to report to Major McLaughlin. After that I did not see the section of artillery until near the close of the engagement. Major McLaughlin, under whose command they served, was pleased to speak of the section in such complimentary terms that I was satisfied then that they had done their duty.
Continuing the advance on the ground to the left of the main road, and south of New Market, at 12:30 P. M., we came under the fire of the enemy's batteries. Having advanced a quarter of a mile under the fire, we were halted and the column was deployed, the march up to this time having been by flank in column. The ground in front was open, with skirts of woods on the left. Here General Breckinridge sent for me, and gave me in person my instructions. The General's plans seem to have undergone some modification. Instead of one line, with a reserve, he formed his infantry in two, artillery in rear and to the right, the cavalry deployed and guarding the right flank, left flank resting on a stream. Wharton's brigade of infantry constituted the first line, Echol's brigade the second. The battalion of Cadets brigaded with Echols, was the last battalion but one, from the left of the second line, Edgar's battalion being in the left. The lines having been adjusted, the order to advance was passed. Wharton's line advanced, Echols followed at 250 paces in the rear. As Wharton's line ascended a knoll it came in full view of the enemy's batteries, which opened a heavy fire, but not having gotten the range, did but little damage. By the time the second line reached the same ground, the Yankee gunners had gotten the exact range and their fire began to tell on our line with fearful accuracy. It was here that Captain Hill and others fell. Great gaps were made through the ranks, but the Cadet, true to his discipline, would close in to the centre to fill the interval, and push steadily forward. The alignment of the battalion under this terrible fire, which strewed the ground with killed and wounded for more than a mile on open ground, would have been creditable, even on a field day.
The advance was thus continued, until, having passed Bushong's house, a mile or more beyond New Market, and still to the left of the main road, the enemy's batteries, at 250 or 300 yards, opened upon us with canister and case shot, and their long lines
