Page:Journal history of the Twenty-ninth Ohio veteran volunteers, 1861-1865.djvu/81

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

CHAPTER X.

Return to Washington—Embark for New York—Return—Transferred to the Western Army.


The pursuit of the retreating enemy was commenced by the Twelfth army corps at 1 o'clock P. M., on July 5th. At night we encamped at Littletown, Pennsylvania, and on the following morning moved by the way of Frederick to Antietam creek. On the 7th instant we marched through Frederick, filed to the right, and passed by a rebel spy that was hanging to a limb of a tree. We moved a short distance, and halted, where we remained all night. On the 8th we marched over the mountains in the direction of Sharpsburg. On the 9th we passed over the battlefield, and camped near Fairplay, Maryland. On the 10th we moved through the town, and camped for the night near Falling waters. On the following day we advanced to Fairplay, a small town to the south of St. James' college, and the Twenty-ninth regiment, with its customary good (?) fortune, was thrown out as skirmishers, and during the day exchanged frequent shots with the enemy's cavalry, and at night resting in position on the extreme front.

During the night rebel cavalry approached very near our line, but our orders were positive not to fire unless attacked. On the following morning we were relieved and retired to the main line, where we assumed position as support to Knapp's battery, which was hotly engaged at intervals during the day.

On the morning of the 13th instant we rejoined our