At daylight he was in the saddle, and spurred to the high ground commanding Upperville.
All at once he checked his horse. The enemy had disappeared.
Stuart’s blue eye flashed, and half an hour afterward he was advancing at the head of his cavalry. Not a foe was visible. Pressing on through Upperville, and over the trampled fields beyond, he continued to advance upon Middleburg, and near that place came up with the rear of the enemy. They showed little fight, however, and were driven beyond the place. The gray troopers pursued them with shouts and cheers—with which were mingled cries of rejoicing from the people of Middleburg.
An hour afterward the lines were re-established in triumph.
Stuart returned to his former head-quarters amid a drenching rain; and this recalls an incident very honorable to the brave soldier. As night descended, dark and stormy, Stuart gazed gloomily at the torrents of rain falling.
“My poor fellows!” he said, with a sigh, “they will have a hard time to-night.”
Then suddenly turning to his servant, he added:—
“Spread my oil-cloth and blankets under that apple tree yonder. I will keep them dry enough when I once get into them."{1}
{Footnote 1: His words.}
“You are not going to sleep out on such a night, general!” exclaimed a staff officer.