Still with
desperate courage the Federal leaders sought to stem the onrush of
the enemy and stay the rout.
"You must charge into those woods, and hold the foe until I get
some guns into position," said General Pleasonton, turning to Major
Peter Keenan.
"I will, sir," replied Keenan. Then calmly smiling, at the head of
his handful of men he rode to certain death.
Ten minutes later he lay dead with more than half his gallant
followers beside him. But his sacrifice was not in vain. For his
desperate thrust had held the Confederates until the guns were
placed, and the army saved from utter rout.
The sun went down on a brilliant victory for the Confederates. Yet
the night brought disaster for them.
Eager to find out what the Federals were doing General Jackson
rode out towards their lines in the gathering darkness. It was a
dangerous thing to do, for he ran the risk of being picked off by
their sharp-shooters. The danger indeed was so great that an officer
of his staff tried to make him turn back. "General," he said, "don't
you think that this is the wrong place for you?'
But Jackson would not listen. "The danger is all over," he said
carelessly. "The enemy is routed. Go back and tell Hill to press
right on."
Soon after giving this order Jackson himself turned, and rode
back with his staff at a quick trot. But in the dim light his men
mistook the little party for a company of Federals charging, and
they fired.
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