Page:History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States.djvu/24

18 now dismounted, and ordered to cross the bridge and advance in skirmish line on both sides of the road. The squadron next in front, composed of Companies E and F, under Captain William Latanè, then crossed the bridge and charged up the road in column of fours. Moving rapidly, Latanè reached the level land beyond the bridge in advance of the dismounted men, and, riding some paces in front of his men, was shot and killed instantly by a party of the enemy in the woods on the right of the road. Nothing daunted by this heavy blow, the squadron moved onward, and, nearing the crest of the hill, found Companies D and E, Fifth Regiment, United States Dragoons, in line of battle a little to the left of the road. Wheeling by fours into line, they charged with the sabre. The charge was soon ended, and the dragoons were routed. Two or three were killed, and a lieutenant and ten privates captured. The casualties with us were Latanè killed and two privates of Company E wounded very slightly with sabre-cuts.

Our whole command then moved rapidly on the road to Old Church, rifling the camp of the picket force of some carbines, pistols, horses, a litle [sic] wine, and a few prisoners. Confounded by the suddenness of the blow and panic-stricken, the enemy fled in detached parties along every road leading to their rear. The citizens, assured of the presence of the infant flag, hurried to the road-side; many ladies ran out, and, with waving handkerchiefs and eyes filled with tears, breathed their blessings on us. The excitement became intense; cheer after cheer rent the air as Stuart, at the head of the column, bade all hope of support from our army good-bye, and daringly pursued the road to the White House, on the banks of the Pamunkey, immediately in rear of the Federal army under McClellan.

At Old Church, a guidon, the first trophy of the kind that had fallen into our hands, was captured by one of Company C, and afterwards sent to Governor Letcher. Prisoners were taken at various points; ambulances moving quietly, and as