The enemy had evidently crossed the Rowanty lower down; and
driving in the pickets, had passed forward to the railroad.
The guns were rushed toward the spot, unlimbered on a rising ground,
and their thunder rose suddenly above the forests. Shell after shell
burst amid the enemy, breaking their ranks, and driving them back--and
by the time I had galloped through a belt of woods to the scene of the
fight, they lost heart, retreated rapidly, and disappeared, driven
across the Rowanty again, with the Confederates pursuing them so hotly,
that many of the gray cavalry punched them in the back with their empty
carbines.[1]
[Footnote 1: Fact.]
Their object in crossing had been to burn a small mill; and in this
they had succeeded, after which they retired as soon as possible to
their "own side." Some queer scenes had accompanied this "tremendous
military movement." In a house near the mill, resided some ladies; and
we found them justly indignant at the course of the enemy. The Federal
officers--general officers--had ordered the house-furniture to be piled
up, the carriage to be drawn into the pile, and then shavings were
heaped around, and the whole set on fire, amid shouts, cheers, and
firing. The lady of the mansion remonstrated bitterly, but received
little satisfaction.
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