Bowen, one of the South's bravest generals, was the last to
give way. The Winchester regiment was a part of the force that followed
him, both fighting hard. Dick found himself with his comrades, wading a
creek, and they plunged into the woods and thickets which blazed with the
fire of South and North. A Confederate general was killed here, but the
brave Bowen still kept his division in order, and made the pursuit pay a
heavy cost for all its gain.
Dick saw besides the Confederate column many irregulars in the woods,
skilled sharpshooters, who began to sting them on the flank and bring
down many a good soldier. He caught a glimpse of a man who was urging on
the riflemen and who seemed to be their leader. He recognized Slade, and,
without a moment's hesitation, fired at him with his pistol. But the man
was unhurt and Slade's return bullet clipped a lock of Dick's hair.
Then they lost each other in the smoke and turmoil of the battle, and,
despite the energy of the pursuit by the Union leaders, they could not
break up the command of Bowen. The valiant Southerner not only made good
his retreat, but broke down behind him the bridge over a deep river,
thus saving for a time the fragments of Pemberton's army.
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