“'What of Fitzgibbon on the left? I have not heard a gun in that direction.'
“'Nor will you,' replied the officer.
“'But he has orders to attack at once. He must attack very soon, I am sure. How can he see and hear a battle like this without engaging?'
“The officer made no reply. The General thought he would ascertain, and ordered his staff officer to proceed to the line of Gen. Lyon, and ask him to feel out from his left for Fitzgibbon, and to open communication with him. This order being executed, Gen. Lyon reported that he could not find any force to his left, but at the same time reported that there was much noise and dust in his front on the main road, and he feared re-enforcements for the enemy.
“Just then Gen. Mcintosh reported with his command, which had been marching from Fitzgibbon's rear for some time in order to reach the battlefield. As soon as he had reported Gen. Pike directed that, as soon as his command could rest, so as to be in condition to move forward, he desired him to move up in support of Gen. Lyon; as he feared re-enforcements were moving to his (Lyon's) front.
“Just about this, time Fitzgibbon had discovered much dust rising in the direction of the south. He called the attention of some of his officers to it, and proposed a retreat. But his command did not think a retreat without losing a man or testing the enemy would look quite soldierly, and the retreat was abandoned for the present; but in a few moments an immense flock of wild pigeons (having been by some means disturbed,) came down like a great cloud, and the roaring sound they produced in their flight so startled Gen. Fitzgibbon that he thought a large corps of cavalry were charging upon him. Thereupon he immediately ordered his men under cover and to prepare for retiring, at the same time announcing that our forces were evidently beaten. Gen. Mcintosh moved forward and at once engaged the enemy, and the battle became general.
“The enemy, then evidently being re-enforced, made several desperate but unsuccessful assaults upon our center; but soon fresh troops were thrown in its support, and our lost ground regained. Our right at this time pressed forward, and at once were hotly engaged. Our artillery now opened from the different positions occupied by our batteries. The enemy's batteries promptly replied. Our cav airy were ordered to try and penetrate to the rear of the enemy. Here was a contest between cavalry. Carbines cracked and rattled almost like the heavy musketry of infantry. Many a horse was seen going at full speed over the field riderless. Many a cavalryman fell. At last a charge with sabers drawn was ordered. The sight, as described to me, was one of grandeur to behold. On to the charge they went, each saber flashing in the sunlight. Crash went saber against saber. Sparks flew as if from heated steel. 'Forward?' was heard on both sides. Flashes of sparks and ringing sounds from the steel as saber came against saber. Arms were gashed, hands and faces were cut, heads were cleft, and sabers pierced the bodies of the troopers on either side.
“Back went the rebel cavalry and on against them our men were thrown, until infantry came to the enemy's support, accompanied by a battery of artillery. A deadly fire from both was poured into the ranks of our horsemen. Our lines staggered, then recovered again, but could not withstand both the infantry and artillery. They were compelled to fall back. Many were unhorsed and quite a number captured. Among them was my son Henry, of the Michigan Cavalry. His horse was killed, and his own back injured in the fall, so that he could not make good his escape. (He was sent to the rear. I heard nothing from him for months—only knew that he was taken prisoner.) But the command again rallied and held their line on the flank of our infantry. The artillery on the left of our line were having a regular duel with several batteries of the enemy. Our center was being sorely pressed again. Column after column assaulted and checked our advance. Gen. Pike was very anxious about his support, and repeatedly sent to find Farlin, but the same report was made each time, 'Not in sight; cannot be found.' At last a report came that Farlin was some twenty miles away, and moving very leisurely.