aid, pointing to the barricades: 'Major, _there_ is the opportunity you
have asked for. Go, take that position!' Away dashed this officer and
his men. In a moment the enemy was reached, and the struggle began. The
horses could not leap the barricade, but the men dismounted, scaled
those formidable barriers, and, with drawn sabres, rushed upon the
hidden foe, who quickly asked for quarter.

"Another incident occurred worth mentioning. Colonel Cesnola, of the
Fourth New York Cavalry, had that morning, through mistake, been placed
under arrest, and, his sword being taken from him, was without arms. But
in one of these wild charges, made early in the contest, his regiment
hesitated. Forgetting that he was under arrest, and without command, he
flew to the head of his regiment, reassured his men, and, without a
weapon to give or ward a blow, led them to the charge. This gallant act
was seen by his general, who, meeting him on his return, said: 'Colonel,
you are a brave man; you are released from arrest;' and, taking his own
sword from his side, handed it to the colonel, saying: 'Here is my
sword; wear it in honor of this day!' In the next charge Colonel Cesnola
fell, desperately wounded, and was taken prisoner.

"The Rebel general, being foiled at every point, resolved to make one
more desperate effort. Silently and quickly he massed a heavy force upon
our extreme right, and, led by General Rosser, made one of the most
desperate and determined charges of the day. Kilpatrick was aware of
this movement, and satisfied that his men, exhausted as they were, could
not withstand the charge, had already sent for reenforcements.

"Before these could reach him the shock came. The First Massachusetts
had the right, and fought as only brave men could to stem the tide that
steadily bore them back, until the whole right gave way. Back rushed our
men in wild confusion, and on came the victorious Rebel horsemen. The
general saw, with anguish, his flying soldiers, yet in his extremity
retained his presence of mind, and proved himself worthy the star he had
won at Brandy Station.

"Sending orders for the centre and left to stand fast, he placed himself
at the head of the First Maine, sent to his assistance, and coolly
waited till the Rebel charging columns had advanced within fifty yards
of Randall's guns. He then shouted 'Forward!' and the same regiment that
saved the day at Brandy Station was destined to save the day at Aldie.
Rosser's me