Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-10-09
For the journal.
M ARTINsBURGH, VA,
Sept 27tA, 1862
KeSSrS Editors

Thinking that you and many Of our friends mig BIT be
pleased to hear from the remaining few Of the old SSth
regiment in a. P Hits division, have seated myself
der the branches of Old oak for the purpose informing
you thG there Of The Old regiment get able for
service. We in nearly every fight below Richmond
then up to Gordonsville, in the fight Cedar
Run 9th August fought through all tie battles at Manassas
9th, 18th, 29th and 30h August, had quite little brush
near Fairfax, g. H., Monday ls inst, crossed the Pete
River few miles below Harpcrs Ferry 9Th inst. aud
reerossed at Willamspo:t 11th and arched Har
pers Ferry Saturday evening, 2h inst and cumped
the enemy from the Ferry bombed al day -u@day-
Late Sunday evening we adv need upon the place and
drove in their pickets Early Monday morning bate
es, which h8d advanced daring the night and taken posi-
ton, commenced bombing the Ferry when very thu
white flag went and forces marched down aud
took possession OF thu place will about l3 600 prisoners
about 30 pieces of Artillery ard several thousand small
arms, besides Commssary, QlEter Masters Suffers
stores Wednesday morning crossed the Potomac ct
Shepardstown and took part in the great battle
Sharpsburg, Nd the day-we occupied the
treme right wing Our Brigade enders) did not engage
in the fight, though lay under very heavy fire all the
evening. portion of Division, Branchs and Gregg
Brigade, engaged-here the amened Branch fell upon
the field We stood picket all night and lay under very
heavy picket fire all the next day Q8th )abou O'Clock
A. M, left post, and about o'clock, 10Th,
crossed the River at enemy in close pur
sut-we fell back and camped for the night next
ing, 20th returned to the River and drove back DV
sion of the enemys Infantry which had crossed during the
night killing ard capturing quite number and making
Tx take the water like ducks We remained the field
until night when fell back to this place, where We have
been snce-reating and recruiting There is only 166
total present of the 39h the remainder being killed
ed, sick and deseSted. Col Hoke being wounded at Me-
chanicsvile 10th June, has not set returned. Lieut. Col
Armfeld being SICK returned and joined in time for last
Saturdays fight and got wounded in the wrist Major An
drews resigning at GordonsviIe, the command fell upon
Capt Ashford he being wounded Manassas Saturday.
Both August. The regiment is under the command of
Capt MCLAUGHLIN cannot say where the enemy are
what they are doing We only waiting to find out their
movements, and to recruit and rest &C. The whos com
mand of the old 38h present and absent 622 rank and
file.
There is thing certain, all of A. P Hills Dvis on is
fighting men, You may Judge from the annexed compli
ment from Gen. ELL -
"HEApQUA RTERs LIGHT DIVISION,
Camp Branch Sept oath, 1862. {
Soldiers Of the Light DiUiSion
You have done well, and we'll pleased with you
You have fought in every battle from Meehancsve to
shepardsown, ard yet say that the Light Dvi
sion broken You held the left at Manassas against
overwhelming numbers, and the army. You saved
the day at sharpsbug and at shepardstown you
ected to face storm Of round shot she'll and grape such
as have never before
proud to say to you that your services appreca
ted by General, and that you have reputation in this
Army which should be the object of every officer and
private to sustain"
Signed, A. P. HILL,
Maj. General.
must say that all our forces have fought wenoen af
ter hard marches short rons and great loss of sleep,
have tried to save our country and have consequently
suffered many hardships and prvatons, and still
willing to suffer ever.
The weather is getting quite cold now-havng had two
very large frosts. compateY coYerinr the earth With