Page:History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States.djvu/103

Rh the bridge and were driving Oliver back. He was joined by Lieutenant Davis with his squadron, and these held the enemy in check until the remainder of the regiment was moved out. We fell back from hill to hill, holding each as long as possible, the enemy pressing up closely. Just before we entered Hagerstown a charge by a heavy column drove us in some disorder into the town. The enemy only used carbine and pistol. We had several men wounded; but few seriously, and none mortally. Several of our videttes were made prisoners.

Our brigade now passed to guard the Green Castle road, and all expected another grand battle would this day be fought on Maryland soil. It rained, as it had done for two weeks previous, in showers heavy and almost continuous. General Meade, showing no disposition to improve the advantage gained at Gettysburg, our army was put in motion at night, and, evacuating its positions, recrossed the Potomac at Falling Waters and Williamsport. Our brigade forded at the latter point. The river was high, and the current rapid, and the water rose to the top of our horses' backs. The wetting received was not uncomfortable, however, to men who had not been dryly clad for fourteen days.