Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1862-03-06
would be necessary for each of u. 30 get new

would be necessary for each of US 30 get new
set of teeth. By daylight fires were built. and
the Cavaly was sent to reeonoiter. ere we could
prepare breakfast We were ordered into ranks
rs the word came that the secesh were giving
leg bail We reached the town as quick as pos
sible and found it already deserted; four of the
Rebel Rear Guard. Cavalry. were taken prison.
ers, the balance fleeing precipitately. The Ma
jor ordered us to pursue the F. F. VS. (Fleet
Footed Virginians). On We went, without
having breakfast, frozen and starved, about sew
en- miles beyond the town. During the last
four miles we got sight of Cavalry and Militia
and quite bushwhacking skirinish ensued;
several saddles were emptied. Arriving at the
foot of the mountain, four miles from its summit
by the road and within a mile of New River,
we halted and the Major concluded to return,
when the se.esh showed their ugly mugs on
the ridges OF the mountain opposite and COM
menced firing; our answer and a few shells
from our little Bull Dog satisfied their curios-
ity; we knew that somebody was hurt, but
We did not know at the time the extent of
damages. At four P. M. we arrived again at
the town, almost exhausted, made preparations
for supper Immediately; the country being well
stocked with sheep, and hogs; chickens and
turkeys not being scarce, the boys were not
slow in helping themselves.
The families still remaining in the place and
the prisoners advised us not 10 stay in Jumping
Branch that night for we would surely be taken,
the enemy being still within skirmishing dis
tance, and numbering ten TO our one; but we
were exhausted and must have rest, besides VIC
were in no way opposed TO fight right there.
Nothing occurred to disturb the quiet of the
camp. except false alarm raised by some Off
GERS imagining to have heard rifle shot. The
night was very cold, but the men had Quarters
in houses.
By nine o'clock A. NJ. of the 10th we were
ready to march back to Camp Hayes, having
burnt every building in the place except two
houses, occupied by women and children, in all
eight log houses, two churches, a numer of
barns and stables, all of which had been used
as quarters by the rebels; not being strong
enough TO hold the town, We must prevent the
secesh from placing firm footing there, as that
force had been sent there to fortify. Our re-
turn march was not molested though Cavalry
force was within striking distance. We arrived
in camp at P. n. of the l0;h very well salts
fled TO be at the end Of our journey, having
marched 5S miles in two days and half. under
adverse circumstances at that, the weather and
the roads being opposed TO our expedition.
While on our march, passing 4 house, an old
lady, who doubilessly had heard various stories
about the Yankee monsters, as we are reported
to be, took close survey of the troops, our party
being the first Union troops she had seen; she
gave it as her opinion that the Yankees looked
like their men, but young lady, close by. re-
marked: only they are better looking than
FLoYD's men; yet they remained anxious TO
know what become of the tricks; last intelli-
gence informs us that the Yankee trick played
at Jumping Branch was conclusive and highly
satisfactory.
We had altogether seven prisoners. among
whom echap who had posted up the already
mentioned challenge; he is brother-n-law OF
the notorious JENKINS, on trial he acknowledged
beat in everything except stealing. which fea-
ture, he says, could not be tried, he being in
rather close quar-: ers; mentioning the running
of the F F. VS. he nairely answer
cd that we could beat them running or he
would not have been captured.
Not till yesterday did we fully realize the
recklessness of our expedition; a reliable Union
man from the neighborhood of Jumping Branch
us of the real force and position of the
rebels then at that place and vicinity, viz: the
45th regiment Virginia Infantry and two COM
panies of JENK rs Cavalry at Jumping Branch;
the Add Reg't, three companies of Cavalry and
pieces of Artillery in camp at Blue Stone, 8
miles from the former place (within striking
within a mile of which camp We had
been, notwithstanding the facts, where We
ceased pursuing and yet the towards had not
tDc ne1Tt 10 meet HOT CUT Ol Icutdt, WHICH
could have been very easily aud effectually
done in consequence of our position at the foot
of hill, 10 the summit of which is four miles by
the road, and our only road. besides unknown
to us birdie path leads from their camp TO
Jumping Branch at distance of only miles.
The whole force against US, sums up 1900 In
fanry, 500 Cavalry and the 6 pieces of Artillery;
ours 22l, all told. We learned further that the
rebels Immediately pulled up stakes and fell
back to Peterstown, % miles beyond. Their
loss is reported 90 killed and a number wound
ed; our only loss was in frozen toes. about fifty
of our men having their feet severely frostbitcn.
We realized. also. eight horses, forty sabres,
about 20 muskets and rifles.
II you know of a more reckless and at the
same time more successful adventure, please lot
us have it.
Raleigh is the healthiest place we have been
at in Western Virginia. The men have COM
Portable quarters; it tells, for the health Of the
troops is better than it has been for months.
Wish my best regards to all, I remain
Yours
E. C. REICHENBACH
1st. 1t. &c. H, 23d Regt o. V.