In this manner the retreat was conducted most successfully, though not without great loss. The Thirty-third, which suffered severely at the outset, likewise lost many men in falling back, including Lieuts. Porter and Rossiter. While scaling a fence at one time, which through some culpable negligence had been left standing, several were killed and wounded. Gen. Neill being stunned by the falling of his wounded horse, Col. Taylor temporarily took command of the Brigade.
To assume command of a Brigade in the confusion of a retreat, when the enemy was pressing on all sides, was a most hazardous undertaking. Col. Taylor, however, did not shrink from the responsibility, and with the assistance of the Major of the Seventh Maine, who stepped forward when he called for volunteer Aids, soon arranged the Regiments in proper line.
SALEM HEIGHTS.
Charge of the Thirty-third.
Darkness closed upon the combatants and prevented further pursuit by the enemy, though skirmishing continued for hours afterwards. Never had men watched more eagerly for the going down of the sun, and now that night had spread her sable mantle over the scene, great was the sense of relief experienced.
But the joy at their deliverance is suddenly dispelled by a report that the bridges thrown over the river at Banks’ Ford have been destroyed, and thus the way of retreat cut off. During the afternoon the enemy between us and Hooker had succeeded in planting several guns near the ford, and kept pounding away at the bridges for hours. One of them was seriously injured, but before they could complete its destruction, batteries were got into position on the opposite side of the river, and drove them away. Happily, then, this rumor was without foundation.