Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-09-29

Richmond and prepared to defend tna'
city. The battle OF Seve1 Pines, wniie
indecisivc and without material results,
was momentous In one respect. In mat
II transferred the command or the Army
OF Northern Virginia from GeneFai
Johnston. who was severely wounded. 10
General Lee. and under this iilustrious
leader II was about TO begin that won
derful series Of marches and battles and
victories which astonished and electrihed
the world and the fame of which VIII
go sounding down the ages. sung by
poets, penned by sages.
Our regiment was now placed on the
extreme left, near Ashland ana han
over Courthouse, and resumed our on
work OF picket duty and Observation.
We accompanied General Stuart In MS
ride around the Federal army, when was
so demoralized and panic-stricken that
IL made only feeble opposition TO our pro-
gress. There were several small skirm-
ishes In which we lost only one
man, the gallant Captain Latane, whose
death the whole cavalry corps lamented.
Now commenced the seven-days' battle.
which exalted both General Lee and the
army to the highest pinnacle OF fame.
and which delivered this city from the
presence of the invader.
Strange TO say. the cavalry took very
little part in these battles. General Lee
was in doubt whether the enemy
would retreat by way OF the White House.
which was their base of supplies, or
endeavor 10 seek refuge under their gun
boats in James river. We were directed
to march on the left OF General Jackson's
corps, north OF the Chickahomlny, and
await the development Of the enemys
plans. Our chief service was 10 drive off
or capture a small force at the White
House. and we joined the army as well
as ! remember, about the time OF the
battle of Malvern Ill., and were ordered
to follow and harasg the enemy on
their retreat TO James liver. The gun
boats soon opened OH us with their NOR
tars and big guns, and scattered US In
every direction. These mortarS especially
are dreadful things; their shells go
piping and shrieking and blazing
through the air until the whole upper
armament almost seems on fire. and we
are forclbly reminded Of the old monks
description OF the last day.
That day Of wrath. that dreadful day.
When Heaven and earth shall pass away,
What power shall be the sir ner 5 stay,
How shall he meet that dreadful day,
When shrivelling like a parched scroll
The flaming heavens together roll;
Swells the high trump that wakes the
MORE NOISE THAN DANGER.
And after all. nobody hurt. 1t Is Won
derful how little harm is done by these
understanding machines.
At the battle of Fredericksburg 800
guns were directed against that city.
and yet only two or three houses were
destroyed and a few others damaged.
A short time before that some of our
troops had constructed some slight en-
trenchments near Port Royal. a small
village on the Rappahannock river. and
fired on the gunbOats and these, with
their usual barbarity, and without a
word of warning, opened their fire on
the place, though there were no soldiers
In il. but only the usual inhabitants. men,
women. and children; and. yet the only
casualties were one dog killed and one
negro woman wounded.
In the midst OF all the clamor and noise
and uproar caused by these shrieking
shells. Old General Holmes, who was in
command of a division durin; these bat
ties. and who was very deaf, came out
of house near by. and seeming 10
listen intently, with his hand TO his
ear. quietly said: II thought I heard
firing" All OF us agreed with him. We
had certainly heard firing
The army now retreated toward Rich
mond. and we were left TO our usual
service Of picket duty, and watching
the enemy. In a skirmish with their cav
AIRY. our captain, f. w. Chamberlayne,
was painfully wounded. and one man.
Julian Carter. was killed outright, and
We sent his body 10 this city for inter-
ment.
But, Mr.. Editor, I have already writ
ten too much. many things l had no
thought OF when / commenced. With
your leave. / will resume the narrative
at a future time. i. ". PARHAM.
Company /, Fourth Regiment Virginia
Cavalry.