Page:History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States.djvu/51

Rh his regiment on our right. The enemy, however, did not renew the attack, contenting himself with opening a brisk fire upon us with his artillery. We remained in our position until our pickets were recalled, and were then ordered to fall back by Colonel W. H. F. Lee, who, in the absence of General Fitz. Lee, commanded the brigade. Private William A. Weaver, of Company C, was killed in our charge, and Privates Bird Lewis and Wat. Bowie were wounded. The first was kindly buried by some ladies as soon as the enemy passed, and we found his humble grave close by the road-side, where he fell. What loss our foes sustained we never knew.

As we retired to Newcomer's Mill, General Pleasanton moved down the road to Martinsburg. General Stuart, as soon as he was informed of what was occurring, dispatched General Wade Hampton by a circuitous route to occupy the road above Shepherdstown, while he, with a portion of our brigade, moved upon Martinsburg. General Pleasanton made a rapid retreat to avoid the snare, and we galloped some five miles or more, but saw only some charges by squadrons of the Fourth Regiment in our front, and shells from the artillery bursting over our heads. We reached Shepherdstown after dark, as the last files of Pleasanton's command were crossing the ford over which they had passed in the morning.

On the 18th of October, 1862, Colonel W. H. F. Lee, who had been temporarily disabled by the kick of a horse, was made brigadier-general; R. L. T. Beale, colonel in his stead; Meriwether Lewis, lieutenant-colonel, and Captain Thomas Waller, of Company A, major. Our quartermaster and commissary, Charles Waite and A. G. Dade, were promoted by Lee. Captain M. Forbes was made quartermaster of the regiment, and G. C. Taliaferro adjutant. Our efficient and faithful surgeon, J. S. Gilliam, was promoted, by Lee, and Dr. Thomas Taylor succeeded him as surgeon of the regiment. Captain John Murphy, of Company C, resigned, and Lieutenant John W. Hungerford was promoted in his place.