This obstacle overcome, and the prisoners sent to the rear, the column pushed rapidly forward, and, after proceeding some ten miles, the First Maryland was ordered to move towards Oakland, whilst the main body took another direction. Riding all day and night, at one o’clock on the 26th the First Maryland charged into Oakland, Md., capturing fifty prisoners. Leaving that place, the column moved upon Kingwood. Arriving within a short distance of the town, a halt was ordered, and Captain Bond’s company directed to charge the place. By fours the company moved forward at the trot, and as they approached, were surprised that they were not fired upon. “Gallop-march, charge!” shouted the gallant Bond; and, yelling like furies, Company A dashed through the village, slashing right and left with their sabres at the imaginary foe. But, alas, they had left two weeks before, and nobody was hurt. A disappointment, Captain; but perhaps you will be better rewarded next time. There was but an hour’s halt here, when the column moved in the direction of Morgantown, which place was reached at 1 P. M. The citizens had assembled in considerable force, prepared to dispute Brown’s advance, but upon a demand being made for the surrender of the place, they quietly submitted, no doubt thinking discretion the better part of valor. That night the battalion went into camp at Independence, and next morning made connection with the main body. Returning to Morgantown, the command crossed the river, and, after a short halt, commenced a night march in the direction of Fairmont, at which place they arrived about 8 o’clock next morning. A body of four hundred infantry was posted here to dispute their passage. They were drawn up in an open field, surrounded by high fences. The First Maryland was ordered to charge. It was a most desperate undertaking, but at the command of the gallant Brown they dashed forward. Upon reaching the fence, and within fifty yards of the enemy, they were received with a terrific fire, which, strange to say, killed sixty horses and but one man—young Myers, of Frederick. In an instant the fence was thrown down, and Brown was upon them, when they called for quarter. Thence Jones moved upon Clarksburg, but finding the enemy in strong force, the place was flanked by way of Bridgeport. This town was also charged by the First Maryland, resulting in the capture of sixty men. In this affair Robert Whitely, of Baltimore, was killed. On the 2d of May, the column reached a place called Buchanan, after many days of rapid riding, which was only performed by continually changing the broken-down horses for fresh ones found in the country. At Buchanan Major Brown’s wound became so painful as to necessitate his going to the rear; and, although not the senior officer, owing to his experience and acknowledged judgment and discretion, Captain Frank Bond was called upon to command the little battalion.