Page:History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States.djvu/60

54 Rixeyville. Here the Colonel rejoined the regiment with a fresh horse, finding them doing picket duty in the vicinity of New Boston. While here an order was received to report to Brigadier-General W. H. F. Lee at Brandy Station. A new brigade now assigned to his command was composed of the Ninth, Tenth, Thirteenth, and Fifteenth Virginia, and the Second North Carolina cavalry regiments.

The results of the campaign had materially changed the appearance of our troops. United States army pistols and sabres, and good McClellan saddles were now generally owned by our men. In these particulars of cavalry equipment our government had been very deficient, supplying only a few saddles of very inferior make.

After a rest of a few days at Brandy Station we made a forced march to Fredericksburg, where we met the Fifteenth Regiment. After a day's halt here we moved into camp at Hick's Hill. A permit for detached service was here obtained, and for the purpose of recruiting the dismounted men and allowing those with disabled horses to secure fresh ones, we marched down the river to camp near Lloyd's, in Essex county.

Robert J. Washington had been selected as adjutant in the place of Lieutenant Taliaferro, who was retired on account of permanent disability. Dr. Clarence Garnett was appointed assistant surgeon. Our ranks were now speedily recruited to their usual number for duty. Two small brass guns, commanded by Lieutenant Betts, were sent down and kept near us. The Federal army, under General Hooker, occupied the northern side of the Rappahannock, and their pickets were extended down the river opposite to our encampment. We could see and hear from them almost daily, and the Colonel's desire to cross the river and strike them a blow was warmly seconded by the officers and men of the regiment. Scouts were sent across the river to find out the position and strength of the parties picketing in King George and Westmoreland, and the exact situation of the camps, picket posts and reserve