The Third Day at Stone's River

e-field is one of such delicacy that I am quite willing to leave it to the judgment of the commanding general." On the right of the passageway a far different scene was presented. General Crittenden paced the floor with quick, impatient stride. "Communication is cut off," said one. "We must fall back," said another, and the words were deliberately uttered by a brave man. "My corps is not whipped," shouted Crittenden, "and we must not fall back." At this moment General Rosecrans entered the room and caught the expression as it fell from the lips of his heroic commander. "Gentlemen, we fight or die right here," said the chief as he passed them and took a seat by the fire.

The sun of the New Year rose bright and fair; an occasional gun gave token of the proximity of the two contending armies. During the night Rosecrans retired his left to a more advantageous position, the extreme left resting on Stones River above the lower ford and extending to Stokes' Battery, posted on a knoll on Rousseau's right. Beat