The Maine bugle ... campaign; 1-5 Jan. 1894-Oct. 1898 - Maine.gov

FIFTH NEW YORK IN THE VAILEY. 155
rived and joined Banks before daylight on the 25th. After tak-
ing a short rest we, of Co. E, were again in the saddle and
moved out in front of the Union Hotel, which was used as a
storehouse for commissary supplies, and told to help ourselves
to the extent of filling our haversacks with anything we wanted.
While this was being done, the building was set on fire to de-
stroy all supplies, and prevent them from falling into the enemy's
hands, who were then planting a battery in that same street.
Our Infantry troops were retreating through the other streets
in good order, although there was a great tumult from the
groans and jeers of the citizens and the firing of guns from the
windows, on our troops as they fell back from the yelling
exultant, victorious foe, bent on the destruction of Banks' little
army. Again we found ourselves in the rear, and we were face
to face with that rebel battery in the street who were beginning
to throw their shot and shell down the street. Being ordered to
support one of our batteries, that was then taking position, we
moved out of the uncomfortable position to one outside of the
city and formed for the battery's support. As the enemy's shot
and shell began to search for victims, one of Co. E's former
lieutenants said "Boys if you want to stay here and be killed
you can, I'm going;" and he went. The captain who proved to
have lots of " sand " said " There goes your sabre, bo}s." That
was a vital thrust, for that sabre was presented to that lieutenant
by the company, partly as a token of esteem and admiration
and partly as a slur on the captain, whom they despised. Can
Co. E ever forget the expression of disappointment, shame and
regret depicted on those faces as they were turned towards that
departing sabre ; or the exultant smile of that captain as he
viewed the departing figure of the finest looking officer in the
regiment, mounted, as he was, on that beautiful cream colored
mare; or the glitter of that bright scabbard in the morning sun
as it receded from view, in the direction of Harper's Ferry?
Co. D joined E here and together supported the rear guard bat-
tery as it retired from point to point to repell the enem\-'s cav-
alry, who followed us as far as Bunker Hill. During the night