Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-10-29
Letter from Sixth Ohio Cavalry
Capt. Barrett.
Yours for the Union,

Capt. Barrett.
CE~NrERvILLE, Va, Oct. 20, 1862.
Dear Ckronice:-I trust you have not Sc
far forgotten the former inmates of Camp
Hutchins, that a line from them would
be unwelcome.
When | last wrote you, we were at LII
ray, fighting Bushwhackers, and skirm
ishing with Ashby's Cavalry. But
change came o'erthe spirit of our Dreams
Joining Gen. Pope, we moved on to the
Rapidan, and now came the tug of wal
no holiday parade or idle show, but war
red, grim and CHASTITY, with all its horrors
We reached the front soon after the bat
tie of Cedar Mountain, | rode over the
field and the memory of that scene will
haunt me long.
We were scouting almost every day un-
til the ~retrograde movement commenced,
and then all we had hitherto done was
play to what followed.
During all that gloomy retreat, for two
long weeks, we were almost constantly in
the saddle.
On the TANKS and rear watching the adj.
vancing columns of the enemy, making
long scouts to the right. or left, or recon
noitering the enemy's lines, guarding
bridges, watching fords, and escorting
trains, we were busy night and day.
Food and forage were not to be obtained
for days, and we lived almost wholly on
green corn, our horses subsisting on the
stalks our worn out steeds dropped down
by the roadside, and the riders trudged on
foot after the trains.
At last came the terrible two days bat
tie of Manassas. Atthe close ofthe last days
fight, when through the treachery, or
mismanagement, our shattered left, over
whelmed by numbers, was forced to give
way, our regiment with others came upon
the field TO rally the s~tragglers, and pro-
teet the retreat. Though the shot and
shell ~ploughed unsparingly through our
we fell back slowly, and in good
order, a stern, grim column which the
horse dare not assail.
When We reached Alexandria, after the
battle of Chantilly, full half of our men
were ~dismounted, and of the remaining
scarce a fourth were fit for active
duty. From Alexandria we were sent in
to camp near Chain Bridge, where we re-
manned for some time.
From this point the few who were noun
ted were sent TO the front at Centeryille.
We have received some fresh horses,
and have the promise of more. Our prin-
cipal business here is scouting and patrol
ing the country for fifteen or twenty miles
around, we frequently come upon the reb-
scouts and pickets, and hardly a day
passes without an interchange of shots.
We have taken quite a number of pris-
oners, and have lost some in return, but
we have the advantage on that score, yet,
three to one. On u scouting excursions
frequently pass over the battle fields
Of Chantilly, Bull Run, and Manassas,
fields that will long be known in Ameri-
,an history. They are sad fields now
The bones of horses and men are strewn
over them and from many a scant
leaped mound, Il hand, or foot, or skull
l~rOtruding, tells of a hasty burial.
On the battle field of Chantilly, where
he rebels made their last desperate at
empt TO cut US off from Washington, and
where K~earney and Stevens fell, in the
of victory, the rebel dead were bur-
ed so hastily, hat the first rain washed
away the scanty covering and their flesh
skeletons, by scores, lie bleaching in
he sun and storm.
How long We shall remain here, or
where our next move may be, of course
We know not, but l think a move will
Don be made. We need a few more
horses, and more than all, our pay, which
We have not had for the last six months,
md we are ready to 60, we care not where.
We have faithful men at work in your
midst and we expect some accessions to
our thinned ranks. 1t is the custom
imong Infantry Officers to disparage the
1t is well enough, perhaps, to
them talk, for infantry are indispensi-
Die, but the cavalry service is by far the
attractive branch. Cavalry, as Gen
says, lis the eyes of the army"
nd while the infantry are lying in camp,
We are securing the country OH all sides,
o watch for approaching danger. Yet
re have no long weary marches to under
%, ve do not become so worn with travel
hat we drop by the roadside, unable to
'roceed, as | have seen foot soldiers do,
ime and time again.
We have no breastwOrks to capture, no
Fights to scale, no long hours to stand
nder shot and shell. Cavalry engage
lents though fierce, are brief. A charge
shout, a fierce r%attling fire, and the fash
lg sabre soon finishes the work.
Do not think the cavalry service is with
its dangers. On the march, they are
irst in the advance, and last in the re-
reat. Is a defle to be passed? The cav
Try go first. Is an ambuscade suspectedi
he cavalry scour the spot, before the in
antry approach. Does a wood conceal ,
Batteries? The cavalry 60 first, and as
ertain their position. There is no need
. jealousy, or u%ngenerous illusions; both
ranches of the service have their advan-
ages, both their dangers. Each has its
'ork to do, let that work be well done,
nd the country will rejoice. ,
Very Respectfully,
N. A. BARRETT. Is