Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-10-01

worthy the description Of . far abler pen than
mire, they rallied to the charge and at the
point OF the bayonet drove their assalIsnts
back almost covering t he whole contested
ground with the rebel dead and dying. The
artillery continued to deal death and cestruc-
tion among the foe, and their batteries, from
the immense pressure, were forced to dry up.
In the meantime, Sumner with his veteran
troops had come up to the relief of Hooker,
and the rebels were now driven back along the
whole line. Again and again did shey at
tempt to make a stand under the cover of fen.
ces, stonewails and rocks, but only 20 leave
their bodies there to mark the spot they chose
for their strong holds. From II till O'Clock
but there was continual firing Of cannons to
annoy the enemy and prevent him from chang
ing the position of his batteries, which he was
evidently doing. We received no reply till
after O'Clock, when they suddenly opened
upon us with vigour worthy better cause,
but only as if to expose their weakness and
sacrifice auman life, for during the lull our
Generals were by no means idle. They SEEM
cd to anticipate every movement OF the reb-
els, and at once ordered up a number of ad-
ditional batteries,-so that, in one short space
of less than a quarter of mile on the right.
we had no less than thirty two pieces, and
corresponding number along the whole line.
You can perhaps form some idea of the reply
that was given to the rebels, when they open
ed upon us, when tell you that il about half
an hour, about 20 rounds were sent from each
piece. The noise was like the sharp cracking
of bolts of thunder, and shook the ground
whereon We stood. The cannonading contin-
ued till O'Clock, but the rebels had now
failed to reply, it ceased, and with it the fight
for the day. During the night we lay at our
posts, expecting that the enemy would
deavor to shell US out. In the late action
General Hooker was wounded in the foot and
was taken from the field. Lieutenant Welsh
of the Bucktails, l am informed, was severely
wounded; and many other officers of the Re-
serves were killed or wounded, whose names
l do not recollect. Company of the 5th es.
capped almost miraculously. There were only
two, believe, slightly wounded. Private -
Green was struck on the belt plate, which bent
it nearly double. and knocked him sen nseless
renee, he would have been Immediately kill
ed. George Young was slightly bruised on
the leg by piece of shell, but it did not in
capacitate him for duty. Our battery had one
man killed and four slightly wounded Also,
one horse killed
Thursday morning we expected another en-.
gagement to come off, but were agreea6ly dis
appointed. 1t soon became rumored that
ssMac" had granted an Armistice of six hours,
to allow the enemy TO gather up the bodies of
their officers, and burg their dead in general
We could then breathe freer and all felt as
sared that the fight would not be renewed on
the same ground, as the enemy had already
been driven for half mile and the field was
in our possession. 1t is reported that Long
street was wounded, and Hill was killed. We
held our position on Thursday and Friday till
noon, when were ordered to advance we
passed over the right of the field, aud in some
places the rebels were literally piled in heaps
and some hanging on the fence-shot while
in the act of crossing. 1 also noticed many of
our men, sleeping the sleep that knows no
waking. 1t was CHASTITY sight, and one that
no one reed be anxious to LOOK upon. Men
had been detailed to bury the bodies; but up
to this time the work was not completed, and
was only finished to day.
To day all is quiet, but we expect to move
every moment. 1t is to be hoped that, as Har-
per's Ferry bridge has been in cur possession
since Thursday, that sufficient force will be
sent across to intercept the retreat of the reb-
els between the Blue Ridge and the river
thus keeping them from regaining their his
ding places.
We begin to take courage again, and hope
ere long that the end will begin to appear.
The men are all in fine spirits. The patriot
ism of the Penn "a MALTA is now the subject
OF universal praise, for the prompt manner in
which they have rushed to the defence of the
border and, it is said, that they volunteered
to advance to the Potomac, and are even now
encanped near Williamsport, ready in their
own way for any emergency.
There are many incidents connected with
this rebel raid into Maryland which are wor.
thy Of mention, but have already trespassed
too long upon your time and patience. II
acceptable, will try to send you some further
news at another time. Your truly, w.R. B.
tr Mru AnvrprrcrM rHrs,c