_En parenthèse_, soldiers are queer beings, and will have their joke, even in the face of almost certain death. At the battle of Malvern Hill, whilst the First Maryland regiment was awaiting its turn to “go in,” and the men were closely hugging the earth to avoid the terrible fire of grape and canister which swept over and around them, I heard an officer of the regiment remark to another at his side, whose face was pressed close to the ground, “say, Captain, you’ll get a scrape down your _back_ directly, and you know it’s something we don’t allow here,” and the officer addressed coolly turned over on his back, remarking, “well, if it will please you better, I’ll take it in front.” The command of Jenkins pursued its march rapidly through Maryland, and struck the Pennsylvania line near Greencastle. Thence their way lay up the Cumberland Valley to Shippensburg, where a halt was made for a short time to allow the tired troops to partake of the delicious apple-butter, ham, bread, &c., furnished them in abundance by the startled inhabitants. Whilst thus enjoying themselves to their hearts’ content, the cry of “Yanks” was raised, and in an instant the scene changed. Cavalrymen sprang to their horses, and artillerymen to their guns, but the wary enemy could not be induced to come within range of Griffin’s Parrott’s, but retired towards Carlisle, followed leisurely by Jenkins. Upon arriving within sight of that town, the Yankee flag was found defiantly flying from the public buildings, when Jenkins, supposing the enemy to be there in force, prepared to attack. Placing two pieces of artillery in a position to rake the main street, and disposing of his other troops in the most available manner, he demanded the surrender of the town. It was not long before a deputation of the “solid” citizens made their appearance, and surrendered the place, which General Jenkins at once took possession of. After remaining at Carlisle one day, during which time they were bountifully supplied with provisions and forage by the citizens, the command moved in the direction of Harrisburg. At Mechanicstown a small body of cavalry were encountered, but a shot from Griffin caused them to heat a hasty retreat. Upon reaching the Susquehanna, the Confederate commander found the opposite side of the river strongly fortified, but he at once opened fire from his batteries, which was promptly responded to. This continued until late in the afternoon, when the enemy’s infantry advanced in force, and a severe skirmish ensued, which lasted until after night. General Rhodes (I have forgotten to mention the fact that Jenkins and Rhodes united their forces at Carlisle) having accomplished his purpose, that night withdrew in the direction of Gettysburg.