shell struck in this
very same spot, verifying the old adage, that "there are exceptions to
all rules."

We were ordered to move forward from this position across the open
field, which we did, the bullets buzzing past our ears like so many
bees. We went a few hundred yards and then lay down flat on the ground
in the grass, and continued firing at the puffs of smoke in our front,
as that was all we could see. The enemy was lying as flat to the ground
as we were. A great deal of this kind of fighting is done in this way.
It doesn't rise to the dignity of a battle, but is called skirmishing.

One poor fellow lying next to me was struck by a bullet with a dull
thud, that caused him to cry out in pain, and as we moved forward I saw
him writhing in agony. I presume he was not mortally wounded, as mortal
wounds do not cause much or any pain.

In the meantime, our enemy crept away from our front, and mounting their
horses, galloped off. We followed in hot pursuit.

But to return to where we left our friends (the enemy crossing the
Rappahannock). We did not pursue them beyond the river, but moved
northeast, crossing the river at the same place where we had crossed on
the march to Gettysburg. It was about 9 o'clock at night; beyond we
could see all the hills brilliantly illuminated with camp-fires. It was
a gorgeous spectacle.

As we had driven the enemy across the river a few miles below, of
course, we in the ranks, concluded that these were the camp-fires of the
enemy, and that a night attack was to be made upon their camp. But we
crossed, notwithstanding, and as we rode up to the blazing fires we
discovered that we were right in the midst of Lee's infantry.

We went into camp for the night. Early in the morning we were in the
saddle, with both cavalry and infantry on the march. Marching parallel
to us was the whole Union army. They were making for the defences of
Washington, and we were trying to cut them off.

When we got as far as Bristoe Station, not far from Manassas, Gen. Lee
made a swoop down upon them and tried to bring them to battle, but they
were too swift for us. We did, however, have quite a severe fight at
Bristoe Station between the advance guard of our army and the rear of
the enemy.

Gen. A.P. Hill, commanding one of Lee's corps, made the attack. It was
very severe while it lasted, and the roar of the musketry was terrific.
But the enemy got away.

After it was over one of my company (Frank Peak) he