Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 33.djvu/254

 250 Southern Historical Society Papers.

until General Stuart halted us. I picked up a splendid Sharp's rifle in the commencement of the fight, procured some cartridges and fired three well aimed shots at the cavalrymen as they halted and fired at us. Some saddles were emptied. The Twelfth Ala- bama lost only two men killed and several wounded. The enemy, being on horseback, fired too high and overshot us. We killed and wounded many of them and captured a goodly number, with their fine horses and equipment. General Stuart highly compli- mented the conduct of the regiment, saying it was a very creditable and successful affair, of which the regiment and country had cause to feel proud. We slept on the battle-field, and were so tired as to need no better beds than the bare ground.

October 13. Marched to Warrenton by 12 o'clock. Sergeant Glower and I dined at Mrs. Cox's, and her pretty daughter, Miss Nannie, gave us some late Northern papers. They interested and amused us. Their boastings and misstatements of war movements are absurd.

Rose early, and while in line at "order arms," General Battle de- livered an inspiring speech to each regiment. No one commands a braver, more reliable brigade than he. They never falter.

BATTLE OF BRISTOW STATION.

After marching a mile we overtook heavy skirmishing sharp- shooters, and were soon exposed to shot and shell. Were under fire all the morning and larger part of the afternoon, and were marching and countermarching through fields and woods, and across hills and valleys. Ever and anon a bullet would strike some one and the victim would be hurriedly carried to the rear. Several were wounded. Crossed Cedar run and marched on towards Manassas. Slept peacefully on Virginia soil near Bristow Station at night. Dear old mother Virginia has often, so often, furnished us with restful beds on her generous, hospitable bosom!

Several hundred Yankee prisoners were under guard near us, and much trading in knives, canteens, tents, biscuits, tobacco, etc., was carried on. The prisoners were very filthy, inferior looking men, mostly Germans.

Battle's brigade, and indeed most of Ewell's corps, were busily engaged tearing up crossties and railroad iron, burning the former and crooking the latter, all during a very heavy rain. Although wet to the skin, no man uttered a word of complaint, but all worked