They came on from Charles City in a long blue column
resembling a serpent. Infantry and troopers, artillery and
stragglers--all rushed toward the doomed city where they were met by a
huge crowd of dirty and jabbering negroes and outcasts.
Suddenly a shout near at hand, thundered up to the hill. In front of
the Exchange a column of negro cavalry, with drawn sabres rushed on. As
they came, they yelled and jabbered--that was the darkest spectacle of
all.
I remained looking at the frightful pageant with rage in my heart,
until the advance force of the enemy had reached the railing of the
Capitol. Then I turned my horse, and, pursued by carbine shots, rode
out of the western gate, up Grace Street.
Fifty paces from St. Paul's I saw Colonel Desperade pass
along--smiling, serene, in black coat, snow-white shirt, tall black
hat, and with two ladies leaning upon his arms.
"Ah! gallant to the last, I see!" I growled to him as I rode by. "'None
but the brave desert the fair!'"
The colonel smiled, but made no reply.
A hundred yards farther I met little Mr. Blocque joyously approaching.
In his hand he carried his safeguard, brought him by the gray woman.
At his breast fluttered a miniature United States flag. The little
gentleman was radiant, and exclaimed as he saw me:--
"What! my dear colonel! you are going to leave us? Come and dine with
me--at five o'clock, precisely!"
My reply was not polite.
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