The spectacle at that moment was picturesque and imposing. The enemy's
force was evidently large. Long columns of cavalry, heavy masses of
infantry and artillery at every opening, right, left, and centre,
showed that the task of driving back Stuart was not regarded as very
easy. The sunshine darted from bayonet and sabre all along the great
line of battle--and from the heavy smoke, tinged with flame, came the
Federal shell. With their infantry, cavalry, and artillery, they seemed
determined to put an end to us. Stuart galloped to his guns, pouring a
steady fire from the lofty hill. Captain Davenant directed it in
person, and he was evidently in his right element. All his sadness had
disappeared. A cool and resolute smile lit up his features.

"All right, Davenant! Hold your ground!" exclaimed Stuart.

"I will do so, general."

"Can you keep them from crossing?"

"I can try, general."

A whirlwind of shell screamed around the two speakers. For the
hundredth time I witnessed that entire indifference to danger which was
a trait of Stuart. The fire at this moment was so terrible that I heard
an officer say:--

"General Stuart seems trying to get himself and everybody killed."

Nothing more inspiring, however, can be imagined than his appearance at
that moment. His horse, wild with terror, reared, darted, and attempted
to unseat his rider. Stuart paid no attention to him. He had no eyes or