Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 24.djvu/351

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up to us the im-als prepared for their own table. Thus, greatly grati fied and ivinvigoratrd. wr advanced towards the Susquehanna river, and about four miles from Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, we took position on a dominating hill. Jackson's Battery, belong- ing to our brigade, came up, and the artillery fire with the enemy ensued, lasting until nightfall. General Jenkins took position on Silver Springs turnpike, a road parallel to the Carlisle- Harrisburg turnpike, and I was ordered with my company to select a place of concealment east of Mechanicsburg, in order to protect our connec- tion with Carlisle.

June 29th. In the morning I received orders to meet General Jenkins and to act as his escort. We reconnoitered to the right of the Harrisburg turnpike, charged on the enemy's outposts, and viewed the city of Harrisburg and its defences. This was the farthest advance made by any Confederate troops during the campaign. During the following night I again received orders to be in ambush, although I and my command were nearly exhausted by constant and exciting service.

TO HOLD THE TOWN.

June 30th. Early in the morning I was ordered to report with my company at headquarters, and General Jenkins directed me to pro- ceed at once with my company and one cannon of Jackson's Battery to Mechanicsburg, to hold this town until ordered otherwise, and to destroy the railroad track as far as possible. I could learn nothing definite concerning the army and General Lee's plans. General Rhodes, I was told, occupied Carlisle, and General Early, York with the latter was White's Cavalry while General Imboden's Brig- ade protected our line of communication with Virginia. Greatly flattered to be entrusted with an expedition, properly belonging to an officer of higher rank, I started my command to Mechanicsburg, and when we came in sight of the town I dispatched a patrol to reconnoitre. A small company of Federal cavalry had just occupied the place, but retreated upon our approach. Without delav I marched into, town and posted my pickets. The place appeared to be evacuated by the inhabitants; they all kept indoors. I posted my command on an elevation east of the town, overlooking both the railroad and the turnpike, and ordered my men to demolish the railroad track. We were repeatedly interrupted in this work by the reappearance of Yankees, and had to keep up a lively skirmish all day. We also observed many and demonstrative people in the