Page:History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States.djvu/37

Rh on the following morning crossed early to the north side of the river, and moved directly to Warrenton.

This place had been evacuated, and only a few stragglers fell into our hands. We now found that our whole brigade was up. It rained in torrents, swelling the little rivulets into foaming streams. General J. E. B. Stuart was present, and after a halt at Warrenton our brigade (under General Fitz. Lee), and, perhaps, other regiments, marched on the road leading towards Catlett's Station, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad. We reached a position near this place about dark. The rain continued, masses of dark, angry clouds, driven by furious winds, rolled over us, lit up at intervals by livid lightnings, and mingled with reverberating thunders. The Storm King dwarfed to stillness the tramp of our horses.

After a few moments' halt, in which the rear squadron of the Ninth was detailed to guard a road in our rear, the command was ordered to prepare for action. The darkness was intense, relieved only by the lightning's flash, and, to guard against collision among our own men, the writer suggested that some sign be given us. This was done by requiring the question to be asked, "Who is there?" and the answer, "Colonel Lee!" "Draw sabres!" "Forward, march!" "Trot, march!" followed in quick succession. The column of fours dashed along a road through a body of timber, and at the command "Charge" which rose with repeated yells above the howling winds and drenching rain, moved at full speed. Whither? What were we charging? Whether battery, army corps, or wagon-camp, none seemed to know. "Who is there?"—a moment's pause—then "bang" rang sharply out, and flickering lights gleaming through the woods made visible lines of canvas tents. The rear squadron, led by Captain Pratt, came suddenly abreast of a long line of lights. The order to fire was given, and a volley of buckshot and ball rattled and tore along. The steam-horse threw them from his polished side and, snorting, hurried his attendant train in rapid flight beyond the reach of a second volley.