Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-07-09

ready for falling back as soon as darkness sho"'a
set in. From The men, however, the thing was
kent profoundly secret. They were given, IN
deed, 10 understand, that an important ma
nocuvre would be effected before to morrow
morning; but the hints thrown out tendea 10 m
duce an expectation Of afarther advance, rather
than Of retreat A similar rumour was per
mit,ed quietly to circulate among me ihnao''
tants with the view, doubtless, oil lis making
it's way into the American camp, whilst all per
sons were required, OH the pain OF death, 10
keep within doors from sunset to sunrise
This done, as many horses as could be got to-
pe,her were put in reauisition for the transport
OF the artillery Even the few wounded ofh-
GERS who had ac accompanied the column were re.
aured TO resign theirs; and mine, among the
number, was taken away. But the precauiion
was avery just and proper one. Not only were
the guns by this means rendered more portable,
but the danger Of betrayal from a neigh, or the
trampng Of hoofs along the paved streets, was
provided against; and though individuals might
and did suffer, their sufferings were no, to be
put into the scale against the public good
II was about eight o'clock at night, when
staff officer, arriving upon the ground, gave di'
rections for the corps TO form in marching or
der. Preparatory to this step, large QUANTITIES
Of fresh fuel we're heaped upon the fires, whilst
from every company few men were selected,
who should remain beside them till the pcquets
withdrew, and move from time 10 time about,
SO as that their figures might be seen by the
light OF the blaze. After this the troops stole
20 the rear Of the fires by twos and ,hrees, when
far enough removed to avoid observation, they
took their places, and, in profound silence, be-
gan their march. The nigh, was very dark -
Stars there were, indeed, ia the SKY; but Tor
some time after quitting the light oil the bivou'
&C, their influence was wholly unte|t. we NOV
ed on, however. in good order. No man spoke
above his breath, our very steps were planted
lightly, and we cleared the town without excit-
ing observation. About half mile in rear oil
the city, second line Of fires had been estab-
lished. We looked towards il now, and the ef
feet Of the figures, which from time to time
moved across The flames, was exceedingly sirlk'
ing. On arriving there we found that the 9TH
er brigades had likewise commenced their re-
treat, and that the fires which burned so bright
ly, had been prepared by them exactly as we
had prepared ours, previous 10 setting out -
We caused the few men whom they had lett
behind to join US, as our men had been COM
manded to Join the picquets, and pursued our
Journey.
We were now approaching the field Of the
sor, pale light over surrounding objects. At
first her rays fell upon the green leaves and 81
ant boughs of the wood, which on either hand
closed in the road; but as proceeded on
wards, other spectaclss presented themselves,
some Of which were OF no very cheering or
lively nature. When we gained the ridge which
had formed the crest Of the American position,
open green fields lay stretched out before US,
every one presenting some manifestation OF the
drama which had so lately been acted here
Broken arms, caps, cartouch boxes, with here
and there dead body, naked and ghostly white,
were scattered about in every direction, whilst
the smell, not exactly OF pulrefaction, but Of
something nearly akin TO il, and mingling with
the odour Of scorched grass and extinguished
matches, rose upon the night air very offensive
ly, yet the whole scene was one Of prodigious
interest and power. The river and town which
lay near us, the former flowing quietly and beau
tifuly along, the latter lifting its modest build
ings in the silence OF a moonlight night, form
ed striking contrast with the devastated aud
torn ground over which we we're marching,
whilst the only sound distinguishabe was that
Of the measured tread OF feet as the column
proceeded down the slope towards the bridge.
1t was impossible, whilst traversing the pace
of his death, no, to think kindly and Affection
avery VI NY pun youi'o iiie"e' HA' 'o''y1 WIZ
knew, was not among the number which were
bleaching in the rains and dews Of heaven-it
had been carefully committed to the earth be-
side that Of brother officer, did not, there
fore, look round under the idea Of seeing ii;
but did look round for the. spo; where he FELL,
and was grieved and disappointed that could
not distinguish it The lapse of a few moments
however, was sufficient to draw off my attention
to other, though hardly less painful subjects
We were already in the village; and hal, be-
ing commanded, an opportunity was afforded OF
inquiring into the condition of the wounded.
failed not to avail myself of it, but whilst the
men were busted in picking up their knapsacks,
which 10 the heat Of action they had cast away,
stepped to the hospital and paid hasty visi,
to the poor fellows who occupied it. II was
Notifying reflection, that in spite OF our sue.
cess, the total absence Of all adequ,e means Of
conveyance laid US under the necessity Of leay-
ing very many Of them behind nor could the
non-commssioned officers and private soldiers
conceal their chagrin on the occasion. One OF
these, a sergeant Of my own company, who had
received ball through both thighs, actually
shed tears as he wished me farewell, regretting