The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1901-08-01

but was Immediately ordered back until
daylight.
The next morning was beautiful and
bracing; the firing had ceased. We were
preparing to march, when a rumor reached
us that Mcclellan had captured thOus-
and prisoners, and was in hopes of a com
plete victory. In the evening, about S
o'clock, we struck tents, and at midnight
moved ON Yorktown. After a rapid
march the regiment arrived there, and we
stretched ourselves upon the ground. and
wrapped in our blankets, slept until morn
ing.
The next day we had an opportunity of
visiting the various forts and defenses in
the Immediate vicinity, and could not but
admire the engineering skill they exhib-
tied. Then, for the first time, the extra
ordinary labor of Gen. Mcclellan could be
appreciated. There. before us, stood that
monument of the triumph Of his engineer
ing skill. Yorktown could have been made
to succumb III no other way. Generals of
less ability would have attempted the sub
jUgatiOn of the works by stOrm-a pro-
ceeding which would have been attended
with terrible disasters, and have cul-
minated in defeat.
AS we passed. a number of soldiers of
various regiments were clustered round
and upon the spot where CORVALLIS de-
livered his sword to Washington; and we
noticed that many of them broke off
pieces of stone and carried them away as
souvenirs of that memorable surrender
On May 8 we arrived at West Point.
Va, about two miles from which we en-
camped for the night, the men here being
Obliged to sleep on the ground, as their
tents had not arrived But we managed
to pass tolerable night. The next day
we moved our camp short distance. At
this time we We're about % miles from
Richmond.
on TO RICHMOND.
The following day we were again sup
piled with three days ratiOns, and had
orders 10 be ready, in light marching or
der, to move on Richmond. The graves
Of Union and rebel soldiers are scattered
plcntifully about West Point, and tell of
the vigor Of the fighting at that place.
Next day Gen. Mcclellan happening to
pass by where our regiment lay, our boys
loudly cheered him, which was continued
by other regiments as he passed ON the
road.
We remained here about two days,
when we received orders to draw five
days rations, and to have one days ra-
ton cooked, and be ready to move ut .
o'clock the following morning, when we
struck tents. and about 1870 were on our
line Of march.
The reader will. no doubt. perceive how
rigorous and unceasing was the work of
the last few weeks. But he cannot com
prchend the innumerablc difficulties with
which we had to contend: the many com
FORTRESS nights we passed without shelter.
III the midst of storm and rain, marching
ankle-dcep III mud and water and lying
down mt night on a couch composed of
that cold but plastic compound.
However, the thought that Richmond
was TO fall before our conquering arms,
and that the impiouS men who had con
spircd and fOstered the rebellion were
soon TO experience the full penalty of their
ueachery, animated the breasts of our gal
liant fellows. and they marched on, with
merry songs and light hearts. 10 the fatal
helds III front of the Confederate Capi-
tai.
But many of the poor fellows suffered
sadly weary and fOUtSOre they strug-
gled on, not murmur passing their lips
On the morning of May Is we resumed
our weary march about 4:3O O'Clock. Noon
came, and by that time the sun sh0ne so
not, and the roads were so dusty that one
by one the gallant fellows dropped behind.
falling from sheer exhaustion by the road
side. throwing knapsack. blankets. and
other articles of the soldiers kit reckless
ly away.
The scenery in that part of the conn
try was surprisingly beautiful; but. tired
out as our fellows were, they had no eve
for scenic beauties. AT last. completely
worn out, we halted on the night Of the
18th at Columbia Landing but had or
ders TO hold ourselves ready to march at
moments notice. Next day it rnined
heavily, but marching orders did not come,
for which all of us were devoutly thank
full.
After remaining here about 81 hours
we resumed our march over road deep
with mud, so deep that the wagon trains
could not be moved without extra assist
ance. After marching about six miles.