The National tribune., 1899-05-25
FIGHTING THEM OVER.
What the Veterans Have to Say
About Their Campaigns.
A BAND OF ROUGH RIDERS.
How They Bore an Important Dispatch, a Told by q
Comrade Now Deceased.

Comrade Now Deceased.
Editor National Tribune: On a hot day
in June, 1864, the writer's regiment. the
22d n. Y. Cav, lay in camp near Front
ROYAL, Va We had been there three days,
resting and recruiting our iaded horses,
after the long marches and raids from the
Wilderness to SheridanS raid around
Richmond.
The boys were amusing themselves as
soldiers know so well how to do, bathing
in the river, writing letters, playing cards,
and the like. Suddenly the familiar call
Boots and saddles" sounded through
the camp In an instant every trooper
was on his feet, and in an incredibly short
time the regiment was mounted and In
line. Orderly Sergeant Calkins, of Co. b,
called the names of five privateS, as also
did each of the other Orderlies, making
total of 60 privates. The detail from Co.
consisted of Brady, Ellis, Noble, Davis
and myself. We were ordered to report to
the Quartermaster, where we received
three days rations and forage. Capt.
Wisner, of Co. II, had command OF the
detachment.
All being ready, we started. When
about two miles from camp we halted.
Capt. Wisner made speech, in which he
said we had before us one OF the most
hazardous and dangerous undertakings of
the war. His orders were to deliver a
certain dispatch to Gen. Grant, if he lost
every man in the detachment. Our route
lay through country overrun by guer-
rillas and bushwhackers. Two squadrons
with this same dispatch had been driven
back; several had been killed or captured.
Our force was larger than the others, and
he intended 10 cut his way through if
necessary. The Captain said if any pre-
ferred they might return to camp.
Not soldier moved, but all united in
cheers for Capt. Wisner. The Captain
smiled and said that an inspector, ac-
companied by the regimental veterinary,
had picked our horses from the entire
regiment, as being the most powerful and
capable OF speed.
thing that could be dispensed with-was
thrown aside. Then commenced the
dash. l was fortunate in owning noble
animal. He was a Kentucky racer-cap-
tured few days before in our raid around
Richmond-a dark bay, weighing about
900 pounds, and slayer.
On we rode, sometimes fording small
streams and passing through dense
woods The first danger we encountered
was about five miles from camp. In pass
ing through a clearing quite force of
mounted rebels dashed out of the woods,
Corp'l Goodrich in the wrist. AS soon as
our whole detachment appeared in sight
they hustled for cover ivelier than they
had come out.
On we went at Tremendous speed,
knowing that our lives depended on our
horses, who were being urged by spur 10
do their best. When about 20 miles from
camp we passed one of our wagon-trains
which had been burned. One of the drivers
sat on his seat, stiff and rigid, with his
throat cut; but we could only give
shuddering glance and hurry on, every
moment expecting attach from much
larger force than ours.
a Gnll!
rebels would dash out of the woods, fire at
US, and dash back again. How we did
wish we might return tho compliment,
but had to obey orders.
When we had gone about IS or 40 miles
two of the horses gave out, and the poor
riders tried, by running, to keep up, but it
was no USE They were soon left in the
distance, and were never heard from
again.
Our animals now all began to show
signs OF the terrible strain they were
being forced to make, and / think the
thought in every mind was, will they last
till we reach our goal, or will we share the |
fate of our comrades'
But at last we came in sight OF Gen.
Grants Headquarters, and three cheers
went up from 5S very tired but thankful
throatS Just before reaching Headquar-
ters, with our horses wet with foam and
we had to ford small river, and
this was the last straw for several; they
became stiffened and worthless, and after
wards were sent away with other con-
demned horses.
We had ridden the whole distance of 60
miles without dismounting, and only hav-
ing made one or two halts, Just long
enough fer our horses to get their wind.
We were kept at Headquarters for few
laws to nurse our lame backs and weary
limbs before being sent back to the regi-
W. Case, Co. b, 22d N. Y.
Cav, South Onondaga, N. Y.