ements, waiting or expecting the
combinations and juxtapositions which had been planned. But, failing in
this, at length we advanced towards the station, where, at ten o'clock,
we engaged a regiment of Stuart's cavalry. As soon as we reached the
field which they had evidently selected for the fight, we charged them
in a splendid manner, routing them completely, and capturing many
prisoners. Light artillery was used briskly on both sides.

By twelve o'clock Pleasonton's entire force had effected a union, after
much severe fighting, on the left, and the engagement became general.
The infantry fought side by side with the cavalry. There was some grand
manoeuvring on that historic field, and feats were performed worthy of
heroes.

One incident should be particularized. At a critical moment, when the
formidable and ever-increasing hosts of the enemy were driving our
forces from a desirable position we sought to gain, and when it seemed
as though disaster to our arms would be fatal, Kilpatrick's battle-flag
was seen advancing, followed by the tried squadrons of the Harris Light,
the Tenth New York, and the First Maine. In echelons of squadrons his
brigade was quickly formed, and he advanced like a storm-cloud upon the
Rebel cavalry which filled the field before him. The Tenth New York
received the first shock of the Rebel charge, but was hurled back,
though not in confusion. The Harris Light met with no better success;
and, notwithstanding their prestige and power, they were repulsed under
the very eye of their chief, whose excitement at the scene was well-nigh
uncontrollable. His flashing eye now turned to the First Maine, a
regiment composed mostly of heavy, sturdy men, who had not been engaged
as yet during the day; and, riding to the head of the column, he
shouted, "Men of Maine, you must save the day! Follow me!" With one
simultaneous war-cry these giants of the North moved forward in one
solid mass upon the flank of the Rebel columns. The shock was
overwhelming; and the opposing lines crumbled like a "bowing wall"
before this wild rush of prancing horses, gleaming sabres, and rattling
balls.

On rode Kilpatrick with the men of Maine, and, on meeting the two
regiments of his brigade, which had been repulsed and were returning
from the front, the General's voice sang out like clarion notes above
the din of battle, "Back, the Harris Light! Back, the Tenth New York!
Re-form your squadrons and charge!". With magical alacr