278 NortH Carorina Troops, 1861-’65.

The infantry was then so much exhausted from quick
marches and hot weather, that they were compelled to give
up the pursuit and rest a day. This pursuit was still kept
up for two days by our cavalry until reinforcements came to
their assistance.

On the following day we moved northward. Upon reach:
ing Lexington, our corps was filed to the left for the purpose
of passing through the cemetery to pay our respects to the
memory of our fallen commander, the brilliant, matchless
and immortal Jackson, who had “crossed over the river and
rested under the shade of the trees.” Upon approaching
the grave, arms were reversed and in perfect silence we
passed the sacred spot with sadness depicted in every man’s
face.

After this we crossed the Shenandoah river and moved on
to Mt. Jackson, where Lieutenant-Colonel Ellis, of this regi-
ment, having been exchanged, joined us and took command
of the regiment. 2 July we passed Middletown and New:
town, and camped in four miles of Winchester. The next
day we came in contact with a considerable force of the en-
emy and after a brisk skirmish they fled, leaving several
pieces of artillery and a good many wagons.

8 July we crossed over into Maryland, “My Maryland,”
near Shepherdstown, when there was great rejoicing among
us, as we knew the heart of her people was with us, though
they were bound in fetters. We camped for the night at
Sharpsburg. The next day we passed through Boonsboro
and Middletown and camped eight miles west of the city. On
the 12th we were hurried to Frederick Junction, and forced
a passage of the Monocacy, and again the “dogs of war” were
turned loose. After a struggle of three hours the enemy fled
with a loss of 1,000 in killed and wounded, and 700 prison-
ers. Our loss was 450 killed and wounded.

WASHINGTON CITY.

On the 14th we reached Rockville, in the vicinity of Wash-
ington City, and at once formed a line of battle. Our sharp
shooters advanced and drove the enemy from his outer works,
where a beautiful view of the city could be had. Our bri-

Firty-FourtH REGIMENT. 279

gade occupied a position immediately in front, and across
the yard, of a most magnificent mansion, upon an elevated
plain, from which the dome of the capitol could be seen.
This building was the property of F. P. Blair, (Postmaster
General), and was occupied by him until we began to ad-
vance upon the city. We remained in this position three
days, keeping up a spirited picket fire, which caused great
excitement in the city.

For some reason, unknown to us, we withdrew our line
without any interference, and moved continuously until we
crossed to the south side of the Potomac, and went into camp
at Big Springs, which is in a few miles of Leestown.

After a rest of two days we moved on, passed Hamilton,
and before reaching Snicker’s Gap a dash was made upon our
wagon train and seventy of our wagons captured, which were
soon recaptured with five pieces of the enemy’s artillery. We
then crossed the Blue Ridge, and camped for the night in
eight miles of Charlestown.

1 September, 1864, we were ordered to Winchester to take
the place of Kershaw’s Division, which was to be sent to Rich-
mond. Our army was much weakened by the loss of this
Division, and it soon met with a series of disasters. At Win-
chester we remained five days watching the movements of
the enemy, and were occasionally engaged in picket fighting.
On the 19th a heavy force of the enemy was hurled against us
which was repulsed till sun down. About that time the
cavalry guarding our flanks were attacked and without being
pressed, fled in a shameful manner, causing us to leave our
strong works and fall back in some confusion to Strasburg,
where we again formed, and all preparations made to receive
the enemy, who were rapidly approaching. At 4 o’clock p. m.,
on the 22d they made a desperate assault upon us at Fisher’s
Hill, and after a struggle of three hours we were driven back.
Our cavalry being insufficient to protect our flanks, we again
had to fall back under cover of darkness to Mt. Jackson. In
these battles our loss was unusually heavy in killed and
wounded. Among the killed on the 19th were Major-General
Rodes and Brigadier-General Godwin, the latter commanding
our (Hoke’s) old brigade, with many other good officers. From

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