The National tribune., 1905-11-09
A CAVALRY
BATTLE-GROUND.
Continued from page l.

the road to Sulphur Springs Buford
moved in the direction of Stevensburg,
leaving Fitzpatrick alone on the main
thoroughfare along the railroad line.
Fitzpatrick. accompanied by Pleasonton,
had scarcely left Culpeper when Hamp-
toms legions made furious attack
upon his rear guard. with the hope OF
breaking through upon them in col
progress that fanking column might
fall upon him before he could reach
the safe shore Of the Rappahannock.
Our infantry, which the previous day
occupied this ground, had retired, leav-
ing the cavalry to struggle out of the
| tolls of the enemy as best it could.
Calamity repelling every attack of
the enemy, our command moved on,
without expanding much Of its time and
material, until opposite the residence
of John Minor Bolts, where a few regi-
ments suddenly wheeled about, and,
facing the pursuing foe, charged upon
them with pistols and sabers, giving
them a severe check and an unexpected
repulse.
On arriving at Brandy Station Kill
patrick found himself in most critical
situation, with an accumulation of for
midable difficulties which threatened
his annihilation.
Buford, who had been sharply pur-
sued by Fitzhugh Lees Division over
the plains of StevensbIrg, had retired
more rapidly than Fitzpatrick, and, un-
aware of his comrades danger, had
suffered Lee to plant his batteries on
the high hills which commanded Kill
patricks right, while the rebel troopers,
in three heavy lines of battle, held the
only route by which Fitzpatrick could
retreat. Lees sharpshooters also oc-
cupied the. woods in the immediate vi
entity Of Kilpatrick's columns, where
they were making themselves a source
l,f fy1n~ he
danger Of the situation, Stuart, by hard
marching, had swung around to Kill
patrick's left, and had taken possession
Of a range of hills, planted batteries,
and was preparing to charge down up
On the surrounded divisions below.
This was situation to try the stout
est hearts. Nothing daunted, however,
by this terrific array Of the enemy, Kill
patrick displayed that decision and dar-
ing which ever characterized him as
great cavalry leader, and proved him.
self worthy Of the brave men who COM
posed his command. His preparation
Tor the grand charge was soon COM
pleted.
Forming his division into three lines
of battle. he assigned the right to Da-
vies. the left to Custer, and placing
himself with Pleasonton in the center
ton to the contest. Having approached
to within a few yards of the enemys
lines in his front, he ordered his band
10 strike up a National air, to whose
spirit-stirring strains was joined the
blast of scores of bugles, ringing forth
the charge.
With his usual daring, Davies was
foremost in the fray, leading his COM
mand for the fourth time on this men,
cradle field. To his men he addressed
these stirring words:
Soldiers of the First Brigade: know
you have not forgotten the example of
your brave comrades who, in past en-
gagements here, were not afraid to die
in defense of the Old Flag"
Custer. the daring, terrible demon
that he was in battle, pulled off his cap
and handed 1t to his orderly, then
dashed madly forward in the charge,
while his yellow locks f1oated like pen
nants on the breeze. Pennington and
Elder handled their batteries with great
agility and success, at times opening
huge gaps in the serried ranks of the
enemy.
Fired to an almost divine potency,
and with a majestic madness, this band
of heroic troopers shook the air with
their battle-cry, and dashed forward to
meet the hitherto-exultant foe.
Ambulances, FORCES and cannon, with
pack horses and mules, non-combatants
and others, all joined to swell the
mighty tide. Brave hearts grew drawer,
and faltering ones waxed warmer and
stronger, until pride of country had
touched this raging sea Of thought and
emotion, kindlfng an unconquerable
principle. which emphatically affirmed
every man hero unto death. So swift
ly swept forward this tide of animated
power that the Confederate lines broke
in wild tiismay before the uplifted and
firmly-grasped sabers OF these unflinch.
ing veterans, who, feeling that life and