bly treated
by himself and officers. They all sympathized with Mrs. Anderson; knew
of the Colonel's gallant conduct in battle, but all thought there was
no use of a search for him; that he was certainly killed in charging
the works near the fort. They showed us where he made the assault. After
resting for the night we started on our search, Capt. Day accompanying
us as guide and protector. We first went to the place where the Colonel
fell, but there was nothing but long trenches, where the dead had been
buried. We passed over the battle-field, which was mowed down smoothly
by bullets. Limbs of trees had fallen in confusion, furrows were plowed
in the ground by shell, horses' skeletons, broken muskets, pieces of
wagons, parts of caissons, spokes, ammunition boxes, pieces of blankets,
coats, pantaloons, parts of tents--everything in pieces, the evidences
of a great contest were marked at every step. Late in the afternoon,
worn out with walking and the excitement, we returned, very much
disheartened. We dined on soldier's fare, which seemed to us delicious.
After discussing the battle and the probabilities of the result of the
war until a late hour, we retired to the camp cots for a night's rest.
Next morning we got ready for a start. Mary Anderson inquired of Col.
Harden which way the rebels who got through our lines had retreated.
He answered her that they retreated on a road along the river up stream
some twenty-five miles, and then crossed on a boat that had come down
the river on its way to Dolinsburg, which was stopped by the retreating
rebels. Mary said:

"'Uncle Daniel, I am going to that place if I can be allowed to do so.'

"I replied: 'This would be a very tiresome and fruitless trip, my child;
but if you will be any better satisfied by doing so, I will make it with
you.'

"Col. Harden said he would send a small escort for protection, though
there was no danger of any force of the enemy, but there probably would
be some wicked people there who might do us some harm. He had our horses
brought out, and sent Capt. Day and ten mounted men with us. The road
was somewhat rough, but very passable for saddle-horses. When we had
gone about ten miles we met a colored boy, some fourteen years old, who
said he was going to Dolinsburg. Mrs. Anderson rode on with Capt. Day.
The escort was in front of them. I asked the boy why he was going to
Dolinsburg. He said he lived about ten miles further up the river, and
that an old