The Jimplecute. (Jefferson, Tex.) 18??-1907, 1906-03-10
JEFFERSON, TEXAS SATURDAY. MARCH 10, 1906

S7Sos eee> ~ eNe ~ ~
NO. 1895.
Ct. W. L. DAWSON, Com.
GEO. Il. TODD, Adjt.
Rates to Confederate Reunion in
New Orleans April 25th, Goth and
9th. will be let mile or about
81 35 for the round trip.
BATTLE OF BRANDY STATION.
by George H. Moffett, Parkersburg,
w. Va, in Confederate Veteran.
continued from last weekly
While the artillery, the revolver, and
the carbine played their part, it was
mainly saber fight from start to finish.
There were charges and countercharges
alternating success. Pleasanton made a
brilliant dash and handled his troops
with consummate skill, but Stuart and
his troopers stubbornly contested every
inch of ground and finally became the
aggressors, driving Pleasanton and his
| 1aulouo hehpC paCh all Obb thC liN6I,
In numerical strength the combatants
were nearly equal, slight preponder-
ance in favor of the Federals, while the
ground was an ideal spot for cavalry
movements. On either side it was the
largest body of cavalry ever brought in
to action at one time. Both Stuart and
Pleasanton had won their spurs as cav
airy leaders. and commanded superb
organization. 1t was soft summer day,
and the balmy air was laden with the
perfume of the early June roses, which
filled the gardens surrounding the
neighboring farmhouses until the aroma
was dispelled by the sulphurous fumes
the battle smoke, which later in the day
rolled in great clouds over the battle
SCARED fields, Gen. Stuart was in finest
mettle that day, and apparently ubiqui-
tous. He was here, there, and every
where. There was scarcely rift in the
smoke, but you could see his black
plume floating in THAT part of the field
where the battle was fiercest,and above
the huzzas of the Federals and the wild
yells of the Confederates you could hear
Stuart's voice, from time to time. ring.
ing out the words of command.
Speaking of SLuart's plume. it was an
object of great pride with him. He lost
it once, and it fell into the hands of the
enemy, but he could not rest until he
had recovered it. 1t was in the summer
of 1862, land down at the old Vadiersvile
tavern on the plank road between
Orange and fredericksburg. He had
appointed a meeting with Gen. Fitz Lee
at Vadiersville that day; but. being the
first to arrive after partaking of good
dinner, he had lain down on bench on
the front porch for a summer siesta
while awaiting Fitz Lees arrival. When,
half an hour later. he was told that q
body of horsemen were coming up the
road. he naturally supposed it was Fitz
Lee and his troopers; and, quickly aris-
ing, walked Out. to the gate bareheaded.
leaving his hat on the porch. Casting
his eyes down the road, he was aston
ished to see cavalcade of blue-coated
gentry rapidly approaching. There was
no time to return to the house for the
hat; so quickly mounting his unbridled
horse, grazing in the yard close bv,ove
the picket fence he went, up the road
like bullet shot from a gun, with the
enemy in hot pursuit. But "Highfy"
was two speedy for any Yankee horse,
SO Stuart made his escape; but the ene-
my carried off the hat and black plume
as trophy of their raid. A few nights
afterwards Gen, Stuart placed himself
at the head of detachment of picked
men, and slipping through the enemy's
lines, made abold dash upon Gen .Pope's
headquarters at Bristow Station. In the
darkness, Pope barely escaped capture,
but his flight was 30 sudden that he
left behind his dress uniform, which fell
into Gen. Stuart's hands. The next day,
under flag of truce, an exchange tarte.
was arranged whereby Gen. Stuart re-
covered his ha. and plume in exchange
for Pope's uniform.
Concluded next week