The National tribune., 1905-11-09

manded by Gen. Gregg, had been en-
gagged since early in the morning, and
the roaring Of light arms and the BOOM
ing of cannon clearly indicated to us
that hot work was being done by our
comrades below. 1t had been hoped
that Gregg would be able to strike the
enemy in flank at Brandy Station, in
the early part of the day, and thereby
give us an opportunity to charge him in
front. Hence we were somewhat re-
tarded in our movements, waiting or
expecting the combinations and juxta-
positions which had been planned. But
failing in this we at length advanced
towards the Station, where at 10 o'clock
we engaged a regiment of Stuart's cav
airy. AS soon as we reached the field
which they had evidently selected for
the fight, we charged in echelons of
squadrons, routing them completely,
and capturing many prisoners. Light
artillery was used briskly on both sides
BY IL o'clock, Pleasonton's entire force
had effected a union, after much severe
fighting on the left, and the engage
ment became general.
The infantry fought side by side with
the cavalry There was some grand
maneuvering on this historic field, and
Ieats were performed worthy of heroes
One incident should be particularized
At critical moment, when the formid-
able and ever-increasing hosts Of the
enemy We're driving our forces from a
desirable position we sought to gain,
and when 1t seemed as though disas-
ter to our arms would be fatal, Kill
patrick's battle-fiag was seen advanc-
Ing, followed by the tried squadrons of
the Harris Light" 10th ~ Y, and 1st
Me. In echelons of squadrons our bri-
gade was quickly formed and we ad-
vanced like storm-cloud upon the
Confederate cavalry, which filled the
field before US. The 10th N. Y. received
the first shock Of the Confederate
charge, but was hurled back, though
not in confusion. The Harris Light
met with no better success; and, not
withstanding its well-established pres
tige, we were repulsed under the very
eye of our chief. whose excitement at
the scene was well-nigh uncontrolla-
bic. His flashing eye now turned to
the 1st Me-, regiment composed most
ly OF heavy, sturdy men, who had not
been engaged as yet during the day,
and, riding to the head Of the column,
shouted:
Men Of Maine. you must save the
day. Follow mel" With one stimuli
taneous war-cry those giants of the
North moved forward in one solid mass
upon the flank OF the Confederate col
umns. The shock was Overwhelming.
and the opposing lines crumbled like
Blowing WALL before this wild rush of
prancing horses. cleaning sabers, and
rattling balls.
On rode Fitzpatrick with the men of
Maine, and. on meeting the two regi-
ments of his brigade, which had been
repulsed and were returning from the
front, the Generals voice rang out like
clarion notes above the din of battle:
Back, the Harris Light! Back, the
10th n. T.! Reform your squadrons
and charge!''
With magical alacrity the order was
obeyed, and the two regiments which
had been SO humbled by their first re-
verse now rushed into the fight with
spirit and success which redeemed
them from censure and accounted them
worthy of their gallant leader. The
commanding position was won; a bat
terry lost in a previous charge was re-
captured, and an effectual blow was
given to the enemy. which greatly IA
cilitated the movements which fol-
lowed. But the Confederate cavalry
was greatly emboldened and strength
which were brought in railroad cars
from Culpeper. We, however, contin-
ued to press them closely until 6
o'clock In the afternoon, when, by a
grand charge Of our entire force, we
gained an important position, which
ended the contest.
Heavy columns OF Confederate in
fantry could now be distinctly seen ad-
over the plains from the direc-
ton Of Culpeper to the rescue Of their
fairly beaten cavalry. But 1t was too
late. for we had won a splendid victory,
and had gained all desired information.
Under cover of the night we recrossed
the Ranpahannock In safety.