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General Johnston was with the right of Statham’s brigade, confronting theleft of Hurlbnt’s division, which was behind the crest of a hill, with a depres-sion tilled with chaparral in its front. Bowen’s brigade was further to theright in line with Statham’s, touching it near this point. The Confederatesheld the parallel ridge in easy musket-range; and “ as heavy tire as I eversaw during the war,” says Governor Harris, was kept up on both sides foran hour or more. It was necessary to cross the valley raked by this deadlyambuscade and assail the opposite ridge in order to drive the enemy fromhis stronghold. When General Johnston came up and saw the situation, hesaid to his staff: “ They are offering stubborn resistance here. I shall haveto put the bayonet to them.” It was the crisis of the conflict. The Federalkey was in his front. If his assault were successful, their left would be com-pletely turned, and the victory won. He determined to charge. He sentGovernor Harris, of his staff, to lead a Tennessee regiment; and, after abrief conference with Breckinridge, whom he loved and admired, that officer,followed by his staff, appealed to the soldiers. As he encouraged them withhis fine voice and maidy bearing, General Johnston rode out in front andslowly down the line. His hat was off. His sword rested in its scabbard. Inhis right hand he held a little tin cup, the memorial of an incident that hadoccurred earlier in the day. Passing through a captured camp, he had takenthis toy, saying, “ Let this be my share of the spoils to-day.” It was thisplaything which, holding it between two fingers, he employed more effect-ively in his natural and simple gesticulation than most men could haveused a sword. His presence was full of inspiration. He sat his thorough-bred bay, “Fire-eater,” with easy command. His voice was persuasive,encouraging, and compelling. His words were few; he said: “Men! theyare stubborn; we must use the bayonet.” When he reached the center ofthe line, he turned. “ I will lead you! ” he cried, and moved toward theenemy. The line was already thrilling and trembling with that irresistibleardor which in battle decides the day. With a mighty shout Bowen’s andStatham’s brigades moved forward at a charge. A sheet of flame and amighty roar burst from the Federal stronghold. The Confederate line with-ered; but there was not an instant’s pause. The crest was gained. Theenemy were in flight.
General Johnston had passed through the ordeal seemingly unhurt. Hishorse was shot in four places; his clothes were pierced by missiles ; his boot-sole was cut and torn by a minie; but if he himself had received any severewound, he did not know it. At this moment Governor Harris rode up fromthe right. After a few words. General Johnston sent him with an order toColonel Statham, which having delivered, he speedily returned. In the mean-time, knots and groups of Federal soldiers kept up a desultory fire as theyretreated upon their supports, and their last line, now yielding, deliveredvolley after volley as they sullenly retired. By the chance of war, a minie-ball from one of these did its fatal work. As he sat there, after his wound,Captain Wickham says that Colonel O’Hara, of his staff, rode up, and GeneralJohnston said to him, “We must go to the left, where the firing is heaviest,”