The advocate., 1892-06-29

COEpS was CdAASO W AVJVAA OSA' ~S
forces at Petersburg, there was no period
Of it fuller of interesting and thrilling
detail than the thirty days occupied by
our march from Lynchburg to the north
ern gates of Washington. These l could
be able TO relate to you, if / had my little
old soldiers diary with minuteness.
Marching at the rate of from twenty
three totwentysi six miles per day, through
mountain gorges and open fields, with
the direct and reflected rays Of the sum-
mer's sun pouring upon US, In pursuit of
the retreating enemy, we were allowed
to catch breath for the first time, when
his rear guard disappeared in the noun
tain pass at Salem, and fred back at US
his last and parting salute. Turning the
head of our column towards Hsrper's
Ferry, we reached that point and took
possession of it on the 4th day of July.
Two days atterward we crossed the
Potomac at Shepardstown, and making a
detour through Maryland, we reached
Frederick City about the 9th of the
month, where we met the enemy at Mon
acacy creek, where asharp and bloody en-
gsgement ensued between their forces
and Gen. Gordon. The enemy retreated
on Washington, and on the 18th the head
of our columns 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
detenses Of this city, Gen. EARLY deter
mined to withdraw, and to cover our re-
treat our regiment, the FOrty-third North
Carolina, was deployed about sundown
to make q feint on the breastworks. l
now recall many interesting incidents
connected with that charge of our Fegi-
ment and with our stay in front Of the
city, but which will not stop to relate.
Our army recrossed the Potomac near
Leesburg, and passing through Smokers
Gap, and crossing the Shenandoah river
at Castleman's 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 Washington,
and Ventured through the gap, and
stretched himself along the slopes and
tablelands between the mountain cham
and the river, and In full view of our
camp. On the afternoon Of the 18th day
of July he esssyed to give US battle.
Throwing a considerable force of his in
fantry across the river was the signal for
the long roll of our kettle drums, which
simultaneously rang out all through our
camps and quickly put US in line. Gen.
Early hurled his forces against their
lines with promptness and impetuosity
which was irresistible. Our regiment
had to pass through an open field to the
attack of his line, which was lying be-
hind a rock wall, and through most
murderous fire of shot and shell from
their batteries, which were admirably
planted on the heights beyond the river,
and which afforded them an unobstructed
view of our position. But on we swept
like wild tornado in the face of a most
CALLING and effective fire from their in
fantry behind the rock fence. They held
their position gallsntly and tensciously
until we were only few yards distant,
when they were forced to break in re-
treat. 1t is needless to tell an old soldier
Of the fearful effect of volley from VIC
torious charge on the routed and fleeing