The situation was very peculiar.

The rebel left under Davis had driven in Cutler's brigade and our left under Morrow had charged into the woods, preceded by the 2d Wisconsin under Colonel Fairchild, swept suddenly and unexpectedly around the right flank of Archer's brigade, and captured a large part of it, including Archer himself.

The fact is, the enemy were careless and underrated us, thinking, it is said, that they had only militia to contend with.

The Iron Brigade had a different head-gear from the rest of the army and were recognized at once by their old antagonists.

Some of the latter were heard to exclaim: "There are those d----d black-hatted fellows again! 'Taint no militia.