The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1891-09-18

'"e. ssss "s'sy Wv Vsso HOsAy WO
had to picket an Island from which
was q commanding view, not only Of
the ord but Of Harrison island, over
whic troops crossing at the ford must
pass. Some pickets stationed there
on q certain night mistoOk the roar
III g OF rushing waters for the crossing
OF troops, and at once reported to
Ma or Chandler that the rebels were
Gro ssing troops on TO Harrison island
Nv companies were at once ordered
fro m camp to the island and placed in
posi- ton ready for action. At the
sam time a mounted orderly was dis
patched with message to the brigade
co mmander at Poolsville. A section
or artillery and a company of cavalry
were sent to our assistance and were
well In position by two p. m.
1t is safe to say there were some
shakey knees in the little band on the
island, but those of us who had been
stationed there occasionally during the
winter fully understood the sounds of
rushing waters and pronounced this a
false alarm from the first. The first
streak OF dawn revealed the position of
our troops on the island, the artillery in
position on the bluff and the cavalry
ready to spring upon the enemy at a
moments notice, but no enemy was
there, nor had there been any during
the night. The pickets who had caused
the alarm still stoutly maintained that
the rebels We're there during the night
and that they moved by platooms and
companies and were equipped with
artillery and cavalry.
Up to this time we had been called
out to meet the enemy several times
but had found none, so Major Chandler
decided to have a sham battle. Ac-
cordingly the three companies were
furnished with blank cartridges and
Company K assigned to the important
duty of defending the block house
against the enemy. AT the same time
b and q were stationed at the foot of
the hill in front of the stockade with
orders to take that stronghold by
storm. Skirmish lines were thrown
well forward and they at once opened
battle. b and G were soon advanced
and the enemys skirmishers driven in
side the Notifications. A heavy fire
was keep up on both sides for about
twenty minutes when the order to adj
vance was given Company B made a
right oblique strongly threatening
the enemys left, while Company G.
made direct assault capturing the
block house in fine style. Company B
came in on the flank and rear in time
to cut off the enemys flight. While the
attacking party was climbing the
works, Company X used the muskets
to club their assailants, and did all that
men could do In defense, except to
actually beat the men over the head.
One man belonging to Company X be-
came so excited that he forgot to with
draw his gun rod and sent it tearing
through his assailants ear. The boys
Oh both sides fought with spirit and
determination, and when the assailants
were SO close together as to make it
to use their weapons with i
out Gripping their adversaries, they /
would drop them clinch and still con.
5inue in the fight in determined but
friendly way. When the struggle
finally ended cheer went up from the
7ictors that would have been a credit
20 those companies later on when they
with their regiment led the Sd division
# fthe 9th Corps over the WORKS at
Petersburg.
Corporal Denison L. Hopkins and
MS tent mates went in the night to
barn, one half mile down the
river, and confiscated lumber to fix up
quarters with. The following day
Mr.. Vincent was in camp in search Of
ost property, and in company with
Major Chandler made search through
the companies quarters. They found
he Corporal using the lumber. 1t was
! stormy scene that followed. The
Major informed the Corporal that he
would be reduced to the ranks on the
lay following, and, that should he re-
,eat the ofense he would be treated to
! court.martial. just at this juncture
wrestling match was started between
Peter Binfiham, of our company and a
,olored fellow who occasionally visited
ur camp. AS the excitement increas-
d Mr.. Vincent forgot all about the lost
lumber and joined the crowd who were
the match. AS soon as Mr..
Vincent was out of hearing Major
handler said in a low voice, Corporal !
ou lack couple of boards Of having ,
nough to complete your work, 60
lown tonight and get them but mind
GU don't get caught"
To be continued.