The aide put spurs to his horse to execute the command, when a courier dashed up from General Beauregard's headquarters.
"Direct me to General Bragg!"
The aide pointed to the General and rode back with Beauregard's courier.
"General Beauregard orders that you cease fighting and rest your men to-night."
Bragg turned his rugged dark face on the messenger with a scowl.
"You have promulgated this order to the army?"
"I have, sir—"
"If you had not, I would not obey it—"
He paused and threw one hand high above his head.
"Our victory has been thrown to the winds!"