Wilmington journal., 1864-10-27

ana on this occasion artillery not easily whip
ped continued firing, until large number of pieces fell
into the hands of the enemy-(rom - to ID pieces
few OF our troops acted well, but for the army its
action was not at all credtable The real of our
disaster at Fishers Hill was quite obvious The troops
pres were nsuc ent to hold the ine and confidence
vas nowhere elt by the troops in their ability to hold
the position. The morale of the command was very
poor and everything in prime condition for the enemy
to gain just such victory as little ingenuity could
devise The enemy did but little fighting, and accom-
piished all by strategy.
Our army took up position in front OF Mt jackson
the morning of the 3d. and after brisk days Skin
mish we retired to Rose Hill. a commanding position
between New Market and Mt. Jackson. This new
position, although good, easily fanked, and as was
expected it was perceived that the enemy pushing
our cavalry on the left, and commenced to retire.
The maL91vre by which means we retired in the
lace OF the enemy, in open day. well conducted and
tested the courage of our troops more than lne-oc
battle Engagement. The retreating army formed three
sides of aquare artillery, amb1ances and ordnance
wagons in the centre, The enemy opened On
US with his artillery from his position near New
Market, end artillery duel kept up du-
ring the dsy, with an inetmission when change of
position became necessary The action of artillery
creditabe; both officers and showed skill and
courage, and kept the enemy at bay. The casual
ties OF the day were very small, and it was with de-
gree cf satisfaction that we reflected upon cur
fuI retirement Lieut. M. Charles, Co. @, 1st n. C..
Was painfully wounded in the face
On Sunday,the 9th, We went into bvouac near Port
Republic, the East side of the South branch of the
Shenandoah snd at the mouth of Browns Cap This
vicinity s one Of exceeding interest 1t here that
our lamened jackson fought the battles OF Cross
aud Port Republic and comme1ced his successful Ca
reer.
South River flows between the Blue Ridge on the
East and small range of bills on the West and drives
many mills of various kinds. Io this small range o
bills is one of the great natural curiosites in Virgins
-Weir's Cdve
We commenced another cavalry chase on the 9th
and drove the enemy from bis position about Cave
Hill capturing some prisoners. Mr. Moher the gen
tlman who owns the cave states that the morning
Of attack, that nearly all OF the cavalry officers
were 10 the cavebu couldn't catch them in go plain
trap.
Porte Crayon in bis "Virgnia Ill astrated has de-
scrlbed graphically elrs cave, and established his
puta,ion artist
We visited the house of the owner of the cave to
guide to point out the objects OF interest but
the old gentleman told the Yankees had destroyed
bis candles, and committed many depredations he
couldn't leave home. But we were to be so easily
foiled, and our email party,-Lieut. B-e and Ad
uant L. O. j. and your correspondent, without guide
started On our expedition.
Arriving at the mouth of the cave we found several
gentlemen just leaving, who had been poted by an
enterpri5ing barefooted rebel" and he gladly
undertook to be our guide Our candles were short
that only a few main points g Fat Mans
Ladder" &c. The scenery OF this cave is said to be
more chaste than that of Mammoth Cave but is far
smaller A large number of the army visited it, one
party carrying the Brass Band of the 4th n. @. The
music heard in adjoining chamber was soft and
meodious sounding aud reverberating through These
numerous subterraDean halls like grand organ in
Cathedral. No one will attempt description of this
beautiful natural Wonder after Porte Crayon be
hausted the subject. Wer's Cave though has now
historic interest," having been visited by the Armies o
JACKSON and Early we'll as by the Vandals.
The future has some bright rays of hope for Us:
UUD.