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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Second Massachusetts
+Regiment of Infantry: Beverly Ford., by Daniel Oakey
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: History of the Second Massachusetts Regiment of Infantry: Beverly Ford.
+
+Author: Daniel Oakey
+
+Release Date: September 12, 2007 [EBook #22586]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEVERLY FORD ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Tamise Totterdell and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+HISTORY
+
+OF THE
+
+SECOND MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT OF INFANTRY.
+
+
+BEVERLY FORD.
+
+
+A PAPER READ AT THE OFFICERS' REUNION IN BOSTON,
+
+MAY 12, 1884,
+
+BY
+
+DANIEL OAKEY,
+
+CAPTAIN SECOND MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT OF INFANTRY.
+
+
+BOSTON:
+
+GEO. H. ELLIS, PRINTER, 141 FRANKLIN STREET.
+
+1884.
+
+
+
+
+BEVERLY FORD.
+
+JUNE 9, 1863.
+
+
+In taking up the thread of Captain George A. Thayer's admirable chapter
+upon the Chancellorsville campaign, we find the regiment baling out
+their old log pens, on a dark night, in the rain. They had stripped the
+canvas roofs before starting for Chancellorsville. The return to a
+deserted camp, even in fine weather, flushed with victory, is not
+agreeable. The failure of Chancellorsville made the discomforts of this
+memorable night harder to bear, and it seemed very much like some of the
+worst experiences of the "Mud campaign."
+
+Company "D" pursued their work with vigor, and sang with the broadest
+sarcasm "Home Again." This had rather an enlivening effect upon some of
+the other companies, who, up to this time, had been very silent.
+Daylight relieved us all; and, with sunshine and regimental "police,"
+the place soon looked as if nothing had happened, except for the late
+absentees, some of whom would return when their wounds permitted; but
+others would never again draw their swords under the old battle-flag.
+The scholarly Fitzgerald, who died so bravely, was the only officer of
+"ours" killed at Chancellorsville.
+
+It was at this very camp, about a month before, that the gallant and
+lamented Colonel Shaw, then a captain in our regiment, left us to
+organize and command that fated battalion, the "Fifty-fourth Colored
+Massachusetts." Here, we again formed a mess with the officers of the
+Third Wisconsin; and our former caterer, Charley Johnson, and his
+colored staff, managed the _table d'hôte_. Those who were fortunate
+enough to be present will remember the surprise party given to us by the
+officers of the Third Wisconsin in our canvas dining-room, at the foot
+of the hill, and how it burst upon us in all its splendor of bayonet
+chandeliers and unlimited "commissary." Brigade manoeuvres and
+battalion drills were diligently practised; and, when Casey's tactics
+were scarcely dry from the press, Colonel Sam Quincy, with the least
+possible preparation on our part, "sprung" on us the new movement of
+"Forward on the centre to form square" at "double-quick." And, I am
+ashamed to say, that, practised as we were in all the tricks of field
+manoeuvres, we "got mixed." The right wing started without delay for
+Falmouth, the left wing for Acquia Creek, and the color division took a
+steady trot for the camp of the Tenth Maine. Adjutant Fox galloped
+wildly about the field, the Colonel howled in despair, but on we went
+till the word "Halt!" brought us to a stand, and we came back and formed
+line. The Colonel then made the memorable remark, "Gentlemen will please
+to have some connection of ideas," and started the machine again at full
+speed. This time we melted into a square in a manner which would have
+pleased General Andrews. From this camp, Colonel Quincy resigned, pretty
+well exhausted with wounds, exposure, and the trials of the Rebel
+prison.
+
+We now moved camp--Major Mudge commanding--to a pine grove, where we
+constructed quite a picturesque military village, and became absorbed in
+the habits and peculiarities of the wood-tick.
+
+The days rolled on into June; and it seemed fully time to be doing
+something more about beating Lee, whose lieutenants were successfully
+screening their preparations for the coming Northern invasion. General
+Halleck, General-in-Chief at Washington, was still busily engaged
+telegraphing to the generals in the field; and, no doubt, Hooker was
+hampered by these voluminous instructions, often so at variance with his
+own plans, which were apt to be excellent, and he was unable at times to
+suppress his own dominant and rather insubordinate spirit.
+
+On the 5th of June, Stuart was discovered concentrating his troopers in
+great force at Culpepper. Mr. Stuart's "Critter-back Company" was
+supposed to number about twelve thousand sabres, and information
+obtained by General Buford showed that the Rebels were preparing for a
+cavalry raid on a scale never before attempted.
+
+Here was an opportunity for the "Cavalry Corps" which Hooker had
+organized; but, owing to the wear and tear of Stoneman's raid, General
+Hooker thought our cavalry weak to cope with the enemy, if their
+numbers as reported were correct. He decided, however, to send General
+Pleasanton with all the cavalry to attack Stuart, "stiffened," as he
+expressed it, with about five thousand infantry.
+
+This "stiffening" consisted of a few selected regiments, including
+"ours," to be divided equally between two columns of cavalry,--one under
+Buford, with Ames to command his infantry, the other under Gregg, with
+General David Russell as infantry commander.
+
+The total force of infantry was probably not more than three thousand,
+as each regiment was thinned down by weeding out every man who could not
+be relied upon for a forced march. The order came on the afternoon of
+June 6 to "get ready in light marching order for a secret expedition,
+leaving all sick and baggage behind." The news soon spread through camp,
+and friends from other regiments came to witness the departure of the
+chosen. Upon learning that the Third Wisconsin was not included in the
+order, the enthusiasm in the Second Massachusetts was considerably
+dampened. "The Third" was certain that there must be some mistake in the
+transmission of the order. These two regiments had been brigaded
+together since the beginning of the war, and had fought side by side in
+every action. There was a sense of mutual support, and a desire to share
+equally all the honors; a strong feeling of pride in each regarding the
+achievements of the other. To us, it would have been unnatural to go
+into action without the Third Wisconsin, or at least not to know that
+they were in support. A hasty consultation resulted in sending an
+officer to present the case at head-quarters. The chaplain's excellent
+mare was summarily pressed for the service; and our ambassador,
+springing into the clerical saddle, shot away for General Ruger's
+head-quarters. He returned with an encouraging word that the General
+would see what could be done.
+
+The column was already moving out of camp, under the gaze of a crowd of
+officers and men. It seemed quite a family affair, as we noticed the
+"Thirty-third Massachusetts" already on the road waiting for us, under
+the fatherly protection of Colonel Underwood, who had been so long a
+member of "ours" as captain of "the bloody I's." Opinions were exchanged
+as to the probability of the Third Wisconsin getting its orders. Bets,
+of course, were freely offered and taken on the chances. Meantime, we
+were joined by a battery of horse artillery and a string of pack mules
+carrying extra ammunition. Presently, a battalion appeared coming over
+the hill at a pace indicating important business. Our cheering was taken
+up by the rest of the column; and the Third Wisconsin replied with wild
+howls, and quickly took their place as part of our special brigade.
+
+After a furious thunder-shower, which laid the dust, General Ames gave
+the word; and the command moved off at a smart gait. The air was cool,
+and every member of the chosen band was in high spirits. Even that
+army-trodden country, under the circumstances, and with the influence of
+a beautiful sunset, looked fresh and picturesque.
+
+There was evidently a strong impression that we were able-bodied to the
+last man; for we skipped along for eight miles without a halt, in a
+style which impressed our cavalry friends, whom we found about eight
+o'clock in the evening drawn up in a field at the roadside, to give us
+the right of way. A voice came from one of the saddles, "I say, boys!
+what brigade?" "Ah, you recruit!" replied one of the wits of the
+regiment: "don't you know this brigade? This is Gordon's flying
+brigade,"--which was received with much merriment. The men were in
+excellent humor, ready to bandy words with any one, especially the
+cavalry, whom they began to divine they were to operate with. This
+elegant repartee was kept up all along the line. Occasionally, officers
+exchanged greetings, where friends could make each other out in the
+dark. A hasty word and shake of the hand (perhaps the last), and our
+cavalry friend is left still watching the column as it marches briskly
+along. Another cavalry detachment inquires: "What's your hurry, boys?
+Where are you going?"
+
+"We're going to Richmond. Saddle up, you cowards, and come along!" A
+soldier in the next company, of an inquiring disposition, asks, "Who
+ever saw a dead cavalry man?"
+
+We bivouacked near Spotted Tavern, about eleven o'clock at night; and,
+after this lively march of sixteen miles, we were allowed a comfortable
+rest, while the cavalry occupied the road.
+
+Resuming our march at ten o'clock next day, we reached Bealton about
+sunset, and were carefully concealed in the woods. Lighting of fires was
+absolutely forbidden; and, as the night closed in upon us, the staff
+remained in the saddle, stationed at different points, silently watching
+us; and, as morning came again, there they were still on the watch.
+
+Meantime, General Russell had marched his infantry to Hartwood Church,
+and thence to a point near Kelly's Ford, where General Gregg was
+concentrating two divisions of cavalry.
+
+The night of the 8th, we moved down very near Beverly Ford into the
+woods again,--cold suppers and no lights. The men were exceedingly
+restless at these unusual orders about light and noise. In a letter from
+one of my men since the war, he says: "The men thought we were being
+humbugged, and there were many signs of dissatisfaction. They complained
+because we were not allowed to have fires. Dave Orne was punished
+(ordered to stand at attention) by you, for snapping a cap upon his gun.
+It was exceedingly galling to his soldierly pride, as it was the only
+time he was punished during his term of service. Hyde was particularly
+insubordinate; and you were placed in arrest, because Company 'D' was so
+disorderly."
+
+I remember this very well, and my servant standing at a respectful
+distance, holding my sabre while I was under this temporary cloud. The
+gallant commander of the "Irish Brigade," as we called Company "H,"
+shared the cloud with me; for he was placed in arrest at the same time.
+Our sabres, however, were returned to us before we got into the fight;
+and, in the evening bivouac, our commander made us a most graceful
+apology over a tin mug of "commissary."
+
+Buford's whole column was now concealed in the woods. The cheerful clank
+and jingle of the cavalry was, by some means, suppressed; there was no
+merry bugle breaking upon the still hours of the night; and, as the moon
+threw deep shadows across the quiet country road, there seemed no trace
+of "grim-visaged war."
+
+At three o'clock in the morning, Captain Comey, with thirty picked men
+from the Second Massachusetts, crept down to the river-bank, to see that
+all was clear for the advance. He reported a large force of cavalry in
+bivouac on the south side of the river, quite unconscious of Buford's
+stealthy approach. Indeed, Jones' Rebel cavalry brigade was only a short
+distance from the Ford, while his wagons and artillery were parked even
+nearer to the river. Fitz Hugh Lee, Robertson, and W. H. F. Lee were in
+bivouac at various points within supporting distance of Jones; while
+Wade Hampton was passing the night in picturesque reserve at Fleetwood
+Hill.
+
+The spot was admirably adapted for a cavalry battle, the country rolling
+along, with an occasional clump of woods and fine open fields, toward
+Brandy Station, where the Rebel cavalry-chief, Stuart, had pitched his
+head-quarters.
+
+The close proximity of Stuart's troopers was a little unexpected. Their
+movement to Beverly Ford, it seems, was simultaneous with our own.
+
+The plan was to have the enemy remain somewhere near Culpepper, while
+Gregg's column advanced from Kelly's Ford, and Buford's from Beverly
+Ford, the first bearing to the left, the latter to the right, the two
+columns to form a junction near Brandy Station. General Pleasanton then,
+having our entire force well in hand, would make a determined attack
+upon Stuart's squadrons. But it is the unexpected which must be looked
+for in war, and the necessary tactics were quickly decided upon.
+
+Nearly the whole of Stuart's force was in our immediate front; but they
+would be exposed to the disadvantage of a surprise, and, having no
+infantry with them, our little brigade of rifles would be doubly
+effective.
+
+General Pleasanton would be unable to control and harmonize the
+movements of his two columns, being completely cut off from General
+Gregg; but the latter was so well known as an able commander and a hard
+fighter that the enemy was certain to be treated again to a surprise in
+flank and rear, and would be thus diverted from our front. And it seemed
+as if we might still succeed in breaking up the enemy's cavalry.
+
+The situation had its advantages, in spite of the opinion of some
+distinguished cavalry men; and "Forward!" was the word.
+
+As the hazy June morning dawned upon us, troopers appeared to rise out
+of the ground and swarm out of the woods, till the whole country seemed
+alive with cavalry; and Ames' picked rifles took their place in the
+column.
+
+The early morning mist, hanging upon the river banks, concealed our
+approach.
+
+    "In both our armies, there is many a soul
+    Shall pay full dearly for this encounter,
+    If once they join in trial."
+
+The gallant and lamented Colonel Davis led the way with the Eighth New
+York Cavalry, dashing over the Ford and surprising the enemy's pickets,
+who fell back upon Jones' exposed artillery and wagons.
+
+The Rebels were panic-stricken at the sudden approach of the "Yankee"
+cavalry; and great confusion ensued. But the alarm quickly spread, and
+part of Jones' troopers were soon in the saddle, charging furiously down
+upon the Eighth New York, who broke; and, before Colonel Davis could
+turn to rally his leading regiment, a Rebel soldier sprang from behind a
+tree and shot him dead. But the avenging sabre of Lieutenant Parsons
+(Davis' adjutant) severed the poor fellow's connection with this life.
+
+Colonel Davis was a serious loss to the "Cavalry Corps,"--a graduate of
+West Point, an accomplished officer, a universal favorite,--and,
+although a Southerner, he stuck to the flag he had sworn to defend.
+
+Meantime, the Eighth Illinois Cavalry had gained the southern bank, and
+rushed upon Jones' people, driving them back upon the main body, who
+were forming in the rear of a bit of wood. Colonel Davis was borne back
+in a blanket as General Pleasanton, who had accompanied our column in
+person, arrived at the river bank.
+
+The Third Indiana Cavalry followed the Eighth Illinois; and Ames' men
+were now crossing under the eye of the distinguished group of horsemen,
+to one of whom (Colonel F. C. Newhall, afterward of Sheridan's staff) I
+am indebted for the following description:--
+
+    General Buford was there, with his usual smile. He rode a gray
+    horse, at a slow walk generally, and smoked a pipe, no matter
+    what was going on around him; and it was always reassuring to
+    see him in the saddle when there was any chance of a fight.
+
+    General Pleasanton's staff was partly composed of men who
+    became distinguished. The Adjutant General was A. J.
+    Alexander, of Kentucky, a very handsome fellow, who was
+    afterward a Brigadier General with Thomas, in the West. Among
+    the aides was Captain Farnsworth, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, who
+    so distinguished himself in the coming battle, and in the
+    subsequent operations south of the Potomac, that he was made a
+    Brigadier General, and with that rank fell at Gettysburg, at
+    the head of a brigade of cavalry which he had commanded but a
+    few days. Another aide was the brilliant Custer, then a
+    lieutenant, whose career and lamented death there is no need
+    to recall. Another was Lieutenant R. S. McKenzie, of the
+    engineers, now General McKenzie of well-won fame, the youngest
+    colonel of the regular army; and still another was Ulric
+    Dahlgren. General Pleasanton had certainly no lack of
+    intelligence, dash, and hard-riding to rely on in those about
+    him.
+
+The infantry had now cleared the woods of the enemy's troopers, who were
+deceived as to the number of our rifles, and showed no inclination to
+expose men and horses to the deadly fire of experienced infantry
+skirmishers.
+
+The old, time-honored Second Dragoons, the Fifth Regulars, and that
+crack young regiment, the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry (forming what was
+known as the "Reserve Brigade"), were massing on the southern bank of
+the river. The sharp report of infantry rifles, the rising smoke, and
+the thousand indescribable sounds, with the tramp of fresh cavalry
+pressing forward to take their part in the fray, showed that the battle
+was now waging in good earnest. The wounded arrived more rapidly at the
+ford, stretcher-bearers plying their trade in the hot sun.
+
+The soft, dewy grass of the morning was now kicked and trampled into dry
+dust. The infantry held the enemy in the open space beyond the woods;
+while Buford hurled his squadrons, with drawn sabres, upon the Rebel
+cavalry on the right and left.
+
+A sabre charge, with both sides going at top speed, is, perhaps, the
+most exciting and picturesque combination of force, nerve, and courage
+that can be imagined. The commanding officers leading in conspicuous
+advance; the rush, the thunder of horses' hoofs; the rattle of arms and
+equipments,--all mingling with the roar of voices, while the space
+rapidly lessens between the approaching squadrons. The commanders who
+were seen, a moment before, splendidly mounted, dashing on at racing
+speed, turning in the saddle to look back at the tidal wave which they
+are leading, disappear in a cloud of sabres, clashing and cutting; but
+the fight is partly obscured by the rising dust and the mist from the
+over-heated animals. Riderless horses come, wounded and trembling, out
+of the mêlée; others appear, running in fright, carrying dying troopers
+still sitting their chargers, the head drooping on the breast, the
+sword-arm hanging lifeless, the blood-stained sabre dangling from the
+wrist, tossing, swinging, and cutting the poor animal's flanks, goading
+him on in his aimless flight. In this moment of intense excitement, the
+Rebels give way on the left. Our troopers follow in hot pursuit. On they
+go, over the dead and dying. At the sound of the "recall," back they
+come, to take breath and re-form at the rallying ground to which Ames'
+skirmishers move forward, to regain their connection and establish a
+more advanced line of battle. Although the infantry occupied the centre
+of the line, their operations were not confined to this point. They were
+sent in small detachments to different parts of the field, to support
+artillery, and, at times, even to engage the enemy, when opportunity
+offered. The line officers bore a thorough test of their experience and
+training during a day of perpetual activity.
+
+The "Reserve Brigade" had gone into action. There were to be no fresh
+troops in waiting. Every one was needed at the front.
+
+The Rebels made desperate attempts to capture the ford, and pressed us
+hard on the right. This part of our line made little progress, and was
+forced at times to assume simply the defensive.
+
+Two squadrons of the Second Dragoons were withdrawn to assist in
+covering the approaches to the ford.
+
+The Rebels made another desperate charge. It seemed, this time, as if
+they would carry all before them. But we stood our ground, and opened on
+them at close quarters with the guns; and Ames' men plied their rifles,
+making every bullet tell. The enemy lost heavily, and came to a stand.
+The Dragoons dropped their carbines, and, drawing sabres, rushed upon
+them, driving them off in confusion.
+
+It was hot work all along the line; and, although our cavalry suffered
+severely at times, nothing could surpass their gallant conduct.
+
+The Sixth Pennsylvania, in charging the enemy near St. James' Church,
+were badly punished by the Rebel artillery, and had to withdraw with
+heavy loss of officers, men, and horses. Their gallant commander, Major
+Morris, whose horse fell upon him, was left a prisoner in the enemy's
+hands. The Second Dragoons also suffered severely at this point.
+
+Much to our relief, the enemy now appeared to be attacked in the rear,
+as they made no further attempt to capture the ford, and the force in
+our front was evidently reduced.
+
+A Rebel battery now opened from a bit of woods about six hundred yards
+in front, while we were making disposition to advance our right, and our
+guns unlimbered upon a knoll in the open fields in front and to the
+right of the ford; and a lively cannonade ensued. I was skirmishing
+nearer to the centre of the line with my own company and Company "F,"
+the latter under command of Captain, then Lieutenant, Parker, and was
+ordered with these two companies to support the guns on the knoll. On
+the way, I was joined by Colonel, then Captain, Stevenson of the Third
+Wisconsin, who had been ordered to the same duty. General Buford and
+some staff officers were standing near the guns, their horses awaiting
+them in the rear, where the artillery horses had taken refuge.
+
+Part of the Tenth Virginia Cavalry were on foot behind a stone wall down
+in the open fields in front; and they endeavored to interfere with us as
+much as possible while we were posting Lieutenant Parker with two men as
+a "lookout" to apprise us of any movement on the part of the enemy. They
+had already annoyed our artillery very much, popping at them with their
+carbines.
+
+Captain Stevenson and I lay down with our companies in the usual
+position of artillery supports, about thirty yards in rear, while our
+guns belched forth their fire and smoke, and the enemy's shells came
+howling overhead and bursting behind us with that spiteful, sharp,
+clean-cut bang which we used to know so well.
+
+Having nothing to do as yet but smoke our pipes, we lolled on the grass
+and studied our cavalry friends. Custer was the most striking figure in
+the group, with his fanciful uniform, his long hair, and spirited
+manner. He seemed to enjoy the shelling, and appeared to beam all over,
+almost dancing with excitement.
+
+Other staff officers arrived from time to time, and, plunging into the
+group, on their reeking horses, spoke to General Buford, and then dashed
+away again. The fight seemed still going on in the centre and on the
+left, which had advanced considerably; but our view was somewhat
+obstructed by clumps of woods.
+
+General Buford, whom we had never seen before, impressed us with his
+commanding presence and his manly and picturesque simplicity of dress.
+He looked as if his division might idolize him, as it was said they did.
+He seemed much annoyed at the Tenth Virginia Cavalry behind the wall,
+and at last summoned the commander of the infantry supports. Although
+Stevenson commanded, he wished me to assist at the audience; and we were
+at the General's side in a moment, looking over the guns at the
+surrounding country.
+
+"Do you see those people down there?" says Buford: "they've got to be
+driven out. Do you think you can do it?"
+
+We looked up and down the line, and rested our gaze upon a wheat-field
+on the left of the stone wall (the enemy's right).
+
+"It's about double our force," says Stevenson.
+
+"Fully that," I replied, "if not more."
+
+We looked again at the wheat-field, for that was the key to the
+position. Something was said about "flanking" and "enfilading 'em."
+
+"Mind," said the General, "I don't order you; but, if you think you can
+do it, go in."
+
+We thought we could. It would hardly do to back out in the presence of
+so distinguished a cavalry audience, if there was a chance of success. A
+number of the staff had gathered round to hear our conversation, and
+showed a great deal of interest at the prospect of a little "side show,"
+at which they would have orchestra chairs, front row.
+
+The General, with this group around him, was drawing the fire of the
+stone wall people, and was urged to keep out of range, while the rest of
+us scattered to less dangerous positions. Some of the staff came back
+and watched the men "fall in," as if to see us off. Custer showed much
+interest, and evidently would have enjoyed going with us.
+
+We struck back into the country, and took a circuitous route behind
+hedges and through corn-fields, Stevenson and myself running on
+together, and the men following with their rifles as low as possible,
+and crouching along to avoid attracting any notice.
+
+We planned the attack as we went along, instructing sergeants, who in
+turn fell back and gave orders to the men. Upon arriving at the
+wheat-field, we all hugged the ground. Ten picked marksmen now crawled
+forward with me into the wheat, while Captain Stevenson deployed the
+rest of the men into as long a skirmish line as their numbers would
+permit.
+
+We despatched a messenger to notify Lieutenant Parker, whom we had left
+near the guns, to join us at once. In justice to Parker, I must say that
+he hated to be left out of a fight.
+
+The ten marksmen crawled on through the wheat, till they were almost "on
+the end" of the enemy's line; and then, crowding together so as to rake
+the line, they fired at the signal, with terrible accuracy.
+
+The Rebels were completely surprised, but turned and delivered a
+scattering fire. My excellent Sergeant Nutting fell into my arms
+mortally wounded. He was all pluck to the last moment. Although he could
+not speak, he showed signs of wishing to bid us good-by, and was
+evidently gratified at the manner in which we tenderly shook him by the
+hand. It was a success for the company, but the men all seemed to share
+my own feeling that it was dearly bought at such a price.
+
+Meantime, Captain Stevenson was advancing through the wheat; and, as
+soon as my party fired, he began making noise enough for two regiments.
+We sprang over the fence into the open field; and there we found
+Lieutenant Parker standing on the stone wall, pistol in hand, with his
+two men and the messenger, demanding "unconditional surrender."
+
+We could not help being amused at Parker's sudden appearance; but he
+explained that he was afraid that he would be too late, and so "charged
+the stone wall in front, and took the chances."
+
+Stevenson's men were coming over the fence all the way down the wheat;
+and the enemy, utterly deceived as to our numbers, had already commenced
+dropping their weapons and giving themselves up. We hurried them off as
+rapidly as possible, and gave all the care we could to the wounded. Some
+of the Rebels at the other end of the wall tried to escape; but
+Stevenson had swung his line round so promptly that he covered them at
+short range, and persuaded the runaways to come in. Having killed,
+wounded, and captured the entire party, we retired to a rising ground to
+the left of our own guns, and covered the approaches to the stone wall
+by posting some sharp-shooters with their pieces sighted at three
+hundred yards. At this distance, two of the enemy's dismounted troopers
+were killed. This seemed to be sufficient warning to the rest, who made
+no further attempt to occupy the stone wall.
+
+General Buford now advanced the right of the line, and pressed forward,
+driving the enemy's cavalry before him toward Fleetwood Hill. General
+Gregg, who had relieved us at such a critical moment by diverting the
+enemy from our front, had crossed Kelly's Ford at daylight with little
+opposition, and left General Russell with his infantry to guard the
+lower fords.
+
+Colonel Duffie's division was sent to Stevensburg, where they
+encountered the enemy, and drove them through and beyond the town, with
+our friends of the First Massachusetts Cavalry in the advance; and here
+Colonel Duffie remained, according to the original plan.
+
+General Gregg pushed on toward Brandy Station with Kilpatrick's and
+Windham's brigades. The latter attacked the Rebel cavalry so promptly
+that they were scarcely ready for him. Stuart's head-quarters were
+captured and important despatches fell into our hands, with valuable
+information as to the enemy's plans. Windham and Kilpatrick were both
+hotly engaged as troops were withdrawn from Buford's front to resist
+them.
+
+Gregg's people fought hard, charging repeatedly with the sabre, and
+gradually gaining the crest of Fleetwood Hill. The Sixth New York Light
+Battery did their full share of work.
+
+More troops were withdrawn from Buford's front; and, at last, General
+Gregg, finding himself overmatched, withdrew to the foot of the hill,
+leaving two guns in the enemy's hands. Colonel H. S. Thomas describes
+the cannoneers reluctantly obeying the order to leave the guns, some of
+the men actually shedding tears.
+
+Meanwhile, General Buford continued to push the enemy toward Fleetwood,
+and again the Rebels began to resist us more stubbornly. Both sides
+charged repeatedly with the sabre, and at times dismounted to fight
+behind stone walls, Ames' rifles making themselves generally useful at
+various points in the field.
+
+In one very spirited charge of the Second Dragoons, General Merritt,
+then a captain, rode impetuously on, not hearing the recall, followed by
+Lieutenant Quirk. He noticed a prominent Rebel officer, and, riding
+toward him, bringing his sabre to a point, he innocently remarked,
+"Colonel, you are my prisoner!" The officer made a cut at his head:
+Merritt, dexterously parrying the cut, only lost his hat. His opponent
+turned out to be Colonel, afterward, General Wade Hampton. Lieutenant
+Quirk called out to Merritt, "We're surrounded!" and, sure enough, a
+Rebel ring had formed to see the "Yankee" officer brought down. But
+Merritt and Quirk had not been taught to ride for nothing, and galloped
+safely back into our lines, amid a shower of pistol bullets.
+
+General Rodenbough, then a captain, and many others of the cavalry, had
+personal encounters, in which they proved themselves to be excellent
+swordsmen.
+
+As our two columns drew nearer together, both aiming for Fleetwood Hill,
+the junction was at last accomplished; and General Gregg rode into our
+lines, reporting a heavy force of Rebel infantry pouring into Brandy
+Station from Culpepper by rail.
+
+General Pleasanton not caring to encounter the Rebel infantry,
+especially after a day of such hard pounding, ordered General Gregg to
+withdraw by way of Rappahannock Station; and Colonel Newhall was sent to
+tell Buford to stop fighting, and go home by way of Beverly Ford.
+
+The operation of withdrawal was accomplished without interference, the
+enemy contenting themselves with looking on from a respectful distance.
+As we approached Beverly Ford, the First Regular Cavalry turned up,
+eager for the fray. They had been off on some detached duty and were too
+late for any of the fun, so General Pleasanton had them all deployed as
+mounted skirmishers to cover the crossing of the troops.
+
+The scene at the ford was very picturesque. A lovely sunset shed its
+cool light over the long columns of cavalry winding their way toward the
+river, and the mounted skirmishers were thrown in bold relief against
+the brilliant sky.
+
+Captain Comey took his old position again, with his little band of
+thirty men, on the north bank of the river, and remained there till
+morning, when he rejoined the regiment.
+
+Our bivouac the night of the battle was unusually cheerful, for we had
+brought every officer of "ours" safely out of the fight alive and well.
+Even Captain Frank Crowninshield, who generally got a bullet into him
+somewhere, came off, like the Irishman at the fair, with only a hole in
+the crown of his hat.
+
+Many a fence rail was burned to give light to the conference which was
+held over the events of the day. We had been so separated during the
+fight that the experiences of each one had to be presented to the
+assemblage in turn; and, with the assistance of some of the Third
+Wisconsin officers, the comparing of notes was extended far into the
+night.
+
+Our forces had gained all they set out to accomplish. The momentous
+cavalry schemes of the enemy were frustrated, and their troopers had
+been severely punished by cavalry which they had always considered
+inferior to their own.
+
+The disheartening effect throughout the Confederacy may be guessed by
+the following extract from a diary kept by Mr. I. D. Jones, the Rebel
+War Clerk at Richmond:--
+
+    _June 12._--The surprise of Stuart on the Rappahannock has
+    chilled every heart, notwithstanding it does not appear that
+    we lost more than the enemy in the encounter. The question is
+    on every tongue, Have our generals relaxed in vigilance? If
+    so, sad is the prospect.
+
+After the long period of mismanagement, disaster, sacrifice, blood, and
+tears through which the Army of the Potomac had passed, with steadiness
+of purpose and undaunted courage which has never been surpassed, the
+turning-point came, at last, in the brilliant conflict at Beverly Ford,
+or "Fleetwood," as the Rebel chief, Stuart, called it.
+
+It was a severe blow to the enemy's cavalry at the right moment, and was
+productive of important results, being followed by Pleasanton in the
+battles of Aldie, Middleburg, and Upperville, holding Stuart in check
+and keeping Hooker fully informed as to the movements of the enemy;
+while General Lee was in constant anxiety and in want of information
+during his march up the Cumberland Valley and, in fact, during the whole
+of the Gettysburg campaign. On the 27th of June, General Hooker
+requested to be relieved, and General Mead assumed command of the Army
+of the Potomac.
+
+This change of commanders was accomplished while the two great armies
+were in motion. There was no excitement over it. The Army of the Potomac
+was not very sorry to part with General Hooker, nor specially pleased to
+be commanded by Mead. On the whole, they had more confidence in the
+latter; but the main object was to beat Lee.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Second Massachusetts
+Regiment of Infantry: Beverly Ford., by Daniel Oakey
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