Marshall County Republican., 1863-09-24
Army Correspondence.

"o"~'' oISouns VI NY UP uv"u III DiAie,
and my treatment by the "lsbs." &C., &C.
On the I'd July, as told you, the Regi
ment was pretty well on the left of our
line, and as Gen. Longstreet massed q
heavy force against our left wing, endeav
oring to turn it, he, forced it to give back
some distance, though our men were very
determined. and would fall back ouly wien
SO much overpowcred as to leaYe no other
alternative. Our line was pressed very
closely. and although ordered back. re-
treatod SO reluctantly that frequently the
enemy were right on to us. and here it was
that | was surrounded and captured.
: After | was captured was sent to the
rear. and Of course had chance to see
what the enemy had suffered in the attack
on our position. The fields over which
they had advanced were literally covered
with wounded. dead and dying. Indeed
it was bloody sight. for great portion
of Longstreet's forces had been mown
dewn like grass.
II was about p. m. when was cap
tured, and it was not long before darkness
put an end to the carnage for that day.
not. however, until .he enemy was driven
back. and forced to give up what they had
gained.
My havcrsack was empty when went
into the fight and by morning began to
feel like eating something. but was not
SO fortunate as to get the chance. This
morning (Sd) the fight was opened very
lively along the entire line and could see
that Lee was making desperate effort to
gain complete victory.
| had the privilege of seeing Gen. Lee
and staff as they were riding to the front
to superintend affairs there. The General
is fine looking military man and attract.
attention wherever he goes. although he
is very plain in his style and dress.
By the evening of the 81 the number of
prisoners they had captured was near 3 700.
who were in charge OF the provost guard
and in the rear with the supply train.
The next xt,eveninG. 4th. we started for the
Potomac and were obliged to march a
Number of miles before they gave us any
thing to eat. anil then only half pint Of
-four and hals a ID. Of meat was given to
the man. This.was pretty tongh, but We
were glad to get even this little. as this
\ was the first they had given Us.
4 I could, see plainly that Lee was falling
back as his trains kept mp a rattle anil
continual jam all night. II was amusing
{ to observe his old shackling wagons and
skeletons of horses as they woali pass us
/, and make for the rear as fast as possible
But they improved their stock of wagons
and horses considerably in Pennsylvania
as they did not hesitate not only to take
. those things but frequently plundercd
houses. and especially kitchens. AS we
moved back only as fast as the army, we
did not get to the Potomac till the 7lh.
y At Hagerstown we passed over the field
our cavalry had fought over day or two
before. This was disagreeable sight a.
our dead we're left unburied, and many o
them stripped of every vestige of clothing
As the river was high aud they hal NJ
facilities for getting across. more than al
: old ferry boat and few Of Uncle Sam
: pontoon boats, they did not get us all owe
? till tho 9th. They Offered parole. but a
]. | knew our government would not accep
!; it I declined it. although should have t
; march 200 miles to Stanton. Va, and as
Il had just marched about this distance di,
n not like the idea. We left the Potoma
v on the 9th and started for Winchester
! about 40 miles distant. This was bar,
n orch on us as we e,farcd as hard as ever
and part of the road was very bad and W
II were compelled to march the last II mile
i after night, and as was weak from hun
o ger and fatigue. my legs almost failed me
e but managed to get along and finally a
e bout midnight on the night of the j lth W
e halted near Winchester We drew bette
It rations after this. but mp to this time W
e had been in theirhands 10 days and march
Lf ed loo miles on. p lbs. of flour and 2Ifb'
a lof meat. ~ oo's % aa' e.i9''
a AS we passed Martinsburg. Va. the la
i. dies gave us all the cakes and bread the
At could raise. although they frequently di
IA lso nnder drswn,swords and severest threat
r. of the s'rebs." This is certainly sone' {
vi the best Union towns / have ever SEEN,
n Our road was now mp the Shenandoa
IL Valley, and we bad an excellent turnpik
,e nll the way: and a. the country was yer
': fine, and THE mountain scenery grand.
:. enjoyed the march much better. 81 's.s
mi We rested at Winchester till tho 2Ssi
I'd when we started for Stanton Which wa
lyl 90 miles Distant This was usrcbsdfi
ke days, on about half sstions. which | wa
il happy TO learn vas all the marching "
n. should have TO do in their bands. As the
a. had transportation for as from here