General Fitzhugh Lee opposed him on the way, and at every step harassed
the head of the Federal column with his dismounted sharp-shooters and
horse artillery. Near Spottsylvania Court-House, it was the stand made
by Fitz Lee's cavalry that saved the position, changing the aspect of
the whole campaign.
Sent by Stuart with a message to the brave "General Fitz," I reached
him near Spottsylvania Court-House, at the moment when he had just
ordered his cavalry to fall back slowly before the advancing enemy, and
take a new position in rear.
Two guns which had been firing on the enemy were still in battery on a
hill; upon these a heavy Federal skirmish line was steadily moving: and
beside the guns, Breathed and Fitzhugh Lee sat their horses, looking
coolly at the advancing line.
"Give them a round of canister, Breathed!" exclaimed General Fitz Lee.
Breathed obeyed, but the skirmish line continued bravely to advance.
All at once, there appeared in the woods behind them, a regular line of
battle advancing, with flags fluttering.
To remain longer on the hill was to lose the guns. The bullets were
whizzing around us, and there was but one course left--to fall back.
"Take the guns off, Breathed!" exclaimed the general; "there is no time
to lose! Join the command in the new position, farther down the road!"
Breathed looked decidedly unwilling.
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