The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-11-06

regiments, formerly commanded by the
gallant Paul j. Semmes, who was slain at
Gettysburg, and only mustered about 400
muskets. The men, in fact the whole force,
were poorly clad and shod, rations were be-
ing reduced to minimum, for the whole
valley bad been CLEANED and devastated so
long by the contendlng forces that no
further supplies could be obtained from the
willing, but utterly ruined. people of the
valley; 10 fact, it was already about re-
duced to that condition to which Gen. Sheri.
dan boosted he would bring it. "that if a
crow few over it he would have to carry
his own ratons."
Thus with commissary and quarter
masters supplies exhausted, il was neces-
sary to go forward or back, and Gems.
Early and Gordon decided to attack the
formidable lines in front, and recoup our
supplies from the enemy's abundant stores.
On the night of Oct. IS, 1864, was sitting
in front Of my tent alone; at a short distance
the regimental chaplain was holding a
prayer meeting, and the voices of the men,
in earnest application to throne of grace
i'll which they had never lost confidence or
trust, came solemnly through the trees,
carrying my thoughts back to home and
Gods care of those we loved there, when |
descriedsthe tall form OF Gen. z. j. Semmes
approaching. He said, Colonel, will you
take a walk with meP Rising to my feet
we went toward the prayer meeting and
listened awhile with bowed heads. Poor
fellows" said the general. this may be their
last meeting, colonel We are going to at
tack the enemy's lines before daybreak, and
our brigade has been selected for the post
of honor to break the line. Woffords brig
ade will support us. Your regiment being on
the right depend on you TO lead the attack.
The men must be in line ready TO move at
~ IL Ia nd nrfn
SummoniDg my adjutant, al older brother
of mine, who was an experienced old solder,
having served twenty years in the British
army in the Royal ARTILLERY, | issued the
necessary orders, and at midnight we filed
out on the Winchester road, past the wait
ing columns OF troops already there, and
took position at the head OF the column,
Gems Early and Gordon with their
statfs riding ahead. The night was
cloudy and cold, making it difficult to see
any great distance ahead. The horses feet
seemed muffled, and perfect silence main
tanned. Instructions stated that no orders
should be given in the line. All movements
conforming to the right, we glided along the
road like a procession OF specters through
the gloom, when an absurd Incident oc-
CURED that for the time put everybody in
good humor A sudden clanking noise was
heard on our left. The command halted,
aud presently q foraging confederate, with
about twenty canteens hanging around him,
pushed through the bushes aud made his
startled appearance before US. An officer
halted him, and sharply inquired
what he had in all those can
teens. "Buttermilk, sir" triumphantly
answered the astonisned soldier. Pass
one of them over here" The officer re-
celved it, aud pulling the stopper out no
sampled the contents, while delicious and
fragrant odor OF fine old apple jack diffused
itself through the frosty air, causing the
men to sniff expectantly down the line.
VERY fine buttermilk, indeed" said the
officer, passing 1t among his comrades.
After having his supplies thoroughly tasted
the soldier was dismissed to his command,
amid the frantic entreaties of the. men to
give them just one swallow OF that good
buttermik.n This incident cheered the line
and dispersed the gloom that was gathering