Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-11-25
CORRESPONDENCE oz Tss "Jou sNAL.
A Letter from Vest \ ireil.ia.

heard anything from us ter some time pro-
| pose giving you brie sketch of our health,
happiness snd where. bouts. We have been
| spending our summer and f.ll. thus lar. among
the mountains OF v eslern Virginia. We came
TO this place on the first of May last, and drove
out a few rebels who had remained here, either
Tor the purpose OF taking piunder from the
inhabitants or 10 get rid of the service.
Aud. since that time we have not permitted a
reb 10 set his foot in this place, unless he had
first surrendered himself prisoner of
We have not always been here, during the
| time named, but when We left VIC generally
went in direction that drew their attention,
apd gave them enough to do to get out Of our
way. General Bill Jackson attempted to
come into this place at time during our
absence, but he found the tenth Virginia in
fantry and one battery here that held him in
check until we fell in on his rear and soon
succeeded in driving his brigade of horse
| thieves aud robbers into the surrounding
| mountains-but not without considerable loss
| for many of our earbine balls hailed the re-
/ treating Gals and brought them to a speedy
| halt. But We must confess, we met with one
| repulse among all our successful skirmisbes.
! We met the rebels at place called Rocky
| Gap, among the mountains, the Goth and
9th OF August, in which we had to contend
with double numbers and that with only
half the ammunition requisite for the occasion.
However, alter a desperate struggle of thirty
want of amuniton which did in good or
der. But, after coming near mile, we halted
and formed blockade across the road, leaV-
ing one battery there heavily charged with
our last rounds of grape and canister. Thus,
concealed behind the works, our gunners
await the approach of the pursuing foe, which
made their appearance in the form of cavalry.
When in hailing distance our gunners
opened full volley on them, which left their
entire force dead and wounded in the the
road. Here their pursuit was batfied and
their army thrown Into confusion. Our way
of retreat being in deep ravne, bounded by
high mountains on both sides, itswas impossi-
bic for them to flank for a istance of TWEEN
~ miles, and by this means we were enabled
TO gain point OF reinforcement. But the |
time of retfibutiOn has now come. General |
Averill has again crossed the mountains into |
the Valley OF Virginia, with all the available |
force from this place. and found Genera Jack
son safely quartered in log huts on the Elk .
river. Here we had slight skirmish with I
him, which resulted in an entire defeat and |
Tout OF his forces, who fed in wild confusion
to the mountains. After committing his |
buildings to lhe flames we pursued his retreat
ing army until he MAS reinforced by General
Eckelman from LewiSburg. They then took
their position the summit OF a high noun
tain, which descended in almost a precipice
on every side, and thus sheterd by their po-
sltlon they made an obstinate resistance.
But, General Averill vas up to the emergency.
lie caused his army TO be divided in four di-
and ordered all to commence the
charge up The mountain at the same signal. |
The infantry and two batterv's were in front |
and the mounted forces on the. TANKS and in
the rear. On the first onset the front was
forced back by repeated voleys of grape and
canister from the enemies heavy guns on the
nights. AZ this moment a loud cry of exulta-
Jion was heard from the enemy within his
works. and huIrah for Rocky Gap Instant
iy our forces rallyed and charged on them
with Increased vignr aud determination and
were soon on and inside their works, beating
the rebel gunners from their positions with
The butts of their rifles Thus the scene ended
a. this place, and the rebels were forced to
abandon their position and fee to the road
tadIng 10 LewiSburg. And now the sulIen !
roar OF the cannon and the rattle of musketry
s no longer heard, but the hidfous cries of
he wounded and dying came rolling across !
ne hati!e Held. A few moments later and we s
we're all again in our saddles and pursuing
he retredting rebels, who by this time had
,Ot start of US. However a short time
'rought as up with them. And now the work )
II obstruction commenced on their demOral-
zed and frightened ranks, for we never drew
lp the reins of our daslIing steeds to hear the ;
'iti"us cries of those who fell by the way side
'ut, with single thrust or blow of our sabres i
sc passed on and left death to finish his work t
u c'ii rear MS tediIhI cONulSt la SIen Tor | l
distance OF eight miles, and only ended a
'hen night closed the scene by casting her :
able shIoGds of darkness DER all the face OF | :
ature. Then the camp fires were lighted, r
nd thousands Of weary, Nar-wOrn soldiers re- 7
line upon the cold ground to repUSe for the e
light. When the morning had again dawued
pom us, and the golden orb of light began to
tst his refulgent influence on the face of
aturc to clear away the tbickning fog. we
eheld our enemirs had continued their flight ;,
uring The night, and thus lett us far behind K
t then took up march for Lewishurg, t
nd when we reached that place found it t
lmosi deserted but they had lett their com o
lIssaIy and qHarteTmaSter stOrOs, which of {
curse fell into our hands. A small detach- !.
tent was sent into this place with the cap i
lred property and prisoners. SO we are once n
ore eicamped on our old ground at Beverly. e
ith the prisoners safely quartered in log ii
arm. They cry pitifuliy for hard tqck and
,Yk. General Averiil, with the remainder of L
lie brigade, has not returned yet; and it is
cry currently reported in camp that he has
I'd several skirmishes in the mountains. You b
lail hear from me again. ". G.. a. r.
Sergeant, Co. X l4th T. V. G. a.
I p+tnr from Fast Niruiuia