In
sight of it took place two of Stuart's hardest combats--and both were
victories.
VI.
THE RUSE.
By sunrise Stuart was pushing rapidly up the bank of the Rappahannock
toward Warrenton Springs.
Meade had retreated from Culpeper, and was falling back rapidly. Lee
was pressing on to cut him off in the vicinity of Auburn.
A hot fight took place at Jeffersonton, a little village beyond Hazel
River; and here the enemy fought from house to house, but finally
retreated.
Stuart followed, and came up with their rear retreating over the bridge
at Warrenton Springs.
On the northern bank the Federal sharp-shooters were posted in double
line.
Stuart turned, and saw, not far from him, the Jefferson Company who had
charged so gallantly at Stonehouse Mountain. A movement of his hand,
and they were charging over the bridge.
Suddenly they recoiled. The head files had stopped,--the horses
rearing. The flooring in the centre of the bridge had been torn up--it
was impossible to cross.
The men wheeled and came back under a hot fire of sharp-shooters.
Stuart's face was fiery.
"To the ford!" he shouted.
And placing himself in front of the men, sword in hand, he led them
through the ford, in face of a heavy fire, charged up the opposite
slope, and the Federal skirmishers scattered in wild flight.
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