The Citizen-Soldier | Page 7

on every line of his countenance,
the battle grew fiercer in the enemy's rear. Every volley could be heard
distinctly. There would occasionally be a lull for a moment, and then
the uproar would break out again with increased violence. If the enemy
is too strong for us to attack, what must be the fate of Rosecrans' four
regiments, cut off from us, and struggling against such odds? Hours
passed; and as the last straggling shots and final silence told us the
battle had ended, gloom settled down on every soldier's heart, and the
belief grew strong that Rosecrans had been defeated, and his brigade
cut to pieces or captured. This belief grew to certain conviction soon
after, when we heard shout after shout go up from the fortifications in
our front.
Major Keifer with two companies had, early in the afternoon, climbed
the hill on our right to look for a position from which artillery could be
used effectively. The ground over which he moved was broken and
covered with a dense growth of trees and underbrush; finally an
elevation was discovered which commanded the enemy's camp, but
before a road could be cut, and the artillery brought up, it was too late
in the day to begin the attack.
Night came on. It was intensely dark. About nine o'clock we were
ordered to withdraw our pickets quietly and return to our old quarters.

On our way thither a rough voice cried: "Halt! Who comes there?" And
a thousand shadowy forms sprang up before us. The challenge was
from Colonel Robert McCook, and the regiment his. The scene
reminded me of the one where
"That whistle garrisoned the glen At once with full five hundred men,
As if the yawning hill to heaven A subterranean host had given."
12. We were rejoiced this morning to hear of Rosecrans' success, and,
at the same time, not well pleased at the escape of the enemy under
cover of night. We were ordered to move, and got under way at eight
o'clock. On the road we met General Rosecrans and staff. He was
jubilant, as well he might be, and as he rode by received the
congratulations of the officers and cheers of the men.
Arriving on yesterday's battle-field, the regiment was allowed a half
hour for rest. The dead had been gathered and placed in a long trench,
which was still open. The wounded of both armies were in hospital,
receiving the attention of the surgeons. There were a few prisoners,
most of them too unwell to accompany their friends in retreat.
Soon after reaching the summit of Rich mountain, we caught glimpses
of Tygart's valley, and of Cheat mountain beyond, and before nightfall
reached Beverly and went into camp.
13. Six or eight hundred Southern troops sent in a flag of truce, and
surrendered unconditionally. They are a portion of the force which
fought Rosecrans at Rich mountain, and Morris at Laurel Hill.
We started up the Valley river at seven o'clock this morning, our
regiment in the lead. Found most of the houses deserted. Both Union
men and secessionists had fled. The Southern troops, retreating in this
direction, had frightened the people greatly, by telling them that we
shot men, ravished women, and destroyed property. When within
three-quarters of a mile of Huttonville, we were informed that forty or
fifty mounted secessionists were there. The order to double-quick was
given, and the regiment entered the village on a run. As we made a turn
in the road, we discovered a squad of cavalry retreating rapidly. The

bridge over the river had been burned, and was still smoking. Our
troops sent up a hurrah and quickened their pace, but they had already
traveled eleven miles on a light breakfast, and were not in condition to
run down cavalry. That we might not lose at least one shot at the enemy,
I got an Enfield rifle from one of the men, galloped forward, and fired
at the retreating squad. It was the best shot I could make, and I am
forced to say it was a very poor one, for no one fell. On second thought,
it occurred to me that it would have been criminal to have killed one of
these men, for his death could have had no possible effect on the result
of the war.
Huttonville is a very small place at the foot of Cheat mountain. We
halted there perhaps one hour, to await the arrival of General
McClellan; and when he came up, were ordered forward to secure a
mountain pass. It is thought fifteen hundred secessionists are a few
miles ahead, near the top of the mountain. Two Indiana regiments and
one battery are with us. More troops are probably following.
The man who owns the farm