CHAPTER IX. TURNING ON THE FOE
Harry was awakened at the first shoot of dawn by the sound of trumpets.It was now approaching the last of May and the cold nights had longsince passed. A warm sun was fast showing its edge in the east, and,bathing his face at a brook and snatching a little breakfast, he wasready. Stonewall Jackson was already up, and his colored servant washolding Little Sorrel for him.
The army was fast forming into line, the new men of Ewell resolved tobecome as famous foot cavalry as those who had been with Jackson allalong. Ewell himself, full of enthusiasm and already devoted to hischief, was riding among them, and whenever he spoke to one of them hecocked his head on one side in the peculiar manner that was habitualwith him. Now and then, as the sun grew warmer, he took off his hat andhis bald head gleamed under the yellow rays.
"Which way do you think we're going?" said the young staff officer,George Dalton, to Harry--Dalton was a quiet youth with a good deal ofthe Puritan about him and Harry liked him.
"I'm not thinking about it at all," replied Harry with a laugh. "I'vequit trying to guess what our general is going to do, but I fancy thathe means to lead us against the enemy. He has the numbers now."
"I suppose you're right," said Dalton. "I've been trying to guess allalong, but I think I'll give it up now and merely follow where thegeneral leads."
The bugles blew, the troops rapidly fell into line and marched northwardalong the turnpike, the Creole band began to play again one of thoselilting waltz tunes, and the speed of the men increased, their feetrising and falling swiftly to the rhythm of the galloping air. Jackson,who was near the head of the column, looked back and Harry saw a faintsmile pass over his grim face. He saw the value of the music.
"I never heard such airs in our Presbyterian church," said Dalton toHarry.
"But this isn't a church."
"No, it isn't, but those Creole tunes suit here. They put fresh lifeinto me."
"Same here. And they help the men, too. Look how gay they are."
Up went the shining sun. The brilliant blue light, shot with gold,spread from horizon to horizon, little white clouds of vapor, tintedat the edges with gold from the sun, floated here and there. It wasbeautiful May over all the valley. White dust flew from the turnpikeunder the feet of so many marching men and horses, and the wheels ofcannon. Suddenly the Georgia troops that had suffered so severely atMcDowell began to sing a verse from the Stars and Bars, and graduallythe whole column joined in:
"Now Georgia marches to the front And close beside her come Her sisters by the Mexique sea With pealing trump and drum, Till answering back from hill and glen The rallying cry afar, A nation hoists the Bonnie Blue Flag That bears a single star."
It was impossible not to feel emotion. The face of the most solemnPresbyterian of them all flushed and his eyes glowed. Now the band, thatwonderful band of the Acadians, was playing the tune, and the mightychorus rolled and swelled across the fields. Harry's heart throbbedhard. He was with the South, his own South, and he was swayed wholly byfeeling.
The Acadians were leading the army. Harry saw Jackson whisperingsomething to a staff officer. The officer galloped forward and spoke toTaylor, the commander of the Louisiana troops. Instantly the Acadiansturned sharply from the turnpike and walked in a diagonal line throughthe fields. The whole army followed and they marched steadily northwardand eastward.
Harry had another good and close view of the Massanuttons, now onevast mass of dark green foliage, and it caused his thoughts to turn toShepard. He had no doubt that the wary and astute Northern scout wassomewhere near watching the march of Stonewall. He had secured a pair ofglasses of his own and he scanned the fields and forests now for asight of him and his bold horsemen. But he saw no blue uniforms, merelyfarmers and their wives and children, shouting with joy at the sight ofJackson, eager to give him information, and eager to hide it from Banks.
But Harry was destined to have more than another view of theMassanuttons. Jackson marched steadily for four days, crossing theMassanuttons at the defile, and coming down into the eastern valley.The troops were joyous throughout the journey, although they had not theleast idea for what they were destined, and Ewell's men made good theirclaim to a place of equal honor in the foot cavalry.
They were now in the division of the great valley known as the Luray,and only when they stopped did Harry and his comrades of the staff learnthat the Northern army under Kenly was only ten miles away at FrontRoyal.
The preceding night had been one of great confidence, even oflight-heartedness in Washington. The worn and melancholy President feltthat a triumphant issue of the war was at hand. The Secretary of War wasmore than sanguine, and the people in the city joyfully expectedspeedy news of the fall of Richmond. McClellan was advancing with anoverwhelming force on the Southern capital, and the few regiments ofJackson were lost somewhere in the mountains. In the west all thingswere going well under Grant.
It was only a few who, recognizing that the army of Jackson was lost toNorthern eyes, began to ask questions about it. But they were laugheddown. Jackson had too few men to do any harm, wherever he might be.Nobody suspected that at dawn Jackson, with a strong force, would beonly a little more than three score miles from the Union capital itself.Even Banks himself, who was only half that distance from the Southernarmy, did not dream that it was coming.
When the sun swung clear that May morning there was a great elationin this army which had been lost to its enemies for days and which theunknowing despised. They ate a good breakfast, and then, as the Creoleband began to play its waltzes again, they advanced swiftly on FrontRoyal.
"We'll be attacking in two hours," said Dalton.
"In less time than that, I'm thinking," said Harry. "Look how the menare speeding it up!"
The band ceased suddenly. Harry surmised that it had been stopped,in order to suppress noise as much as possible, now that they wereapproaching the enemy. Cheering and loud talking also were stopped,and they heard now the heavy beat of footsteps, horses and men, and therumble of vehicles, cannon and wagons. The morning was bright and hot.A haze of heat hung over the mountains, and to Harry the valley was morebeautiful and picturesque than ever. He had again flitting feelings ofmelancholy that it should be torn so ruthlessly by war.
If Shepard and other Northern scouts were near, they were lax thatmorning. Not a soul in the garrison at Front Royal dreamed of Jackson'sswift approach. They were soon to have a terrible awakening.
Harry saw Jackson raise the visor of his old cap a little, and he sawthe eyes beneath it gleam.
"We must be near Front Royal," he said to Dalton.
"It's just beyond the woods there. It's not more than half a mile away."
The army halted a moment and Jackson sent forward a long line ofskirmishers through the wood. Sherburne's cavalry were to ride justbehind them, and he dispatched Harry and Dalton with the captain. At thefirst sound of the firing the whole army would rush upon Front Royal.
The skirmishers, five hundred strong, pressed forward through the wood.They were sun-browned, eager fellows, every one carrying a rifle, andall sharpshooters.
It seemed to Harry that the skirmishers were through the wood inan instant, like a force of Indians bursting from ambush upon anunsuspecting foe. The Northern pickets were driven in like leaves beforea whirlwind. The rattle and then the crash of rifles beat upon the ears,and the Southern horsemen were galloping through the streets of thestartled village by the time the Northern commander, posted with hismain force just behind the town, knew that Jackson had emerged from thewilderness and was upon him. Banks not dreaming of Jackson's nearness,had taken away Kenly's cavalry, and there were only pickets to see.
The Northern commander was brave and capable. He drew up his men rapidlyon a ridge and planted his guns in front, but the storm was too heavyand swift.
Harry saw the front of the Southern army burst into fire, and then adeadly sleet of shell and bullets was poured u
pon the Northern force.He and Dalton did not have time to rejoin Jackson, but they kept withSherburne's force as the group of wild horsemen swung around toward theNorthern rear, intending to cut it off.
Harry heard the Southern bugles playing mellow and triumphant tunes, andthey inflamed his brain. All the little pulses in his head began to beatheavily. Millions of black specks danced before his eyes, but the airabout them was red. He began to shout with the others. The famous rebelyell, which had in it the menacing quality of the Indian war whoop, wasalready rolling from the half circle of the attacking army, as it rushedforward.
Kenly hung to his ground, fighting with the courage of desperation, andholding off for a little while the gray masses that rushed upon him. Butwhen he heard that the cavalry of Sherburne was already behind him, andwas about to gain a position between him and the river, he retreatedas swiftly as he could, setting fire to all his tents and stores, andthundering in good order with his remaining force over the bridge.
These Northern men, New Yorkers largely, were good material, liketheir brethren of Ohio and West Virginia. Despite the surprise and theoverwhelming rush of Jackson, they stopped to set fire to the bridge,and they would have closed that avenue of pursuit had not the Acadiansrushed forward, heedless of bullets and flames, and put it out. Yetthe bridge was damaged and the Southern pursuit could cross but slowly.Kenly, seeing his advantage, and cool and ready, drew up his men on ahill and poured a tremendous fire upon the bridge.
Harry saw the daring deed of the men from the Gulf coast, and he clappedhis hands in delight. But he had only a moment's view. Sherburne wascurving away in search of a ford and all his men galloped close behindhim.
Near the town the river was deep and swift and the horsemen would beswept away by it, but willing villagers running at the horses' heads ledthem to fords farther down.
"Into the river, boys!" shouted Sherburne, as he with Harry and Daltonby his side galloped into the stream. It seemed to Harry that the wholeriver was full of horsemen in an instant, and then he saw StonewallJackson himself, riding Little Sorrel into the stream.
Harry's horse stumbled once on the rocky bottom, but recovered hisfooting, and the boy urged him on toward the bank, bumping on eitherside against those who were as eager as he. He was covered with waterand foam, churned up by so many horses, but he did not notice it. In aminute his horse put his forefeet upon the bank, pulled himself up, andthen they were all formed up by Jackson himself for the pursuit.
"They run! They run already!" cried Sherburne.
They were not running, exactly, but Kenly, always alert and cool, hadseen the passage of the ford by the Virginians, and unlimbering hisguns, was retreating in good order, but swiftly, his rear covered by theNew York cavalry.
Now Harry saw all the terrors of war. It was not sufficient for Jacksonto defeat the enemy. He must follow and destroy him. More of his armycrossed at the fords and more poured over the bridge.
The New York cavalry, despite courage and tenacity, could not withstandthe onset of superior numbers. They were compelled to give way, andKenly ordered his infantry, retreating on the turnpike, to turn and helpthem. Jackson had not waited for his artillery, but his riflemen pouredvolley after volley of bullets upon the beaten army, while his cavalry,galloping in the fields, charged it with sabers on either flank.
Harry was scarcely conscious of what he was doing. He was slashing withhis sword and shooting with the rest. Sometimes his eyes were filledwith dust and smoke and then again they would clear. He heard the voicesof officers shouting to both cavalry and infantry to charge, and thenthere was a confused and terrible melee.
Harry never remembered much of that charge, and he was glad that he didnot. He preferred that it should remain a blur in which he could notpick out the details. He was conscious of the shock, when horse methorse and body met body. He saw the flash of rifle and pistol shots,and the gleam of sabers through the smoke, and he heard a continuousshouting kept up by friend and foe.
Then he felt the Northern army, struck with such terrific force, givingway. Kenly had made a heroic stand, but he could no longer support theattacks from all sides. One of his cannon was taken and then all. Hehimself fell wounded terribly. His senior officers also fell, as theytried to rally their men, who were giving way at all points.
Sherburne wheeled his troop away again and charged at the Northerncavalry, which was still in order. Harry had seen Jackson himself givethe command to the captain. It was the redoubtable commander who saw alland understood all, who always struck, with his sword directly at theweak point in the enemy's armor. Harry saw that eye glittering as he hadnever seen it glitter before, and the command was given in words of firethat communicated a like fire to every man in the troop.
The Northern cavalry cut to pieces, Kenly's whole army dissolved. Theattack was so terrific, so overwhelming, and was pushed home so hard,that panic ran through the ranks of those brave men. They fled throughthe orchards and the fields, and Jackson never ceased to urge on thepursuit, taking whole companies here and there, and seizing scatteredfugitives.
Ashby, with the chief body of the cavalry, galloped on ahead to arailway station, where Pennsylvania infantry were on guard. They hadjust got ready a telegraphic message to Banks for help, but his menrushed the station before it could be sent, tore up the railroad tracks,cut the telegraph wires, carried by storm a log house in which thePennsylvanians had taken refuge, and captured them all.
The Northern army had ceased to exist. Save for some fugitives, it hadall fallen or was in the hands of Jackson, and the triumphant cheers ofthe Southerners rang over the field. Banks, at Strasburg, not far away,did not know that Kenly's force had been destroyed. Three hours afterthe attack had been made, an orderly covered with dust galloped into hiscamp and told him that Kenly was pressed hard--he did not know the fulltruth himself.
Banks, whose own force was cut down by heavy drafts to the eastward,was half incredulous. It was impossible that Jackson could be at FrontRoyal. He was fifty or sixty miles away, and the attack must be somecavalry raid which would soon be beaten off. He sent a regiment and twoguns to see what was the matter. He telegraphed later to the Secretaryof War at Washington that a force of several thousand rebels gathered inthe mountains was pushing Kenly hard.
Meanwhile the victorious Southerners were spending a few moments inenjoying their triumph. They captured great quantities of food andclothing which Kenly had not found time to destroy, and which theyjoyously divided among themselves.
Harry found the two colonels and all the rest of the Invincibles lyingupon the ground in the fields. Some of them were wounded, but mostwere unhurt. They were merely panting from exhaustion. Colonel LeonidasTalbot sat up when he saw Harry, and Lieutenant-Colonel Hector St.Hilaire also sat up.
"Good afternoon, Harry," said Colonel Talbot, politely. "It's been awarm day."
"But a victorious one, sir."
"Victorious, yes; but it is not finished. I fancy that in spite ofeverything we have not yet learned the full capabilities of GeneralJackson, eh, Hector?"
"No, sir, we haven't," replied Lieutenant-Colonel Hector St. Hilaire,emphatically. "I never saw such an appetite for battle. In MexicoGeneral Winfield Scott would press the enemy hard, but he was notanxious to march twenty miles and fight a battle every day."
Harry found St. Clair and Langdon not far away from their chiefofficers. St. Clair had brushed the dust off his clothing, but he wasregarding ruefully two bullet holes in the sleeve of his fine graytunic.
"He has neither needle nor thread with which to sew up those holes,"said Langdon, with wicked glee, "and he must go into battle again with atunic more holy than righteous. It's been a bad day for clothes."
"A man doesn't fight any worse because he's particular about hisuniform, does he?" asked St. Clair.
"You don't. That's certain, old fellow," said Langdon, clapping himon the back. "And just think how much worse it might have been. Thosebullets, instead of merely going through your coat sleeve, mi
ght havegone through your arm also, shattering every bone in it. Now, Harry, youride with Old Jack. Tell us what he means to do. Are we going to reston our rich and numerous laurels, or is it up and after the Yankshot-foot?"
"He's not telling me anything," replied Harry, "but I think it's safe topredict that we won't take any long and luxurious rest. Nor will we evertake any long and luxurious rest while we're led by Stonewall Jackson."
Jackson marched some distance farther toward Strasburg, where the armyof Banks, yet unbelieving, lay, and as the night was coming on thick andblack with clouds, went into camp. But among their captured stores theyhad ample food now, and tents and blankets to protect themselves fromthe promised rain.
The Acadians, who were wonderful cooks, showed great culinary skill aswell as martial courage. They were becoming general favorites, and theyprepared all sorts of appetizing dishes, which they shared freely withthe Virginians, the Georgians and the others. Then the irrepressibleband began. In the fire-lighted woods and on the ground yet stained bythe red of battle, it played quaint old tunes, waltzes and polkas androundelays, and once more the stalwart Pierres and Raouls and Luciensand Etiennes, clasping one another in their arms, whirled in wild dancesbefore the fires.
The heavy clouds opened bye and bye, and then all save the sentinelsfled to shelter. Harry and Dalton, who had been watching the dancing,went to a small tent which had been erected for themselves and two more.Next to it was a tent yet smaller, occupied by the commander-in-chief,and as they passed by it they heard low but solemn tones lifted ininvocation to God. Harry could not keep from taking one fleeting glance.He saw Jackson on his knees, and then he went quickly on.
The other two officers had not yet come, and Dalton and he were alone inthe tent. It was too dark inside for Harry to see Dalton's face, but heknew that his comrade, too, had seen and heard.
"It will be hard to beat a general who prays," said Dalton. "Some of ourmen laugh at Jackson's praying, but I've always heard that the Puritans,whether in England or America, were a stern lot to face."
"The enemy at least won't laugh at him. I've heard that they had greatfun deriding a praying professor of mathematics, but I fancy they'vequit it. If they haven't they'll do so when they hear of Front Royal."
The tent was pitched on the bare ground, but they had obtained fourplanks, every one about a foot wide and six feet or so long. They weresufficient to protect them from the rain which would run under the tentand soak into the ground. Harry had long since learned that a tent and amere strip of plank were a great luxury, and now he appreciated them attheir full value.
He wrapped himself in the invaluable cloak, stretched his weary bodyupon his own particular plank, and was soon asleep. He was awakened inthe night by a low droning sound. He did not move on his plank, but layuntil his eyes became used partially to the darkness. Then he sawtwo other figures also wrapped in their cloaks and stretched on theirplanks, dusky and motionless. But the fourth figure was kneeling onhis plank and Harry saw that it was Dalton, praying even as StonewallJackson had prayed.
Then Harry shut his eyes. He was not devout himself, but in the darknessof the night, with the rain beating a tattoo on the canvas walls ofthe tent, he felt very solemn. This was war, red war, and he was in themidst of it. War meant destruction, wounds, agony and death. He mightnever again see Pendleton and his father and his aunt and his cousin,Dick Mason, and Dr. Russell and all his boyhood and school friends. Itwas no wonder that George Dalton prayed. He ought to be praying himself,and lying there and not stirring he said under his breath a simpleprayer that his mother had taught him when he was yet a little child.
Then he fell asleep again, and awoke no more until the dawn. But whileHarry slept the full dangers of his situation became known to Banks farafter midnight at Strasburg. The regiment and the two guns that hehad sent down the turnpike to relieve Kenly had been fired upon soincessantly by Southern pickets and riflemen that they were compelledto turn back. Everywhere the Northern scouts and skirmishers were drivenin. Despite the darkness and rain they found a wary foe whom they couldnot pass.
It was nearly two o'clock in the morning when Banks was aroused by astaff officer who said that a man insisted upon seeing him. The man,the officer said, claimed to have news that meant life or death, and hecarried on his person a letter from President Lincoln, empowering him togo where he pleased. He had shown that letter, and his manner indicatedthe most intense and overpowering anxiety.
Banks was surprised, and he ordered that the stranger be shown in atonce. A tall man, wrapped in a long coat of yellow oilcloth, drippingrain, was brought into the room. He held a faded blue cap in his hand,and the general noticed that the hand was sinewy and powerful. The frontof the coat was open a little at the top, disclosing a dingy blue coat.His high boots were spattered to the tops with mud.
There was something in the man's stern demeanor and his intense, burninggaze that daunted Banks, who was a brave man himself. Moreover, thegeneral was but half dressed and had risen from a warm couch, whilethe man before him had come in on the storm, evidently from some greatdanger, and his demeanor showed that he was ready for other and instantdangers. For the moment the advantage was with the stranger, despite thedifference in rank.
"Who are you?" asked the general.
"My name, sir, is Shepard, William J. Shepard. I am a spy or a scoutin the Union service. I have concealed upon me a letter from PresidentLincoln, empowering me to act in such a capacity and to go where Iplease. Do you wish to see it, sir?"
Shepard spoke with deference, but there was no touch of servility in histone.
"Show me the letter," said Banks.
Shepard thrust a hand into his waistcoat and withdrew a document whichhe handed to the general. Banks glanced through it rapidly.
"It's from Lincoln," he said; "I know that handwriting, but it would notbe well for you to be captured with that upon you."
"If I were about to be captured I should destroy it."
"Why have you come here? What message do you bring?"
"The worst possible message, sir. Stonewall Jackson and an army oftwenty thousand men will be upon you in the morning."
"What! What is this you say! It was only a cavalry raid at Front Royal!"
"It was no cavalry raid at Front Royal, sir! It was Jackson and hiswhole army! I ought to have known, sir! I should have got there and havewarned Kenly in time, but I could not! My horse was killed by a rebelsharpshooter in the woods as I was approaching! I could not get up intime, but I saw what happened!"
"Kenly! Kenly, where is he?"
"Mortally wounded or dead, and his army is destroyed! They made a bravestand, even after they were defeated at the village. They might have gotaway had anybody but Jackson been pursuing. But he gave them no chance.They were enveloped by cavalry and infantry, and only a few escaped."
"Good God!" exclaimed Banks, aghast.
"Nor is that all, sir. They are close at hand! They will attack youat dawn! They are in full force! Ewell's army has joined Jackson andJackson leads them all! We must leave Strasburg at once or we are lost!"
Shepard's manner admitted of no doubt. Banks hurried forth and sentofficers to question the pickets. All the news they brought wasconfirmatory. Even in the darkness and rain shots had been fired atthem by the Southern skirmishers. Banks sent for all of his importantofficers, the troops were gathered together, and leaving a strongrear-guard, they began a rapid march toward Winchester, which Jacksonhad loved so well.
Swiftness and decision now on the other side had saved the Northern armyfrom destruction. Banks did not realize until later, despite the urgentwords of Shepard, how formidable was the danger that threatened him.Jackson, despite all the disadvantages of the darkness and the rain,wished to get his army up before daylight, but the deep mud formed bythe pouring rain enabled Banks to slip away from the trap.
The Southern troops, moreover, were worn to the bone. They had comeninety miles in five days over rough roads, across streams withoutbridge
s, and over a high mountain, besides fighting a battle of uncommonfierceness. There were limits even to the endurance of Jackson's footcavalry.
Harry was first awake in the little tent. He sat up and looked at theother three on their planks who were sleeping as if they would neverwake any more. A faint tint of dawn was appearing at the open flap ofthe door. The four had lain down dressed fully, and Harry, as he sprangfrom his board, cried:
"Up, boys, up! The army is about to move!"
The three also sprang to their feet, and went outside. Although the dawnwas as yet faint, the army was awakening rapidly, or rather was beingawakened. The general himself appeared a moment later, dressed fully,the end of a lemon in his mouth, his face worn and haggard by incrediblehardships, but his eyes full of the strength that comes from anunconquerable will.
He nodded to Harry, Dalton and the others.
"Five minutes for breakfast, gentlemen," he said, "and then join me onhorseback, ready for the pursuit of the enemy!"
The few words were like the effects of a galvanic battery on Harry.Peculiarly susceptible to mental power, Jackson was always a stimulusto him. Close contact revealed to him the fiery soul that lay underneaththe sober and silent exterior, and, in his own turn, he caught fire fromit. Youthful, impressionable and extremely sensitive to great mindsand great deeds, Stonewall Jackson had become his hero, who could do nowrong.
Five minutes for the hasty breakfast and they were in the saddle justbehind Jackson. The rain had ceased, the sun was rising in a clear sky,the country was beautiful once more, and down a long line the Southernbugles were merrily singing the advance. Very soon scattered shots allalong their front showed that they were in touch with the enemy.
The infantry and cavalry left by Banks as a curtain between himself andJackson did their duty nobly that morning. The pursuit now led into acountry covered with forest, and using every advantage of such shelter,the Northern companies checked the Southern advance as much as washumanly possible. Many of them were good riflemen, particularly thosefrom Ohio, and the cavalry of Ashby, Funsten and Sherburne found thewoods very warm for them. Horses were falling continually, and oftentheir riders fell with them to stay.
Harry, in the center with the commander, heard the heavy firing to bothright and left, and he glanced often at Jackson. He saw his lips move asif he were talking to himself, and he knew that he was disappointed atthis strong resistance. Troops could move but slowly through woods inthe face of a heavy rifle fire, and meanwhile Banks with his main bodywas escaping to Winchester.
"Mr. Kenton," said Jackson sharply, "ride to General Ashby and tell himto push the enemy harder! We must crush at least a portion of this army!It is vital!"
Harry was off as soon as the last words left the general's lips. Hespurred his horse from the turnpike, leaped a low rail fence, andgalloped across a field toward a forest, where Ashby's cavalry wereadvancing and the rifles were cracking fast.
Bullets from the Northern skirmishers flew over him and beside him, ashe flew about the field, but he thought little of them. He was growingso thoroughly inured to war that he seldom realized the dangers untilthey were passed.
Neither he nor his horse was hurt--their very speed, perhaps, saved themand they entered the wood, where the Southern cavalry were riding.
"General Ashby!" he cried to the first man he saw. "Where is he? I've amessage from General Jackson!"
The soldier pointed to a figure on horseback but a short distance away,and Harry galloped up.
"General Jackson asks you to press the enemy harder!" he said to Ashby."He wishes him to be driven in rapidly!"
A faint flush came into the brown cheeks of Ashby.
"He shall be obeyed," he replied. "We're about to charge in full force!Hold, young man! You can't go back now! You must charge with us!"
He put his hand on Harry's rein as he spoke, and the boy saw that astrong force of Northern cavalry had now appeared in the fields directlybetween him and his general. Ashby turned the next instant to a buglerat his elbow and exclaimed fiercely:
"Blow! Blow with all your might!"
The piercing notes of the charge rang forth again and again. Ashby,shouting loudly and continuously and waving his sword above his head,galloped forward. His whole cavalry force galloped with him and sweptdown upon the defenders.
Nor did Ashby lack support. The Acadians led by Taylor swung forward ona run, and a battery, coming at the double quick, unlimbered and openedfire. Jackson had directed all, he had brought up the converging lines,and the whole Northern rear guard, two thousand cavalry, some infantryand a battery, were caught. Just before them lay the little village ofMiddletown, and in an instant they were driven into its streets, wherethey were raked by shot and shell from the cannon, while the rifles ofthe cavalry and of the Louisiana troops swept them with bullets.
Again the Northern soldiers, brave and tenacious though they might be,could make no stand against the terrible rush of Jackson's victoriousand superior numbers. They had no such leading as their foes. The man,the praying professor, was proving himself everything.
As at Front Royal, the Northern force was crushed. It burst from thevillage in fragments, and fled in many directions. But Jackson urged onthe pursuit. Ashby's cavalry charged again and again, taking prisonerseverywhere.
The people of Middletown, as red-hot for the South as were those ofFront Royal, rushed from their houses and guided the victors along theright roads. They pointed where two batteries and a train of wagons werefleeing toward Winchester, and Ashby, with his cavalry, Harry still athis elbow, raced in pursuit.