The Hancock Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Ohio) 1857-1870, 1862-11-21
Headquarters 4th O. VI.

I FRIEND u X. LOCKE; when l wrote TO
you about three weeks ago, from Hnrper's s
Ferry, ! said all things were quiet; so they
were at that time, but no one here knows
one Cay what will occur the next, or where
the morrow will hnd you. Now can say
things are moving.
The force on Bolivar heights, composed
OF Summers corps, struck tents October
l3Oth; then the query was where we were
going. some supposed to Winchester, 9th.
ers said we were on a fsll back, an variou $
were the speculstious on the course we
would take. But we crossed the Shanan.
doah at Bolivar, close to the ferry, and
wound around London heights, then to.
wards Dixie along the Eastern base Of the
Blusridge in Loudon Valley. No army had
before disturbed this pehcefil, quiet region,
except occasionally q scouting party, there
fore our long lines Of Infantry, Cavalry and
Artillery, followed by miles of baggage
trains, was quite q curiosity to the inhabi-
tonts. No enemy was met with until we
came up to. Snicker's gap, but they were
quickly driven from it and the gap taken
possession Of. At Ashby's gap detach-
ment Of our cayslry sent in advance, en-.
lcountered the pickets Of the enemy, and q
slight skrlnish ensued, resulting in the
capture Of a few rebels and our possession
OF the gap; and likewise all the other gaps
along OUT line were taken and held. Ar
irving at Upperville, we were joined by
Gen. Mcclellan and Burnside. coming from
the direction Of Leesburg. We crossed the
Manassas gap railroad at Piedmont, and
halted for the night, the ground was white
with snow, bot, nevertheless, this must be
our beds: and we passed the night little
colder than warm. The valley which we
passed through is very rich and beautiful.
the inhabitants. especially those Of the
rich slave. holding class, are open secession
ISIS, and are not backward in telling it,
One iarrer had given a dozen horses aud
all his cattle for tie support ofthe rebel ar
my, and whes asked to take the oath of al.
legNnce TO tie United States refused; what
was done with him: / don't know, but |
expect strong guard was placed ever his
remaining property, as in other eases along
our line.
This place is about as larse as Flndlay-
a very aristlcraiic town, and purely secesh /;
they believe their amy will drive us into
Maryland belere Christmas. The little girls
are taught to sing
H.et the Yonks come as they will,
! Well be gay and happy still"
| But as for driving US back into Maryland, 4,
| think that is PLAYED out. Gen. Mcclellan
took his leave OF the army here yesterday
The entire force was drawn up on either
side Of the pike in the direction Of Manas.
sos-lnfantry, Cavalry, Artillery and pro.
miscuous crowds lined the road on both
sides for a long ways; here we stood for
nearly an hour with anxiety to about 80 de.
grees, waiting to take our last look at the
little hero. Soon the boom OF cannon and
loud hurrahs told that he was coming; new.
er came the cheers and higher beat our anx
ious pulse, until at last he appeared around
the bend OF the road, riding about twenty
paces in advance Of his staff. with cap off.
The soldiers made the air ring with loud
cheers. as he passed along. We are sorry
to lose him, but hope it is for the better.--
lie was loved and admired by his officers
and soldiers.
Where the rebels are at this time is hard
to tell, but no doubt not Ear, and preparing
10 meet this force which is penetrating to
the heart OF their country.
The soldiers are in high spirits and be
lleve all things to be going right, aud sre
n anxious TO push on. The next fight you
hear of viii probably be at Culpeppef. as il
5 lis believed the rebels are concentrating a
large force there.
= Enclosed | send you small pamphlet, a
| great many Of which has been distributed
among the soldiers; what il is for is a mys.
, terry TO all, but send you one for your pc
Iusal." Your,
! ", Y, WILLIAMS.
P.S. Loud cannonding has Just begun
the direction of Manassas Junction. prob.
I ably the ball is opened.
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