Shells exploded all over him; but with undaunted courage he continued to wave his sword in all directions, riding wherever the fight was hottest.
The battle raged for three days.
On the third day of the conflict, Randolph, his coat shot to rags, his hat pierced, his trousers practically useless, still stood at Lee's side, urging and encouraging him.
Mounted on his charger, he flew to and fro in all parts of the field, moving the artillery, leading the cavalry, animating and directing the infantry.

In fact, he was the whole battle.
But his efforts were in vain.
He turned sadly to General Lee.

"It is bootless," he said.
"What is ?" asked Lee.
"The army," said Randolph.

"We must withdraw it." "Major Randolph," said the Confederate chief, "I yield to your superior knowledge.

We must retreat." A few hours later the Confederate forces, checked but not beaten, were retiring southward towards Virginia.
Eggleston, his head sunk in thought, rode in the rear.
As he thus slowly neared a farmhouse, a woman--a girl--flew from it towards him with outstretched arms.
"Eggleston!" she cried.
Randolph flung himself from his horse.