08

CHAPTER II.

On the morning of the 16th, Steuart's Brigade took up its line of march in
the direction of Smithfield, where it arrived about dusk, and went into camp
for the night.

The next morning the march was resumed and led in the direction of the
Potomac, much to the joy of the exiled sons of Maryland, who at last began to
entertain the belief that they would soon once more tread the soil of their
native State. Nor were they deceived or disappointed. The column crossed
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Kerneysville, and in the afternoon went into
camp within three miles of Shepherdstown, pretty well used up from the effects
of the heat.

The camp of the Second Maryland was not far from the beautiful residence
of the Honorable Alexander H. Boteler, and during their first evening several
of the command visited this estimable family, and spent a few delightful hours.
Mr. Boteler was from home in the service of his country, and Mrs. Boteler and
her family had been subjected to many indignities at the hands of the Federal
vandals who had infested the neighborhood for some time prior to the arrival of
the Confederates, as had also the family of Honorable Edmund J. Lee, a near
neighbor, and a relative of the great chieftain who was now about to invade the
enemy's country. Alas! it was not many weeks after that both these beautiful
homes were burned to the ground with all their contents by General Hunter. In
retaliation for these deeds of vandalism, and some others equally as atrocious,
General Early destroyed the town of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, during the
following summer.

On the afternoon of June 18 the troops were once more put in motion, and
took the road leading to Shepherdstown, through which beautiful town they
passed amid the joyous shouts of its inhabitants. About two miles below
Shepherdstown Boteler's ford of the Potomac was reached, and the men plunged
into the water, nearly waist deep, and made for the Maryland shore. It was an
indescribable scene, as thousands struggled through the water, singing and
shouting in the excess of their joy. Poor fellows, very many of them were never
to return. When the men of the Second Maryland once more stood upon their
native soil they could not restrain their feelings, and many were moved to tears,
whilst others acted as though they had lost their reason. As for General Steuart,
Quartermaster John E. Howard afterward declared he turned seventeen double
somersaults before he ceased, and then stood on his head for five minutes, all
the while whistling "Maryland, My Man land."