I recently had the pleasure of meeting Maj. F. Dangerfield, one of the bravest of the brave, who often commanded the famous Eleventh Virginia Cavalry, under Gen. Jeb Stuart. Our conversation naturally drifted to the war, and he told of the remarkable exhibition of personal courage by Jim O'Mera.
    Near nightfall on the 6th of May, '64, the second day of the fighting in the Wilderness at Spottsvania, the General (Stuart) desired to ascertain whether or not the line of Federal earthworks his front had been abandoned. Gen. Stuart sent Maj. Dangerfield, whose regiment was close by, for a man who would perform a hazardous duty Private Jim O'Mera was selected and reported Gen. Stuart. In reply to his salutation, Gen.Stuart simply said, "You see that line of earthworks; I want to know if it is manned. Ride within seventy yards of it, then turn to the left and gallop parallel with it to the end of the line. If the enemy is there, ride rapidly and they will shoot behind you." Jim simply replied, "All right, Gin'ral, know it" with an appreciative gesture.  Jim rode within seventy yards of the works and started his run, parallel with the line. The works being well manned, were immediately illuminated by terrific fusillade. It did not swerve Jim, however. When he had gone half the length of the line a bullet went through his horse's nose midway between the eye and the nostril. Jim then stopped his horse unslung his carbine, and with as much deliberation as if aiming at a squirrel, he fired upon the enemy he then spurred his horse and ran parallel with the line to the end; then hurried to Gen. Stuart, who had watched the wonderful feat, saluted and, reported: "They'er thar yit, Gin'ral."
    Maj. Dangerfield's beautiful and accomplished daughter, Henrietta Henderson Dangerfield, on eleven years of age, wrote the enclosed poem, which, with the story, deserves space in the VETERAN. There is no braver nor more patriotic race than the Irish.