Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1864-09-19

L
Letter from One of our wheeling
Boys with AverIlI.
NEAR LEEToWN, JEFFERSON. Co., Va,
September 10th, 1864.
Editors LntslIigsnesr:
SIRs 81 have the honor to beg leave
of trifing place in the columns of your
excellent paper, for few words that may
interest the many readers of its columns,
and benefit our many friends, who have
husbands, fathers, brothers and lovers
connected with this, the I'd Cavalry diA
vision of the Department, commanded by
our brave and kind General, Averill. who
is ever ready and willing to strike blow
when or wherever it is practicable; and in
the desperate manner in which it is gene
rally done, has been fully realized by
the thieving and numbering bands of
McCauslin's and Johnson's cavalry COM
mands, of late. Since our glorious suc>
cesses at Moorfeld, West Virginia, this
command has been almost constantly on
the move day and night, dealing some-
| times blows upon our accused foe with
terrible effect And when compelled, we
appreciated skedaddle with as much
GOODNESS and satisfaction, apparently, as
ever we did the skedaddle of the Jonnies.
Monday, 10Th of August, we entered
Martinsburg, West Virginia, with slight
opposition. The enemy's pickets were
stationed one mile beyond, but instantly
fled on our approach, leaving US in quiet
possession of the town and vicinity; ap>
parently, much to the qualification of the
citizens, who have always welcomed our
coming amongst them, as the return of
peace, harmony and friendship. No Union
soldier who has ever been encamped near
this place, or lie sick or wounded in its
hospitals, but will say, and have cause
to say, that never will or can they forget
the People of Martinsburg" for their
kindness and hospitality.
All remained in quietude until noon of
Wednesday, when of q sudden great
stir was visible in the camps of the diff
ferent regiments of the command: our
scout having just returned, bringing the
news of the very near approach of the
rebs. True enough, but few moments
had elapsed until their skirmish line was
seen coming on with yell and rush.
Our skirmishers retired slowly and in
order, contesting every foot of ground as
they fell back; finding the overwhelming
odds against US, our regulars gave them
a few shells as parting compliment and
a retreat was ordered. We fell back with
most perfect order, to Falling Waters,
leaving our few killed and mortally
wounded, in the enemies possession. Not
being followed, we halted and Law in
position until 3 o'clock next morning,
when we fell back four miles and took a
stronger position opposite Williamsport,
Md, resting here quietly the remains
der of the day. Early next morning,
Sept I'd. we moved out on our advance,
re'entered Martinsburg without meeting
the enemy; passing directly through our
advance met their skirmishers, a short
distance beyond, driving them back, UNI
til we came up with portion of their
main force, occupying barricades of stone
and rail, very strong. Then commenced
skirmishing in reality, making it very
interesting and exciting But the time
for skedaddling of the Johnnies had
come and they yielded readily to the i'm
lpetuous charges of the Yankee bows
Making stand near Bunker Hill, our
battery opened on them. A charge was
ordered and was quickly responded to by
our eager lads, who with deafening
| yell, went for the Jonnies. They not
having any admiration for the qualities
of our "seyen Shooters" turned their
faces towards the Sunny South, bidding
defiance t.. our weary and broken steeds.
We captured SO prisoners, 2 battle flags.
IL wagons, 4sambulances and shelled
their main wagon train, with what result
is not defnately known, but it is reported
that we destroyed, or caused them to
burn nine other wagons All done as
required and our success being so COM
plete, we fell back to. Bucklestown, four
miles, and bivouacked for the night in
very strong position, during terrible
cold rain. Next morning the sun dawned
upon us in all its brightness, but not as
we had hoped, for day of peace and
rest for at noon the rebels attacked us
in all fury, withsa large force much SUI
derior to our own in numbers, but proved
not to be in might or strength, for after
very severe engagement, they were
completely routed, our seven shooters |
again proving too much for their ravens !
Gus appetite for Yankee lead and blood. |
They hed in confusion to Bunker Hill, |
where they endeavored to make deter |
mined stand, but after more severe fight
ing they were charged and again badly
whipped and driven in confusion, leaving |
their killed on the field. We captured a |
Lieut.. and men and fell back to Buck
lestown IN our former position. Next
day at = O'Clock p. m, we again advance 1
ed, when within six miles of Winchester,
1t being night and very dark, 70 our
great surprise we found ourselves within
a quarter of mile and in full view of
their camp and camp fires, really close
enough were our advance to hear their