
now under Gen. Anderson, and attack at once; Farlin being in reserve,
perhaps, because he could not be got anywhere else.

"The artillery was all across the run and ready for action. The cavalry
had crossed some miles above and to the north, and were ordered to
charge the enemy in the flank as soon as the engagement should be
renewed. So on came the troops of both armies, and when in close range,
the firing commenced again on our right and the rebel left, it continued
all down the line until all were engaged. The firing was terrible and
most destructive. Our batteries opened, and on in full charge came our
cavalry. The rebel infantry on the left prepared to receive the cavalry,
kneeling on one knee with fixed bayonets. What a charge that was, and
what a slaughter! On came the cavalry; on, on to the bayonet came horse
and man. Clash against bayonet came saber. Many the horse and man went
on and over the bayonet in that charge. Part of the cavalry halted and
hesitated, some retiring to the rear. Many an infantryman that did the
same. Infantry and cavalrymen were piled together in the long slumber of
death. At last