The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1891-04-09
An Incident Of Tho Late War.
ltommllnleatea 10 bic Ylsa1N1As


Mr.. EpIroR:-Please allow me space in your
valuable paper to note an incident Of the late
war, Which occurred at the battle of Sflarps-
burg, in which our late friend ana conratla. Ar.
j. Harvey lsurdett, MAS the principal actor. lie
belonged to the 9Th Regiment band CORES. The
regiment had participated in the three days
battles at End Manassas, marched from there to
Frederick City, Maryland, from there to Mar
tinsburg, and from there to Harper's Ferry,
or Federals, and on the next day marched to
SharpSburg and engaged the enemy in skir-
fnshing the first day, and on the nlorliiiiss Of
the second day, Just at daylight, about fifty of
the enemies guns opened on us a terrific fire of
shot and shell, which lasted about thirty min
We're ordered forward, and Wien We arrived at
the top of the hill we were met by two lines Of
battle. which opened yoley of musketry upon
SO destructive that We're ordered back,
having lost heavily In killed and wounded. We
fell back about eight hundred or a thousand
yards to the edge OF piece of woods. The en-
envy believing we had retreated, soon came over
the top Of the hill i'll full view III the open field.
We held our fire until they got within three
hundred yards, when poured volley after
volley into their ranks and they soon fetreated
haok aerose tho hill, W. failawed close after
them until we passed a little over the top of the
hill, when We were again compelled to fall back
to the edge Of the same wood, this movement
ing it useless to follow the enemy any longer,
we resolved to hold our position at the edge of
the wood, which we did until DARK we having
lost in killed and wounded about half our men.
A little after dark when the flring ceased eS
cept some skirmishing, Harry BpTaStt sWha was
would give him permission lie would go QUITO
the front and try to getsone of cur wounded on
the field, saying that he could not stand to hear
those poor fellows begging for help. Iconsent-
ed that he should try it, and cautioned him to
make as little noise as possible. He took sever
al men from the ambulance corps, and q cf.ipia
Ct stEetcEegs, and il few .ninafeS paniain sish
tMo TWO, WMopndea men nafMiRnssanains ne g esle-
were on their errand Of mercy.
He then Increased his force and went back
agan ana o ys'nsn reg istf Fils ana net
entered into an agreement with him to ex-
change their wounded. by each giving the other
ing to bring the wounded and dead OF the GtElpf's
regiment to the top Of the hiii. where The ex-
change was made In this way. We succeeded
in getting, not only our wounded. but Cur dead
also by midnight. Such an act of humanity and
bravery, though only from an humble private,
should not be overlooked iii history
feel that cannot close this little narrative
without making special mention of the valuable
services rendered our regiment Ivy our band
corps. They were ready and present Eelp on
al oecaalons in taking care ri eur woun,ted in
time Of hattie, aud rendering such assistance at
cable. and on all occasions where it was aeceS
sary for troups to remain in breast works. they
assisted III cookins ration Tor the regiment and
carrying and dist ibuting them after dark,
which was the only time they could get To our
line with safety, ana on many occasions they
would have to COOK all night.
Will also mention the names of ouT coed Old
captain commissary, Capt Wa.ers. and com
lhlsSsify sefSeai T. W IMAM i.ouSef, VINO we're al
ways known to do their duty, and iio were
men in their right places.
WhenI recall to mind many "reminiscences Of
the war, none seem to strike me more pleasant
iy than thecheering notes OF the Old 18th Eegi
menp' land Just after q hard fought hattie or
long fEatg9ins march when they would strike
up "Dixies Lard'' or s-Cal,tain Rockers Re-
treat" to hear the hearty cheers that would go
up from those warworn vet Grams, was truly re-
viying.
Now, Mr.. Editor, this narrative is already long
ef than Intended, but as we are passing away
one By one, 1t will pop lie y.ry Ion. until there
writing this article is to show to the public that
the heart which throbbed in the breast of the
humble private, was just as noble au,! brave
that OF the general. IT, j. WILLIAMS