The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1900-09-14

like feathers into the air. Both armies
were scattered by it, as if Il great bat
tie had been fought and won; and as it
lasted without any intermission for
upwards of three hours, neither party,
at its close, was in a fit condition TO
offer the slightest annoyance to its 4:
versary. For our parts, it was not
without some difficulty that we sue
ceeded in bringing our stragglers to-
gether, whilst daylight lasted; and if
its effects upon regular and victorious
army were so great, there cannot be a
doubt that it was at least equally great
upon an undiciplined and intimidated
levy.
In the meanwhile, the officers of the
different corps had been directed in a
whisper to make ready for falling back
as soon as darkness should set in. From
the men, however, the story was kept
profoundly secret. They were given,
indeed, to understand, that an impor-
tant mannuvre would be effected be-
fore to morrow morning, but the hints
thrown out tended to induce an expec-
tation of farther advance, rather than
retreat. A similar rumor was per-
mitted quietly to circulate among the
| inhabitants, with the view, doubtless,
OF its making its way into the Ameri-
can Camp; whilst all persons were re-
quired, on pain Of deoth, to keep with
in doors from sunset to sunrise This
done, as many horses as could be got
together, were put in requisition for
the transport of the artillery. Even
the few wounded officers who had ac-
companied the column were required
to resign theirs; and mine, among the
number, was taken away. But the
precaution was very just and proper
one. Not only were the guns by this
means rendered more portable, but the
danger Of betrayal from a neigh, or
the tlampling of hoofs along the paw
cd streets. was provided against; and
though individuals might, and did suf-
fer, their sufferings were not to be put
into the scale against the public good.
1t was about eight O'Clock at night,
when staff-officer: arriving upon the
ground, gave directions for the corps
to form in marching order. Prepara-
tory to this step, large quantities Of
fresh fuel were heaped upon the fires,
whilst from every company a few men
were selected, who should remain be-
side them till the pickets withdrew,
and move from time to time about, so
as that their figures might be seen by
the light of the blaze After this the
troops stole to the rear of the fires by
twos and threes; when far enough re-
moved to avoid observation, they took
their places and in profound silence,
began their march. The night was
very dark. Stars there were. indeed,
in the sky; but for some time after
quitting the light of the bivouac, their
influence was wholly unfelt We
moved on, however,in good order. No
mtn spoke above his breath, our very
steps were planted lightly, and we
cleared the town without exciting Oh
servation. About half mile in rear
of the city, second line of fires had
been established. We looked towards
it now, and the effect of the figures,
which from time to time moved across
the flames, was exceedingly striking.
On arriving there we found that the
other brigades had likewise commenced
their retreat, and that the fires which
burned so brightly, had been prepared
by them exactly as we had prepared
ours, previous to setting out. We
caused few men whom they had left
behind to join us, as onr men had been
commanded to join the pickets, and
pursued our journey.
We were now approaching the field
of the late battle, when the moon arose,
and threw a soft pale light over sur
rounding objects. At first her rays
fell only upon the green leaves and
giant boughs of the woods which on
either hand closed in the road; but as
we proceeded onward other spectacles
presented themselves, some of which
were of no very cheering or lively ma
ture. When we gained the ridge which
position, open green fields lay stretched
out before us; every one presented
some manifestation of the drama which
had so lately been acted here. Broken
arms, caps, cartouch boxes, with here
and there dead body, naked and
ghostly white, were scattered about in
every direction, whilst the smell, not
exactly of putrefaction, but of some
thing nearly akin to it, and mingling
| with the od)r of scorched grass and
extinguished matches, rose upon the
night air very Extensively; yet the
whole scene was one of prodigious in
terest and power The river and town
which lay near us, the former flowing
quietly and beautifully along, the lat
ter lifting its modest buildings in the
silence of moonlight night, formed 4
striking contrast with the devasted and
torn ground over which'w were march
! ing, whilst the only sound distinguish