The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-05-08
nY u. G. GRAYsON.

to Ellison's Mill on the Rapldan Rtv-
err ON picket for five days. The fol-
lowing day rumors were abroad that
tho enemy were advancing toward
Rapidan Station. Our regiment re-
manned on picket duty at Barnett's
Ford. supposed that the enemy were
advancing toward Fredericksburg. On
July 10 we were ordered to advance TO
Raccoon Ford, and starting at early
dawn and marching all day, we ar
rived about twilight, everything still
indicating an carly engagement On
the following day moved to Morton's
Ford, and began to throw UP en-
trenchments, momentarily expecting
the enemy to cross the river. but after
several days no such movement OF the
enemy being attempted, we were with
drawn from the front and went into
regular camp in the near vicinity.
Looking for the Enemy.
The news of the glorious victory OF
Bragg over Rosecrars at Chickamau-
ga had quite revived and cheered the
men, and after tho long rest In camp
all were becoming tired of tho monot-
ony and rather eager to see active
movements begin. We had rurnors
| that General Lee was about to take
the initiative, although both seemed to
be reluctant to make the advance, not
pers on each side were severely criti-
cizng the inertness Of their respective
armies and commanders.
| On the 9th OF October we received
orders about IL o'clock to pack up and
| be ready to march, and in an hours
| time we were on the move. taking the
! direction towards Orange Courthouse,
| supposed to be making a forward
movement. Camped at night at Mt.
| Pisgah Church, eight miles from the
! Courthouse The following morning
the march was resumed. passing
! through Orange Courthouse, on to-
wards the Rapldan. which had been
/ the Rubicon dividing line for several
/ rnonths between thc-two armies. and
crossing at Barnett's Ford. we were
thoroughly appraised Of the fact that
we were making an advance TO meet
our foes.
welcome at worrcnton.
After the long monotony OF camp
life and WEAKNESS of inactivity. the
! forward movement for action seemed
TO- stimulate the men, and going to
| the front in anticipation OF giving bat
| tie was performed with more alacri-
| ty and enthusiasm than were the tardy
/ steps when in retreat. Our route was
I towards Madison Courthouse. and
4 camped In the vicinity of the little
town OF Boston. During the next
] day heavy cannonadlng was heard In
the front, and It was supposed that
i battle would occur at or near Gull
/ pepper Courthouse, towards which
i place we were moving. But. before
reaching there, we were suddenly
! changed In our direction and took the
/ road towards Warrenton. and campcd
on the north side of the Rappahannocii
Il River at the White Sulphur Springs
some cavalry lighting having occurred
\ at that place that day. The following
i morning the march was resumed, pass
j, ing through Warrenton. Va, where We
/ met with royal reception from the
i citizens, who had been for severa
months within the cnemy's lines.
u They were enthusiastic over our en-
trance Into their town and seemed
, greatly relieved and rejoiced to see
t their gallant defenders. while proudly
J did we march through their town tc
the music Of our fine band of tbs
} Tenth Virginia Regiment. while If
, front could be heard cannonadinS, to-
wards which our march was fastening
us: yet it did not cloud the faces moi
daunt the courage of the young sol
: diers. who were flushed with animation
by the smiles of the young womer
;. cheering them on with waving hand
kerchiefs Continuing on in the dlrec
{ ton of Manassas. we camped at nigh
G within six miles of that famous place
made so by having been the battle
ground OF two great victories of gu
: arms.
General Lees Singing Rebrkc.
III The following day we received or
< ders to cook up two days rations
which in such close proximity to TIL
! 1--we
Of an early battle. But the enemy hav
!, ing been overtaken at Brtstow Station
: by the advance of our ariny-A. F
!, Hills Corps-and by some unfortunat
!, blunder and neglect of precautionar
= vigilance. they fell into an ambuscad
. of the enemy, who were lying down be
! hind the embansment of the railroad
= and their sudden attack resulted !
!; fearful loss and confusion to GU
troops, after which the enemy with
!, drew from Manassas. II was here tina
: General Leo was frustrated by TIL
= disaster In his plans and stopped pur
suit. He also administered a gentl
;. but singing rebuke to one OF his gen
rails who. riding up to him just afte
II this carnage, inquired: What shall
Q do now?" General Lees reply was
There remains nothing to be done bu
J. to bury your lamentcd dead
y Snug In Winter quarters.
> The day following this disaster. on
= corps not having been engaged in tn
battle the day before, we were sta
toned in line OF battle all day, pre-
= tecting troops engaged in tearing Il
the railroad, which continued for tw
It days, and then we marched hack
Q near Rappahannook Station, the nea
q day crossing the river and canpin
r near Brandy Station, and there bein
: no indications OF the epeHy followin
i us, we remained In camp all that sla:
o but the following day our brigade wa
!. ordered to recross the river and max
q reconnaissance, which we did, an
I encountered cavalry force at Bea
l. ton station. and We're engaged in
g brisk skirm!sh for several lours, seN
n cral of tho men of our regiment beil1
is wounded. and one Of orr company qni'
seriously. After returning from TIL
J. to camp, and all seeming quiet. pref
Is arationS were being made for whit,
1t quarters, as it was now October 25. AZ
m so the men set to work building, al
n. in a few days had we'll built'huts mao
y of pine saplings and chinked With spl