National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-01-03

der. To men in the condition Of the |
confederate troops there was not much |
to choose between either alternative.
Over-strained nature cried out for food
and rest as the highest good gifts.
But to resume, the battalions were
quickly headed for tho ford and soon
passed over the mile intervening. Sailors
creek at this point ran through very
narrow valley between high hills which
approached almost the dignity Of noun
tains. For mile on each side OF the ford
tho stream flowed through deep cut with
banks sleeper than those of railroad
cutting. although the waters were not
more than about twenty feet wide and
five or six feet deep. When the battal-
ions came in sight Of the ford there on tho
hill side were huddled together higRledy-
piggledy some three or four hundred
wagons, mingled with artillery, the fore
most among which were vainly endeavor-
ing to get across the ford and ascend tho
long precipitous hill on the other side.
The trains were in q trap, that was
certain, but the mon of tho writer's bat
TALON having been mainly railroad Ia
borors before enlistment, were ordered
post haste to the ford TO build some kind
of bridge IL possible. Trees wero cut
down aud thrown into tho rushing stream
and rails piled on them, but to no avail,
tho first team that attempted to pass
having stuck fast, completely blocking
tho way. BY this time the bullets were
singing down tho hill about our ears in n
most uncomfortable manner, and finally
cannon shot began to plunge in among
the mass Of wagons. Then came the
| order,
"CuT LOOSE THE MULES AND HORSES "
/ havo not the power to properly de-
scribe tho scene that followed. The yolls
Of tho frightened teamsters, the neighing
and squealing Of tho animals, and the
mad rush of thousand frantic horses
and mules, lashed into full run by the
drivers toward the lower ford Of the
creek, are even now wildly present ia
my minds eye. The rush Of herd oil
believing bufIaloes before prairie fire
could hardly DO more exciting spectacle.
| How / got my company over tho deeI
stream, don't know, but l remember
toiling breathlessly among them up the
hill and Gursng the hard luck that had
cost me n brand new gold-laced uniform
for which 1 had paid $500 .confed
crate money, and which fell q
prey to the Yank who
happened to get my valise from tho cap
tured wagon. As we toiled upward-thC
hill must have been three-quarters OF {
mile Tonga battery of the Washington
artillery, which had crossed the fore
safely, got into position and opened fire
over our heads, thus drawing off to n great
extent the unwecome attentions OF thu
enemy from ourselves. When we arrived
at the top Gen. Gordon was busily en-
gagged in getting line formed to endeavo
to check tho enemy somewhat and Civ
the wagons that had succeeded in crossing
tho ford a chance to get out of tho way
The writer's company was ordered to de
ploy to the left along the brow of the hill
and stop all stragglers and pass them alonI
the line. Here l fully understood tn
absolute state of decentralization int
which Lees troops had fallen. Men ant
oflicers-yes, even fold oflicers-with tear
in their eyes begged to be permitted +
go on, None were willing to aid II
making q stand even on that natura
fortress. They were sick, they had los
their weapons, sc. 1t was, however, use
less to try to make q stand, for even thel
the position was outaauked, aud tn
artillery fire was too severe to be with
stood by the small force at bay. Accord
ingly we were ordered to continue in re
treat. Gen. Gordon was sitting on hi
horse in group of officers as the bal
TALON passed, and he exclaimed, throw
ing up his right arm in theatrical mar
ner, thought, would to God had die
before / saw this day" Well, theatr
calism was excusable under the circun
stances.
, TWAS we'll for us that the sun had no.
! set and the twilight deepening into dark
! ness or every mothers son would bee
, taken in, so to speak.
THOMAS T MuRRAY