Then they tolled us off in pursuit of a small party to this ford.

When we came to it there was a light line of skirmishers on the opposite bank, who popped away at us industriously.
Our boys formed in line, gave the customary, cheer, and dashed in to carry the ford at a charge.

As they did so at least one-half of the horses went down as if they were shot, and rolled over their riders in the swift running, ice-cold waters.

The Rebels yelled a triumphant laugh, as they galloped away, and the laugh was re-echoed by our fellows, who were as quick to see the joke as the other side.

We tried to get even with them by a sharp chase, but we gave it up after a few miles, without having taken any prisoners.
But, after all, there was much to make our sojourn in the Valley endurable.