and directed them if the farmers would not hire, to bring them any how.

When it became known we had directed their impressment the utmost excitement prevailed. Some men swore they would not, nor should their teams go. Our orders were imperative, and they always came. It became necessary in some instances to send a file of soldiers to bring in these stubborn "old Virginia Gentlemen," who felt their dignity insulted when informed, upon their refusal to hire, that their teams must go.

The Secessionists swore "like the army in Flanders," at the idea of working for the "d-d Lincoln government," while there were instances in which men tied their horses in the woods; and we know of one case in which one of them cut up a wagon-wheel, so determined was he upon that point. But he went; as we furnished a wagonwheel for the trip.

Many were the fierce attacks made upon us, for having dared insist upon their teams going. It was no uncommon thing for some old Virginia gentleman to call upon us, and demand to know by what authority we had directed his team to be pressed. Scenes like the following would frequently take place:

"I want to see Captain Leib."

"I am he, sir."

"Well, Captain Leib, your men have pressed my team. It can't go."

"Where do you live?"

"Up on Elk Creek."

"Are you a Union man?"

"Yes; one of the best in the country. I have done all the hauling I can for the Government, but this pressing Union men's teams is going to have a bad effect upon the cause."

Our

"All I have to say, is, should Jeff. Davis and his army get in here, they would take your horses and wagons, strip your farm of everything, mayhap set fire to your residence, and not pay you one cent; while I will pay you for their use. troops have come here, from across the Ohio, to protect you-something you should be doing yourself. You know we have two armies in the field; one at Cheat Mountain, and one at Gauley Bridge. I am required to supply them; they want bread, and must have it. I am sorry to disoblige you; but your team must go."

"But, Captain."

"I have no time to discuss this matter. It is settled."

"It is mighty hard if a man can't do as he pleases with his own property."

"Good morning, sir." And we bowed him out. Of the three hundred men whose teams we were compelled to impress, there was not one who did

not curse us during the time the impressment continued.

General Rosecrans advanced toward Gauley Bridge, and the teams were obliged to follow. The weather was very unfavorable, raining almost incessantly; the roads were cut up, and almost impassable; the country became more and more hilly, forage became scarce, and the private teamsters consoled themselves with the thought that they would soon return, and that neither the order of Captain Leib, nor the bayonets of the troops, could compel them to another such a trip.

Arrived at Gauley, they were obliged to remain for some time, as there was no transportation there, save the trains belonging to us, and they had gone forward with the column.

Stores were sent up the Kanawha by the steamboat load, and had to be transported to the different points above steamboat navigation, where they were required.

An officer, who was there, declared it was laughable to hear the impressed men, when seated round their camp-fires, curse the Gauley country, moan at being kept so long from their families, and come to the sage conclusion that the Quartermaster at Clarksburg was a great rascal for sending them so far from home, when he said Cross Lanes was their destination. They were certain we knew they were to be kept there.