Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 33.djvu/279

 The Twelfth Alabama Infantry. 275

shouts. Many ladies welcomed us with waving handkerchiefs and kind words, as we passed through the streets. Lieutenant Arring- ton, A. D. C. to General Rodes, was severely wounded in the knee, and Colonel Monaghan of Louisiana, commanding Hays' brigade, was killed in a skirmish to-day.

A convention of Yankee politicians is to be held at Chicago to- day, the 29th. I reckon they will spout a good deal about the "gal-lorious Union," "the best government the world ever saw," the "stars and stripes," "rebels," "traitors," etidomne. Our en- tire corps was in line of battle all day, and General Breckinridge drove the enemy some distance from his front. The I2th Alabama went on picket at night.

August 31. Another reconnoissance by Rodes' division. Gen- eral Rodes received orders to drive the Yankees out of Martins- burg, and taking his division of Battle's Alabama, Cook's Georgia, Cox's North Carolina, and Lewis' North Carolina brigades, started on his errand. Battle's brigade was in front and was shelled severely. General Rodes seems to think his old brigade of Ala- bamians entitled to the post of honor, and usually sends them to the front in time of danger. About two miles out of town, the brig- ade was deployed and ordered forward. We marched in this way, through Cemetery Hill, into town, running out the Yankee cavalry and artillery under Avenll.

At night we returned to our old camp, having made twenty-two miles during the day. These reconnoissances may be very im- portant, and very interesting to general and field officers who ride, but those of the line and fighting privates wish they were less frequent, or less tiresome this sultry weather. We have walked this pike road so often that we know not only every house, fence, spring and shade tree, but very many of the citizens, their wives and children.

On September 2nd we marched toward Winchester, and when five miles distant met our cavalry, under General Vaughan, of Tennessee, retreating, the Yankees in pursuit. We quickly formed line, and moved forward, but the enemy retired, declin- ing further battle. Camped six miles from Bunker Hill.

To-day, September 3rd, we went to our well known resting point, Bunker Hill. A few shells were fired, and one wounded our skillful and popular surgeon, Dr. George Whitfield, from Demopolis, in the arm.