Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 28.djvu/258

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252 Xutilin m Historical Nor /*///

to myself, he promptly ordered, "Captain, mount your regiment!" This done, by his orders we moved forward and downward into the valley and thence through a skirt of woods, and soon came in view of a battery of the enemy that had been shelling during the morn- ing. Then, upon orders, we formed, and charged across an open field into a piece of woods, capturing two handsome pieces of field artillery, with several elegantly attired officers, and a number of their men, that were all sent as rapidly as possible to the rear. Advanc- ing quickly beyond the enemy's battery, we captured their reserve camp, which they had hurriedly deserted, leaving their breakfasts on the fires. Rapidly passing through this camp, we were attacked on our right by another column of the enemy. Turning our atten- tion to that, and animated by our success, we charged and routed that force also, all of which involved a good deal of time, from start to finish. After which we were ordered to "stop firing and come out."

In these movements we were supported by the rest of our brig- ade, commanded by General Beale. Before we were enabled to re- tire, with our fraction of a brigade, I heard no further firing along our lines. Winding our way over the hills, we saw our infantry quietly closing in, and soon afterwards we were overtaken by Gen- eral W. H. F. Lee, who informed us that General R. E. Lee had surrendered.

LAST MEN KILLED.

James H. Wilson, the color-bearer of our regiment, was mortally wounded while planting his colors on one of the guns that we cap- tured. He was seen soon afterwards by his comrade, W. L. Mof- fett, lying on the ground, his beautiful bay mare standing by him, his colors folded and leaning against a tree. In this trying time of excitement and disappointment he bade Moflfett good-by, and his last words were: " Moffett, it is hard to die just as the war is over." And so this heroic spirit passed away to join noble comrades who had preceded him.

He and James Walker, both of Company H, i4th Virginia Cav- alry, were from Rockbridge county, Va. , and are believed to be the two men killed last in battle in the Army of Northern Virginia. Can any stronger claim be preferred ?

I have already furnished the Assistant Adjutant-General of our brigade with accounts of this last fight from John E. Bouldin, M. C. Morris, Samuel B. Hannah, Company B; W. B. F. Leech and J.