Stuart wheeled and beckoned to Gordon, the brave North Carolinian, who
had made the stubborn charge at Barbee's, in 1862, when Pelham was
attacked, front and rear, by the Federal cavalry.
"We have flushed a regiment of infantry, Gordon. Can you break them?"
"I think I can, general."
The handsome face of the soldier glowed--his bright eyes flashed.
"All right. Get ready, then, to attack in front. I will take Young, and
strike them at the same moment on the right flank!"
With which words Stuart went at a gallop and joined Young.
That gay and gallant Georgian was at the head of his column; in his
sparkling eyes, and the smile which showed the white teeth under the
black mustache, I saw the same expression of reckless courage which I
had noticed on the day of Fleetwood, when the young Georgian broke the
column on the hill.
Stuart explained his design in three words:--
"Are you ready?"
"All ready, general!"
And Young's sabre flashed from the scabbard.
At the same instant the crash of carbines in front, indicated Gordon's
charge.
Young darted to the head of his column.
"Charge!" he shouted.
And leading the column, he descended like a thunderbolt on the enemy's
flank.
As he did so, Gordon's men rushed with wild cheers into the gorge.
Shouts, carbine-shots, musket-shots, yells resounded.
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