The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1890-05-29
THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1890.
HIGH PRAISE OF THE CAVALRY

HIGH PRAISE OF THE CAVALRY.
1t is we'll known that the cavalry
branch of the army was often ridiculed
by the infantry, Notwithstanding its
valiant and important services. And
at no battle perhaps was more timely
and gallant service rendered by the
troopers than at that of Ream's Sta
ton, Va, which was fought on the
25th day of August, 1864. In that
battle SO conspicuous was the fighting
of the North Carolina soldiers, and es-
specially the cavalry, that it called
forth the following letter from Gen.
Lee to Gov. Vance. We make an ex-
tract for the twofold purpose of show
ing the part borne by the cavalry in
this fight, and to make correction, or
more properly speaking an explanation,
without which a wrong impression is
likely to be created and injustice done
a deserving officer who participated in
that brilliant and memorable charge
Says Gen. Lee:
HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF NORTHERN
VIRGINIA.
August, 29th 1864.
His Excellency, Z. B. Vance, Gov
ernor of North Carolina, Raleigh:
l have frequently been called upon
to mention the services of North Caro-
lima soldiers in this army, but their
gallantry and conduct were never more
deserving of admiration than in the
engagement at Ream's Station on the
25th ult.
The brigades of Generals Cooke,
MacRae and Lane, the last under the
temporary command of General Con-
ner, advanced through thick abattis
of felled trees under a heavy fire of
musketry and artillery and carried the
enemy's works with a steady courage
that elected the warm commentator
of their corps and division commander
and the admiration of the army.
On the same occasion the brigade
of Gen. Barringer bore a conspicuous
part in the operations of the cavalry,
which were no less distinguished for
boldness and efficiency than those of
the infantry.
If the men who remain in North
Carolina share the spirit of those they
have sent to the field, as | doubt not
they do, her defence may securely be
trusted to their hands.
| am, with great respect, your ODE
dent servant, r. f. LEE,
General.
This is the highest tribute to the
cavalry that we have ever seen coming
from Gen. Lee. He is not explicit
enough, however, in one particular,
and in the interest of truth and as
matter of common justice to a brave
and gallant officer, we desire to correct
a wrong impression, that otherwise
might 60 on record as an historical fact.
Gen. Lee in speaking of the brigades
of Cooke, MacRae and Lane, men,
tons the fact that the last named was
under the temporary command of
Gen. Conner. He should have said
also that Barringer's brigade, which
as he expresses it "bore conspicuous
part in the operations of the cavalry,
which were no less distinguished for
boldness and efficiency, than those of
the infantry was not under command
of Gen. Barringer as it would appear.
1t was led by Col. w. H. Cheek, NOW
a citizen Of our town. and its record
in this fight is one of the brightest of
its achievements of the war. Mai.
Charles Nj. Stedman in his admirable
memorial address in Wilmingto n,
recognized this fact, and says:
Gen. Rufus Barringer, of North
Carolina, commanded w. H. F. Lees
division with marked skill and gallan-
try, whilst Col. w. H. Cheek, of War
rem county, led Barringer's brigade
with his accustomed dash.
We write this in the interest of his
tory and in justice to a gallant and
modest soldier, whose commission
as Brigadier General was already
made out and on its way to his hands,
as has already been stated in these
columns, when Lee surrendered at APP
pomattox court house on the 9th day
OF April, 1865.