The National tribune., 1898-09-08

WORK IN THE FIELD.
Considerable excitement prevailed
throughout the day, as we were every
hour in expectation of meeting the enemy
Carefully feeling its way, however, the
army moved steadily on, investigating
every field, building, and ravine for miles
In front and to the right and left until il
reached Centerville, where we halted fol
the night.
The troops now began to feel the eff
fects of the march, and there was evil
IDENTIFY lack of that picnic hilarity which
had characterized them the day preceding.
Several regiments had been supplied with
new shoes the day before leaving camp,
and they found by sad experience that
they were not the most comfortable things
to march in, as their poor, blistered feet
testified. In many cases their feet were
literally raw, the thicl. wooden stockings
having chafed the skin of.
Mrs. B and l. having provided our
selves, before leaving camp, with Il Guanti-
ty OF linen bandageS, lint, ointment, etc,
found il very convenient now, even before
a shot had been fired by the enemy.
Our Surgeons began to prepare for the
coming battle by apprOpriating several
buildings and fitting them up for the
wounded. Among others the stone church
at Centerville-a church which many a
soldier will remember as long as memory
lasts. Late that evening, as | was re-
turning from this church, accompanied by
Mr.. and Mrs. b, | proposed that we
should walk through the entire camp to
see how the boys were employed on this
the eve of their first battle.
We found many engaged in writing by
the glimmcring light of the campfire.
Soldiers always carry writing materials
on a march. Some were reading their
Bibles, perhaps with more than usual in
terest; while others sat in groups con-
versing in low, earnest tones; but the
great mass were stretched upon the
ground wrapped in their blankets, fast
asleep, and all unconscious Of the dangers
of the morrow.
We were about to return TO our quarters
in log cabin built by the rebel soldiers,
and which had been evacuated only a
few days previous, when we heard several
voices singing in little grove not far from
camp. We turned and walked toward the
grove until we could hear distinctly the
words of a beautiful hymn.
"Ah" exclaimed Mr.. B, II recognize
Willie Is voice there. | understand
now. This is Willie's prayer meeting
night, and Notwithstanding the fatigue OF
the march and blistered feet he has not
forgotten it,
We drew nearer to listen to and enjoy
the exercises unperceived, for no sooner
had the last words of the hymn died away
on the still midnight air than Willie's
clear voice rose in prayer, filling the grove
with its Tich, pathetic tones. He prayed
for victory on the morrow, for his COM
rades, for loved ones at home, and his
voice grew tremulous with emotion as he
pleaded with the Savior to comfort and
support MS widowed mother, if he should
fall in battle.
Then followed a practical talk about
being faithful soldiers OF Jesus as well as
of their beloved country; of the necessity
OF being prepared at any moment to lay
down the cross and take up the crown
One after another prayed and spoke until
about q doZen-and that included the
whole number present-had addressed the
Throne of Grace, and testified to the
power OF the Gospel of Christ in the salv a.
ton of sinners. We retired feeling re-
freShed and encouraged.
THE ADVANCE.
After ascertaining the position of the
enemy, Gen. Mcdowell ordered forward
three divisions. commanded by HeintZel-
man, Hunter and Tyler, Miles being left
in reserve at Centerville. Sunday morn
ing before dawn those three divisions
moved forward presenting magnificent
spectacle as column after column wound
its way over the green hills and through
the hay valleys, with the soft moonlight
falling on the long lines OF shining steel.
Not drum or bugle was heard during
the march, and the deep silence was only
broken by the rumbling OF artillery, the
muflled tread OF infantry, or the low hum
OF thousands OF subdued voices.
The divisions separated where three
roads branch off toward Bull Run, each
taking the road leading to its respective
position. Soon the morning broke bright
and clear, bringing the two contendlng
armies in plain sight of each other. The
enemy was posted on nights that rose in
regular slopes from the shore, crowned
here and there by earthworks.
The woods that interfered with his can
non ranges had all been cut away, and
his guns had clean sweep Of every APP
proach. On or side the descent was
more gradual, and covered with dense
forest. The roar of artillery soon an
nounced that the battle had actually
commenced.
Mrs. B and myself took our position
on the field, according to orders, in con
nection with Gen. Heintzelman's Divis-
ion, having delivered our horses TO Jack
for safe keeping, with strict orders to re-
main where he was, for we might require
them at any moment / imagine now
see Mrs. B as she stood there, looking
as brave as possible, with her narrow
brimmed ieghorn hat black cloth riding
habit, shortened to walking length by the
use OF page, silver mounted seven
shooter in her belt a canteen of water
swung over one shoulder and a flask oil
brandy over the other, and a haversack
with provision, lint bandages, adhesive
plaster, etc, hanging by her side. She
was tall and slender, with dark-brown
hair, pale face, and blue eyes.
Chaplain B sat upon his horse
looking as solemn as if standing face TO
face with the angel of death. The frs;
man / saw killed was a gunner belonging
TO Col. Rs command. A she'll had
burst in the midst of the battery, killing
one and wounding three men and two
horses.
Mr.. B jumped from his horse, hitch
cd II 10 tree, and ran forward to the bat
terry. Mrs. B and ! followed his ex-
ample as fast as we could. | stopped
over one of the wounded, who lay upon his
lace Weltering in his blood ] raised his
head, and who should it be but Willie
l.. He was mortality wounded in the
breast, and the tide OF life was fast ebbin,
away. The stTetchers were soon brough
and he was carried from the field
UNDER FIRE.
Seeing the disaster from n distance
Col. R rode up 10 the battery and a
he was engaged in giving orders, soli
shot came whiZzing by in such clos,
proximity TO his head that il stunne
him for a moment; but soon recoverin
he turned up the side OF his head an
shrugged his shoulders a popularity c
his, and in his usual nasal twang said
Rather close quarters" and rode away
apparently as unconcerned as if it ha,
been a humm ing-brd which crossed M
path But rot content with admonisilin
the Colonel, the same shot struck M
poor little Task of brandy which lay nea
a drnga-bQad hat