North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-09-07
VOL. 4 NO. 5

"eidon Railroad, but baye fortff1ed some
three miles beyond it, and held their, posi-
tion, with comparatively trifng loxs up to
the present time, The Rebels have made
desperate efforts to recover posse sion of this
ImpOIt tant line of communication, but with
40 measure of success that would justify the
immense sacrifice it has cost them. Durins
yesterday afternoon and last night they
made seven successive charges against our
first line, and finally succeeded in taking it,
and with it II to IA pieces of artillery bu.
the success was dearly purchased, and wilr
result in no permanent advantage, as all the
force in the Rebel army, will not be sufi-
cient to wrest from Grant the immense ad-
vantage the possession of this important line
of Railroad will give to him. 1t is the main
artery through which the Rebel army in and
about Petersburg and Richmond draws it's
supplies from the south.
There now remains to them but the
LyHch5urg Road and another successful
flank movement would put that in our pos
session; but unfortunately we have not the
men to spare, and have resorted to rather
questionable means to keep up the appear
ance of strength when our weakness would
otherwise be too apparent. 1t is a very easy
matter to spread canvass over fields, but it
is not SO easy to people it or give it the ap-
pearance of being peopled. Everything has
been brought up from the rear for the pur-
pose of making show wherewith to quelf
tho rebs. Their lines are, no doubt, weaker
than our own, and ifwe only had our own
glorious old Corps here, we could walk into
Petersburg before sundown. Rut, alas we
have only skirmish line, aad one line Of
battle composed of 10th Corps niggers.
We have m ost beautiful Pyrotechnic dis.
plays here, every night, and those to whom
the sight would be new, might find much in
them to admire; but when you have had
your rest DISTURBED night after night by the
incessant booming Of cannon and rattle of
small arms with the occasional bursting of
she'll in too close proximity to be safe or
amusing, these displays become entirely too
common TO be novel or desirable. Some
times there are as msny as II to IA shells in
the air at the same time, and you can trace
their line of flight, by the burning fuse,
which looks not unlike shooting star, from
the time they leave the mortars, until they
strike the ground or explode in mid-air.
have the inclination, but not the time, 20
write you long letter, as am quite busy
with Pay-Rolls and other company writing
AID expect TO De kept so for week or two.
Our Captain, William A. Harm being the
senior, is now in command OF that portion
of the brigade remaining here. He isl
most excellent and experienced officer
having served under! Anderson in the ever
memorable defence of Fort Sumpter-aud is
in every way we'll fitted for the position
This leaves the Battery in command of sem
ior lst Lieut.. A. s. McLain, who has proved
himself most excellent executive officer;
and will, undoubtedly, make quite as abls
a commander. 1st. Lieut.. Harry Fitz Ger
aid is Brigade Ordnance Officer, and will
soon earn for himself the reputation of being
prompt and eficient-the two qualities most
and desirable in his position. I'd
Lieut.. Geo. P. FitzGs raid was former lst
Lieut. in the Battery, when it was known as
Motifs, has had command oft in some Of
is periods of greatest trouble, but was forced
to resign on account Of i'll health. A few
sea voyages, however, restored him, and he
again enlisted-coming out as a private, but
attaining his present promotion rapidly
He has an innate love for the profession of
arms and is promising young officer. I'd
Lieut. Gee. W. Kellog is more of book SOL
dier than practical one, but will soon Be-
come accustomed to the rotlne of actual field
duty and make very useful officer. The
lst or Orderly Sergeant of q Battery, after
the commanding officer, is by far the most
important parsonage, in point of fact, in it.
Upon him devolyes the care of company
the dress, discipline and well or
dering of the command. All the minor de-
tails are dependent upon his sagacity and
discretion. He is required to know every.
thing and little more. Our Battery is for
tunate in the possession of just the man for
the place-lsaac Rheims, from the wheel
hills of France, that land of poets, phlloso-
piers and soldiers-though, indeed, his mer-
its are deserving much more exalted posi-.
ton. ..
But meant merely deserved compli-
word for Capt. Harm, and l find /
have, unconsc iously almost. given you
brief of all our officers. Hoping to havo
..me and opportunity to write you more
generally in teresting letter soon, remain
Truly your friend
CLINT.