Page:The Story of Aunt Becky's Army-Life .djvu/55

Rh whose bivouac for the night had lengthened into an encampment for days.

Silence at last fell over the movements of the army. Rumors were flying thick and fast. Now General Lee was within eight miles of Sandy Springs, and our boys caught the scent of the battle afar off. It was the first glow of the fire for them, and produced quite a sensation in camp; and in the hospital the sick lay, uncertain whether they were to fall into the hands of an enemy, or listen to the victorious shouts of their comrades as they drove the rebels back.

The troops at Annapolis Junction came on the double quick to Laurel to join the regiment, and the excitement ran high. Many were elated with the prospect of a sight at the foe—some who faced him months after, and were stricken down by the fatal shot which sought and reached the heart.

The citizens were panic-stricken. Women and children with white faces waiting for the beat of the rebel drums, and men standing in mute terror, gazing upon their homes which a few hours hence might be smouldering in ashes, nothing left to remind the stranger of what now stood, in sightly peace, a human habitation.

One man, who had since our forces were stationed there, floated the stars and stripes from his dwelling, pulled them down. If the "Johneys" came they wouldn't disturb him—you know. His loyalty was of the safe kind; he had no idea of sacrificing to either friend or foe.

The women connected with our hospital were in