maintained our position until
ordered to retire. We were under a heavy artillery fire for about two
hours, and our Regiment lost one officer and twelve men.

Two officers and sixty picked men were selected to join others to
advance for the purpose of bringing on an engagement, but news came
that the enemy had retired. The cavalry followed them, and occupied
Charlestown.

A grand advance was ordered, and on the 3d of September we started off
with four days' rations in our haversacks.

Advanced to near Berryville, where heavy artillery firing was heard in
front, soon followed by musketry, gradually growing more rapid. The
enemy had gained a slight advantage on the left of the 8th Corps. The
19th Corps moved quickly to their support, when the enemy fell back,
but firing continued until after dark.

On the morning of the 5th, three lines of rude breastworks were thrown
up in double quick time--hand, feet, bayonets, tin cups, old shoes,
every thing was brought into requisition to accomplish the work, which
was completed during a heavy rain.

On the 6th, the enemy fell back to the Opequan Creek.

On the 7th our Regiment proceeded to the Opequan, reconnoitered the
enemy, and returned the same day after accomplishing our objects.

On the 11th captured the 8th South Carolina Regiment, with all its
officers.

September 17th, General Grant made a short visit to "Little Phil,"
which was set down as indicating hard work ahead, in which supposition
we were not disappointed.

At 1 o'clock, A.M., on the 19th, a general movement of the whole army
began. Skirmishing towards Opequan Creek became more and more brisk,
till it assumed all the proportions of a fierce battle, lasting the
whole of the day. Alternately the opposing forces were repulsed in
turn, either side contesting for the superiority with the most dogged
persistency. Only the ability and determination of the gallant "Little
Phil." could have secured success. We had 5 men killed, 4 officers and
36 men wounded, and 1 officer and 20 men taken prisoners.

The enemy was closely followed up to Fisher's Hill, behind Strausburg,
a well fortified and naturally strong position.--Gaining the point we
desired on the 22d, it was determined to force the enemy up the
valley, and occupy this stronghold.

The 6th Corps was thrown around to the left and rear of the enemy by
the base of the mountain; this movement took almost all day. The 8th
Corps was on the left, and the 19th i