Camp at Meadow Bluff
Since last writing in this diary, our
movements have been ^'as' active, & my own duties
so urgent that I have been unable to chronicle
regularly the various events which have
transpired since the 12th inst.
The council of war in session at 2 o'clock on
the night of the 12th, decided to fall back at
once to Big Sewell Mountain -- that being a
far more defensible point, & not so easily
accessible in rear as Dogwood Gap.
Hence long before Sun rise on the morning
of the 13th, our whole force was marching
including Gen. Wise's Brigade.
This movement being commenced in the
night, a few faint-hearted, white livered,
gallants, who apparently were the chosen
sons of Mars, imagined that the fiery
steeds of the enemy were closely pursue-
ing & ingloriously left their comrades
alone to breast the storm which they
imagined would soon burst upon us.
However such were very few. It is
indeed well for such occasions to present
themselves for then we
men of true metal, as well as those
who are better suited to attend fine
ladies in their drawing rooms, & afford fit
associates for their beautiful poodle dogs.
A portion of the cavalry especially, displayed
remarkable cowardice. Instead of bringing
up the rear, they rushed ahead of the
infantry securing for themselves a safe
position. The General & aids, of whom I was
one, were the last to desert the encamp-
ment. Just before leaving, we heard the
tramp of horses & of course
the enemy's cavalry was upon us.
General Floyd was in no way excited
& called with stentorian voice to know who
was advancing. For a moment our sus-
pense was great, -- all our pistols were
cocked & ready to fire, but they proved to
be a few of our own men.
Nothing of any value was left at
Dogwood. Our men marched constantly
a distance of 15 miles, in perfect order,
till they arrived at the Summit of
Big Sewell, about 3 o'clock P.M.
Our own Brigade camped at the Summit
Gen. Wise's at the Eastern base.
No comments:
Post a Comment