as now over, and the town full of soldiers and officers,
especially the latter. I was invited by John Williams, better known as
"Johnny," to spend the night at his home, a home renowned even in
hospitable Winchester for its hospitality. He had many more intimate
friends than I, and the house was full. Still I thought I received more
attention and kindness than even the officers. I was given a choice room
all to myself, and never shall I forget the impression made by the sight
of that clean, snow-white bed, the first I had seen since taking up arms
for my country, which already seemed to me a lifetime. I thought I must
lie awake awhile, in order to take in the situation, then go gradually
to sleep, realizing that to no rude alarm was I to hearken, and once or
twice during the night to wake up and realize it again. But, alas! my
plans were all to no purpose; for, after the continual marching and the
vigils of the previous night, I was asleep the moment my head touched
the pillow, nor moved a muscle till breakfast was announced next
morning.

CHAPTER VI

CAPTURING FEDERAL CAVALRY--CHARLESTOWN--EXTRAORDINARY MARCH

After camping for a day or two about three miles below Winchester we
marched again toward Harper's Ferry, thirty miles below. Four of the six
guns of the battery were sent in advance with the infantry of the
brigade; the other two guns, to one of which I belonged, coming on
leisurely in the rear. As we approached Charlestown, seated on the
limbers and caissons, we saw three or four of our cavalrymen coming at
full speed along a road on our left, which joined the road we were on,
making an acute angle at the end of the main street. They announced
"Yankee cavalry" as they passed and disappeared into the town. In a
moment the Federals were within one hundred yards of us. We had no
officer, except Sergeant Jordan, but we needed none. Instantly every man
was on his feet, the guns unlimbered, and, by the time the muzzles were
in the right direction, No. 5 handed me a charge of canister, No. 1
standing ready to ram. Before I put the charge into the gun the enemy
had come to a halt within eighty yards of us, and their commanding
officer drew and waved a white handkerchief. We, afraid to leave our
guns lest they should escape or turn the tables on us, after some time
prevailed on our straggling cavalry, who had halted around the turn, to
ride forward and take them. There were seventeen Federals, well-mounted
an