The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1892-06-22

On the 10th of September, at the
battle of Winchester, Va, two of our
number were either killed or captured.
never heard of them afterwards.
ON the 91st of September Gen. Gro.
yer, then in command of the divisions
of the Nineteenth Corps, one of which
my regiment formed part, ordered
what was left of us to investigate the
rebel lines on the south side of the
Shenandoah Rivcr,near Strasburg. then
some three or four miles from the posi-
tion of our army and ascertain their
strength and position. Weperformed
this hazardous duty but in doing so lost
one Of our number, Joseph ii. McCork
10, of Co. g, shot through the body,
and the two remaining, myself and
Comrsdc Sackett, only escaped by
stratagcm with our lives.
The next day, Sept. %, the Nine
tcenth and Sixth Corps were in position
in front of the rebel works on Fishers
Hill in the Shenandoah Valley, and
the Eighth Corps was sent around our
right to attack the rebel left flank.
Gen. Sheridan had 80 arranged the
movements of our army that at 4
o'clock p. M, precisely, the Eighth
Corps and the two corps in front were
to charge 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
oil, sword in hand, and shouting as he
came, "Chargel Chargel' Over the
breastworks we leapcd, and, although
the distance was at least one-fourth OF
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 cap
tored all the prisoners and guns.
felt 30 disappointed after making
such a splendid charge, with no tro-
phies, so far Ms our regiment or ccrps
was concerned, that | followed up the
pike in the direction the rebles had
retreated at least two miles, trying to
find some rebel or something belong
ing to the rebel army that needed to
be captured. But it was no use, the
Eighth Corps had taken in all the
trophies, leavingI us only the honor
of making the assault with our brave
and dashing commander. 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 Luray Valley,
just over the Blue Ridge Mountains,
and the pursuit had to be made by the
infantry. Two regiments were detail
ed for that purpose: the 18th Ind;
Lieut.. Col. Darnell, and 13lst N. V,
Col. Mullincaux, under the command
of Col. Dan Macauley, then acting Bri-
gadier General in command of our bri.
gade.
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 a surprise. took
my position and the pursuit began.
Nothing important occurred until
about s O'clock, when heard various
noises in front Of me that led me to be-
lieve that Gen. Early intended to make
a stand and give us battle, or check
our advance, so reported to Col.
Macauley, and thereafter moved for.
ward more cautiously. About this
time two pieces of artillery were
added to the pursuing line, but held
somewhat in the rear, to be used II
needed.
Iwas ahead Of the line, as suppos,
ed, about the usual distance, and NOV
ing very cautiously, with my gun at a
ready, my body half bent forward
walking ON the left off the road, which
at this place was thickly skirted with
heave woods on either side, and wa:
climbing a long gently -sloping hill.
The sky was clear, but moonless. The
stars shone sufficiently bright so tina,
objects in the middle OF the pike
could be easily seen few feet away
For this reason walked on the sid,
of the pike and in the shadow of th'
woods.
As approached the top of the hill
saw an opening in the wood, indi
eating some farm, on my left. When
came to the cover of the woods no
ticed small tree standing on the road
side some 10 or 20 feet from the Others
and about the size of mans body.
Ipassed it, walking carefully ant
advancing a foot at time, with m,
body bent forward, gun ready, ant
pcering with all my might into tn
darkness beyond. All ola sudden
heard the command "Ready," in
clear voice, few feet in front of me
and distinctly heard the click of tn
guns % the order was obeyed. I hat
only time to fall on my face when ou
burst livid fame Of tire from lonl
line ofrsbel rides ss far - l could 90
the way right and left.
Tho balls passed haImlsssly over m,