The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1921-12-29

afterwards became lieutenant-colonel.
He was In command Of the picket line
of sharpshooters, who were dismount-
ed and lying down about two hundred
yards from the rock fence, behind
which were stationed the Federal
batteries. Maj. Morgan and I were
mounted and riding together in a gal
Top along and in the rear of the sharp
shooters, while the crack OF the car
hines from the Federals in our front
was music to our ears. The Major
halted and gave me verbal order to
be taken at once to Gen. Lee, whom 1
soon found on the crest of hill near
the line Of battle, surrounded by few
OF his staff officers. delivered the
message anu was about to return when
he ordered me to remain for a few
minutes. One Of his staff asked him
why he was waiting. Turning quick
" in his saddle and raising his glasses
to his eyes, he replied to the question
asked him by the oficer: He is
coming now" We turned our eyes
toward Cnlpeper Courthouse and saw
single trooper coming toward us.
The long strides of his horse were less
ening the distance between US and him,
and as he approached nearer / noticed
that his horse was champing the bit,
while the white foam was dripping
from his tanks as he was urged on by
his daring rider. Gen. Lees eyes
sparkled Jas he suddenly exclaimed :
!. 1t is Jeb Stuart" He was alone and
near enough by then for us to hear his
voice as it rang out upOn. the stiffness !:
:. If you want to have good time,
jine the cavalry
Stuart's blue eyes flashed. His gray
cloak was thrown back over his shout
ders and showed plainly the red lining,
a black plume fioated back from his
soft felt hat, and handsome Con-
federate uniform adorned his person.
It seemed that Stuart had heard
of Averill's contemplated attack on
Lee and had taken the train at Fred
ericksburg, gotten off at Culpeper
Courthouse, mounted horse, and by
hard riding reached us In time for the
fight. Gen. Lee said to him that there
was little fun brewing, and he was
glad to see him. and added: Where
is Pelham? Tell him to crowd them
with his artillery" After good joke
and hearty laugh, Stuart said :
Fitz, are you ready Don't let Ayerill
get YOU
Lee. received the remark with a
laugh, and of they went, drawing
their sabers at the sound of the bugle
to charge. They led the First Regi-
ment into a hand to-hand fight The
Yankees stood their ground with un-
usual courage, and numbers on both
sides fell from their horses, pierced by
sabers and pistol balls
had returned to Maj. Morgan
under. terrific fire, and when passing
Gen. Lee / saw his horse reel and fall,
shot through by hall. just then Maj.
Morgan suddenly checked up his horse
and said to me !: There lie brace of
beautiful pistols and sword Don't
you want them?" l remarked to him :
You will excuse me"
While our batteries were pouring
shot and shell into the advancing
enemy young Pelham left his pieces
and Joined Stuart and Lee in the
desperate charge, and in the act Of
cheering on his men he fell, pierced by
a MIME ball. just before sunset the
Rebel yell was heard above the rumb-
ling sound Of the wheels Of Averill's
Artillery retreating toward the Kappa
hammock River.
The death Of Pelham was sad blow
to Gen. Stuart, and
Something on his comrades cheek
Washed of the stain of powder 2
--WnLIAM B. CONWAY, Atlanta, Ga.