instructions from General McCook I ordered my brigade forward into the fight, the Twenty-second Indiana taking position on the right, the Fifty-ninth Illinois on the left, and the Seventy-fifth Illinois in the center, and the battery took position on an eminence in our rear, which was bordered by a dense wood. I again ordered the brigade to the support of the brigade fighting on my left, which, as soon as I had become engaged, retreated and fell back in confusion.

The battle now raged furiously; one after one my men were cut down, but still, with unyielding hearts, they severely pressed the enemy, and in many instances forced them to give way. Here we fought alone and unsupported for two hours and twenty minutes, opposed to the rebel General Wood's entire division, composed of fifteen regiments and battery of ten guns. Fiercer and fiercer grew the contest and more dreadful became the onslaught. Almost hand-to-hand they fought at least five times their own number, often charging upon them with such fearlessness and impetuosity as would force them to reel and give way, but as fast as they were cut down their ranks were filled with fresh ones. At one time the Twenty-second Indiana charged on them with fixed bayonets and succeeded in completely routing and throwing them from their position on our right, but at the same time they brought in a reserve force on our left. I now ordered the Twenty-second Indiana as quickly as possible to the aid of the Fifty-ninth Illinois on the left, which order was promptly obeyed.

The impetuosity of the firing now ceased for a moment, and I advanced to ascertain if possible the position of the enemy. As I advanced down the line we were greeted with a heavy volley of musketry, which plainly enough told me the direction of the enemy. With shouts and exclamations my men again rallied to the onset. Here it was that fell the gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Keith, while at the head of his regiment and in the act of flourishing his sword and urging his men onward to victory. At this time my horse was shot from under me, and before I could escape through the darkness I was taken prisoner and conveyed from the field. Although my men fought desperately it was of no avail, for being overwhelmed by vastly superior numbers they were compelled to withdraw from the field.

Retreating under cover of a hill the brigade was again formed in line of battle by the senior officer of the brigade, when, after consultation and learning that we had no support within 1 mile distant, it was deemed advisable to withdraw from the field and fall back upon our lines, which they did.

I cannot speak too highly of the officers and men generally of my command, but they deserve the highest honor for their patriotism and courage. I would here again mention to name of Lieutenant-Colonel Keith, of the Twenty-second Indiana. Until he fell from his horse he was everywhere in the thickest of the fight. Where the battle raged hottest he was to be found animating and cheering his men by his lofty words and noble example. He was universally loved by all who knew him and his loss is much regretted. In his example there is everything worthy of imitation. Major Winters, of the Fifty-ninth Illinois, has my grateful thanks for the coolness and courage which he displayed during the entire engagement. He displayed a patriotism and courage that is highly worthy of imitation. Lieutenant West, of the Fifty-ninth Illinois, and acting assistant adjutant-general, is entitled to great credit for the timely aid he afforded me and for the energy and promptness with which he delivered my orders. During the action he was wounded in five different places, but did not quit the field until entirely disabled.