Instead of rushing impetuously upon the enemy's lines, and hurling themselves upon his artillery, they utilized the natural features of their country.

As the Republican columns marched along, believing that there was no enemy near, they would hear the sound of a horn, and from behind every hedge, every thicket, every tree, a stream of musketry would break out.

Very soon the column would fall into confusion.

The lanes would be blocked with dead horses and immovable waggons.

In vain would the soldiers try to force their way through the hedges, and to return the fire of their invisible foes.