Perry County Advocate

July 23, 1862

The Morgan Rifles, of Duncannon

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 Major Stone in his report to his superior officers says of Captain Wistar and his company:  “I was ordered to take my reserve companies to the assistance of the cavalry, who were falling back before a force of enemy already advanced to Atley’s Station.  I moved rapidly forward, posted Captain Wistar’s company at one junction of three roads leading to Meadow Bridge, Greenshaw’s bridge, and Atley’s.  , In the meantime, Colonel Simmons had the companies at the Meadow and Railroad bridges withdrawn, and directing Captain Jennett to move rapidly to the rear.  I rode back to the junction where I found Captain Wistar already engaged with the enemy’s troops, approaching from Meadow Bridge.  His determined front and steady fire checked their advance, but they were gathering heavier forces to the front and soon forced him to retire.  His route to Mechanicsville was already interrupted and he fell back to the north, contesting every inch of the ground.  The position of my entrenched camp covering two principal fords of the swamp was apparently the key to the whole line. For four hours the enemy made the most desperate effort to force their passage.  They threw forward regiment after regiment for that purpose, but as often they melted away.  I posted Captain Holland about 400 yeards from the ford to obstruct the road, and ordered Captain Wistar to destroy the bridge at Mill Hospital.  These were difficult and hazardous duties, but were performed with the coolness of veterans, and probably saved us from entire destruction.  Lieut. Allison displayed the most admirable courage and coolness.

          Private John Doyle, a stalwart giant of Easton’s battery, well known as the “Infant”, after the loss of their guns came as a volunteer to my command, where his dashing gallantry ready wit and evident enjoyment of the occasion were a continued source of encouragement to all about him.

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