Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-10-22
From the Seventh Regiment

HARPER's FERRY, Va, Oct. 9th, 1862.
4hesers Editors:-It is perhaps unneces-
sary for me to retraee our steps in the
great retreat of Gen. Pope from the Rap
idan to the Federal Capital, as is already
familiar to every one how after being
several times out flanked and surrounded
by the rebels, (once cut completely off
at Bristol Station y by series of rapid
flank movements, and brilliant STRAIT
egy," we succeeded in placing ourselves
under cover of the forts about Washington,
this is all known. Suffice it to say, this
was accomplished by our brigade without
the loss of man. Butperhaps out move
ments in Maryland may not be so widely
known, therefore / shall give brief ac-
count thereof, hoping it may interest
your many readers. | shall contine my
self particularly TO our brigade, it being
the first brigade of the second division of
Banks corps, originally commanded by
Brig. Gen. Geary, and composed of the old
third brigade" OF Shields division, and
the 2Sth Reg't. Pa. Volunteers.
We arrived under cover of the fortifica-
tions of Alexandria late in the night of
the 2nd ofSeptember,c ,careworn and weary,
having been constantly in the field, with
out even the shelter of a blanket, rubber
or otherwise, exposed to all the changes
of the weather, since the 18th of August.
In the afternoon of the Sd, we marched
up to Arlington Hights, as we were in
formed, to the support of Fort Albany,
and laid out our encampment in beau
tiful meadow, ON the left flank of the
fort. Our wagon train did not join us
until night, sc that our tents were not
pitched; but we enjoyed the luxury of
once more sleeping between our shoddy
blankets, and to one, sleep was delicious.
At midnight the, order was received, by
regiments-"Have your men ready to
march at half past eight with two days
radtions" We did not start however,
until nearly noon, when crossing the Poto-
mac to Georgetown, we took up our line
of march toward Poolesville, (which was
understood to be our destination J and
halted for the night in a cedar grove, five
miles from Georgetown. With the morn
ing came change of programme,-we
were not TO 60 TO Poolesyille,-the rebels
had effected a crossing into Maryland and en-
tered the place before as.' Starting at P.
N. we marched eleven miles, passing
through the neat and loyal town of Rock
vile, halting in grove about mile from
the village. On the 5th, we advanced
and found line of battle fronting towards
Poolesville, placing the village of Darns-
town upon our leftfank. Thus we rested
and waited the advance of the foe who
had so adroitly eluded the Army of Va,
and outflanked the seat of war itself, and
who were now menacing our Capital
But they soon realized that it was no Pope
who led our men, but the man they respect
and fear, but whom they fancied was in
disgrace-Gen. Mcclellan.
On the 9th having received the infor-
nation that the rebels had occupied
Fredricktown in force, and it was Balti-
more and Pennsylvania lines was threaten
ed, we broke our line and advanced in
five columns toward Frederick, at which
place the advance arrived, and after
light skirmish, entered on the l2th.-
Here our brigade was promised few days
rest, and our camp was laid out accord
ingly. But the next morning, (ice had
arrived on the 18th, we were formed in
line, and marching through the city,
crossed the mountains into Pleasant val
ley to Middletown. While descending
into the valley, we could observe the pro-
gress of the battle of South Mountain, on
the opposite range, which was being fought
by the advance under the immediate
supervision of Gen. Mcclellan. The di-
vision of Gen. Cox, of Warren, was in
this engagement, and was particularly
distinguished for its gallantry and prime
fighting qualities displayed. They were
all Ohio boys, aid ,coa tie battle. In this
fight, Mai. Gen. Reno was killed, Gen.
Cox has been assigned to the corps, COM
manded by Reno previous to his death.
On the 15thw advanced and completed
the rout begun the day before, driving the
enemy through Boonsboro, and in great
haste toward Sharpsburg. As we were pass
ing through Boonsboro, the monotony of