Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1862-05-22
For the Gallipolis Journal.
CAMP PIATr, Va, MAYI3th, 1869.
nEAp RpoTuER.AsI have a fa

SAMf lAIIg Az MAI iOthg lOO~s
DEAR BRorHER:--As have few
leisure moments on hand, l will devote
them in writing you short account Of
our march to Chapmansville, where
companies B, G. D, & K, are now sta
toned, in command Of Lieut.. Col. Rus
sell. On Monday, the 9Th inst, We
crossed the river to Brownstown, en-
camping there for the night. early next
morning tents were struck and KNAPP
sacks slung. and before the sun had
peeped over the mountain tops, we were
stretching out" at a rapid pace re-
gardless of the heavy load on our backs,
Big Coal river was crossed about noon,
two miles further on, we pitched our
tents, camping for the night. having
marched Is miles till / o'clock. We'd
nesday morning found us again on the
tramp, at midday we crossed Little
Coal, and halted for dinner; again we
were moving forward laboring over the
rough mountain roads, and through the
hot, broiling sun, now wading through
streams of water at every lew rods,
and again climbing steep, almost per-
pendicular hills, until pretty well "gone
up" we halted at a farmhouse, the
proprietor Of which is known by the
very euphonious name Of "Forked John
Miller" in order, suppose, to dis
tinguish him from the rebel Col. John
Miller, who is now lying very i'll al
home, and, as one of the boys very
knowingly informed, on his "patrOI' OF
honor.
The wagons-on account OF the bad
roads, failing to reach us that night,
we were forced to retire almost supper
less to bed with no covering save the
"starried canopy" above. The third
day we again resumed the march-mi-
nus our breakfasts, and reached Chap
Evansville about noon; here great
slaughter instantly commenced--not on
the secesh, but on the numerous fish,
flesh, and fowl; but we had scarcely
time to attend to this matter, before
word was brought that body Of rebels
were within a short distance, attempt
ing to elude the vigilance Of the "Blood'
thirsty Yankees"-as some of then
have chosed to designate us. Instantly
Capt. Dayton with upwards Of l0C
men was sent in search of them. bu
failed to Gnd their retreat. The follow.
ing day, Lieut.. McMasters with go mer
Of Company c, crossed the riveI
| (Guyan and chased up the band w
were in pursuit of the day before. A
few rounds we're fred at them, and one
very important prisoner captured. he
was acting Qusrtermaster Of the 1871
Virginia Militia, and was in Richmond
in January, when Wise's Legion was
starting for Roanoke. l forgot to men
ton that two prisoners were taken the
day before, one of whom had IN bis
possession nearly $500 in counterfeit
Waynesburg, Pa, notes, "Big Sandy
gold !" and Confederate money. Lieut.
Col. Russell relieved him of his burder
for the present, and l suppose be vii
: not have much use of It for few
!, months to come. Our wagons reached
us the day after we arrived. Co. D
Capt. Goodspeed, who was their guard
! had severe time cutting roads, build
ing bridges, &c, DE.
On Friday night Capt. ]. L. Vane'
with IO5 men started to Logan Cour
House 10 cut off the retreat Of the reb
els, and surround Col. Morgan il posi-
, bic, who was there attempting to collec
the Militia. When we left the mex
} morning he had not been heard from
but it was supposed be was doing gooC
: work.
Capt. Dayton with 40 Of his mel
, were detailed as guard for the wsgol
train. We arrived here on Sunday an
start on our return this afternoon
!, When you write direct your letter t
Charleston.
ri Your affectionate Brother, q
p MILTON.