“Skirmishing and fighting continued around and about Gate City for nearly a month, during which time the losses on both sides were very serious. The latter part of August a general movement to the flank and rear of the enemy was made by the whole of the united forces. McFadden's army, now commanded by Hord, moved on the right in the direction of Jonesville, and a terrific battle ensued, lasting for some four hours. They fought against two corps of rebels, which were driven back and through Jonesville to the southward.
“Late in the night a great noise of bursting shell was heard to the north and east of Jonesville. The heavens seemed to be in a blaze. The red glare, as it reflected in beauty against the sky, was beyond brush or word painting. The noise was so terrific that all the troops on the right felt sure that a night attack had been made on Pap-son and that a terrible battle was being fought. Couriers were sent hurriedly to the left to ascertain the cause, and about daylight information was received that Head—who was in command of the rebel forces, having succeeded Jones—had blown up all his magazines, burned his storehouses of supplies, evacuated Gate City, and was marching with his army rapidly in the direction of Loveland Station.
“Thus the great rebel stronghold, Gate City, had fallen and was ours. The joy in our army was indescribable. Sherwood moved on Loveland Station and skirmished with the enemy during one afternoon, but no battle ensued; why, has often been asked by our best-informed men. Our troops moved back on the same road by which they had advanced to and around Gate City, and then went into camp, remaining during the month of September with but little activity.
“One day, at Gen. Sherwood's headquarters, Gen. Anderson was asked by Sherwood if he was ever in the Regular Army. Gen. Anderson replied in the negative.
“Sherwood said: 'I am sorry for that, as I would like to give you a larger command. You are certainly a good soldier.'
“'Well,' said Gen. Anderson, 'is it not good soldiers that you want?'
“'That is true,' said Sherwood; 'but we are compelled to make this distinction, where we have those who are or have been in the old army, or have been educated at the Military Academy.'
“'But, General, suppose a man is or has been in the Regular Army or educated at the Military Academy, and is not a successful General, how will you then decide?'
“'Well, Gen. Anderson, we have studied war and know all about it; you have not. We must rely upon those who make it a profession. Papson, Scovens and myself have considered the matter, and we cannot trust volunteers to command large forces. We are responsible, you know.'
“'But, General, you seem to trust volunteers where there is hard fighting to do, or where there is any desperate assault to be made.'