Page:History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States.djvu/133

Rh the enemy entrenched in a ditch, and a severe engagement followed at close quarters. Lieutenant John Harwood, of Company K, was killed, and Lieutenant McGauley, of the same company, captured. Private John Neale, of Company C, was killed, and R. B. Spilman severely wounded. Color-Bearer Williams, of Company D, was mortally wounded, and several others were badly wounded. Near night a charge was made with the Colonel and Captain Swann leading. It was checked by barricades across the road and resulted only in the capture of a few prisoners, and one or two of the enemy being killed.

About daybreak on the following morning we bivouacked near Ryall's Mill, and then moved to camp near Meadow Bridge on the Chickahominy. From this point we marched next to Bottom's Bridge. Grant was now passing his army to the south of the James. We were moved close up to the blood-stained trenches at Cold Harbor, and went into camp on the now classic and famous Gaines' farm.

The body of our cavalry, now commanded by General Wade Hampton, the gallant and lamented Stuart having fallen at Yellow Tavern while we were on the lines at Spottsylvania Courthouse, had marched to Trevillian's Station, in Louisa, to check a raid by Sheridan. We remained here quietly for several days. At length General Chambliss received an order from General R. E. Lee to force the enemy's line of pickets, which were so posted that our scouts couldn't enter to find out what force occupied Old Church and its vicinity. General Chambliss ordered our regiment to perform this duty, and accompanied us in person.

We marched until we were within sight of the enemy's pickets. Three squadrons were now held in reserve; and Captain Robinson, with Companies C and K, was ordered to charge the picket, which was mounted, and Lieutenant Ball, with D and E, to follow to guard the roads on their flanks. This charge was splendidly made, and the Yankees were quickly flying upon every road. Their reserve camp was