The National tribune., 1889-09-05
WINCHESTER.
"reminiscences Of the Valley Of The Shenandoah.

We found Shieldss Division, TO which they
belonged, in camp at Edinburg. The camp of
the 4th Ohio was in charge of Maj. Weaver,
with detail of perhaps 60 men, the greater
part Of the regiment having gone on CarrolPs
raid TO the rear of Jacksons army. Darrah
had belonged TO the LIST Iowa, and had lost his
left arm at the battle of Wilson's Creek, Mo-,
while was as green as the average boy OF that
time who had never seen an army. 1t being
near night was soon introduced to and SUR
prised at my first bareback, and little later
to the parlOr bedroom on the first floor of q
mess-tent. Before l had gone TO sleep we were
aroused by the order TO strike tents, after
which the detachment moved out through the
town TO the outpost on the pike, Darrah and /
going with them. We were then informed by
the Major that he was TO take the advance.
The men being deployed, we were soon moving
silently along, the Major in the pike. We were
soon greeted by few shots from an outpost,
aud then by shells, which went close TO our
heads from two guns which the rebels had
planted in the pike.
must acknowledge that felt a little en-
barrassed at what seemed TO me TO be rather n
hasty introduction to the Johnnies by the boys
of the 4th Ohio. However, we stad with
them, and at daylight were near Mount Jack
son, with a rebel battery in our front. Here a
battery was brought forward aud few shots
exchanged when the Ringgold cavalry dashed
]
been ordered TO burn. The bridge was fred
by the rebels and large hole burnt through
the siding, but / don't know whether il was
saved by this cavalry or by CAROLS men; for
when we got there the 4th Ohio was resting on
the pike near the bridge We went with the
boys as far as HaTrisouburg and back 20 New
Market where we concluded to start what /
shall call an independent sutler shop. We went
10 Baltimore for goods, expecting to see the
boys again in few days; but the next time
We saw the 4th Ohio il was on the battlefield
of Antietam.
When we returned with our goods we found
Banks at Strasburg, aud Shields had gone over
TO the Luray Valley. We rented a room in
Strasburg and started in business. We were
surprised one morning TO learn that Banks was
Tetreating to Winchester, aud that Jackson
was moving to cut him of. We tried to get a
team TO take our goods. Failing TO do so, we
gave them 10 the men as they passed. Then,
packing our cloths In one valise and some of
the more valuable articles in another, among
which were seven silver watches, we started
with the rear-guard for Winchester. When
near Cedar Creek We heard firing in front.
which grew into a lively skrmish accompanied
with artillery. We hurried forward, but were
met at the bridge by our men coming back,
wagons aud cavalry in such confusion that n
blockade was formed ut the entrance of the
bridge which was cleared away by rolling
some Of the wagons, mules and all, over the
bank into the creek.
Thinking that We would soon be captured,
Darrab proposed throwing our valises into the
creek; but / objected and proposed leaving
them at house a few rods back. aud close by
large grist-mill, which we did. But the
Johnnies got them just the same. We were
met at the door by an elderly aud two very
handsome young ladies, who were terribly ex-
cited at the uproar that was going on. Grasp
ing us by the arms, they begged US not TO let
them fight there. We promised 10 sec the
Generals aud have the fight stopped. which
seemed TO give them some relief They were
intelligent, aud had seen so much of war that,
no doubt, after getting over their scare, they
laughed At tic ahsurdity of asking two citizens
TO stop two armies from fighting.
As We went cut / noticed that our men were
parking aud burning wagons close by the mill,
and not less than 30 wagons were burnt. The
troops were formed short distance back-per-
baps GOO in ALL composed principally of cavalry
OF different regiments, with one company Of
zouaves, two pieces of artillery. without the
caissons, aud about 40 wagons, which had not
been burned.
The ranking officer was a Lientenant-C Colonel
OF cavalry. and when he took command he
made the meu a short speech, in which he said
that as they were com letely cut Of they would
have 70 surrender. and rs the rebels had not
back 10 Strasburg aud surrender 20 the rebel
column that Was coming ia at that point
We returned with them, they going into
camp on bill west Of the pike aud north Of
the railroad we went 10 our boarding place
aud got supper. returning Immediately with
the intention Of being with our troops when
they surrendered. Just as we were crossing
the railroad citizen on horseback passed us at
full speed, saying 10 us that If we wanted TO
q IA IL h.
drunk. We halted a moment on the track 10
notice that the depot was on fire. aud that
squad OF rebel cavalry wasdismouniing 10 assist
tie citizens IN trying 10 save some OF the con-
tents-arIny stores aud the mess tents Of
Shields Division. Judge our surprise on
turning around 10 look for our soldiers when
none could be seen In that direction but the
iast-retreaiing figure Of our supposed drunken
man. We iusiiHctively, and without saying n
word, started after him on the doubie-quick.
We were the last two men 10 leave Strasbnrg
We had gone but short distance when we
came 10 iouT-borse team. There being no
driver 10 be seen, We hastily dropped the tugs.
ana setting the cover Of the wagon, which was
loaded with cartridges, on fire. mounted the
Two bestlooking horses and followed our man
at the top Of their speed. When perhaps one
mile and half from town we saw cur man
leave the pike and disappear in the timber
when we came to the place we followed along
crooked wood road for about half mile,
where wc caught up with the troops. which
were just moving of, having been halted there
Tor our man 20 come and lead them. We after
ward became well acquainted with this man.
lbs name WIS Pratt, and he was a scout aud
spy oi the Union army. and TO him give the
credit OF saving that detachment. Spies sell
dom get credit for what they do yet informa-
| ton gained by them at the risk of their lives
often saved defeats aud won victories which
Others get the praise for
We moved west 10 the mountain range that
bounds the Shenandoah Valley on the west,
/ then along its base until we were opposite Mid
dletown; then turning toward that place, and
after going some distance, Pratt gave orders 10
/ the Colonel where TO halt the column. Then
/ be rode on ahead 10 ascertain if Banks was
\ there. j was with the head Of the column at
/ this time. Owing 10 the darkness the Colonel
Ialied 10 halt at the place designated, aud kept
l moving On along crooked road through the
! timber until We came in sight Of the opening,
which was covered with campfres, and lucky
/ Tor US met Pratt coming back, who informed
the Colonel that those were rebel, and not
Union, campiircs as we supposed. Then Pratt
and the Colonel passed down the line, telling
! the men TO keep quiet, abOut-face and follow
their file leaders. II seemed 10 me a long time
4 before they reached the rear, aud the columns
began 10 move the Other way. Then back "a
the mountains again, and following their course
the next day VIC halted behind large hill
about one aud half miles west Of Winchester
While Pratt rode into town 10 SEQ who was
| there, orders were given the men not TO 20 up
on The hill; but i and several soldiers, not
! nearing tue order, went up, and VIC could see
/ buildings burning aud LTO0Us moving but conId