Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1895-05-18

when the bugler came dashing up
again, with the information from the
captain to move at gallop, as the
Confederate cavalry was in hot pur-
suit.
How we did dash along, passing
many of the stragglers, to whom we
shouted that the Confederates were
in pursuit and that they should look
out for themselves, but still tearing
on at our greatest speed, every mo-
ment fearing lest trace break or a
horse stumble. Fortune seemed 10
favor US and great was our relief
when White Oak Swamp bridge OPP
ened up to our view.
But, oh horrors What is the
smoke F? Can it be possible the bridge
is on fire? Yes, too true. General
Richardson had missed the battery
and had waited as long as he deem
ed consistent with the safety of the
army and had been obliged to fire
the bridge, which, when we reached
it was in full blaze.
There we were, full battery of
eight guns, fully equipped with am
munition, horses, etc., valued at
thousands OF dollars to our govern
ment and still more valuable to the
enemy if used against US.
With burning bridge in front of
US, to cross which meant safety, and
behind us, coming rapidly, Confed-
crate cavalry, which meant capture
and misery. Not long did our gal
liant captain hesitate.
"Now, men, he said, eve have
got to cross that bridge, and I know
every one OF you would rather per
ish than endure the disgrace of cap
ture. Dismount all. Cannoneers,
take your blankets, soak them in the
swamp and cover ammunition chests.
Drivers, take your nose bags, cut off
the bottoms and strap over your
horses heads so ss to completely
cover the eyes of the horses. Lively,
don't loose time. Lieutenant" to
me, stake nose bag for your horse,
same as drivers, mount and lead that
battery over that bridge at full gall
lop. | will cover rear with Napol-
cons, and cross the bridge ready for
action"
1t was almost certain death, I
thought, but it had to be done. On
the opposite side of the swamp were
the members of our army, watching
us with deepest interest and ready
to help US in any way in their pow
er. But the bridge was burning and
the "Reb" cavalry was coming.
Ali was ready; wet blankets over
ammunition chests, nose bags over
horses heads and the word was Civ
en- to go. How we got over that
bridge to this day | do not know.
Ny gallant little gray stood me in
good stead. The fierce flames scorch-
ing and burning one will never for.
get.
There was terrible danger of the
ammunition exploding in the chests,
which only the wet blankets protect
ed. The explosion meant certain
death to every one of us-but we
got over safely. As the last gun
reached the ground, such cheer
as our gallant boys gave US made
our hearts bound for joy and fully
repaid US for the frightful risk we
had taken.
Not ten minutes had passed after
our battery had reached safety when
the Confederate cavalry opened with
their carbines, and very shortly at
terward their artillery joined in.
The bridge had become q thing of
the past all that was left of it was
a heap of blackened debris, piled up
in the swamp below.
Thus was saved, by the pluck and
good judgment of our brave captain,
Government property incalcuable in
it's value.