I will not attempt a portrayal of the scene that followed, but in a few words I revealed the state of affairs without, and brought them from that lower world, in which they had dwelt several days, into the light and comfort of the upper world once more.
Soon an ample supper spread the board, and then all retired to the comfortable beds, of which they had been deprived for two nights, and I had not enjoyed for two years. That night the confederate army began the evacuation of Gettysburg.
Lieut. Sadler, buried at home.
the 14th of September 1862, at South Mountain, in the charge up the last acclivity, and just when the victory was won, Lieut. J. D. Sadler fell in death, and Lieut. Minnigh was wounded.
As I wish to relate the circumstances connected with the removal of Sadler's body from the field where he fell, to his home fifty-two miles away, for burial, and as I in my wounded state, in the face of many difficulties in the way, undertook the work of removal, I will tell the story, in my own words.
I was wounded by a minnie ball, through the left arm near the shoulder, when in the act of crossing the stone fence at the foot of the hill, and as my arm dropped to my side being completely paralyzed, I believed the injury was greater than it afterward proved to be, hence, I did not proceed any further. Having retired to the field hospital, a surgeon grasped my wounded arm and after a cursory examination, said, "Your arm must be taken off," but I did not see things just in that light, and slipped away.
At Middletown, four miles away, dwelt a relative of my wife's family, Appelman by name, and Mrs. A., was at the same time Lieut. Sadler's aunt, so I determined to go there. Upon reaching the village I was informed, that Dr. Reed our Regimental surgeon, was in charge of the Gen'l Hospital in a Church, so I went there. He told me my arm was all right after removing quite large piece of the bone.
After mid-night, I found the home above indicated, but as no response came to my timid rapping, I waited for the morning. At the early dawn I was admitted to the house, got a good breakfast, had my arm dressed and was put to bed. Presently voices were heard below stairs, and I recognized that of Roades of our company. Hastening below I heard the sad news of Lieut. Sadler's death, as well as the other losses that befel the company. We at once planned the removal of his body by private conveyance, to York Springs, Pa., a distance of fifty-two miles.