Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 edition. Excerpt: ... of running into a Federal picket post. I hurried across the old stone bridge, and up and over the same hill that Braddock's troops had climbed more than a century before. I met the Confederate's out-post about a mile north of Williamsport, which point I reached at sunrise, and waded the Potomac river. At noon I overtook the rear guard of Gen. Early's Infantry, moving southward, when I joined and entered into conversation with a ragged and weary-looking veteran, who, upon learning f my purpose, said: "You take the advice of an old soldier, and go back to your home." No doubt my youthful appearance had excited his pity, but his advice did not dampen my ardor, for I pushed on through Martinsburg and halted for the night just south of Darkesville, being both tired and homesick, having walked 26 miles since leaving home. Here one of Gen. John C. Breckenridge's couriers shared his blanket with me. The General occupied a tent nearby; his imposing presence and soldierly bearing excited my admiration. The fact that he had been the presidential candidate of the "States-Rights " party in 1860 greatly increased my interest. I met a young man, who had lately left his home in Baltimore; we journeyed together by leaving the pike and taking the road that ran parallel but farther to the west. We thought our chances would be better to get something to eat by getting away from the main thoroughfare, as we had to depend upon the kindness of the citizens to supply our wants. We reached Winchester late in the day and parted company. My object now was to find Dr. Stonebraker an Uncle, whom I knew was in the Army. I learned he was encamped near Bunker Hill, but Winchester being under martial law, it was much easier to get in than out--a pass...
