Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1846-09-22
Capt. Armstrong; Cavalry Charge.
AT QUIMBV's BRIDGE.

The splendid char Of a portion of the
Second Dragons under Capt. May, in
the late battle ofIhe REsAcA DE La Pal.
MA, indicates the great Importance ofthat
arm of the service. While reading the
account ofiheir gallant charge through
narrow gorge, fianked by musketry, and
swept by the grape and canister Of nine
pieces Of artillery, it recalled to my mind
a charge made by the troopers of Lees
Legion in the which, al
though not equally hazardous, was one Of
great daring.
The Legion was composed of three
companies OF Infantry, and three troops of
Cavalry, number in all, three bundled and
fifty men commanded by that finished SOL
der, Lieut.. Col Henry Lee, through
whose incessant and UNIV carried exertions
il was kept in the most perfect state Of eff
ticiency and discipiine-the horses pow
erful, and in excellent condition, and the
men, thorough y accoutred and equipped.
The charge to which al.ude, was one
made at Quimby's bridge in South Caro-
lima, by the advance guard under Captain
Armstrong, as gallant and dashing an
officer as ever drew a sabre.
The 18th British Regiment, Ii. Col.
Coates having become isolated at Monk
Corner, Marion and Lee determined to
fall upon it, and cut it off by surprise be.
fore it could obtain relief. The British
officer having taken the precaution to Sc.
cure the bridge across the Cooper river
by strong detachment, it becomes nee
essary for them to make a long circuit,
through the deep sands in the hotties part
ofsummer before they could form juno
ton with Snmpter, whose aid was requir-
ed in the intended attack. The junction
was not effected until evening, and the at.
tack was deferred untilth following NOR.
ming; but about nidnight the whole sky
becoming illuminated by great conffa-
grafton, it was evident that the enemy
had taken the alarm. They had set fire
to the church to destroy the stores, and
decamped in silence. By the neglect of
the militia, who had deserted bridge at
which they were stationed, the enemy had
been able to draw off, and obtain con-
siderable distance in advance, before their
retreat was discovered. Lee Immediate
ly followed on with the cavalry in pursuit
ofthe main body, but was unable to come
up with it, until he had arrived in the
neighborhood of Quimby's bridge, about
l6 miles from Monks Corner.
Upon his first appearance, he discov-
cred the baggage Of the regiment under a
rear guard of about one hundred men ad.
yaneing along narrow road, the margin
Of which was bordered by deep swamp
on both sides. As saon as the cavalry
came ia view, the British officer formed
his men across the road which they had
hardly effected, when the charge was
sounded, and the Legion ofcasalr5 rush.
| ed on them with drawn swords at full gall
lop. The voice ofthe British officer was
distincly heard, Front rank -bayonets
--second rank--fire!'' and no discharge
immediately followed, the cavalry officers
felt great soiicitude, lest its reservation
was meant to make il more fatal on their
approach, for on the narrow road, and
in the close column In which they were
i rushing on, well directed Ere would have
tempted halftheir saddles; but the soldiers
alarmed by the Formidable appearances Of
the cavalry, threw down their arms and
| duplicated for quarter. which the cavalry
ware most happy to grant. The priso-
| ners being secured the main body ofthe