The words acted upon Stuart like the blow of a sword. A wild excitement
seemed to seize him.
"Bring up a squadron!" he shouted--for we were riding ahead without
support; "bring up the cavalry! I am going to charge! Bring me a
squadron!"
And drawing his sword, Stuart rushed at full gallop, alone and
unattended, toward the Federal infantry, whose gun-barrels were seen
glittering in the woods.
Never had I seen him more excited. He was plainly on fire with the idea
of capturing the whole party.
The staff scattered to summon the cavalry, and soon a company came on
at full gallop. It was the "Jefferson Company," under that brave
officer, Captain George Baylor.
"Charge, and cut them down!" shouted Stuart, his drawn sword flashing
as he forced his horse over fallen trees and the debris of the great
deserted camp.
A fine spectacle followed. As the Federal infantry double-quicked up a
slope, Baylor charged.
As his men darted upon them, they suddenly halted, came to a
front-face, and the long line of gun-barrels fell, as though they were
parts of some glittering war-machine.
The muzzles spouted flame, and the cavalry received the fire at thirty
yards.
It seemed to check them, but it did not. They had come to an impassable
ditch. In another moment, the infantry broke, every man for himself,
and making a detour, the cavalry pursued, and captured large numbers.
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