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out of town by the double-quick, receiving a very heavy fire from behind at every cross-street and out of the houses.
The Rebels kept up a sharp pursuit for about three miles, and it seemed impossible that we should get off. We arrived at Martinsburg at three, a distance of twenty-five miles, and got here at nine in the evening, having marched sixty miles in two days, without one mouthful to eat, or a bit of sleep.
In July the Second Regiment became a part of the forces under the command of
Major-General Pope, and on August 6th moved forward on the disastrous campaign which was directed by that general.
On the day before the
battle of Cedar Mountain Lieutenant Robeson wrote as follows, from the Camp near
Culpeper, of the discomforts from which his men suffered on this march:—
We have been having two days very hard marching, not so much on account of the length of the marches as the heat, which has been tremendous.
It makes the marches very disagreeable, for you have literally to drive the men along, often till they drop.
Day before yesterday's march, I brought in only about eighteen out of sixty, and the other companies were in the same proportion.
It is hard work, especially when it happens to be your turn to go on guard at the end of the march. . . . . We have just had forty-two recruits arrive here this morning.
They looked so hot and miserable, I could not help pitying them.
At
Cedar Mountain he was in his place, and encountered with his comrades the perils which thinned the ranks of his regiment so sadly on that fatal day. He was shot through his right wrist in this battle, and was sent home on furlough for a time.
While at home he received a commission as
Captain, bearing date August 10th,
vice Williams, killed at
Cedar Mountain.
He returned before his wound was fully healed, and joined his regiment before the
battle of Antietam, in which he took part, rendering good service.
He was eminently successful in keeping his men steady in action.
His tall, strong, and manly form and commanding presence aided his brave spirit in this.
His sword and scabbard bear the marks of three bullets that struck them at
Antietam.
