(Map of the battle of cedar run, Virginia, Saturday, August 9th, 1862.)

Lane, meanwhile, was advancing astride the road; Archer and Pender, in accordance with Jackson’s orders, were sweeping round through the forest, and Field and Stafford were in rear of Branch.  A fresh brigade had come up to sustain the defeated Federals; but gallantly as they fought, the Northerners could make no head against overwhelming numbers.  Outflanked to both right and left, for Early and Ewell were now moving forward, they began to yield.  Jackson rode forward to the wheat-field, and just at this moment Banks made a despairing effort to extricate his infantry.  Two squadrons, hitherto concealed by the woods, appeared suddenly on the road, and, deploying into two lines, charged full against the Confederate centre.  The skirmishers were ridden down; but the troops in rear stood firm, and several companies, running to a fence along the highway, poured a devastating fire into the mass of horsemen.  Out of 174 officers and men only 71 rode back.* (* O.R. volume 12 part 2 page 141.)

6.30 P.M.

This brilliant but useless exploit brought no respite to the Federals.  Archer and Pender had turned their right; Ewell was pressing forward against their left, scaling the ridge on which their batteries had been posted; Early and Lane were pressing back their centre, and their guns had already limbered up.  Jackson, galloping to the front, was received with the cheers of his victorious troops.  In every quarter of the field the enemy was in full retreat, and as darkness began to fall the whole Confederate line crossed Cedar Run and swept up the slopes beyond.  Every yard of ground bore witness to the severity of the fighting.  The slaughter had been very heavy.  Within ninety minutes 3000 men had fallen.  The woods were a shambles, and among the corn the dead lay thick.  Scores of prisoners surrendered themselves, and hundreds of discarded muskets bore witness to the demoralisation of the Northerners.  Nevertheless, the pursuit was slow.  The impetuosity of the Confederates, eager to complete their triumph, was checked with a firm hand.  The infantry were ordered to reform before they entered the dense forest which lay between them and Culpeper.  The guns, unable to cross Cedar Run except by the road, were brought over in a single column, and two fresh brigades, Field’s and Stafford’s, which had not yet fired a shot, were brought forward as advanced guard.  Although Jackson had been careful to bring guides who knew the woodland tracks, there was need for prudence.  The light was failing; the cavalry could find no space to act; and, above all, the whereabouts of Pope’s main body was still uncertain.  The Federals had fought with fine courage.  Their resolute attack, pressed home with extraordinary dash, had rolled up the choicest of the Valley regiments.  And yet it was evident that only a small portion of the Northern