A LITTLE WAR CLOUD.
While the army was stationed along Arlington, from Chain Bridge, Potomac, to Alexandria, Virginia, the 4th Michigan occupied the ground in and about Fort Woodbury, on Arlington. Our picket line was extended out to, or near Minor’s Hill, which we occupied, later on, in winter quarters, 1861-2. At one time, while our Regiment was doing guard duty, at above named place, picket firing was in order, with but little damage to either side, but very annoying. One morning, about day break, our doughty and valorous Captain George Spalding, formed about 20 of Company B, and started out to see what could be developed in our front. (By the way, our Captain Spalding was a brave man, a little reckless, but all wool and a yard wide.) We marched out in Indian file, the Captain leading. The writer being 1st Sergeant, was next. After going a half mile, and near the road running down the hill, east, and towards our approach, we saw at our right a picket stationed in a rail pile, put up in Chevron form. He fired his gun, and then took to his heels. Right at the end of the road, where it comes down the hill, the road turned abruptly to the south. Right in this angle the Rebel reserve picket lay. This was also their videt post. About 20 of the Johnnies lay in this elbow, and apparently asleep, for we were within 20 feet of them before they discovered us. The shot of the picket on our approach woke them up. They were taken completely by surprise. They were a good deal excited, (also ourselves,) and broke for their rear. We fired a volley, with some effect. One burley Rebel, ran about ten rods, suddenly halted, turned around, brought his gun to shoulder, and fired. I think the shot was intended for our Captain, but missed him, and I being directly behind him, or a little to his left, the ball just grazed my right ear. Before this Rebel could face to the rear, a shot from the gun of one Fisher, laid him low. Fisher jumped the fence and obtained his knapsack. The racket stirred up a nest of Rebels, over the hill. Soon we saw guns dance above the brow of the hill, as the Johnnies double-quicked up the slope, on the other side of the hill; they arrived in plain view, battalion front, a whole Regiment of them. Then we were admonished to git—and we did. They fired after us, but without effect. Right here was done some tall skedaddling, through brush, over logs and rough ground. This encroachment on their premises, made the Johnnies mad; they kept up a continual fusillade during the day.
Later on, after going into camp, at Minor’s Hill, the Rebels tried to locate a battery about two miles to the west of our camp, and in plain view, a valley between. Two guns of a battery near our head quarters were unlimbered, and proceeded to sling shell over among them. Our fellows greeted them so lively, that the Johnnies were fain to limber up and steal away.
NOTE—The events narrated in these Reminiscences, are not in chronological order, but are facts all the same, as can be verified, and attested by others belonging to the Regiment.