Captain Dorsey hurried to his assistance. There were but a handful of his men between him and the Federal line, The wounded Commander was in danger of being captured by a sudden dash of reserves. He was lifted off his horse and he leaned against a tree.
Stuart raised his head.
"Go back now, Dorsey, to your men."
"Not until you're safe, sir."
As the ambulance passed through his broken ranks in the rear, he lifted himself on his elbow and rallied his men with a brave shout:
"Go back! Go back to your duty, men! And our country will be safe. Go back! Go back! I'd rather die than be whipped."
The men rallied and rushed to the firing line. They fought so well that Sheridan lost the way to Richmond and the Capital of the Confederacy was saved.
The wounded Commander was taken to the home of his brother-in-law, Dr. Charles Brewer, in Richmond. He had suffered agonies on the rough journey but bore his pain with grim cheerfulness.
He had sent a swift messenger to his wife. He knew she would reach
Richmond the next day.
The following morning Major McClellan, his aide, rode in from the battlefield to report to General Bragg. Having delivered his message he hurried to the bedside of his beloved Chief.