The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-03-31

%SSs{SsSA S oo. 'iishuS' ioS'
f'fSsS88It 9sS tggt$I death, captured
IfISiiTla, pieces OF artil-
'ssNS'''' lcry, three battle
Gags and more prisoners than it mustered
men in its own ranks.
As is we'll known, cavalry was not
locked npon with favor IN the carly
days of the war. General Scott believed
that artillery would play the more i'm.
portant part. Secretary Cameron. how.
ever, had heard of Nermout's famous
Morgan horses and was familiar with
the military record of the Green Noun
tain boys, who have always been among
the first on every field. He believed that
combination of these two elements
would make cavalry regiment not to
be exoelled and determined that the ex-
pertinent should DO tried Tho state
legislature made no provision for the
enlistment of mounted men, and tho
regiment was raised under the direct
authority of the war department.. In 10
days it was ready for tho fold, tho first
full cavalry from New England Its
brilliant charge at Gettysburg was ono
of the most desperate of tho whole war,
well deserving 70 be immortalized like
that of the Light brigade at Balaklava
The First Vermont, with other regi-
lnents OF Farnsworth's brigade, carly OH
the morning of July 3, took position on
the wooded hills southwest of Big
Round Top in front of the cnomy's main
limo. The portion of this line nearest to
the First Vermont was held by the First
Texas infantry, while Bachman's and
Reilly's batteries were stationed on tho
east side of the pike and supported by
the Seventh and Ninth Georgia infan-
try. The ground between tho lines and
III rear OF the Confederate position was
rough and broken in the extreme. The
natural obstacles III the shape of rocks
and powders were supplemented by
fences of rails and stone, and when Gen
eral Farnsworth received orders to adj
vance his brigade OH that ground he
gave the opinion that il was q desperate
thing TO take mounted men into such
place. General Fitzpatrick replied that
the orders were imperative. and that if
f'arnsworth did not care 70 lead his men
IN the charge he would do it himself
Farnsworth replied that he was not
afraid to go as far as any man, and that
he could lead his men where any ono
could. He selected as the nssaulting col
unln the second battalion CT the First
Vermont, under Major William Wells.
and the First West Virginia, under Colo
mel Richmond. Placing himself by Ma
1or Wells side at the head of column.
he led 1t forward through piece of
woods TO an open field a little TO the left
of the First Texas, where it received a
heavy fire from tho enemy's glirmish
line as it forced way through. Cross.
ing the first field and leaping stone
wall, tho bold riders struck n second
line OF infantry, which they broke
through, and reined mp within close
range of the guns of Bachman S battery.
These opened with terrible effect. At
this point Colonel Richmond turned
back with his regiment, but Farnsworth
with Major Wells and his Vermonters,
rode straight on toward DEVILS Den"
Meanwhile Fitzpatrick, who saw that
Farnsworth' S path was besot on all sides,
ordered the remainder OF the regiment
TO his support. Taking Captain Parsons
Third battalion and CAPTAIN Growers
squadron Of the First battalion. Colonel
Preston moved ut gallop down the
narrow farm road until he found it
blocked with a barricade of fallen trees.
Turning into an open field on the right
of the road, Colonel Preston formed col.
umn and charged down upon the Con.
5ederate skirmiSh line. strongly posted
behind 3 stone wall and concealed by a
hedge of wild bushes. Over tho wall,
peilmell. went Preston and his follow
ers, riding plump upon a Confederate
regiment that had been hurried to tho
spot where Farnsworth charged through
for the purpose of cutting off his re.
treat. Saber in hand the Vernonters
out their way forward, taking many
prisoners, who, as q matter of form,
were ordered to the rear
Shortly after this the two columns
united, and the little band of less than
400 men pressed Oh to what seemed GER
tain humiliation. Farnsworth's horse
was shot under him, but he was again
Iemounted. Nearing the Snyder House,
the Fourth Alabama, which had been
moved down from the base Of Round
,2op, opened fire Oh them from the woods
along Plum Run. Quickly turning to
She left and rear, Farnsworth charged
etYaiubt for Raob,ponic Iat+c,v A, l..