The attack was so sudden and overpowering, that nothing could stand
before it. For a short time the men fought desperately, crossing
sabres and using their pistols. But the enemy's numbers were too great.
The left was driven back. With triumphant cheers, the Federal troopers
pressed upon them to drive them completely from the field.
Suddenly, as the men fell back, Stuart appeared, with drawn sabre,
among them, calling upon them to rally. His voice rose above the fire,
and a wild cheer greeted him.
The men rallied, the enemy were met again, sabre to sabre, and the
field became a scene of the most desperate conflict.
Stuart led every charge. I shall never forget the appearance which he
presented at that moment; with one hand he controlled his restive
horse, with the other he grasped his sabre; in his cheeks burned the
hot blood of the soldier.
"Breathed!" he exclaimed.
"General!"
"Take command of all the mounted men in the road, and hold it against
whatever may come! If this road is lost, we are gone!"[1]
[Footnote 1: His words.]
Breathed darted to the head of the men and shouted:--
"Follow me!"
His sword flashed lightning, and digging the spur into his horse, he
darted ahead of the column, disappearing in the middle of a swarm of
enemies.
A superb sight followed.
Pages:
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287