Upon reaching the open space which he had left when he went to the front, Pleasonton found the place full of the debris of the combat--men, horses, caissons, ambulances--all hurrying furiously to the rear.

To close the way he charged on the flying mass, at Sickles' suggestion, who had ridden in advance of his troops, which were still behind at the Furnace.

Sickles ordered Pleasonton to take command of the artillery, and the latter took charge of twenty-two guns, consisting of his own and the Third Corps batteries.

The latter had already been rallied and formed in line by Captain J.F.Huntington, of the Ohio battery.

As senior officer present he assumed command of the Third Corps artillery.