National Republican., 1883-09-25

valley. capturing prisoners, guns, and sup |
plies, until they were worn out.
That night Sheridan's army slept in tho
camp from which they were so rudely driven
in tho morning. They had recaptured their
twenty-four lost cannon and twenty-four OF
Early's with them, together with his ambu
lances and many battle flags. In its change
ing fortunes, IL was one of the most remark
able engagements of the whole war; and in
its results most decisive, for never again did
Early risk an attack on the union forces in
the valley, and within u few months was
fugitive without al army.
1t is but meet to say n few words about the
exoursionists personally. 1t is no wonder
that they have made such an impression on
the people Of the valley, for they physically
aud mentally fairly represent the best of New
England. Col. Carroll ID. Wright is chief
statistician of Massachusetts,, u pc rfcct man
physically and renowned in Europe MS well
as in this country for his attainments and
researches. Gov. Littlefcld, Of Rhode Island
Gen. Emory, former commander of tho
10Th army CORPS; Gen. Birgo, Of New
Jersey; Gen. Mcmillan, of Indiana, and Gen.
Thomas, of Vermont, who commanded
brigades on tho bloody fields we have trav
ersed; Col. Rhodes, of Providence; Mai. Ellis,
of Shoridan's sta1; Maj. Berry, of Portland,
Me- Con. sSturtevant, of New Hampshire;
Mai. Tolman, Of Massachusetts,; +. III. Buff
| fum of tho Boston Herald G. Il. Coffin
| ("Carlcton"), of the Boston Globe
and many others of tho exour-
sionists arc men who won ronown
in the civil war, and have achieved distinction
in civil and political life since. A finer or
better looking body of men is seldom seen
than that which to-day marched up the streets
of Harrisonburg, and have been the welcome
guests of tho III st exclusive homes of VIM
chester during the past few days.
| thousand pleasant incidents, reconters,
| nf old fell nlah ive ,f,,ic
cences of war times have cropped up during
our stay here Maj Ira Berry was telling u
group of ladies of his being wounded, and the
womanly charity with which lady of Win
chester had done her best to alay his suffer-
ing and minister to his wants. Imagine his
delighted surprise when one of the very
group he was talking to said major, it was 1
that nursed you then"
During the last stages of the battle of
! Opequan, when it was apparent that one of
! the batteries the confederatos had captured
must refall into the hands of the rapidly ad-
vancng union forces, Lieut.. Griiliths, now
| living here as n peaceful business man, seized
the hammers and swabs and hid them in
the loft of an old corn crib that is
! still standing. Yesterday, meeting one
| of the officers of that very battery, it
occurred to him that perhaps tho rammers
might have been left undisturbed where he
had placed them nineteen years ago. To-
|
moments search-and lo the long lost
artillery implements were placed in the
hands of their eXultiug former official GUS
todian. Needless to say they have gone
North.
l have spoken of the houses of Winchester
being open to the veterans. 1t is really true.
Gen. Thomas. whose advancing years admon-
ished against the risk of sleeping in camp,
applied at the Taylor house for lodging, but
was told every room was full. The gentle
man accompanying Gen. Thomas in eX-
pressing his regret mentioned who the appli-
cast was. "Why," said Judge Crebs, Seen.
Thomas, / would not give you room
| in my hotel anyhow; we fought against
each other in the war, but now / can tell you
the best room in my own private house is not
good enough for you, but there is whore you
shall 60" And forthwith he carried the gen.
eral Off a willing prisoner of peace. 1t is
rumored the judges despotic old colored
housekeeper routed them out of bed tho next
morning, with an intmation that old gray
headed gentlemen who kept late hours need
expect no indulgence at her hands on that
account.
Said one of the officers to me as we walked
over Opequan battlefield, "Right over there
during the progress of the fight came across
the worst shot up man | ever saw alive. He
had bullets through both legs, and, think
both arms, while his body had been cruelty
mangled by she'll He was making no moan
but seemed perfectly cheerful. Moved by hi
appearance l asked:
Can l do anything for you"
"No, believe not"
"Would you not like some watcr?"
"Well, yes; il it is not too much trouble
After giving him n drink and asking hi
name, was compelled to leave him. l sup
posed, of COURSE the Door fellow would die
but his brave nonchalanco kept him alway
in my memory. l had in the course of year
got his name changed in my mind to Capt
Badger, but l have just ascertained tina
Capt Brady, of the 25th Massa-
chusetts, who stands over yonder, was m,
wounded hero. He is now collector of Gus
toms at Fall River. Ho has wooden leg
and is otherwise patched up considerably, bu
is in hearty good health. He had never for
gotten me, and our meeting has beon pleas
ant occurrence, as you may well imagine"
WANDERER.