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[207] before the war, but who now are experiencing all the pangs incident to a state of poverty. The skins of animals, cast-away grain-sacks, and other articles heretofore never used for such purposes, I have seen worn by both men and women, made into articles of clothing. The suffering is not alone confined to the poor, ( “white trash,” ) but, to a greater or less extent, is shared by all. The effect of all this is, that, while the people talk as secessionists, they at the same time express themselves as being sorely tired of the war, and heap curses upon those who inaugurated it.

When this expedition started, a company of the Second Pennsylvania cavalry was sent to Leesburgh for the purpose of looking after any stray rebels that might be hovering upon our right flank. No sooner had the company entered the town than the people attempted to inform a rebel force, within reach, of their hated presence. The commanding officer quietly informed the people, that if attacked, he should destroy the town, and by this means doubtless saved his whole command from capture. Leesburgh is one of the most hostile towns in the whole State of Virginia. Our soldiers have frequently been shot at from houses while passing through the streets, and it is with the greatest difficulty the men can be restrained within the inhospitable place.

Since writing the above, I learn from a prisoner that Major White was wounded twice — but not dangerously — at Perryville. He was before suffering from two wounds received in skirmishes.

The moral effect of this reconnoissance will work to a good purpose in two ways. It was a complete success from beginning to end, and while it will have a tendency to elevate the character of our cavalry as soldiers, it has also taught the rebels that their cavalry is no match for ours. He was shown at several points where the contest might have been an equal one, had the rebels stood their ground.

The object of the expedition was to ascertain the whereabouts of any of the large rebel force reported to be near at hand by different scouts, and particularly the whereabouts of Jackson. It was ascertained, upon authority deemed reliable, that Jackson, with both Hills, passed through New-Market last Sunday in a southerly direction. The report that there is any considerable force at Winchester is doubted by those in authority.

Major-Gen. Burnside, upon learning the result of the expedition, at once sent an order by telegraph, thanking the Commanding General, and, through him, the officers and men under his command, for the public service rendered.


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