CAMPAIGNING WITH MAX. 129 



It seemed always Forrest's plan to select his 

 own fighting-ground, and the plan of our com- 

 manders to gratify him. Sturgis committed the 

 usual folly of trying to hold every inch he had 

 gained, and of forming his line of battle on the 

 head of the column and under fire. 



We breakfasted at three in the morning, and 

 marched at half past four. My command had 

 the advance. The enemy allowed himself to be 

 easily driven until half past eight, when he made 

 some show of resistance. At this time the last 

 of our regiments could hardly have left the 

 camping-ground, and probably a judicious re- 

 treat would have drawn Forrest's whole force 

 back to the open country we had left. But 

 "retreat" was not yet written on our banners 

 (of that day), and orders came from our general 

 to support the advance-guard, form line of battle, 

 and hold our position. So far as the cavalry 

 brigade was concerned this was easily done, and 

 we got into good line near the edge of a wood 

 without difficulty. Here, for four mortal hours, 

 or until half past twelve, we carried on a tol- 

 6* i 



