Valley Spirit

By Lieut. D.R.B. Nevin, 109th F.V.

It was always predicted by those conversant with military tactics, science and strategy, that "Pope's men would be in Richmond before McClellan's." The latter's movements, were said to have been tardy and phlegmatic, while those of the former were animated, spirited, bold and dashing.

Pope's flaming manifesto on assuming command of the noble "Army of Virginia," indicated a vigorous policy, and a determination to be satisfied with nothing less than a full view of ten thousand rebel backs, borne by twenty thousand rebel legs in full retreat, every morning before breakfast. This was a very fine programme, and it was successfully carried out in every particular save one 'slight variation.' It was, this, (and it is so trivial and unimportant as hardly to be worth recording), instead of seeing the enemy's backs, the enemy invariably saw Pope's. The worse luck Pope had, the more newspaper correspondents he lustily cried for, until it was unanimously conceded on all hands, that if he was furnished with a good strong regulation sword, a fast horse, and a brace of reliable telegraph operators. Major General John Pope could demolish more rebels in a given time than any other man in the Army. Heaven protect the Sioux's from his fearful sword! Again, while Banks was trifling away his time about Warrenton, and Siegel and McClellan were securing new bases and groping around in the dark, ninety-seven officers of Pope's command were quietly and unostentatiously marching into Richmond. In that memorable march no man was insulted and private property was duly respected. For his invaluable services, the Administration which is always quick to perceive and ready to execute, promoted the redoubtable Major General to the position of St. Paul's, which is higher up than any other officer has been advanced since the beginning of this very wicked rebellion.

The battle of Cedar, or Slaughter's Mountain as it is sometimes called, was the initiatory step of Jackson's march into Maryland, and threatened raid into Pennsylvania. It was rapidly followed up by a succession of rebel victories at Carlett's Station, Manassas, and Bull Run number two. The progress of the enemy's forces was promptly checked at the battle of Antietam w[h]ere our brave troops won fresh laurels, and drove the ruthless invaders back to their own blood stained and unholy soil.

The battle of Slaughter's Mountain was a huge mistake--a mammoth military blunder. Government saw it, and rectified it as far as was within its powers by the removal of the originator of it. I will not attempt a description of that battle, but simply state, that it was acknowledged by the rebel press of Richmond to have been the hardest contested engagement that had taken place since the commencement of the present war. The losses on each side were about equal. About seven o'clock in the evening I was captured by a pair of young men attached to the cavalry company of the late distinguished Col. Turner Ashby. A few moments after my arrest, I was brought before General Jackson, who treated me kindly, and quickly asked me some short, pointed questions in relation to the strength of Federal forces, and what "corps" were engaged on our side in the contest. My replies, were not of the most satisfactory character and the General quickly rode away, leaving me in charge of the Colonel of the 33rd Virginia. I was soon relieved of my sword, sash, and revolver, and in company with about ninety other unfortunate fellow citizens, consigned to the mercies of a fierce looking Sergeant with a very heavy guard under his control. About two hours after my capture the sound of heavy artillery announced that our Batteries had renewed the battle, and courted a reply from the enemy. Our guns happened to have the exact range of the camp where we were, which was the old battle field of the afternoon, and for a time caused great consternation, and sad havoc among the enemy. The shrieking hissing shells flew thick and fast around us, until the clarion voice of Jackson ordered us to fall back which was done promptly, and very much to my own personal satisfaction I assure you. After receding about a mile, a halt was ordered, and in five minutes after the command I was soundly asleep in the middle of a large wheat field, perfectly exhausted by the severe forced marches of the last three days, and the terrible excitement of the afternoon's battle. The mental anxiety caused by the stirring scenes of the bloody conflict developed itself during the night by many of my comrades gasping, groaning, and utterly wild incoherent sentences and exclamations.

When I awoke in the morning, the bright clear sunlight was shining on my face, and the ragged confederate guards were pacing slowly around the group of captives. It was a lovely holy Sabbath morning and all surrounding nature seemed so sweet and calm and tranquil, as to exclude for a moment all visions and reflections of grim visaged War. Our Sergeant promptly ordered us to "fall in," and in a short time we were on our road to Orange Court House, en route to Richmond. We passed over the battle field as we moved slowly along, and such a sickening sight I never wish to gaze upon again. Headless bodies! dismembered shattered limbs scattered in every direction gave evidence of the fierceness of the struggle and the terrific accuracy of our artillery firing. In one place, hundreds of dead bodies were piled up like cord wood. As we moved further on, we found the enemy removing their wounded as speedily as they could to the rear, in expectancy of a renewal of the fight. Regiments were advancing quickly under the immediate supervision of the ubiquitous and indefatigable Jackson who was calm, cool and apparently hopeful of success. I had a fine close view of "old Stonewall" in the morning as he hurried to and fro with a commendable systematic energy in his every move, action, and command. His dress was plain, and unassuming, and his general bearing unsoldier like. He wore gray homespun pantaloons, a dark jean hunting shirt, and a light cross-barred summer cap and rode a small sized but keen-looking bay horse. As is well known he is the idol of the Virginia branch of the Confederate Army. Great complaint is however frequently made on account of his marching his command too much and too rapidly.

In advancing on our journey, we found the main and side roads crowded with tens of thousands of rebel raggamuffins [sic], pressing eagerly forward to reinforce Jackson. As we passed them they made but few remarks concerning us, although occasionally some rude fellow ignorant alike of the rules of civilized warfare and common decency, would perpetrate a coarse joke at our expense. This army was part of the same which was punished by our forces subsequently at South Mountain and Antietam and as I saw their serried ranks moving onward I predicted in my own mind that as they had now passed the Rubicon in the discomfiture of Pope, it would require almost superhuman force to keep them from pressing into Pennsylvania. Had they succeeded, the border counties of our State would have suffered worse than did the beautiful valleys of the Rhine from the huge armies of Louis XIV at the close of the Seventeenth Century, houses burned, crops ruined, churches desecrated, and women and children outraged and insulted.

A march of ten miles brought us to Orange Court House which is an old fashioned, but rather thrifty comfortable looking county town of about two thousand population. We were placed in the yard fronting the country building, and surrounded by a heavy guard. At 7 o'clock P.M. we were furnished by our captors with some original 'Jeff Davis crackers' as they were called, which were, if such a thing is possible harder and more unseemly than our own Federal army crackers. This was the first morsel I had to eat since four hours before the fight commenced on the previous day, and the crackers did indeed taste delicious. After sleeping in the open yard all night unprotected by any covering, we started in the morning to the depot to await the arrival of the cars which were to convey us to Richmond. Presently the train hove, in sight, consisting of twenty-one cars, filled with the dead and wounded. This sight, appeared to incense the miscellaneous crowd at the depot against us, and it would have required but little to have raised a mob which would have disposed of us very summarily. The commissioned officer who had charge of us, acted in a very manly way, and silenced the crowd by swearing roundly and loudly that he would shoot down the first man who dared to raise a hand against any prisoner under his charge. The crowd roared out for a time that by Jeff Davis's late proclamation we were not prisoners of war and would be 'strung up' anyhow as soon as we reached Richmond, and that by hanging us on the spot transportation might be saved. In a few moments however the train started and in three hours we were in Gordonsville. Here, we were taken from the train to the Provost Marshal's Office. That functionary was one Dr. Boyle, a renegade from Washington, and about the seediest looking specimen of pomposity I have seen for a long time. He volunteered a great deal of impudent advice to us, informed us very politely "that he hadn't the least doubt we would have our cravats very materially tightened [sic] when we reached the Capital, and wound up requesting his Sergeant to convey us to the guard house. Thither we went, and found ourselves soon jammed into a small dirty room, with a hundred or two of the filthiest wretches you ever beheld. They were principally deserters, many of them from North Carolina regiments--were very communicative, tried to be agreeable, in fact, appeared to have tried a little of everything except soap and water. Their amusements appeared to be very limited. They would sing 'My Maryland' and then take a scratch, discuss the Partisan Ranger question, curse Jeff Davis and Secretary Malory, and then take another scratch, roll on the floor and try to sleep, smoke their nasty pipes, and make themselves most especially and generally disagreeable and repulsive. For forty-eight hours we were confined in the miserable loathsome cell, and during that time received but four dry crackers to each man. After that time right glad were we to have the sergeant of the guard summon us so get ready for Richmond. As we marched to the cars, we passed Major General Stewart and Staff. There is nothing peculiar, or particularly striking about his style and manner, although as you are well aware he is a dashing horseman, and a great favorite in the southern ranks. He is apparently a man of forty years of age, with long red hair and beard and is remarkably tall, perhaps six feet two or three inches. I also saw in Gordonsville, a man who had more to do in bringing Jackson's forces into Maryland and along our border, than any other man in the South. I refer to Col. Bradley Johnson, formerly of Frederick, Md., as contemptible, and blatant a boaster and braggart as treats the globe. In Frederick, he bore the reputation of a drunken 'rounder,' and by forming an alliance with the southern army was petted for a time by men of some standing about Richmond, simply because he hailed from the dubious and time-loyal state of Maryland.

He represented to them that an advance of their forces in to his State would develope [sic] a tremendous uprising of the people, who would bail the advent of the stars and bars with every token of delight. We all remember his proclamation to the citizens of Frederick, when Jackson made his unfortunate pic-nic excursion to that place. The infamous misrepresentations of this man have redounded to his own discredit, and the Administration at Richmond have publicly and righteously stigmatized him as a falsifier.

Leaving Gordonsville in a train of cattle cars at 8 o'clock P.M., after an unpleasent [sic] ride of five hours we arrived at Richmond, and surrounded by a strong guard were promptly marched along the dark, silent streets of that famous and yet infamous reservoir of treason, to the celebrated Libby prison. Our names were quickly registered in the office of the institution, our clothes thoroughly searched, and the turnkey without speaking a word, rudely pushed us into a room as dark as Erebus, turned the key, and left us alone to our reflections[.] I stood perfectly still, lest by moving, I might tread on some sleeping prisoner, for the deep breathing and heavy snoring indicated that there was any quantity around me. I did not speculate on matters long, but, tired, hungry and covered with dust, sat down on the floor and was quickly sound asleep.

'Libby Prison,' which has acquired considerable notoriety, on account of being the princidal [sic] depot in the South for the storage of Northern prisoners, consists of three large three story brick buildings adjoining each other. Each of these buildings has been used for the tobacco commission business, and in their external and internal appearance differ but little from a similar number of large business houses in any of our Northern cities. The management of the establishment, is in the hands of Brigadier General winder, Post Captain Wirts (an ugly customer), Adjutant W. Peacock (an Englishman by birth, and a deserter from New York Ninth) and Commissary Sergeant Hitchcock. The latter was kind and accommodating, and will never be forgotten by our group, for his many little acts of courtesy and kindness to us. Post Captain Wirts is an Austrian by birth; and for many years figured as a turnkey in one of the most prominent prisons of Vienna. He is a bilious, sallow, cross, disagreeable a man as I ever saw. Always scolding, never smiling, every effort of his to be spiteful and revengeful was invariably a most brilliant success. When the flag of truce boat would arrive, bringing our letters from kind absent friends, and when we were anxiously expecting to have them sent in, this man would expose them to our view, handle them, and then return them to his pocket, for the sole purpose of tantalizing us. This he would do day after day, after the arrival of every boat, and our letters would never reach us until they had remained a week or two in the hands of this incarnate fiend. Adjutant Peacock was one of your harmless unpleasant men who took great delight in telling us all the bad news he possibly could, without favoring us with even the smallest possible allowance of good news. He openly boasted of his desertion and justified it because our Government took no step to have him released when he was captured by the rebels and thrown into prison at Salisbury, N.C.

Libby prison has many different apartments devoted to the various classes of prisoners that are confined within its walls, such as Northern citizens, wounded and sick Federal soldiers, Federal privates, McClellan's and Burnside's officers, Pope's Hessians, and the basement is appropriated to the northern negro servants. Of the several classes enumerated, each party had a separate room of which I know but little excepting the particular apartment appropriated to the commissioned officers of General Pope, who by special proclamation of his Excellency, Jefferson, the First were to be treated as felons and outlaws, and not as prisoners of War.

The room referred to, and in which I spent six long and dreary weeks before I recrossed its portals was eighty feet long, and forty wide the ceiling or upper flooring supported by fourteen large pillars. The flooring was covered with coarse thick matting of tobacco juice and dirt about an inch thick, which could not be eradicated by the combined efforts of soap, water and brush. The year of the room, faced on the canal and James river, the front, on what had formerly been a prominent business locality, but which now looked as deserted, as if infested by the Plague. This was the room into which I was ruthlessly thrust on the night of my arrival in Richmond, and on awakening in the morning I found it to contain a motely [sic] assembly of about three hundred persons, consisting of sutlers, ambulance drivers, sanitary committees, Brigadier Generals, Field Staff and Line Officers, with a sprinkling of Richmond pick-pockets, burglars, and hotel-thieves. The latter select representatives were inserted for the purpose of making Pope's officers feel as disagreeable as possible, and I must say, the plot succeeded remarkably well. The door of our room was always open, and protected by a sentry. Another sentry figured in the ante-room, while a whole chain of double guards completely encircled the entire building to provide against any possible contingency of our escape. The position was a most humiliating one, and in direct violation and contravention of all known rules of civil[i]zed warfare throughout the world. The sentries were generally rough illiterate fellows who had been readily taught to offer us any indignity they possibly could, and as they patroled [sic] along would frown on us as if we were so many assassins and horse-thieves.

Stately sentry! Stalwart sentry,
Pacing by yon massive gate,
Why cast thy furtive glances
Of Vengeance and of Hate,
As you stalk along so measuredly
Apast my prison gate?

We are no groveling felons, sir,
But slandered by the name--
We'll wear the loathsome stigma
Till posterity and fame
Shall wipe it out and give to thee
A transfer of its shame.
Thou art guarding, trusty sentry--
Of the dark and flashing eye,
Thou art guarding moral heroes
Who would rather kneel and die,
Than compromise a bar or note
Of Freedom's battle cry

In a late number of 'Blackwood,' there is an interesting, well written article on the courtesies of war which I would commend to the Secretary of War, of the great unrecognized Southern Confederacy. The manner in which we were treated in many particulars, while inmates of the Confederate State Prison, was shameful, and a disgrace to the age. Contrary to general belief, I must state that the rations allowed us were of a very good quality consisting of good bread, fresh meat, salt, vinegar and soap. I will quote from my memorandum book a few instances of coarse brutality on the part of the sentries, whose crimes were winked at by the prison officials, and openly applauded by some of the Richmond papers. 'Aug't. 19th. Lieutenant Campbell shot by the rear sentry--severely but not mortally wounded.' This occured [sic] about 6 o'clock. A.M, Lieut C had been washing at the hydrant, and while drying his face with a towel unthinkingly walked towards the window to inhale the fresh morning air, the miscreant sentinal [sic], not ten paces off, took deliberate aim at him and fired, the ball passing through his left side, and the fleshy part of his left arm. Five hours afterwards, the Rebel Surgeon came in to dress his wounds. Lieut. Campbell is attached to the regular army, and his family reside in Pittsburg [sic].

Aug. 21st Lieut. Fisher, U.S.A., heavily ironed by Post Captain Wirts for using the word 'rebel' in one of his letters. Lieut. F. was a delicate sickly officer, and for using the word rebel instead of confederate, was sent for by Wirts, who upbraided and damned him most unmercifully and then sent him to our room heavily ironed.

Sept. 5th, Sutler Higgins, of Philadelphia, shot through the heart by Sentry Owens, Co. E Elliot's City Battery. Higgins was a fine looking respectable man, and was reclining on his cot reading at the time he was shot. He expired in five minutes.

Sept. 18th 9 o'clock P.M. A citizen prisoner from an adjoining room was shot by the guard in attempting to escape. The report of the firing soon caused a miscellaneous excited crowd to congregate in front of our room, armed with shot guns, revolvers, axes, &c. It was with the greatest difficulty this mob was restrained from breaking in and butchering us in cold blood. We were unarmed, and of course could make no resistance.

Among the papers in Richmodd [sic] that were anxious to excite public wrath and indignation against us, none figured more energetically and surreptitiously to attain that end than the "Dispatch."

Day after day this blood thirsty editor who controls that infamous sheet, would exaggerate the ou[t]rages of the northern soldierey [sic], and call upon the Administration to lopp of[f] the heads of a few of Pope's officers. At every act and order of Butler in New Orleans, or Hunter in the south-east, this coarse brutal demon would point the excited public eye towards us and roar lustily for more blood!

The amiable Post Captain Wirts allowed a Sutler to come into our quarters three times a week, of course, he had nothing to do with a division of the huge profits made off by the Yanks.' We exchanged our funds for confederate money, receiving forty per cent premium for the same. The sutler furnished us with a variety of vegetables &c., at the following reasonable rats, which in justice to him I will state, were but a fraction higher than the actual prices paid for the same by the citizens of Richmond I open market. Potatoes eight dollars per bushel, Tomatoes, Onions, apples, peaches and cigars, one dollar per dozen, sugar seventy-five cents per pound, coffee, three dollars per pound, and matches seventy-five cents per box.

Occasionally, Post Captain Wirts fearing that reading the morning papers was entirely too much of a luxury for us, would prohibit their introduction. And when we did receive them it was at twenty-five cents each. At one time anterior to this unholy rebellion the 'Examiner, Enquirer and Whig, were as ably edited papers as could be found in the country. Now they are pale, sickly, billious [sic] looking half-sheets, filled with low scandal and substitute advertisements; a good substitute brings from ten to fifteen hundred dollars. Our amusements while in prison were meagre. The bone-ring business soon lost its charms, and the peach stone trade became stale and uninteresting. When we would hear bad news (and Heaven knows we heard enough of it within those hateful walls.) we would go to bed. When we heard good news from the North, we would innocently ask the Post Captain 'if there was anything up,' and serenade him with the 'red white and blue,' and old John Brown.'

Our stay there made us quite conversant with the culinary and laundress professions, and it was no uncommon sight to see at one view, a portly Colonel peeling potatoes, a dashing Aid de-camp stewing tomatoes, and some tasteful young Lieutenant hanging over the fire, with a face as red as a par boiled lobster, cooking 'hash' and such 'ash'! may I never look upon its like again! We had our jokes, our songs and our puns 'ad Libby-tum.' We had Cribbage, muggins, draughts and [illegible]ack straws; we were restricted of course, but yet we had more license than one would suppose.

During our entire imprisonment no one in our body bore himself more like a soldier and gentleman than Brigadier General Prince of the Regular Army. He had no complaints to make, and only smiled contemptuously at the indignities which were attempted to be heaped upon a man of his rank and position. The battles in Maryland had much to do with our release, and on the 26th day of September after an incarceration of forty-two days in a semi-dungeon as loathsome as the Bastile [sic], we were hurried away early in the morning to escape the mob. We engaged carriages at five dollars a seat, and in two hours reached our flag truce at Varina. Ragged, hungry, weak and dejected, can I describe to you our feelings as we approached our little vessel with the old stars and stripes floating gaily from its flag-staff. As we boarded her, we made the very welkin ring with three times three, and a tiger that made the little craft fairly shiver at her moorings.

The election is over and has resulted gloriously for the Democracy. We have elected our candidate for Congress in this district, the State Senator and both members of the Legislature. On the County ticket we have elected the Sheriff, District Attorney and Director of the Poor, and on the balance of the ticket are boaten [sic] but a few votes. Well done for Franklin County, which gave a majority of one thousand against us last year.

The result in the State has been equally glorious and cheering for the Democracy. We have elected a majority of members of Congress and a majority of eight or ten of the lower branch of the State Legislature, which gives us a majority on joint ballot and secures the election of a Democrat to the United States Senate in place of Hon. David Wilmot. The vote on the State ticket is close, but it is generally conceded now, that Messrs. Slenker and Barr, the Democratic candidates for Auditor General and Surveyor General are elected by small majorities.

Thus has the glorious "old Keystone State" spoken in favor of the Constitution and Union, as they were made and transmitted to us by our revolutionary ancestors, and against the many arbitrary and tyranical [sic] acts of the party in power, against the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in the loyal States, against the arrest of peaceable citizens without warrant or authority of law and their confinements in Forts and Bastiles without being allowed a hearing, against the unconstitutional proclamation of the President, proclaiming freedom to 3,000,000 negroes in the South, to be turned loose upon the country, to enter into competition with white men and eat out their substance, and against fanaticism, bigotry, tyrrany [sic] and despotism in all their different phases and forms.

In Ohio and Indiana the verdict in favor of the eternal principles of Constitutional liberty , as maintained and defended by the Democratic party has been still more emphatic and decisive. Will Mr. Lincoln listen to the voice of the people, as expressed through the ballot box? Will he now cut loose from those radical and dangerous men, whose mad counsels he has lately followed? Will he retrace his steps, discard radicalism, plant himself firmly on the broad principles of the Constitution, adhere to the old landmarks and make an honest effort to save the Government from destruction? If he will do this all may yet be well. If he will do this the Democratic and Conservative masses will rally to his support as one man, in a vigorous prosecution of the war for the suppression of this unholly [sic] rebellion and the restoration of the Union as it was and to maintain the supremacy of the Constitution, with all the rights of the citizen under it, remaining unchanged and unimpaired.

If Mr. Lincoln will thus steer the ship of State, in the course indicated by the people at the ballot box, we repeat, all may yet be well. If he will not do it and refuses to be governed by the voice of the people at the ballot box, we repeat, all may yet be well. If he will not do it and refuses to be governed by the voice of the people, we will be launched out on a sea of chaos without either rudder or compass to steer the old ship, and the best Government ever devised by the wisdom of man we fear, will be totally destroyed for want of a proper helmsman, and with it constitutional liberty on this Continent. Will he heed the warning?

This filthy and disgusting vehicle of lies and blackguardism, in its issue of the 15th inst., copies a short account of the Rebel Raid into this county, from our local columns, and says:

"The above is all a Breckenridge organ could utter in reference to the outrages of the rebels in Chambersburg, while it devotes a whole page of the same number to the abuse of the loyal government, now struggling to put down rebellion, &c."

It is scarcely necessary to make any reply to the Telegraph. It has become so mean and despicable as to be beneath the notice of respectable people and consequently harmless. It is owned by a miserable Hessian and is edited by a hired mercenary.

We had previously announced that our paper would be issued on Saturday, and all our matter was prepared with that view. On Friday night the rebel horde came down upon us, rendering it impossible to carry out our intention. The short account we published was written hastily on Monday morning while the forms were closing and contained all the facts in relation to this humiliating invasion. We had neither time nor inclination to write a column or two of sensation stuff, containing little else than falsehood--we leave that to the Telegraph--and contented ourself with giving the truth in a small space.

The Telegraph lies deliberately, and wilfully [sic] lies when it charges us with devoting any space to the abuse of the government. We never have abused, and never will abuse our government. We love it with our whole soul, and will always stand up for and defend it against the assaults of its enemies be they Abolitionists or Secessionists. Yet we must be permitted to dissent from a number of the acts of the present Administration, which our judgment cannot approve. We have supported, and will always support, the Administration in a vigorous and energetic prosecution of the war for the suppression of this infernal rebellion, but when it urges measures destructive of that end we will raise a warning voice, and so far as we can, endeavor to stay the mischief.

In the event of a future raid into Cumberland Valley, should the rebels succeed in penetrating as far as Harrisburg, Bergner will not be found this side the Canada line, and we much doubt if the Telegraph will contain either a long or short account of it, until they have retired, or been driven back as far as Richmond.

Glorious Victory!

The People Speak in Favor of the Union as it was, the Constitution as it is and the Negroes where they are.

Democracy Endorsed--Fanaticism, Abolitionism and Niggerism Repudiated.

A Democratic Congressman, Democratic Senator, Members of Assembly, Sheriff, District Attorney, and Director of the Poor Elected.

Franklin County Redeemed.

In another column we publish the official returns of the county, and below we give the returns from the different counties in the State as far as they have been received.

Fifteen Democratic Congressmen elected out of twenty-four and a majority in the Legislature on joint ballot--securing the election of a Democrat to the U.S. Senate, in place of that Old Abolitionist, David Wilmot. Glory enough for a year!

Correspondence of the Spirit and Times.

Camp Near Sharpsburg, Md.
October 18th, 1862.

Messrs. Editors: In a letter from Virginia during the first rebel invasion of Maryland, your correspondent stated that he had concluded to write a few lines, although he felt uncertain whether "Stonewall" Jackson would allow you to publish them; week before last, however, the most stringent orders being left by Gen. Stewart (as he passed through our lines, on his small pleasure excursion through Franklin County) positively forbidding newspaper correspondence, on pain of confinement in the "Libby" prison; and, at the same time, several of our Generals having expressed a desire that the important military movements then on foot, (and which no doubt completely took you all by surprise) should not be made known; and also bearing, from "a most reliable gentleman, just from the scat of war," that the Valley Spirit office was burned to the ground, your correspondent concluded to await patiently "the development of events." And this is why you received no letter last week. Strange to say, we of the army of the Potomac, who had gone forth, with so many loud words about protecting our firesides from the ruthless tread of the invader, first learned of the Rebel occupation of Chambersburg, through a stray copy of the Philadelphia Inquirer which reached camp by way of Harper's Ferry; and you may easily imagine the excitement that one paper produced. Never before had that journal been so successful in its role of a "sensation" newspaper. A hundred men wanted to read at once, and those who read aloud were only greeted with cries of "louder! louder!" from the unfortunate ones on the outer circles of the crowd that assembled almost in the twinkling of an eye. Some doubted, some disputed, and, I am sorry to say, some few swore, despite the general determination to keep up the reputation of the regiment which seems so prevalent since our water-melon spree. But there it was in black and white: Col. McClure and "Provost Marshal Stimmell" had done the work, and Chambersburg was part and parcel of the dominions of Jefferson D. In fact many had already begun to discuss the questions of allegiance--Chambersburg has united her fortunes with the Rebel States, is it our duty to go to the South also or to remain with the North. Thus we reasoned, and after several days deliberation, we concluded to adopt the former alternative, and, on Thursday morning, the 12th, in company with a number of other Pennsylvania Regiments, boldly marched out of their camp, crossed the Potomac--all the hills to their rear covered with frowning cannon--passed a short distance beyond Shepherdstown, and their laid down their arms--for a few moments rest. What else they did I will record further on.

I would not be considered estimating lightly the seriousness of the late Rebel raid. We felt the mortification and disgrace keenly, anxious countenance could be seen amongst us for many dreary and uncertain days, and we now sympathize deeply with those who have suffered by this daring movement; but the consequences are so much lighter than we believed them to be, that we all console ourselves by laughing away our "blues," and treating the affair as a very good joke, as it certainly is upon us, who marched to the Potomac to defend our homes.

On Wednesday night, we received orders to prepare two days cooked rations and to be ready to march at daylight--where, we knew not. Soon after gaining the road, however, our faces were turned towards Dixie, and expectation was at once on tip toe. We crossed the canal and river, the water being two or three feet deep, and the morning sufficiently frosty to render the cold bath exhilarating. After passing through Shepherdstown, where we saw but a single manifestation of Union feeling several companies were deployed to the right and left as skirmishers, among which were company A. Capt. Doebler had orders to follow and keep in sight of a company of the 91st Penna. The Captain of this company, being rather incautious, exceeded the rule always to keep wit[i]n sight of your regiment, and led us quite a distance from the road. In the mean time our whole Division had halted, but we kept on until we came near a battery which had opened up and was doing some heavy firing, thinking it was ours. When within a distance of two or three fields of it, the Captains ascended a little knoll, to get a better view of it, when, lo and behold! it was firing directly towards our main body! This was deemed strange conduct for a Federal battery and we were just beginning to fall back on to safer ground, when around turns one of the guns upon us, and "whiz-z-z--bang" goes a shell within thirty feet of us. "Forward! Double Quick!" is so promptly obeyed, it needs no repetition--and then comes another shell still closer. Ugh! it sounds as if it was coming directly towards your head. But no, it strikes the ground and is buried--no explosion; boys you are safe! Now make the ravine as soon as possible. You are in the rebel lines; get out of the range of those guns, and you may get safely back, if there are no cavalry on your track. We did reach the ravine--the gunners lost sight of us--and there was no cavalry on your track. We did reach the ravine--the gunners lost sight of us--and there was no cavalry in pursuit. So we live to record the adventure.

After regaining the regiment, our whole Division was formed in line of battle. The Eleventh Regulars to the right of the main road, the 126th immediately in their rear; the Fourteenth Regulars to the left and the 91st Penna. in their rear. The others following in solid column. After advancing in this way, for several miles, the cannonading to our front became deafening, and the shells whistled by us or exploded in the air over our heads. We draw near the junction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Shepherdstown and Winchester turnpike; the Regulars cross the hill: "Halt! Ground Rest." More terrifically roar the cannon, and suddenly the rattle of musketry breaks upon the ear, sounding like pop guns or the crackling of a large fire beside the deep voiced Parrott guns. Look sharp, boys, the Regulars are at it, and we come next. The Regulars are at in good earnest, too, firing a volley and advancing with a cheer. There comes an Aid, now is our time: "Attention Batallion [sic], shoulder arms, forward march!" is quickly and firmly given and as quickly and firmly obeyed. Into the hollow we go, and up the next hill; on before us go the Regulars; and away "skedaddle" the Rebels--leaving us in possession of the field, and five of their dead. Our loss was confined to the regulars--and amounted to one killed, one mortally wounded, who died the same night, and a half dozen slightly wounded. The rebel position was well chosen, the country being very hilly and so thickly wooded that but a few hundred yards were visible at any one time. Their force consisted of a Battery, two regiments of Infantry and a battallion of Cavalry.

It was almost dark, and our cavalry having reported the enemy still retreating, our officers deemed it best to go no further; and we retired a mile or so from the railroad and encamped for the night. We had taken no extra luggage with us but our overcoats and two days rations, and it rained heavily nearly all night. So you may imagine, we had a dreary time of it.

Early next morning we were on the march, after the retreating few. He did not care, however, to give us battle, though his cavalry generally kept in sight. We had started out, with a force of about ten thousand, to make a reconnoisance in force as far as Leetown, and to return if possible by the end of the second day. We reached the vicinity of this place, nearly ten miles from Shepherdstown, about noon, and, after halting an hour for dinner and rest, started on our homeward march. We had succeeded in opening communication with McClellan from Harper's Ferry. But we had heard nothing from the Williamsport reconnaisance and it was reported that a heavy rebel force was advancing upon us from that direction. It was therefore desirable to reach the river before dusk, and we marched the whole distance at quick time, with but a single rest of a few moments, and reached camp by ten o'clock at night, wet, sore and almost exhausted. Passing through Shepherdstown, on our return, the regiment sang the Star Spangled Banner, Hail Columbia, and other patriotic airs, for the especial edification of its rebel population. So ended the reconnoisance from Conrad's Ferry, which was pronounced by Gen. Porter to be the most successful of any of the war.

To-day Gen. Thomas, Assistant Secretary of the State of Pennsylvania, presented the 126th, 129th and 134th Regiments with their State flags, in a neat address. Gen. Humphreys, in handing them to their respective regiments, expressed the wish that they should never be given up to the foe unless he directed it; if they complied with this request they would take them home with them without a stain of dishonor.

I take pleasure in recording the fact that Major Austin has been reinstated. His friends felt confident that an investigation of his case would see him righted. He has not yet joined the regiment but is expected here in a few days.

Strange as it may seem to you, we had an election in Camp, last Tuesday, despite the decision of the Supreme Court against the constitutionality of the army vote. And stranger yet not a single Democrat dreamt of an election being held, until noon of Monday, when the papers were sent to the Captains of Companies, yet these same papers had been in camp, together with a bountiful supply of Republican tickets, more than a week. There not being a single printed Democratic ticket at hand, those of that persuasion at first determined not to vote, but, on Tuesday morning, some of us concluded to do so, merely to give an expression of our opinions for we attached no consequence to the result of the army vote. Had we had tickets and a days more time, we could with a little exertion, have polled at least forty more votes that we can now count. I give you the returns for some of the principle offices, which will no doubt be a matter of interest to some of your readers.

Election Returns, 126th Regiment, P.V.

The eight Franklin County companies give a majority of about 141 for the Republican State ticket.

No doubt many of your Franklin County "par-excellence patriots" will try to account for the recent Democratic victory by alleging that all the Republicans have gone to the war, and the Democrats remained at home to vote. You can readily give the lie to the assertion by refering [sic] to these returns. There are but one hundred and forty one more Republican voters than Democratic voters in the eight companies from Franklin, while the Juniata companies have given very respectable majorities for some of the Democratic candidates. All told these were but 208 Republican votes polled.

K.

A great deal has been said about the "cowardice" of the Chambersburgers. It is said they might have repulsed and routed this attacking force one thousand cavalry with very little trouble, or at least scared them away, as did the farmers of Adams county. Certain it is there was a strong desire evinced by the Home Guard of Chambersburg to meet the enemy in battle army. There were fifteen hundred stand of arms, and accoutrements and ammunition there sufficient to have protected the place, but it is said no one would give permission to distribute these arms and accoutrements.

We copy the above from the Harrisburg correspondence of the Philadelphia Inquirer of the 13th inst. We are at a loss to know how this truthful correspondent got his information. The "Home Guard" mustered exactly forty-eight men, with muskets. The rebels numbered about 1500 men with carbines and four pieces of rifled cannon. Had our Home Guard and citizens tried to scare them "as did the farmers of Adams county," it would have required no Prophet to predict the result. The "fifteen hundred stand of arms" numbered four hundred packed away in boxes in a ware house around which a rebel guard was placed before one fourth of our citizens knew that the Philistines were upon us. It would have been an act of madness to have made resistance under the circumstances, and would have involved the total destruction of the town. The people of our town are as brave as any people. It is usually the habit of cowards to stigmatise others with "cowardice."

We intend organizing a Brigade of Scarers to operate in case of future raids, and would like to get those "Farmers of Adams county" as veteran scarers to join. The position of Brigadier will remain open for the correspondent of the Inquirer. He is the right man for the position.

We are informed by a gentleman residing in the Southern part of this township that, a few evenings since, three big, ugly, black female niggers came to a farm house in his neighborhood and asked to stay all night. But they were told they could not stay.

A few moments after the arrival of the wenches--the "contras" having the affair all arranged--there came a second lot, consisting of four big, ugly, black male niggers. The family became still more frightened at this new feature in 'politics,' said they could give them their supper, but could not possibly accommodate them through the night.

The darkies, thinking there was no 'millenium' [sic] about that kind of talk, spoke up all about the same time and all in about the same strain, as follows:

'O yes, dat's de way we am served; you white people in de Norf told us to run away from our masters, an' would treat us like brudders an' dis am the way we am treated.'

A lively war of words here ensued--in fear on the part of the white family, but in an insolent and determined manner on the part of the niggers.

They took the supper; and not only that; but they staid all night against the remonstrance of the proprietors of the house, and never said so much as even 'thanky.'

The beauty of the thing is, however, the whole of this white family, who were slaves to the nigger on this occasion, had been pretty well abolitionized, arose the next morning with the dawn, most effectually cured of abolitionism, and about as good Democrats as that ism generally makes--and it makes them when it does make, most awful sound!

This is only the beginning. Before a great while these runaway blacks will be among us as thick as five in a bed.--Perry County Union.