In the defensive measures directed for the 4th, my care was given to the whole line. The batteries on the right and left were drawn back and kept ready for emergencies. Two batteries of Garnett's battalion, Third corps; two of Eshleman's, First corps; and one of Jones', Second corps, were detailed to report to General Imboden at Cash Town, and aid in guarding the main wagon train back to Williamsport. The battalions generally remained in position most of the day. Nothing, however, was attempted by the enemy. That night artillery and infantry all moved to the rear.
After some casualties, incident in part to the progress of such a train through mountains in an enemy's country infested by cavalry detachments, the batteries accompanying General Imboden arrived with the train at Williamsport late on the 5th, and on the 6th did excellent service in repelling an attack of the enemy.
On the 7th the artillery, with the body of the army, encamped near Hagerstown, without material incident since leaving Gettysburg. Men and animals were, however, much fatigued, and the latter greatly worn down by the hard service they had endured with light fare, and by heavy draught in roads rendered deep by continued rain, with numbers reduced by losses in battle.
On the 10th, attack being threatened by the enemy, the artillery, partaking the hopeful expectations of the whole army, earnestly participated in forming an extended and fortified line of battle, whose left rested on heights west of Hagerstown, and right on the Potomac, some miles below Williamsport.
In full expectation of a decisive battle here, the army was by the Commanding-General called upon for its utmost efforts, and I was specially directed to see that everything possible was accomplished by the artillery. Accordingly for three days, during which the enemy was waited for, my best energies were given, with those of others, to the work of arrangement and preparation. The enemy, however, prudently forebore, and it being undesirable to await him longer, our army was on the night of the 13th withdrawn to the south bank of the Potomac.
In this movement, necessarily involving much labor, greatly increased difficulty was imposed upon those responsible for artillery operations by the enfeebled condition of horses, drawing through roads saturated with rain, and by the swollen state of the river, which confined the whole army, train and all, to one route across the pontoon bridge at Falling Waters. Still, the task was cheerfully undertaken, and in the main successfully accomplished. With the exception of a few caissons, abandoned by some officers because teams could draw them no longer, and two guns left by those in charge for like reason, the battalions were entirely across by noon of the 14th. After crossing, Carter's guns were placed in position on the hills just below the bridge, some of Garnett's on that just above. Lane's 20-pound Parrotts were also posted some distance further down, and Hurt's Whitworths higher up—all to repel an expected advance of the enemy. A few only of his guns, however, approached, and threw a shell or two; though they took care to keep out of view. A small body of skirmishers, besides, ventured rather nearer, but they were speedily dispersed by some well-directed shots, and cannon were then needed no longer.
In the Pennsylvania expedition our artillery lost: In the First corps—2 officers killed and 9 wounded; 45 men killed, 215 wounded, and 42 missing. Second corps—2 officers killed and 8 wounded; 28 men killed, 94 wounded, and 5 missing. Third corps—1 officer killed, 9 wounded, and 2 missing; 16 men killed, 102 wounded, and 28 missing—total, 5 officers killed, 26 wounded, and 2 missing; 89 men killed, 411 wounded, and 75 missing. Aggregate—608.
Of the officers lost, Captain Fraser, Cabell's battalion, First corps, claims the tribute of grateful honor. No soldier of more unflinching nerve and efficient energy has served the Confederacy in its struggle for existence. He fell severely wounded at Gettysburg, and has since yielded his life for his country. Besides the two serviceable guns mentioned as lost from failure of
