Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-11-21

morning. 1t is safe to presume that the miss
ing are either killed or taken prisoners. 1t
may have been a military Necessity to cross
the river at the place we did, but why IN the
name of Heaven and common sense, the ht'
teeuth Mass. Regiment, the only one IN the
vicinity having those miserable smooth Oole
muskets, should be the first 10 cross ana bear
the bruut of the battle, is more than can be ac
counted for. You may set that down us Il mil
itary blunder.
You Cannot possibly get worse ac'
count OF affairs in the papers than Inc very
iacts aud l will only give you my expert
ence ia my first fight, which was rather
tough one. The superior force OF the rebels
made it impossible tor us TO make charge OF
the bayonet at any time, they having tile ad
vantage of the woods and the up hill position
| went through the ZOuave drill OF loading
while lying on my back, and when had load
ed would turn over and get upon my knees
aud fire, and turn on my back and load again.
| should think fired about thirty rounds, but
| cannot swear that | killed but one reOel, a
lieutenant. The twentieth Massachusetts reg
iment was ON our lett, and while my eyes
were watching closely company OF rebels, that
were in advance OF the main body, the captain
of Co. ID of the twentieth, gave the order,
"Forward-Company d J. and l thought 1t
was our Capt. Studley, and did go forward
with will, tor l had my eyes on tins lleuien'
ant, who was saying 10 his men, Tive no
quarter to the Massachusetts sons OF ---
l levellcd my musket when had got near
enough to be sure and down he came, with Il
yell. His men then fired at ME one ball
struck me in the lett breast, but my pocket
was full OF articles, aud among the rest was
J-'s picture, which was shattered all 10
pieces Another ball struck me in the pit Of
Ay stomach, but the buckle ON my Lelt,
marked "U. S." prevented my digestive
organs being disturbed in their work, but it
took away my breath for moment. As soon
as | was struck | wens back and found that l
was considerably in advance Of our company.
Soon after this we commenced gradual
retreat towards the river, fighting like tigers,
while the bullets rained like hail stones
amongst us.
We were driven to the very banks OF the
river, and there was no retreat from them
except by swimming the river Col. Devens
vas perfectly cool and acted bravely through
the fight, and though he was poor swimmer
he would not surrender | was near him
when we were at the waters edge. He said
"God be- with you all, " every man Tor him
self, 81 shall not surrender, and stripped
himself and plunged into the river. Many
followed suit, | among the rest having thrown
my gun into the river and stripped off every
thing but my shirt and pantaloons, and emp
tied my pockets, including my pocket book.
The rebels fired volley after volley at us until
we had got nearly half way across, and though
l saw number shot, and there were many
drowned in the river, yet ] escaped without
a wound.
After had swan the river / was SO cold l
could hardly travel but met surgeon, who
told me the only thing thrt would save me
from the fever and ague would be, either to
take big horn OF whiskey, or keep moving
until got dry and started Tor the camp,
which was seven miles from where | was then.
l soon got warm, and | reached the camp
about II oclock at night | was little tired
and somewhat hungry, having had nothing to
eat since morning, but found hot coffee and
plenty to eat, and soon felt better, and turned
into my ten; and laid till morning, when | was
detached to do guard duty at the camp, which
was tough, but necessary. To-day | feel al
most as good as new, but am lonesome, Tor
Ave out Of my tent are missing, and one is in
the hospital. Yours, for the Union,
ALBERT.