The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-06-02

incident in connection with the battle OF
Fishers Hill, Va, fought Sept %, 1864.
few days before this battle FIVE of my regi-
ment were appointed sharpshooters and. owing
to the fact that almost from childhood had
been familiar with rife and was considered a
good shot was one Of the number. Our prin-
cipal duties were to act as skirmishers
On the 18th OF September, at the battle OF
Winchester, Va. two Of our bor were either
killed or captured. / never heard of them az
forwards.
On the elst of September Gen. Grover then
in command OF one Of the divisions Of the
Nineteenth Corps, of which my regiment
formed part ordered what was left of us TO
investigate the rebel lines on tho south side of
the Shenandoah River, near Strasburg, then
some three or four miles from the position of
our army, and ascertain their strength and
position. We performed this hazardous duty,
but IN SO doing lost one of our number Joseph
ii. McCorkle, Of Co g, shot through the body,
and the two remaining, myself and Comrade
Sackett, only escaped by stratagem with our
lives.
The next day, Sept. % the Nineteenth and
Sixth Corps were in position in front of the rebel
works on Fishers Hill. in the Shenandoah Val.
ley, and the Eighth Corps was sent around our
right to attack the rebel left flank. Gen. Sheri-
dan had so arranged the movements of our army
that at o'clock p. m., precisely, the Eighth
simultaneously.
We had been informed of the time, and were
ready for the signal, which was given by Gen.
Sheridan, with his staff, coming from the rear
at furious pace-Sheridan in the lead with hat
of, sword in hand. and shouting as he came
Charge! CHARGE" Over the breastworks we
leaped, and, although the distance was at least
one fourth OF a mile and the way obstructed by
rocks and deep ravineS, We reached the rebel
works in some way-I never knew how-only
to find that the Eighth Corps was there and
had captured all the prisoners and guns.
] felt so disappointed after making such a
splendid charge, with no trophies, 80 far as our
regiment or corps was concerned, that fol-
lowed up the pike in the direction the rebels
had reiterated at least two miles, trying to find
some rebel or something belonging to the rebel
army that needed to be captured. But it was no
use. the Eighth Corps had taken in all the
trophies, leaving US only tho honor of making
the assault with our brave and dashing COM
mander. 1t was now dark, and waited on
the roadside until our regiment and corps came
up which was about o'clock.
The cavalry was in Lnray Valley, just over
the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the pursuit had
to be made by the infantry. Two regiments
were detailed for that purpose: the 18th Ind,
Lieut. Col. Darnall. and 131st N. Y, Col. Null
lineaux, under the command Of Col Dan Mac
auley, then acting Brigadier- General in com.
mand of our brigade.
The 18th Ind. was deplOyed on the left of the
pike leading to the valley, and the 131st was
on the right. As the line was about to begin
the pursuit. Col. Macauley ordered me to go
along the pike about 500 yards in front Of the
line to prevent surprise. i took my position
and the pursuit began.
Nothing of Importance occurred until about
s o'clock, when heard various noises in front
of me that led me to believe that Gen. Early
intended to make stand and give US battle,
or check our advance. / so reported to Col.
Macauley, and thereafter moved forward more
cautiously. About this time two pieces of ar
tillery were added to the pursuing line, but
held somewhat in the rear, to be used if
needed.
was ahead Of the line, as supposed, about
the usual distance, and moving very cautiously,
with my gun at a ready, my body half bent
forward, walking on the left of the road, which
at this place was thickly skirted with heavy
woods on either side, and was climbing long,
gently-sloping hill. The sky was clear, but
moonless. The stars sh0ne sufficiently bright
SO that objects in the middle of the pike could
be easily seen few feet away. For this reason
/ walked on the side of the pike and in the
shadow of the wood.
As approached the top Of the hill saw an
opening in the wood, indicating some farm, on
my left When / came to the cover of the
woods l noticed a small tree standing on tho
roadside some Is or 20 feet from the others,
and about half the size of mans body.
passed it, walking carefully and advancing
q foot at a time, with my body bent forward,
gun ready, and peering with all my might into
the darkness beyond. All of a sudden heard
the command Ready" in a clear voice. few
feet in front of me- and distinctly heard the