The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1844-06-29
THE CHA.RG q.
A RevoLu1ioNARy INCIDENT.

gave me the following account OF charge
made by tha, gallant cops, which he pro-
ne ounces the mos, effective it ever made.
We were lying near Fon CRANKY, said
ne watching the movements oI the BRUSH
Army, and seeking daily for opportunities
10 cut of its supplies, or any detached par
ties that might be pushed out. Early one
morning, Captain Arms,rong,'he mosidasb
Jog, hesdlong and gallant fellow OF our
corps, was detached with twelve men, on a
reconnoitsrlug expedition, and during the
afternoon OF the same day. Capt Eggeston
was sent out with party of eighteen in a.
difTeren, direction. Towards evening the
parties met; and having formed Junction
retired into piece OF wood which skirted
ahe road; and which though prosraied ap
parenily by torntdo,yel afforded sufficient
cover to hide us from casual observation,
whom dismounled; while at the same time,
it enabled us 10 see every thing passing on
the road We threw ourselves on The
ground, under the broad canopy Of heaven,
as was our usual custom, mot being possessed
of tents and slpet soundly having first lasten-
ed The brides of our horses 10 our hands.A'
break Of day having aroused ourselves from
sleep. while some were idly lounging about,
and others standing chatting, in groups, q
woman, wrapped in red cloak, and mount
ed on horseback, passed by. Some OF the
men, for want of better employment, kept
following her with their eyes as she rode
along. Presently she turned road which
inlersected the one that ran in iron, OF oar
position, and led to the British camp. II
was skited by high fences on either side
that terminated a, the wood we were. As
they continued watching her progress their
eyes fell suddenly upon party OF sixty
British dragoons. who were approaching
her from their camp, on foraging exped
ton. They rode up 10 her, and during
their conversation, her pointing frequently
towards the spot where we were stationed,
soon convinced US that she had discovered
nnr nos,ion and was mpsring her kaowl
edge 10 them. Well aware of what was
likely to ensue, we all, without waiting FOR
orders, mounted our horses, and sat in silent
expectation. What shall we do?' said
Eggleslon, turning to Armstrong, Charge
charge them!' replied the latter, and at the
same time mounting his horse called ou
'iwelys men follow me- and dashed down
the road towards them a, full speed, ,wiIhou
ever stopping 10 weigh the hazard of al
encounter, with force so vastly bis superior
The enemy seeing two bodies Of cavalry
issue from The road drew up his line face
ing us, and sat firmly, pistol in hand, wait
irg our approach. AS Armstrong rode VI
they fred at his patty, but SO hurridIy tina
not shot took effect, ard before they haC
;ime 10 draw lhei. sabres, he burs, ia upor
them like thunder clap, overlurnlng whole
rsks, and cutting them down in every di
secion,
Egglestou now joined, and the slaughte
became terrible for they trusting in The frs
instance, that The fire OF their pistols wouIt
either check or repulse US, had made no al
tempt TO draw their swords. until wa came
hand to hand with them Such atiemp
when made was in the most cases rendered
OF no avail by the ardor and galantry Of ou
men, who unhorsed ,hem before the sabre
had lef! It's sheath, or dealt blow in defeneC
oiis wearer. Resistance was now chang
ed 10 fight, and while pressing their flying
flank, IN the chase, we were forced 10 Gu
down many who had ceased 10 resist as q
regard to our own safety, and lheiI numeri
cal strength forbade their being Ief On
harmed & capable of doing US injury in the
rear. Hemmed in on both sides by fences
ard mounted on sorry horses, this last re
course avaiIed them so lllle, that but one
of the whole party escaped capture or death
and 50 holly did we pursue him lhatthe ont
er line of senlnelS was passed, and one o
them captured, before we reined in. The
detachment captured, formed part Of The
armv,uEder the command Of Lord Rawden
General Lee nss mentioned he circumstance
in his Memoirs, but is incorrect in the min
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