Fleetwood takes its place with them—twice bloody and memorable. In sight of it took place two of Stuart’s hardest combats—and both were victories.
VI. — THE RUSE.
By sunrise Stuart was pushing rapidly up the bank of the Rappahannock toward Warrenton Springs.
Meade had retreated from Culpeper, and was falling back rapidly. Lee was pressing on to cut him off in the vicinity of Auburn.
A hot fight took place at Jeffersonton, a little village beyond Hazel River; and here the enemy fought from house to house, but finally retreated.
Stuart followed, and came up with their rear retreating over the bridge at Warrenton Springs.
On the northern bank the Federal sharp-shooters were posted in double line.
Stuart turned, and saw, not far from him, the Jefferson Company who had charged so gallantly at Stonehouse Mountain. A movement of his hand, and they were charging over the bridge.