I could understand that. The death of the brave youth sent a pang to my
own heart--and he was only my friend. The great heart of the father
must have been nearly broken.
So fell Preston Hampton. Peace to his ashes! No kinder or braver spirit
ever died for his country!
XXXIV.
I AM CAPTURED.
Hour after hour the battle continued to rage; the enemy making resolute
attempts to brush off the cavalry.
It was now discovered that Hancock's corps had crossed the Rowanty,
supported by Crawford's division, with two corps behind; and as General
Hancock held the bridge at Burgess's, there seemed little probability
that Lee could cross a force to attack him.
But this was done. While the cavalry fought the blue masses with
obstinate courage on the Boydton road, Mahone, that daring soldier,
crossed a column of three brigades over the Rowanty, below Burgess's;
and suddenly the enemy found themselves attacked in flank and rear.
Mahone did not pause. He advanced straight to the assault; swept every
thing before him, and thrusting his small force in between Hancock and
Crawford, tore from the former four hundred prisoners, three battle-
flags, and six pieces of artillery.
The assault had been sudden and almost overwhelming. While hotly
engaged with Hampton in front, the enemy had all at once staggered
beneath the heavy blow dealt on their flank and rear.
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