Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1898-01-22

names Of their regiments, with very
often choice bits Of literature for the
reading Of any "Yanks" who might
happen along. Arriving near Bath,
our force separated. part with the
artillery going to the left, and COM
pany c under its captain going on to
Bath. A rapid dash was made into
the place to astonish and discomfort
any enemy that might be there. We
fonud none, however, with arms in
their hands. and marched on through
singing John Browns Body, which
song the men had kept up almostcon-
| tinuousiy from the start. We were
the first Union troops that had entered
this part Of Virginia. Our road led
between hills aud mountains of con-
siderable elevation, wss narrow in
many places, and had we encountered
force of the enemy they might have
given. us much trouble, and perhaps
captured us, for we were yet green in
war and did not realize the danger we
were in in the narfows among The
high mountains.
About noon we arrived at house
on the road, which had been place OF
entertainment for man and beast in
peaceful times, and was still inhabit-
ed. Here we halted and asked the
inmates whether they could furnished
dinner for us all at a reasonable price
in silver. They said they could give
us bread and meat. but had no salt
except rock salt. not being able to get
the pure article through the lines.
They prepared for us the best dinner
they could, Of which all who desired
partook and we paid them. We had
heard that the cities and towns of the
Confederacy we're issuing fractional
currency, known as "shinplasters,
but we had not yet seen any OF it.
They were no novelty to these people
lin fact they were the only money
they had. But it was a novelty to
them to see silver, and they were ex-
ceedingly glad to get it. The money
they had was &, 10, rs and rs cent
notes issued by the city Of Winchester,
and on very Indifferent paper. It was
to us novelty, and many IT the men
gave these people equal value in sill
yer for this currency to inclose in
their letters home as a curiosity.
Our host told us he did not know OF
any Confederate force nearer than
Martinsburg, but there might be
scouting parties or pickets distance
farther on. We mounted and marched
on, the road being muddier than ever.
After going some miles negro we
met told us there was Rebel picket
of 20 men about a mile ahead. Max
about half Of the distance at the or
binary gait, we were then ordered to
charge" At a gallop aud yelling
we dashed through the mud and sent
it flying over us and our horses in
showers. Reaching the indicated
place-a cross roads-we found it
abandoned, but could see a post had
been there. The only living object
we saw was woman with broom in
her hand standing in the door Of her
cabin. and SO thoroughly frightened
that she could not give us any infor.
nation In coherent manner Though
she was vigorous looking, Mysteries
had the better Of her, for our terrib e
yells and mud dishgured persons were
enough to brighten anything with
ears and eyes. We did succeed in
getting the information from her that
there had been picket of 20 men
there, which was withdrawn ten days
previous.
The day was waning. and we
were nerrly twenty miles from the
river at Hancock, and must return
through Bath, and were feeling lit
tie apprehensive about the latter fact,
tor a imam and brother had told us
that there was to be a meeting OF
Rebel melisshy" in Bath that even
ing. We began the return march as
expeditiously as possible, but the
terrible roads hindered us greatly till
near Bath, when they were frmer.
When in sight Of the place we set up
the usual shouting and charged rapid
ly through It. We hurried on to the
river, crossing it, and getting to our
quarters some time in the night. The
otba~ ~,o~4s..es <,r .,,.~ Co~oa 9,~1 -.