Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1861-06-11
The Goochland Light Dragons.
Of the En9uirer:

CAMP OF the GoocHLASD CAVALRY,
June 8, 1881.
The Goochland Light Dragons, with the
Governors Mounted Guard, and two infantry
companies, are stationed in Fairfax county, in
the neighborhood OF the Black Republican
forces. They act as outpost guards. The two
cavalry companies have to perform the most
arduous duties. Watching the movements Of
the enemy, in advance Of the position Of the
main body OF our forces a-ManaSsa Junction,
they are placed as s%entinels near the enemy's
lines towards Alexandria. For days, here, the
duties of the p~rivates in the Goochland CON-
pany Of dragons were such, that men, raised
and cared for as they have heretofore been,
could no. long stand. Improved management
and increased order and system have somewhat
lessened the burden Of their duties. They still
perform the most arduous tasks, and without
complaint, for they arc here for patriotic pur.
poses and are governed by the noblest impuls.
es. But this work is not Of any light order.
a large portion of the men aCc out during the
day upon picket guard. An equal number are
out upon tho same duty during the whole
night, from before shutdown until breakfast, or
after, next morning. No relief during the
night, let the weather be what it may. The
proximity Of our foes makes this watchfulness
necessary; and the large extent nf country 70
be guarded demands many sentinels.
Ga the night the Federal forces made their
entrance into the little village at Fairfax e. H.,
and surprised the few men VIC had there, the
Goochland Dragons we're stationed abont three
and 4 half miles oil. AS soon Is they learned
that the enemy were there, in an almost incred-
ible short space Of time, they got to the Court
House; arriving at that place just about sun
up, when, finding that the Black Republicans
had tied, they went in pursuit Us fast as al.
lowed by military ~rulcs-going full speed; but
the enemy had retreated with all possible IA.
piditY. To be ready for. these violators Of our
soil, the Goochland Dragons, after returning
to their own station, went down again, the mex.
night, to Fairfax Court House, and remained
in the saddle all night, during ! heavy rain,
in order to give the wretcheS a hearty welcome.
It was evident, however, that Lincoln's men
did not like their nocturnal visit. The Gooch.
land Dragons arrived at the Court House, on
the night Of the surprise, in half IN hour from
the time they first received the alarm. They
and the Hanover Dragons got there ut the
same time, and both went in pursuit together;
the one going in one direction, the other taking
another road.
Occupying one Of the most dangerous pos
tons in the whole army Of defence, our gallant
young men in the Goochland troop have. thus
far, deserved we'll Of their country. There
never was an army in the field composed of
such material. This company is made up of
men who are gentlemen at home and who do
not forget their manhood now that they are in
camp. Soldiers rs they are, exposed to all the
evils and hardships of camp life, they do not
forget that they are from the homes. and are
the representatives, Of Christian men. There
is here the same gertlemanly dcmeanor and
honorable bearing that characterize them when
at home. They are an honor to the county
and the State. Such men ought to be appre.
ciated. They are ready to obey any order for
the good'of their country. They are perform
ing work which requires strong arms and stout
hearts. They are no mercenary soldiers
They do not work for pay. 1t is the call Of
their country they have needed. Let this be
remembered at home, in the camp, and abroad.
At home, let all their wants, physical, social,
and moral, be remembered by fond and loving
hearts. In the camp, let each man remember
that there ought to DO no lodging, no shutting,
no sel6shnoss, no throwing upon others work
which he ought to perform; but that the dam
gers, the hardships,, and the honors should be
Shared alike. Abroad, let our enemies renem.
that such men as ours, who are enduring
Ri these hardships, of work, Of deprivation, Of
bat little, and that OF the damp
ground, in the open air, can not, soiH not, DO
conquered OSE hHo Has SEEN. !