Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 23.djvu/269

 Closing Scenes of /' '/ niassas.

About sun>i't we descried in the distance a cloud of dust, evi- dently made by a part of the flying enemy. We spurred our hoi t> a furious gallop, and dashed down upon them. We soon found what they were some ten guns, I believe, encircling the black thirty-two pounder, called "Long Tom," which was to play such havoc with the Confederate ranks! The cannoneers and drivers made a desperate dash with their guns at Cub Run bridge, which was immediately in their front. But, crowding too rapidly on the bridge, it broke under the weight, and baggage- wagon, ambulance, caisson, and all fell through into the stream below, forming an impas- sable barrier, which blocked they way, and effectually prevented further passage. The cannoneers and drivers leaped from their guj^s and horses, and darted into the bushes on either side of the run, leaving everything an easy capture.

A TEMPTATION.

The temptation was too great for the average cavalryman, and Captain Davis himself, with most of his men, dismounted and com- menced work on the tangled wreck. I myself was about to dis- mount, having an eye on a fine McClelland saddle which I wanted to secure, when Archie Smith, who was still at my side, turned to me and said: "Yonder goes the 'White Havelock,' Will!" "All right," I replied, and we dashed after Captain Scott, who was cross- ing the stream above the wreck and debris, waving to the men to follow him. About fifteen of Davis's men followed us, but most of them remained behind to work with the guns and secure horses, sad- dles, and other plunder. We joined Captain Scott on the other side of the run, and continued our wild ride faster than ever. We soon came to the foot of the hill upon which the little town of Centreville is situated. Crossing a small stream at the base, we rode rapidly up the slope, and on the crown of the hill came in immediate con- tact with a long, blue line of Federal infantry, drawn up in battle array. Riding up close to them, Captain Scott shouted, "Surren- der ! " For a few seconds they seemed to hesitate, but, hearing no sound of any advancing along the turnpike in our rear, an officer turned to his men and ordered them to fire. Our little band retreated at once, and dashed down the hill rather faster than we had come up, receiving as we went the whole fire of perhaps three hundred infan- try. Not a man, however, was hurt, and we were soon out of sight, hidden by the shades of night.