five
o'clock
Throughout the length and breadth of the Confederacy telegraphic despatches told that the battle was raging ; and an army of women spent that 21st upon their knees , in agonizing prayer for husbands and sons who wrestled for their birthright on the far-off field of blood . The people of W -- were subjected to painful suspense as hour after hour crept by , and a dense crowd collected in front of the telegraph office , whence floated an ominous red flag . Andrew waited on horseback to carry to Irene the latest intelligence , and during the entire afternoon she paced the colonnade , with her eyes fixed on the winding road . At half-past five o'clock the solemn stillness of the sultry day was suddenly broken by a wild , prolonged shout from the town ; cheer after cheer was caught up by the hills , echoed among the purple valleys , and finally lost in the roar of the river . Andrew galloped up the avenue with an extra , yet damp from the printing-press , containing the joyful tidings that McDowell 's army had been completely routed , and was being pursued toward Alexandria . Meagre was the account -- our heroes , Bee and Bartow , had fallen . No other details were given , but the premonition , `` Heavy loss on our side , '' sent a thrill of horror to every womanly heart , dreading to learn the price of victory .