The  enemy  at  first  put  their  shots  in  well ;  but  as  Dick  Collins
worked  his  guns  down  closer  and  closer  upon  them,  and  made  their
position  warmer  and  warmer,  their  firing  became  less  regular  and
accurate,  until,  as  shot  after  shot  took  eifect  upon  them,  they  entirely
lost  their  coolness  and  precision,  and  sent  their  shells  recklessly
through  the  tops  of  the  trees,  destroying  much  foliage  and  frighten-
ing the  wild  birds  terribly.  They  attempted,  as  a  last  resort,  to
change  their  position,  and  thus  escape  the  fury  of  Collins'  guns  ;
but  the  second  or  third  shot  found  them  out  again  ;  until  at  last,
completely  beaten,  they  abandoned  the  field  precipitately,  with  two
of  their  guns  disabled.
THE    AVAR    IN    THE    WEST.  179

Thus,  notwithstanding  their  utmost  efforts  for  eight  or  nine  hours,
the  enemy  had  failed  to  make  an  impression  upon  the  lines,  and  the
merely  random  firing  along  their  own,  indicated  that  they  were  about
to  yield  the  contest  and  withdraw.  Under  these  circumstances,
Marmaduke  thought  it  desirable  to  have  an  interview  with  General
Walker,  and  determine  whether  it  was  advisable  to  press  the  enemy
in  their  retreat,  or  to  put  the  troops  into  camp  where  they  were.
