Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 39.djvu/100

 88 Southern Historical Society Papers.

that city. Our regiment found a camp near Young's IMillpond, and not far from the Brook Turnpike, occupying a position on the extreme left of the army defending Richmond. Nothing of special interest occurred during the following month other than the usual routine camp life.

But on Thursday. June 12th, came orders to prepare three days' rations and hold ourselves ready to march at a moment's notice. There was naturally suppressed excitement and specu- lation as to what we were to do or where we were to go, but no news came, and we could only indulge in speculation as to our destination. About i o'clock P. M. the regimental bugler sounded "saddle up." which was caught up by the company buglers and soon the camp was in commotion. "To horse" was soon sounded, and through the whole camp could be heard the command of the officers, "Fall in, men." Companies were formed and our regiment marched out of camp to participate in the most memorable and daring raid that was made during the war. We marched in the direction of Hanover Court- house and went into camp after dark, having marched some fifteen miles. Early dawn on the following morning found us in the saddle, the Ninth Virginia in the front, and our squad- ron, composed of the Mercer Cavalry, of Spotsylvania, and our company being in the front of the regiment, the Mercer being in advance. Captain Crutchfield being absent. Captain Latane commanded the squadron, and, of course, rode in front, immediately in the rear of Colonel Lee and staff.

Our march proceeded via Hanover Courthouse and on to- ward the Old Church. The first indication of an enemy we sav\- was the bringing in of a Yankee by one of our scouts. Soon thereafter Captain Latane rode to the rear and ordered four of his own company to advance to the front and form the first set of fours. This had scarcely been accomplished be- fore Colonel Lee ordered Captain Latane to throw out four flankers, two on either side, and four members of his com- pany were at once ordered to proceed, two to the right and the others to the left, and march a little in advance of the regi-