The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1862-07-04
Our Military Correspondence.

FROM THE FoRTY.sEcoND REGIMENT.
&c BRIGADE, 18th Division, ARMY OFF,
THE Ono. Wilson's Gap, Tenn,
Tuesday, June 10Th, 1869.
DEAR DEMoCRAT After four days'
march, we found ourselves at the foot of
the grand old Cumberiands, in front of
Wilson's Gap. Cos. A and B, 49d O.,
A and d, l6lh O., A and B, SGD Ky, un.
der command of Lieut.. Dan. A, Psrdie,
42d o., made a night march, and took
possession Of this Gap, meeting with no
resistance except from the enemy's pick. ..
cts, (mounted, who took bee line for
camp, leaving three good horses and sew.
eraI guns behind. This Gap is a mere
notch in the range, only COW path ass.
ing ;hroughit 1t lies about midway be.
tween Cumberland and Big Creek Gaps.
The enemy has strong force al both of
these gaps. AT noon to-day, our pickets
reported body Of cavalry approaching
along the path from the valley below
We posted ourselves in ambush, and waited
their approach. When they came within
range, We fred. They fled without firing
a gun. We captured three or four guns
and pistols.
Our force is removing the timber and
stone blockade from the road leading TO
Rodgers Gap, which is but u miles from
this gap. From the time We came into
Ky. until the present. we have been con.
s,antly in the mids: of the most sublime
natural scenery. but, when l stood upon
rocky point and looked two thousand feet
beneath me, TO the valley, l was filed
with wonder and admiration. Ii ecllpsed
all that had seen before. Powell's Val.
leyi abou; three miles wide, and beau
tym beyond description. Its inhabitants
are Industrious. The large fields Of
waving whea:. already ripe and ready for
the reaper. speak Of the industry of the
people. They are true Union, almost TO
a man. All CROPS look well, and, if Rebel
cavalry can be kept out. who have been
living upon ;his people, and committing
all sorts of crimes from the midnight mur.
der TO the most paltry theft, peace and
plenty will soon be restored.
Most Of our force had descended into
the valley when Gen. Morgan received
orders from Gen. Bdell 10 recross the
mountain and report at Williamsburg,
Ky. This caused good deal OF swearing
We faced about. and, rather unwillingly
and with long faces, began to climb the
mountain but, before we proceeded far,
the Gen. received news OF the evacuation
of Cumberland Gap. Presently the Gen.
orders all 10 turn about, and 60 again to
she valley. The prospect now is, that
we shall push toward Nashville soon.
A squadron Of Ashby's Rebel cavalry
are prowling about. We have had skir.
mishes with .hem every day since our ar.
rival, but il amounted 10 nothing except
the loss of a few horses and rufains on
their part.
We have not seen our tents for week.
We sleep in the woods, and subsist on
hard bread and salt pork. The health oil
the 42d continues good. The Geauga
boys are all sound. We brought our knap ,.
sacks, -four days rations and eighty rounds
Of ammunition over the mountains. We
hope not to be pack mules much longer.
Ink is out OF the question. suppose
these pencil marks will not be very ac.
ceptable, but il is the best a soldier can
do. More soon. r.
June lOM.-Our camp was alarmed
last night. Our Regiment and the ar
tillery were in position for battle all night.
All is quiet to day. Forage is quite plenty
Corn, corn blades and oats are abundant
Cherries and blsckberries are ripe
Fruit of ak kinds is plenty. apples and
peaches especially. P.