The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-09-21

stores, the severing Of communications,
and the gain Of uableinforrnation about
the opposing force. The Peninsula raid
was made by two regiments Of about !, 200
men, and ended in a scare for the Union
camps, the temporary obstruction of the
railroad supplying the Union army and
the wanton wounding of some soldiers and
passengers by a volley fired into a moving
train. However, it made Stuart famous,
and no doubt suggested to Gen. Lee the use
that might be made Of such expeditions in
campaigns favorable for incursions across
the lines
A tempting situation was noted some
months later, after the battle of Antietam.
The armies Of Mcclellan and Lee lay on
opposite sides OF the Potomac river, above
Harper's Ferry. Mcclellan was refitting
and recruiting the Army OF the Potomac,
and, with depot of supplies at Hagers-
town, was dependent for rapid communi-
cation with the north on the railroad run
ming thence from Harrisburg, Pa, by way
Of Chambersburg. The latter was from
thirty to forty miles inside of McClellan's
lines. On the Sth Of October Gen. Lee in
structed Stuart TO ta.e 1900 or 1.5OO
mounted men and proceed TO that point,
cocheague and otherwise damage the Union
transportation, making any legal captures
within his power. Stuart selected 800
men and battery OF flying artillery. His
subordinates were Wade Hampton W. II.
f. Lee and ". E. Jones. When the troops
were in line, ready TO move of in dense
darkness, the following order was read TO
them:
SoLDIERs-Nou are about 70 engage in an enter
prise which, 10 insure success, i;npcratively de-
mands at your hands coolness decision aud brav
cry, implicit obedience to orders without question
or cavil and the strictest order and sobrietv on
the march and In bivOunc The destination and
extent Of this expedition had better be kept to
myself than known to you. Suffice 10 10 say that
with the hearty cooperation Of officers and mon
have not doubt Of It's sIccosS-a success which
will reflect credit in the hicA4-t Ga--ree upon YOUR
arms. The orders which ara herewith published
for your government ore absolutely necessary
and must be rigidly enforced
J.EB. Stuart.
The cavalcade moved silently to McCov's
Ford, on the Potomac, between Williams
port and Hancock. seized the picket post
without alarm. and after pressing on some
distance Union signal station with all its
detail was surprised and captured AT this
point Stuart learned Of tae presence of
Gen. J. d. Cox's Kanawha division, which
was marching toward West Virginia. and
had gone but an hours march from the
road he was pursuing The raiders
then made detour and pushed on TO Mer
cersburg, Pa, ten miles from the point Of
crossing and half way to Chambersburg
The latter was reached after dark, and
Smart Immediately took possession Of the
place, appointing Wade Hampton military
governor. No officials could be found who
would treat with the invaders, and Stuart
sent his men TO perform the work as
signed.
1t was raining steadily, q cold. dreary,
autumn storm, and as far as possible con
sistent with orders the troops sought to
get some comfort out Of the situation.
strict orders had been given against pri- |
waite plunderiDg, but the men threw them
selves upon the mercy of the people for |
creature comforts. Before entering the /
town an inspection of cantcens had been /
made, and all liquors found therein had /
been empued. Citizens were warned |
against treating the men with liquor, as a I
spark OF anger among intoxicated men 4
might lead 70 terrible results. The people /
were a long time finding ont who the 4
strangers were. Their hands were open, /
they said, TO supply the wants Of soldiers, 1
but while they were passing out their good I
things they often inquired who was in 3
command. The men in bravado would .