Page:History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States.djvu/40

34 at that point held by General Jackson's infantry. By dawn we moved rapidly upon Manassas Junction, joining the Fourth Regiment under Colonel Williams C. Wickham, which had a brisk skirmish with some cavalry before we got up. The infantry was also here. The depot, full of supplies and a train of cars well laden near it, had fallen into our hands. "Touch not" was the order, and heavily we sighed as we rode away, leaving the McClellan saddles and handy sabres. We moved to the right of the Junction, and, resting in line of battle, witnessed the advance of a New Jersey brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General G. W. Taylor, to attack the Junction. Pelham's Battery was on the crest of the hill directly in front of the plain on which Taylor's Brigade must advance. Our infantry, some distance to the left of the Junction, was concealed behind the hills in that direction. The New Jersey brigade, deployed in line of battle at the eastern side of the plain, moved steadily forward in the face of Pelham's fire. When they had passed over about half the distance they discovered our infantry. The line was instantly faced about, and the retreat commenced. The artillery was now run down close upon them. Twice their flag went down, but was as often caught up and borne onward. Steadily and in perfect order they marched on. Before reaching the timber skirting the plain, our infantry, which seemed to have been posted with a view to getting in their rear, opened its fire upon their left flank, and a few companies then broke and ran, but the great body of the brigade preserved its perfect alignment and order till lost to sight in the woods.

The Ninth and Fourth regiments under Brigadier-General Fitz. Lee marched immediately, on a line south of and parallel with the railroad, leading towards Fairfax Courthouse. Our march was over fences, across ravines and through swamps. Along the railroad bodies of the enemy were moving in the same direction. So close was our march to the road that stragglers seeking water and fruit were often captured, almost in sight of their companies. At dark we crossed to