The Portland daily press., 1864-12-14
Letter from the Shenandoah Valley.

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ActiUity at Harper's Fsrry-DeOastdtton Of
War-John Bro'0n's Execution oesng
.Auenoed-CArfstfan Commission-E rec,s-
ton of Noted Guerrilla. ssf&
HARPER's FERRY, Va, Dsc., 1884.
To the Edaor of the Press. Asa@-O@
Thinking that few items from the Shenan-
i doah would not be uninteresting to your many
readers, snatch a few moments from my du-
ties to give you digest of what is transpiring
in this vicinity. ~ 'oN 9sn@AsfA@
Gen. Sheridan's base of supplies has been
transferred to this place, and it presents live
ly and picturesque appearance. Army wag-
ons drawn by mules of most forlorn appear
ance, are constantly rafting by, while the hnr-
ried tramp of squads Of cavalry indicate that
guerrilla hunt, or some work of burning
and devastation is on foot.
Owing to the guerrilla-like propensities of
the inhabitants of Loudon county, our caval-
ry has been making wholesale destruction Of
all immovable property, and driving in all the
live stock. While am writing, some two
thousand head of cattle, and about as many
sheep are passing by, the fruit OF, recent
cavalry expedition. The burning of the
houses and barns could be seen quite plainly
at this place, and with a glass our men were
seen carrying on the work of destruction.-
Such is the fate of those who rebel against
lawful authority; and the worst has not come
yet The 9th Corps recently passed through
here, the destination of which, however, is
unknown.
The desolating effects of war are fearfully
apparent in this place, and were those in the
Pine Tree State who pray for the success Of
the rebels, to remain here a few days, they
would return strong Union men. Houses are
demolished and half burned, others riddled
with shot and shell, churches converted into
stables and guard rooms, civil jurisdiction
mixed with the military, and the landmarks Of
peace swept away. 6#aafa {H
1t seems strange that the place which John
Brown chose for his theatre Of action, should
so soon be the scene of a grander aud more
terrible conflict. Many of those who shouted
in flendish glee as he was launched into eter-
nifty from the gibbet at Charleston, have met
] with the same fate, or viii meet with it ere
''this cruel war is over" 7osos-s
The Christian Commission have transferred
their headquarters from Martinsburg to this
place, and ere long a large quantity of stores
viii be ready for distribution. There are a
few thousand troops at this place, and it is q
broad field for Christian effort. Could those
possessed of plethoric purses know the amount
Of good which the Commission accomplishes,
they would empty their contents into Its trea-
sury- Donations OF money are the most ac-
ceptable, as the wants of the soldier are best
known to the Commission, and by this way
the most necessary articles reach the soldier.
i A noted guerrilla was hung here last FRI
day; scene new to me and one which
would not care to witness again. William
Loge, Alias French Bill, deserted from the
Goth New York regiment about IA months
since, and joined Mosby, noted gnerrila
thief, with whom he has been ever since
Two of the same gang were recently shot by
Lieut.. Pearson, well known scout located at
this place for the special purpose of "treeing"
guerrillas. Loge was captured at Johnston's
Distillery, in Loudon county, having been COW
cred between two feather beds and secured
after some little difficulty. BE was brought
to Gen. Stevenson, the commander of the
/ post, who issued an order for his execution on
the following day at 3 o'clock. The prepare
| tons for his execution were not completed
until about three o'clock, and at half past
the prisoner was escorted to the gallows by
detachment of soldiers, headed by the band of
the 5th New York Heavy Artillery playing
the dead march. He assembled the gallows
with firm step, and after devotional exer-
cises by the priest. was asked by the officer in
Charge if he had anything to say. He said he
had; and the substance of his remarks was
as follows: aE ee lal1lcs niasEogllao
Il acknowledge that 1 am guilty of the
charge OF deserving, but while Z have been
with Mosby have done nothing more than to
engage in few robberies. I die alSouthern
soldier and a Christian and I want you all
to pray for me-" ssF SZ.p
After speaking. he walked firmly up to the
fatal trap door, put his hands behind him that
they might be tied, and did not betray the
slightest emotion The moose was adjusted,
the cap drawn over his eyes, apd at given
signal the rope holding the trap door was Gu.
aud he dropped but, horrible to relate, the
rope broke and he fell upon the earth beneath.
he was hung again second time, and after
having remained the usual time his body was
cut down aud sent to the hospital for burial
he was Frenchman by birth, man of great
physical power, and but twenty years of age
C.V.H.
Delegate of the Christian C,e,nmission 81