Page:History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States.djvu/73



The regiment returned to its old camping-gronnd near John Minor Botts', in Culpeper, and pitched its tents nearer Welford's Ford than before, on the extreme left of the cavalry line. Eugene Baker, of Company B, was selected to fill the place of Captain Forbes, as quartermaster. Early in June the regiment took part in a general cavalry review under the inspection of General R. E. Lee, on the plain near Brandy Station—the most imposing display of Confederate horsemen we had yet seen.

On the morning of the 9th of June the enemy at dawn forced a passage over the river at Kelly's Mills and Beverly's Ford, and drove the regiment on the right of our line rapidly back. They pursued the Fourth Regiment quite up to General Stuart's headquarters about Brandy Station. The main force of the enemy crossed at Beverly's Ford, and, bearing to the right, swept up the river, and, when about breakfast-time, we were ordered out, several of their squadrons had reached the fields just to the south of the Welford house. These were speedily driven back, but with some serious loss in Companies G and H. Two pieces of our artillery were advanced, and posted upon a hill near a bend of the river, and four squadrons of the Ninth were posted in the rear for their support. Several attempts were made upon the position, but were repulsed by the dismounted men of the brigade, with