The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1884-07-16

licking brazen strains of ''Boots and
Saddles" In an instant the still
camp was swarning with life. There
was hurried putting on of panta-
looms and boots, run to the horses
with saddles and brides, buckling
of girths, another run to the tents
for carblne, saber. and revolver, and
IN another moment seventy-fire
black horses with their riders stood
in line in front OF the headquarters
tent where already sat the Colonel
on his dashing roam.
THANK you, Captain; you're
always first"
Thank you, Colonel we gener-
ally get there"
A thunder of hoofs on the turf.
and the grays came up on a gallop
and stood at our left. Then came
the browns and the sorrels.
Whats the matter with those
other companies ?" said the Colonel
with a frown.
They're saddling up, sir" said
the Adjutant, "but we've got enough
now, / think
"Fours right Forward Trot
And the four companies Numbered
down the hill thro' the infantry in
the breast-works. These veterans of
Shiloah, Stone River, and Donelsop
were, with stacked arms, making
coffee, while some were chatting
in little groups. Through the green
bank in front were the black muz-
zles of the cannon.
Away went the riders down the
hill to the belt of timber half mile
away, where was the reserve picket
post. They were skirmishing heav-
lily. The Captain in charge stepped
forward and saluted our Colonel.
They are infantry in heavy force.
A deserter says it is a division come
to take Decatur. Pardon me, but
don't think your cavalry can do
much good. We had better fall back
To the works"
The Colonel looked back ever his
eager men. A bullet hissed within
an inch of his nose. His eyes fash
ed. A touch of the spur sent the
roam twenty feet in advance, then
he turned and faced his men. He
whipped out his saber and held it
straight over his head. The first
rays of the rising sun shone on the
blade, and it seemed a flaming brand
of fire.
Forward Trotl Charge!l" He
turned, and the roam sped up the
dark, leafy lane, into the shadowed
woods, and close behind him came
the four best cavalry companies of
the best cavalry regiment in the
army. "Now, Jim, look well to your
footing, good horse, for should you
fall, the iron hoofs behind will make
short work of both of us 7" but Jim
knows his business; he has been
there before His ears are laid back
to his head, his nostrils red, his eyes
afl6me. Zipl spat zipl cazuel
zip come the bullets. Down goes
Aleck with a ball in his lungs,
and Stout Tom, the corporal, with a
bullet in his brain. They're firing
high J" says the Captain through his
set teeth. Two lengths in front we
see the CLEAN of the colonel's sword
through the dust and smoke. Here's
a cleared field on the left. Bully
the fence is down Why, the rebels,
with incredible stupidity, have done
our work for us, and are there in line
in the open field Was ever so fine
a show for cavalry charge?
Left front into liner
We dash up to the very faces of
the men in gray. Now, then, revol-
vers, do your work Hurrah they
waver, break and runl Now, good
do your work 1t is well
done-the field is dotted with the
slain and wounded. They are in
the woods, and attempt to make
stand. We hear the shots of their
officers trying to rally them. They
are panic stricken. It's a stampedel
Every fourth man hold horsesI
The rest deploy as skirmishers
through the woods" We capture
squads of dozens, and some deserters
come out timidly and are sent back.
What's that The bugle sounds
recall. Come back, Jack and Char
ley and Bob and all. Get to your
horses. It's a ticklish thing for four
companies of cavalry to fool with a
division of infantry. Jim is delight
ed to have me once more on his
back. He dances with his fore feet
and occasionally gives an exuberant
little kick behind. We ride back to
the picket reserve and the line is re-
Then up the hill goes
the prancing, proud little procession.
At the works gray-bearded man
steps out to meet our Colonel. He
is shabbily dressed, but on hisshoul-
ders gleam the stars of a Brigadier
General. They shake hands.
"Prettiest thing | ever saw" says
the Gen1., enthusiastically. That's
a great regiment you've got there"
Il think so, sir" replies the Col.
They're pretty good boys"
We pass along. The infantry is
drawn up in line upon each side OF
the road. AS We come along the
command is given:
"Attentienl Present armsm
'Take off your hats, boys" says
our Colonel.
with uncovered heads, but proud
hearts, We ride through a long line
of glistning steel.