We have been listening two hours to the sound of cannon in
the direction of Strasburg or Front Royal. A report comes in, that Milroy
camped at Wardensville Friday night. Another now comes, that Shields and Milroy
are between Middletown and Newtown, and Gustavus Smith is in their rear. Quien
sabe? What a week of rumor it has been! First Ewell was at Bunker's Hill to
cut off Banks; then our troops had crossed the river; Wheat was in Hagerstown;
the bridge at Harper's Ferry was burned; then Cooper and Dix were in
Charlestown with large force; then Shields was at Front Royal; then Richmond
was taken ; then we were repulsed; then Banks was within four miles of town;
then Fremont was in their rear, &c., &c., &c. We speculate, discuss, study the map, &c.
This morning a scout has been sent out towards Martinsburg, to General Banks,
to say that nothing but a thin veil of Stewart's cavalry covers this town. We
wait the “careful” advance of some Federal flag from somewhither.
SOURCE: Elizabeth Amelia Dwight, Editor, Life and
Letters of Wilder Dwight: Lieut.-Col. Second Mass. Inf. Vols., p. 265
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