Page:History of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry in the War Between the States.djvu/97

Rh throwing its missiles as soon as the head of our column appeared at its mouth. Climbing up the steep mountainside on our right, and using some cavalry horses to aid those of the artillery, several of our guns were drawn to the summit, and they very soon drove the enemy's guns to a distance so respectful that their balls fell short of our men. From the mountain we could see a body of the enemy's cavalry in the distance, but could form no idea of their number.

About sunset General Stuart pointed from a hill in the direction of Leitersburg, and directed the writer to proceed thither with a part of his command, but to be wary, as the enemy might be there. He said he could not furnish a guide. He sent a dispatch, to be forwarded to General R. E. Lee, who was expected at a point about seven miles to the right. Our party was small, consisting principally of Company C. The night was intensely dark, and the road had several forks and crossings, so that the danger of becoming lost became great and imminent. Twice we barely escaped coming into contact with bodies of hostile cavalry ten times our numbers. However, we finally reached the little town in safety. An officer with ten men was sent with the dispatch to General Lee. Pickets were posted on the roads leading into the village, and the Colonel and his little reserve rested on their arms in the town.

About three o'clock A. M. the party who had been sent with the dispatch to General Lee returned without having found him. They reported having come upon many of our wagons with the spokes of the wheels cut, and that just as they reached a little village three hundred Yankee cavalry were leaving it, and that they were marching towards Leitersburg. At the same time our pickets reported large forces of cavalry approaching us on each road. The fences were hastily removed, and a way opened to a body of wood not far off. We were speedily relieved of all apprehension by the information that the approaching cavalry was General Stuart's.