The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-05-06
pOnenent:
Exciting and Extraordinary Scene

Exciting and Extraordinary Scene.
A correspondent of the Philadelphia Press
with Gen. Banks army gives the following
graphic description Of the panic among our
troops and teamsters during the first days fight,
near Pleasant Hill-a brief statement of which
we have heretofore published:
It was one of those unaccountable events that
no geniOus nor courage can control. find it
impossible to describe a scene so sudden and
bewildering although was present, partly an
actor, partly spectator, and saw plainly every
thing that took place. The battle was pro-
crossing vigorously. The musketry firing was
loud and continuous, and having recovered
from the danger experienced from Ransom's
division, we felt secure of the position. was
SLOWLY riding along the edge of the wood con-
versing with friend who had just ridden up,
about the events and prospects of the day.
We had drawn into the side of the wood to al
low an ammunition wagon to pass, and al
though many were observed going to the rear,
some on foot and some on horseback, we re-
garded it as an occurrence familiar to every
battle, and it Occasioned nothing but q passing
remark. l noticed that most of those thus
wildly riding to the rear were negroes, hang
ers on and serving-men, for now that we have
gone So deeply into this slaveholding country
every non-commissioned officer has servant,
and every servant mule.
These people were the first to show any
panic but their scamper along the road gave
only amusement to the soldiers, who pelted
them with stones. and whipped their flying
animals with sticks to increase their speed.
Suddenly there was rush, shout, the crash
ing of trees, the breaking down of rails, the
rush and scampcr of men. 1t was as sudden
as though a thunderbolt had fallen among u.s.
and set the pines on fire. What caused it, or
when it commenced, no one knew. turned
to my companion to inquire the reason of this
proceeding, but before he had the chance to
reply, we found ourselves swallowed up. as it
were in Kissing, seething, bubbling whirl-
pool of agitated men. We could not avoid the
current; we could not stem it. and if we hoped
to live in that mad company, we must ride with
the rest of them. Our line of battle had given
way. General Banks took off his hat and i'm
plored the men to remain; his staff officers did
the same, but it was of no avail. Then the
General drew his sabre and endeavored to rally
his men, but they would not listen. Behind
him the rebels were shouting and advancing
Their muskets filled the air with that strange
file-rasping sound that war has made so fami-
lar to our fighting men. The teams were
abandoned by the drivers, the traces cut, and
the animals ridden off by the frightened men.
Bareheaded riders rode with agony in their
faces, and for at least ten minutes it seemed as
If we were going to destruction together. 1t
was, however, my fortune to see the first battle
OF Bull Kun, and to be among those who made
that celebrated midnight retreat toward WASH
ington. The retreat of the 1st division was as
much rout as that OF the first Federal army,
with the exception that fewer men were en-
gagged, and our men fought here with valOr
that was not shown on that serious, and mock
heroic day in July. We rode nearly two miles
in this mad-cap way, until on the edge of a ra-
vine, which might formerly have been bayou,
we found Emory's division drawn up i'm line
Our retreating men fell beyond this line, and
Emory prepared to meet the rebels. They
came with rush, and as the shades of night
crept over the tree-tOps, they encountered our
men. Emory fired three rounds and the re-
bels retreated. This ended the fight, leaving
the Federals masters. Night and the paralyz-
ing effects of the stampede upon our army,
made pursuit impossible The enemy fell
back, taking with them some of the wagons
that were left, and number of the guns that
were abandoned.
Capture or the Female Physician.
Chattanooga Cores Cincinnati Commercial.
mentioned In late letter, that Miss Mary
E. Walker, n. D., had been ordered out here
from Washington, and had been assigned to
duty in Colonel Dan. McCook's brigade. The
Doctor has been in the brigade q number of
weeks, and frequently went outside the lines
to visit the sick and desolate families, on
which occasion she invariably rode the Colo
nel's much yalud horse, Chickamauga A few
days ago she accidentally rode into the enemys
pickets in one of her excursions to visit the
sick, and was taken prisoner. She was yester.
day sent TO Richmond as curiosity-being
dressed mainly In male apparel-and will prob
ably not show herself at the Colonel's head
quarters for some time. Inasmuch as she is .
woman and holds no commission under the
United States the rebels can not hold her e. Z
prisoner of war, and will no doubt release her.
Many sympathize with the Colonel in the loss
Of hfs fne horse, but few in the loss Of his Doc