noon
`` My compliments to General Hill , and he will detach Archer 's and Thomas 's brigades and a battalion of artillery . They are to cooperate with General Anderson and protect our rear . The remainder of the Light Division will continue the march . '' On past the noon point swung light and shadow . On through the languorous May warmth travelled westward the long column . It went with marked rapidity , emphatic even for the `` foot cavalry , '' went without swerving , without straggling , went like a long , gleaming thunderbolt firmly held and swung . Behind it , sank in the distance the noise of battle .