Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/254

 254 Southern Historical Society Papers.

was seized early in the day. Ascertaining from some prisoners that were captured that Longstreet was not with Early, Sheridan reorgan- ized his men the best he could, and turned upon us, I should say about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Ramseur kept his men well in hand, and from behind rock walls successfully resisted the advance of the Federals. Near 4 o'clock Kershaw's division gave way on my left. I sent my headquarter courier, private Beggarly, to report the fact to General Ramseur. While doing so his horse was shot through the ear, and the horse upon which General Ramseur sat (for he refused to take shelter) was killed. At the request of General Ramseur, private Beggarly let the General have his horse. So careful however was Ramseur of the rights of others, even in the midst of a severe engagement, this horse was not taken before getting my consent.

During this whole encounter no man could have behaved more magnificently and heroically than Ramseur did in his efforts to resist the overwhelming tide which was now setting in upon us. From the position which he occupied the retreat of Kershaw's division and the overlapping flanking column of the Federals could be seen. His troops became alarmed and could not be held in position, and in a vain effort to hold them this brave and accomplished young officer fell

MORTALLY WOUNDED,

and was captured. In speaking of his conduct upon this occasion, General Early says : " Major-General Ramseur has often proved his courage and his capacity to command, but never did these qualities shine more conspicuous than on the afternoon of the iQth of this month, when, after two divisions on his left had given away and his own was doing the same thing, he rallied a small band, and for one hour and a quarter held in check the enemy, until he was shot down himself. In endeavoring to stop those who were retiring from the field, I had occasion to point them to the gallant stand made by Ram- seur with his small party, and if his spirit could have animated those who left him thus battling the igth of October would have had a far different history. He met the death of a hero, and with his fall the last hope of saving the day was lost ! General Ramseur was a sol- dier of whom his State has reason to be proud he was brave, chiv- alrous, and capable." General Grimes says, in his report of this battle : " Up to the hour of 4 P. M. the troops of this division, both officers and men, with a few exceptions, behaved most admirably,.