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[323] got there. They had an engagement which lasted for over a half-hour, and our cavalry, to save their horses from destruction — having been penned in by the obstructions previously thrown across the road by the rebels — and the infantry, “failing to come to time,” had to retreat to a safe distance, when the enemy formed on a hill, on the opposite side, in line of battle. But the infantry, making their appearance about that time on the other hill, and making for them on a “double-quick,” and at a “charge-bayonets,” they came very suddenly to the conclusion that discretion was the better part of valor, and run like dogs, without firing a shot at us. But our boys were not so easily satisfied; for we fired on them, and succeeded in bringing down two of the foe while “on the wing,” and wounding six others. We pursued them for several miles, but as they knew the mountains better than we, they succeeded in evading our search for them. They left everything in their hasty flight. The camp was made up of log-cabins, built in the same style as the inhabitants of this section, and looked as if they thought it was an absurd idea for them ever to be routed from their snug and comfortable quarters. We captured two large flags, guns, ammunition, provisions, all their camp equipage, clothing, bedding, baggage, and in fact everything they had, even to unfinished letters, one actually that had been commenced after the retreat of the cavalry, which (as far as it went) was boasting of a glorious victory over the “cowardly Lincolnites.” We were sorry to have to disturb the poor fellow; for it was about as far in the letter-writing line as he will ever get again toward telling of a victory.

Our forces occupied the Gap the rest of that day and night, feasting on the half-cooked meat they had left behind them on the fire, picking out such good clothing, guns, quilts, blankets, etc., etc., as suited the fancy of our boys, and then burnt up everything else.


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