Page:History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States.djvu/55

Rh The troops under General Stuart were passing through Upperville, and across our rear towards Paris, and as soon as the artillery reached the point of intersection of the Trappe road, on which we were, the order came to fall back. It being impossible to withdraw our skirmish-line in time to pass down this road, directions were sent to them to take the by-paths skirting the mountains. The main body of the regiment received the fire of the enemy's mounted men at very short range, as we passed to the 'pike, escaping, however, without any very serious casualties.

On reaching the 'pike, orders came from Colonel Rosser, commanding the brigade in place of Wickham, who had been badly wounded, to protect two or three guns which were drawn slowly along by jaded horses. No other troops save our regiment were to be seen, and considerable bodies of the enemy's cavalry were advancing on the road we had held, and also up the 'pike. The Federal skirmish-line soon pressed hotly upon our rear and flank, and some men, badly wounded and supported in the saddle by comrades, were hurried past us. General Stuart was in the midst of our rear squadron when faced about and deployed by Major Waller as skirmishers to repel the too near approach of the more daring Yankee troopers. The shells, too, began to explode over our heads as we approached the high hills through which the 'pike ran. Looking back upon the hosts of the enemy, the capture of our small body seemed probable, when, opportunely enough, the sound of artillery in front from long-range guns posted on the heights told of the precaution of our General for our safety. The pursuit ended at once, and we proceeded for some miles along the 'pike, and then took a road to the left, which formed an acute angle with the 'pike, and led to Piedmont Station on the Manassas Gap railroad. The guns were placed in our rear, and the orders from Colonel Rosser were that we should approach the station cautiously, as the enemy might occupy it.

An advanced guard under our Sergeant-Major Richerson