The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-05-24

station. LII the shifting stages OF the
battle a division of the Confederate
infantry made strong assault upon
one portion of Hancock's line, and 1t
became necessary for him TO chance
the front OF one of his divisions I'm or
der TO meet this threatened onslaught.
1t was one of those cases where the
element of time Is of the most vital i'm
portance.
In this emergency General Hancock
turned to his trusted aldc-dc-camp, and
pointing to the danger, gave him direc-
tons To proceed as quickly as possible
TO the threatened point and change the
front of the position there i'm order 10
make counter attack on the enemy
Mitchell, with his soldiers instinct re-
allied the Importance of giving the or
der with the least possible delay; so
instead of going round to the rear OF our
own battery, then engaged in the duel
with total disregard of his own safety
He dashed between the two batteries
and succeeded In safely conveying the
order. changing the front of the division
and saving that part of the field from
disaster.
In doing this he had to defy the dam
gers from the shot and shell of the Con-
federate battery as well as the risk of
death from one on his own side, which
was then engaging 1t. Such acts illus
trate the indifference of some men To
personal danger in the hour of battle.
and the intense earncstnesS of their de-
votion To the cause in which they are
engaged. which prompts them 10 act
with such reckless daring and heroism.
a RACE FOR LIFE.
Another illustration of great GOODNESS
and courage under desperate circum-
stances. was the action of young Off
Ger who was making a reconnaissance
Of II eh.. IN Of tlH
Potomac and Northern Virginia He was
looking for the evidences OF action. and
presence of the enemy, and endeavoring
10 obtain all the information possible
concerning the topography of tn coun-
try and The number and position of the
enemy's troops. He had with him, for
escort one troop OF cavalry
After making reconnaissance for
several hours, he turnsd towards the
Union lines. intending 10 return by that
route; but, wishing to gain still more In
lorna ton without requiring the escor;
10 make long detour, he directed them
Ia rc.urn 10 tneir station by n shorter
route, while he himself went by more
crcui;ous way. Before h could rejoin
the command he was discovered by n
troop OF Confederate cavalry on a re-
connossance similar to his own The
commanding officer seeing that he was
unaccompan!td. immedia tely gave chase
and rapid pursuit followed The Union
o''iNN' "os bNN t!SnNttU years OF age,
he was we'll mounted and a light rider.
and thought he had a fair prospect: OF
escape especially as. in his opinion,
his horse could outfoot the tioop OF
Confederate cavalry.
The Confederate commander, howev-
er. was mounted on a powerful thor
oughbr.d. and. soon leaving his troop
well to the rear. gained rapidly on the
Young officer. AS they struck into a
well-beaten road, it was evident that IL
n
stane that the other. who had left his
troop far in the rear, gained upon him,
resorted TO strategem 10 effect his es-
cape.
Coming to sharp turn in the road, he
passed for moment completely out of
sight. and wheeled in behind some thick
evergreen tree. Springing from the horse
he waited with cool determination the
approach of this Confederate officer. AS
the latter swept round the turn OF the
road the Union officer fired upon him.
rolling him in the dust. Then, springing
upon his own horse again, he seiHed the