The Columbia spy. (Columbia, Pa.) 1849-1902, January 10, 1863, Image 1

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Gii
v_SAMITEL WRIGHT, Editor and Proprietor.
VOLUME XXXIV, NUMBER 24.1
POBI:ISMED EVERY SATURILII7 MORNING.
•Ojice in Carpet Yortli-westeorner of
iHront and Locust streets.
Terms of Subscription.
4i.yme Cop - yperannum,i paidin advance,
f not paid within three
—,nionthsfroincontmencementoiLlio year. 200
Cl(3o3:a.ties ex, crcora3r.
* - Novialmeripi,ollreeetv.d for a lees that, than O.IX
obaolicirs;soskchnel paper will!. discontinued unlit all
gr ".rrearagekarep aid,unleoNat the option° I L lit pub
tatter.
10 1= Moneynaytie:ensittedlitinail aithepublish
rvr s tisk.
Rates of Advertising.
guar t[6 incs]one week.
iliree weeks. _
eaeli.ubsequeniinsertica, 10
112 inesioneweek. 50
three weeks, 1 00
eneli4ubsequeniinsettion. 25
s.argertdvertisement.in proportion
Aliberul liseciuniwillbe made to quarterly, half
0111 , " 01/e irlytetterlisers,wAo are strictlyeonfined
a tu ei r business.
H. M. NORTH,
li - TTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR AT LAW.
Cl Columbia".
Collections promptlymadefinLuncasteiand York
oounties.
ilolumbia,May 4,1850.
DR. HOFFER.
DENTIST. --OFFICE, Front Street 4th dom.
tram Locust. over Saylor & McDonald's I3ook sw e
Columi a. Pa. 117"Eatrance, same a- Jolley's Ph
eavaph Gallery. Mugu.' 21. +sv
Harrison's Coinnbian Ink.
- 0171-11C11 is n superior article, pertnitnesitiv pluck,
WY and not corroding the pen, eun be hod in any
.antity. at the Family Medicine Store, nod blacker
let is that English Boot Polish.
Columbia. -hide 9. ISSN -
• Nousakeepees, a Word:
iUST Receivrii. sk full stork of bleached and un•
J blanched Cheeks. Gingham ,
add l'insts, r. Gra, rver.y thing pertaining to do
wes•tc use. etail had examine for yourselves. at
STHACY Ac. BOWERS.
car. 2d and Locust Sir.
June 7, 1662
Lawns, Lawns, Lawns.
LADIES will and ,cc our beautiful 121 ceitt Lawns
fitu erolort, at tSTEAC V It EICS.
June 22, 11212,_ Oppo‘itc Odd rellowo I lull.
HOOPED SKIRTS.
A NEW re creceived; and Ato e ° n i t
al ' i b e s ° o ft m i P o e t d o
l k e i s 4
• very cheap. AIALTHY tr. CASh,
-Columbia, Apra 26,1662. Locust :tree:.
FOR SALE,
la 0 0 S p n i c y k L G.
A. Salt' 100 Sacks Ashton Salt Ap-
A l•POl..lYrt
Warehouse, Canal
Columbia. Dec. 23, 1661.
NOW FOR BARGAINS.
WE have ja4t received another int of nll-wool
D«-
YY laines and plaid ftlobunkhapiel. which we ruler ut
vcduccd price. STEACV h ISOW ER4.
Cola. June 28, 1962 Cur. 2tl and Locust Sin.
pohu CREAM OF GLYCERINE.—For the tor(
and n n," ~n„ li. chopped nand.. ike rat
ri the rt.LJCX .11(litTAI( D , T 4
1%59 nom .zr,t,.• Cn htmitts
8:,•0wic.r...
11r: 01.11 , 11tLft.ei: d a m fw.
Ha Trailer Ha do Ha—, Hod will -ell
at Itul.romt ant, Htiterai
c , •ivt . their pity suoil:1::), w9a Le &mowed la u mcfil
'3O ma). 11. F. BILL
Oct PZ.I.Stli
SALT! SALT!
J
UST received bsc
purilier, at their store •
ti LOCUM mreet below Secolid.
100 Bags Ground Alum Salt,
tar 4 will Lc .old sat the lowe.t marl.et prices.
e. Jul) 1.101. .1 I 1 r 111 t't •
Tom Thumb About Amkiu!
A T riohler's Tiu &sad lloti.e-furtito 4 ing Fiore, Go
A
etivi %trees. oppo•itie the Bonk. 'I he' '4',1711.
kmarit are the very beet Coal Oil Larry' 4 , r 4 •••
mod ram ttttt le ahem.
(Kral Coal Oil at Zeta, per guile', at
Coluonliia. May ri• 1.0.2 of n fir V. .4
rAZZIB. YOVB liotrazte TyloWl
The last chance for bargains.
2500 Pieces Wall Parer,
AV our best styles and quality. yet on hand, which
NJ we ore clo.toin out at:A/percent. lower than Phil.'
a:tripling Wholesale niece. Cal/ soon as we WI . be11.,-ng
.,-ng oft tepidly.
H. C. FONDERSIMITH.
.1111Joisu.ag the ewilt.
Columbia. North O. 1962
A KEW mom of theta beautiful retitS
E 1 lull. will he •old cheap, fit
SAYLOR ar. AIcOONALIY:g
April 14 Cuiumluu, Pu
We Have Just Received
Da. CUTTER'S Improved Chest Expanding
ctutpetider mid Shoulder Braces (or Gentlemen.
stud Patent elm Supporter and Bruce for Ladle.,
mast the article that is wattled at this time. Caine
and see thew At Fatuity MetlieineStore,Odd tie:iows'
flail. [April D. 18.12
GILMAN, or, Bond's Boston Crackers, for
llyopeini,A, nod Arrow Root Croolorr4, for.n.-
oralliio anti eltildecn—new article* in Columbi.i, nt
the Family Medicine Store,
April 16. IEIW.
QrILARIG'S ISEPAR6II GLEE.—The want of
such uu article is felt in every family, and now
Jd eau be supplied; for mending furniture, china
.waretornaateutal work, trips. ha, there is nothing
superior. We have found it useful in repairing ninny
articles which have been useless for months. Ye
Jona:din n at the
ta.oanAs EMILY MEDICI N wrons _
POCKET BOOKS AND PURSES.
ALA RUE lot of Fine and Common Pocket Books
and Purses ' s' from 15 emits to two dollars each
Ht Won:triers and News Depot.
otlll4. I ltia.
Colombia, A
017 S. MAST JULR117.6.1,.
gAMNG just received our first
NEW SPRING STOCK.we would announce to
the citizens of Columbia and vicinity, that it is
NOW READY FOR INSPECTION,
to all who may favor us with a call. feeling confident
•we eau offer goods at such prices as will induce all to
purchase.
U:e'CALL AND SEE THEM...4:I]
W/8.17.1 PISS!
' , ..3IACKEEtF.I. by the barrel. half barrel and quarter
barrel, of the beg quallUes.
Apply to D. F. A PPOLD,
?e,olatorbia. July 12. IPO2. Canal Baum.
CORN VINEGAR!
"11 0 /1R very best article or Vinegar in the mnrket is
MACES 4- CO's Pens CORN VINEGAR."
r‘whieh may be hid et the Munuleetory, iu second at.,
-adjoining' thIJ Fellows' MIL
•-iliroirieDEMAN'S STORE.
A.-nny trio.
Goan Blanket. '
Onßed e. and Blue Flannel..
- /Striped mod Med Fimm u ela.
23oldiers. Woolen Mate.
(Hey Doder.hirte nod Drawers.
~at low pneee. at HALDEMAN'S STORE.
Cohnabia, October 25. Mt
T TON'S NAB 01110 CIZIWBA BRANDI
■ 4;and IIkURE WINES. eopecially for Medicines
ana i ßotaarnectal parpow n et the
- .3lan - Alll. recut L'Y EDIC ITO.; frrtmtg.
Just 'Leaved
A ND for sale, in large or small quantities, BCC sacks
.111:13. A. Salt, 100 sacks Ashton Salt.
') • ealambia„July 5, lasi.
• -
linantion GenUeman:
A.CHOICE Lot or New Slyle Spring CanrianPree and
, o .A.Blank French Cloths. wall be opened tilte day; and
to,:al cheap br cash, at the ot.o rraxe.
_ _ 11. C. FONDIIMehIITiI,
116 May no , ' • . Adjoining the Bank.
-CM to 11,1ebosood.
2," to. of Perna and Mantilla twee POWS.
soweived and will be 'old at
low paces. A call will eowthire nh
41.C;FONDESISMITH.
" ::040iiigi CAI 62. „ reoplao`Caelt *tore.
grmy totropilmttt.
THE STH PENNA. RESERVES
1:313
EDITOR. SPl7:—Whilst waiting with a wa
gon train by the road side, for the "Re
serves" to pass by, to resume my proper
position, on Thursday last, when on the way
cu our present camp, I was struck with the
appearance of the different regiments, and
especially of the "fith." I involuntarily
compared the latter with what it was eigh
teen months ago when we departed from
Camp Curtin nine hundred and seventy-five
strong, to relieve Cul. Wallace at Cumber
land, Md. Permit, me briefly to recapitu
late its diversified and not uneventful his
tory. There is much of it calculated to
make us all feel an honest pride in its glo
rious achievements. Yet there is much of
sadness mingled with it, when we behold
the depleted ranks, where one may look in
vain for familiar faces, many of which we
beheld smiling around the camp fire only a
few days ago.
CM
On the .20th of June, A. D., 1801, whilst
in Camp Ctirtin, ten volunteer companies,
of which the — Cookman Rangers," of Co
was one, formed themselves into a
reziLlcut, SLd elkuted Capt. Gregg, Colonel.
The nel.t ‘2.1.7 Lo =..;:cired an appointment
is the regu:,a;,,:u:.g, upon giving up his
corzmiknil Maj. Seneca G. Sign
-11/L.,"4., tl-3 11:ulars, as a suitable officer
to tuoxed The Field Officers then
were Col. Seneca G. Simmons, Lieut. Col.
J. W. Fisher, Maj. GoCfrge Dare, Adjt. A.
G. Mason, Quartermaster John Bigler; and
Captains James Taggart, Ullman, Trout,
Harrison, A. D. Collins, C. MeCleerey, D.
Chamberlin, Frank Zentmyer and Oscar Lo
raine, Company Commanders.
Thus constituted, on the 21st of the same
month, orders were received to move imme
diately to• the relief of Col. Lew Wallace,
who was thought to be hard pressed by the
enemy at Cumberland, Md. We proceeded
by rail to Hopewell, the terminus of the 11.
& B. T. IL IL, and bivouacked ut the vil
lage during the night of the 2lst. The ful
lawii,4 yawning tine were directed to move
to Mastic' & Dixou's line at a point near
Cumberland. After a toilsome march of
fifty miles, halting three days near Bedford
Springs, at "Camp McCall," we arrived at
Mason S Dixon's line, at which point we
remained two weeks, ut the expiration of
which time we marched to Cumberland, and
encamped beyond the town. At this and
other camps there were daily regimental
and company drills.
With us, from the time we left Harris
burg, were the "Kane Rifles," commanded
by Cul. Charles Biddle, who also command-
ed the bligade. Every day details were
made from the "Rifles," under command of
Lieut. Cul. Kane, to scout and ascertain the
position and strength of the enemy. Inva
riably when they returned to camp, some
exciting adventure was related, which made
our boys long to participate in this duty.
Having been thus far deprived altogether of
active service by the Col. commanding the l
brigade, the officers and men of the "sth,"
felt chagrined at this neglect, and clamored
to be led where danger invited them.
In less than a week we were ordered to
move in the direction of New . Creek and
Piedmont, at both of which places the ene
my was in considerable force. We wont by
cars to the vicinity of the Potomac River,
twenty one miles distant. When near the
latter place we proceeded with extreme eau-1
tion, sending several companies in advance
to feel the way. We halted near the river
at Camp Dayton, which was mimed in lion
or
of Miss Dayton, who led our troops by '
unfrequented road to New Creek where tho
Rebels were surprised and several of them
killed, and stores recovered. Col. Simmons
directed Col. Fisher to take a part of his
command and occupy the town, which he
proceeded to do, and immediately thereafter
occupied strong positions encircling the
place, to prevent a surprise, On the follow
ing day the rest of the command, after ford
ing the river, and transporting immense
quantities of commissary stores upon their
backs, from one shore to the other, and re
shipping in cars, arrived at New Creek at
6 o'clock P. )L Before they were entirely
disembarked a messenger came in great
haste stating that Col. Kane bad met the
enemy in large force at the village of Ridge
ville. on the turnpike leading to Romney, ,
and about ten miles distant, and engaged
him; nod that a battle was then going on.
Feeliug anxious about the safety of our
friends, we immediately marched to their
reiduf. We were but two hours and a half
in going that distance, most of the road be
ing over a mountain. We found Cul. Kane
and his command securely entrenched in a
large atone hoiise, more scared than hurt.
Whilst marching along. the terrified citizens
told horrible stories of the battle they said
was then raging. It is wonderful what an
effect it had upon our troops. ; They moved
With itillistie steti.and hastened to rescue
their imperilleCtordrades. never once core-,
plainingef beingtired, although all marched
with knapsacks. , _The next day when re
turning, somewhat dispirited, all felt terri
bly exhaeetedaedsoald seltreel.l dreg them
selves alont, A. few daymin camp fully
re
storede _their :wonted cheerfulness. About
be 20th of Jufj Wiszotiresito Piedmont, four
C. C 111 NF i t CO..
D. F APPOI.D,
Canal Bivin. '
CAM: NEAR "MUTE OAK CIIURCLI, 1
December 21st, 1862.
FORMATION OP TUE REGIMENT
Brit:v.l(x IN 'WESTERN VIRCINII, &C
"NO ENTERTAINMENT SO CHEAP AS READING, NOR ANY PLEASURE SO LASTING."
COLUMBIA, PENNSYLVANIA, SATURDAY MORNING, JANUARY 10, 1863.
miles distant, and quartered in the machine
shop of the B. 4; C. It. -Soon aftei enter
ing the town, possession was taken of a
printing press, and several members of Cu.
K and F, set up a paper and issued it. Of
those thus engaged three have been killed
in battle, two detailed from their company,
and one Benjamin F. Hall, Co. E, deserted.
After the disaster of Bull Run on the 22nd
of July, we wore ordered to proceed to Ifar.
risburg and accordingly arrived there on
the last day of that month. On the 6th of
August we were sent to • Washington by
railroad, arriving at camp near Tenually
town, five miles west of Georgetown, on tho
evening of the Sth.
TILE PENS.t. RESERVE CORPS
Before we left Harrisburg Gov. Curtin
conceived the idea of forming a "Reserve"
composed of thirten regiments of infantry
and one of cavalry and artillery, com
mencing with the 30th P. Vol., and ending
with the 43d. I believe it was originally
the intention to keep them within the limits
of the State, to act only as a reserve to be
called into active service in case she was in
vaded.
After remaining in camp about four weeks,
we were shifted übout half a mile further
west in the vicinity of fort Pennsylvania,
which was built exclusively by volunteers
from the State which bears that name. We
wore, whilst hero, brigaded and IVlej. John
F. Reynolds, of the Regular Army, placed
in command. The brigade was composed of
Ist, 2nd, Bth, and sth regiments.
On the Bth of October we moved across
the Chain Bridge and encamped about one
mile south-west of Langhly's tavern, and
about five miles from the Chain Bridge in a
wood. This was christened camp Pierpont,
in honor of the loyal Governor of Western
Virginia. The day before the Ball's Bluff
disaster a reconnoissance was made out the
Leesburg turnpike to Dronesville, and be
yond by the whole Pa. Reserves, under
command Gen. McCall.
I.
On the .10th day of December following,
the third brigade commanded by Gen. Ord,
was ordered to Dranesville, to disperse the
enemy who was known to be in that vicin
ity. The Ist brigade to which the sth be
longed was ordered to support the 3rd, and
fur that purpJse moved about five miles to
Difficult Creek. After remaining there for
a few hours rapid cannonading and mus
ketry was heard a few miles distant, which
denoted a battle. Gen. Reynolds promptly
formed his brigade and moved by a short
line to cut off, or:gain the enemy's rear: he
had proceeded with his command some dis
tance, when Gen. 111eCull directed Lim to
return and proceed by the turnpike. The
delay thus occasioned prevented the sth
from participating in the battle of Drones
ville, they having arrived on the ground just
as the battle was over. They returned to
CampPierpont and commenced in earnest
to build winter quarters. Our boys soon
made themselves quite comfortable.
I=
Thus they remained quartered in their
log cabins "drilling" and doing other duties
pertaining to camp life, until the Bth of
March, 1852 (whilst here about one hun
dred died or ware in hospital disabled from
performing active service), when there was
a general move of the whole army in the di
rection of Centreville where the enemy had
wintered. The sth marched to camp Hawk
burst about two miles beyond Hunter's
Mills, and twenty from Pierpont. We were
in the extreme advance. It was soon ascer
tained that the enemy had evacuated his
camps in the vicinity of Centreville and
Manassas. After remaining here fur two
days we were orderel to prepare to proceed
by water. In less than a day thereafter it
commenced to rain in torrents which made
the roads horrible. To add to the discom
forts of the march Gen. McCall made the
Reserves march fifteen miles, when the
mune point could' have been arrived at in
tad than four by a much better road. When
those at home complained of this unneces
sary and cruel march, the friends of Gen.
McC. denied it: but I know whereof I affirm
in making the above statement, having re
peatedly gone the short route both by night
and day, with wagons.
The second duy after leaving Camp
Hawkhurst we arrived at Alexandria and
encamped one mile from the town: we re
mained here a few weeks. about the Bth
day of April iu the midst of a snow storm
the "sth" was ordered to proceed to
Manassas Junction; they went there in
or en care. After arriving at Manassas the
Regiment quartered in buts evacuated
shortly before by the Rebels. After re
maining there a few days the "sth" was
detailed to guard ' the Railroad between
Bristow Station and Alexandria. They
were thus employed until the 6th day of
May when Col. Simmons was ordered to
report to Gen-MeDawell at Fredericksburg
with his command. lie proceeded with it
to Catletts Station thence to Falmouth,
arriving at the latter place on the 11th of
January having marched forty miles.
THE rsergazcsotA
The Ist Brigade was moved over the river
to the rear of Frederickeburgon the heights,
near the Plank Road. Heavy rains set in
which raised the river to an nnusttalbeight,
which threatened to carry away our bridges.
We reerossed the river and remained there
until the Bthday of June, when the "Re
serves" were-embarked on boats—six miles
below frederiakebam—tvhich weredestined
for the..Puniosula. l They werodisentharked
at the "White louse" on the 11th, marched
twelve miles to DetrAatch Station, on the
12th, remaining there until the 17th, when
orders were received to move to the right of
the grand army at Mechanicsville, which
was in sight of the church spires of Rich
mond and only four miles and a half (ES
tan:.
The Reserves lay on the eastern side of
Beaver Run Dam. They however held the
eastern bank of the Chickahominy for some
miles further up. Our right was protected
by Gen. Stoneman's Division, which rested
at Hanover C. H. Every day whilst there,
strong pickets were thrown out in the di
rection of .A.tlee's Station, std from that
point to the Chickahominy. The Ist Bri
gade loy on a road leading from Mechan
icsville to Old Church. The 2d and 3rd
Brigades lay to the left of the Ist, and on a
road leading from Mechanicsville to Gaines
Hill and Coal Harbor.
On Monday, the .'23d day of June. an un
usual commotion was caused in camp in
the afternoon, which clearly forboded to the
uninformed an impending battle, no one
could tell exactly why. Late in the after
noon of that day the Ist Brigade was drawn
up in line of battle at • Meehaniceville, a
little more than half a mile from camp.
The Reserve artillery were thrown to the
front on the brow of a hill, and for one hour
kept up a tremendous fire at the bride over,
and along the bank of the Chiekahominy,
which was about one,fuurth of a mile dis
tant. No reply was elicited from the Rebel
batteries. The Rebels endeavored, I after
wards loaroed, to throw bridges across un
der cover of the thick underbrush, but failed.
On Tuesday and Wednesday i took a train
of wagons to Attee's Station, and a mile
above the village of Mechanicsville, near
the Chickahominy, to obtain hay and oats.
At both places a feeling of insecurity seem
to prevail. Unusual activity was observed
in the Rebel camps, which were visible, de
noting some itnpending movement on their
' part.
MECITANICSVILLC
Oa Thursday following the storm burst
forth, and down upon us the Rebels came
swarming, to the number of forty thousand,
and precipitated themselves upon the Ist
Brigade. The shock of the Rebel onset was
first received by the "sth" and "Bucktails."
The latter were posted on a small bill to the
right of the road with a gentle:slope of
seventy-five yards is front, to . Beaver Dam
Creek, which at that point runs through a
swamp one hundred yards wide. They bad
hastily thrown up earthworks to protect
their riflemen. To their rear was a dense
pine wood, on their right a clear field. The
"sth" was posted on a similar hill, in en
oak wood, and to the left of the Bucktails,
having also thrown up some rifle pits. On
the left and along the road and in front of
our Regiment, for a dietauce of nearly half
a mile is a deoso wood, some of which how
ever was felled to give our artillery com
mand of the road beyond. On the riglit„
were clear fields, which extended up to and
beyond two roads leading north of Mechan
icsville, down which the rebel mashes came.
They took a lice across these clear fields
forming a bypothenuse to the road we were
on and the one down which they came.
They planted their batteries there, which
completely commanded our position, and
advanced heavy columns of infantry right
to our front. They came up to the swamp
pouring diet and shell into the sth and
Bucktails. Our boys replied to them in
kind, our batteries at the same time, play
ing on a column of cavalry coming down
the road towards us, which was nearly
annihilated. Most of our boys not liking
the idea of fighting from behind trees and
trenches rushed to the bank of the creek
andlpoured volley after volley in the ene
my, who was endeavoriag to cross the
swamp. I suppose history no where re
cords an action in which deeds of greater
valor wore shown in tho face of such over
whelming odds. After thus fighting for an
hour, and finding that the sth and Buck
tails could not be driven back, a large
column of Rebels was moved to the right of
the Bucktails,hoping to flank them. Foresee
ing this movement Gen. Reynolds sent the
Ist and 2nd Regiments around the pine wood
and into the open field to prevent any thing
of this kind. They rendered inviluable
service, having repulsed the Rebels repeat
edly. The sth fought. unrelieved for four
hours, when darkness closed the battle.
I Our boys still occupied the same ground
they fought on. Whilst issuing to them at
midnight, ammunition, I found them ex
hausted and completely worn out. They
were sleeping and seemed not to know that
as enemy was near. The cries of the
wounded Rebels in the swamps and vicinity
for help, S 0., were deafening. 1 have de
voted more space to this battle .than I had
at first intended. I regard it as one of the
best fought ones on record, the Ist Brigade
alone having to bear the brunt of the battle.
The loss of the sth in killed and wounded
was ninety, amongst them being Sergeants
Kershner and Baynes, and seventeen others
of Co. K.
I=
At daylight on the 27th the Reserves
moved ;to Gaines Hill. At about 11 o'clock
A. M., the enemy was engaged. The Re
serve got into the fight about one o'clock.
and without faltering, but pressing on, the
sth exhausted all . its ammunition, and had
to lie down withoutibeing able to do any
thing. Thu guns became so hot that the
the men's hands were blistered. About 5
, o'clock some troop. were brought up to re
lieve our boys, and in firing aimed too low
and killed a number of our men. A short
time after this the Rebel Gen. Jackson with
a large army came in on our right flank at
Coal Harbor. Just about this time some of
our troops gave away which throw the
whole army into disorder, We moved
across the Chickahominy at Woodbury
bridge, and remained in the vicinity of Gen.
MeGlellan's headquarters all day Saturday.
At this battle Geo. Reynolds was taken
prisoner. The sth had some fifty killed
and wounded. Ia the absence of Gen. R.
Col. Simmons took command of the Ist Bri
gade, and Lieut. Cu). Fisher of the Regiment.
WIIITS 0.1 E: SWAMI'
On Saturday night we moved towards
Savage Station, from thence to White Oak
Swamp, and bivouacked. there en Sunday
night. On Monday our retreat was again
resumed towards Turkey Bend. When
near Charles City Cross Roads the Rebels
attacked us, about 12 o'clock, M., before
we were quite ready to receive them. The
H l'eserves fought with desperation. The
commander of the division directed Colonel
Simmons to send his most reliable regiment
to drive the Rebels from a house and behind
batteries, which were annoying us very
much. He immediately sent fur the gallant
Cul. Fisher and directed him to drive the
Rebels away. The Col. took the boys up
in splendid style, giving the command,
"forward, guide centre, three cheers, double
quick, march." They swept] everything
before them, clearing the house of Rebels,
and dashing on to the wood taking over
one hundred prisoners. Whilst at the house
and advancing, a most murderous fire was
poured into our boys. It was hero that the
sth lost so many officers and men. To get
out of this scrape was no easy matter.
Another Regiment of the Reserves which
bad just come off picket, and before they
could form a line of battle, were ordered to
charge, which they did in much disorder;
they completely lost themselves. The ene
my having a cross fire on our boys they had
to retire, to the line they first formed on. Col.
Simmons and Capt. Taggart were killed at
this battle. The sth lost one hundred and
fifty men in this fight.
At the battle of Malvern llill, fought the
next day, the Reserves were not engaged,
but.supported other troops who were•
=EMI
The whole artily was moved down to
Harrison's Landing the next day. On the
14th of August the Reserves were embarked
oo steam boats and disembarked at Acquia
Creek. They were immediately marched
to Fredericksburg„ from .thence to Rappa
hannock Station, thence to Warrenton,
Gainsville, New Market and the battle
ground at Bull's Run. The sth had to
skirmish much on the way before reaching
this point. They fought with their usual
valor at Bull Run, although totally unfit to
du so, owing to the excessive marching and
short rations. In consequence there was
much struggling in the Reserves; but little
more than one-third of their strength was
in battle.
After the Army fell back, the Reserves
rested near Uptons Hill fur a few days when
on the sixth day of September, they crossed
the river and moved iu the direction of Fred
erick City, via. Brookville, Poplar Springs,
and New Market, arriving at the former
place on the 12th, of September.
Cl=
On the 14th in the afternoon the Reserves
moved up to the base of South Mountain
to the right of the turnpike. Up to this time
much cannonading had been going on be
tween the beligerents. Getting into position
on the extreme right the let Brigade was
ordered to take the mountain and drive the
Rebels from it at the point of the bayonet.
The sth Regt., led by Col. Fisher, most
gallantly performed its part. The Colonel
was to be seetiat all times urging and en
couraging his brave boys to victory. The
enemy was driven from every cover: the
victory was as glorious as it was complete.
A'XTIETAY.
On the IGth, the enemy had massed hie
whole army along tho Antietam Creek
awaiting an attack. The sth Reghnont on .
the evening of the I.3th and during the night
were constantly engaging the enemy, when
morning dawned and the battle commenced.
They fought until 11 o'clock A.M. when
they were relieved. On this occasion as on
others Col. Fisher displayed consummate
coolness and courage. Oa thefh3th day of
October the Reserves moved with the Army
across the Potomao river at Berlin, to Fred
ericksburg, via Loudon Valley, Union,
Middleburg, White Plains, Warrenton,
Bealton, Stafford C. IL, and Brooks Station•
rzEDEßiccasusa.
On the 13th of Deo. the Reserves were
moved across the Rappahannock River and
about one mile and a half below the City of
Fredericksburg. When the great battle
commenced the Reserves moved in a line per
pendicular to the heights "math of the river.
They moved in battle line and in the face of
the enemy who was constantly firing, and
halted whenever a ravine or gully was passed
to form and perfect their lines. Thus they
marched, driving the enemy's skirmishers
to the Railroad where he had his first line
The Rebels were driven out of that tit the
point of the bayonet, to their xeconl line in
the woods on the hill - aide. The Reserves
remained in a slight cut in the Railroad
fighting for some time. Finding that they
could not dislodge the enemy ill that way,
$1,50 PER YEAR 21 ADVANCE; $2,00 fP NOT IN ADVANCE.-
they concluded that they would at the
point of the bayonet drive him from his
intrenchments. Accordingly they advanced
rapidly over a perfectly level eurfacto of
several hundred yards in width, in the face
of a tremendous fire of musketry and ar
tillery, at a charge bayonet , and took the
Rebel works, with nearly four hundred
prisoners. Still our bravo boys went on,
and actually drove two Regiments from
guns on the side of the hill. They were
then unfortunately out of ammunition; just
at this moment immense numbers of Rebels
raised up out of the woods and fired a
terrible volley into our boys which fairly
lifted them off their feet. Yet they were
undismayed and would have pressed on in
spite of all opposition. The Rebels fearing
to let the Reserves and Bucktails get in the
timber from which they could not be driven,
sent very rapidly a heavy colunin down
towards the River and on our left: a
minute more and our bravo boys would
have been surrounded. They wheeled
about and moved hastily but in perfect order
to and beyond the Railroad, and formed to
the front again, upon ground taken from
the enemy. Whilst in our moat advanced
position the enemy had ten cannon playing
on us at the same time. One battery
was in front, one to the right, and one to
the left and almost in our rear. Oar own
batteries could not do anything whilst we
were so far in the advance, but when we
returned they soon checked the enemy and
drove him back to the wood, Gibbons'
Division fought well by our side, but un
fortunately they tarried too long in one
place fighting, instead of moving with the
same rapidity that wo did, and using the
bayonet rather than the cartridge.
Birney's Veterans, so highly eulogised
by some scoundrel who scribbles for the
Herald as saving us from total defeat;
never came within nine hundred yards of
our advance, but contented themselves with
remaining in the rear of our batteries. The
best commentary on their conduct is the
trifling loss they mot with—not more than
six or eight wounded. lam credibly in_
formed that they were ordered to support
us hours before they did. The Reserves
feel indignant, and if they can find out the
imp of the Satanic Press, who penned the
foul libel they will take summary vengeance
upon him.
TUE SKELETON OF TUE FIITTI
There are now but ono hundred and fifty
men left of the glorious old sth. In this last
battle there were three hundred and fifty
fighting men: they lost fifty per cent. Of
those who commanded companies when
they left Camp Curtin in June 1861, A. D.
Collins is the only one left, and ho is badly
wounded in the arm. The "Cookman
Rangers" have bad their ranks thinned
fearfully—there are but a dozen left. The
best of them have gone home never to re-
turn.
I fear my young friend and fellow soldier
Edward M. Shreiner, may not recover from
the fearful wound he received on Saturday
last. I trust I will not be committing an
impropriety, by recording here and at this
time my solemn conviction that the Army
of the Potomac coutuins, no braver, or more
virtuous and exemplary soldier and com
panion than Sergt. Shreiner.
I have not given u full list of those killed
and wounded fo: the reason that this letter
is already WO long, and such a list has been
published in the Philadelphia papers and
the Now York Tribue.
The Ist Army Corps is encamped übout
two miles from the Potomac Riser with the
left resting on Potomac Creek. The Re
serves have taken quarters in the timber
which they are fast converting iu fuel and
cabins.
11 1 4: AikllA,l4l
GREAT BATTLE IN TENNESSEE
VICTORY!
The Enemy Completely Routed-27ying in
Disorder—Official Reports of the Great
Battle--Our Victory Complete--Severe
Fly/ding for Three Days—Full Details of
Wedaesday, Thursday and Iriday.
Flight of the Rebels.
Locfsvm.z, January s.—Our advice,
from ICiurfreesboro' represent the Federal
victory as complete. The entire Rebel army
is fleeing towards Tullahoma in groat disor
der.
Despatch from General Rosecraas-
HEADQUARTERS 14TO ARIUS' CORPS,
DEPARTIeT OF rns CUMBERLAND, FRONT OF
MURFRErsuoRo', Jan.3—via Nashville.
To H. IF. Ilalleek, Gen.-in-Chief:
On the 26th of December we marched
from Nashville in three oolumns,—General
McCook's Csrps by the Nolansville pike;
General Thomas' from its encampment on
the Franklin pike and Crittenden's on the
main Murfreesboro' pike. The left and cen
tre met with a strong resistance, inch as the
mistime of the' country permits—rolliag or
hilly routes skirted by cedar thickets, and
farms intersected by small streams with
rocky, bluff banks. forming serious obstacles.
Govieral Ala Cook drove Llardee's Rebel
Corps a mile and a half from Nolansville
and occupied the place.
General Crittenden reached within a mile
and a half of Lavergne.
General Thomas reached the Wilson pike,
westing with no serious oppoeities.
[WHOLE NUMBER 1,090.
Oa the '27th General McCook dr0ve ... 4;4 7 i
dee from .Nolansville, and puehed a recon
noitring division eix miles towarde-Sheßiy
villa and found that Hardee had retreated
toward. Murfreesboro'.
• ~::.
General . Crittenden fought and drove the
enemy before him, and occupied the line oi l
Stevrart's Crook, capturing some prisoners
with alight loss.
General Thomas occupied the rieinity,of,
Nolansville, and w partially surprizrd and
thrown into confusion and drircn back.
General Sheridan's Diyision repulsed tlie,
enemy four times, and protected the dank
of the centre, which not only held its own,
but advanced until this untoTard event,
which compelled me to retain the loft wing
to support the right until it could be 'sailed,
and assume a new position.
Oa the Ist the Rebels opened by an attack
on us, and were again repulsed. '
Oa the 21 they skirmithel uling `the
front, with threats of an attack, until , abOnt
three o'clock in the afternoon, when the
enemy:advanced on a small division throiria,
across Stone River, to occupy commanding
ground.
While reconnoitring the ground occupied
by this division, which had no artillery,
I sawn heavy force emerging from the woods
and advancing in lino of battle, three lines
deep. They drove our little division before
them after a sharp contest, in which we'
lost seventy or eighty killed and '375
wounded. But they wore repulsecT"l4 :
Negley's Division, and the renniningtioi , PB 4
of the left wing, headed by Martin'aPiOneer
Brigade, fled far over the field 'and boydnif
their intrenchments, their officers' rallyiir,g 2
them with great difficulty. They lost hetiiifY;
and we occupied the ground with tholifi•
wing last night.
ThO Huai were completed at four o'clock
in the morning.. W. S. ROSEMAN'S. '
Major Gen . pral Commanding:
Despatch from General AT Itch e !
HEADQUARTERS NiSUVILLE, Jan. 4.
1b Hon. E. X- Stanton, Secretary of War:
Skirmishing commenced on the evening
of the 27th, our forces following the enemy
closely, and driving them until the evening
of the 30th.
Oa the morning of the 31st the enemy at
tacked our forces at daylight. Since that
time the fight has been progressing steadily.
This is the fifth day in the eame locality.
If the whole Riobmend army does not get
here our success is certain.
The fighting has been terrible. Our army
has the advantage and will hold it, God
willing.
I cannot give particulars. Oar officers
have suffered terribly.
I have nothing of importance since ten
o'clock last evening. At that time every
thing was favorable fur us.
ROBERT B. MrrcuaLL,
Brigadier General Commanding.
DESPATCH FROM GENT. ROSEORANS.
The Rebels in Full Retreat. •
COW NEAR Munruzssnotte°, Jan. 4; 1.3p3.
Zo Major Gen. LI. llittcck, Coniman . der-ia:.
Chia!:
Following, my despatch of last evening I
have to announce that the coomy aro its
full retreat. They left last night.
The rain having raised the river, and the
bridge across it between the left wing and
and the centre being incomplete I deemed.
prudent to withdraw that wing during th•
night. This occupied my time until 4
o'clock, and fatigued the troops.
The commencement of their retreat was
known to me at 7 o'clock this nwrniisg.
Our ammunition trains arrived dtiring
tLe night, and to-day was occupied in
bringing up and distributing provisions and
ammunition and burying the dead and
collecting arms from the field of battle.. It
has been raining all day and the ground is
very heavy.
The pursuit was commenced by the centre.
the two leading brigades arriving .of the
west side of tho Stone Ricer this evening
Tho Railroad bridge was sa%ed, but ,in
what condition is not known.
ORDERLY
We shall occupy the town (nurfreesbore' j
and push the pursuit tomorrow.
Our Medical director estimates tho
wounded in the hospitals at short of 5,000,
and we bare to deplore the loss of Lieut.
Colonel Garesche, whose capacity and
gentlemanly deportment had already en
deared him to all the officers of the °Om
mend, and whose gallantry on the field •.of
battle enlisted their admiration.
W. S. Rosanna:fa;
slejor General Commandicg.
Iftirjretsboro' is Possession of our Trooprr—
.Trie Rebels 4gain Repulsed—BraMil—
ridge's Division Cat l 0 Pieces and Rattled
—Rebel Trains Captured— Our Dvxws
Driving the Eiteflty.
Lorisrms.c, Jan. ti.—The news frOitt the
the front continues most cheering. • Ers.rs
thing is going on well, and Gen. itrsecr.tris
is now in Murfreesboro'. Ile has csptuted
Rebcl trains, and is driving the enemy.
General Rosseau is unhurt. His assistant
Adjutant General, Major hlcDuwell.. was
wounded in the arm. . .
The,lournal'a despatches says4bat
fourth-bloody fight took place lest„zigbt.
Darimits stostothe ‘ltebels again charged
us and. were• repulsed. Our troops ,hold
Murfreesboro' and our adrautuget-aret de
cided.
ltreckinridge's division is ; cut .to
_pieces
sad routed. .
STILL LATER.
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