“I had been nearly run over in this charge, and now regained my senses somewhat.  I saw that the enemy’s advance was checked, that the spot where lay the Confederate general would mark the highest point attained by the crimson wave of Southern valor, for Union troops were concentrating in overwhelming numbers.  The wound in my hand had broken out afresh.  I hastened to get back out of the melee, the crush, and the ‘sing’ of bullets, and soon reached my old post of observation, exhausted and panting.  The correspondents were still there, and one of them patted me on the shoulder in a way meant to be encouraging, and offered to put my name in his paper, an honor which I declined.  We soon parted, unknown to each other.  I learned, however, that the name of the gallant brigadier was Webb, and that he had been wounded.  So also was General Hancock at this point.

“The enemy’s repulse was now changed into a rout.  Prisoners were brought in by hundreds, while those retreating across the plain were followed by death-dealing shot and shell from our lines.  As I sat resting on my rock of observation, I felt that one could not exult over such a foe, and I was only conscious of profound gratitude over my own and the army’s escape.  Certainly if enough men, animated by the same desperate courage, had taken part in the attack, it would have been irresistible.

“As soon as I saw that the battle at this point was practically decided, I started back towards our left with the purpose of finding my regiment and our surgeon, for my hand had become very painful.  I was so fortunate as to meet with my command as it was being moved up within a few rods of the main line of the Third Corps, where we formed a part of the reserve.  Joining my little company and seeing their familiar faces was like coming home.  Their welcome, a cup of coffee, and the redressing of my wound made me over again.  I had to answer many questions from the small group of officers remaining, for they, kept in the rear all day, had not yet learned much about the battle or its results.

“While I gladdened their hearts with the tidings of our victory, our surgeon growled:  ’I’ll have you put under arrest if you don’t keep quiet.  You’ve been doing more than look on, or your hand would not be in its present condition.’

“Soon after I fell asleep, with my few and faithful men around me, and it was nearly midnight when I wakened.”

“It’s very evident that none of your present audience is inclined to sleep,” Marian exclaimed, with a deep breath.

“And yet it’s after midnight,” Mr. Vosburgh added.  “I fear we are taxing you, captain, far beyond your strength.  Your cheeks, Marian, are feverish.”