A LITTLE “BLACK HORSE” CAVALRY, NO TERROR TO 4TH MICHIGAN BOYS.
A short time before first Bull Run fight, the 4th Michigan, with other regiments, were in camp at Cloud’s Mills, Virginia, about 5 miles out from Alexandria, towards Fairfax Court House. Our pickets were well extended out, in above named direction. One day the writer, with about 20 of the Regiment were out towards Fairfax. We seen a small column of cavalry approaching with a flag of truce hoisted. As they drew near, it proved to be an escort of the famous Black Horse Cavalry. We were ranged all along the road as they passed. They were conducting a man and woman to our lines. On their return, we encountered them again. I noticed the contrast between those Rebel troopers, their sullen and vindictive appearance, and compared them to the cheerful and wideawake countenance of our men. They passed on towards Fairfax. We felt we could have cleaned them out in fifteen minutes. There was nothing about the Black Horse Cavalry, that was very terrifying. I saw better men and horses every day, of our brave troopers.