Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1873-07-08

enemy, while others were stationed at the Rail
road abutments and piers for like purpose
1.-THE bridge having been burnt previously by
Gen. Ewell's men, who had lett on Tuesday
morning for Gettysburg while still others were
placed along the Spring, the high banks afford
ing shelter from the enemy guns.
STAMPEDE OF THE CITIZENS.
Some have been noticed, very many went to
their cellars, where, in some, large crowds as
sembled for prayer. Others fastened out to
the adjacent fields, north side of the town, for
the night Here mother earth was a common
repose for rich and poor, who for the first time
became acquainted. The towards who had
means, stanpeded some days before, locked up
their houses and fed in the cars; especially.
that class of politicians and officials OF whom 1t
may be said: ''the ,oicled teeth sohen no man
pursueth, but the righteous 1.-THE writer except
ed) are as bold as hon, even If they had to
get down into dark, damp cellars or step out
side of town for time.
ALARM NEXT DAY.
A rumor was current, the town was to be
burned at ten o'clock. The news spread over
the town, and to the country, and persons who
had gone thither, came in frantic with alarm and
carried away valuables, clothing, beddings, &C.,
while not few procured barrows and other
conveyances, drawn by old horses, too worth
less for military purposes, and loaded light
furniture to save it from the impending con-
fagrationl Even many who had not left their
homes, became foolishly panic-stricken and fed,
each with load on his back and In hand, while
Gen. Lee and his fighting cavalrymen, at this
dread hour, for our wholesale destruction, were
on their way to Gettysburg, and no other enc
my at hand
GEN. LEE RETIRES UNMOLEsTED.
Before day break the firing ceased and he
left The writer through curiosity and alone.
traced in part his line of march and travel
Taking south westerly course across the fields.
lime stone fence was taken down, wide enough
to pass through. Then continuing over other
fields in clover and corn, passed out at large
gate to the back road, as it is called, leading
to Carlisle. Then crossed "Letort Spring.
marshly, and now safely on the Baltimore turn
pike, and here doubtless expecting. Badly" to
| follow him, drew up in line of battle, awaiting
the arrival of the raw recruits. But discretion
being the better part Of valor, the houses in
which they were the night before, or behind
Railroad piers or lying along the high bank of
the Spring, being better protection for them,
| than an open exposure Of their dear persons
on the wide, open, pike, Lee was permitted to
leave without "a fire in his rear" His train,
think, was secured by passing on circuitous
route to the turnpike and sent off In advance
before the battle ended.
| EFFECTS OF THE SMELLING.
Some have already been noticed. A widow
| lady and her daughter, on leaving bed room.
shell struck the brick WALL entered the same
room, exploded, tore the ceiling, floor and walls
indescribably. A gentleman was coming down
| from the garnet with valise in hand, when an
other missile, knocked in large lime stone, at
| ~ IA LII IL
good Democrat was unpjured. Another enter
ed frame house, tore through the ceiling in
the entry and through the kitchen and was
found in the yard He keeps it as relic and
values, it very highly; for the same reason nc
injury befell him. Other shells entered dwell
ings and greatly destroyed furniture by explo-
sion. One entered the Courthouse and tore
up things generally. The sand stone columns
in front still iDdellibly bear the mark of an ex-
| ploded shell, which, observed some three weeks
ago. Chimneys were knocked off and these
terrible destroyers exploding in yards, gardens,
and on the streets, made indentations to remind
the people of this eventful night, for it was war;
Every part of the town vas struck, either
slightly or injuriously, but not citizen, not a
man, woman or child Of the entire population
was in the least injured.
| CONCLUSION
A few days more and ten years shall have
elapsed What happy change, we can scarce
ly realize 1t, when We contrast the conflicts of
| 1868 with the present peaceful relations exist
ing between us. Now we are one as countrymep
and of the Federal Union, write this not to
infiame the passions or excite prejudice, but,
simply, as an item of information for Southern
people, particularly for those most directly in
terested, the survivors Of Lees famous Cavalry,
who, as remarked at the outset, may be inter
ested to read how we CarlisIers Jared on this
never-to-be-forgotten night in July, 1863
Yours truly,
W. MILES.
Wiiamsport, Pa, June 26, 1873.
+. S.-Other Southern papers, especially Of
Richmond, please publish and send copy Of
paper, for which they have my humble thanks.