Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1886-02-19
VA. .FRDAY FEBRU 49,

either to carry me to my death or to save
the army. 1t was not powerful ma.
chine, but it was the best at our dispo-
sal, and in good order, fortunately,
One of our men, who had been an engi-
neer, undertook to manage the engine,
and another to fire il. Both were cool
tried men, but as we stepped into the
cab together / saw them shake hand:
with their comrades and bid them fare.
well. Evidently neither of them ex-
pected to get through alive.
"'Put in a couple of extra tallow cans,
John,' said the engineer. We are GO
ing in to make time, and / expect the
old machine will heat up finely
"The cans were slowed away in the
caboose, the engineer opened the throt-
tle-valve, and amidst an impressive ST.
lence in the crowd surrounding the
starting point we moved slowly away.
About two miles distant lay the first
battery which the enemy had thrown
up to command the road; beyond that
were several more. to say nothing of the
picket lines scattered along the tracks.
So you will perceive we were TO run a
pretty warm gauntlet.
1--WE had proceeded but very short
distance when there was fash and re-
port from the shrubbery skirting the
road and bullet crashed through the
window of the cab. An outpost had al
ready discovered us and had given us a
foretaste of what we were TO expect fur
ther on.
"'Let her out!' said to the engineer
There is no use trying to hide our
selves. Speed is our only chance now.
every good, sir y replied the engi-
neer, opening the valve as he spoke.
The engine bounded like a spurred
horse. On we went, swaying from side
to side, until it seemed as if we must
Jump the track. Meanwhile, our friends
along the road were not idle. Bullet
after bullet whistled by us; but forum
ately, what with the darkness and the
rapidity of oul motion, none Of them
reached US.
We had now arrived in sight of the
first battery. By the light moving hur'
riedly along the parapet it was obvious
that our approach was expected. As We
passed abreast of the battery it gave us
its first compliment in the shape of
round shot, followed by Storm ofgrape
Here, again, the darkness and our speed
saved us. Several Of the grape-shot
glanced of the frame of the engine with.
out doing any damage, however.
"'Give her some more fire, John,
said the engineer, grimly. III they hap
pen to knock a hole in us with one OF
them bits of iron you won't do any more
firing, my boy, | can tell you that
"'Not in this world, any way re-
sponded the fireman with saturnint
humor. Can't tell what may do in the
next, William
"The reckless bravery of the two mer
in the face of such danger shamed away
my own rising tremor, and | folded my
arms and looked towards the battery
which was evidently preparing to give
us another salute. 1t came in the shape
of conical shot, with so true an aim tha
it whizzed within foot of the boiler
and carried off the bell, which fell will
a clang among the bushes.
Thank you,' said the engineer will
I'VE didn't need the bell anyhow. You
can use it yourselves to ring to dinner
with
'By this tine we had passed out OF
range Of the first battery and were un
der the guns of two more. These work:
had been constructed TO command thu
junction of our road with another run
ming south. There was also a station
at this point, and as we whirled by
saw an engine standing upon a siding
with steam m'up. caught sight of mum
Der of men running towards it, as vel
as others busy with a car which stooC
near il. What they were at could moi
make out, for we passed them like {
flash of lightning. At this moment, too
the batteries which had probably receiv'
eel teIegraphIc notice of our approach
opened fire upon us and for a moment
he air seemed to be alive with shrek
ing iron.
"'MOre fire, john cried the engi
neer, ram her full to the doors, or it's
all up with us
'.The fireman stopped TO obey, but al
that moment a shell struck upon the ca
boose and burst within three feet Of US
Ii was ten-inch monster, and how any
of us escaped alive fail to see, As il
was. when the smoke anG dust cleared
J away found the top Of the cab gone,
portion of the caboose torn of and the
fireman lying in heap on the floor with
his arm broken.
"sIm knocked out, William he
groaned, 'and who's to fire her for the
rest of the trip?'
"'I VIII, said /; Il think can man.
age it,
"After placing the poor fellow in as
comfortable position rs possible,
seized the shovel and began my new
duties.
''By this time we had passed ont OF
range OF the batteries, which now aud
then, however, sent a sullen shot in our
direction as a parting evidence Of their
good will.
| a.fI ,rfsh cf N.