Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-03-05
SATURDAY. FrnHrARy 18th. 1869

Dear Friends at Home Once more we
are e;iioying the comforts of camp life
Alter ten days constant exposure to the
weather, in marching and bivouac, it
seems almost like home to be snugly en-
sconced in our warm Sibley tents, made
comfortable by our camp stoves and gen
erous Government blankets; and then we
have facilities for letter writing, such as
cannot be enjoyed when ION a scout"
| wrote you last from Camp Expo
sure, since that time, we have considera-
bic altered our position. On "Wednesday
morning, the 18th inst, we left our camp
very willingly, and after marching about
three miles in an easterly direction, we
struck the railroad four miles below
French's storehouse, and mile and
quarter above the bridge across the Little
Cacapon. This bridge has been twice de-
stroyed by the rebels, and as many times
rebuilt and is now in good condition
Proceeding down the r. R., about quar-
ter of mile below the bridge, we halted
and took our dinner. Here we were
passed by eight companies of the lst Va.
Cavalry, the Ringgold cavalry and one or
two companies of the lst Ohio, the whole
preceded by fine mounted band, attach
ed to the lst Va, and presenting fine
appearance. After dinner, We again took
up our line of march down the r. R., as
far as Pawpaw Tunnel, when we turned
our flank toward Bloomery's Gap, near
the forks of the Cacapon Three miles
from the R. R., we halted to rest, expect
ing to move on Immediately, but Col.
Tyler's aid de camp came up, and told us
to make ourselves comfortable. as we
would stop here for the night. Happily,
we were near a barn, well filed with hay
and straw, and plenty of rails were handy,
so in an incredible short space of time,
every one had his cup of coffee, and stow
ed himself away for the night. Morning
came, and we expected to move on toward
Winchester, but were very much disap-
pointed when the Adjutant came up, and
ms tead of giving us marching orders, call
ed, tCr a man to 90 for our baggage
Abont loon our tents came, and long be-
fore nioSt, our white city was prominent
lv situated iii a beautiful hill. and we are
now enioyine al that IS possible for US to
enjoy.
we were overioyel yesterday on learn
inc the news of tie de- ,Teat of the rebels
at Bloomerys Gap, by the advance OF the
II Drlgslue unOSf command Z ~~-4--
ball. did not learn the partic,' lars save
that there were ten rebels killed, {. ud oe-
tween fifty and sixty taken prisoners, IN
Guiding one Colonel, an adjutant genera
and four other commissioned officers
Our loss was four killed and seven wound |
ed. The victory is complete and decisive, !
the entire rebel force being dispersed
1t will be our turn before long hope.
think we may stay here for some time, !
as much unusual care was taken as to our
situation, which, by the way, is a very !
good one for a permanent camp. 1t
would not be impossible for Gen. Lander
to make this his headquarters, it being
a good base for offensive operations
toward Winchester. That Winchester is |
the ultimate destination of movements
made in this destination, there can be no
doubt, but when the all important move
upon this supposed stronghold will be
made is a matter of mere speculation to
to persons in this quarter, except to those
who are conversant with the general plans
We hope however that we may soon have
an opportunity to try orr steel in action.
You will hear from me anew. Letters
directed as usual, Valley of Va.
Via Cumberland. Yours &c. JULIUS.