To get at our antagonist, it was necessary to descend to the bottom of this valley and

climb the heights on its opposite side.

Colonel Cantwell, therefore, started his men on the double quick down the mountain, himself

leading them on foot.

The entire movement had to be executed and full view of the enemy, and it quickly brought

us within range of his musketry.

With a great shout the regiment rushed down the turnpike, reaching which the men scarcely

stopped to take a breath before they began clambering up the steep slope.

The enemy's bullets fired down the mountain, flew over us and myriads, but were not heated.

The Confederate fire only seemed to add to the exhilaration of our charge.

Up through the slanting meadows went the blue lines, with colors flying and end fields

crashing.

On the right, the 25th, 75th, and 32nd Ohio come up in splendid style, their muskets crashing

too.

Up still up go the steady lines, until they arrive within short range of the Confederates.

The action is so violent all along the front that Jackson hurries up his reserves.

Our men want to go at the enemy with a bayonet, and some of them even make a rush for that

purpose but are called back.

It is not deemed prudent to advance the line farther against such superior odds, but

the fight goes on unabated until the sun sets, and darkness hies the combatants from each

other.

Happening to look to the rear I saw some men lying on the grass.

...