Lee continued to ride with the advancing division, ignoring the protests of Walter and others. The charge ahead was stalled; the men had opened fire too soon. Regardless of their losses they should have pressed in to fifty yards or less before firing. Through the smoke he could dimly see where hundreds were falling.
"Straight in, boys!" Lee shouted, and he stood in his stirrups, pointing now to the western edge of the town and the open field beyond.
"Straight in at the double, and remember-home, boys, home is just on the other side of that town!"
He spurred Traveler forward, and with this movement the rebel yell tore down the line, men held rifles up, flags tilted forward, and the charge to cover the last three hundred yards was on.
Traveler suddenly jerked around as if hit, and Lee felt an instant of terror. Their bond was close, going back years, and in so many fights his comrade had never been scratched.
It was Walter, leaning over, jerking Traveler's reins, pulling his head to one side, causing him to slow and stop. Lee glared at Walter. "Let go of me!" "No, sir."
"That is an order!"
"No, sir! Court-martial me after this is over, sir, but no. Your place now is here, sir!"
The cavalry escort had pushed in around Walter, many staring straight at Lee, a few too frightened to do so.
"Listen to him, please, sir," one of them shouted, and that brought on a chorus of agreements for Walter.
Lee found himself suddenly in tears, tears of pride for the gallant men streaming past him, shouting his name as they charged, for the sight of the flag, his flag, held high, disappearing into the smoke, the sight of Jeb Stuart, hat off, waving it high, urging the men forward, even for Walter and the love he showed at this moment.
He lowered his head, nodded.
"You are right, Walter,"
Walter sighed, tears welling up.
"Sir, forgive me. But if we lose you, we lose the cause."
"No, Walter," Lee replied, "the cause is being decided now, by them."
He pointed toward the wall of men surging forward.
In his heart he knew this was the highwater mark. If they could wash over it, all would be won. If not… he dared not think of it at this moment.
Behind him, guns were already hitched up, beginning to roll forward, ready to support the breakthrough, the lead piece coming up, slowing, waiting for the infantry ahead to surge into the town and beyond.