Page:History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States.djvu/132



On the morning following our march in the rear of Warren's corps we moved towards Hanover Courthouse. Near night a spirited fight commenced, most of the other regiments dismounting and going in on foot. We were ordered in on our horses. In passing over an open country to our position on the line of battle, the shells screamed and the minie balls whistled, but passed harmlessly over our heads. The combatants were very near each other, but darkness was covering the field. We were ordered to hold the ground while the other troops were withdrawn. This was done, and when the night was well on the regiment retired on the road to Ashland, halting to sleep only an hour or two on the road, and were in the saddle again at four o'clock A. M. We marched to the farm of General W. C. Wickham, and there were placed in line of battle, but no fight occurring, we returned to Ashland. Here a sharp skirmish occurred, and several squadrons of the Ninth Regiment were detailed, and separated, acting under the direct orders of Generals W. H. F. Lee and Chambliss. In the afternoon one squadron, mounted, was warmly engaged under Lieutenant Christian in the road. A portion of the regiment, also, dismounted, were put forward in a body of woods, where they encountered