This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1903 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXVIII THE RAID A band struck up "Oh carry me back, Oh carry me back To old Virginia's shore." A yell followed, so heartily given that it drowned the music. "Fall in!" roared out the orderly sergeants throughout the camp in the North Carolina pines. When the lines were formed the adjutants read out this order: Camp Jackson, N. C, March 12, 1864. The commander of each regiment will prepare to move at once, with three days' rations in the men's haversacks. The brigadier-general commanding has been directed by telegraph to make all haste to Blank Station, Virginia, to protect the important railroad bridge at that place, now threatened by a raiding force of unknown strength. He deems it unnecessary to say more to Virginia soldiers that once more they will be permitted to defend Virginia from the invader. Regimental commanders will leave their camps and baggage in charge of the sick, detailing such others as may be necessary for guard duty. Rations will be issued immediately and must be cooked at once. Transportation is expected to arrive in less than two hours By order of Richard Giles, Brig. Gen. Com. Charles L. Crump, Capt. and A. A. A. G. Cheer upon cheer rent the air. Ranks were broken and the men worked like ants. Most of the brigade hailed from Southside Virginia, and none knew but that his own home would soon be in peril. Two hours later the drums sounded again and the ranks of each company were formed. When the rolls were called nearly every man in the brigade reported for duty. Some of them could only stand with the assistance of comrades, but there were no laggards. Captains had to peremptorily order all who had been on the sick list that morning out of ranks, and to add some officers and men by detail to guard the camp and...