ADVENTURES IN VIRGINIA.–

15. September 2008 by admin.

A correspondent writing from the camp of the Fourth Virginia brigade, on the 11th of November, 1863, relates the following: “Instances of courage and daring on the part of private soldiers in our army are of on rare occurrence, and consequently are often passed by unnoticed and unrewarded. But the bold acts of some will impress themselves upon the notice of the officers in command, and elicit their admiration. Such was the case with four privates who received the credit which they merited for the part they acted in the late affair on the Rappahannock. When the enemy had taken our redoubts beyond the river, orders were given to burn the pontoon bridge; it was fired, but failed to burn, and before combustible material could be gathered to fire it again, the enemy had reached the north side, and placed a heavy guard there to fire upon any party attempting to destroy it. The bridge remained unburned until about 12 o’clock at night, when volunteers were called for to renew the effort to fire it; at the same time, all were told that the work was a dangerous one, and none were desired to undertake it, except those who were perfectly willing. Four privates of Gen. Pegram’s brigade (formerly Gen. Smith’s) volunteered, and successfully fired and destroyed the bridge. They were not fired upon, but the danger was encountered, and their quiet and cool demeanor was all that prevented them from being discovered. Had the enemy heard the least noise, the bridge would have been swept by a volley of musketry. The names of the privates are Peter Berton, company E, 18th Virginia; Thomas Berton, company E, 18th Virginia; James F. Fristoe, company G, 49th Virginia; and Sandy Cooper, company A, 49th Virginia–Lieut. Buck, 18th Virginia, commanding. In connection with the above, I would mention an incident that occurred at Culpepper Court House, in which a lady acted the part of a heroine. In September last, when the Yankee army advanced on that town, it was the scene of quite a brisk fight–especially was the artillery firing heavy. During the fight, one of our wounded heroes, who was between the fire of friend and foe, was seen by a lady, whose tender sympathies were deeply aroused on his behalf; and having resolved to save him, she rushed from her house, regardless of her own safety, between the combatants, amidst shot and shell, raised him, bleeding, from the dust, and had almost succeeded in gaining a place of safety, when (our forces fallen back) a Yankee officer rode up, and being struck by her patriotism, dismounted, and assisted her in carrying her wounded countryman into the house. Well was it for the suffering hero, that his dangerous position was witnessed by Miss Belle Norris, whose courage was equal to her patriotism; for, in a few moments, being unable to move, he would have been crushed by the enemy’s cavalry, charging over the road. Long may she–one of the many patriotic ladies of the town of Culpepper–live to receive the heartfelt thanks of grateful soldiers for the many acts of kindness they have received at her hands. MILES.

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