Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1864-08-12
SAMUEL b. SCHWARTZ,
Co. c, ll0th Regt. 2. Y.
AMY OF 7HE POroA4c, NE.n PFrrassusq, Va,


ARMY or THE PoToMAc, Mar PETERSBURG, Va,
July 7th, 1854. !
| DEAR EDIroR Perhaps few lines from this
part of the field of mars may not be uawelcome to
your numerous readers The cieizens Of your quiet
town, no doubt, look anxiously for news from their
numerous friends in the army For more than two
months this Army of the Potomac has been very
busily engaged. Marching and lighting has been our
daily occupation, since crossing the Rapidan Per
haps never in the memory Of man have so many
events, fraught with so much interest transpred ia
SO brief period of time. The sound os cannon, or
the rattle OF small arms has greeted our ears almost
daily. While our infantry have been weaving gar
lands for their brows, the cavalry corps haven tbeen
idle. The graves of their dead mark their pathway
from the Rapdan to within one and half miles Of
that city around which so much interest is
centrated. Having faH confidence in their gallant
leader, Sheridan, they consider themselves almost
pvincible aud licensed 70 go Shere they viii. They
have become terror to Southern Railroads, and
Hampton and Fitz Lee have learned to their cost,
that .Sheridans Raiders know how to fight as well
as raid After participating in the battles Of the
wilderness for several days after crossing the Rspi
dan, this Corps turned the right Of Lees army, and
after burning his supplies, tearing up his railroads,
and cutting his communications, the 18th Of May,
We found ourselves u miles from Richmond, and
inside the first line of Notifications around the city,
The rebel cavalry disputed every step of our way,
and when at Richmond they met our advance at Yel-
low Tavern, while their infantry pitched into our
Division lGreggs in the rear and while yet inside
their Qualifications, our gallant First Division charged
and routed them on the advance, while Gen. Gregg
*1,1 L.
permitting the citizens of Richmond to hear the
music of his cannon, and that be would take his
own time in leaving their Notifications. The rebel
General Stuart feIl. For awhile the 'Johnies' we're
all sides of us right and left front aud rear, their
iron hail, shet and she'll whistiing around our
ears like rain Many of our comrades were left be-
hind OF found graves around the rebel city. From
Richmond We wended our way to the Peninsula, aud
crossing the Chickahoniny and Pamunkey, reioined
the army near Hanover. Remaining with the army
sometime we were engaged in the several fights and
skirmishes on the Peninsula until the Sth or 9Th Of
June, when our First and Second Divisions started
on raid towards Gordonsville, en- route, for the
Richmond papers said mo one knew where" Near
Lousia Court House, the whole rebel cavalry corps
attacked us, whom we repulsed after severe en-
gagement Tearing up the railroad for several miles
we returned to the White House, where we found
awaiting a large wagon train, which we were to
escort to the James, easy task in the then exist
ing state of affairs. The entire cavalry force were
hoverlng around it ike hungry yultures. BY fight.
ing and manuveoring the train brought to with
IN few miles of the James River, and Charles City
Court House. On Friday, June 24th, the First Di-
vision taking the advance, the Second, Gen. Greggs
was to hold She only remaining road which led TO
Richmond A few miles from the train we met the
enemy apparently in heavy force. For some time
neither party made any demonstration, when the
rebels learning that only one Division opposed the
attacked US with their whole cavalry corps. Then
followed one of the seyerest cavalry fights said to
have ever been experienced by any portion Of this
corps, Charge upon charge was given and received,
though four times number they were hurled back
with terrible slaughter For two hours the contest
ragged, until out-nHmbered, oyerpowered, and flank
ed right and left, Division for the first time we
believe since is existence, forced to retire. dis
putting with force every foot of ground we trod
few days sufhced to transport train and corps to
the southern banks of the James river Engaged
In active operations few days, we have gone hnto
camp to rest our faithful, but weary horses. Though
we expect to rest but q very few DAYS. men and
horses will again be ready for the saddle aud the
march when the Bugie calls. The weather has
been very warm for some time and the dust IN field
and road Is almost suffocating. From all appear
arees this army have not yet finished their summers
campaign, bat have yet deeds to performs which viii
be celebrated IN story and in song, long after the &C.
tors have passed from earth. Victory IS now hover
ing around our starry banners and ne believe that
nnder our gallant leader, Gen Grant. complete and
triumphant success VIII eventually reward an our eff
forts and toll. We hope that PENNSYLVANIA and |
Maryland may not again be polluted by the rebel /
horde, as threatened. Trusting 10 .vonr Kind
ness tor forgiveness for this intrusion, am.
Very respectfully, your ODD servt.
So ID Errcut-r.