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[531]

This was the first time his infantry had had a day's rest since the campaign opened, but there was no rest for the cavalry. We pushed on to Harrisonburg, and followed the enemy towards New Market, capturing many stragglers, wagons, horses and plunder, abandoned by the enemy. The following dispatches from General Jackson will explain themselves. Major Dabney and Major John E. Cooke have commented upon what happened. These papers will show that the cavalry did efficient service, and had the confidence of General Jackson. How, I may explain in another letter. When General Jackson left the Valley for Richmond, he did my regiment the honor to require it to follow him, and we served with him until he was killed. I have spun out a much longer letter than I contemplated when I took up my pen.

The Confederate cavalry have not one word to say against their brothers-in-arms of the artillery or infantry; but, although many a cavalry flag fluttered in the breeze defiantly after all others were furled and had sunk to rest forever, their sympathy and attachment for the other arms of the service has never abated. We know our men did their duty as well as they could, and we can stand the taunts of men who know not what they say.

Thomas T. Munford, Late Brigadier-General Cavalry, Fitz. Lee's Division, A. N. V.

The following, from original autograph letters, which have never been published, illustrate the above sketch, and will prove of general interest:

headquarters Valley District, June 10, 1862.
Colonel Munford, Commanding Cavalry:
Colonel--Major-General Jackson directs that you will organize so many of the dismounted men of your command as may be necessary to guard four hundred prisoners (400), under a discreet and diligent officer, to conduct all of the prisoners captured in the battles of June 8th and 9th, on foot towards their place of destination. You will instruct the commander of this detachment not to move the prisoners until those still in the rear are brought up and a complete list is made out for these headquarters, containing the name, rank, company and regiment of all the prisoners. You will further instruct this commander that the destination of these prisoners is to be Salisbury, North Carolina, to be reached by Lynchburg and Danville. You will also instruct him that as soon as he reaches Mechum's River depot, he shall telegraph General


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