Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-07-03
OUR ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.
CAMP 2ND INFANTRY, RAMsEUR's BRIGADE,
GprrNn LSrI pa lima laEo

CAkP 2ND INFANTRY, RANsEUR's BRIGADE,
GREEEcAsrLR, Pa, June 22, 1863
FRIEND HOLDEN 1T has been eighteen days since
left the vicinity of fredericksburg, when started
this, then unknown mission We then thought Ma
naSsas destination and of dreamed of go
ing to Maryland Or Pennsylvania
Nothing Tanspired our march to Culpepper Court
house worthy of note The theory of marching troops day
after day has at last begun to be understood by
rails and arrived Cupepper almost fresh when
we started from fredericksburg Although fresh.
halted and rested day some four miles from the last
named place. and would have doubtless continued cur
march htherward the morning of the 18th ns but for
the dash of the Yankee cavalry Stuarts unsuspcious
forces which, but for the galantry and bravery of
forces, aud perhaps the knowledge that infantry close
at band would have resulted seriously to Our cavalry
forces were taken by surprise, and for while the enemy
had 1t all their own and pushed their columns far
as Brandy Station but the gallant Fzhugh Lee and other
forces led by Stuart himself came to the and the
enemy forced to fall back to the river We, mean
the infantry of Rodes division were close enough to hear
the rattle o the pistols and carbnes but got to the battle
ground too late to participate in it, 1t is said the enemy
cerained that infantry close by and that the
enemies service has mortal dread Of foot soldiers The
fight is described the cavalry engagement Of
the war; being for the most part hand to hand affair.
glad to hear the much abused I'd N cavalry
ed itself with glory and succesdedn capturing the only
artillery captured that day. But lost some gallant spir
its. and it will be long before the noble Williams place
will be hed There was no worthier officer in our SER
On the llth inst left the vicinity of Cupepper and
though the straight road to the Shenandoah Valley
thought that destination until we were fairly
under the shadow of the Blue Mountain range, which
crossed on the 18th, through Flint Hill Gap The same
day passed through Front Royal and waded the
forks Of the Shenandoah its junction. and encamped
few miles beyond the Berryvie Turnpike The
people Of this teemng valley fairly mad with Joy
coming They had been oppressed almost beyond be-
lief by the tyant Mroy and they thanked God The "Grcy
Backs come, and they free more grey
haired SIRE with tears of joy in his expressed himself
passed his cottage door, Maidens fairly paved
pathway with flowers bright eyes beamed with uualIoyed
pleasure and delight taltered dusty garments mat
stood at the gates with pitchers and buckets of cool
water aud milk, Offering freely thirsty soldery,
whilst even the little children were happy in The general
inv SOld hafO / Iuyaa
bare hreling in doubtful cause, but hero whe
battling for TRUTH justice and right and could feel
always as then felt the trials vcissudes aud dangers
of the soldier life would be nothing aud would be
tent to remain one for.lfe.
We took the enemy by surprise in the Valley. They
were not looking for US and coming a thunder
bolt from cloudless sky. Winchester MIrOys head
quarters here he had extensive Notifications almost
lmpregnabe hs and there he issued his orders Of op
preston while his nions permeated the valley, sezng
conScating and destroying all they could lay their vile
hands on But little longer procrastinatiOn on our part
and this prolific valley, whose whole surface made glad
with teeming fields, would have been desert Its proud
people true steel to the Confedeacy and they
have suffered immeasurably.
The enemy had also force at Berryvle village to the
east of Winchester some l2 miles, Here too they had
erected orthcatons, and they thought prepared
to resist any force mil ght send against them. Our d
vision took the road to Berye while Johnston and Ear
ly'S took the road to Winchester. Without fires the
night of the l2th eucamped in miles of the place and
took the enemy by surprise in the morning scouting
of cavalry being the first nmaon they had OF our
approach We marched in the place about IL O'Clock in
line of battle and the four regiments-compOsed prnc
paly of renegade western Virgnaus and Marylanders
had hardly got glimpse of flags the open
fields before they fed in confusion. Not gun fired
by and only some half dozen discharges from piece
Of artillery by them. We hurried into the place and
ceeded IN capturing some 800 prisoners all their stores
camp aud garrison e9uppage good many horses mules
wagons etc They left their tents-arge white Sibley
tents standngher clothes and private effects intact and
their dinners cooked ready for eating Our whole brigade
parOok Of hot dinner of beans and pork baked beeand
fresh loaf bread furnished ready for eating by
modating Yankee friends while every soldier fed his
hnversack with the bean coffee
delcacies which they seemed to have been particularly IA
yored with Our commssary found his fat heor, aud aour
a drug for the next day or two
But the enemy had fed, and Lad no time to tarry
after short rest, the bugle sounded to places
and followed cavalry who had gone in pursuit.
But neither the cavalry came up with them that
night So fired and footsOre at nIghtA encarnped
the road to Martinsburg distant IS miles, having
ascertaned that the enemy had proceeded in that drec
ton. At Bunker's Hill 10 miles feG Marnsburg their
rear guard showed fight but the gallant Jenkins with his
cavalry soon had them henp and when we arrived in the
vicinity of Martinsbur onnd that hev there held him
bay while he was anxIousy awaiting support TO at
tack them They had their infantry aud cavalry drawn
high hill in front Of the city behind stone fences
and with eight pieces of artillery in position seemed dis
pOed to put estoppel to- further advance We
and Before Cur coming jenkins had dsmount-
ed Of his cavalry, apd they formed first line
battle. So disposed, moved against them when their
artillery opened which replied to by Carters
battalion side, who few moments kept them
busiy employed hat they Dad time to pay further
after a few -andom shots the enemy broke and fec
through tow apd those that succeeded in escaping
stopped till y had placed the Potomac between and
hen WGoaptured about 500 prig Oners all their artl
ery, and few wagons and teams They burned what vi
did not oaptuTe before they go; to the river.
found Martnsburg the fUukst Union hole have ye
been il, in the Confedsracy but still there man.
staupCh and true ConfLderaes who have passed hrou
the ordeal of oppression, in the place Ny company
lathe skrmish line in this chase, and the only troops
ayr brigade that got crack the enemy and it ed
eain capturing few Of the fleeing aznreabdome ID gen
try In our through the reefs ladies woul
rpshfout and point the way the Yankees rsu some wit
tears in their eyes, would seize onr hauGs and in thei
transport If JOY almost embrace us While others locke
'Iulky' and would scOwl at as wi'b ssaky hate: On