Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 5.
Frank Moore, Ed.

But the stillness was soon broken by volley after volley poured into our column, and with a yell that sounded above the din, the enemy in solid column dashed upon us. They were bravely met, our gallant fellows returning cheer for cheer; and although one regiment had no carbines, but their sabres and pistols only, they dashed furiously upon the enemy. Fierce, yes, furious, was the fight in those narrow streets, as horse after horse and rider after rider fell to the earth.

But a few rods apart, the contending forces fired shot after shot. Again the enemy charged upon us, and so rapidly did they pour in their fire that for a moment there was confusion, and some of the companies fell to the rear. It was but for a moment. No sooner had the enemy appeared in the main street of the town than our troops were upon them, driving them back with the sabre. They were hastily retreating, when Capt. Hammond, with his squadron of the New-York cavalry, came furiously charging into the town up the Gordonsville road. Already he had fought the enemy at the depot, and again his brave men were upon them. On, too, came Captains Flint and Wells, of Vermont, and the enemy turning, fled in the utmost confusion.

During the fight, which was hand to hand, in a narrow street, several of our men were killed and wounded, and the enemy lost a large number. Twenty dead bodies were counted lying in the streets, and as the rebels fell wounded from their horses, the people rushed from their houses and carried them in. The balls flew everywhere.

Our General and his body-guard were with the advance, and as the terrific fire was poured in upon us, and our whole line was checked by the furious charge, you could hear his voice urging his men to be steady, and his repeated orders to them to charge upon the enemy. One of his body-guard was shot through the body, and two of the others had their horses shot under them.

So close was the enemy, and so determined was the resistance and the fighting, that instances occurred in which our men were taken prisoners and again recaptured. A sergeant of the body-guard had his horse shot and was taken prisoner. He was recaptured by Captain Hammond in his charge, and in his turn captured one of the enemy, whom he brought into camp.