The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1862-09-06

aTmy-always at home When In the scene oi az
tion1 He taking the lead, we went towards the
bridge TO get across ere they gained toe strong a
headwav. We got to the bridge too late: Tor 1t
was in flames Col. Kelley was not to be out
done in this way-plunging in the river, ne ex.
claimed: "Come on, boys! we GW yet haze them'"
Into the stream we went, and came near being
taken away by the swiftness of its current. The
enemy was firing into us from an almost perpen-
dicular hill which we had to snrmount ere we
could reach them but finding we were determined
to do so, at all hazards, he vanosed. The Colonel
ordered to extinguish the flames that were con-
sumipg the bridge; this beirgfone, we soon made
the necessary repairs. The cavalry came rushing
| across in pursuit of the iugitives and overlook
them two or three miles off where they had
fallen in line OF battle. They had quit warm
| engagement with the lst Maryland lFedesaD
Regiment, who soon grounded arms and surren-
dered to a man.
Of aneh aas s.ds sf il us H. II ~ 5Ss5 3
being from the same State, each seemed to be In
fuenced by the most inveterate animosty. How
ever, the Yankeeites could not withstand the i'm
petuosity Of the attack and took to their heels,
but were overtsken by the cavalry and captured.
On Gen. Taylor's coming up he said, ''as soon
as the 9Th showed itself they had to rum" We
took large amount of storage, commissaries,
wagons, and. in fact, everything in an army line.
We bivouacked for the aisht aud resumed our
march late next day for Middleton, where the
enemy made another stand.
Slowly onward we went, expecting he would
surely give chance Of Judging his strength,
but we We're sorely disappointed. He was en-
gagged by other forces ere our arrival who soon
wiped him out; however, we were in time to show
ourselves, but held as a reserve.
The Federals were cut of from their reinforce
ments at Winchester where they had begun re-
treat with their wagons--of which we captured
several hundred heavily laden with war equipage.
We took great many prisoners and several pieces
of artillery. q,
We then continued our march toward Winches-
ter that night On our way thither. we saw
destruction on all sides-such as wagons loaded
with provisions, pontoon bridges, etc, which were
set on fire lest they might fall into our hands.
AT the dawn of day, we arrived at Winchester
where they were in wait for u.s. They opened
their artillery but the fog prevented them from
seeing our position and they shot at random. But
on "Old sols" rising, clearing away the mist that
lowered around, then they let fly into us with
grape and shell. We went directly up to their
cannon planted in beautiful position. Our Bril-
gade was marched up in front of the cannon to
make charge. AS ascended a rolling hill,
we found it protected by two regiments of infantry
who were behind stone-,oa!i that did not dis
courage us, but with an unfaltering step, we
rushed forward, whooping and yelling as they
poured voicy after volley into US. We routed
them from their position, after having to climb
over stone walls and fence. While charging
squad OF cavalry came up to prevent our surround.
ing the infantry. Thinking that their appearance
would throw our lines into confusion they drew
their sabres to make dash on us; we immediate.
" came to stand, awaiting his coming; but upon
the principle that prudence is the better part of
valor" they remained in stata quo when we let
them have it with our musketry, emptYing 1s
saddles and killing horses. They took to flight
and we followed at rapid pace, but couldn't
overhaul him. We charged through the town and
the citizens were over-ioyed at our success-par-
r uarIU U hal Ioli ,hn,,,
street, cheering and screaming, urging us on Be-
Ing more expert in the use of his legs than we
flor we Were entirely broken DOWN. the MAORI.
ty made good their escape.
Our loss was heavy; many noble one fell that
day In our Brigade. Lieut.. Col. Nichols was Sc.
Verefy wounded IN the arm, making amputation
Here let me say he has the confidence
OF his men, On our entering the field, he said:
Now boys, let this Regiment be the sledge. |
hammer of the Brigade! Give them the d-Ir, |
sergt. =. ?. Guidry, of our company, was severe
ly wounded In both arms
We took large quantity of stores. Suffer es.
tabishments filed to excess, medicines, arms and
ammunltion-also, 1000 prisoners.
oar success was complete; perfectly demolish-
nng 'olds Banks army. Poor fellow, he needs
me sympathy OF his friends learn he was SO
BADLY routed as to have to'suspend specie payment,
We continued our charge miles beyond Win
:hester where we were halted TO rest ourselves
rom the labors of the day. The cavalry pursued;
What they accomplished know not. We re-
named two days, when we were ordered to
lharieston, where the notorious John Brown met
l,s Us Just deserts. Passing through the town we
lied into the woods where we again bivouacked
We then were sure Of going into Maryland We
sere only miles from its lines. and miles of
iafpers Ferry. We were highly elated at the
hought Distinctly could be heard the roar of
ne cannon as they belched forth their messer
ers OF destruction across the expanding Potomac.
men our loys Were at their highest; pitch, they
Don Were dampened by the announcement of a &
tall back" to be made by us. Then you could
ee disappointed facei; officers and all, {
, we announced our retreat on the 9th of Nav. c
ioseiy followed ty the enemy. On our again
assIng through Winchester we had permission to 7
sss aWhiie, that the prisonefs (who were then in
sinchester-4 700 IN nunber1 might get in our t
dvance. We took our leave of the city with cries ,
nd Waiilngs from the ladies, impIoring us to re.
lain and give them protection from the invaders
le marched 27 miles that day, and rested for the
ght near Middleton. '''e
Soon: on the following morning we took ~, o,r
ne OF march for Strasburg where MiIlrov,s
rces Were stationed. We commenced an attach k
our arrival the enemy falling back or miles Fl
place called Woodstock. We pushed on where Is
ey made short stand, but were soon routed, n
eking the mountains fol. shelter We returned b
SsrasbDrg and remained for several hours--fbe o.
IN pouring down upon with nothing to protect b
from Us beats o'clock P. NJ, we were or in
sht - 'iie :; :;
hen 1T was many Of the 90 G'sn gave out from ii
iong marches made and fell in the hands of W
enemy, of whom / will give list helow m
ey took great many Of the Brigade prisoners n
s. ery DAY we marched along fighting our way AZ
IT, !, sns s great battle Of Port Republic came off, e
!ere they made bold and obstinate stand. -
IOcE the engagement eommeuced ,Th.,r. :. | 6u