The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-07-16

ENCAMPED on CAPITOL HILL.
shelter, in Virginia rain, our only course
was to lie down on the ground, with
water running all around, and try to
rest, but il was a dismal failure.
Morning of March / broke clear and
cold. We were moved up on the table
land that we might enjoy the gentle
zephyrs Of freezing north wind. The
day was spent in cooking the food that
had been issued to us in the morning,
and yainly trying to find adjectiyes ex-
planning our ideas Of the management of
our head-center
On Monday morning word came that
we would encamp at Fairfax, so miles
away, that night. Starting early, We
plodded on, and at noon reached Stafford
Courthouse, 10 miles. A few miles
farther the escort was Joined by finely
mounted man, who was invited to a
place beside our bureau Of intelligence; /;
seemed to be well acquainted with the
country, answered questions freely about
Maj. Mosby, and, in short, was the lion
Of the hour. Passing through stretch
Of small timber he as suddenly disap-
peared. 1t was soon told our brilliant
chief that his guide
WAS MosBY HIMSELF,
which was fact, and his command had
followed our column all the time We were
outside ouriine since leaving Centeryille,
and had picked up all stragglers from
our ranks.
Long after dark we were halted in a
grove of small timber, and told TO un-
saddle our horses and encamp. No
doubt it was too dark for our brilliant
chief TO find sea Of mud. We passed
a very comfortable night-the snow fell
about two inches. Early morning found
us on the march. When we came to a
long stretch Of corduroy road we were
all obliged TO 20 on foot and lead our
horses, and they would often slip foot
down between the timbers and get fast.
About noon we reached Bull Run at
Wolf Run shoals, and forded the stream.
As the regiments in the advance came
up on the bank they received the order
10 form battalion front As we came
out Col. Norvell gave the order TO form
front by regiment. He was quickly
reprimaDded by the man Of brains.
The Colonel said there was not room
enough, and two Of his battalions would
have been in the river. The great man
said orders were given TO be obeyed.
Then broke forth words more forcible
than reyerential upon the head Of the
poor officer, who was supposed to be in
sole command.
We took the road to Fairfax Court
house, where our supply-train met US.
We fed our horses, then ourselves, and
had saddlcd our horses, as an Aid from
the late commander came upon the
ground with an order for us TO join his
command and proceed to Aide, as
Stuart was there.
Prepare to mount came the order.
"Mount! Form ranks Forward, col
umn lcft-March !" Then, turning to
Capt Hastings, our leading light said
"HURRY DowS BY AHAxDALE,
and across to Long Bridge. Tell the
pickles We will be along about 5 o'clock,
and not TO FIRE on US, as ] have not the
countersign for tonight" Then to the
Aid said: "Tell your Colonel my work
with him is done. Ny regiment goes to
Washington tonight" We left him to
watch US, going on the road toward
Washington Alto o'clock we reached
our camp-ground on East Capitol Hill
a wiser, if not a pleasanter, set Of men
than we were week before.
This brilliant exploit cost Uncle Sam
an immense sum in treasure. A large
number Of men had been obliged to
abandon their horses and come in on
foot. We had skillfully lodged every
appearance Of the enemy, but had SO
worn down our horses that the best care
we could give them on the picket-line
left them poorly able to endure the cam
paign that began in June and ended
the 9th day Of November, 1863. The
besl-equipped and best-armed large body
Of cavalry then ever seen together on
this continent had been in sight of
6tuart's forces at two times and places
In very greatly superior force to his, and
battle had been declined
Very few of Michigan's 9Th Cav.
Rvnr carried moro than ona bIopLof af,ar
this trip, and never another raid was