While the regiment lay at Kelly's Ford, before the Gettysburg
campaign, we were paid off. Being in arrear of pay, we received quite
a boodle of money. The communication between our army and Washington,
by way of Aquia Creek, was temporary and somewhat uncertain. Trains of
forage, and ambulances, were sent through attended by a heavy guard.
After getting paid, the men were desirous of sending their surplus
money home. It would go by Adams' Express, from Aquia. Our chaplain,
(Seage,) a brave, good man, volunteered to carry it to Aquia Creek. An
ambulance train was going to make the trip, heavily guarded; the
chaplain was to accompany it. The train left very early in the morning
without the chaplain. But, nothing daunted, he followed on, expecting
soon to overtake it. About four miles out he had to cross a swale with
corduroy road. Just across was timber; and on approaching the timber,
he saw two men step from behind trees, and at the same time ordered
him to approach. He wheeled his horse, and in turning around one of
the would-be robbers fired on him, hitting him in one wrist. This did
not stop him. They yelled to him to halt, and at the same time fired
again, hitting him in the shoulder. But the knowing mare carried her
brave rider to the rear, and out of danger. He threw himself on his
faithful horse's neck, and clung there until the faithful animal
galloped into camp, weak with loss of blood, but with a brave heart
still palpitating. A detail of cavalry was immediately sent out, but
with no result. Our brave chaplain was kindly cared for, and
eventually recovered, but badly crippled. He risked his life to save
the boys' money. Our money was returned to us, and we had to carry it
through the Gettysburg fight. My share of money sent was four hundred
dollars. I had it in my pocket when I was wounded, after, at
Gettysburg. I was a prisoner for a few minutes, but the noble Sixth
Army Corps made it such a necessity to the Johnnies to git, they had
no time to scoop us in. Brave old corps, I remember you with
gratitude.