Near Strasburg, Sunday, 7 A. M., Oct. 9.
Our boys haven't been able to find any water for us this
morning and we haven't washed our faces, — the first time that I remember in
the “history of the war.” It's jolly cold however, so we don't mind so much. We
actually had snow flurries yesterday, and to-day promises worse.
We had a skirmish yesterday with their cavalry.1
Lieutenant Tucker wounded and Sergeant Wakefield; — the roan horse killed, and
to-day I shall have to ride the gray unless I can find Sergeant Wakefield's
horse. Enos has been looking for him for two hours. We are expecting another
brush with their cavalry today, as we are ordered to advance again. I should
like to have Sundays quiet.
_______________
1 October 8. The Reserve Brigade was sent back to
reconnoitre, and met a superior force of Rebel cavalry. The Second Brigade
(Devin's) was sent to reenforce Lowell, who attacked. There was a hard fight
till dark, with some loss.
This annoyance of his rear by General Rosser, who had been
eagerly looked for to deliver the Valley from the Yankees, caused Sheridan,
that night, to order his chief of cavalry, Torbert, to go in and whip Rosser
next morning, or get whipped himself.
SOURCE: Edward Waldo Emerson, Life and Letters of
Charles Russell Lowell, p. 355, 470
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