Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 4.djvu/268

250 vigilant and resourceful colonel of the First regiment, W. H. Cheek, who was wounded.

At Yellow tavern, on the 11th of May, Stuart in front of Sheridan attacked with his two brigades, while Gordon assailed the Federals in the rear. Stuart made a masterly fight, as the severe Federal losses show, but, in the action, both he and General Gordon fell mortally wounded. No loss since the incomparable Jackson’s death was so hurtful to General Lee s strategic power as Stuart’s fall.

General Gordon, trained under Stuart, and sharing his dash and reckless courage, was a model cavalry officer. Undaunted by difficulties and perils, equal to great physical hardships, undismayed by reverses, his men had implicit confidence in him, even as he had unwavering trust in his cavalry leader.

Following Yellow tavern, came Hampton’s great fight at Trevilian station, and sharp combats at Todd s tavern, White house, Haws shop, Hanover and Ashland. In these, General Barringer says the cavalry was more and more following Forrest’s example, and fighting on foot. The saber was giving place to the more deadly short rifle. The First, Second and Fifth were all active and daring in their service in these trying days.

In June, Colonel Barringer was commissioned brigadier-general and assumed command of Gordon s brigade, and Lieutenant-Colonel Cowles became commander of the First regiment, as Colonel Cheek was away wounded.

When General Grant found that he could not successfully break through the Confederate lines at Spottsylvania, he again renewed what the soldiers called his sidling&quot; movement toward Richmond. Again General Lee made a counter move, and took position around Cold Harbor. On the way to the new position some brisk fighting occurred.

At Jericho ford, Lane’s North Carolinians and McGowan’s South Carolinians became entangled in a river-