The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1861-11-06
Army Correspondence.
From the 25th Chic Regiment.
CHEAT MOUNTAIN SUMMIT, VA .
October, 1861.

LEAN SP1RlT.--4 Ou nave, L learn,
received an account of the late recon
noisance by our forces. from one who
was an eye witness and prominent
actor in the affair AS many of your
readers are aware l was. at the time,
and had been for some time, at Grafton
down with the Mountain Fever, and
for this reason cannot give you an ac-
count from my personal observation. /
am not aware of what facts worthy Of
notice were mentioned, and what omit
ted. in the reports you have received,
but will give you some incidents of the
affair at the risk of merely repeating
what has been said before.
Lieut.. Col Richardson, as you are
doubtless aware. commanded our regi-
ment, in consequence Of the severe i'll
ness of Col. Jones, and the manner in
which he did it has been constant
theme of praise among all who, are
familiar with the affair, but especially
among the men and officers of the 25th
The coolness and determination which
he exhibited lent courage to all around
him.. and doubtless contributed much to
the admirable tirmness with which the
25th stood and faced balls and bomb
shells, and the orderly manner in which
they covered the retreat. The most
trying place for soldiers courage is
being placed where balls are whistling
abou: his ears, and he having no chance
to return the FIRE. Our men were within
range of the enemy's cannon, but we're
unable to reach them with our small
arms. 1t was exclusively cannon
fight In this trying position our men
stood like veterans, and, when ordered,
withdrew in such excellent order. as to
receive great praise from the principal
officers.
One man of my company, Joseph
Sill was knocked over by cannon ball,
without doing him much injury, how
ever. The ball struck the ground just
between HE feet, sending him to mother
earth, and covering him with dirt
Several of the boys had balls to whiz
unpleasantly near their persons, and
all found it convenient to dodge fire.
quently, Shells ploughed the earth in
front of them and among them, and
splintered the trees above their heads.
When they saw the smoke belch from
cannon they generally dropped on the
ground, and remained until the ball or
shell had struck. For some reason
many of the enemy's shells did not
burst; it is thought they neglected to
cut the fuses.
For some weeks force of secession
lists had been daily visible from our
camp, commanded by man on white
horse. This man and horse were often
the subject of remark among the men,
and several attempts had privately been
made to capture him, but without avail,
and number of men had pledged them
ssives to try him shot the first oppor-
tunity. During the engagement Capt
Daum of our Artillery Companies espi-
ed the identical man and white horse,
and as his boys had just loaded one of
their pieces, he called out, ''hold on, let
me sight that piece" He did sight it,
and when the cannon doomed the rider
and white horse rolled together in the
dust Who lie was we have not yet
We have now force here which it
is believed can defend our position
against Lees whole command. We are
this week engaged in putting up our
winter quarters, and in such way that
if it is possible to be comfortable on
these bleak mountains We will get long
very WE'LL Our chief difficulty will be
in obtaining supplies, as the road during
h part of the winter is almost or quite
for trains. Should there be
1auger of starvation we will have to
descend into the valley. A company a
lay is engaged in repairing our read
There has been material change in
he weather within ten days. The rainy
season appears to be over, and We have
lear weather; the days being exceed
pgly windy, and the nights not only
windy but exceeding frosty. Ice has
,een frozen here already half an inch
n thickness. Persons acquainted in
hese mountains say these stormy winds
prevail during the entire winter.
The health of the regiment is not very
rood; nearly all the cases however are
If the mot very we'll" character. There
ire but few new cases of Mountain Fe-
,er, and SO far as am informed, all the
I'D enes are recovering. We have not
iet been supplied with our winter cloth
ng, and the growing inclemency of the
Weather is no doubt the cause of most
# the illness now in camp. There are
10 dangerous cases in my company, and
am told none in Captain Washburn's
During my sojourn at Grafton l saw
Captain Fisler and his company, who
ire part of the 7th Virginia regiment,
md stationed at. that place. AS Rus
ell of the London Times would say the
,hysigue is excellent, and the morale is
'apidly improving: in other words the
is composed of large and we'll