Richmond, occupied a strong and almost
impregnable position. An attack upon the center promised no better
results.

Under these circumstances he turned his attention to the right wing,
and, in order to obtain the fullest and most accurate information
concerning McClellan's position and defenses on that portion of his
line, ordered Gen. Stuart to make a reconnoissance in the direction of
Old Church and Cold Harbor. With 1,500 picked men that pink of Southern
chivalry immediately undertook the execution of the orders of the
commanding general. This daring exploit was popularly known as "Stuart's
ride around McClellan." It is a fact that he did pass entirely around
the Union army, and, building a bridge across the Chickahominy,
reentered the Confederate lines in safety. In this perilous expedition
he was assisted by his bravest and best officers, among whom were Gens.
WILLIAM H.F. LEE, and his cousin, the dashing Fitz Lee.

More was accomplished than had been anticipated, and it was ascertained
that the right and rear of McClellan were unprotected by works of any
strength. In consequence of the information thus obtained the decision
was formed to make the attack in that direction, and on the 26th of
June, 1862, began that series of splendid battles which culminated in
the retreat of McClellan's army to Harrisons Landing, on the James
River, and the deliverance of Richmond from danger. On the 9th of June,
1863, there occurred near Brandy Station, in the county of Culpeper,
Va., one of the most extensive and stubborn cavalry fights of the whole
war. Two divisions of Federal cavalry, commanded by Gens. Buford and
Gregg, and supported by two brigades of "picked infantry," fell upon
Stuart with such suddenness and fierceness that the attack was almost
crowned with victory. Nothing saved him from defeat, if not from greater
calamity, but his own coolness and that of his lieutenants, coupled with
the indomitable pluck and intrepidity of his troopers.

In this engagement that brave Georgian Gen. Young, formerly a member of
this House, by a splendid charge with sabers, without carbine or pistol,
repulsed a dangerous and gallant assault on the rear, while Gen. WILLIAM
H.F. LEE, with equal courage and dash, protected the left of the
Confederate position. In this encounter Gen. LEE received a severe
wound, which necessitated his retirement from the field. He was carried
to Hickory Hill, in Hanover County, the home of Gen. Wickham, a