Mineral Point weekly tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1859-1868, 1863-11-04
THE sKIRMIsH AT AUBURN.

Leaving the road by file left, we were soon
after drawn up in line OF battle, Gen. French
ordering the sharpshooters in on a charge.
stating that those fellows can fight any
way So fixing bayonets ION our short but
truSty rltlCS) we were soon off over an open
field towards piece of woods three hundred
yards distant, from whence shots were being
rapidly fired, our loud " war-whoop" making
the welkin ring. Entering the wood, driving
all before them, the sharpshooters kept on to
the top OF a hill, firing and yelling as they
went where after some difficulty they were
halted and scouts sent ahead. But the en-
envy had fled from this part of the field and
soon after the firing on our right also ceased.
Three rebel dead lying in the woods near
where we entered, proved to US that we had
been having a bout with dismounted rebel
cavalrymen. A large body Of them mounted
were also seen across an open field, drawn up
in line of battle, whereupOn several Badger
scouts gave them few rounds at about three
hundred yards; but they soon left Our loss
was slight; two wounded in the sharpshOot-
ers-none in Co. G. The torn and ragged
re gimental colors recetUed Utrse bullet holes
through It. Again we were moving on, and
until late at night did we continue to march,
the night being dark and the men fatigued
and weary. The sharpshooters were out on
each side of the road as fankers q portion of
two Badger scouts being the first to enter the
place in company with infantry officer
We marched by road over twenty-six miles
that day, besides skirmishing. 1t was now
rumored about that the rebels were giving US
hard race for position near Bull Run and
Centreville, and the next morning, the 18th.
we were soon quickly marching on, the sharp
shooters again put out fiankers but were
recalled on Manassas Plains Crossed Broad
Run, fling to left and rear, when we again
drew up in line Of battle. Soon after left
however, and finally crossed Bull Run al
Blackburn's Ford; the old earthworks used
when the I'd Wisconsin went into their first
tight still to be seen. Arrived on the heights
near Centrevilie in the afternoon where we
found large portion of our army already in
position, having arrived by different routes.
The celebrated Iron Brigade was there with
its small but inVincible Second Here we
renamed over night. Late in the afternoon
We could see plainly the flashes that preceded
the lannon's deep roar" in the battle then
gong on at Bristoe Station kettle Rum in
which the Second corps were actively engaged
The First Minnesota are said to have per-
formed good service in this fight This is
not to be wondered at however Is they are
old veterans surely. On the 18th we marched
TO Fairfax Station where we encamped near
by IN the timber. That evening we were
turned out without arms to receive Mai. Gen
Sickles, who came from Washington by the
cars to visit his old corps. I need hardly say
that he was welcomed with loud and hearty
cheers.
On the 10th, in the afternoon. we were Or
dered out TO witness the fate of deserter
the first one to be shot in the Sd corps Tie
lst division of which the sharpshooters form
part, were formed in two lines. making
three lines Of square. Through these lines
the eulprlt was marched soIemnIy behind his
own coffin, the band in front PLAYING the dead
march He appeared resigned to his fate,
and walked firmly along to his last resting
place. After a short prayer in his behalf by
the minister attending him, his eyes were
bandaged by the Division Provost Marshal
and he took his seat on the edge OF his coffin
which was by the side OF his grave. Soon
after twelve muskets poured forth their con
tents at a distance of SIX PAGES, and Henry
c. Beardsley of the 18th Michigan regiment
fell dead in his coffin pierced BY eleven bul-
lets, one gun containing blank cartridge
The different regiments forming the division
then marched back to their respective camps
solemnly impressed with the scene they had
just witnessed.
From what | can learn Of this latest move
ment of the Army of the Potomac, General