The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1896-07-22
BROUGHT HIS SABER ACROSS HIS
FACE.

After a march of 35 miles we halted
at Smiths Crossroads, where there were
some farmhouses, barns and country
store. In the barnyards were stacks Of
hay inclosed by rail fences. The cattle
had eaten holes in the stacks. Some OF
the men crawled into the holes to sleep.
Others, building fires by the roadside
and spreading straw on the frozen
ground, lay down in their blankets with
feet to the fire, like spokes around the
hub of wheel. If they could keep
their feet warm they could sleep.
early next morning the march was
resumed. Late in the afternoon we
crossed North mountain, the last ridge
of the Alleghanies, and looked over the
valley. Men and horses found comfort
able quarters in the large brick barn
of DR.. Hammond, a mile or so from
North Mountain station. The next
morning, in order to find out our sur
roundings and learn whom we had for
neighbors, party of rs men, under
Lieuts. Prendergast and Lewis, was
sent to Martinsburg. Striking the pike
mile north of the town, we rode rap
idly through the main street. If there
were few of the enemy there this was
the surest way to get them. If there
should be large number this was the
best way to get through and out of the
town safely. But no enemy was there
1.-THE officers learned that about five
miles toward Winchester there was
picket post, and, although our orders
were to go only as far as Martinsburg,
we concluded to go and see where this
post was. We went out on moderate
gait until the advance caught sight of
the confederate videttes, when the
whole command started into rapid
gallop. About 80 confederates on the
reserve were around an old house on
the crossroad. When first seen they
were hastily unfastening and mount
ing their horses. They did not have
time to form and were taking to the
road and fleeing as rapidly as possible.
The fight and the chase were exciting.
One after another, as his horse gave
out, was overhauled and captured. One
plucky fellow was trying his best to
get away with Lieut.. Prendergast along
side of him. The lieutenant was an
Englishman, with dialect and an in.
distinctness in speech. He could not
say surrender plainly. He gained on
the confederate until the two horses
were neck and neck. The confederate
was leaning forward on his horses
neck and plying his spurs. 'Sur-r-reng-
der!' shouted the lieutenant. The con-
federate paid no heed to the summons,
but kept forging ahead, when the lieu
tenant brought his saber across his
face with a blow that Strengthened him
up in his saddle. He surrendered.
''The chase was kept up for nearly
five miles, almost to Bunker Hill. A
dozen prisoners were taken. We were
getting good way from home. Orders
were given to stop the pursuit, but the
men were excited and did not hear
them.
John Casey was an Irishman in Com
pany B. He had thin, high-keyed
voice and a peculiar way of getting
around without attracting much obser-
,ation. He was a fine soldier and took
good care of his horse, generally man.
aging to draw double rations for him.
When off duty he would volunteer to
go with the detail to draw oats. On one
occasion the grain was in sacks piled
on the first and second floors of an old
stone warehouse. While the oats were
being weighed and loaded into the
wagon at the lower door, Casey had
gone upstairs to look around. Watch
ing his opportunity he would toss sack
ont of the upper door into the wagon.
This was an extra for his horse. On a
shelf was lot of books. The quarter
masters clerk had occasion to go up
stairs, where he found Casey very dill
gently reading Bible. AS soon as the
clerk retired, out went another bag of
oats.