Camp near New Market

April 23^rd 1862

 

Dear Marshall

                                    Having a little leisure time I thought it best to write you a few lines informing you of what has been going on in this department, that is as far as we of the Shields Division are concerned. Just after I wrote my last letter to you a severe snow and rain storm came up which put an end to all action operations for a time after that the paymaster came on and we were agreeably detained for a short time on his account. On the 16^th inst. the Ringold Cavalry and 4 comp'ys of Infantry captured 61 secesh cavalry a mile or so outside of our lines. on the 17^th at one oclock A.M. we marched out of camp as a part of the advance guard of the forces which were all on the move. we drove in the enemys pickets during the darkness. sunrise found us in sight of M^t Jackson, 7 miles from where we started. here the grand guard of the enemy planted 2 guns and gave us a morning salute by firing a half dozen well aimed shells at us. before daylight the retreating enemy fired several bridges which cast up columns of dark red fire which in the distance looked like the fires of so many volcanoes making a scene beautiful to behold but we were not lost in admiration altogether as these flames were the shadows of a disagreeable coming event, which was the fording of the rivers as soon as daylight came.

 

            When they fired their first gun our comp'y was at the head of the line with 50 or 60 cavalry. we were within 1500 yds of them when we came to a halt and waited for our first battery to come up. after the first round from our guns the secesh left the field one shell from the enemy fell among the / cavalry that was with us. when it burst it splashed a quantity of the sacred soil (which was then in a very liquid state in that vicinity) over the uniform of the captain in command of the cavalry squad. And this was the greatest damage done by their fire during the day. 4 companies of the Vermont Cavalry were ordered by the general to make a charge through the town to prevent the burning of the bridge a short distance beyond the town over the Shenandoah. they were successful they reached the bridge just after it had been fired and put out the flames without much trouble, and captured a Lieu^t of the secesh cavalry who had staid to apply the torch All the R.R. stock was on fire when we went into town. we saved some of the cars and a couple of engines. the largest and finest hospitals that I have seen have been erected in this town for the confeds. All the sick were removed before / we came. the turnpike and RR bridges which crossed a stream that runs through town were burning as we passed. the secesh tried to rally and come on us while we were crossing the stream. As our cavalry had to fall back after putting out the fire on the bridge being within short range of the enemys guns, at this time our battery dashed up to the front and were unlimbered and ready for them.

 

            the secesh came to a halt wheeled around and fled a few of our cavalry followed them to see them safe through the bridge. our guns advanced rapidly to a position commanding the river and bridge. our Reg^t went up to support it the secesh took up a position on a hill about 1½ miles ahead of us, and there they remained quietly observing our movements we remained with the guns about an hour during which time Genl^s Banks & Shields made an examination of the ground with their glasses. then Shields ordered our Brigade composed of the 5^th Ohio, 13^th Indiana 62^nd Ohio & 39^th Illinois to go back about a mile and take another road which turned the enemys right and came in again to the turnpike at New Market 7 miles from New Market Mount Jackson

 

            April 24^th

two batteries and 5 companies of cavalry went with us. the day was very hot and the roads so bad that we had to make our way through the woods and fields. At dark we were within 1 mile of New-Market the river was between us and the town. here we bivouacked for the night Banks advanced by the turnpike driving the secesh before him and had possession of New-Market before daylight. Banks captured a large number of the secesh cavalry and some provisions. In the morning we forded the river and joined the Division. our tents came on the 2^nd day after and we have been in camp ever since we are camped between the town and the Big North Mountains, a small range lying between us and the Blue Ridge, the gap through which the road to Luray and the east leads is ½ mile from our camp. 2 Reg^ts of our Division are on the other side of the mountain / to keep off the parties of secesh cavalry who are continually prowling around. the advance of Banks & Williams is about 5 miles beyond New-Market. Our Division is now in the rear. The advance of these forces will be very slow as we have to bring all our supplies from Martinsburg a distance of over 70 miles. We have had all kinds of weather lately, wet, cold, dry, hot, sometimes separately and sometimes together. Yesterday the fields were green bright and beautiful the air pleasant and springlike. the night was clear. this morning snow began to fall. the ground is now covered with 3 inches of it and it continues to come thick and fast. I wish that man "who does the weather" on Brooklyn Heights would come out here and fix it, as I think from its eccentric manner that there must be a screw loose somewhere. the beauty of the scenery and fertility of the soil increase as we advance through the valley. this valley is well named the "Garden of Virginia". A farm / in it would be a mine of wealth to any one who would give it a fair chance it seems to me that these Virginians have been trying their best to wear out the soil and cant do it. They are too ignorant to know how to use a farm and too lazy to do it if they did. the towns we pass through are mean looking old fashioned rookeries strung along the turnpike which always forms the main and sometimes the only street, and the only one on which there is any sign of pavement or bottom I should say. these towns seem to have finished their growth about a half century or so ago, having been left to the elements and the wear and tear of time. they now present a very dilapidated appearance, as Virginians do not think of such a matter as repairing anything

 

            A few of the farm houses are new clean and comfortable looking with some attempt at architectural beauty 

 

Genl. Shields is able to take the field he was received with great enthusiasm by the troops of his command on again taking his position at the head of the Division. he looks pale and weary but moves around with activity. he rides in a covered light waggon and walks when he wants to go to places where the waggon cannot be taken. his arm is not strong enough yet to allow him on horseback.

 

            We are camped on the very ground where a battle was fought between the British and the Indians a long time ago. the British Gen^l was killed in the engagement and was buried 2 from here where his grave is still pointed out by the inhabitants. I intend to go and see it if I have time. I will send you 60 dollars in a few days by as soon as I can by Adams Express Co. Please write soon and give me the local items. I hope yourself and family are very well. My health is excellent. My kind regards to all my friends. tell them all to write they have got time and conveniences for so doing which I have not. If I had I would write to all of them

                                                           

Ever Yours

James Clarke

 

a dozen postage stamps in your

next and charge to my acct

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