Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-05-06
A Letter from Warrenton.
HEADQUARTERS LIST Maryland Cavalry,
Camp in the field near Warrenton

iEADQUAhIEkS Id0U CaFdlTy, 4
Camp in the field near Warrenton
Junction, April oath, 1868.
DEAR. Row Here we are, knee keep in the
mud and the rain pouring down necessarily
and unrelentingly upon our uncovered heads.
On Monday morning the 18th instant, we left
camp at Belle Plain under orders to leave be-
hind every article of baggage not perfectly
Indispensable, and take as much rations and
forage as our horses could carry, which did
not exceed three days supply. a mule train,
with sufficient for ten days,was to follow. We
went to HARDWOOD church, 20 miles distant,
where we encamped about II p. m. On the
14th at daylight we started for the Rappahan-
mock, with high expectations of a successful
raid into rebeldom-believing our force capa-
bic of thrashing any number of the rebel Stew
arts cavalry that did not far exceed our own,
which was $4,000 strong and led by General
Stoneman, in whom We lack no confidence
Our advance was the 1st Maine, supported by
the Sd battery, (regulars) and 1st Maryland
cavalry. At the bridge We found lots of the
gray-backed rascals, who had the bridge we'll
ptyed with tar, turpentine, etc, but the charge
of the gallant 1st Maine was so furious and
sudden, that they could not take time to ap-
ply the match, but made for their rifle pits
with such high speed, that you could have
played dOminoes on their coat tails. But our
boys drove them from the pits by most beau
tlful dash; when battery opened on US, and
we were kept busy for a few moments dode
ing shot and shells, until our three teu-peund
rlhed guns were got into position which soon
made them quiet. That night the rain fell in
torrents; the fiat land became inundated. and
The small streams were swollen to rivers. and
at ii O'Clock We were ordered on picket dutv.
To obey the order we must cross rapid
stream, which had overfowed its banks and
covered acres of fiat land. The prospect be-
fore us, as far as could be seen in the dark.
was anything bat pleasant to contemplate ; but
a soldier should know nothing but obedience,
and in plunged the brave old company B. (of
which am proud to be a member, but was
in command of company D at the
tIme.) Company B was headed by as brave a
young man as the service can boast, Lieuten-
mt Henry Appel, and one who never shrinks
rom duty. He made the crossing, but at a |
oss of two excellent men, whose loss we deep
y deplore, and horses.
The next company refused to go in many |
If whom l know would not dodge tor twice
heir number of rebels, but they had no com
nissioned officers at the time. When they re-
used to go they were ordered out of the way,
nd called on Company D to advance, which
Vas responded to with cheer that they did
ot feel. l moved in advance about three
DDS, when my horse went off a steep bank in
o the current and so deep that he could not
ouch bottom. The banks were so steen on
ither side that he could not get out, and he
Tas carried on by the resistless current until
be poor fellows strength began to fail, when
got of to tighten him-intending to hold on
D the saddle with my hand. He, however,
lrned faster than l could, and he swan over
lie. could not get to him again, but sue
eeded in getting out and rid of the disagree
Bile job of representing drowned man No.
and with strong convictions that although
g boots overcoat, sabre, pistols, etc., are
ood enough in their place, they are not the
ling in swimming match.
The next day found our artillery stuck in
lie mud, and We had nothing to do but forage
nong the farmers, scout and picket; which
e continued to do until the morning of the
Ist, when we moved "a miles to White Sui
lur Springs, driving rebel scouting parties
fore US. We remained in the vicinity of
q Springs strongly picketing that branch of :.
e Rappahannock. Scouting parties cross
is stream at will, but none cross the Hazle
yer. We learned that the enemy were busy
ght and day preparing TO defend the lords.
Yesterday we fell back to this place for sup
les and find that ssFather Abraham is not
mindful of US, as be has got the Railroad
paired, and the toot OF the locomotive gives
iDgs quite a look of civilization.
Yours as ever, GIL. q