The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1889-01-10

distinction, but were pooh-poohed by thost
higher in command as impracticable
Pleasanton refused point-blank to counter
ance the scheme Meade Indignantly de
cliued to listen to him, but Fitzpatrick was
man not easily sat down upon; so, having
secured leave of absence to visit Washing
ton for few days, he boldly laid his plans
before the Secretary of War, who, to his
intense delight, gave him q carte blanche tc
carry out the project. The gallant Irish
man returned to camp jubilant
Volunteers were called upon to undertake
the rash adventure, and so many fell in line
that Fitzpatrick was enabled to pick his
men.
81 rely on you, Winthrop" he said
cordially to our hero. =" For you have an
old head on young shoulders, and can trust
you"
Harry murmured his appreciation of the
compliment and boldly asked him what his
plans were.
Well, / don't know that there is any rea-
son why should not tell you,p was the can
did reply. s'We shall be divided into two
parties-one, under Major Dalgreen, will
strike the James river above Richmond, the
other, which shall lead myself, will go di-
rect to the city,
The scheme is good one, sir. hope
we shall succeed
Hope, man; we mustl I'll have all the
old women in the army down on me if we
make null of it. ] tell you, Winthrop,
we've got to come through all right
To have seen that cavalcade file out Of
camp that night, you would have thought
the men were bent on some big picnic,
such high spirits they We're in. During the
dor-lr flot. s4o
oil the next day, with brief delays for re-
frcshment for man and beast. The second
night they rested, but the dawn saw them
again on the march. 1t was too dark to make
out objects distinctly, and as they ap-
preached sign-post on the roadside Harry
ordered one Of his troopers, an Irishman, to
dismount and climb it that he might read
the direction it gave
=. xsWell what does il sayln he demanded
tiently.
Seven moiles 10 Richmond, an, livil a
word less, sorli' was the prompt reply,
which brought faint cheer from the men.
They crept cautiously forward till the
city lay before them with its beautiful
hills crowned with pleasant homes. Sud
denly they struck the pickets.
Close up, men Threes about Charged,
rang the word of command
The horses no sooner felt the spur than
they bounded madly onward with an i'm
petus that brooked no checking. The first
line Of guards fell in broken disorder.
On, boys, onI' Lichfeld cried, waving
his sword to his mel.
But the second line Of guards was
stronger, and resisted the attack with better
spirit. Five minutes OF hand-to-hand
fight and the hugle sounded the recall
Meanwhile the burghers of Richmond were
hard at work helping their soldiers 70
throw up earth-worls, while the dust roll
ing in big clouds lid them from view of the
enemy.
oh, that Dalgreen would comet But the
precious hours passed by with no sign of
him. and when heavy guns were trailed on
little force there was no al
tentative left but retreat The gallant
leader himself headed one last charge Of
slzirmishers and then the rout began with
he Confederates in force behind them.
They fell back In confusion to the nam
BODY, but now q fresh disaster met them.
Meadow bridge was burned, and advance
vas next TO impossible. i1evin, who COM
handed the regulars, threw out his Skin
nishers, when Custer came up with his
avalry.
'sTaiSo those troops away, sir. and viii
make the crossing.n
without waiting for reply he rode head
1ne down the hill, followed by his brave
iichienn horsomen.
Tho Duelo c0unded the recall They heed