Robertson, and W. H. F. Lee were in
bivouac at various points within supporting distance of Jones; while
Wade Hampton was passing the night in picturesque reserve at Fleetwood
Hill.

The spot was admirably adapted for a cavalry battle, the country rolling
along, with an occasional clump of woods and fine open fields, toward
Brandy Station, where the Rebel cavalry-chief, Stuart, had pitched his
head-quarters.

The close proximity of Stuart's troopers was a little unexpected. Their
movement to Beverly Ford, it seems, was simultaneous with our own.

The plan was to have the enemy remain somewhere near Culpepper, while
Gregg's column advanced from Kelly's Ford, and Buford's from Beverly
Ford, the first bearing to the left, the latter to the right, the two
columns to form a junction near Brandy Station. General Pleasanton then,
having our entire force well in hand, would make a determined attack
upon Stuart's squadrons. But it is the unexpected which must be looked
for in war, and the necessary tactics were quickly decided upon.

Nearly the whole of Stuart's force was in our immediate front; but they
would be exposed to the disadvantage of a surprise, and, having no
infantry with them, our little brigade of rifles would be doubly
effective.

General Pleasanton would be unable to control and harmonize the
movements of his two columns, being completely cut off from General
Gregg; but the latter was so well known as an able commander and a hard
fighter that the enemy was certain to be treated again to a surprise in
flank and rear, and would be thus diverted from our front. And it seemed
as if we might still succeed in breaking up the enemy's cavalry.

The situation had its advantages, in spite of the opinion of some
distinguished cavalry men; and "Forward!" was the word.

As the hazy June morning dawned upon us, troopers appeared to rise out
of the ground and swarm out of the woods, till the whole country seemed
alive with cavalry; and Ames' picked rifles took their place in the
column.

The early morning mist, hanging upon the river banks, concealed our
approach.

"In both our armies, there is many a soul
Shall pay full dearly for this encounter,
If once they join in trial."

The gallant and lamented Colonel Davis led the way with the Eighth New
York Cavalry, dashing over the Ford and surprising the enemy's pickets,
who fell back upon Jones' exposed artillery and wagons.

The Rebels were panic-stric