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the First Maryland, from its better knowledge of the country, easily avoided, not,
however, without a parting volley, which emptied several saddles, two riderless
horses running into their ranks. Colonel Johnson here returned and assumed
command. The battalion then hurried on to Hanover Junction, whither it was
supposed Sheridan was moving, where they united with the Second Maryland
Infantry and Baltimore Light Artillery, when all prepared to give a good account
of themselves should the enemy make his appearance. It was but a little band of
brave men opposing an overwhelming force, and their destruction seemed inev-
itable, for General Lee had dispatched to them to hold the point to the last, and
that he had no reinforcements to give them. Quietly as they stood in line of battle
they discussed the matter, and determined that the Maryland Line of '64 should
reflect no disgrace upon their hereditary name. But they were saved the sacrifice,
for Sheridan, passing six or eight miles in their rear, marched directly upon
Richmond.

In this affair at Beaver Dam Captain A. F. Schwartz, of Company F, and
Lieutenant J. A. V. Pue, of Company A, were painfully, but not dangerously
wounded, almost at the first fire. During the lull of hostilities, and before daylight,
they were removed to the house of Mr. Redd, a kind Virginia gentleman, living
about five miles from the scene of conflict. Here they were kindly cared for and
rapidly improved, when General Lee fell back in the direction of Richmond, and
they fell into the enemy's lines, who immediately sent a force of cavalry to
capture them. Upon an examination of their condition by the surgeon with the
party he declared it his belief that they would die if removed; but the officer in
command, who seemed really ashamed of his brutal mission, said those were his
orders, and he must obey them. However, he at last yielded to the entreaties of
the ladies of the family, and reported the facts to his superior officer, who at once
made the order for their removal imperative. This was done, and the two poor,
suffering men were placed in an ambulance and started off, the guard stealing the
covering thrown over them by the ladies of Mr. Redd's family before they had
gone five miles. Being taken across the country to Fredericksburg, they were
there placed on board a transport and conveyed to a Washington hospital, where,
soon after their arrival, the gallant, whole-souled Captain Schwartz died in great
agony, and Lieutenant Pue suffered months of excruciating pain.

On the day after the fight at Beaver Dam General J. E. B. Stuart came up
and ordered Colonel Johnson to watch General Lee's flank with the First Maryland
Cavalry, whilst he, with twenty-five hundred horse, threw himself between
Sheridan and Richmond.

Stuart met the enemy at Yellow Tavern, and, after one of the most sanguinary
cavalry fights of the war, he saved Richmond, but lost his own valuable life.*

* For an account of Stuart's death, see Company K. First Maryland Cavalry.