Page:History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States.djvu/134

128 with a yell, and many of the enemy fled precipitately to the woods. Robinson halted only at the line of breastworks, close upon Old Church. One of our men, in the impetuosity of his course, dashed over into the works, and did not return. This line of works was held by negro troops, many of whom abandoning them fled back to Old Church. The cavalry of the enemy who had taken this road, dismounted, and sheltering themselves behind the works, opened a feeble fire.

As our men returned they were threatened seriously by the enemy, who had rallied and reappeared on the diverging roads. With great tact and skill on the part of Lieutenants Ball and Beale, they were, however, held in check, until our squadrons were safely withdrawn. Despite the impediment of numerous strands of telegraph wire drawn across the road at several points, this dash was so rapid and successful that between seventy-five and a hundred of the enemy were captured, killed, and seriously wounded. We had two men wounded, and, as we afterwards learned, Private Sullivan, of Company D, who was carried into the enemy's works, was shot in the wrist, so that he could not readily control his horse. Some of our best horses were wounded; but a good many fine ones, with equipments, were secured.

We were left on outpost duty that night, and the enemy attempted to surprise us, and were very near succeeding. Our squadrons were extended over a long line. The regimental headquarters were immediately in rear of the line of breastworks at Cold Harbor, which our infantry had held when opposing Grant's recent bloody assaults. Close by was the intersection of two roads. On one of these, two miles distant, some dismounted cavalry pickets were posted, and about midnight the lieutenant in charge sent in word that the enemy in force was moving on this road. Lieutenant Thomas Christian and about sixty men were called out and posted in the breastwork. When this had been done two Texans who chanced to be present said they had been on