Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1864-11-23

North of the James. At ~ A. NJ, We had
come up with the ''rebs' at Chapin's Farm,
on the Varina road, aud Immediately open
ed fire on their works to cover an advance of
the Infantry We continued firing until 4
P. NJ, when our ammunition giving out we
were relieved. Our casualties during the
engagements was two men killed and three
wounded; eight horses killed and two
wounded aud one piece disabled by the
force Of It's own recoil.
From the 29th August to the 9th Octo-
ber, the Battery was alternately IN front, on
picket duty, and in tamp-with very little
to do at either place. On the 9th October,
however, the order came to march, and the
definite instructions 1t contained was, 10 fall
in with the lst Div, 18th Corps, command
ed by Gen. Marston, at A. N. At 4. NJ.
we turned up in the vicinity OF Seven
Pines, and the line of battle which was
Immediately formed, told what was the next
programme. ASsoon as the lines were form
ed and commenced the advance upon the
rebel works, our Battery was ordered to ad-
vance in rear to within easy range of a strong
rebel redoubt, and support the assaulting
column. We got within 700 yards Of the
redoubt, when the artillery wheeled by sec
tions into Battery, and Immediately opened
fire on the rebel works The firing was
spirited on both sides, and in the short space
Of about two hours fighting, our boys had
fred from the four guns 525 rounds Of am
munit0n. This looks almost incredible; but
such was the fact, aud the guns were so
heated by the repeated discharges as TO bis
ter the hand on the touching of them In
this affair the Battery suffered heavy loss,
having one man killed-who was struck IN
the breast by a bursting she'll, and complete
ly carrying his breast, shoulders and head
away, leaving only distorted and unrecog-
nizable mass remain-four men wounded.
two severely-seven horses killed, and three
pieces disabled-0ne by the enemy's fire
and two by their own recoil so often repeat
ed. The Capt had two horses shot under
him, one of which had his br asst carried a.
way by cannon ball-striling him at right
ungles, killing him instantly; yet strange to
say, his rider, as if possessing charmed
life. escaped unhurt.
We had the good fortune to get rid of our
second Captain (Simpson) who proved un-
worthy the confidence of the men, and
dlsgracr to the service. Some of his acts
were brought to the notice of Gen. Butler,
III August last. and after personal exami
nation by the General the charges were more
than sustained. and as is generally the case
with rascally officers in this department
Simpson was summarily and dishonorahly
-
is however, in confinement at department
headquarters to remain till he makes good
the local bounty Of one of his veteran mem
bers, which he collected and failed to pay o.
ver Our present Captain, Vim. Stitt, re-
Gently promoted by Gov. Curtin, halls from
Franklin county, and has served in the Bat
terry since its original organization, and Is
consequently an experienced officer. lie
was warm friend Of Capt, Easton, our
first comma nder, and who was from the
same county, and is every way eminently
fit to command an organization made IA
nous by the skill and bravery of him who
sacrificed his life for the cause he loved SO
well. Capt Stitt by his indomitable brave
ry and coolness IN the face of danger here
the messengers Of death are falling thick
and fast around him, combined with his
gentlemanly department, has won for him
the admiration of his superior officers in
this Corps; and his command, just now, en-
joys an enviabe reputation for sterling fight
ing qualities and efficiency.
Our boys gladly availed themselves of the
privilege, Ton the second Tuesday of Octo-
Der, for the first time, to exercise the high
est prerogative Of the citiZen-which Oppor-
tunity was granted them in August la t
and right well did they use it, though for
want of receipts for taxes paid, we only sue
ceeded IN polling 3 votes tor State officers.
Out of this number the Union candidates
had sc. and the cops l. The cops" did
not vote for State officers; but at the cleo
ton last Tuesday, for Electors, they show
ed their whole available strength The
whole vote polled for Electors was 7G-
of which, those for the Union received SO,
and those fo~ the ''cop" man. %: leaving
a majority of 80 for ''Old Abe - We lost
about six votes for want of the tax receipts;
while the cops run in few votes which,
by strict test, might perhaps have been
prevented | was somewhat disappointed
in the vote of the Battery, as [ confidently
expected that we would poll 80 votes in all,
and an aggregate for the Union of 10 But
the result now shows that, in one case, my
calculation was too large, and in the other
too small At all events, we had a respecta-
Bile majority; and when the material VIII ch
now composes our organization is taken in
TO account, and their political antecedents
canvassed, the result is gratifying enosgh,
We are anxiously waiting the result on
the home vote, and have such confidence in
the loyalty of the people, as to lead us TO
hope that all the Vaccinations of the trai
tors North. for the destruction of the Union,
will have proved on the Sth of November,
abortive and fruitless.
Yours Truly, W. R. B.
''Moly," said Joe Kelly's ghost TO his
wife, Il m in pureatory at present. And