The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1900-08-09

ABOUT bn0 ISL Vi n DTll, IOOo, OOhCI
al William f. Jones, who commanded
the confederate forces in the Shenan-
doah Valley, began preparations for
an expedition to Western Maryland
and West Virginia, which had for its
object the destruction of so much OF
the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad as was
possible. No details were omitted in
fitting out the expedition to make it
d success, and that success much de-
pended upon the celerity of its move
ments. Every horse and man was
critically inspected, and those not
perfectly fit were ordered left behind,
for the trying ordeal of rapid march
ing over the precipitous mountains of
Western Maryland and West Virgin
la was one to tax the endurance of
both to the utmost.
The best horses were carefully shod,
horse litters provided and ammuni-
ton prepared for blowing up bridges
and culverts along the railroad. This
was to be packed on the backs of led
horses, for not wheel-not even an
ambulance-was to accompany the
expedition beyond Moorefield.
Much was expected from the expe-
dition by the Confederate authori-
ties, should it prove successful, for
already General Lee was perfecting
his plans for the invasion of Pennsyl-
vania, and the crippling of this great
artery was thought to be an essential
part of the programme.
1t was stupendous undertaking,
and the difficulties to be overcome
were many and varied, but no better
officer could have been selected to
command it than General Jones, a
man of great courage, persistency and
resourcefulness.
The First Maryland Battalion oi
Infantry, Baltimore Light Artillery
and Chew's Battery, were to accom-
pany the cavalry, about three thous
and troopers, as far as Moorefield, tc
see them well across the Potomac
River, and then they were to return
to the Valley of Virginia with the
many wagons taken along to Moore
field. As this was rich and fertile
country, and had felt the devastine
effects of the war but little, it was
hoped to fill these wagons with pro
visions, of which the troops in the
field stood greatly in need.
On the 21st day of April the expedi
ton started, and the start was made
under the most favorable auspices
1t had rained but little for many days
and we felt, therefore, that there
would be no difficulty in crossing the
many mountain streams, which were
then mere rivulets, but which be
came raging torrents after a few
hours downpour.
After a march of 20 miles the com
mand went into camp, and that very
evening a change took place in the
weather that boded no good for us
Rain began to pour, and it continued
to pour for three days.
When the march was resumed mex
day swift-running streams of chill!
water were encountered every three
OF four miles, the beds of which were
dry the day before, and into thes'
streams the infantry were compelled
to plunge waist deep. This continued
until the third day, when the vicin
ity of Moorefield was reached, tn
men being completely used up, TO
mountain climbing over bad road
and through drenching rain is hare
work. To add to our misery the com
missary wagons had been left far il
the rear, and not mouthful did th'
half-famished men have to eat.
1t was little wonder, then, tina
they were in an ugly mood, and tina
the remarks upon our commando
were not flattering.
After going into camp l could no
resist the temptation to ride to Moore
field. 1t is true had no bushes
there, and only the hope of gettin
something to satisfy the cravings O
hunger prompted me to go. 1t wa
selfish on my part, will confess, an
IL was severely and justly punishe
pr my selfishness. | crossed thre
streams between the camp and tow
in safety, and, proceeding to hote
l enjoyed a most excellent dinner
Nor was l the only officer in tow
without permission, for the cavalr
was we'll represented.
On my way back to camp, when
had reached the second and mos
dangerous stream, to my consterna
ton / encountered General Jones o
my side, where he was directing tn
Baltimore Light Artillery, on the OF
posite bank, how to find the fort