The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1862-05-21
Our Camp Letters:
CAMp NEAR HAnRIsoNBURG, VA
NAV 1870

Relatives, friends, and the homes OF our
childhood, all presented as ever, their
strong and endearing ties but when the
cry for help came FROM our distracted
country, We felt it our duty to obey that
call, and We did so. We entered the field,
and we have used our feeble efforts to
protect the Flag under whose folds we
had so long lived in peace and happiness.
Though not having been engaged, as a
regiment, in auy great battle. we as
company, have done some little In the
way of relieving the country of those who
have dared to rebel against our govern
ment. While our army at different places
had been gaining victory after victory,
our "boys' were beginning to fear they
should never have an opportunity 10 have
shot at the Rebels-thought hat the
Rebels would never have chance to
shoot at them. However, they have been
undeceived, as you will find before you
have finished reading this On Saturday
last (26th uI;.,) my whole company was
ordered out on Picket and stationed about
three miles 10 advance of the rest of the
troops Iu our Brigade, which was then
encamped five miles from Harrisonburg,
on the road leading to Gordonsville. Near
the middle Of the day, two companies be-
longing to Ashby's notorious cavalry
drove in the men who had been placed Oh
the out posts, killing one Of my men,
private Isaac Z Seelye, wAo was on the
extreme outpost where he had been placed
to give alarm in case Of any attack. (The
prescribed manner Of giving notice Is by
discharging the piece. Seelye fred off
his piece, undoubtedly with effect, for the
Rebels were heart to yell like mad dogs
Shoot the damned Yankee cuss." They
fred several shots at him, one of which
passed Though his lungs, causing instant
death. They then robbed him of his gun
and kuapsack containing his army blanket,
letters, under clothing, &c Had they
been so disposed they could have taken
him prisoner In this course they would
have been justified, as such is the custom
among all honorable aud civilized nations
None but heather nations we're ever before
heard Of shooting Pickets unless FIRST fred
upon. The firing at the out post alarmed
the reserve and the men were speedily
drawn up in line ready for action We
could all hear the clatter of the horses
feet aud the rafting Of swords, as the
rebels gaIloped towards US. they were
hid from our view for short time by "a
skirt Of woods, as also by an emminepce
Our men were all anxious 30 get the first
shot, and their iupatience was soon ended !
for 1t was not long ere the enemy appeared |.
in sight, aud the order to fire was NEST |
promptly obcyed by all our boys We
fired two volleyS at them which had the |
effect Of putting them to ''doube quick
taking them out of our sight in a hurry, !
| can assure you. 10 an hour they re-
turned and this time showed themselves
largely reinforced. We were given as
sistance in the form Of one company rom
the 18th n Y Volunteers and part of
company of Ohio cavalry. The firing
now was participated in by al! hands and
not one Of our men fiinched Aud here
let me say, that though it was new thing
to our men not one of my "boys' wavered
for second Let me say o YOU, and all,
"Old Potter may well be proud Of her
brave boys. During this encounter the
commander of the Rebel force seemed to
have much trouble in making his meu
stand, matter however Of bu litte sur
prise, for cur Minnie balls wcut among
them carrying warm, pointed aud strong
invitations for them to leave. It was not
long ere they left, carrying with them 4
killed and 7 wounded : | had two men
wounded Corporal Moves Snyder, who
was shot through the left thigh. eau ING
a flesh wound and private VIM. A.
Hodge, had his left shoulder fractured
somewhat. lie walked from the field aud
is doing well. Corporal Snyder, after
having been wounded, arose on his feet
and gave the villains another parting shot
before he left Our cavalry followed the
retreating Rebels some distance and then
returned, thinking they would not make
another attack upon us. To the meantime
our regiment with two Parrott guns had
been ordered to our relief, without our
knowledge however but before they reach
ed US the Rebel scauIps were seen at a
point in the woods about quarter of
mile from US | was ordered to advance
by circuitous rout through belt of
woods, and if possible, rout them [ moved
as ordered, and while getting my mcu in
position, they opened fire on US from their
carbines. Being cavalry. they dismount.
ed in order to make more accurate firing.
We gave them a return voley for their
complimentary attentions While reload
ing, they fed in confusion In this last
action we killed three of their number
md WI, ,nAna t.ro knA nnn -man !