Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1862-04-15
For the Spectator.



An Artillery Engagement-.Rev. J. r. Hyde,
cf the Baltimore Confe eDcc, Paralyzed.
MR. DDIroR - Thinking that it might be inter-
esting to the friends of Rev. ]. T. Hyde, as well
as to all admirers of that class of ministers, who
not merely PREACH peace, but also FIGHT in or
der to conquer peace, submit the following:
Mr.. Hyde is a Marylander by birth, and re-
ceired classical and military education at st.
Johns College, Annapolis. He joined the Bal
timore Conference in 1859, and is sill worthy
and respected member of that portion Of it which
lies within the bounds of Virginia.
He was among the first to volunteer his SER
vices in vndication of Southern rights. He ac-
cepted the position of 1st Lieut. in one of three
companies which had been profered him by each,
and served in that capacity until he was appointed
Adjutant of Lees Battalion, after which, at the
request of the 10th Va, he was assigned by the
Department., Chaplain of that regiment.
Mr.. Hyde was under heavy fire from the en-
emy when our forces evacuated Romney, but es-
capped unhurt. He was in the thickest of the
tight at Manassas, where he had his Cap torn by
the fragment of bursting shell.
On the 28th ult., an artillery engagement tram
spired between our forces and the enemy at the
place where the Orange Railroad Bridge, (Which
was burned during the fght,) crossed the Rap
pahannock river. Our forces were occupying
the opposite side of the river waen the
enemy, about 10000 strong, advanced slowly,
shelIing the woods in every direction. At three
O'Clock our forces we're ordered to take their
position, which was as follows:
The 4th Brigade, Gen. Elzey, on the right
Gen. Trimble ii the centre, and Gen. Taylor on
the left. Soon the attention of the enemy SEEM
ed to be directed more particularly to our right;
for the shot and shell from their batteries fell
thick and fast in this direction. Our battery
Maryland Light Artillery-repled rapidly and
with effect This was supported by the 18th Va.
on tie left, and the 10th Va. on the right. The
10Th Va. were deployed as skirmishers, thus pro-
tecting the entire right. While the shot and
shell were falling, Mr.. Hyde rode up and down
encouraging our men by his words and presence.
Our men Were then ordered to fall back, thus in
vitlng the enemy to cross the river, which invi-
tatlon they chose not to accept.
1t was while falling back that Rev. j. p. Hyde
was thrown violently from his horse by the ex-
ploslon OF she'll, producing paralysis and irjur-
ing his horse. He remained insensible for about
i've hours. Chaplain Jones, of the 18th Va, and
J. b. Odor, of Company b., buckingham Rihes)
accompanied him to Staunton, where they found
welcome home at the Wesleyan Female Insti-
tute. Five or six physicians have examined Mr..
Hyde, and, although his injury has affected his
speech very much, and rendered his right leg
helpless. they all express the opinion that he
Will finally, though it may be slowly, recover.
he still longs to join his Regiment, and even
IN his nightly dreams is heard to excaim, ssShoot
tnem-shoot them-Stand at your posts.' "
e.d tout Seigneurto tout honneur.''
w &