USA > New York > History of the Tenth regiment of cavalry New York state volunteers, August, 1861, to August, 1865, pt 1 > Part 10
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Assistant Surgeon HI. K. Clarke speaks of his experience as fol- lows :
The Stoneman raid-what a muddy, wearisome march! Then I learned what fatigue and hunger meant. Ten days-ten long days and nights of weariness. One night I was with the advance-guard. I went forward with one of the soldiers, and coming to a house we represented ourselves as "Johnnies"; made ourselves as agreeable as possible, inquired whether any " Yanks " had been around ; asked
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HISTORY OF THE TENTH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
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for and obtained an excellent supper, the good things served us at that time re- maining fresh in my memory to the present day. One year later, when passing over this route on the raid to Richmond, under Sheridan, a soldier rode up to me, and pointing to a house, said, "Don't you remember the dinner we got at that house a year ago, doctor ?" I did not recognize the house nor my inform- ant, but I did the dinner.
One of the members of the Tenth, writing in regard to the raid soon after the return, says :
Such a march ! Day and night for six days, halting just long enough to feed -never exceeding two hours-did we urge our horses along, traveling hundreds
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of miles during the time. It was no uncommon occurrence during the last days of the march to see men fall asleep in their saddles and drop to the ground from . fatigue and exhaustion.
Corporal N. A. Reynolds, of Company A, had three horses "play out " and was left behind dismounted the last day's march, but he captured a rebel, took his horse, and came up with the command
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FOLLOWING THE CAVALRY WAGON TRAIN.
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while crossing the Rappahannock, bringing his prisoner in and turn- ing him over to the provost-marshal.
Several good animals were captured on the raid, one of which was appraised and purchased by Major Avery, which he called " Banks."
The Stoneman raid will be remembered by those who participated in it, for the test of endurance it entailed rather than for any great damage inflicted on the enemy. It was one of the many hard strokes which followed rapidly the organization of the corps that finally made the homogeneous mass a solid, compact body, and gave it power and endurance. It also demonstrated the fact that a well-organized and well-officered body of Yankee horsemen could penetrate the enemy's country with ease, and, under proper discipline and instruction, do much damage. There is little doubt but the prominence awarded the cavalry by General Hooker was viewed with much concern by the Confederates, who must have foreseen, from the time of the Stoneman raid, the prestige of "Stuart's cavalry," declining, as the Northern horsemen loomed up so conspicuously. The great cavalry engage- ment at Brandy Station, a month later, forever settled the superiority of the two corps in favor of the Yankees.
We will now return to the wagon train and escort, which were am- putated from the main body on the 30th of April, and sent to Chan- cellorsville. This grand and imposing cavalcade-the Union Trans- fer Company of the Cavalry Corps-proceeded to its destination, passing over the field, where a few moments later the terrible clash of arms between the Union and rebel armies occurred-marching to the Chancellorsville House on the road near which the Confederate Gen- eral Jackson met his death. The rear portion of the train was cut off by the rebel army advancing to meet the Union lines of infantry. From the Chancellorsville House the train proceeded on the road to the United States Ford. The cavalry boys started to take the main road leading to the ford, but were compelled to yield it to the infant- ry and artillery going to the front in large numbers. It was a mat. ter of regret that they didn't take the main road. They had become so accustomed to taking anything they wanted, that it might have been taken without seriously affecting their consciences. Besides, main roads appeared to be scarce, and they could no doubt have dis- posed of it at a good figure to the Eleventh Corps, a little later, as it was understood they were looking for one.
The train finally reached the ford in échelon, left in front-that is, the ones in front got left-as they remained "standing to mule " for a long time, awaiting an opportunity to cross on the pontoon
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HISTORY OF THE TENTH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
bridge, while the rear portion, supposing a halt had been called, went into camp, had a good cup of coffee and enjoyed a quiet rest.
Finally, the right of way was secured by the beasts of burden and their attendants.
After crossing, camp was established on the high grounds over- looking the United States Ford, the wagons parked, tents pitched, the mules formed in a hollow square around the camp, business ends outward, and the brave defenders of the tail end of the Cavalry Corps sought quiet and rest in the shade of the friendly trees. During the night of the 3d of May the Confederates advanced a battery near the river on the opposite side, and at early dawn on the 4th began a bom- bardment of the camp.
The effect of being awakened from peaceful slumbers by the bursting and banging of shells is rather bewildering, to say the least. Anyway, they had that effect on the boys in the train-camp that morning. In front of the line of tents was an ancient, bald-headed old patriarch of the forest-a rotten tree-stub, about eighteen inches in diameter. A vigorous push by a muscular fellow would, no doubt, have sent it over. In the scramble which followed the sudden awak- ening this decayed remnant of Nature's grandeur was selected as a defense from the exploding shells! A long line of brave fellows, most of whom were in undress uniform, were soon crowding in the shadow of that stub, among the number the regimental commissary. The picture was too ridiculous to be long maintained. With a shout the boys broke from the line, and laughter, long and loud, ensued. The shells intended for the mule-camp reached the herding-place of Confederate prisoners, just beyond, who rejoiced when the projectiles fell among the teams and tents, but when, a few moments later, some of them fell plump in their midst, they made earnest appeals for a change of location.
Seven hundred and fifty of these prisoners were sent to Falmouth, with a detachment under Sergeant Peck, of Company M, as guards, during this day.
When news was received of the return of the cavalry from the raid, camp was broken and the train put in motion for the purpose of forming a junction. The train and escort joined the command at Bealton Station on the 9th.
The next day the brigade broke camp and marched to Hartwood Church, where it encamped. At & A. M. on the 11th the march was taken up again and continued to Potomac Creek Bridge, where the Regiment went into camp. Here the boys were vigorously assailed
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BACK TO BEALTON.
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by wood-ticks. Between the attacks of these new-found visitors and the regular inhabitants, they had hard scratching to get any rest. The Potomac Creek afforded excellent opportunities for bathing and laundry-work, which were well improved.
Paymaster Armstrong appeared in camp on the 14th and paid the men to the 1st of March, 1863.
Boots and saddles at sunrise on the 15th brought the Regiment into line again, and at eight o'clock the march was taken up in a westerly direction, going into camp once more at Bealton Station. Picketing the surrounding country for several succeeding days was no pleasant duty, since guerrillas were numerous and murders of Union troops frequent. Philip Cuming, of Company I, while on picket, was killed and his horse and personal effects carried off only a day or two after the arrival of the Regiment at Bealton. Sergeant L. A. Colburn, of Company A, was out early one morning in command of the patrol in a section of country that had become notoriously bad. Hearing a shot fired in the direction of one of the picket posts, he hastened to the place, where he was informed that the post had been fired on. Leading his patrol to a house near by, he discovered the tracks of a man in the soft earth and the imprint of the same boot on the door-steps. Posting his men around the house, Colburn rapped at the door. It was all quiet within. The rappings were continued until a response was obtained. "Who's there ?" was de- manded in a feminine voice, and when informed, the same voice asked for time to allow the ladies to arise and dress.
But to an imperative demand to open the door or it would be forced open, it was thrown back, and a woman demanded the author- ity by which her house was thus rudely entered. " Well," said Col- burn, "I'm acting on my own authority just now," and going for- ward commenced a search of the rooms. As the men were about to enter the last room, the woman placed herself in the door and pleaded that they would not intrude, as her daughter was within lying. at the point of death. "Well," said Colburn, " trot out the man and we won't disturb your daughter." The woman was indignant at the insinuation that there was a man in the house. The boys proceeded to investigate. The single bed in the room contained a single person or what seemed a person, though no portion was visible. Turning down the clothing, the comely features of a very healthy-looking young woman appeared. The boys thought they wouldn't disturb her only just what was. necessary, but as the bed was against a door they were compelled to move it to gain access. Colburn entered the
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HISTORY OF THE TENTHI REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
dark recess which the door opened into, and as he did so his feet encountered something of a soft nature. Reaching down his hand it ran into a man's hair, still wet from the rain of the night be- fore. The hand involuntarily tightened its grip, and Colburn stepped out into the sick (?) chamber with a handful of hair. There was a man on the end of it. One of the boys went into the closet and brought out the fellow's gun and accoutrements, which were yet damp from the night's dew. The fellow pleaded for mercy while the boys were discussing the rope question. It was finally de- cided to take him to camp, where he was turned over to the provost marshal.
Johnny Schenck, of Company A, was placed on picket in a lonely spot one night near Morrisville. Surrounded by a thick growth of underbrush, Schenck thought it afforded a good screen for a hostile to approach very near him unobserved, and he kept both eyes and ears opened, watching in every direction. Ilis vigilance was re- warded some time after midnight. First he heard a faint rustling of leaves as if made by a squirrel. The noise grew nearer and nearer. Anon it would cease entirely, and then again it would be resumed. A twig would snap, and then a silence ensue as though fear of discov- ery might follow. Meantime Schenck with bated breath was peering into the underbrush, with his carbine to his shoulder cocked and ready for immediate use. It was a starlight night and a moving ob- ject could be discerned for a little distance very fairly. Presently, creeping on all-fours, clutching a carbine in his right hand, the form of a human being appeared beneath the underbrush. "Halt! move a muscle and you're a dead man !" shouted Schenck. The would-be murderer needed no second admonition. He was as immovable as a statue. The Yankee and the gun were both uncomfortably plain to the astonished man. "Drop that gun, throw up your hands, and come up here !" The fellow was under a good state of discipline. The order was obeyed without a word. Securing his man, Schenck watched him and the surrounding country until he was relieved, when he marched his prisoner into camp to receive, not the plaudits of his comrades, but their execrations for bringing the would-be murderer in alive! On the prisoner was found a pass, reading something like this :
HEADQUARTERS, ETC.
Private -, having indicated his ability to secure a remount, is hereby given permission to visit Farquhar County for - days.
-- , Commanding.
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ON PICKET AT WARRENTON JUNCTION.
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Which, translated into English, "indicated his ability " to murder a Yankee and secure his horse.
The command left Bealton Station early in the morning of the 16th, and went into bivouack near Rappahannock about 11 A. M. Next morning it broke camp about 8 A. M. and returned to Bealton. These moves were probably for strategic purposes.
While on picket near Liberty, a Confederate horseman was dis- covered on the road leading to Sulphur Springs, and four of our boys gave chase, pursuing the venturesome Johnny to the Rappahan- nock, and secured his hat, which he lost in his flight. This piece of ancient and dilapidated head-gear was identified as the property of one " Mr. Johnson," of the Black Horse Cavalry, whose fondness for the society of pretty Miss Belle Newhouse, who lived with her mother at Fayetteville, on the road between Liberty and Sulphur Springs, induced him to test the vigilance of the Yankee pickets in the en- deavor to allay the wild pulsations of a heart overburdened with love. The boys tantalized poor Belle by exhibiting the trophy as evidence that Mr. Johnson had been on a flying trip to that section of country.
The Regiment continued on picket around Liberty, Fayetteville, and on the Sulphur Springs road until Friday, May 29th, when it was relieved by the First Maryland Cavalry. The following day it marched to Warrenton Junction and went on picket. Frequent alarms kept the boys wide awake. It grew quite monotonous if they were not called out at least once every day to meet some threatened attack or to intercept some imaginary raiding party. On being re- lieved from picket by the First Maine Cavalry on the 2d of June, the Regiment returned to camp.
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HISTORY OF THE TENTH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
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CHAPTER V.
GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN .- FROM BRANDY STATION TO GETTYSBURG.
ISSATISFACTION with the results of the cavalry operations in the rear of the Con- federate army caused the removal of Gen- eral Stoneman from the command of the corps and the substitution of General Al- fred Pleasonton in his stead.
Colonel Kilpatrick returned and took command of his brigade on Sunday, June tth. The same evening a number of offi- cers of the brigade assembled at his head- quarters and enjoyed a few hours' social in- tercourse, recounting the scenes and incidents of the raid. It was late when Colonel Kilpatrick remarked, in a jocular way, that the " boys " had better turn in early, and get as much rest and sleep as possible, as the Cavalry Corps would beard the lion in his den, by crossing the Rappahannock the next day, and give battle to the ene- my at Brandy Station. This announcement was greeted with expres- sions of satisfaction, and a desire to meet the Confederate horsemen in an open field fight. The following day was one of busy prepara- tion for battle. An old grindstone had been found and brought into the camp of the Tenth, and was kept in use nearly all day, in sharp- ening the sabers. Then some wag started the story that, by the rules of war any soldier found with a sharp sword or saber on his person was liable to be shot. Some of the susceptible youths proceeded to put an edge on their blades as dull as their comprehensions, not stop- ping to consider the joke of their "liability to be shot " in any event.
General Hooker, having received information that the Confeder- ate army was withdrawing from his front, and massing in the vicinity of Culpeper, ordered General Pleasonton to cross the river with the Cavalry Corps, and attack whatever force he might encounter, with the view of ascertaining, as far as possible, the numbers and purposes
Gen. Geo.
D. Bayard.
Gen. Judson
Kilpatrick.
Gen. D. McM regg.
Jr.
Gen. Henry
E. Davi
Gen. J. Irvin Gregg
GENERALS OF THE SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
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KEEN BLADES FOR A PROMISED CONTEST.
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of the enemy. With the impression that no considerable force of Con- federates were near the river, General Pleasonton's plan was to cross one division at Beverly Ford and two at Kelly's Ford at the same time, and uniting south of the river, advance until the enemy was encountered. But Stuart had moved his corps near the upper fords, preparatory to crossing the same day, to clear the way and guard the flank of the main army, which was to follow, on an invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania. There was, therefore, a surprise in store for the Union as well as the Confederate cavalry, when the latter were encountered as soon as Buford's troops gained the south- ern shore of the Rappahannock, on the morning of the 9th of June.
Camps were broken in Gregg's division at 2 p. M. on the 8th of June, and the march taken up toward the Rappahannock. The day was very warm and the rising dust almost stifling. Reaching Kelly's Ford in the evening, the troops went into bivouac on the north side. No fires were permitted. The men had neither coffee nor comfort that night, but the loss of these did not chill their ardor. They exhibited an enthusiasm and a desire to measure blades with the Southern horsemen that gave promise of success.
Longstreet's corps of the Confederate army was assembled at Culpeper Court-House on the evening of June 7th, preparatory to crossing the Rappahannock and moving north for the invasion of the loyal States. The Confederate cavalry corps, numbering at least ten thousand men, were reviewed on the open field between Brandy Station and Culpeper Court-House by Generals Lee and Stuart on the day the Federal troops were moved to the vicinity of the fords, preparatory to crossing the next day.
The Comte de Paris relates that Pleasonion's corps numbered scarcely seven thousand five hundred men," and that, to make up for the numerical inferiority, Ames's brigade, from the Eleventh, and Russell's brigade, from the Sixth Corps, numbering, all told, about three thousand men, were added to Pleasonton's command ; but the Comte de Paris adds that, notwithstanding the excellent qualities of these soldiers, " their co-operation interfered with the mobility of the cavalry, and consequently destroyed part of its chances of success."
Early on the morning of the 9th the column under General Gregg crossed at Kelly's Ford unobserved. Buford's division crossed at Beverly Ford, farther up the river, about the same time. Gen- eral Pleasonton moved with this latter column. General Gregg, leav-
" The Battle of Gettysburg, by the Comte de Paris, p. 9.
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HISTORY OF THE TENTH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
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ing the brigade of infantry, under General Russell, at the ford, sent the Second Division, under Colonel Duffie, to Stevensburg, while he with his own division, the Third, proceeded direct to Brandy Station. The sound of Buford's guns up the river served to hasten Gregg for- ward. The unslinging of carbines and snapping of caps along the column before coming in view of the open fields around Fleetwood Hill had an ominous meaning. The arms were closely inspected, the belts tightened, and the ammunition arranged with a view to easy access. Like the gladiator preparing to enter the arena, everything was put in readiness for the conflict.
As the Tenth emerged from the woods, the Second Brigade, un- der Colonel Wyndham, was already engaged away to the left .* The scene was most inspiriting, and called forth many expressions in the Regiment of a desire to participate in the fight. The men had but a moment to wait. Colonel Kilpatrick formed his brigade for attack, and with his usual impetuosity led his troops in the charge. (See re- port of Colonel Kilpatrick, in Appendix.)
The Comte de Paris says : +
Wyndham, pressed by superior forces, has fallen back near the station, taking with him his two guns, together with the three pieces he has captured from the enemy. Gregg, in order to relieve him, orders Kilpatrick's brigade to fall upon the left flank of the Confederates. The latter, strong in numbers, do not yield one inch of ground. Their leaders perform prodigies of valor, for this is a deci- sive moment. Along all the slopes of Fleet wood Hill and around Brandy Station the hostile lines are mixed in such a mêlée as was never before witnessed in America.
Captain Willard Glazier, of the Second New York Cavalry, writes as follows of this trying moment : #
Kilpatrick's battle-flag was seen advancing, followed by the tried squadrons of the Harris Light, the Tenth New York, and the First Maine, in échelon of squad- rons. His brigade was quickly formed and he advanced like a storm-cloud upon the rebel cavalry which filled the field before him. The Tenth New York re- ceived the first shock of the rebel charge, but was hurled back, though not in confusion.
In this charge a portion of the Second New York Cavalry gave way as the Confederate line was met, and, striking the left flank of
* Not fifty yards below, Colonel Percy Wyndham was advancing the First New Jersey Cavalry in magnificent order. in column of squadrons, with flags and guidons flying .- (The Campaigns of Stuart's Caralry, p. 271.)
t The Battle of Gettysburg, by the Comte de Paris, p. 16.
# Three Years in the Federal Cavalry.
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ACCOUNT BY LIEUTENANT B. B. PORTER.
1863
the Tenth, threw that part of the Regiment into momentary con- fusion. The broken nature of the ground over which the command was compelled to pass also contributed to weaken its formation. Nevertheless, the Confederate line was met in a gallant manner by the major part of the Regiment. The First Maine was ordered for- ward at this opportune moment, and part of the Tenth retired, while another portion continued to engage the enemy at close quarters. The First Maine went gallantly forward, and striking the Confed- erates in flank, drove them back.
The fact should not be lost sight of that the splendid charge made by the Tenth on this occasion was upon the enemy in supe- rior numbers in front, the Regiment thus meeting more than man for man. Whatever of credit or glory attaches to this particular part of the engagement of the day belongs quite as much to it as to any regiment. It was a memorable charge for the Tenth, one in which it acquitted itself with credit.
In the midst of the struggle Colonel Irvine's horse went down with him near the railroad, and he was immediately surrounded and made a prisoner. He fought until overpowered, but was finally forced to surrender. In speaking of his capture afterward, Major Avery said : " I never saw so striking an example of devotion to duty. He rode into them slashing with his saber in a measured and deter- mined manner just as he went at everything else, with deliberation and firmness of purpose. I never saw a man so cool under such cir- cumstances."
Captain B. B. Porter, at the time first lieutenant of Company L, furnishes the following in regard to the battle :
At the time of the battle of Brandy Station I was acting as adjutant of the Regiment. On the Sth of June, 1863, our Regiment, with the entire division- the Third-commanded by General Gregg, was moved to the vicinity of Kelly's Ford. and bivouacked. There was but little sleep, however. The men were ani- mated with the prospect of meeting the rebel cavalry in a fair, open-field fight, which the morrow promised. They had never been engaged as an unbroken whole, and now an opportunity was to be presented for displaying the qualities of the Regiment as a unit. There had been companies and detachments from it engaged at various times and places, and the men had acquitted themselves in all these isolated affairs with credit, and increased the desire for a chance to see what the Regiment could do united. It probably never counted so many officers and men in any other engagement, nor was the esprit de corps ever better. In my connection with the Regiment I never witnessed more enthusiasm and con- fidence by the men than on this occasion. There was a positive eagerness for the meeting. The number of men in the Regiment who participated in the battle was about five hundred, and they were led by one in whom they had perfect con-
அசைக்கார் கர்
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HISTORY OF THE TENTH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
fidence, Lieutenant-Colonel Irvine. Every man responded promptly to the call to " fall in," early in the morning on that memorable 9th of June, 1863. The spirit of enthusiasm and good cheer pervaded the entire command under Gen- eral Gregg, so far as my observation extended, presaging the grand results which were to be recorded of it that day.
We crossed the ford without opposition and marched straight for Brandy Station, where the rebel cavalry was known to be encamped. The booming of Buford's guns, up the river, advised us that he had already encountered the enemy, Our advance-guard met with no opposition until we were near the field which was so soon to be rendered historical as the battle-ground between the two powerful cavalry corps of the opposing armies. When we had reached the edge of the timber, about three fourths of a mile from Brandy Station, we were halted and drawn up in squadron fronts, preparatory to charging into the open, where the rebels were rapidly concentrating. Occasional shells were dropped around us from the enemy's battery on Fleetwood Hill, but they caused no damage or uneasi- ness. Our Second Brigade, under Colonel Wyndham, had been engaged, and had met with some reverses. While awaiting orders to participate, our boys mani- fested the utmost restlessness and anxiety to engage in the battle. The orders were at hand. The voice of Lieutenant-Colonel Irvine rose clear and firm- " Attention ! Forward, march!" And as soon as we had cleared the woods, " Trot! March ! Guide left !" How the hot blood coursed through my veins at that moment! Who can describe the feelings of a man on entering a charge? How exhilarating, and yet how awful ! The glory of success in a charge is intoxi- cating ! One forgets everything, even personal safety, in the one grand thought of vanquishing the enemy. We were in for it now, and the nerves were strung to the highest tension. When about two thirds of the distance intervening between the starting-point and the railroad had been passed, the command comes- "Column, walk. Draw sabers! Trot!" The Regiment was well in hand, the formation perfect. The enemy in small numbers advanced from the hill to oppose us. As a part of our line was crossing the railroad, Colonel Kilpatrick, with some staff-officers, passed us and ordered Colonel Irvine to charge to the right of the hill. Colonel Irvine immediately gave the command, "Gallop! Charge!" and the Regiment swept up the hillside, where they were met by a largely superior force, that had been concentrated on that point as the key to the situation. It was a hand-to-hand struggle now. Here many of our brave boys went down. Colonel Irvine was on the right of the leading squadron, and I was at his left. The rebel line that swept down upon us came in splendid order, and when the two lines were about to close in, they opened a rapid fire upon us. Then followed an indescribable clashing and slashing, banging and yelling. My entire time was taken up in caring for Lieutenant Porter at this time, and the rapidly- moving panorama left no distinct recollection of anything that occurred in par- ticular, outside my individual experience. Two or three stalwart rebels crowded past ine, intent on the capture of Colonel Irvine. I was of apparent little account in their desperate efforts to reach him. We were now so mixed up with the rebels that every man was fighting desperately to maintain the position until assistance could be brought forward. The front squadrons broke to the right and left to allow the rear squadrons to come upon the enemy fresh. In an instant everything was mixed up and confused, and Irvine a prisoner. I made desperate efforts to
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