Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 19.djvu/226

 220 Southern Historical Society Papers.

This is the spot where Cornwallis surrendered. His entrench- ments and breastworks are here to mark the spot where British aro- gance received its death-blow. The town is small, and the site of our encampment a lone and dreary one, but we are near the enemy, being only twenty-six miles from Hampton, where he is posted. A fight here is highly probable, as the enemy can be heavily reinforced at Fortress Monroe or at Hampton. We now occupy the point of danger between the enemy and Richmond. Our colonel and his men are ready for and expecting a fi;ht, in which case you may listen for a good report from the gallant First regiment.

We are all pretty well, and anxious for a brush. There are some regiments here, and General Magruder is commander of the post. A battery is being erected, which will command the passage of York river at this point. A Federal steamer lies in sight ; for what pur- pose I know not.

The intelligence of the death of Private Julius Sadler reached our camp this (Sabbath^ morning, and gave double solemnity to the services held by our chaplain at 10:30 o'clock.

Colonel Hill is a model Christian soldier. He assisted in the ex- ercises of the morning by interlining the hymn for the chaplain. There are many servants of God in our camp. Can such a regi- ment be conquered? Never !

A pretty good force here would command and successfully defend the eastern entrance to the soil of Virginia. The main land, upon which Fortress Monroe is situated, narrows down at this point to about five miles that is, the neck of land between York river and James river.

This is no>\. playing soldier now ; it is a stern reality.

SOUTHRON.

YORKTOWN, VA., May 2J.

We had scarcely got ready to rest at our camp near Richmond be- fore we got orders to move to this place. And I am sorry to say that we lost one of our best soldiers on the way here. Julius Sadler fell from the cars a short time after leaving Richmond, and was instantly killed. It is supposed that he was asleep and precipitated from the plat- form car. The regiment arrived at this point before hearing of his melancholy fate. The news was received here on Sunday morning, and spread a gloom over bur gallant band. At 10 o'clock our chap- lain, Rev. Edwin A. Yates, preached an impressive discourse to his