The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-06-25


principal dutie.
- c.ss'. were to act AZ
1sEss~ skirmishers.
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 21st 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 River,near Strasburg, then
some three or four miles from the posi-
tion of our army, and ascertain their
strength and position. We performed
this hazardous duty, but in doing so lost
one Of our number, Joseph H. McCork-
lie, 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 Nine
teenth 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 so 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
off, sword in hand, and shouting as he
came, "Charge! Charged" Over the
breastworks we leaped, and, although
the distance was at least one-fourth Of
mile and the way INSTRUCTED 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.
tured all the prisoners and guns.
felt SO disappointed after making
such splendid charge, with no tro-
pixies, so far MS our regiment or corps
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 l waited on the roadside
1 20 mn
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. Y,
Col Mullineaux, under the command
of Col. Dan Macauley, then acting Bril-
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 60 along
/ the pike about 500 yards in front of
the line to prevent 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 mo to be-
lieve that Gen. Early intended to make
stand and give us a battle, or check
our advance, so reported to Col.
Macauley and thereafter moved for
or1 nanfinnc1u thsc
time two pieces of artillery were
added to the pursuing line, but held
somewhat in the rear, to be used if
needed.
l was 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 ofthe road, which
at this place was thickly skirted with
heave woods on either side, and was
climbing long gently-sloping hill.
The sky was clear, but moonless. The
stars shone sufficiently bright SO that
objects IN the middle of the pike
couldtbe easily seen few feet away.
For this reasonI walked on the side
Of the pike and in THE shadow of the
woods.
AS l approached the top Of the hill
saw an opening in the wood indi-
eating some farm, on my left. When I
came to the cover of the woods mo-
ticed a small tree standing on the road
I side some 10 or 20 feet from the Others.
and about the size of mans body.
, passed it, walking, carefully and
advancing foot at a time, with my
/ body bent forward, gun ready, and
pcering with all my might into the
darkness beyond. All Ola sudden l
heard the command Ready" in q
claSr vo;ca a favv feet IN front - mo