Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 32.djvu/89

 The Second Battle of Manassas. 77

[From the Times-Dispatch, October 23, 1904.]

THE SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS.

Account of it by One of Jackson's Foot Cavalry. POPE'S RETREAT TO THE CAPITOL.

[The writer of this sketch, with highly interesting- details, was a trusty comrade of the editor in " F" Company and a gallant sol- dier. He is now a valued citizen of Richmond and bears in halting knee the evidence of a severe wound.] ED.

The middle of August, 1862, found Jackson's Corps camped at the foot of Clark's mountain, in Orange county. Here he was joined by General Lee with Longstreet's Corps. After a few days' needed rest, the army broke camp on August 2oth, and marched in the direction of Pope's army, Jackson's Corps marching over Clark's mountain and crossing the Rapidan river at Summerville Ford. As Pope had retreated behind the Rappahannock river, we made direct for that. After trying several fords along that river with the seeming intention of crossing, the morning of the 25th of August found our corps near the village of Jeffersonton in Culpeper county. Orders were given the men to cook three days' rations and be ready to move as soon as possible. A short time after we were ordered to fall in, the time was so short that none of the men had cooked all, and many none of their rations. This made no difference, half baked biscuits and raw dough had to be left, that meant to many, nothing to eat for some time, probably for days, as the wagons were to remain behind, and everything put in light marching order, indicating that something of importance was on hand.

As soon as the column was formed, we were hurried off on the march, passing through the village of Amosville and crossing the Rappahannock river at Hinson's mill, thence our march for several miles was right through the country, through fields, over ditches and fences, and through woods, until we came to a public road, this we took, passing through the village of Orlean and marching steadily until passing Salem about 8 or 9 o'clock at night, when we