The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-07-27
A DARING FEAT.
The Famous Ride Around McClel-
lan's Army.
a. Lively Story Of One of the Most Ro-
mantle Incidents of the War-An
Adventure Full of Danger and
Fun = Jeb Stuart in
the Saddle.

Join Esten Cooke In Philadelphia Weekly
TimesI
Stuart sct out from his headquarters, east
of Richmond ut about moonrise on the night
OIL think--the twelfth of June, 1862. Be-
you'd the city he caught up with his column,
which consisted of about fifteen hundred
horsemen and two pieces Of artillery, under
command OF Colonies Fitz Hugh Lee, William
HE. Lee and Will 4. Martin, of Mississippi
and the force proceeded northward to the
vicinity Of Taylorsville where the men went
into btvouac As this sketch aims to record
such incidents as took place on the famous
march, will mention that, tired out as he
was. Stuart rode On the same night to Hick-
ory Hill, the residence Of Col. Williams
Wickersham, and fell asleep III the chair
while he was talking. 1t was afterward as
cartatned that Federal scouting party had
passed the house during the night, and Stuart
thus narrowly escaped capture. They did
not stop, however. and the General returned
70 the cavalry blvouac, from which he ad-
ranced early in the morning In the direction
of Hanover Court House.
There could be very little doubt that a heavy
picket, perhaps the enemy In force, would
mere be encountered and this was found to be
the fact. Scouts sent In advance OF the
column returned with the report that the
Court House was held by squadron of Fed
eral calalry and Col. Fitz Lee was sent round
TO the right to cut them off, while Stuart
charged them in front. The charge was made
without delay, and the.Southern horsemen
swept at q gallOp down on the little village
whose ancient Courthouse In Its grassy yard
was the scene of Patrick Henry's first great
speech in the Parsons case" The men
uttered shouts as they charged, and the
bred and ffty-ran hastily to their horses and
retreated at full gallop. Stuart pressed On Iii
pursuit without drawing rein at the village.
but the pursued went faster than the pursu-
Col Fitz Lee, who had been directed the
wrong road The pursuit was then discon-
unued and Stuart advanced steadily on the
road leading to "Old Church." which passed
by q place called Halves shop.
STUART STRIKES THE ENEMY.
At the Tottapotemois. sluggish stream
crossed by rustic bridge, the enemy was
met with IN some force. The picket at the
bridge was swept away at once but ID field
on the other side considerable body Of Fed
eral cavalry was seen, drawn up IN line OF
battle. They were at once charged by Col.
VIM. Ell. f. Lee, who was In advance, and a
sharp engagement followed. 1t did not last
long, me enemy gave way and retreated
rapidly, leaving number OF dead and
wounded, among the latter Capt. Royal, com
1mandinR, though he was not captured. The
bloody blanket in which he had been wrapped
was found at his headquarters' tent, was
Informed. The Confederates lost only one
person, but the loss was serious. This was
Capt. Latane, of the Essex Cavalry, who was
shot and killed. His death produced great
sadness, and Stuart, In q general order after
the expedition, called on his men to "avenge
Lataner The body Of the poor fellow was
buried after nightfall BY friends In the vicini-
ty, two ladies being present. one Of whom
read the burial service.
Stuart was now Ia high glee, and sent me
the enemy. Against this order | remon-
Strated, urging that 1t would prove an alarm
1un, and the order was contaminated. |
Meanwhile Col. Ftz Lee had pushed on to the
Federal camp near Old Church, where large
saapDlies Of boots, pistols, carbines and other
sire. Stuart had halted his column and was
rejecting. Old Church was the point, 1t
seems, which Gen. Lees orders directed him |
Eo reach, II possible, after which he was to be
guided by circumstances. Now tcircum-
stances" were generally regarded In differ
Che circumstances here, We're these: The
alarm had been given, no doubt by the Fede-
raj fuoittves, and the presence Of Southern
near Old Church was known. lt was
SERIOUS, therefore, that q strong force would
probably be sent to cut them OF on their re-
turn. What was to be done? The Pamunkee
eauld not be crossed; It was too deep, and no
sareand the Federal army and cross the Chick
Kssminy below seemed madness; but then
saks movement would be daring brilliant, and
light sslceaed. Knowing the country per-
s.sseuy. ana our exact situation. watched
aaarts lace with interest, curious to esoer-