nes of battle against our front. At our position A. P.
Hill's division was in front, and Jackson's division in the second or
supporting line, and our artillery was well placed. In addition to the
batteries of the enemy on Stafford Heights some of his field batteries
on the plain and a battery of the Confederates on our right engaged
in a duel which continued with great spirit for more than an hour,
when the Confederates withdrew and the enemy now advanced unmolested,
turning his batteries on our position. The Confederates reserved their
fire until the Federal lines came within easy range before they opened,
pouring such a storm of shot and shell into his ranks as to cause him
to waver and then to retreat in confusion and disorder.

A comparative lull now ensued until about 2 o'clock, when the Federals
made a furious artillery attack, inflicting great damage on our lines.
Under the protection of this fire, his infantry in heavy force again
advanced. When, as before, they had gotten within easy range, our
batteries opened fire on him with destructive effect. Though staggered
and shocked by this rapid and well directed fire their lines regained
composure, continued to press forward and soon came within easy range
of our infantry lines. Then the conflict at once began with great fury.
Musketry and artillery continued to play upon his ranks with withering
effect, but still he pressed forward; and, finding a gap in our line
some distance to our left,--open by accident,--he pressed through in
great numbers, and now pressing in front, as well as the flanks, the
advantage was with the Federals. But the Confederates with heroic
desperation continued the contest, but were forced to yield ground.
Thus the breach widened and the enemy in still greater numbers pressed
on, still the battle raged. The dead and dying on both sides lay
intermingled on the field with no hope of assistance to the wounded,
until the battle should end. Yet dead and dying continued to fall
thick and fast. The day now seemed almost lost to the Confedera