attack, near Smithfield,
by Fitz Lee's cavalry supported by infantry. The report came that
our cavalry under General Wesley Merritt were being driven back,
and Ricketts was ordered to go to its relief. As I was familiar
with the roads and country, he sent me forward with my brigade and
some attached troops. We met our cavalry about two miles from
Smithfield retiring in a somewhat broken condition. I deployed my
command on its left and pushed the enemy back to a ridge about a
mile north of that place. Here he made a stand, displaying
considerable force. I decided to attack at once. While preparing
for an advance, I discovered what appeared to be a considerable
body of cavalry forming for a charge on my left flank. My line
was single, and I was without support in that direction. At this
juncture a small number of mounted officers and men appeared on a
knoll to my rear. I supposed them to be a body of cavalry sent
forward to participate in the engagement. I rode to advise the
officer in command of the threatened danger. I found there Sheridan
and his staff and escort; also Merritt and some of his staff.
Sheridan had ridden to the front to see the situation. He seemed
surprised to see me, and asked sharply, "What are _you_ doing here?"
There was no time then for parley, as my command had already begun
to advance. I told him of the danger, and pointed out to him the
enemy's cavalry on our left, and asked for a force to meet it. He
responded that he had no force on hand. I suggested that the
cavalry with him, if immediately thrown well out to the left in a
threatening position, would answer the purpose. He replied: "----
----, that is my escort." I rejoined that it was needed badly,
and might save disaster. With a somewhat amused expression on his
face he ordered it to move as I indicated.( 3)

About the time of this incident a puff of smoke from a rifle, fired
on the heights held by the enemy about a mile distant, was seen.
Almost instantly a familiar _thud_ was heard, and all looked around
to see who of the assembled officers had been hit. Major (Surgeon)
W. H. Rulison (9th New York Cavalry), serving as Medical Director
of the Cavalry, was killed by the shot.( 4)

The enemy was driven from the ridge and we were soon in possession
of Smithfield.( 5) Merritt's cavalry took post at the bridge, and
the infantry were withdrawn to camp near Charlestown.

Sheridan threw his whole army forward on Septembe