[Acct of engagement with

Mosby's regiment]

 

Two miles South of Bristoe Va.

 

Dear Father

            Your letter of the 24^th came to hand on Friday. We have been actively engaged in scouting since I last wrote & had two skirmishes.

Last saturday morning we herd a canon booming, down the railroad. the brigade were out & after marching three miles they found a train on fire but the rebles had left. after a chase of four miles they overtook Mosby with one piece of canon supported by eighty men he had the piece posted on a rise of ground in the edge of a wood. as the boys charged they threw a shell or two & then ran. they ran quite a ways & made an other stand a second time they ran the next stand they mad in a narrow lane & our men were unable to charge more than three or four abrest. as our men came round into / lane they were fired on, this time with grape. a Lieut & six men who were in advance were all eather killed or wounded (with the exception of the Lieut who had his horse shot under him) they were fired on twice after this by the piece but they took it before the rebles could start it again.

 

When I speak of our men I do not mean our regiment, they were most all on picket the reserve went out & were the first to overtake the piece but insted of charging they were ordered to halt & the 1^st Vt who were coming from an other direction charged up in front of them.

 

I am enjoying good health.

 

Love to all.

W. G. Gage.

 

P.S. inclosed is twenty five dollars. kepp it for me & if nead it I will send for it.

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