The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-10-24

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cavalry passing in the direction Of Sui
phur Springs. We quietly approached
the fence, where we found several Of the
men had preceded us, and sure enough
we saw a body of cavalry passing IN
sections Of four. 1t was so dark that
it was impossible to discern what troops
they were, but they did not resemble
our cavalry in the least. We thought
at the time, and / have always thought
since, that it was a squadron of Confed-
crate cavalry. 1t has always been a
wonder to me why our mules kept quiet,
but there wasn't whimper from one OF
them. ] expect they were tired enough
TO keep still.
The 26th found us within one-half
mile Of Sulphur Springs, where we
found several of our batteries in position,
firing at the enemy, who were posted
across the river Several Of us were
sent down to ascertain the condition of
the bridge which we had built few
DAYS previously. We discovered from
one Of the windows of the hotel that the
bridge had been destroyed, rendering it
unnecessary for us to risk our lives in
Its destruction.
A company of Berdan Sharpshooters
occupied the hotel, firing at the enemy
across the river. From a small hole
through the side of the hotel had a
good view of the country across the
riyersand to the right of where We were.
There was growth of willows on both
banks. which were occupied by the adj
vance-slirmishers of the two armies
Kings Division on our side and Ander-
sons Division, Of the Confederate army,
on the other, composed mostly Of
Georgia troops
While looking over the situation /
noticed an officer on a gray horse ride
from a place on our right He was
crossing an open field, apparently MAX
ing for point on the river at the right
of our line Of skirmislers.
He had not gone more than 10 rods
before his horse fell, having been
STRUCK BY BULLET
from one Of the enemy's sharpshooters
stationed at house near the Culpeper
road, about 80 rods from the bridge.
The officer was either hit by the same
shot that killed the horse or else was
hurt by the falling Of the animal, for he
did not leave the place during the time
I remained in the hotel.
Nine wears ago. while in Florida,
met a Southern gentleman who Informed
me that during the war he was Major OF
a Georgia regiment, and IN comparing
army notes with me he said he was sta
toned at the house Of which mention
was made, with a part Of his regiment.
He referred to the incident Of the officer
riding from our lines on the gray horse,
and said that several of hiss men fired at
him, but failed to hit him, when he took
one Of their guns, and, after taking care
ful aim, and allowing for the distance
which the horseman would be likely to
move to the right while the ball was
travelling the distance, he fired, hitting
the mark, bringing both horse and rider
to the ground. ] think the Majors
name was Avery.
As there was nothing for us to do at
the bridge, and as our curiosity was sat
isfied, We returned to the vicinity of the
batteries, which were still shelling the
enemy's position across The river. re-
manned for while near the battery
which was connected with Patrick's Bri-
gade. There were six rifed pieces, which
were Ia position in an open field, their fire
being directed towards artillery which
was firing from near the house of which
mention was made above.
The morning of the 9th we returned
70 Warenton and started for Warren
ton junction, but had proceeded but
short distance when tie order was coun-
termanded, and the Engineer Corps took
the WarrenUon and Alexandria pike.
Before the order was countermanded
Lieut.. Kennedy, the officer in command,
ordered the carpenter foreman and myself
10 proceed towards the junction and see
that the roads were in passable condi-
tion, and when they turned around we
were forgotten.
When we reached the Junction we
found our people destroying Quarter
master and Commissary stores, which
were IN cases, everything being set on
fire. We were unable 10 account for
this destruction till we reached and
passed Catlett's Station, when we
DISCOVERED SMOKE AHEAD.
which proved to be Broad Run bridge,
which the enemy had burned.
We also heard firing to the left Of the
bridge, and upon reaching the locality
ascertained that a portion Of Jachson's
army had gotten around in Pope's rear
and burned the bridge; but before they
could get away tie Excelsior Brigade,
commanded by Gen. Sickles, had at
tackled them.
The Fast we knew we were among the
dead and wounded. We each picked
Children Cry for