November 21, 1862
The Washington County Boys who are in the Cavalry Service in Western Virginia.
Camp at New Creek, Va.
Editor's Washington, Pa. Examiner:
Being relieved from duty this afternoon, I have concluded to give you a brief account of the Keystone Cavalry since they left Camp Willey, Va. But before proceeding any further let me say I am not an educated man, nor do I pretend to write a letter that will tickle the fancy of every one; but merely propose to give you some of the incidents which have occurred during our short camp life.
We left Camp Willey on the 13th of October, and took the cars for Clarksburg, arriving there about 11 o'clock that night - We lay in the cars all night, and a glorious night it was, for the mischievious boys would let none sleep that wanted to. The next morning quite an excitement was raised in regard to who were cooks. At length two were elected, but, by the by, they had got our little corporal "Wooly" among them. "Wooly" declared his name was not Asbery, and proved it by washing his face. Some proposed to call the roll, but the two darkeys stepped forward. - After getting some breakfast we started to camp, a distancs of about two miles. Our camp was situated on the railroad leading from Grafton to Parkersburg, and about four hundred yards from the north branch of the Monongahela river. We were encamped there from Tuesday till Sunday. - About 12 o'clock Capt. Keys came riding into camp with marching orders. By three o'clock we were on the road to New Creek. Nothing of importance occurred till about three o'clock on Tuesday evening, when we came in sight of the advance of Gen. Cox's wagon train. Not being aware of his moving up that way, the idea prevailed that it was some of Jeff's "pet devils" going on a foraging expedition. The halt was sounded, and our colors unfurled. Not a man flinched, but all rested themselves more firmly in the saddles, expecting soon to hear the ball open. But the Union signal was given, and the fun was all over. You might then have heard such epithets as "curse the luck" sounded all along the line. But presently up rides our good natured "Friday" with: "Lookey here, Judas Priest! What do you think? Why, old Bob (his favorite horse) and me had a wrestle, and he threw me twice. But I'll try him again when we get to camp by Judas!" This put the boys in a good humor, and we went "marching along." We arrived in camp on the 22nd, tired and worn out. We lay by till Tuesday evening, the 28th, about three o'clock, when a man came riding into camp with news that the rebels had captured a large amount of cattle about twelve miles from our camp and were driving them to Jackson's camp. Gen. Kelley was immediately telegraphed to, and he ordered all the cavalry force and part of Mulligan's battery to go in pursuit immediately. By six o'clock in the evening two pieces of the battery, the Ringgold, the Keystone, and Capt. Young's cavalry - all under the command of Colorado Quirk - were on the road in pursuit of the rebels. We marched all night over the roughest roads imaginable, and made through Greenland Gap just as day broke, after having considerable trouble crossing our artillery where a bridge had been burned by rebels. We were then ordered to fasten all blankets to our saddles and "forward." We dashed on at a furious rate for twenty miles further, without feed for ourselves or horses. About 3 o'clock we captured two of the Imboden's cavalry at a house where they had gone to spend a few hours with their "ducks;" but their pleasure was cut short by the appearance of the Pennsylvania boys. About 3 miles further we turned to the right up over what is called "Tarecoat Knob." There we began to find signs of the rebels, and we flew for about two miles, when we came in contact with their packets which we drove in on double quick. Turning a bend in the road e suddenly came in sight of their camp, and they had already formed in line of battle. One piece of our artillery was run forward and immediately belched forth a shell which lit handy to their line, and scattered them like smoke. They gave us one volley, but sent their balls flying far above our heads, and then broke for the cattle - trying their utmost to drive them into the woods. But a few shells soon caused them to abandon that enterprise. They then tried to form on the road, but our noble sons of Erin dropped a shell in their midst which scattered them like chaff, and they did not try to form again. A charge was immediately ordered. Forward we dashed, every one for himself, and it put me in mind of a fox hunt than anything else. We captured 170 head of cattle, 21 horses, and 18 prisoners. They acknowledge a loss of three killed, but they were all carried off the field.
Your correspondent in riding over the battle ground saw a puddle of blood close to where a shell lit among them. There was none of our force hurt. The prisoners were very poorly dressed and have inferior arms. In conversation with one of the most intelligent of them, I asked him if he did not wish the war was over he said he did, but they were not discouraged. The most of this party was "Stewart's cavalry. They numbered in all about 200 men and were sent to capture horses and cattle for Jackson's army.
In regard to this part of the world, it is very rough, and the people are the most God-forsaken looking people I ever saw. - A sight of a Washington county man, or a Brush Run gal, would do a sick soldier more good than a dose of pills.
The bugle is sounding for supper, and I must try a sheet-iron cracker and see which it or my teeth is the hardest.
Yours, &c.,
Mess No. 6
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: Undated: November1862