Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1894-07-14
Rattle or NcNymarkct.

\ icW DAYS since the NeWS pu0.iSheU
an article, taken from the Richmond
Times, why I Went 10 the Y. NJ. |, >
which was a statement Of 4 young ca
det who was in Richmond with the
corps of cadets al the recent unveiling
ofthe Confederate soldiers monument,
on May SO. The young cadet referred
TO is a son of gallant Federal soldier
who served in Pennsylvania regiment
and fronting the Cadet Battalion . in
the battle of Newmarket, and wit
messed their charge which resulted in
the capture OF 4 Federal battery, and
made the corps Of cadets and the Y. NJ.
l. famous in the events Of the recent
war between the States.
Gen. Lincoln was made prisoner in
that fight, and taken to Harrisonburg,
and while there, a prisoner, had con-
versatons with Major Johnson, post
quartermaster, Col. Smith of the 62nd
Virginia regiment, Col. \. :. Gray, DR..
Co. X. Gilmer and others.
The following is an extract Of a let
ter written by General Lincoln. dated
Worcester, Mass, March 10th, 1855, to
the late Rev. James H. Smith, son Of
the lamented General Francis II. Smith,
for half century superintendent OF the
Virginia Military Institute General
I4incolu's letter corroborates the state
ment of the Federal soldier who was
under his command, and who said, af-
ter witnessing hat gallant charge, that
if ever he had son, be would educate
him at the Virginia Military Institute.
He has now two sons at the y. NJ. /.
General Lincoln writes after refer
ring TO his temporary soiourn in Har-
risonburg Naturally
enough. incidents of the battle, the con-
duet of troops, and to some, though less
extent that of some of the officers on
each side. were spoken Of well lrecol
lect even now, our own position, the
field of battle. and the appearance Of
each army. We were upon The right OF
the infantry line TO our right, upon
ground slightly elevated, q six gun
battery. The 62nd Virginia, which
formed the extreme lett Of the attack
ing force. advanced directly against lis.
To the right of the G2nd were the ca
diets. The line Of advance was Il little
diagonal 10 that Of our formation, and
rs 1t was continued the G2nd passed
bvond and the cadets came directly TO
our front. Our fire, both that of artil-
Iery aud infantry, was rapid and con-
tinuoUs, and when the battery opened
with canister. was destructive. As the
advance was continued, ii was apparent
that the cadets were in advance of the
general line o. the attacking force.
Here their forward movement ceas-
I'd, and, for a moment, it seemed as if
their advance was checked. But what
seemed q check was in reality malt,
during which time "those boys" mark
ed time, dressed their ranks, and when
again aligned on the left, came forward
in most admirable form. The whole
thing was done with as much precision
and steadiness as if on parade, and this
while all the time subjected to de-
sructiyc fire No one who saw it will
ever forget it. No command, but one
most admirably drilled and disciplined
could have done it, And if other troops
on that field could, it is safe to say no
other body did do that thing. In after
time, around our camp fire, the gallant
conduct Of those little fellows (for such
they seemed to bc), was spoken of
among ourselves, aud always in terms
Of the highest commendation. With
no desire 10 disparage the conduct OF
other organizations i'll that army, /
should be doing injustice to myself, the
brave men Of my own command, and
the young men who composed that bat
TALON, if | failed TO render to them un-
qualified praise. and most heartily
Join you in Your purpose to exalt the
galiantry Of the cadet battalion as high
rs truth can upliftit.