This position was unassailable by cavalry from the road, the only point of attack being down the lane on the right; and the enemy were so disposed as to command this approach perfectly.  The lane was a blind one, being closed, after passing the brook, by fences and ploughed land:  it was in fact a cul-de-sac.  If the infantry should stand, nothing could save the rash assailants.  There are horsemen sufficient to sweep the little band before them, as helplessly as the withered forest-leaves in the grasp of the autumn winds; there are deadly marksmen lying behind the trees upon the heights and lurking in the long grass upon the lowlands; while a long line of foot stand upon the summit of the slope, who, only stepping a few paces back into the forest, may defy the boldest riders.  Yet, down this narrow lane, leading into the very jaws of death, came the three hundred.

On the prairie, at the edge of the woodland in which he knew his wily foe lay hidden, Zagonyi halted his command.  He spurred along the line.  With eager glance he scanned each horse and rider.  To his officers he gave the simple order, “Follow me! do as I do!” and then, drawing up in front of his men, with a voice tremulous and shrill with emotion, he spoke:—­

“Fellow-soldiers, comrades, brothers!  This is your first battle.  For our three hundred, the enemy are two thousand.  If any of you are sick, or tired by the long march, or if any think the number is too great, now is the time to turn back.”  He paused; no one was sick or tired.  “We must not retreat.  Our honor, the honor of our General and our country, tell us to go on.  I will lead you.  We have been called holiday soldiers for the pavements of St. Louis; to-day we will show that we are soldiers for the battle.  Your watchword shall be, ‘The Union and Fremont!’ Draw sabre!  By the right flank,—­quick trot,—­march!”

Bright swords flashed in the sunshine, a passionate shout burst from every lip, and with one accord, the trot passing into a gallop, the compact column swept on to its deadly purpose.  Most of them were boys.  A few weeks before they had left their homes.  Those who were cool enough to note it say that ruddy cheeks grew pale, and fiery eyes were dimmed with tears.  Who shall tell what thoughts,—­what visions of peaceful cottages nestling among the groves of Kentucky or shining upon the banks of the Ohio and the Illinois,—­what sad recollections of tearful farewells, of tender, loving faces, filled their minds during those fearful moments of suspense?  No word was spoken.  With lips compressed, firmly clenching their sword-hilts, with quick tramp of hoofs and clang of steel, honor leading and glory awaiting them, the young soldiers flew forward, each brave rider and each straining steed members of one huge creature, enormous, terrible, irresistible.

  “’T were worth ten years of peaceful life,
  One glance at their array.”