A
picked division was sent out in pursuit of the daring raiders--and this
force of horsemen, about three thousand in number, hurried across Bull
Run to punish Stuart.
They were commanded by the ardent General Kilpatrick:--what followed is
known as the "Buckland Races."
IX.
WHAT THE AUTHOR HAS OMITTED.
Such is a rapid summary of the cavalry operations succeeding the action
of Bristoe.
Those readers who cry out for "movement! movement!" are respectfully
requested to observe that I have passed over much ground, and many
events in a few paragraphs:--and yet I might have dwelt on more than
one scene which, possibly, might have interested the worthy reader.
There was the gallant figure of General Fitz Lee, at the head of his
horsemen, advancing to charge what he supposed to be the enemy's
artillery near Bristoe, and singing as he went, in the gayest voice:--
"Rest in peace! rest in peace!
Slumb'ring lady love of mine;
Rest in peace! rest in peace!
Sleep on!"
There was the charge over the barricade near Yates's Ford, where a
strange figure mingled just at dusk with the staff, and when arrested
as he was edging away in the dark, coolly announced that he belonged to
the "First Maine Cavalry."
There was the march toward Chantilly, amid the drenching storm, when
Stuart rode along laughing and shouting his camp songs, with the rain
descending in torrents from his heavy brown beard.
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