The Maine bugle ... campaign; 1-5 Jan. 1894-Oct. 1898 - Maine.gov

FIFTH NEW YORK CAVALRY AT CULPEPER. 247
the First Michij^an Cavalry. On the following day Gen. Craw-
ford gave this force of cavalry their marching orders ; they
moved away in the direction of Orange Court House to recon-
noiter the force and position of the enemy supjjosed to be there.
On api^roaching the town we could see in the distance on a
gentle rise of ground, which partially obstructed the view of
the little town on the road, two videttes of the enemy's outposts,
who turned their horses and moved back as we
approached, and were soon out of sight in the little depression
beyond. As we gained this height, an unobstructed view of the
single street running through the village, and the green fields
on either side of the road, was had, but not a living thing was
in sight. We saw, as we entered the narrow street, that the
doors and blinds were closed and curtains drawn. All was a
deathlike stillness. At this point a strong flanking party was
detailed consisting of Companies G and H imder command
of Capt. John Hammond, who dashed away with their accustomed
gallant spirit to the left towards the Gordonsville road
while the main column, headed by Company E of the Fifth
New York, moved steadily along the main street. When near
the end or its junction with the Gordpusville road the stillness
was suddenly broken by a spirited attack by the secreted
enemy, who appeared before us and opened a sudden fusilade
of small-arms, accompanied by the rebel yell. The advance
stood firm until their ammunition was exhausted ;
then the
whole column broke and retreated down the street, followed by
the enemy.
Now our flanking party got at their work in fine style.
The main column rallied at the suburbs of the village, dashed
back, and a spirited conflict with revolvers and carbines followed,
while Companies G and W were having their hand-to-hand-set-to
with sabres around the depot. A terrific fusilade was kept up
in the main street—shots flew in every direction, killing men
and horses to some extent though much the larger portion of
the bullets went far above our heads, owing to the higher
ground occupied by the enemy. Just as the enemy's front