Читать книгу A Summer in Maryland and Virginia; Or, Campaigning with the 149th Ohio Volunteer Infantry онлайн

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We crossed the Potomac and began the ascent of Maryland Heights, arriving at the summit about sunset. The view from the top of the mountain was grand. Tier after tier of blue mountains fading away in the distance, while a rebel wagon train moved slowly up the valley, shrouded in a cloud of dust that looked like it was a mile high. That night there came a welcome shower. The next morning we were ordered down and again took up the march back to Monocacy junction. Our Commanding General Kenley made the remark, “the boys were taken to the top of the mountain to see the sun set.” We arrived at the junction in the evening and rested. In the mean time our officers heard of the second invasion of Pennsylvania. General McClausland with a body of Confederate Horse crossed the river and pushed on to Chambersburg where he made a demand upon the citizens for the sum of $500,000, threatening that if it was not paid to burn the place. It was impossible for them to raise this amount of money so he fired the city, reducing it to ashes. This was one of the most cruel, wanton acts of the war, perpetrated upon defenceless citizens. While we were rushing frantically up and down the valley of the Shenandoah trying to find Early, his forces were marching through Pennsylvania marauding at their leisure. At this time Gen. Grant came over from Washington to consult with his Generals in regard to the situation. While standing on the station platform I heard the following conversation between Generals Grant and Hunter. Grant said, “General Hunter, where is the enemy?” Hunter replied, with a tremor in his voice, “I don’t know, General.” At this Grant in anger, exclaimed, “Move your troops back to Harper’s Ferry, cut off his line of retreat and you will find out.”