The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-12-02

which was being destroyed beautiful brass six
FOUNDER, while the gun-carriage was already in
flames, left no doubt of the fact. Two miles from
our camp, at the junction of the Danville and
Lancaster pixies is the little village of Bryants-
Vile, where Generals Bragg, Polk, Smith and
others had their headquarters. Here General
Bragg turned over the whole command of con-
Quoting the retreat to General Polk, and to his
mastery sagacity energy and decision is due the
safe arrival OF the immense trains and our army.
1t was hardly gray dawn when we reached Bry-
antsvie, and already train after train of wagons
had passed, and others were still forming and
joining in the immense cavalcade. Ammunition
trains and batteries of captured artillery bad pre-
coded. Then followed trains Of goods, wares and
merchandise; provision trains of army stores,
trains of captured muskets, between which were
escorts of cavalry-artillery drawn by oxen. Then
private trains Of refugee families flying with
their negroes for safety-ladies and children in
carriages, stage-ccaches express wagons, omnibus
ses, bugsies, ambulances jersey wagons, and every
conceivable vehicle Imaginable and following
came the wagons Of the different brigades of Gen
ernl Smiths army, with Infantry, cavalry and ar
tllery in the rear. Intermixed with the throng
thousands Of head Of cattle, horses and
mules.
The extent of the train of General Smith was
thirty miles long. Gen. Braggs train and army
followed us, but separated at Lancaster where he
took the CAB Orchard road to the right, and we
continued on the pike towards Richmond tor eight
miles, and turned off to the right, taking the
Dicks river road, and camped for the night. We
mad MADE scanty supper, and were soundly
sleeping on our blankets, when, at 10 2. NJ, or
ders came to Glitch up and SADDLE up" imme-
dlateiy. The night was very dark and hazy-our
road lay along the bed of Dicks river, miserable
rocky branch, which you cross and recross for six
miles Scenes of terrible confusion and delay &C.
Cured along the road. Wagons broke down,
were overturned, and frequently stalled, and in
the former case were often abandoned.
On the 10th we commenced ascending Big
Hlli already described in my previous letters, and
by night we had crossed to the other side of the
hill, and crossed Rock Castle river having again
travelled all night. diminishing had been going
on constantly in our rear since commenced our
retreat. A severe fight is reported to have taken
place at Lancaster in which the enemy was driven
back, and heavy artillery firing was heard on the
Crab Orchard road on Bragg's line
On the 10th we were still advancing steadily
hiding on without breakfast. except little parch-
ed corn, until we arrived at Pitman's Cross Roads
where the Grab Orchard and Richmond roads
meet, miles from London, and where both
armies again met.
The enemy had followed US up to Rock Castle
when they abandoned Che pursuit, and thanks to
General Polk, we were now sate the whole train
OF stores being up, and not a wagon lost, ex-
cept those abandoned on account of bIeaking
down, when their contents were always transferred