New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-07-09

had brought either overcoat or blanket, supposing
we would be gone but two or three hours, and the
consequence was We were forced to lie on the damp
grass In our thin blouses without particle OF COW
sring. We had eaten nothing since early in the
morning, and at our hating place were met by the
commissary wagons with our rstions, consisting OF
" hard tack" and coffee; but, half famished as we
were, thing was a luxury. We were reused up
at o'clock in the morning, rations served out 1.-THE
same O. the night before) and about a. m through
@ drizzling rain, we started for Carlisle footsore
and weary. In company with corporal and four
privates, 1 was detailed to act rs rear-suard aud
pick up stragglers; and it was awful to see the
boys drop out by the roadside and lie there, too sick
to move. In all cases they were taken into the
nearest inhabited houses, the inhabitants Of which
very hospitable especially the ladies OF Kings
ton, who had provided bread and butter apple jam,
cool water, etc.-the best thsy had. God bless
them! May they never want for anything the rest
Of their lives. AT length, about p. M, we
reached Carlisle, tie inhabitants Of which were
almost crazy with Joy at our arrival. They
reported that the Rebels left during the
forenoon, and were probably retreating over
the Cumberland Mountains, some Elk miles
beyond, and invited our weary boys TO come into
the market place and partake OF collation.. IL was
responded 20 by about $50 men--all we had left OF
the large regiment with which we started 10 the
morning The res. were coming in as fast as their
tired limbs would let them, else lying sick III
houses along the road In the midst OF the meal
the news came that the Rebels were returning.
Ine companies tell IN, the regiments were formed,
aud on the double quick left town III this direction
IN which they were reported TO be advancing.
About two miles from town they met the enemys
skrmsbers and tell back 10 within mile OF the
town, where we made stand, Company 4, I'D
New York, being thrown out rs skirmishers IN an
oat field about two hundred yards from the enemy's
battery, which position they held all night. About
p M. flag Of truce was sent in from Gen. Stuart,
commanding the Rebels, demanding the surrender
Of the place. threatening In case OF refusal to shell
it, and giving five minutes for the women and chill
dren to leave the place The reply was very con-
else" Come and take it," And immediately the
ball opened. Their batteries were in fair range
and the whining OF bullets, the crash Of bursting
shells and the falling OF buildings were blended
with tie screams OF women and the crying OF chill
dren. As the straggers from the regiment came IN,
they were formed under the command Of Capt.
Francis of Company +, aud started about dark TO
JON the regiment, and were marched 10 tho market
place to get supper. They had Just arrived there,
when q tremendous commotion was excited by the
cry, 9 The Rebels are coming into the town. Of
fcers rushed for their regiments, prystes Tor their
companies, and artillerymen for their pieces La
three minutes were ready for them, drawn up IN
the square. Bat ii proved to be scare, and nothing
came Of il. Those of the I'D who were
under the command of Captain Francis
were marched into graveyard on the outskirts OF
the town, surrounded by high wall, and directly
Us 1
last. The 37th were lying near, fat on the ground,
acting no skirnishers with orders to fall back into
the churCh-ysrd, If attacked. So the night passed
until u o'clock, when the firing ceased. With the
exception OF occasional shot, did not respond
tor the reason, believe, that We did not wish to
unmark our positions, preierrlg &c wait for gem
eral attack. During the evening II think about ~
they Cred the fine United States Barracks, tie gas
honse, and "A largo barn. The flames illumina,ei
the city aud country for miles around The haEde,t
thing II all was TO keep the men awake and even
the skirmishers, 70 near the enemy's battery that
they could zoe every motion and hear every order
given by them, had TO keep passing words down
tie line IN whisper 10 keep them awake. About
3 H. M. they fired three shots in quick succession.
and We sprHug 10 our fee, expecting the event III
moment had come for general attack out il was
not followed up AMI everything sutsdei into quiet.
ness. Morning broke at last, and we found they
had skedadded, leaving not trace behind hut tue
remains VI the burnt and shattered build
ings. Tue damage done 10 the town by the she | /
was lrfDg, considering the quantity thrown, BY far
the heaviest being done by the party who fired the !
buildings | mentioned the list of killed and
wounded IS very small. | AN sorry that | cannot
procue II. There are various rumors about num- /
ber- OF orr aud the 3Ith being picked up on the
road anu either paro.ed or killed and wounded but
lney are to ue received with caution. Credit no 4
such stories that " the regiment is cut to pieces
Or any thing OF the kind Ii il simply bosh. Last /
we had the first full nights sleep We have ,
had in n week, what little rest We have had being "A
couple OF hours at time between marching aud 4
picke,ng. l hear that we start this afternoon for |
'ome point, where cannot say and the boys don't /
,eem TO care much where Considering what we
nave gone through, our physical condition 10 first
-ate. We have slept on the ground for tho last
hree nights with no covering but the I" blue canopy
If Heaven hut the Gully complaint hear as yet Is
rom blisered feet and peeled uecks and faces, from
lie effects VI the sun.
A MEMBER OF COMPANY c.