_Charge of the Body-guard._
Advance your standards, draw your willing swords. For me, the
ransom of my bold attempt Shall be this cold corpse on the earth's
cold face; But if I thrive, the gain of my attempt The least of you
shall share his part thereof. Sound drums and trumpets, boldly and
cheerfully; God and St. George, Richmond and
victory.--_Shakespeare._
The Union army, having completed the bridge at Warsaw, had commenced
their march toward Springfield. They had arrived at a point fifty miles
from that place, when they were informed that a body of rebels still
occupied that town. The Body-guard, under the command of the gallant
Major Charles Zagonyi, were at once sent forward to disperse the rebel
band. It was reported that their number did not exceed four or five
hundred. That of the Body-guard was one hundred and sixty.
On Thursday evening this enthusiastic squadron of Union troops started
upon their march of fifty miles. Onward they rode, all the long night.
The morning dawned, and they paused a few moments to refresh themselves
and their wearied horses, which had nobly borne their riders forward
toward that scene of deadly strife. While they were reposing, a horseman
rode up and asked for Adjutant Hinton. The adjutant sprang forward at
once, as he recognized in Johnson, one of the party who had visited him
at Warsaw and then left in search of Alibamo and Captain Hayward.
"Have you any tidings of our friends?" asked Hinton, in an excited
manner.
"Yes; they are now at Springfield. Captain Hayward is recovering, and
Alibamo is with him. Fall-leaf and the brother of Alibamo are lurking
near them, and will render all the assistance in their power. But I hope
you will not delay long, as a moment may make a world of difference."
Hinton spoke a few words in a low tone to the major, who instantly
sprang into his saddle, and commanded an advance.
Onward they dashed. They were just turning a sharp bend in the road,
when they came suddenly upon a small party of mounted rebels, who were
robbing the house of a Unionist. One of their number discovered the
approaching guard, and shouted:
"Here come the d----d Dutch!"
The rebels sprang into their saddles, and an exciting chase begun. But
the horses of the Body-guard, worn and jaded, could not overtake those
of the rebels, which were fresh. The pursuit was kept up, however, for
the next ten miles when Springfield was reached. Here Zagonyi commanded
a halt. He was informed that the rebels were in line, and that their
numbers were _eighteen hundred_ infantry, and _four hundred_ cavalry.
They held their position on the hill, just within the edge of a thick
wood, about one mile west of the city, and near the Fair-Ground.
"Is Adjutant Hinton here?" asked this informant.
"Here," replied Hinton.
"I have a word for you, from William Nettleton!" He whispered a few
words to the adjutant, who started, looked at his watch, and replied:
"It is half past two. For God's sake, major, let us on."
"Friends, soldiers!" said the major, addressing those around him, "we
are here, in front of the enemy. Their numbers are sufficiently great to
overwhelm us--almost _fourteen_ to _one_. But we, soldiers, have been
taunted with the name of 'gold-laced body-guard,' 'feather-bed
soldiers,' 'kid-gloved gentry,' and such like degrading epithets. I will
not _command_ you to face such terrible odds, but _I_ wish to go, and if
you will go with me, I will lead you. If any are sick, let them remain
behind; if any one fears, let him also remain. Who will go with me?"
"_I_ shall go, if I do so alone!" cried the adjutant.
The words were scarcely uttered, when the shout went up:
"We all will go--none of us are sick or worn out!"
"Then forward!" cried Zagonyi, as he drove his spurs into his horse.
They rode rapidly along to the west of the city, and came dashing down
the road which passed the Fair-Ground. It was the party who had been
pursued by the guard, who had ridden up and given the alarm just at the
fatal moment, and had thus saved the life of Hayward, by striking terror
to the hearts of his murderous enemies.
The Body-guard came thundering on. They were compelled to charge through
a narrow lane or road, on each side of which there was a dense oak wood.
It was an excellent position for the formation of infantry lines, as it
would be impossible for cavalry to advance among the trees. And besides
this a rail fence flanked this road on either side, just at the edge of
the grove. The rebel lines of infantry were formed on each side of this
lane, about ten feet back from the fence. The trees afforded them
protection, and as the guard charged through, a murderous fire was
poured upon them. But, nothing daunted, they dashed onward. Their
purpose was to gain the open field, which declined gradually toward the
city, and was situated east of the road. In this field their principal
lines of infantry and cavalry were formed. They had scarcely passed the
wood when another obstacle to their rapid advance presented itself. A
large wagon was placed directly across their path. The horses shied
suddenly in passing this obstruction, and some of their riders were
violently thrown; but with an extraordinary effort, they succeeded in
regaining their seats. Finally a halt was made, and several of the
daring spirits sprang from their horses, and commenced the work of
tearing down the fence in order that the squadron might ride into the
open field, and there form for a charge upon the rebel ranks.
During the whole of this time, the rebels were pouring forth a deadly
fire upon the little band, and many of our gallant guard had bit the
dust, while the wounded were to be seen on every side.
But, riding into the open field, the guard were formed into line at the
base of the hill, near the small stream which is the head of Wilson's
creek. On the right of the guard, and about one hundred yards distant,
just at the edge of a large corn-field, were stationed four hundred of
the rebel cavalry. At the brow of the hill, directly in front, and near
the edge of the wood, was the line of rebel infantry, numbering eighteen
hundred, all their available force having been brought to that point.
The eyes of Zagonyi glanced rapidly over this scene. Some thirty of his
bold guard had already been stricken down, either killed or wounded. It
was enough to appal the stoutest heart. But the major did not
flinch--his followers were firm and confident.
"We can spare thirty men to charge their cavalry," said Zagonyi;
"lieutenant, will you lead them?"
The officer addressed replied.
"Give me the men--_thirty is sufficient_!"
The men were soon detailed, merely changing front by breaking from the
right of the line.
"Forward--trot--_gallop_!" The lieutenant had placed himself at the head
of his little band, and with drawn sabres, and a wild shout, they rushed
upon the foe. The rebel ranks were broken in an instant; the blows from
the terrible weapons of the guard fell not in vain.
"No further help will be required in that quarter," shouted Zagonyi.
"Now comes _our_ work. Draw sabres--forward--gallop--_charge_!"
A shout rang out upon the air: "_For Fremont and the Union!_" And on
they went thundering up the hill. As they approached within a few yards
of the rebel line, a terrible fire was poured upon them, but they
faltered not. Some of the horses leaped wildly into the air, and then
fell to earth dead, but their riders pressed forward.
The rebel ranks could not resist the thunder of this charge. In less
than five minutes their lines were completely broken, and the terrified
rebels were flying in every direction. Some took refuge in the woods,
and fired from behind the trees, while now and then a squad would for a
moment make a stand, but it would be quickly dispersed. In half an hour,
all firing upon the battle-field had ceased. The rebels were entirely
scattered, and were flying for their lives. Some had taken refuge in the
city, and concealed themselves in the surrounding buildings.
Now commenced the charge through Springfield. Up and down the streets
rode the guard, charging upon all squads of armed rebels, or pursuing
them to the threshold of their own doors. Terror seized upon them all,
and soon the Body-guard were masters, not only of the field, but of the
city itself.
Then commenced the task of gathering together the Union dead and
wounded. Seventeen bodies were found lifeless, and removed to the lower
room of the new court-house, then used as the Union hospital, while some
fifty were found seriously or slightly wounded, or announced as missing.
Thus ended one of the most brilliant charges history has ever recorded.