In fact, the three horsemen who retired thus hastily, would have proved
a rich prize to us. They were Generals Grant, Meade and Hancock.[1]
[Footnote 1: Fact.]
They made a narrow escape, and the question suggests itself, "What
would have been the result of their capture?" I know not; I only know
that Grant, Meade and Hancock, came near having an interview with
General Lee that night--a peaceful and friendly talk at his
head-quarters.
I did not think of all this then. The hot charge dragged me. I had come
to participate in it by the mere chance of battle--but this apparent
accident was destined to have very singular results.
I had ridden with General Davenant, as his brigade swept forward, and
we were breasting a heavy fire on his front, when a sudden cry of
"Cavalry! look out!" came from our left.
General Davenant wheeled his horse; went at full speed, accompanied by
his son and myself, through the bullets, in the direction indicated;
and carried onward by his animal, as I was by my own, rode right into a
column of blue cavalry, advancing to attack our flank.
Such was the "chance of battle!" At one moment General Davenant was in
command of a brigade which was driving the enemy, and sweeping every
thing before it. At the next moment he had been carried by the powerful
animal which he bestrode straight into the ranks of the Federal
cavalry, hidden by the woods and approaching darkness--had been
surrounded in an instant, fired upon, and half dragged from his saddle,
and captured, together with his son Charley.
Pages:
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431