CHAPTER XIII.
Charge of the Body-guard.
Advance your standards, draw your willing swords.
For me, the ransom of my bold attempt
Shall be this cold corpse on the earth's cold face;
But if I thrive, the gain of my attempt
The least of you shall share his part thereof.
Sound drums and trumpets, boldly and cheerfully;
God and St. George, Richmond and victory.—Shakespeare.
The Union army, having completed the bridge at Warsaw, had commenced their march toward Springfield. They had arrived at a point fifty miles from that place, when they were informed that a body of rebels still occupied that town. The Body-guard, under the command of the gallant Major Charles Zagonyi, were at once sent forward to disperse the rebel band. It was reported that their number did not exceed four or five hundred. That of the Body-guard was one hundred and sixty.
On Thursday evening this enthusiastic squadron of Union troops started upon their march of fifty miles. Onward they rode, all the long night. The morning dawned, and they paused a few moments to refresh themselves and their wearied horses, which had nobly borne their riders forward toward that scene of deadly strife. While they were reposing, a horseman rode up and asked for Adjutant Hinton. The adjutant sprang forward at once, as he recognized in Johnson, one of the party who had visited him at Warsaw and then left in search of Alibamo and Captain Hayward.
"Have you any tidings of our friends?" asked Hinton, in an excited manner.
"Yes; they are now at Springfield. Captain Hayward is recovering, and Alibamo is with him. Fall-leaf and the brother of Alibamo are lurking near them, and will render all the assistance in their power. But I hope you will not delay long, as a moment may make a world of difference."
Hinton spoke a few words in a low tone to the major, who instantly sprang into his saddle, and commanded an advance.
Onward they dashed. They were just turning a sharp bend in the road, when they came suddenly upon a small party of mounted rebels, who were robbing the house of a Unionist. One of their number discovered the approaching guard, and shouted:
"Here come the d——d Dutch!"
The rebels sprang into their saddles, and an exciting chase begun. But the horses of the Body-guard, worn and jaded, could not overtake those of the rebels, which were fresh. The pursuit was kept up, however, for the next ten miles when Springfield was reached. Here Zagonyi commanded a halt. He was informed that the rebels were in line, and that their numbers were eighteen hundred infantry, and four hundred cavalry. They held their position on the hill, just within the edge of a thick wood, about one mile west of the city, and near the Fair-Ground.
"Is Adjutant Hinton here?" asked this informant.
"Here," replied Hinton.
"I have a word for you, from William Nettleton!" He whispered a few words to the adjutant, who started, looked at his watch, and replied:
"It is half past two. For God's sake, major, let us on."
"Friends, soldiers!" said the major, addressing those around him, "we are here, in front of the enemy. Their numbers are sufficiently great to overwhelm us—almost fourteen to one. But we, soldiers, have been taunted with the name of 'gold-laced body-guard,' 'feather-bed soldiers,' 'kid-gloved gentry,' and such like degrading epithets. I will not command you to face such terrible odds, but I wish to go, and if you will go with me, I will lead you. If any are sick, let them remain behind; if any one fears, let him also remain. Who will go with me?"
"I shall go, if I do so alone!" cried the adjutant.
The words were scarcely uttered, when the shout went up:
"We all will go—none of us are sick or worn out!"
"Then forward!" cried Zagonyi, as he drove his spurs into his horse.
They rode rapidly along to the west of the city, and came dashing down the road which passed the Fair-Ground. It was the party who had been pursued by the guard, who had ridden up and given the alarm just at the fatal moment, and had thus saved the life of Hayward, by striking terror to the hearts of his murderous enemies.
The Body-guard came thundering on. They were compelled to charge through a narrow lane or road, on each side of which there was a dense oak wood. It was an excellent position for the formation of infantry lines, as it would be impossible for cavalry to advance among the trees. And besides this a rail fence flanked this road on either side, just at the edge of the grove. The rebel lines of infantry were formed on each side of this lane, about ten feet back from the fence. The trees afforded them protection, and as the guard charged through, a murderous fire was poured upon them. But, nothing daunted, they dashed onward. Their purpose was to gain the open field, which declined gradually toward the city, and was situated east of the road. In this field their principal lines of infantry and cavalry were formed. They had scarcely passed the wood when another obstacle to their rapid advance presented itself. A large wagon was placed directly across their path. The horses shied suddenly in passing this obstruction, and some of their riders were violently thrown; but with an extraordinary effort, they succeeded in regaining their seats. Finally a halt was made, and several of the daring spirits sprang from their horses, and commenced the work of tearing down the fence in order that the squadron might ride into the open field, and there form for a charge upon the rebel ranks.
During the whole of this time, the rebels were pouring forth a deadly fire upon the little band, and many of our gallant guard had bit the dust, while the wounded were to be seen on every side.
But, riding into the open field, the guard were formed into line at the base of the hill, near the small stream which is the head of Wilson's creek. On the right of the guard, and about one hundred yards distant, just at the edge of a large corn-field, were stationed four hundred of the rebel cavalry. At the brow of the hill, directly in front, and near the edge of the wood, was the line of rebel infantry, numbering eighteen hundred, all their available force having been brought to that point.
The eyes of Zagonyi glanced rapidly over this scene. Some thirty of his bold guard had already been stricken down, either killed or wounded. It was enough to appal the stoutest heart. But the major did not flinch—his followers were firm and confident.
"We can spare thirty men to charge their cavalry," said Zagonyi; "lieutenant, will you lead them?"
The officer addressed replied.
"Give me the men—thirty is sufficient!"
The men were soon detailed, merely changing front by breaking from the right of the line.
"Forward—trot—gallop!" The lieutenant had placed himself at the head of his little band, and with drawn sabres, and a wild shout, they rushed upon the foe. The rebel ranks were broken in an instant; the blows from the terrible weapons of the guard fell not in vain.
"No further help will be required in that quarter," shouted Zagonyi. "Now comes our work. Draw sabres—forward—gallop—charge!"
A shout rang out upon the air: "For Fremont and the Union!" And on they went thundering up the hill. As they approached within a few yards of the rebel line, a terrible fire was poured upon them, but they faltered not. Some of the horses leaped wildly into the air, and then fell to earth dead, but their riders pressed forward.
The rebel ranks could not resist the thunder of this charge. In less than five minutes their lines were completely broken, and the terrified rebels were flying in every direction. Some took refuge in the woods, and fired from behind the trees, while now and then a squad would for a moment make a stand, but it would be quickly dispersed. In half an hour, all firing upon the battle-field had ceased. The rebels were entirely scattered, and were flying for their lives. Some had taken refuge in the city, and concealed themselves in the surrounding buildings.
Now commenced the charge through Springfield. Up and down the streets rode the guard, charging upon all squads of armed rebels, or pursuing them to the threshold of their own doors. Terror seized upon them all, and soon the Body-guard were masters, not only of the field, but of the city itself.
Then commenced the task of gathering together the Union dead and wounded. Seventeen bodies were found lifeless, and removed to the lower room of the new court-house, then used as the Union hospital, while some fifty were found seriously or slightly wounded, or announced as missing. Thus ended one of the most brilliant charges history has ever recorded.