Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1910-12-16

VhChiy iuluDdS'. OOlu ny JOiu II.
Jackson.
The fight commenced about four
O'Clock in the evening and lasted I'M
til dark. After recruiting our horses
day or two, we took up line of
march for Boonsboro, driving in their
pickets the battle commenced about
one o'clock p. m. Our brigade being
dismounted as sharp shooters, the
most terrific skirmishing l have ever
undergone, was at this place. Our
skirmishers charging their sharp
shooters and driving them from be-
hind stone fences. We had their en-
tire force of cavalry encircled with
our line of skirmishers supported by
our cavalry. when preparations were
being made for a charge, the enemy
was reinforced with brigade of In
fantry and their dismounted cavalry
drove us from every position. We
were compelled to give them the field
but they did not pursue us. Our loss
was very heavy; their loss not known.
Capt. Peery was severely wounded in
the arm but not dangerously. We re-
turned very much disappointed, to
Jones Cross Roads, near Hagerstown,
for this was the first repulse and the
only one our cavalry had had this ex-
petition. We had several skirmishes
with their Infantry and Cavalry at
this place. Capt. Taylor and It.
Holderby were captured near tn Sc
roads, but have made their escape
from them by jumping from the cars
and running the blockade through
their lines.
After this battle we crossed the
Potomac in rear of our army and
being pursued closely by the enemies
cavalry and shelled after the crossing
of the river, loseing two men killed
and several wounded. We then pro-
ceeded to Martinsburg, Va, protect
ing the division of Gen. Rodes,
whilst engaged in destroying the
Ohio and Baltimore railroad. When
this was completed we were informed
that the enemies cavalry was at
Shepherdstown, Va, in force. Gen.
w. +. Lees brigade and Gen. Hamp-
toms and oul brigade attacked them
about 4 O'Clock in the evening Of the
10 of June and fought them until
sunset, when they withdrew their
forces in the direction of Harpers
Ferry. Our loss was very heavy, and
especially our brigade, which lost
several gallant officers. Col. Drake
of 1st Reg. Va. Cav. was killed in
this engagement. Remaining in this
vicinity several days until our army
had crossed the Ridge, we then cross
ed at Chester Gap, falling upon and
routing a small body of the enemies
cavarly at Flint Hill, after which we
proceeded to BRANDY Station, where
we are now encamped. However, be-
fore we settled down in peace we had
to engage their whole cavalry force
for six long hours. This was a very
severe fight, but finally repulsed
them and drove them across the Rap
pahannock river, after a heavy loss.
After which they crossed, about 20
thousand infantry, and advanced with
in four miles of our encampment.
They commenced preparations for an
attack from US, by throwing up forti-
fications. The videtts of both armies
were posted in four hundred yards of
each other, supportde by a strong line
of skirmishers; they had frequent
conventions with each other, which is
contrary to orders, the Yankees
"Abbs Coffee" and exchanging it for
tobacco, also exchanging papers. in
this situation we remained two weeks
when they recrossed the river, and
withrew their army in the direction
of Warrenton, leaving a strong pick
EFT on this side which / am happy to
say was captured a few days since.
1t seems that their army has gone
down the Rappahannock river; none
of their forces are on this side at
present. l suppose you have seen late
papers and have all the latest news.
l shall now return to answer or
comply with my promise in another
paragraph of my letter. AS l said
that General Jenkins command was
raised purposely for the defense of |
your section of country and was rec
ognized by the Department of War, |
to be an independent command, the |
brigade suffered itself to be torn |
away from the section OF country that |
it was raised to defend, and went |
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