The regiment that was to go side by side with the 84th for the coming
eighteen months, now composed a part of the force at Hancock, the 110th
Pa.
The enemy kept up the artillery fire from the bluffs opposite until
midnight.
On the morning of the 5th, under cover of a flag of truce, Ashby came
over the river and was met at the bank by Colonel Murray. Ashby was
blindfolded and conducted to the quarters of "B" company, into a room
occupied by the Captain, 1st Lieutenant, and 1st Sergeant. The bandage
being removed, Ashby put the question: "Who did you say is in command
here?" Murray replied: "I do not think I said _who_ is in command."
Ashby's expert question not bringing the expected reply, he then
delivered to Murray the message he had from Jackson, a demand of the
commanding officer of the troops for the surrender of the town within
two hours, or he would shell it. Murray turned Ashby over to the care
of Sergeant Mather, while he went to General Lander to repeat Jackson's
demand.
Lander was desirous of knowing how long our men would stand under fire,
and upon being assured by Murray that they had acted very well the
day before, he refused the demand, in terms much emphasized, with the
suggestion, that if Jackson wanted the town he would have to take it.
When Murray had delivered Lander's reply to Ashby, he reconducted the
latter to the river bank, and Ashby recrossed.
The details of this incident are given as showing the aptness of the
commander of the 84th for a sudden and trying occasion.
Notice was given to the citizens of the threatened shelling, and they
were not long in getting beyond artillery limits.
Our men were placed in the streets at points best adapted for checking
any attempt of the enemy to cross.
At the appointed time the fire commenced and continued through the day.
On the 6th, the artillery fire was mostly from our side.
On the 7th and 8th, reinforcements arrived.
This mid-winter movement of Jackson from Winchester was for the purpose
of capturing the stores at Romney, Virginia, by surprise of the small
force stationed there.
As soon as Lander became aware of Jackson's purpose he started off in a
two-horse wagon, accompanied only by his Adjutant; drove as rapidly as
he could along the National Pike to Cumberland, then across the river,
and from there to Romney, in time to prevent the hoped-for surprise,
and to get the troops away with all the stores that could be removed,
destroying the remainder.