The force of the enemy is too powerful, their movements too rapid, to allow us to retire to a place of safety without a desperate encounter.

Is it not better policy to remain here, and meet the shock ?" "If we fight at all it must be at fearful odds; four hundred to six thousand! Yet, should I follow the dictates of my own heart, I would not give one inch!--no, not one! Dearly they should buy the ground on which I stand!" "Colonel, shall we not meet them on this spot and lay down our lives, as did our brethren of the Alamo ?" "No, by Jove! I shall have to leave, whether I will or not!" And crumpling the note of orders, he tossed it to the ground, and pressed it with his heel.
He stepped forth, and drawing his military cap about his eyes, folded his arms upon his broad chest, and addressed his troops: "Comrades! Retreat is no test of an army's bravery, neither the courage of its commander.

In every age and nation, circumstances have occurred in which the cause of liberty, or the general welfare of the state, has been promoted by timely flight rather than desperate engagements.

'The Swamp Fox' often retired to his island of refuge, safe from invading bands--the daring Sumter was forced at times to retreat; and even our great Washington fled from superior forces, and waited till a more convenient season.

Fellow-soldiers: there is one of two steps to be immediately taken.