“During all this time Captain Boston, of the 5th Virginia Cavalry, had been holding the haystacks far in advance of his friends, where Colonel Rosser had placed him with such stringent orders.  He was beyond the reach even of a recall, but had been doing his utmost to aid in the fight.  He was now charged by the 6th Ohio Cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel William Stedman; and after losing three of his officers, including his junior captain, and a third of his men killed and wounded, he surrendered to the odds brought against him.

“The Federal cavalry were determined to carry the position if possible, and another charge was speedily organized.  This was met by the 3d Virginia Cavalry, led by Col.  T.H.  Owens, who took the road, supported on his right by the 2d regiment and on his left by the 5th.  The sabre was the weapon used, and the enemy was again driven back.  Colonel Munford pronounced this the most spirited charge of the day.  Colonel Owens, however, pressed his success too far.  He drove the enemy almost to the village of Aldie, where he was charged by a fresh regiment and driven back, losing many of the prisoners he had taken and some of his own men.  Major Henry Carrington, of the 3d regiment, was captured at this point.  Colonel Munford says in his report: 

“’Captain Newton, having rallied his small command and a good many men from other commands, was again ready to relieve Colonel Owens as he fell back, and by a timely charge repelled another effort to flank him.  As the enemy came up again the sharpshooters opened upon him with terrible effect from the stone wall, which they had regained, and checked him completely.  I do not hesitate to say that I have never seen as many Yankees killed in the same space of ground in any fight I have ever seen or on any battlefield in Virginia that I have been over.  We held our ground until ordered by the major-general commanding to retire, and the Yankees had been so severely punished that they did not follow.  The sharpshooters of the 5th were mostly captured, this regiment suffering more than any other.’

“Colonel Munford reported the capture of 138 prisoners.  The number of killed and wounded is unknown.  His own total loss was 119, of which the 5th Virginia Cavalry lost 58, mostly from Captain Boston’s squadron.”

Duffie at Middleburg.[38]

“On this same afternoon (June 17, 1863) events of considerable importance occurred at Middleburg, where Stuart had established his headquarters for the day.

“Early in the morning Col.  A.N.  Duffie, with the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry, had crossed the Bull Run Mountain at Thoroughfare Gap.  His orders directed him to encamp at Middleburg on the night of the 17th and to proceed the next day toward Noland’s Ferry, extending his march to the west as far as Snickersville.  These orders seem to have contemplated a somewhat extended scout by this regiment on the left flank of General Gregg’s division—­a hazardous