The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-11-14


back to Five Forks. Sheridan now masked
his infantry with his cavalry, following up
the enemy with his cavalry. The firing in
our front was very heavy, the Fifth Corps,
now under Griffin, coming up on our right
in fine shape, and were holly engaged.
When Wells's Brigade of Cavalry came up
behind Pennock's we found them, dis
mounted, engaging the enemy, who were
behind breastworks.
We passed along the rear of these troops
to the left, when we found the enemy flank
ing our First Brigade. The 18th n. Y. Cav.
was sent to dislOdge the enemy and drive
them back. Thinking our regiment was to
charge also, we started, but were ordered
back and came into line under the crest OF
a ridge, where the enemy's shells did us ne
harm. The 18th N. Y. was repulsed, and,
returning, took up position In rear OF the
LIST Vt.
Custer now made short speech and the
bugle sounded charge. Led by Custer,
away we dash. The enemy fought most
desperately, but sson gave way all along the
line We continued to the left, following
along line of breastworks made from huge
logs taken frsm buildings. We continued
until we came to the extreme left OF this
line, then turned inside the works, following
down, gathering up prisoners, etc. we
heard Clusters Headquarters bugle on the
road TO our right. 1t was now dark, and,
going short distance, We went into
bivouac.
The result was the capture of upwards of
5000 prisoners, with ammunition and arms
and artillery, and the affair ut Five Forks
was grand success. 1t is hardly probable
the Fifth Corps, unaided by the cavalry,
could have obtained the victory they did !;
nor could the cavalry have carried the
works unaided by the Fifth Corps.
During the night we could bear the can
nonading from the Petersburg lines. The
next day word reached us that Petersburg
was taken, and the cavalry must again strike
ont to head off Lees army. We started ont,
Wells's Brigade leading, with the LIST VT
in the van, along the Namozine road lead
ing to Amelia County. At the ford OF
the NRmezine Creek we found the rear
guard of Fitzhugh Lee, consisting OF Bar
ringers Brigade, now commanded by Gen.
Gray, well posted behind breastworks On the
opposite banks. Co. ID was dismounted as
skirmishers and sent forward. The 9Th
n. Y. was advanced to the creek. Gen.
Custer came forward with Wells to examine
the position. Custer soon returned from the
front, and said:
Al will try pocket-pistol on them.
A piece of artillery was brought forward by
hand on the road. The country was low, and
thick brush on either side of the road. Gus
ter sighted the gun himself, ordering 1T
loaded with canister. A detachment of Yer
monters under Capt. Hamilton, were sent
down the stream short distance, where 1t
was shallow, and fording the stream they
attacked the enemy in flank. The artillery
opened, the enemy soon gave way, and Wells
pressed them on rapidly as possible. Near
Nazomine Church, six miles from the
creek, the enemy made a stand on the crest
of hill. The Vermont regiment at once
charged them in column of battalions, and
drove the rear-guard back to the main column,
which Wells attacked with most of his bril-
gade, routing the enemy and capturing the
Confederate brigade commander and $50
prisoners and one field-piece.
Weiss Brigade joined the division farther
to the right. when we camped for the night.
S. A. CLARK, Co. F, LIST VI. Cav, Willow
Lakes S. ID.
ITO be conciudcdJ