Page:History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States.djvu/126

120 columns of bluecoats could be seen passing down the road leading to Bowling Green. Dispatches were signalled by us every fifteen minutes to General R. E. Lee. He was not satisfied as yet that Grant's whole army was moving.

Observing an interval between the different corps of the Federal troops, as they marched, and availing ourselves of the advantage it offered, Lieutenant Ball was ordered about ten o'clock to cross the river with a small detachment, and to scour the road, collecting all the information he could. This was executed with the spirited gallantry which always characterized that officer. His first capture was two fine cows belonging to a Federal major-general; next some mules well laden with hard-tack; then a courier with a dispatch, which assured us definitely of the character of the movement. Ball was pursued ere long by the cavalry in advance of the next corps, and made good his passage across the bridge near Guinea's, his pursuers recoiling suddenly and retreating rapidly, under the fire of Stewart's rifles.

The enemy seemed to be annoyed by our proximity, and showed a purpose of forcing a passage at the bridge. Our companies at hand were now all dismounted save one, and Major Waller was directed to march them down and hold the bridge, and to post videttes well up and down the wooded sides of the river. Late in the afternoon this force at the bridge was suddenly assailed by volleys on both flanks and in front. Detachments of the enemy's infantry or cavalry dismounted had crossed the river adroitly both above and below, and our videttes had failed to report, or their warning was misunderstood. One or two of our men were killed and six or eight captured, and Captain Stith Bolling was badly wounded. The whole force ran, scattering through the fields, but bringing off our killed and wounded. Ball, with his company, every man mounted, took position on the brow of the hill, concealing all but the front set-of-fours, and, with sabres drawn, were held ready to charge. Another company, galloping to the right and left along the slope, formed a line of skirmishers at the foot of the hills.