New-York daily tribune., 1862-04-28
FROM McDOwELL's ADVANCE.
LETTER PROM A SOLDIER.


FALxouTH opp. FredeEsksburs, on tho Rsppahanneci,
CAN'T PROSPER, April lS, 1862
DEAR BROTHER: Your letter aud map found mo
in this place this afternoon. We got here this
ing after a long and weary march. We left Camp
Progress on last Tuesday afternoon at O'Clock, and
marched 10 Cattetts Station, distance Of ten miles,
on Ito railroad track. 1t was a very rough march.
In fact, il is the toughest kind Of walking on the
seepers Of railroad. We STAYED there until Thurs-
day morning, when we took up our line of march II
G. o'clock. The Cd Ben3an Shsrp-shooters had
the right. ! am wrong; they not on the al.
vance. There were two companies Of Bayard's Cav
airy on tho right. After them came two companies
Of ekirmishers then came the Harris Light Cavalry;
after them the Berdsnsi then came the gallant 18th.
Alter us csme the rest of the brigade making IN all
two batteries OF artillery, two regiments OF cavalry,
and five II yiments Of infantry. We rad marched
about eighteen miles when we heard firing ahead.
The cavalry were then driving IN the enemys pick.
cts. We then halted, and Gen. Angus went ahead
10 Ieconnoter, and coming back soon after called
on ue, and gathered ourselves Being al almighty
hot day, and being almost ready 10 drop, we threw
our knapsacks on the side OF the road, and washed
the sweat and dust off our faces, got some food, wa
ter in our canteens, and then we were ready. We
e. pected a brush before went mile. The Gem
era go. up plan both 10 deceive the enemy and rect
ne He brought up Bayard's cavalry, and each OF
the cavalry men took one Of our maskets, and We
walked alongside holding on to the stirrups. That
was done 10 make the enemy think that they were
Secession cavalry bringing in prisoners. We got on
70 the horses after walking short distance, ana had
ridden about mile pn sagle tle) wnen we Leard
firing ahead, and we dismouned, ana the caValry
got on, aud OF they went TT two-lorty galt. IL
was the pickets again, ard our csvairy went AFTER
rbem os fiat M thew could go. In short the cavalry
Lad three sirmishes with the enemys pickets before
ws halted Tiers was one lieutenant Of cavalry
t;lIeJ enJ ono man had his arm brokon. The cav.
oIrv rIesred one Of the Secession camps. and we
s,syed there that night. We got there abort y
o,ciock n M, and Ozark Us pitch, after marching 2
miles: add, OH, how hctl
That night were aroused twice by the firing
ahead. The two regiments OF cavalry were sent Gus
tina, night OIL the representation OF q man they
brought in. He said lie could take them by road
so a. 10 get in the rear OF the Rebel cavalry. So
they went with aim, and got out about mile and
half, when they found themselves in mud hole, and
the road was barricaded. The Rebels opened fire on
them from the front and tanks, killing six men. So
they had 70 come back in confusion 1t being DARK,
of course they oond not We started this morn'
ing at about O'clock and with eucd slow marching
and frequent stoppages, 1t took us four hours 70
march four miles, We came IN sight OF feaei'oAs
burg about O'Clock u. m. We saw large ,oIno Q.
the Rebels in full retreat. We nred SIX suets ~
them. The first shell scattered the caVary l. Az
directions. We marched through FaiHouln WIN
fying colors TO the tune Of Vice america on Apra
l3. They burned the three bridges, and they have
surrendered the city, The Mayor wa: over here this
afternoon. The General has gwen hun Two cSyso 70
bulld bridge IN.