"Charge them, my brave boys, charge them," he ordered, and courageously led the attack. Around him, the troops surged toward the enemy through a haze of smoke and dust.
Bolstering Hampton's veterans was a force of newly-arrived South Carolinians that included the Cadet Rangers -- Company F of the 6th South Carolina Cavalry -- which had been organized at The Citadel.
Typically, Hampton led with his saber -- then, in hand-to-hand combat, switched to his revolver. Saddles were emptied on both sides and Hampton single-handedly took down three adversaries.
The battle shifted to other fields and continued the next day. It was finally decided when a bold Confederate counterattack shattered the Federal line. On June 13th, Sheridan and his troops retreated without destroying the railroad. Hampton had driven back the enemy -- and had demonstrated his ability to assume J.E.B. Stuart's mantle of leadership.
Lee Had His New Cavalry Commander. --Old Secesh
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