Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1862-04-05
Army Correspondence.
MANASSAS JUNCTION VA. }
March 31st, 1862. {

ing, until worn out and dispirited we have
reached this Golgotha. To account for
our appearance at this place and in some
measure to show your readers the pleas
ures Of soldering will be the object of this
letter. will merely make extracts from
my Diary.
Friday, March lst, le62.-Wo roceiv-
ed orders to join Gen. Abercrombie's 5 Brig
ado, and to march towards Centrevile.-
Gen. Banks commanding the Fifth Corps
d. Armee is absent at Washington, and SO
the command temporarily devolves upon
Gen. Williams. Gen. Shields Division is
now included in Gen. Banks. Our Brig.
ads, (second) numbering some 5000 men,
was the first to leave Winchester. 1t was
late when we reached Berryvlle our camr-
ing ground for the night The majority of
of the force 6atonaced on the open ground.
1t would have been pleasant had it not
rained all night. Berryville is the County
seat of Clark co. and resembles Millyillc
very much Ii contains Jail court house
two printing Offices, the Clark co. Journal
and the Berryville Conservator, one hotel
and several houses. The hotel has in
broad letters "Union House. for which
the proprietor received free pass to Rich
mond.
Saturday, March 22.--At an early
hour took up our line of march with the
left in front. Passed through beautiful
and well cultivated country. About noon
we crossed the Shenandoah, which here is
about 200 yards wide and runs along the
base of the Blue Ridge. The ferry boat
was destroyed by the rebels and we were
obliged to put up military bridge. 1t
did not take long, and only consisted of
trussel work, 1t was hard pull up the
mountain for our jaded horses. About
half way up we found a terrace or offset in
the mountains, upon which we encamped.
1t was wild and romantic spot. The
Stiffness Of the place was soon broken by
the voices of 5000 new inhabitants, and
the white tents and cleaning camp fires
soon gave animation to what was previous.
ly death like solitude.
Sunday, March 23.--Strack our tents
and again commenced ascending the Blue
Ridge. Reached the summit without diff.
fculty, and from thence had q beautiful
view of the country around. The Valley
OF Virginia, famous in every way in the
history of oar country, lay spread out be-
fore us in its loveliness. Winchester and
the camps around it was distinctly visible.
The hollow in which Strasburg lay could
also be seen, as we'll as Charlestown, the
place Of John Browns execution. After
descending the mountain we expected to
find level road, but were much deceived.
Though the Valley looked level from the
summit of Blue Ridge, experience proved
it to be full of"hilly. holes and bunchy hol-
lows" The continual up and down hill
nearly wearied out our horses. We stop
ped for the night at Aldie. Fences were
consumed for fire wood, wheat stacks de-
stroyed to furnish straw, and much other
useless destruction committed. 1t is to be
regretted that our soldiers, so far forget
the dictates of conscience as to engage in
Wholesale destruction and stealing. Many
commenced by stealing from rich secess.
ionist, but the practice finally degenerated
into taking goods from all conditions of
people, no matter whether Unonists or
Secessionists. Not only have poultry,
meat, vegetables, etc., been taken, but
horses, ooks, and furniture, and that
which could not be carried away in many
instances has been destroyed. Many off,
GERS not only encourage, but participate in
these things. When white folks in Virgin.
ia do not belong to the Il. VS. they are
Very po0r, and l have known some to
have been reduced to a truly pitiablo state.
This poor class generally is the true Union
party.
Monday, March 24.--Reports have
reached us Of heevy fight at Winchester,
we have been ordered back to that place.
though our jaded horses and sorefooted
men are in no condition to make forced
march. However, soldiers must obey; not
criticize. We reached our old camping
ground beyond the Blue Ridge at o'clock
in the morning. So many of the infantry
gave out along the road, that only frag,
ments ofregiments got in.
Tuesday, March 25.-The bridge over
the Shenandoah broke down and thus de-
tanned us till near noon. As soon as it
was finished we marched on to within a
few miles of Winchester, when We were