Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1884-02-16
My War Experiences.
BY q. e. T..

Ga Jul 4udttClc W DOIlfdT. u6
forces were increasing daily and in
deed the military display had already
assumed formidable proportions,
and every one began to realize that
war was inevitable. When we left
our homes we thought it was only
for day or two. when we would
return and resume our several avo-
cations. But not so. Burroughs
were now being applied for. Parents
and guardians began to make efforts
to withdraw their minor children
who had volunteered for the fun of
the thing, and some whose conscien-
cious scruples forbid them to engage
in cause they did not entirely I'M
derstand deserted. But withal it
did not stop the tide of war. Vague
rumors Of phantom armies approach
ing from the North spread terror
over the land and filled every heart
with CONSERVATION Another sur
prise awaited us-a visionary con-
flict which seemed to bear more the
semblance of reality, than the mid
night alarm we had already gone
through with. This time we were
ordered to Shepherdstown to meet
the enemy. Our warning came in
daytime, but the vivid flashes Of
tightening, the deep sounding thun-
der tones of an approaching storm,
together with the beating of drums,
and the thrilling strains of martial
music, Cut solemn grandeur and
pleasant infatuation to the excite
ment. Several companies were soon
on the march, but they had not pro-
ceeded far before they were met by
terrible storm. Fortunately, / had
been detailed to secure ammunition,
and therefore escaped this prelimi-
nary test of their courage, however
this battle between the angry ele-
ments and our brave men took place
whilst they were yet in sight Of
Lieut.. Jackson's quarters, and as l
emerged from the place where had
been to get the requisition for anu
milton, heard him remark as he
was viewing the situation "that
they were the worst whipped set of
men he ever saw" The hail which
seemed to be thrown down upon
them by shovelfuls. disconnected
them to such an extent, as to drive
them, like stampeded cattle, in every
direction and to every object for pro-
lection. They ran to the fence, got
under stakes, some raised their mus
kets over their heads to shield them
from the pelting stones, whilst
others remained in sort of listless
amazement, no doubt Offering a
word of prayer for the cessation Of
hostilities- My sympathies were
with them, and / felt somewhat hu-
inflated that 1 was not with them
from the fact that my absence might
rob me of my chances for promotion,
and of bright honor, always to be
achieved by the ambitions on the
field of battle. But / had been or
ordered to secure ammunition and /
knew to disobey would subject me to
chastisement as well as to criticism.
distinctly recollect that nay cur
iosity together with my verdancy
prompted me to exercise some undue
familiarity:toward Lieut.. Jackson.
l saw him viewing the situation
through something like a horn and
making remarks, telling exactly
what they were doing and how they
were acting, so l thought that the
peculiar instrument he was using
must have more power than COM
mon tin horn. I approached him
very familiarly and asked him to
loan it to me moment that might
see what was going on too. He
turned around, seemingly little
surprised, his eye shot forth one
glance of rebuke, his lips tightly
compressed, and started to walk
from me, but turning suddenly he
said ITO what command do you
belong 20
Bunker Hill Rifles, Capt. Gilk-
eson.'
'What are you doing here ?"
81 was detailed for ammunition.
"Report to your command imme-
diately, sir, or you'll be introduced
to the guard house Instructor"
l felt as though / was in the pres
onoo ~ MN cupar;Dr nAsnac o~I