The National tribune., 1901-09-12

shot might send him. not prematurely, to
the dominions of Pluto: he would lind
himself between two fires, and the Situa-
ton might not be considered cnvlable.
He was, therefore, careful TO vacate the
premises each evening and hObble to the
rear, where he found rest, and imagined
he found security in the house of one OF
his employees. Before leaving, he would
regularly hand over the key of his cham
Der, which was just inside the piazza, to
the officer in command of the post, with
liberty to enjoy the comforts OF his bed
or sofa. These were a rich treat to the
soldier long accustomed to nothing but
the greeDsward or hard boards; however,
| always remarked / slept better on the
hard boards outside on the platform Of
the piazza, or on the green grass, than
on the old mans luxurious couch. Old
Mr.. Ellis is perfect CroeSus-rich in
land, money and negroes. But l think
he suffers from a want of the neceSsIrIe5
of life, as his supplies are, TO a great ex-
tent, cut off by the occupation of his ter
ritory by the conflicting forces. He was
never married"
Ellis's house was situated within n few
yards of the river bank, along which our
forces had thrown up ritle-pits. The ford
was about 30 feet wide, and the rebel
picket on the other side was within speak
ing distance. During the daytime no
shots would be exchanged, though at
night the stiffness would sometimes bs
broken by few struggling ritie-Snots,
and sometimes by yolley when the reb-
els apprehended an attack from our side.
Nothing of interest or Importance took
place while we were there, the general
position of the opposing forces being still
the same as when we first moved down to
the ford. We left that place about Juna
| ,, and moved on to Kelley's Ford, and
remained there for three or four days, en-
gagged in duties similar to those at Ellis's.
On the morning of the 9th we crossed the
Rappahannock via Kelley's Ford, to SUD-
port our cavalry, which had crossed the
river in great force under Gems. Gregg
and Fitzpatrick. They encountered the en-
envy near Brandy Station, some 10000
or $1,000 strong, and a fierce fight took
place. The 9Th and sd regiments were
ordered farther to the front, in support
about FIVE miles. The LIST Mich. followed,
and protected the road over which we
had passed to prevent our retreat being
cut off. The cavalry engagement was
commenced by a heavy artillery fire.
About o'clock the former became en-
gagged, fighting until dark, when the en-
envy fell back badly beaten. Several
wounded men of both sides were carried
| TO the rear, where we were held IN re-
serve, and they represented the hight as
the greatest cavalry engagement that ever
took place on this continent. The num-
| Der Oh SaDeF cuts on HeluS anu dIllS pIO-
claimed the severity of the contest and
the close proximity of the combatants.
We returned the same night to Kelley's
Ford, and marched shortly afterwards TO
Morrisville. From there we pushed on,
and marched day after day, with irreg-
ular intervals OF rest, via Warrenton,
Manassas and Centerville to Gum
Springs, Aldie, Va. During these marches
the heat was unusually oppressive; many
poor fellows dropped down exhausted by
the roadside. Many men died, overcome
by the intOlerable heat and the weight OF
their knapsacks and other habiliments of
soldier. While we were marching in
the direction of Bull Run, a remark
reached US from one of our comical
characters. On leaving Catiett's Station
it became. evident where we were bound.
Where's the grand army going now,
Pat" queried one of the other.
80, then, don't you know" was the re-
ply; I'VE are going to Bull Run to get our
annual batin'?'
Ito be continued.)