the James, up Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac, to Kettle Bottom, where we cast anchor for the night.

August 7th. We weighed anchor at early light, and about three P. M. we were landed at Geisboro' Point. We went into camp near Camp Stoneman.

August 9th. The boys were made glad by the presence of the paymaster and his greenbacks. Our time is mostly occupied in exchanging our poor horses for good ones, and remounting our dismounted men. This looks like work ahead for the cavalry.

CHAPTER X.

To the Shenandoah Valley. - Exciting Scene in Snicker's Gap. · Battle of Summit Point. - Battle of Kearneysville Station. Crossing into Maryland.- Old John Brown air in Charlestown.Skirmishes near the Opequan. - Battle of Winchester. - Drive the Enemy through Front Royal. — Up Luray Valley. - Raid to Staunton and Waynesboro'.-Cavalry Fight at Tom's Brook.Battle of Cedar Creek. Sheridan's Ride. - Unparalleled Captures by the Regiment. Gen. Custer's Congratulatory Order. Reconnoissance to Rood's Hill.- Spirited Engagement near Mt. Jackson. Regiment Detailed Escort of General Sheridan. The Fruit of Sheridan's Work in the Valley. -August 12th to December 31st, 1864.

It

August 12th. Orders were issued to the division, to be ready to move at sundown to its new field of duty. At the appointed hour the bugles were ringing clearly, and the rested cavalrymen were soon gladly on the march. was after nine o'clock before these well equipped and thoroughly disciplined squadrons had traversed the streets of the nation's capital, laden with the hopes of every loyal heart. We were now to enter upon a field of operations the glory of which would eclipse all that the cavalry had yet accomplished.

Until eleven o'clock we continued our march up the Potomac to Chain Bridge, where we crossed into Virginia again, and bivouacked about three miles from the river.

August 13th. Before daylight the regiment was detailed

to escort Col. Chipman, a dispatch bearer to General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. Great speed was necessary, and the regiment moved accordingly. The line of march led us through Drainesville, Leesburg, Hamilton, Purcelville and Snicker's Gap. A very brief halt was made near Goose creek, where we forded in pretty deep water. Near Leesburg a slight attack was made on our rear guard by a squad of White's guerrillas, who were easily dispersed

Before reaching Snicker's Gap, we were informed by the inhabitants, that Mosby with a strong force was in the vicinity. We expected to meet him in the gap. It was night, and not a breath of air stirred the heavy foliage of the trees. No sound was heard save the song of the katydid and the heavy tramp of our horses on the hard road. The moon shone brightly, flooding the mountain tops with her silvery beams. The woods wore that sombre, weird appearance, so often spoken of in fairy tales. Our feelings were doubly excited by the expectation, that from the shady nooks or dark crevices of the rocks, would flash the deadly weapons of our enemy. But our passage was performed without meeting him. From the summit of the gap, the Shenandoah Valley, filled with the hazy light of the moon, presented a scene that was perfectly enchanting. We forded the broad, shining Shenandoah river, at Snicker's Ferry. Near Berryville we saw the burning remains of a supply train which Mosby had captured and destroyed that day. We entered within our lines near the Opequan creek, and, tired and sleepy, we halted about.three A. M. within two miles of Winchester. This was the longest march ever performed by the regiment in the same

time we had traveled about seventy-five miles in twentytwo hours.

August 14th. This afternoon we moved through Winchester, to Milltown, and camped near the creek.

August 16th. Reveillé sounded before daylight, and, breaking camp, at sunrise, we moved to Berryville. Here we joined the division, with which we moved toward Ashby's Gap, marching till midnight.

August 17th. Moved through White Post, and back to Winchester. Gen. Sheridan's army was falling back from Cedar creek. The third division was detailed to picket the main roads, which centre at Winchester and to bring up the rear of the army. The Fifth was sent on the Romney pike to Petticoat Gap. The picketing was quiet until dark. The Rebels now advanced upon us at nearly every point. From a high hill near Milltown, our artillery opened upon the advancing column of the enemy. In consequence of our line's retreating on the Valley pike, before we could be apprised of the fact, the Rebels entered the town, thus flanking us completely. No time was lost, however, in falling back over the hills, northwest of town, passing through the embankments of Fort Milroy. We rejoined our forces on the plains below, and together we continued retreating toward Summit Point, on a dirt road, east of the pike. About midnight we halted for rest not far from Wadesville.

August 18th. The column was set in motion early, and a heavy rain came down upon us. The division halted at Summit Point, and the regiment was sent back to picket along the Opequan.

August 19th. Our boys on picket were attacked by a strong party of Rebel cavalry, and forced back nearly two

iniles.

Reënforcements were sent out and the Rebel ad

vance was checked.

August 20th. Relieved from picket, and bivouacked near Summit Point. The lines were quiet.

August 21st. As has been so often the case on the Sabbath, it was not possible to pass the day without an engagement. About eight o'clock our pickets were driven in, and at nine a strong force of infantry and cavalry confronted us at the Point. Boldly they came out of the woods into an open field, and flaunted their miserable flag into our faces. But a well directed shell from our artillery, which exploded among them, sent them "kiting" to the woods again. However, a force far superior to ours in numbers compelled us at length to retreat, which we did in good order. We arrived at Charlestown about sundown, but left the village to our right, and halted in the fields almost in sight of the steeples of its churches. Here we found our infantry also falling back, with its main column headed toward Halltown.

August 22d. Our horses, which had stood all night saddled and ready for a move at a moment's warning, were in use with the first light of morning. The enemy's cavalry, displaying a little more daring than was their wont, advanced upon us with considerable show of fight. Their infantry was within short supporting distance. A spirited skirmish took place, and, under the circumstances, we followed the advice of the poet, who sings:

"He who fights and runs away,

Will live to fight another day."

We retreated to Halltown, and moved with the head of the column to the left, and finally halted pretty well up the river, opposite Maryland Heights. Within our bivouac