Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-05-27
From the amherst Enterprise.l
"reminiscences of, the Cd Virginia
Cavalry.

lAIVH' Wo -i""u'S' S"Sf F'toe'I
"reminiscences of the I'd Virginia
Cavalry.
On tho 10th Of September, 1862, at u at
night, Col. Munford was with his regiment,
the ID Virginia Cavalry, at Wysongs Cross
Roads, in Jefferson County. His pickets were
at Dotelers Ford This Regiment had been
ON outpost and picket duty at the battle of
Sharpsburg, and that morning had been the
rear guard. The 5th squadron were on pick
ct at the Antietam Furnace, and were hastily
drawn in and crossed the river and formed
part of the picket on tie heights during the
day. Just before midnight the enemy crossed
tho river and captured three Of the cavalry
men of the picket All that was then ascer-
taincd was that four regiments Of infantry
crossed 1t was also reported that others had
crossed at Shepherdstowa and captured some
of Gen. Pendlcton's artillery About midnight
Col. Munford received orders to withdraw his
command to the Charle pike and send a
picket to the rear of the infantry on the pike
near SheDherdstown. This was the second
and third night of.watch duty for most OF the
men, and although they murmured at such
work without rations for man or beast, SO men,
captain and lieutenants were. detailed and
went checrfully to another night of weary
watching. They were ordered to picket the
4
rear Of A. 2. Hills division and report to him
during the night, and report to their command
early next morning. \ strong picket was
posted on tie pike with videttes in the
suburbs of the town Of Shepherdstown.-
Things were evidently in disturbed condi-
ton, for when the Captain and his squad en-
tered the pike, the infantry picket fred on
him without "halting fortunately without
effect. A. ?. Hills division was the rear Of
the army the rest were further up the Valley.
The picket was quiet during the night, and
carly next morning the captain commanding
reported at Gen. Hills headquarters, and was
told to withdraw his men and return to his
command. The officer giving the order said
that the army was moving up the Valley, and
would have no further use for the captain or
his troopers and still without food or rest, he
proceeded to rejon bis command.
1t is a blessed thing that We can rot rcmem-
Der how much we suffered, and can now only
feel again the Thrill of the battle cry, y
and remember how 'gloriously wo felt when
" old Jack led the van. All the words spok-
en- by the great hero. however trivial have
now something Of romance in them; and any
incident connected.with his brilliant life dur
ing those stormy days; is a matter Of interest
to all who rode with Ashby and Munford, or
served in the " foot cavalry of the Stonewall
Brigade. Every soldier that Jackson ever
spoke to feels proud Of the fact and every
man or officer, who ever reported to jackson,
will remember the scene until he goes to meet
his great General in the land of victory
We do not think therefore, that we shall be
regarded as immodcst or cgotistical, if we cor
rect little DR.. Dabneys Life Of Jackson
On page 57S, he says "Thc messengers sent
to place the latter Jackson] in communca-
ton with the commandcr-n-chief, with diff
Guilty found him, in adrance Of all his troops
widEom an escort, examining the posture of the
enemy's force, while the division of a. p. Hill
was rapidly advancing TO the front" Gen.
Jackson had an escort and guide, and the
enemy's position at Botelcr's Ford was discov-
cred and unmasked by that escort. That es-
cort had been on the ground, and discovered
the enemy on this side of the river, before
Hill or Early with the infantry were brought
to Wysong's Crossroads.
When the captain Of the picket left Gen.
Hills headquarters, he struck across The
country for the Charestown pike. When
about half way, he was stopped by courier,
and told to halt his command and report TO
Gen. jackson. He found Gen. j and 10 or Is
men-staff and couriers coming up a road
from The south, and the following dialogue en-
sued To what command do you belong?
Second Virginia Cavalry.
How many troopers have you?
Filty-fve.
Do you know the road to the ford below
Shepherdstown7
was on It 70, the first time last night.
Then you know the road to the ford
1 do not-but can 60 to the ford.
Then take the road and Gu: ShepherdstOwn
off.
General, do you know that regiments of
infantry crossed last night, and captured three
Of our pickett
Is that so Well, take that road, and cut
Shepherdstowu oil.