in
the ground. While enjoying the luxury of a soldier's fare I told him all
about the family, his own in particular. Harvey enjoyed the things said
of him by the children which I repeated. The Colonel, however, seemed
thoughtful, and did not incline to very much conversation. Looking up
with a grave face he said to me:

"'Father, to-morrow may determine the fate of the Republic. I am
satisfied that a battle, and perhaps a terrible one, will be fought very
near here.'"

'I asked him about the armies, and he replied that we had a very
large army, but poorly drilled and disciplined; that the enemy had the
advantage in this respect. As to commanding officers, they were alike
on both sides, with but little experience in handling large armies.
He suggested that we retire to rest, so that we could be up early, but
urged me to stay at the rear, and not go where I would be exposed.
To this I assented. Soon we retired to our couches, which were on the
ground, with but one blanket apiece and no tent over us. I did not sleep
that night. My mind was wandering over the field in anticipation of what
was to occur.

Early next morning I heard the orders given to march in the direction of
the gaps. Wagons were rolling along the road, whips were cracking, and
teamsters in strong language directing their mules; artillery was
noisy in its motion; the tramp of infantry was steady and continuous;
cavalrymen were rushing to and fro. I started to the rear, as my son had
directed, and ate my breakfast as I rode along. About 10 o'clock I heard
musket shots, and soon after artillery; then the musketry increased. I
listened for awhile. Troops were rushing past me to the front. As I was
dressed in citizen's clothes, the boys would occasionally call out to
me, 'Old chap, you had better get back;' but I could not. I was moved
forward by some strong impulse, I knew not what, and finally found
myself nearing the front with my horse on the run. Soon I could see the
lines forming, and moving forward into the woods in the direction of the
firing, I watched closely for my son's command, and kept near it, but
out of sight of the Colonel, as I feared he would be thinking of my
being in danger, and might neglect his duty. The battle was now fully
opened--the artillery in batteries opening along the line, the infantry
heavily engaged, the cavalry moving rapidly to our flanks. Steadily the
line moved on, when volley after volley rolled from one end of the lin