DABNEY JORDAN WALLER'S EXPERIENCE
Dabney Jordan Waller, when past four score years, related
the following Civil War experience to the author:
"I was a member of Company B., Ninth Virginia Cavalry,
S. A. Swann was Captain when the war began and John H.
Ware was captain of this company when the war closed. Our
first Colonel was W. H. F. Lee, and when the war closed Thomas
W. Waller, of Stafford was Colonel. General Beale commanded
the Brigade and W. H. F. Lee the division.
"I have no war record worth noting, save that I conscientiously
performed the duties which devolved upon me. About the middle
of June, 1861, I returned home from college, and after a few days
spent in fitting myself out for service I set out for the army,
accompanied by my servant John. The army was then near
Manassas awaiting battle. I was mustered into the company
known as the Caroline Light Dragoons, and shortly after we went
into battle. Our regiment acquitted itself so well here that we
won the title, "The Fighting Ninth."
"I had a thrilling experience near Brandy Station, Culpeper,
Va., during the cavalry engagement there. I was unhorsed,
through my mount rearing and falling back on me, and though
surrounded by the enemy I managed to regain my saddle and
ride through the enemy lines and back to my command.
"Again at Ashland, Va., I was in a charge and was near our
flag-bearer when he was shot down. I caught the flag and carried
it through the day. We defeated the enemy that day and I
came out without a scratch, but with two bullet holes through
my hat and two in my coat. The old flag had several.
"I was on detail service at the time of the surrender, and
returned home about three weeks afterward. When I joined my
company I was the youngest member of it and received the nickname
"Baby" which clung to me through the war. When the
conflict ended I was sergeant of Company B, Ninth Virginia
Cavalry."
