Page:History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States.djvu/124

118 from Massaponax Church to Spottsylvania Courthouse. We remained here watching the enemy's left flank during the heavy fighting in front of the Courthouse, and to the left. On the next day a squadron was sent under Major Waller across the Ni, and the remainder of the regiment was ordered to advance. We moved across a field that bordered the road, and into the woods on the opposite side. The men were now dismounted and formed in line of battle. Going forward and emerging from the woods, we discovered a force of infantry two hundred and fifty yards in front, well posted about the Gayle dwelling-house, and behind its enclosures. Directed to charge them, we moved through the field under a rapid fire from the enemy, which was vigorously kept up until we got within perhaps thirty yards of them. Our men then, rushing forward, yelling and firing, drove the enemy from the garden palings and fences into and behind the dwelling. We were in the act of tearing some panels of palings, when we were ordered to retire quickly. Turning our backs on the enemy, our line marched in order to the woods. Just before reaching them a heavy line of Federal infantry appeared and fired two volleys, instantly killing two privates—Lee B. Martin and R. C. Pemberton, of Company H, who fell close beside the writer. Several others were mortally wounded. In the woods we received a shower of shells. Later, we resumed our position on the road.

We again advanced in the afternoon, formed on the right of two brigades of infantry, as their support. Wright's Georgia brigade was on our left, moving on the line of our advance in the morning. The position of the enemy had been much strengthened by forming breastworks of the fences. The brigade of Georgians, after advancing thirty or forty yards from the woods in the open field, halted and returned the enemy's fire, waiting, as we were afterwards told, for the brigade on their left. They then with yells sprung tiger-like upon the foe, a few of our men, regardless of orders, joining the skirmishers. The charge was beautifully made and