Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1862-10-09

the enemy that they appeared thundcrstruck,
scarce knowing what to do, or which way to go.
No more fighting was done on the left until 3
2 M, when for nn hour the rattle Of musketry
was terrific, but again the rebels had to give way
being driven from behind n stone uaH with great
slaughter.
Our entire loss that day, or even the loss in our
Division. have not learned. The 23d Rcg't
lost 80 killed and 95 wounded among the latter
were Lieut., Col Hayes, in left arm, seriously
and Lieut.. Smith, in the leg, severely.
The loss in Co II, it being n small company
was very severe; killed, Is wounded aud miss
Ing. The names Of these, Capt. Drake informs
me he has furnished you | will not, therefore, re-
peat them.
The troops lay on their arms all night on the
battle field, during which time the enemy retreat
ed some six or eight miles, so that, next day We
advanced corrcspondingy. On the 10th heavy
cannonading was kept up all day, the enemy grad
ually rercating. On the 18th connonading was
renewed the enemy occupying the west bank Of
Antetam creek, near Sharpsburg, while our forces
occupied the cast bank. Towards evenings large
part of our forces were on the west side.
The Ohio Division was again brought into nc
ton in the evening but the force Of the enemy
being so much greater, they were obliged to fall
back n short distance after fsh ing bravcly. Co.
II here lost killed, l wounded and taken pris
oncr. Capt. Drake was struck with a piece Of
shell which momcntarily stunned him, but did not
unfit him for his duties
On the 18th there was total suspension on
both sides, except occasional firing by slirmishcs
and hat night the enemy again rctreated, leaving
many of their dead unbured. Their course was
towards Shcpcrlstown ford across the Potomac
where they will be but too glad to leave Mary.
land, after becoming satisfied that she is too loyal
for them to ever hope to excite an insurrccton in
in that direction, is evident their exit will NOT
be as their easy entrance 1t is undcniable that
the late rebel roray has benefited us and our cause
that it las demonstrated to traitors at home and
abroad that Maryland is loyal and patriotic, and
that our advent in her borders was welcomed as
much as the minions of Secession were dcspiscd
Maryland has just passed through an "ordeal OF
hrc,' and she has come out Of it purcr, and bet.
ter, and frmcr; and we all feel pr I'D Of her, and
class her amongst the most loyal of states, What.
ever doubt us to her integrity may have previous
ly existed are now certainly diSsipatel She has
been "wcighed and not found wanting" Instead
of the enemy receiving any "aid and comfort"
from her, he has "gaincd nothing and suffered
much"
Without partcularizing, what have already
said is sufficiently comprehensive to show that the
efficiency Of the supposed fine troops of Lee, Long
street, and Jackson ia greatly imp Tired, and their
demoriliz ,tion almost complete.
1t is probable we NAV pursue the rebels in Vir
gnia, as we certainly should. Let us follow up
the advantages alredy gained, and not lay mac
tive until Lee is able again to meet us
| am Yours Truly,
CHARLES HAY.
Co ri 03d Rcp't n