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

ing enemy. we were allowed to catch breath
for the first time, when his rear guard dsap-
peared IN the mountain-pass at Salem, and
fred back &C rs his last and parting salste
Turning the head of our column towards Har-
per's Ferry, we reached that point and took
possession Of il on the 4th day Of July Two
days afterwaTd we crossed the Potomac ct
ShepardstowR, and making detour through
Maryland, we reached Frederick City about
the 9Th Of the month, where we me. the enemy
1T Monocaey Creek, where a sharp and bloody
engagement ensued between their forces and
Gen. Gordon. The enemy retreated on Wash
ington, and on the 18th the head of our COL
umns reached the boundary-line OF the District
of Columbia, at Silver Springs Farm then the
beautiful home Of Hon. Montgomery Blair.
Hanging with bold audacity for two days on
the defenses Of this city, Gen. Early deter
mined to withdraw, and TO cover our retreat
our regiment the z3d n. C., was deployed
about shutdown TO make feint on the breast
works. ] now recall many interesting Incl
dents connected with that charge of cur regi-
IneDt and with our stay in front of the city
but which viii not stop TO relate. Our army
recrossed the Potomac near Leesburg and
passing through Smokers Gap. and crossing
the Shenandoah River at Castlemana Ferry,
bivouacked in the beautiful oak forest on the
west side Of the river. The enemy hung
heavily on our rear all the way from Washing
Ton, and yentured through the gap and
stretched himself along the slopes and table
lands between the mountain-chain and the
river. and in full view Of our camp. On the
afternoon OF the 18th day Of July he essayed TO
give US battle. Throwing a considerable force
of his infantry across the river was the signal
for the iongroH Of our kettlc-drums, which
simultaneously rang out all through our camps
and quickly put Us in line Gen. Early hurled
his forces against their lines with prompt
ness and iIpetuosity which was irresistible
Our regiment had to pass through an open field
20 the attack Of his line. which was living be-
hind rock wall and through most murder
Gus Gre Of shot and shell from their batteries
which were admirably planted on the nights
beyond the river, and which afforded them an
unobstrucied view OF ctr position. But on we
swept Ike z wild tornado in the face Of a most
CALLING and effective fire from their infantry
behind the rock fierce. They held their posi-
ton CALAMITY and tenaciously until we were
only a few yards distant, when they were
forced TO break in retreat. 1t is needless TO
tell an old soldier Of the fearful effect OF vol
Ley from victorious charge on the routed and
meeting ranks OF an enemy over open ground.
As we mounted the fence / discovered among
the scores OF the fallen, and about SO PAGES inn
medlately la my front, sign which could
not be given on any battlefield in all the
world, perhaps, without ready and friendly
recognition. / approached the PROSTATE form
at a run, and, throwing the strap of my canteen
from my neck, dropped on my knee at his
SIDE. and placing my right hand under his
mead, placed my canteen TO his parched lips,
but had only time TO promise him that If j sur
vived tie latte i would give him prompt ct
tention.
The sun had dropped behind the mountain.
The last eche of the laundering cannon had
eieo away among its gorges. Naught disturbed