"That was a lucky miss," said Pierce calmly. Leaving
him in such shelter as the rock afforded, the orderly went in search of
aid, and was fortunate to meet with Dr. Ritchie, of Virginia, who was
attached to Pierce's brigade, and was following in close proximity to the
advancing column. The doctor administered to him as well as the
circumstances would admit. Immediately on recovering his full
consciousness, General Pierce had become anxious to rejoin his troops;
and now, in opposition to Dr. Ritchie's advice and remonstrances, he
determined to proceed to the front.
With pain and difficulty, and leaning on his orderly's arm, he reached
the battery commanded by Captain McGruder, where he found the horse of
Lieutenant Johnson, who had just before received a mortal wound. In
compliance with his wishes, he was assisted into the saddle; and, in
answer to a remark that he would be unable to keep his seat, "Then," said
the general, "you must tie me on." Whether his precaution was actually
taken is a point upon which authorities differ; but at all events, with
injuries so severe as would have sent almost any other man to the
hospital, he rode forward into the battle.
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