himself
most. Sent with orders to General Sedgwick's division, he found it
retreating in confusion, under a hot fire. He did not stop to think
of orders, but rode rapidly from point to point of the line, rallying
company after company by the mere force and power of his word and look,
checking the rout, while the storm of bullets swept all round him. His
horse was shot under him, a ball passed through his coat, another
broke his sword-hilt, but he came off unscathed, and his service was
recognized by his being sent to Washington with the captured flags of
the enemy.

The following winter he was ordered to Boston, to recruit a regiment
of cavalry, of which he was appointed colonel. While the recruiting was
going on, a serious mutiny broke out, but the man who, like Cromwell's
soldiers, "rejoiced greatly" in the day of battle was entirely capable
of meeting this different trial. He shot the ringleader dead, and by
the force of his own strong will quelled the outbreak completely and at
once.

In May, he went to Virginia with his regiment, where he was engaged in
resisting and following Mosby, and the following summer he was opposed
to General Early in the neighborhood of Washington. On July 14, when
on a reconnoissance his advance guard was surprised, and he met them
retreating in wild confusion, with the enemy at their heels. Riding into
the midst of the fugitives, Lowell shouted, "Dismount!" The sharp word
of command, the presence of the man himself, and the magic of discipline
prevailed. The men sprang down, drew up in line, received the enemy,
with a heavy fire, and as the assailants wavered, Lowell advanced at
once, and saved the day.

In July, he was put in command of the "Provisional Brigade," and joined
the army of the Shenandoah, of which in August General Sheridan took
command. He was so struck with Lowell's work during the next month that
in September he put him in command of the "Reserved Brigade," a very
fine body of cavalry and artillery. In the fierce and continuous
fighting that ensued Lowell was everywhere conspicuous, and in thirteen
weeks he had as many horses shot under him. But he now had scope to
show more than the dashing gallantry which distinguished him always and
everywhere. His genuine military ability, which surely would have
led him to the front rank of soldiers had his life been spared, his
knowledge, vigilance, and nerve all now became apparent. One brilliant
action succeeded another, but