Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-07-17
FROM A PRIVATE LETTER.
CAxr PIERroISr, Martinsburg, Va,

July Z, 1861.
Ny DER SIR You no doubt know, by the
papers, all about our movements. We be-
long to, and of course move with Gen. Patter.
sons division. He has now encamped around
us from 10000 to 25 900 troops e batteries,
and Capt. Doubleday's sege train of two 81
Founders and l howitzer. Yesterday after
noon we had quite brisk time, having re-
ceiyed information that the enemy were sur.
rounding The long roll was beat, the
men fell in ranks, and in less than half an hour
about $4,000 troops where ON the march for, we
knew not where. Our regiment marched a.
bout of a mile, and was drawn up in battle
array along a fence, but the rebel force was
not to be seen. We remained in that posi-
ton some four hours and then returned to
camp. The other regiments did the same.
The rumor originated from our picket guards
seeing some 200 Rebel cavalry advancing,
who have a camp about two miles from here.
They annoy us nightly by firing at our pick
cts, and on two nights since our arrival here
had the whole camp under arms. They should
be dislodged, and would be, if our men were
allowed to do so. l never saw men more anX-
ious TO do any thing, that ours to fight.
The Rebels are said to be 10 to Is 900 strong,
and entrenched. 10 miles south of us on the
Winchester road. II SO, there will be warm
time, soon. To give you an idea of the ex-
tent of our train, l will just say that it was
IA hours in passing a given point. The pa
pers have given quite full accounts of the first
battle, or rather skirmiSh, by our aevance
guard. That night we encamped on the same
ground that the rebels were driven from in
the morning. l saw where they had burned a
wagon load of corn to prevent il falling into
our hands, it was still burning when we came
mp. They were 5000 strong, and, | believe,
would not have made stand at all, had it not
beenito keep US in check until they could break
up camp and retreat in good order. l believe
the rebels retreated at once, as only about q
900 men with two pieces We're engaged with
our advance. They made bold stand and a
good fight, until one of our batteries came up
10 the relief of the lst Wisconsin, who fought
we'll. The first shell that was sent by this re-
lief, killed 10 men and horse this put them
to rout. Our men chased them about mile
and halted, when they made good their re-
treat their rear just left Martinsburg as we
came up On one occasion they out fanked
Us with their cavalry, and took about 40 Of
our infantry prisoners; who belonged to the
Kate Curtin Guards, nearly all from Centre
county. They had the prisoners with them
wheu they passed through MartinSburg. Our
loss was killed-one ftom lst Wisconsin and
LII Iron Penn'a llth regiments and l4wounded.
Their loss cannot be definitely ascertained !;
ous am satisfied from what learn from citi-
Zehs here and along the road, that they had o.
w htileu duu ABOUT 1UI WOutucu OHc VI
winch is with ours. saw most of our wound
ed. Yours CR R.F
correspondent of the West Chester Vi.ldge
record, says of the captured Centre county
men mentioned in the above, that when they
passed through Martinsburg 'sthey were tied
win their hands behind, in couples. Some
" The citizens here gave them food. They
were greatly distressed by the forced march
Iney had made. When notice Of the capture
"as4
cited and obtained permission to head party
70 rescue the prisoners. He made pursuit
anu fortunately came upon the retreating
party, liberated the prisoners and captured
I1Isht Or ten Of the rebels. Our townsman,
Aines Donelly, gives a brief account of it in
:. iet.er to his family" We sincerely hope
esI the above may prove correct.