officers and cheers of the men.

Arriving on yesterday's battle-field, the regiment was allowed a half
hour for rest. The dead had been gathered and placed in a long trench,
which was still open. The wounded of both armies were in hospital,
receiving the attention of the surgeons. There were a few prisoners,
most of them too unwell to accompany their friends in retreat.

Soon after reaching the summit of Rich mountain, we caught glimpses of
Tygart's valley, and of Cheat mountain beyond, and before nightfall
reached Beverly and went into camp.

13. Six or eight hundred Southern troops sent in a flag of truce, and
surrendered unconditionally. They are a portion of the force which
fought Rosecrans at Rich mountain, and Morris at Laurel Hill.

We started up the Valley river at seven o'clock this morning, our
regiment in the lead. Found most of the houses deserted. Both Union men
and secessionists had fled. The Southern troops, retreating in this
direction, had frightened the people greatly, by telling them that we
shot men, ravished women, and destroyed property. When within
three-quarters of a mile of Huttonville, we were informed that forty or
fifty mounted secessionists were there. The order to double-quick was
given, and the regiment entered the village on a run. As we made a turn
in the road, we discovered a squad of cavalry retreating rapidly. The
bridge over the river had been burned, and was still smoking. Our troops
sent up a hurrah and quickened their pace, but they had already traveled
eleven miles on a light breakfast, and were not in condition to run down
cavalry. That we might not lose at least one shot at the enemy, I got an
Enfield rifle from one of the men, galloped forward, and fired at the
retreating squad. It was the best shot I could make, and I am forced to
say it was a very poor one, for no one fell. On second thought, it
occurred to me that it would have been criminal to have killed one of
these men, for his death could have had no possible effect on the result
of the war.

Huttonville is a very small place at the foot of Cheat mountain. We
halted there perhaps one hour, to await the arrival of General
McClellan; and when he came up, were ordered forward to secure a
mountain pass. It is thought fifteen hundred secessionists are a few
miles ahead, near the top of the mountain. Two Indiana regiments and one
battery are with us. More troops are probably following.

The man who owns the farm on w