ook him
prisoner; the other escaped. The prisoner stated that he and his
companion belonged to General Jenkins' Brigade of Virginia troops,
and that they were bearers of despatches to that rebel general. At
9 A.M., I received a communication from Gen. Knipe ordering me to
return with my command to Fort Washington.

I cannot speak in too high praise of both officers and men *** for
their willingness and alacrity to execute every order issued, for
their watchfulness and vigilance, and for their determination
displayed while momentarily expecting to be attacked by the enemy.
*****

Yours respectfully,

JOHN A. ELWELL,
Lt.-Col. 23rd Reg. N.G.S.N.Y. Com. Detachment.

III.

FORWARD!

We had just got settled in our new quarters when, on the afternoon of
Wednesday 1st of July, came marching orders. The enemy was retiring and
we were to give chase. We were ordered to provide ourselves with two
days' cooked rations and to move completely equipped, with packed
knapsacks, blankets, and all the paraphernalia of a marching column.
This included a square of canvas, two of which buttoned together,
constitutes what is called a shelter-tent, for the accommodation of two
men. This pointed plainly enough to a vigorous campaign, and every man
was pleased with the prospect. It was toward evening when we left the
fort, taking the Carlisle road. Though the day was warm we kept up a
brave spirit for some two or three miles, singing and shouting,
stimulated by the exciting expectation of meeting the enemy face to
face, and animated by the beauty of the country through which we were
passing. But after an hour or so our heavy burdens, the still hot sun,
and the roughly macadamised road began to tell on us. Some becoming
exhausted were relieved of a part of their load by officers, or by
comrades who were stronger; field and staff officers in several
instances gave up their horses to the o'erwearied ones; while other
riders piled up knapsacks and blankets before them and behind them till
they were almost sandwiched out of sight. One fellow was noticed who
had been so lucky as to pick up a small hand-cart on which he had
packed his luggage, and had induced, by means of an emollient of
greenbacks, a small boy to drag it along. In such ways as this, and by
rendering each one to his neighbor a little timely help now and then,
we managed to reach Trindle Spring Creek, a small stream whi