The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1860-1863, 1861-07-18

''N"Ni' ~ VIII W ipNhA lHbcltbllURs
GRAyroN, Va, July l2, 1861.
n x
| started from Columbus for Virginia
on Monday morning, arriving at Clarks-
burgh the same evening. On Tuesday at
3 o'clock p. NJ. arrived at BuckhannoI,
The road that far, is comparatively safe
nov, but from Buckhannon East required
an escort. l was fortunate to have nine
of the Chicsgo Dragons, armed to the
teeth" as true as steel.
Most Of that ride, 22 miles was after
night. We passed but few
houses and little ground that was under
cultivation. some Of the houses ware en-
tiIelg deserted, ard mona contained a
man. In answer to our enquiries for "the
man Of the house." the woman would al.
ways reply twas not a: home, and didn't
know where he was" We knew well he
was. either lurking by our roadside. hid
in the bushes or behind the rocks, or WAS
in the Rebel army. We passed over the
"Middle Fork Bridge" whore two nights
previous, some of our Sd Ohio Regiment
fought braveIy, loosing one man. having
two wounded, and killing several Of the
enemy. The bridge was riddled with bull
let holes and spattered with blood. The
same night after | passed, while the 18th
Indiana Regiment was eucamped near that
bridge,the Reh-ls fired eight sho: at them.
but did no damage.
The morning presented beautiful
scene, 800 tents 200 covered wagons,
18 brass cannon, 500 horses, with all the
parapheIna'ia oc war, with the enemies
forlieations in view on hill, one and
half miles distant.
The next day WAS passed amid excite
ment. watching the maneuvers aud ex-
aiming the entire achments of the enemy
with the glass, we could distinctly see
them at work on their fOrtications, their
two flags, one blue the other red, waving
over them with their wagons and tents in
the woods in the back ground. Our for
ces were busily preparing for battle. Oc,
casionally new Regiments came in with
their colors flying music playing; occa.
sionay the bugal of the artillery or ca
va'ry companies would sound its shrll
notes, and he reveIberated among the hills
around. Then shot from a company OF
regiment would send ont peals of Thunder
as they discharged their wet guns-and
after we heard the distant roar of cannon
from Laurel Hill II miles off, where Gen.
Morris was attacking the enemy, 0,ca-
sionally report Of single musket would
be heard mile from camp. and the news
soon came Of wounded picket guard -
And to add to the excitement, about four
o'clock in the evening the "long rolf was
sounded, which is signal 'prepare for
battle" At that time 1000 Of our men
and six pieces Of artillery moved out tc
reconnoitre the enemy's position an(
drew their fire. Soon We saw the smoke
rise from the entrcnchments of the enemy
and then heard the report of their guns
which was readily answered by a report
from our guns not visible in the woods
below. Then all was intense excitement
to learn the result Fifteen minutes after
our troops returned, having advan
ced within 100 yards Of the enemy s
forlifca!ions, with a full knowledge oI
their position, bringing with them two
prisoners, one Of them wounded, and a
dead man that belonged to McCNok's 9th
Ohio German Regiment, reporting num-
bers Of the enemy killed.
The prisoners were taken TO General Nc
Cleland, and heard him relate his tale.
He said he lived near Richmond, was a
farmer, did not desire TO enter the army,
but was induced to do so now to accom-
pany friends, instead OF being drafted here
after, and placed with strangers He says
many others in the secession army feel as
he did. He did not fire a shot although
he was armed with a revolver and mus
ket. he seemed much frightened, shed
tears while undergoing his examination.
* His statement agreed with that
Of the wounded prisoner, viz There were
$500 near us, $500 a. Laurel Hill, 4O0C
at HGtlonsville. as reserve. Col. Pegram
. being in command of those near us al
Rich Mountain, and Garnet in commant
at Laurel Hill.
That night at Q o'clock, the sweet shri
notes of the bugal awoke our army, which
was marched in command of Generals
t Rosecraus and Schlech, with the purpose
, of surrounding the enemy. Our prlsone
acting as a guide. I came away from thu
camp at 8 o'clock, up to which time no
thing had been heard from the expedition
except wounded cavalry horse returned
10 camp without rider.
At Buckhanuou. heard that 200 rebe
e cavalry who had been cut off from thei
3 friends by Gen. Morris, crossed the roa,
four miles north of the place.
S Major Steele was about starting frou
, Buc&hannon with TWO Companies a
scouts to head the RsbeIs. and Civ,
+. them "bizza,d" (as the boys say
S I saw Col. Conuel who is in comman
of Buckhannon-a very important pos
: and one which the rebels will make eve
o ry exertion to retake. Adjutant Davi
/, is with him-the Suffers and four Com
: panis of his Regiment are also, with hir
o Cos. A. B. G. K. An the boys loo
y hearty. Jas. Rice is there and well. Capt'
: Slinchcomb and Jackson are expected
g join him in few days from RavenwooC
The four Companies D. CD. and h
+ which were surrounded by the rebels, {
r GIenvile; where they exhibited so muc
o skill aud bravery under Col, Pond, ar