them. At first the prisoners were coralled near the Monterey House. When the number had got to be large they were driven down the mountain toward Waterloo. A gang started off in this direction at about midnight-it was not prudent to wait until morning, for daylight might bring with it a retreating column of the enemy, and then all the prisoners would have been recaptured; finally, when near the Gettysburgh road crossing, a band of straggling rebels happened to fire into the head of the party from a spur of the mountain overlooking the road. Here was another panic, which alike affected guards and prisoners. The rain was falling in torrents, and the whole party, neither one knowing who this or the other was, rushed under the friendly shelter of a clump of trees. All of these prisoners might have, at that time, escaped. Hundreds did escape before daylight dawned.

town was held by the Fifth until the arrival of the main column, at a late hour in the day. When the First Vermont, Lieutenant-Colonel Preston, had reached the Monterey House Saturday night, it was detached to aid in the main object of the expedition, by intercepting a portion of the rebel train which it was believed might possibly be in the advance. At the Mountain House, at about twelve o'clock midnight, Colonel Preston took the left-hand road, and moving in a south-westerly direction down the mountain, passed through Smithsburgh and Lightersburgh to Hagerstown, arriving there soon after daylight, without meeting with any team, and scarcely meeting an armed enemy. A drove of cattle and something like one hundred rebel soldiers, stragglers, were captured, and were brought into the main column Sunday night.

The head of the column, as I have said before, It is impossible to tell the number of vehicles reached Ringgold at about daylight-the whole of all descriptions captured; the road was crowd- command, horses as well as men, tired, hungry, ed with them for at least ten miles; there were sleepy, wet, and covered with mud. Men and ambulances filled with wounded officers and pri- animals yielded to the demands of exhausted navates from the battle-field of Gettysburgh; am- ture, and the column had not been at a halt many bulances containing Ewell's, Early's, and other minutes before all fell asleep where they stood. officers' baggage; ambulances filled with delica- Under the friendly protection of the dripping cies stolen from stores in Pennsylvania; four and eaves of a chapel, a gay and gallant brigadier six mule and horse teams; some filled with bar- could have been seen enjoying in the mud one rels of molasses, others with flour, hams, meal, of those sound sleeps only obtained through clothing, ladies' and childrens' shoes and under- fatigue, his long golden locks matted with the clothing-mainly obtained from the frightened soil of Pennsylvania. Near him, in the mud, inhabitants of York County and vicinity; wag- lay a dandyish adjutant, equally oblivious and ons stolen from Uncle Sam with the "U. S." unmindful of his toilet, upon which he generally still upon them; wagons stolen from Pennsylva- bestows so much attention. Under a fence near nia and loyal Maryland farmers; wagons and at hand is reclining a well-got up major, whose ambulances made for the confederate govern- stylish appearance and regular features have ment, (a poor imitation of our own;) wagons turned the heads of many fair damsels on Chestfrom North-Carolina and wagons from Tennes- nut street; here a chaplain, there a trooper, a see-a mongrel train-all stolen, or what is still Commanding General, aids, orderlies, and servworse-paid for in confederate notes, made pay- ants, here for the nonce meet on a level. The able six months after the recognition of the South-faithful trooper lies by his horse, between whom ern Confederacy by the United States Govern- there seems to exist an indescribable community ment or in other words-never. After day- of feeling. Two hours are thus passed in sleeplight a lot of the wagons were parked and burnt the provost-guard only on duty-when word is at Ringgold; hundreds were burned in the road passed that "the column has all closed up," which where captured. Our men filled their canteens is the signal to move on again. The indefatigawith molasses and replenished their stock of ble Estes shakes himself and proceeds to shake clothing, sugar, salt, and bacon. Some very ex- the Commanding General to let him know that pensive confederate uniforms were captured; the object for which the halt was made had been several gold watches and articles of jewelry were accomplished; that it is time to move. Five found. A few of the captured wagons (the best) minutes more all are in the saddle again and were saved, and to the balance, with contents, marching for Smithsburgh. A body of armed the torch was applied. The road here is more men, mailed in mud! what a picture. Smithslike the bed of a rocky river, the dirt having been burgh was reached by nine o'clock A.M. washed away by the heavy rains, left large boul- ception met with there made all forget the trials ders exposed; where there were no boulders, of the night-made them forget even their fathere was mud and water. Over this road the tigue. It was Sunday. The sun shone forth troopers dashed and splashed in the midnight brightly; young misses lined the street-sides darkness, yelling like demons. Is it to be won- singing patriotic songs; the General was showdered at that the confederate soldiers unanimous-ered with flowers, and the General and troops were ly declare that they never will visit Pennsylvania again?

The Fifth New-York was pushed forward to Smithsburgh early on Sunday morning, but found only a small picket to interrupt their progress, and this ran away upon their approach. This

The re

cheered until reechoed by the mountain sides; young ladies and matrons assailed the column with words of welcome and large plates heaped up with pyramids of white bread spread with jelly and butter, inviting all to partake. While the young sang, the old shed tears and wrung

the hands of those nearest to them. The little than the result to be attained thereby warranted. town was overflowing with patriotism and thank- They opened a battery on a hill commanding the fulness at the arrival of their preservers. While town, several shells from which struck houses in these things were detaining the column, the band town during the engagement, doing considerable struck up "Hail Columbia," followed by the damage. Elder's battery was opened to respond. "Star-Spangled Banner." Many eyes unused to The attack was kept up until nightfall, when the tears were wet then. The kind reception met enemy, having failed in several attempts to with here did the command more good than a charge into the town, suspended operations, and week's rest. Even the horses-faithful animals-General Kilpatrick slowly retired, and reached seemed to be revived by the patriotic demonstra- Boonsboro the same night. In this contest the tion. No one who participated in the raid of enemy displayed their usual cunning. They, it Saturday night, July fourth, 1863, can ever for- has since been ascertained, had picked up about get the reception met with at Smithsburgh. It seventy-five of our men stragglers and men was like an oasis in the desert-a green spot in whose horses had given out. While the fight the soldier's life. May God prosper the people was going on at Smithsburgh, these men were of Smithsburgh! exposed in an open field with the avowed intention of attracting our fire. It was the only force thus openly exposed.

THE BATTLE AT SMITHSBURGH.

At dusk the prisoners having got well away, General Kilpatrick moved off slowly, and at eleven o'clock that night reached Boonsboro. The enemy did not follow.

On this march a sad affair occurred. A private of the Fifth New-York, who was much intoxicated, deliberately and without cause killed Lieutenant Williamson, of Elder's battery, by shooting him with a pistol. The men in the vicinity immediately killed the offending trooper. Lieutenant W. was an excellent officer, and much respected in the command.

THE BATTLE OF HAGERSTOWN AND WILLIAMSPORT.

Here General Kilpatrick decided to let his In the affair at Smithsburgh, in the disposition command rest until evening. But the enemy of his troops, General Kilpatrick displayed genwere on the alert, and seemed determined eralship of a high order. Nearly surrounded not to let the troops rest. At about two o'clock by a much superior force, he so arranged his P.M., Assistant Adjutant-General Estes, accom- command that he could concentrate just so many panied by scout McCullough and a correspond- as might be required to repel an attack at any ent, started out to carry despatches to the head-point, and still from no one point of the field The quarters of the army, then near Gettysburgh. could one fourth of his command be seen. It was known that the enemy's pickets and pa- enemy being on the mountain side, had a better trols were scattered about promiscuously, and a view, and they did not like it. considerable degree of caution was necessary to avoid being captured. At the suggestion of the scout, a route passing a little north of Emmetsburgh was selected as being the most practicable. The trio started off in good spirits, and had gone about six miles up into the mountain when suddenly they came to within one hundred yards of seven armed rebels-the advance, as it suddenly proved to be, of a large column of cavalry and mounted infantry in pursuit of General Kilpatrick. The rebels ordered the trio to surrender, and at the same moment fired. Instead of surrendering, the party wheeled their horses and dashed off down the rocky mountain road at a breakneck speed, the rebels following them. For Early on Monday morning, July sixth, General nearly four miles the race was continued, some- Kilpatrick hearing that the enemy had a train times the pursued gaining a little and sometimes near Hagerstown, moved upon that place. The the pursuing party. The race was interrupted enemy's pickets were met near the edge of the by meeting one of our cavalry patrols. A squad- town. A squadron of the Eighteenth Pennron, and then a regiment, was thrown out to sylvania cavalry, under Captain Lindsey, and led keep the enemy in check, until the prisoners who by Lieutenant-Colonel Brinley, of the Eighteenth, had been started on this road could be sent off and accompanied by Captains Dahlgren, late of on another toward Boonsboro. While this was General Hooker's staff, and Chauncey, Russell, going on, another column was reported to be ap-and Snyder, of General Kilpatrick's staff, and a proaching from a north-easterly direction, on the road which the Vermont cavalry had passed over The enemy's advance was commanded by Colat an early hour in the morning. General Kil- onel Davis, of the Tenth Virginia cavalry, who patrick, having got his prisoners off in safety, was captured. The party charged up the first was in his element, and declared his intention street into town fifty rods, to where it enters Ponot to leave town until the time agreed upon-tomac street. The scout was a little in advance. evening-notwithstanding the force confronting Colonel Davis, likely to escape, by the superior him was much larger than his own. The enemy fleetness of the horse he rode, the scout fired and had evidently intended to attack him from two points simultaneously, but upon trying at one point, and seeing what splendid disposition General Kilpatrick had made of his force they undoubtedly arrived at the conclusion that the town could be taken only by a greater sacrifice of life

scout, charged into the town.

killed the horse. The main portion of the party turned to the right, up Potomac street, and charged through the town, through the square, past the market, running the gauntlet of a shower of bullets fired from streets, alleys, and houses. Of this party, Captain Snyder, of the Eighteenth,

was wounded and taken prisoner. Lieutenant Campbell, of the Eighteenth, had his horse killed; the scout had the end of his nose grazed by a ball; Thomas Hogan, standard-bearer, kept up with the advance, and was killed; Isaac Ander-awaited the approach of the enemy. They were son was killed. Thomas Adams, company B, Eighteenth; Sergeant J. B. Gordon, company A, Eighteenth; Lieutenant David McKay, and others, were wounded.

Captains Dahlgren and Lindsey turned to the left as they entered Potomac street, in pursuit of five men. The men took the first street to the right, and were closely followed. One took deliberate aim at Captain Lindsey and killed him. Captain Dahlgren immediately split the man's head open with his sabre, and so the fight was kept up for some time.

tery to protect the rear, the balance of the command was hurried forward. This rear-guard had one of the sharpest fights of the campaign. Taking a position on the Williamsport road, they not kept long in suspense, for in less than half an hour the enemy advanced two columns of infantry and one of cavalry, each column numbering more men than the whole force ordered to hold them in check. Of course, it was an easy matter to flank our troops with such a command; but the rebels paid dearly for the advantage gained. The enemy had advanced through the line as our skirmishers retired. Our rear-guard held their first position full half an hour after being attacked. The enemy advanced skirmishing, and made a dart for Elder's guns. They got so near that one gunner knocked a rebel down with his rammer. Elder gave them grape and canister, and the Fifth New-York sabres, while the First Vermont used their carbines. The repulse was complete, but owing to the superior force of the enemy, our men were compelled reluctantly to fall back. At the second position taken there was another desperate contest, against odds. Here one of the bravest spirits fell-Lieutenant Woodward, son of the Chaplain of the First Vermont. At one time companies B and H, First Vermont, Captain Beeman, were entirely cut off, and they were ordered to "surrender !" "I don't see it," replied Cap

Soon after the first charge a second charge was made by a second squadron of the Eighteenth, under Captains Cunningham and Pennypacker. Of this party only one returned that day. Captain Elder then opened his battery on the outskirts of the town and began an effective fire. While the battery was not in use he went on a reconnoissance to a piece of woods at his right and captured twenty troopers, the advance of a party attempting to make a flank movement and capture his pieces. Captain Elder had his horse killed. Deployed in the gardens and fields in the outskirts of the town, were portions of the First Virginia and First Vermont cavalry. A squadron of the First Virginia, numbering fifty-tain Beeman. "Who are you talking to?" six men, under Captain W. C. Carman, lost twenty-six men; one officer, Lieutenant Swintzel, was killed, and several others were wounded. To the right of the First Virginia was the First Vermont, deployed as skirmishers, and still further on the right was General Custer's brigade, the First, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Michigan regiments. Two companies-D, Lieutenant Cummings, and A, Lieutenant Edwards of the First Vermont, were deployed as skirmishers in the town. They advanced through a wheat-field, drove the enemy from a fence on their front, when they were recalled to form in the rear-carry out their orders to the letter. The First Verguard. They lost fourteen men. Companies L, E, and F, under Captain Schofield and Lieutenant Newton, were deployed to the right of the town, company I, Lieutenant Caldwell, acting as a reserve force. L and E made one charge in skirmish line, and carried a house from behind which the enemy had annoyed our line seriously. These four companies lost fifteen men. The remainder of the Vermont regiment was held in re

serve.

screamed the rebel officer. "To you," was the response, when the Captain, leaping a fence, was followed by the squadron, and nearly all escaped. Falling back again, two of the Vermont companies were preparing to charge an advancing force; they yelled so loud that a portion of the force engaged at Williamsport supposed them to be rebels, and fired a couple of shells into their ranks. This mistake caused the charge to be abandoned, and our men fell back upon the main body. The officers and men of this rear-guard behaved nobly, and many really shed tears because they could not

mont lost fifty men in this retreat. Lieutenant Stuart, of company G; Lieutenant Caldwell, of company I, and Sergeant Hill, of company C, were among the wounded. Stuart and Hill were left upon the field.

It was four o'clock P.M. when General Kilpatrick, with the main column, reached the crest of the hill overlooking Williamsport, on the Boonsboro pike. General Buford's command had been It appears that the head of one of the engaged with the enemy two or three miles to enemy's columns, composed of infantry, cavalry, the left for two or more hours; Major Medill, of and artillery, had just entered Hagerstown as the Eighth Illinois, had already fallen mortally General Kilpatrick reached there. When the wounded. Two pieces of Pennington's battery attack commenced, the fact was speedily discov- were placed on the brow of the hill to the right ered that there was a large force present, and it of the pike, and the other pieces to the left. A would be useless therefore to attempt to strike squadron of Fifth Michiganders had previously the train at this point, and General Kilpatrick charged down the pike, driving in the enemy's decided to move rapidly to Williamsport. This picket and a battalion which occupied an advancwas a difficult movement to execute, but was ed position. The First Michigan, Colonel Towne, successfully accomplished. Leaving the First was deployed as skirmishers to the right, and Vermont and Fifth New-York with Elder's bat-ordered to drive the enemy from a brick house a

command and the enemy. The same was true of the night. The Sixth cavalry, (regulars,) under Captain Chaflant, made a reconnoissance at night and had a brisk fight, in which they lost eight or nine men. Wednesday morning there were indications that the enemy were present in large force, and by ten o'clock the "fandango" opened in real earnest, in which both Buford's and Kilpatrick's troops participated. The enemy were forced back to the Antietam Creek. Thursday the fight was renewed, and again on Friday, when Funktown was occupied. Saturday the enemy was again forced back, and on Saturday General Kilpatrick's command again moved upon Hagerstown.

THE SECOND BATTLE AT HAGERSTOWN.

little in advance and to the right of the artillery. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to obey this order; but before it could be done, the brisk firing of the rear-guard warned the Commanding General that his force occupied a dangerous position. Never was a command in a more critical situation; never before was a man cooler, or did one display more real generalship than General Kilpatrick on this occasion. Tapping his boot with his whip, and peering in the direction of the rapidly approaching rear-guard, he saw it falling back apparently in some disorder. Not a moment was to be lost; inaction or indecision would have proved fatal, and the moral effect of a successful campaign destroyed in an hour. Fortunately General Kilpatrick was cool and defiant, and felt the responsibility resting upon him. This made him master of the situation, and by a dashing When within two miles of the town, the enemovement, saved the cavalry corps from disaster. my's skirmishers were met. The main features Seeing his rear-guard falling back, he bethought of this battle, and those that took place between himself of what force could be withdrawn from Boonsboro and Hagerstown, I have before pretty the front in safety. The enemy were pressing fully described, and therefore I shall now only his front and rear-the crisis had arrived; he or- record some incidents in connection with them, dered the Second New-York (Harris's Light) to omitted in the haste of the moment in my previcharge upon the exultant foe then coming like an ous reports. After fighting for an hour the town avalanche upon his rear. Nobly did this band was fully occupied, and the enemy fell back to of heroes perform their task. They fell into the the crest of the hill, one and a half miles west breach with a yell, and, sword in hand, drove of the town. The streets picketed by the enemy back the enemy, relieving the exhausted rear- were barricaded, and the troops were disposed of guard, and holding the enemy in check until the outside of town so as to resist an attack. In whole command was disposed of so as to fall clearing the outskirts of the town of skirmishers, back, which they did in good order, fighting as the One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New-York they went. For three miles, over one of the infantry, of General Ames's brigade, (Eleventh worst roads ever travelled by man, was this re- corps,) rendered material assistance. Upon entreat conducted, when the enemy, dispirited at tering the town, the hearts of our troops were their want of success in surrounding and captur- made glad by finding between thirty and forty ing the whole command, halted, and the cavalry Union soldiers who had been missing since the corps went into camp, men and officers, exhaust- Monday before, a majority of whom were supposed from the labors of the day, falling to sleep ined to be dead. A few were wounded; all had the spot where they halted. Colonel Devins's brigade, of General Buford's command, had relieved the rear-guard, and were harassed by the enemy all night. Several times an advance was attempted, but on each occasion they were handsomely repulsed, in which work the Ninth NewYork cavalry took a conspicuous part. On this day Colonel Devins's advance destroyed twenty wagons between Williamsport and Falling Waters. When Pennington's battery was being placed in the first position on the hill above Williamsport, the enemy, by concentrating their fire upon that spot, endeavored to drive the battery away. A perfect shower of shot and shell fell in and around it. There was no flinching, however. Pennington was there, General Kilpatrick was there. Had they succeeded in this attempt, our force, by the enemy advancing in overwhelming numbers, would have been scattered to the four winds.

been concealed by citizens, and had been treated well. Captain Snyder, reported killed, was found wounded at the Franklin Hotel, carefully attended by a bevy of lovely damsels. The ball entered at the right side of the abdomen, and was taken out on the left side. The wound, though severe, is not a mortal one. He also received a severe sabre-cut on the top of his head. Captain Snyder rode some three hundred yards after he was shot, and used his sabre freely, when he fell to the pavement near the hotel, where he was taken in and kindly cared for by the proprietor. Captain Carman, of the First Virginia cavalry, was also concealed. He was skirmishing with his company on Monday, and suddenly a whole regiment of infantry rose before his command; they had been concealed in a field of wheat. He lost five men on the first volley, when those remaining sought a place of safety. Captain Carman fell flat on the ground in a potato patch, and was passed by unnoticed. Captain Macquillet, of the same regiment, was wounded, but managed to conceal himself, was found by a rebel, who robbed him of two hundred dollars, watch, etc., and was finally taken into the house of a citizen. Captain McMasters, of General Kilpatrick's staff, had his horse killed here. A large majority of

the citizens of this town are loyal, and they were made by the First Vermont and Pennsylvania much gratified when the Union troops reoccupied militia the day before, the enemy believing that the place. The rebels treated the citizens the it was the initiatory movement of a general adsame as they had done people in Pennsylvania-vance. Such was the panic among the rebel that is, took every thing they could carry away. Not satisfied with taking articles for their own immediate use, the officers as well as men went so far as to steal dresses, hoop-skirts, and other articles of clothing for their wives and sweethearts.

troops that they abandoned wagons, ammunition, arms, tents, and even provisions. Hundreds of rebels, fearing Kilpatrick's men, fled to the right and left to avoid their terrific charges, and subsequently surrendered themselves. One strapping fellow surrendered to a little bugler, who is On Monday, the thirteenth, General Kilpatrick attached to General Custer's brigade. As he was anxious to make an advance, but could not passed down the line, escorting his prisoner, a obtain orders. Some of the Pennsylvania militia Colt's revolver in hand, he called out: "I say, were placed at his disposal, and he thought he boys, what do you think of this fellow ?" "This would try one regiment under fire. The Phila- fellow" looked as if he felt very mean, and exdelphia Blues was selected, and, accompanied by pected he would be shot by his captor every the First Vermont cavalry, a demonstration was moment for feeling so. All along the road to made on our right-the enemy then occupying a Williamsport prisoners were captured, and their fortified position. The militia were then deploy-rear-guard was fairly driven into the river. The ed, and it was somewhat interesting to see how Fifth Michigan charged into the town, and capdifferent individuals acted as they came under tured a large number of soldiers, as they were fire for the first time. Some laughed, others attempting to ford the river. From thirty to fifty cracked jokes; many were serious, and wore a of the rebels were drowned while attempting to determined aspect. For new troops, however, cross; twenty-five or thirty wagons and a large they acted creditably. The General desired them number of mules and horses were washed away. to move to the crest of a knoll, where the bullets A regiment of cavalry was drawn up on the opwere flying pretty lively. There was some hesi- posite bank, but a few of Pennington's pills caustancy at first, whereupon the battle-flag presented ed them to skedaddle. They fired a few shells to the division by the ladies of Boonsboro was in return, but no harm was done. sent to the front. Sergeant W. Judy, bearer of the flag, cried out: "This is General Kilpatrick's battle-flag, follow it!" The militia obeyed the summons promptly. Judy was wounded, and fell some distance in front of the line, and it was supposed for some time that the enemy had captured the flag; but at night, when Judy was brought in on a litter, he proudly waved the battle-flag. The novelty of being under fire for the first time was keenly felt by the militia. About the first man touched had the top of his head grazed just close enough to draw blood. He halted, threw down his musket, truly an astonished man. One or two officers and a dozen or more privates also ran up to see what the matter was. Running both hands over his pate, and seeing blood, he exclaimed, “A ball, I believe," while the others stood agape with astonishment, until the shrill voice of the General sounded in their ears: "Move on there!" Another man's throat was so closely grazed by a ball as to raise a large bunch, but without breaking the skin. A council was held to ascertain whether he was hit by a ball or not. Despite the danger, these and similar acts caused much amusement to the men more used to exposure.

General Kilpatrick was much annoyed at the restraint he was under all day Monday and Tuesday; he desired to move on, believing that the enemy, while making a show of force, was crossing the river. This subsequently proved to be correct. Had the army advanced on Tuesday morning, Lee's whole army would either have been captured or dispersed. When, on Wednesday morning, an advance was made without orders, the fact was then ascertained that the enemy commenced falling back when the attack was

Hearing that a force had marched toward Falling Waters, General Kilpatrick ordered an advance to that place. Through some mistake, only one brigade-that of General Custer's-obeyed the order. When within less than a mile of Falling Waters, four brigades were found in line of battle, in a very strong position, and behind half a dozen Eleventh corps or crescent-shaped earth-walls. The Sixth Michigan cavalry was in advance. They did not wait for orders, but a squadron-companies D and C, under Captain Royce (who was killed) and Captain Armstrongwere deployed as skirmishers, while companies B and F, led by Major Weaver, (who was killed,) made the charge. The line of skirmishers was forced back several times, but the men rallied promptly, and finally drove the enemy behind the works. A charge was then made, the squadron passing between the earthworks. So sudden and spirited was the dash, and so demoralized were the enemy, that the first brigade surrendered without firing a shot. The charging squadron moved directly on, and engaged the second brigade, when the brigade that had surrendered seized their guns, and then commenced a fearful struggle. Of the one hundred who made this charge, only thirty escaped uninjured. Seven of their horses lay dead within the enemy's works. Twelve hundred prisoners were here captured, and the ground was strewn with dead and wounded rebels. Among the killed was Major-General Pettigrew, of South-Carolina. A. P. Hill was seated, smoking a pipe, when the attack commenced; it came so suddenly that he threw the pipe away, mounted his horse, and crossed the river as speedily as possible. Three battle-flags were captured, two of them covered with the