Breathed was seen in the midst of the Federal
cavalry defending himself, with pistol and sabre, against the blows
which were aimed at him on every side.
He cut one officer out of the saddle; killed a lieutenant with a pistol
ball; was shot slightly in the side, and a sabre stroke laid open his
head. But five minutes afterward he was seen to clear a path with his
sabre, and reappear, streaming with blood.[1]
[Footnote: This incident, like all here related as attending this
battle, is rigidly true.]
The momentary repulse effected nothing. The enemy re-formed their line,
and again charged the guns, which were pouring a heavy fire upon them.
As they rushed forward, the hoofs of their horses shook the ground. A
deafening cheer arose from the blue line.
Stuart was looking at them, and spurred out in front of the guns. His
eyes flashed, and, taking off his brown felt hat, he waved it and
cheered.
Then he wheeled to take command of a column of Lomax's men, coming to
meet the charge.
They were too late. In a moment the enemy were trampling among the
guns. All but one were captured, and that piece was saved only by the
terror of the drivers. They lashed their horses into a gallop, and
rushed toward the Chickahominy, followed by the cannoneers who were
cursing them, and shouting:--
"For God's sake, boys, let's go back! They've got Breathed! Let's go
back to him!"[1]
[Footnote 1: Their words.
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