The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1883-01-03
EXTRACTS FROM
THREE YEARS IN BATTLE,
AND
THREE IN PRISON."
BY X. a. 6.

-" Richmond, .iugust 1th.
lS62.-Gen. Lee is surely a born strate-
list. He fetched Jackson's army down
from the Valley to hit Mcclellan on the
flank while we held him busy in front. and
now he keeps Jackson holding Pope's at
tention while we are going to put III the
flank thumps. We leave on the cars
tomorrow for Gordonville, with 3 DAYS
rations, and ;ighing trim. All the old
battle-dodgers are hurrying to the hos
pltal on 'slck-leave; ;" rats know when
to leave the ship.
august 9th, On the rain. Ewel.
and \. p. Hill have already gone to the
front. Rumors of fighting. 1t is said
Jackson is having hot work near Slaugh-
ter NJ Juntain,-good name for a bat
tleiield. Reached GordQnsville at mid
night, and laid down along the railway
track.-black, grimey, and wretchedly
tired. for the old box car jolted worse
than Il jumping.Jack.
august l2th.-Yesterday, in great
haste, without breakfast. we were trotted
eight miles out on the Orange Court
house road. and | suffered more than
words can tell. There was not a breath of
breeze, the sun seemed almost touching
our heads, and the dust, stirred by ten
thousand pairs OF feet, was simply chok-
ing! The road follows a long high ridge,
without a stream. or spring,-and for
fully live miles not a drop of water was
to be had. Men trotted along like dogs
with their tongues out,-tairly gasping.
And then it proved to be all for n0thingt
A courier dashed up,-:AIarch back
three miles, and camp!' There was
some mistake! | was so angry and
WORKOUT. | nearly cried. 1t is the effect
of the typhoid fever. Capt. O.. says, but
life, a poor beginning for the cam-
paign.'
1mqust l5th,-The whole army has ar
rived. Gen. Lee seems to have no fears
TOR Richmond. although Mcclellan is
| still at Harrison's on James River, Per-
haps he thinks it will be q fair exchange,
Washington for Richmon II Jack
son marched West. pretending to return
to the Valley. hut ! feel sure he means
to swoop down on Pope's flank: else why
should we be edging oil towards the left
alsos"
4ugust 20th,-Wc have crossed the
Rapidan.-following Mr.. Pope! II was
funny sight,-the crossing OF the river
an army OF bare-legged or naked men.
The stream was about waist deep, anC
swftandrocky; so that tumbles were fire.
quent. A very tall man in a short shirt
first cousin to a Shanghai rooster in APP
pearanee, offered to carry n chubby Lieu
tenant of the 18th Va. Ofcourse he drop
ped him where the water was deepest
and the roar of the men could have beer
heard to Culpepper.
4ug, 2lst,-Skirmishing in front. The
Blue Goats are skedaddiing oven the hill
in all directions. / suppose they arc
falling behind the Rappahanock. 1t il
thought Jackson has gone arouno
to turn their flank, after whiel
we shall have to charge them in front
an ugly piece OF work. if the rive
banks be rocky aud high, lile the Rapi
dan.
DASHING FEAT OF A YANKEE SPY.
Hug. Enthusiastically was full o
excitement. Early in the day we march
ed over the brow of a ridge aud down
long slope towards the ford of the Rap
pahanock. Very soon We saw there " "a!
some trouble in front. A regiment o
two of cavalry were in u field, down
near the river. and mounted officers wer'
dashing wildly 10 and fro, The wagons
which had been following along side o
the marching column, turned out int
the field, and began to race back to
wards the brow OF the hill. "Whats up?'
was the question !; and for answer cam,
a shower of shot and shell that fairl,
took u breath away! Everybod.