Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1863-08-10

and cooked ratlons, started to Staunton on the morn-
ing Of the 18th in charge of 984 prisoners. The |
distance from Winchester to Staunton is 90 miles
The road is very good; runs up the valley of north
Shenandoah, which is one of the most love.
" countries that | have ever seen. The land is very
rich in the valley, which is surrounded by the most
magnificent mountain scenery that is in the SOUTH
The citizens are generally strong "secesh," and are
as kind to the rebel soldiers as they can be, giving
them milk, butter, cheese, vegetables, &C., at every
town; and also the farmers along the road would
sell US chickens at the old price 10 to 10 sents. We
halted at Staunton on the evening of the ,23d, were
relieved of our blue coated charge on the oath. Half
of our Regiment were detailed to guard them to
!. Richmond while the remainder lay around the camp
as lazy as so many hogs; some sleeping, some read
ing their Bibles, some writing letters, and some study
ing about their loved ones at home.
On the 28th we took up a line of march on our
retuIs to Winchester, which place we reached on the
evening of the Cd July. On the 4th we received Or
ders to join our Brigade in. charge of an ordnance
traiG of 80 wagons as soon as possible. We march
ed as fast as the wagons could trav W, mixing %
miles per day, till we reached tbe Pot qnaac, where we
met the wagons belonging to Gen. Les whole arany
coming back, with orders to US to eros tho RIVER and
guard them till they were all safe acrossther river on
the Virginia side. There were about a, 900 wagons
and some 600 horses and mules to cross, and only
one small ferry boat to cross n-the river being
swollen considerably from the recent rains. We had
just got the men all over when we were attacked bys
the cnemy's. cavalry
Skirmishing commenced between a part of our
Regiment and a part of the 58th Va, with the caval-
ry dismounted, about 3 o'clock on the evening of the
9th. Soon a heavy column of dismounted cavalry
was seen advancing from the direction of Boonsboro'.
We had a small battery of horse artillery and one
section Of the Washington artillery, which opened
on them with a deadly fire before they got their guns
in position. While the firing was going on, General
Imboden sent out a squad of s~tragglers, and | was
detailed to take charge of them and was sent to the
right to diSlOdge the SharD shooters who had taken
shelter in a house and barn and were killing the
horses and men of our battery. | started under com.
mand of q Lieutenant Colonel, with two other COM
panies, under a heavy fire of shell, grape and minnie
balls. About 20 of my stragglers, being dismoun-
ted Va. cavalry, were too cowardly to stand fire.
They run, leaving me with only % men to fight
We advanced in line of battle across a wheat field,
some 200 yards. Here was the hottest FIRE that
have ever seen. lost r. out of my 25 men, killed
and wounded, who stuck to me- But after we reach
ed the fence we gave them such a salute that they
will hardly forget itsoon. They soon Gmbered their
battery to the rear and left in the same direction they
came. Our loss considering the forces engaged, was
very heavy. We had some of lmbodens cavalry
who behaved badly, and had it not been for the few
infantry-three very small regiments OF infantry
all svoulae tTavo bCcr-i1st, bcsices-scvcra hurr9reo
wounded soldiers.
On the 18th we Joined our Brigade near Hagers-
town, Nd, lay in line of battle until Tuesday nigh
14th, when the army commenced re crossing in TIVE
places, one part at Falling Water and the others a
Williamspert. Generals LongStreet and Hill crossed
on a Pontoon at Falling Water, and Gen. Ewell cross
ed at a ford above Wiliamsport. | had the pleasur
of wading the Potomac, and being rather low il
stature, it came very near winning me. But we a.
got.over safe without being pursued. Since then W
have been marching over and around the mountains
catching squadrons of yankee cavalry, until yester
day we stopped at this place, near Madison Coul
House-they say to rest awhile. e. | hope it is so, &c
we are as near worn out as we can we'll be. \