Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-06-10
gaftsman's 9onrnal.
CORRESPONDENCE OF THE "JoURNALh
Letter from the Rappahannock.

backs, which does not strain ones eye-sight
much as the distance from where sit. to two
Rebs on post, is not more than so yards. A
Lieutenant from the other side, just now jo-
kingly enquired to whom was writing. Up
on being informed, he requested NE to pre-
sent his compliments to you, with the remark
that he hoped you would be kind enough not
to claim victory for Hooker 1t Fredericss-
burg. as it did not end thus. He, however,
frankly acknowledged that Hooker won a vic
tory, and great one at that. but says be over
done the job and lost it again Perhaps, ne
is more than half right.
On our return from the Stoneman raid, We
were sent into camp near Potomac Greek
bridge to recrnit, where We remained about
one week. Much of that time passed With
my brother, DIR. J. W, who is Medical Direc-
tor of the 1st Division, (Birney's) Sd Army
corps; which stood the brnnt of the fight af-
ter the break of the 1lth. The Sd suffered Sc
vereiy. They had completed the work of
bringing the wounded across, of whom there
are about 500 in the lst Division Hospital.
I am glad to be able to say, when left, all
were comfortably provided with clean and al
~ quarters, and under the untiring attentions
of host of humane and attentive surgeons,
directed by splendid surgeon and really es-
timable gentleman, Doct. Geo. Lutz, who is
in charge of that hospital. All seemed as CON-
Portable as their wounds would permit-in
short, nothing seems TO have been neglected
that could in the least add TO their comfort,
either real or imaginary except, perhaps, the
imaginary superior softness of the well re-
menbered and now oft thought of bed at
home. Before left, most of the nece ssary
operations had been carefully and skilfully
performed, which was evidenced by the rapid
Improvement in the health of the patients
Too much cannot be said in praise of the sur
geons and their assistants in this hospital, fer
their sieepless and untiring efforts to relieve
the pains of the poor sufferers. Then. the
hospital tents and grounds are perfect mod
die of neatness, ,enlived by the presence of the
ever cheerful Doctor Lutz, aforementioned
who, am proud to say is Pennsylvania,
and | think from Columbia county. All ope-
rations were performed when the patients were
under the influence OF Chloroform the value
of which can hardly be estimated. witness
sed an operation the evening before left.
The patient asked my Brother if there was no
hope for saving his leg? When answered in
the negative, be said, then you will amputate
it yourself, wont you When asured that his
request would be complied with ,he fixed him.
self npon the stretchers. and began to inhale
the pleasing drug. After few moments he
began to sing portions OF the Star Spsngled
Banner, his voice growing fainter, when. at
last, with countenance beaming with smiles
he went of into dream-land, perhaps to hold
pleasing converse with the dear ones tar away,
whose tears of sympathy were yet unsbed for
his sufferings- The manned limb was gone
and the dressing applied TO the wounded
stump; when be awoke and inquired of the
Doctor, how long before you are going to take
it off He was much surprised TO learn that
the dreaded job was oyer This vas bnt one
of the many operations that | witnessed, and
all were entirely unconscious of pain, if, in
deed, the part operated upon is in any degree
sensitive.
On arriving at KeIly's Ford, with detach-
ment for picket duty at that place, we we're
salnted by some eight ten shots from some
Johnny Rebs, which killed two horses and
wounded one man. We soon learned, that to
show our heads within rife range of the oppo-
site shore, was to risk getting bullet or two
through it. This state Of affairs was brought
about. by the retiring pickets firing voley,
as a parting salute, at the Rebs. They were
regulars. Picket shooting was the order for
a day and night, but gradually the ire of both
parties cooled, and they now sit on the oppo-
site banks of the narrow stream. frequently
post is 5 miles from KeIy's Ford, near Rap
pahaunock Station. Several deserters came
over and gave themselves up, declaring they
had enough of the war. Two came over last
night with horses, arms and equipments. They
represent heavy force of cavalry at Culpep-
per Court House, where, according to rumor
they are concentrating force for raid into
Maryland. which is to eclipse Stoneman's late
raid into Dixie. If this be true, we are like
iy soon TO have other than picket duty to per-
form.
Bushwhackers are thicker in this vicinity.
than f1eas on dog. They captured one Lieu
tenant and four or five OF our men. who we're
parolled after everything was taken from them.
Night before last they shot picket of the 10th
N. z. killing him. They are the Copper
heads of Virginia. More anon.
Yours as ever. c. e. L.
rk. -a;l wb;ch covers the face OF futuritv