<​November 2​> Sun in the evening to produce and deliver them. We then returned to Camp, and I directed the troops to make preparations to march to by an hour and a half by sun, with a determination, in case the hostages were not produced, to make an attack upon the Town forthwith. I directed brigade to be mounted, and to form on the right of the Division, to act as flankers if necessary, and if required to pass entirely around the Town, and form on the north side, with instructions to make the attack at the report of the Cannon, which was to be the signal for the general attack. General Graham’s brigade was mounted and formed on the extreme left to act as flankers, and if required to form the line on the West side, with similar— instructions as to the commencement of the attack. ’s brigade was ordered to parade on foot, and to form on the left of , with instructions to form the line of battle on the South side, with same instructions as to commencement of attack. The Artillery Company with one piece of Ordinance was placed at the head of ’s and ’s brigade, with instructions to occupy an eminence within three hundred yards of the Town. The army being disposed of in this manner, at the appointed time I took up the line of march in direction of . When the troops got within about six hundred yards I discovered the Flag and the hostages advancing. I immediately halted the army, and rode out and [HC 3:197] met them, received the hostages and placed a guard over them for their safety and protection, and ordered the forces back to our encampment. I cannot forbear, at this point, expressing my gratification and approbation of the good conduct and gallant <​+​> bravery evinced by all the officers and men under my command. They marched up with as much determination, and deliberation as old veterans— not knowing but that the charge would be sounded every moment for surrounding the Town. There was no noise or confusion, nothing but an eager anxiety upon the countenance of every man to get at the work. When the hostages were received, the troops, with some slight exceptions, marched back in <​ɵ​> profound silence”—