The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1862-04-02

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Their artillery was planted on platforms on
the east and western sides, capable of being
turned on every poini. Their magazines
were burrowed ia the grouad, and were
bomb-proof. In The centre is large frame
mansion, which was occupied by Jackson
as his headquarters. Alter carefully exam
ming every par, of the works. we came to
the conclusion tha, had Jackson made
stand here supported as be would have been,
by bis batteries from the surrounding hills,
it would have been a dear bought Union
victory, it victorious at all. But not having
men enough 10 man sllthe works, and as
the taking on: of one link breaks the chain
50 the abandoning OF one redoubi here,
would have led TO the weakening of the
whole line of defences, so he wisely COM
cIuded TO abandon the whole, and fall back
TO Ssraushnrg. a distance of twenty
miles.
On the 18Th we were ordered 10 advance
on Sirausburg, and the whole division was
soon in motion. Oar Cavalry took the ad-
cavalry until they came 10 Cedar creek,
where they were drawn up in line of battle
and appeared to be determined to make a
stand They set fire TO the bridgeland soon
the noble structure lay a heap Of ruins iE
the creek beneath. Our artillery was soon
unlimbered, an sent few shell among
them, that caused them 10 scatter in all di-
rections; and the advance wac making DEM
oustTations as If TO cross the creek at a ford
below, when much to their surprise, the
rebels opened upon them with shell from a
masked battery OF two guns. This caused
a halt, and our artillery turned their guns,2 "a
in number, upon this battery, which after
throwing a few more shell in our racks
none of which exploded-they hastily with
drew, and night put STOP TO further pro-
ceedings for the day. By daylight our pi-
oneers had constructed a very effective foot
bridge across the creek; we were soon in
pursuit OF the foe, expecting every moment
however to hear The booming of the rebel
artillery. Flapkers and skirmishers were
thrown out, and in tiis manner we advan
ced slow bat sure. About 10 O'Clock we
halted, within one mile of Strausberg, and
could plainly see thesrebeis climbing the
hills in the distance. Thoir artillery sent a
few shot and shell al NJ but they all fell
short. We pushed on through the town
and about mile beyond, where our artill
cry was planted on hill overlooking the
town, and the different brigades drawn up
in line of battle on the right and in The rear
of the artillery. Our artillery opened as
they thought upon the rebel Cavalry with
all :beir guns. But, oh, horrors it proved
TO be tie Isi Michigan Cavalry, lha, had
went the road slons the base of the hill,
through the woods, and had just emerged
on the plain below, and were mistaken by
our artillery men for Ashby's Cavalry hence
the firing. Only one shell however proved
very effective exploding in The midst OF our
troops, killing four horses and wounding one.
Bot, strange 10 say, not man was hurt, al
though there were some very narrow es-
cspes; the coats of some The men were
completely torn off them. We could see
in The distance, the smoke of burning
bridges, aud after remaining here for an
hour, we were ordered to fall back 10 Strauss
burg, and encamp for the night. Next
morning, our mission having been accom-
plished, viz: that of driving The rebels back
beyond the Shenandoah River, we were or
dered back 10 Winchester, where we arri-
we'd al O'Clock that night, and to make
matters still worse, it commenced raining
about 10 o'clock, and soon the roads were
like bed of mortar. good CUP of coffee,
piping hot, awaited us at camp, and soon
we forgot our tiresome condition and laugh
ed heartily over the amusing incidents of
the march. Weexpect to move again in a
/ few days bu: in what direction know not
II is reported here that our division is to do
the fighting, while Banks pet bcnd-boz men,
who stru, around with unsoiIed clothes, ex-
pect 10 get the praise; but we shall see
what We shall see.
| The health of the men is good but
am sorry 10 say that, there are some among
Us who seem disposed 10 show the white
| feather, and some too that held positions 20
| the company some of our officers mon.
coms.-have been on duty once since we
lot Oaan y Ouktiu1 Sttit tnCJ ho'd uCH pori-
tons, draw iheir pay, and others do the
work. If This is justice, then must con-
fess have been most wofully mistaken in
my idea of this goddess. ] do not complain
for myself, but there are others who are
deserving higher honovs than they enjoy al
| present. There are men in the company
who are always al their post; who never
ffinch from duty,--and are always in ranks
whether marching against the enemy OF
only on parade, and men too, who have as
sisted materially in the raising OF this com
| pany, and who scorn al the idea of playing
"old soIdier," when duty calls, or the pal
tFoon when dangers are head. But live
in hopes that there will be thorough scour.
ing Of the company, and those who are
sopping government will be requested 10
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