Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1864-07-21

Jui1 pi loots
Biitor Ruiian6 Herald
Our division arrived at this place
three days ago, after our gay ride" of
eleven days south and west OF Rich
mond. | will endeavor to describe to
you some of the incidents and move
ments of the forces under General Will
son, during those long, hot, dusty aud
sleepy days and nights.
On the morning of the 22d of June, at
2 o'clock we left camp at Prince George
Court House, with five days ra-
tions in our haversacks, and two days
feed for our horses in bags made
for the occasion. Gen. Kautz had the
advance and crossed the Norfolk and
Petersburg railroad without opposition.
Thence our route was through woods
and across corn-6elds until we reached
Reams station, which was burnt before
the rebels had fairly got their eyes open
to our advance. Our regiment was the
rear guard, and by the time everything
was up to the burning station, the reb-
els had got artillery in position to rake
our column Just as our rear was pass
ing where once stood the depot, they
opened on us with shell quite smartly,
and as we did not wish for fight there,
the column was closed up somewhat hur-
rledly with the loss of some ten or
fifteen hats and caps. We kept straight
on our course which was southwest un-
| til we reached Dinwiddie Court House.
The rebels followed us closely pushing
our rear at every opportunity, and fire.
quently using their artillery, but they
| could not drive us from our marching
gait. When within two miles of Dinwid-
die G. H., Col. Chapman found that
brigade of the rebels were trying to cut
of our regiment, and then he formed the
| ODD New York on both sides of the road
facing to the rear. Our regiment was
in front, and as we fell back slowly the
rebels were piled in the roads and woods
close together, and were not aware OF
our movement until sharp, ringing
volley from hundreds of carbines halted
them in confusion. But they were sui
len and determined, even as were our
BOYS. and for forty minutes thick
shower of bullets whistled through that
golden wheat field, and cracked through
the thick pulpy oak leaves of the wood
where short time before the moeking
bird sung his varied tunes. Our men
drove them u short distance and then
quietly passed through the village and
reioined the column.
Dinwiddie Court House is only small
village containing about fifteen houses
, but is thought to be quite place for
Virginia. The citizens seemed aston,
ished to see our Yankee cavalry riding
through their streets; but they quietly
remained in their houses.
From the Court House our course was
due west, and when we were three miles
from the village the enemy were NJ
with us again, charging and yelling IN
their peculiar fendish way. They fol
, | lowed US until after dark when our mer
t fell back in such way as to receive
t them with volleys every few rods, 81
they concluded to let the Yankees alone
We struck the South Side railroad
Q which runs to Lynchburg, near Suther
!, land, that night, and burnt the track
c and large steam mill, besides larg
piles of lumber and the way station
About IL O'Clock we came to a halt on
, mile from Ford's station for the purpos
: of thoroughly destroying the railroad
Y and to get little rest. But, in tw,
hours we were again in our saddles ant
= = as we passed Fords station, the depot
railroad buildings, large quantity O
i wood and two engines and trains of car
: were all on fire. The command arrive,
/ at "Black e. Whites" at 10 o'clock A. n
June 23) having destroyed the railroa
= up to this place. and burnt thousand
= of cords of dry wood that was piled be
: side the track halt was made a
= this placefor one hour, that we Nigh
make some coffee and groom our horses
!, !, At this place and near by were store
large quantities of cotton that had late
ly been sent here from Petersburg fo
: safe keeping; this was all burnt. Fror
> this place Gen, Kautz proceeded direc
: to Burksville, and Gen. Wilson to th
right of that place. When near the raj
road some five miles to the north-eas c
], the Junction, Gen. Wilson was met by
rs large force of cavalry and infantry
i Then commenced severe fight whic
Il lasted until late into the night Th
rebels chose their position and ker
pouring shell, grape and canister int
= the faces of our men, who stood only a
e veterans can, holding their ground
d Our artillery did not open until th
re burning sun had nearly set. AT on
!, - time our boys charged across the rail
4 road and drove the rebel gunners froi
o their pieces and held them for thirt
minutes. Our loss was considerable i