“Back went the rebel cavalry and on against them our men were thrown, until infantry came to the enemy's support, accompanied by a battery of artillery. A deadly fire from both was poured into the ranks of our horsemen. Our lines staggered, then recovered again, but could not withstand both the infantry and artillery. They were compelled to fall back. Many were unhorsed and quite a number captured. Among them was my son Henry, of the Michigan Cavalry. His horse was killed, and his own back injured in the fall, so that he could not make good his escape. (He was sent to the rear. I heard nothing from him for months--only knew that he was taken prisoner.) But the command again rallied and held their line on the flank of our infantry. The artillery on the left of our line were having a regular duel with several batteries of the enemy. Our center was being sorely pressed again. Column after column assaulted and checked our advance. Gen. Pike was very anxious about his support, and repeatedly sent to find Farlin, but the same report was made each time, 'Not in sight; cannot be found.' At last a report came that Farlin was some twenty miles away, and moving very leisurely. “'My God!' exclaimed Gen. Pike, 'my army is sacrificed. These men will not support me. The battle is to be lost, and perhaps all depends upon the issue here to-day. To win this battle makes our success sure; to lose it may be the loss of all.' “He called an officer and said, 'Take this written order to Fitzgibbon. He must attack at once.' “Fitzgibbon was found beneath the shade of a broad oak. He had not fired a gun; his men were panting for a chance to enter the contest. As the officer passed along they cried out, 'Why not put us into the fight?' How is the battle going?' 'Are we driving them?' 'The rebs are being re-enforced; we can see troops coming down by Pageland.' (The town was in full view from where they were impatiently waiting for the command 'Forward!') “Gen. Fitzgibbon paid no attention to the order, except to say, 'Pike doesn't know what he is doing.' “The officer said, on returning, Fitzgibbon's men were lying by their arms, (which were stacked,) and could be put into use instantly. The General could not believe that the attack would not be made by Fitzgibbon. The battle now was at white heat--infantry, artillery and cavalry were all engaged. The lines swayed, sometimes the rebels were gaining slight advantage, and then the forces on our side. Gen. David Lyon's command was now all engaged. “He drove the enemy through the woods where his left first rested. He was handling his troops well. The commanding General came along where he was engaged and complimented him very highly for the manner in which he was succeeding on his part of the line. He then asked David (Gen. Lyon) if he could hear any firing on his left. Gen. Lyon answered him in the negative. “'Is it possible? Are you not mistaken? It seems to me that I can hear it.9