Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/418

 418 Southern Historical Society Papers.

daybreak. I have spent many more pleasant nights in my life. I did not get anything to eat until the following afternoon. Lieutenant Meade and I then took a few more "cat naps" in the hail storm until 12 o'clock, when our wagon came up and we pitched our tent. Our rest for the balance of the night was such as soldiers only know how to enjoy. The weather has been so cold that it was impossible to ride, and I have been forced to do so much marching that my limbs would ache, and at times were painful to the touch. Captain Hale is back. Captain Nicholson did not go with us on the tramp on account of boils. Both can congratulate themselves at having escaped much suffering. * *

[XV.] NEAR PETERSBURG, December 18, 1864.*

catch two or three Yankees" to find out where the Nineteenth Yankee corps is. I would not be surprised when he makes the attack on the enemy's skirmish line to hear a shell come whizzing or bursting over my new quarters. * *
 * * I have just been ordered to instruct Major Wooton "to

[XVI.]

NEAR PETERSBURG, December 18, 1864.

Major Wooton succeeded in "catching" eleven Yankees last night between two and three o'clock, and sustained no loss what- ever. He advanced to within a hundred yards of their skirmish pits, under cover of the darkness, fired several volleys and then charged with a yell. No shelling occurred on either side, and the Yankees fired but few minnies before they " skedaddled " from their pits. The darkness prevented the capture of a large number, although the Major caught more than he was requested to do. When he started back the Yankees at the main line commenced yelling " Oh, you Rebs"! which could be distinctly heard at our headquarters. Major Wooton announced the result of the charge in the following modest little note:

"According to instructions, I forward you eleven Yankees." He is certainly one of the most successful, most gallant, most un- <*

See Southern Historical Society Papers, Vol. IX, pages 493-4 History of Lane's North Carolina Brigade.