But from such desolate and hideous scenes, we passed into the darkness of yet another eventful night, and, under the guidance of some intelligent peasants, made a very hazardous detour, and got fairly in rear of the rebel position. Meanwhile our artillery and infantry, having waited for daylight, now advanced upon the enemy’s front with such impetuosity that a general engagement at once ensued, and, amid the din of cannon and the roll of musketry, kindled a fire among our fellows that burst out in an appalling blaze along the whole line of the Brigade, without, however, silencing the rebel guns, which were sweeping with shot and shell the approaches to their camp. But, unchecked by this storm of iron, the attacking force bravely rushed on to carry the position. Thus far the conflict had progressed, when suddenly a body of mounted men dashing on to the plain occupied by us, beheld in their front, face to fade, a bristling array of sabres flashing in the morning sun; and aware as they were of the irresistible line of bayonets approaching from the opposite direction, they turned round like men on wheels, and raced back helter-skelter to their camp, and spread an alarm there, probably to the effect that they were hemmed in on all sides. At all events, whatever alarm they raised, it resulted in a bloody and disastrous rout, followed by the loss of all their field equipage. From the effects of that loss they never recovered; and from that moment the peace of these districts was secured.
Thus the object of the expedition having been ac-
