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CHAPTER II.

The Second Maryland passed the winter of 1862-63 at various points in the
Valley, notably at Lacey's Springs, Edenburg, Newmarket, Woodstock and
Harrisonburg. It was a severe winter, and the men were much exposed, not
having any tents, and their only shelter consisted of rude sheds made of brush
and leaves, which were designated "shebangs." Notwithstanding this fact, there
was comparatively little sickness — not near so much as there had been in the
First Maryland the year before, when tents were plentiful. Very many of the
men did not even avail themselves of this protection, but simply built a fire and,
rolling themselves in their blankets, lay down before it and slept soundly until
the reveille awoke them in the morning. Indeed, it was no unusual thing to see
several hundred men arise from a covering of a foot of snow that had fallen
during the night.

Whilst they were not engaged with the enemy at any time during this period,
still their duties were very arduous, as often the command was compelled to make
long marches, and some of them through blinding snowstorms. A large quantity
of pig iron was stored in the furnaces near Edenburg, and as it was of great value
to the Confederate Government General Jones organized expeditions for its
removal.

On March 26, 1863, there was an alarm in the camp of the Second Maryland,
then encamped near Edenburg, which went to prove the efficiency and discipline
of the command. Early in the morning of that day Captain F. A. Bond, entirely
upon his own responsibility, attacked and captured a Federal picket near Kerns-
town. The alarm being given, Captain Bond's little party was quickly pursued
by a large body of the enemy's cavalry. A courier was sent back by Major
Ridgely Brown, in command of the First Maryland Cavalry, to notify General
Jones of their approach. This courier had first to pass the camp of the Second
Infantry, where he gave the alarm, and although the men were about camp
performing their various duties, in five minutes after the long roll began to beat
every man was in his place in line, and the command was on the move to meet
the enemy. Of this affair General Jones, in his official report says :

"The courier, passing the camp of the Maryland Infantry, gave information,
and Lieutenant-Colonel James R. Herbert and his noble men, without waiting
for orders, seized their arms and flew to the protection of our trains in quest of
forage about Woodstock. Their conduct on this occasion is worthy of the
highest praise."*

On April 21, 1863, General Jones broke camp at Lacey's Springs, with all
his available force, to make an expedition to West Virginia. The object of the

• For full account of the fight, see cavalry.