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diff --git a/29660.txt b/29660.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b125b68 --- /dev/null +++ b/29660.txt @@ -0,0 +1,9173 @@ +Project Gutenberg's Three Years in the Federal Cavalry, by Willard Glazier + +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: Three Years in the Federal Cavalry + +Author: Willard Glazier + +Release Date: August 10, 2009 [EBook #29660] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THREE YEARS IN THE FEDERAL CAVALRY *** + + + + +Produced by Chris Curnow, Barbara Kosker, Joseph Cooper +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + +THREE YEARS IN THE FEDERAL CAVALRY. + + + + +[Illustration: Willard Glazier] + + + + + THREE YEARS + + in the + + FEDERAL CAVALRY. + + + + + BY + WILLARD GLAZIER, + + AUTHOR OF "THE CAPTURE, THE PRISON-PEN AND THE ESCAPE," "VIRGINIA'S + BATTLE-FIELDS," ETC., ETC., ETC. + + + + + Illustrated. + + + + + NEW YORK: + R. H. FERGUSON & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS, + 138 BLEECKER STREET + 1870. + + + + + Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by + _WILLARD GLAZIER_, + In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. + + The Trow & Smith Book Manuf. Co. + 205-213 E. 12TH STREET, + New York. + + TO + + THE GALLANT AND UNASSUMING SOLDIER, + + MAJOR-GENERAL HENRY E. DAVIES, JR. + + WHOSE STAR ALWAYS SHONE BRIGHTEST ON + + THE FRONT LINE OF BATTLE, + + THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY + + dedicated + + BY + + THE AUTHOR. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +I have for a long time intended the publication of this book, for I +thought that such a work would not only be found interesting to the +public, but would do justice to the brave men with whom it was my +fortune to be associated during the dark hours of the rebellion. To +serve them is and ever will be my greatest pleasure. + +The remarkable features and events of our late Cavalry movements in +Virginia and elsewhere, visible to me during the campaigns of the Army +of the Potomac, were noted daily in my journal. From that diary this +story of our raids, expeditions, and fights is compiled. + +My descriptions of battles and skirmishes, in some cases, may seem too +brief and unsatisfactory; to which I can only say that scores of +engagements, which to the participants appear to be of vast importance, +have very little general interest. On the other hand, however, it is to +be regretted that where our gallant horsemen have done the most +brilliant things, it has been impossible for me, in many instances, to +secure reliable and detailed accounts with which to do them full +justice. + +WILLARD GLAZIER. +NEW YORK, _October 8th, 1870_. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + PAGE +CHAPTER I. + +THE WAR FOR THE UNION.--CONTEST BEGUN. + +1861.--Enthusiasm of the North.--Washington Threatened.--Bull Run, + and Its Lessons.--General Scott and the Cavalry.--Enlistment + under Captain Buel.--The Harris Light Cavalry.--Leaving Troy, + New York.--Captain A. N. Duffie.--Drilling and Fencing at + Scarsdale, New York.--Bound for the Seat of War.--Philadelphia. + --Baltimore.--Washington.--Camp Oregon. 19 + + +CHAPTER II. + +CAMP-LIFE AND ITS INFLUENCES. + +1861.--Our unmilitary Appearance.--First Equipage.--My Black + Mare.--Good and Evil Influences.--News-Boys.--Mail-Bag.-- + Letter-Writing.--The Bugle Corps.--Camp-Guard.--Guerillas + under Turner Ashby.--Mounted Drill.--Laughable Experiences + with Horses.--Southern Egotism.--Northern Fancies. 27 + + +CHAPTER III. + +PREPARATIONS FOR ACTIVE SERVICE. + +1861.--First Advance.--"Contrabands," their Hopes and Treatment. + --Union Ranks Filling Up.--Promotion.--Foraging and its + Obstacles.--Scouting and its Aim.--Senator Harris visits the + Command.--Ball's Bluff.--Recruiting Service.--Interesting + Incidents.--Camp Palmer.--"Contrabands" at Work.--Drilling + near Arlington Heights.--Colonel George D. Bayard.--Fight at + Drainesville. 39 + + +CHAPTER IV. + +THE ADVANCE TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK. + +1862.--"All quiet along the Potomac."--Preparations.--Army of the + Potomac Moves!--Capture of the "Quaker Guns" at Centreville. + --Return to Defences.--Guerillas.--Their Attacks and Stratagems. + --The Bovine Foe.--Picketing: how it is done.--Sufferings.-- + McClellan to the Peninsula.--Virginia Weather and the People. + --General Augur's Advance to the Rappahannock.--Lieutenant + Decker's Bravery and Death.--Night Charge on Falmouth Heights. + --Fredericksburg Surrenders.--How Citizens regard us.--Guarding + a Train to Thoroughfare Gap.--Fight and Captures at Flipper's + Orchard.--Shenandoah Valley.--The Fifth New York Cavalry, + First Ira Harris' Guard.--Death of Turner Ashby.--Strange + Cavalry Tactics.--Personal Bravery of Captain Hammond.--End + of the Peninsular Campaign. 49 + + +CHAPTER V. + +POPE'S CAMPAIGN IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA. + +1862.--Kilpatrick at Beaver Dam.--Captain John S. Mosby.--Return + of the Raiders.--Complimentary Orders.--The Harris Light at + Anderson's Turnout.--Rebel Account of the Scare.--General + John P. Hatch, his Misfortunes and Justification.-- + Reconnoissances.--Battle of Cedar Mountain.--Hospital at + Culpepper.--General Stuart in Close Quarters.--His Adjutant- + General Captured.--Death of Captain Charles Walters.--Pope + driven back and waiting for Reinforcements.--Kilpatrick's + Fight at Brandy Station.--Waterloo Bridge.--Bristoe Station. + --Manassas Junction.--Battle of Groveton.--Second Bull Run. + --Chantilly and Death of Kearny.--General Pope resigns. 72 + + +CHAPTER VI. + +REBEL INVASION OF MARYLAND. + +1862.--Result of Pope's Campaign.--Rest and Recruit at Hall's + Hill.--"My Maryland;" Its Invasion.--Offensive Policy of + the Rebellion.--Pennsylvania and the Whole Country Aroused. + --Battle of South Mountain.--Harper's Ferry.--Colonel Miles. + --His Treachery and Death.--Bloody Battle of Antietam.-- + Drilling Recruits.--The Harris Light again at the Front.--At + Chantilly.-- Sudley Church.--Leesburg.--McClellan again + Relieved from Command. 95 + + +CHAPTER VII. + +McCLELLAN SUCCEEDED BY BURNSIDE. + +1862.--Burnside's First Campaign.--Army of the Potomac in Three + Divisions.--Advance from Warrenton to Falmouth.--General + Stahel's Raid to the Shenandoah.--Laying Pontoons across + the Rappahannock under Fire.--Battle of Fredericksburg.-- + Daring Feats and General Heroism.--Death of General Bayard. + --The Hospitals.--Sanitary and Christian Commissions.--Camp + "Bayard."--Camp-Fires.--Winter Quarters.--Friendly Relations + of Pickets.--Trading.--Pay-Day.--"Stuck in the Mud." 105 + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +ORGANIZATION OF A CAVALRY CORPS. + +1863.--General Hooker assumes Command of the Army of the + Potomac.--Demoralization.--Reorganization.--A Cavalry Corps. + --General George D. Stoneman in Command.--Death of Sergeant + May.--Forests of the Old Dominion.--The Cavalryman and his + Faithful Horse.--Scenes in Winter Quarters.--Kilpatrick.-- + His Character.--Qualifications of the True Soldier.--A New + Horse.--A Mulish Mule.--Kilpatrick's Colored Servants in + Trouble.--Terrific Hail-Storm.--Major E. F. Cooke Honored. + --Colonel Clarence Buel. 124 + + +CHAPTER IX. + +REBEL CHIEFS AND THEIR RAIDS. + +1863.--Rebel Raids by Stuart, Imboden, and Fitz-Hugh Lee.--John + S. Mosby, Guerilla Chief.--His Character.--His Command.-- + Daring and Plunder.--Aided by Citizens.--Condition of the + Country Favorable for their Depredations.--Our Picket Lines + too Light.--Attacks on Pickets at Herndon Station, Cub Run, + and Frying-Pan Church.--Miss Laura Ratcliffe, Mosby's + Informant.--Mosby at Fairfax Court House.--Capture of General + Stoughton.--Fight at Chantilly.--Mosby lauded by His Chiefs. + --Mosby beaten at Warrenton Junction.--Severely whipped at + Greenwich, where he loses a Howitzer captured from Colonel + Baker at Ball's Bluff. 143 + + +CHAPTER X. + +CHANCELLORSVILLE AND STONEMAN'S RAID. + +1863.--Review of the Army by the President.--Deserters Punished. + --Sports and Pastimes.--Stoneman's First Move.--Storm.-- + Reconnoissance to Warrenton.--Another Move.--Other Storms. + --Catching "Rabbits."--Stoneman's Great Raid on Lee's + Communications.--On the Virginia Central Railroad.-- + Kilpatrick at Louisa Court House.--He Marches upon + Richmond.--Bold Advance near the City.--Important Captures. + --Retreat over Meadow Bridge.--Destructions.--Bushwhackers. + --Happy Rencounter.--Safe Arrival at Gloucester Point.-- + Public Prints.--Battle of Chancellorsville.--Heroism and + Defeat.--Stonewall Jackson Falls.--Hooker Injured.--Retreat. + --Orders. 161 + + +CHAPTER XI. + +FROM YORKTOWN TO FALMOUTH. + +1863.--Curiosity Satisfied.--Pastimes on the York River. + --Religious Services; their Influence.--Raid to Mathias + Court House.--Sickness and Recovery.--From Gloucester + Point to Falmouth.--Exciting Details.--Correspondence of + Mr. Young.--The Press.--With the Army of the Potomac + again.--Cavalry Fight at Brandy Station.--Bold Charge of + the First Maine Cavalry.--The Chivalry fairly Beaten.-- + Death of Colonel B. F. Davis, Eighth New York Cavalry.-- + Interesting Letter of a Rebel Chaplain.--Casualties.-- + What was Gained by the Reconnoissance.--Pleasonton and + Kilpatrick Promoted.--Rebels Raiding in Maryland. 203 + + +CHAPTER XII. + +SECOND INVASION OF MARYLAND.--GETTYSBURG. + +1863.--Invasion of the Northern States.--Kilpatrick at Aldie. + --The Bloody Battle.--Daring Deeds.--Colonel Cesnola, + Fourth New York Cavalry.--Incidents.--Victory.--Advance + to Ashby's Gap.--Pleasonton's Official Report.--Rebel + Movements on Free Soil.--Difficulties in the North.--The + Cavalry Corps Crosses the Potomac at Edward's Ferry.-- + General Meade succeeds Hooker.--Orders.--Changes in the + Cavalry.--Movements.--Kilpatrick's Fight with Stuart at + Hanover Junction.--Solemn and Laughable Scenes.--Buford's + Division Opens the Fight at Gettysburg.--Death of General + Reynolds.--First Day's Repulse.--Second Day.--Rebel + Advantages.--Third Day.--Last Grand Effort.--Death of + General Farnsworth.--The Republic just Saved. 225 + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +RETREAT OF THE REBELS FROM GETTYSBURG. + +1863.--National Rejoicing.--The Enemy Retreating.--Feebly + Pursued.--Reconnoissances.--Kilpatrick Gives the Enemy a + Fourth of July Entertainment at Monterey Pass.--Storm and + Terror.--Immense Train Destroyed, and Hosts of Prisoners + Taken.--Pitiable Condition of Stuart's Cavalry.--Battle of + Hagerstown.--Captains Penfield and Dahlgren Wounded.-- + Wonderful Exploits of a Union Scout.--Kilpatrick and Buford + at Williamsport.--Cavalry Fight at Boonsboro'.--Stuart + Defeated.--Hagerstown Retaken.--Orders to Advance, One Day + Too Late.--Kilpatrick Chases the Flying Foe.--Fight at + Falling Waters, Last Act in the Drama.--Great Bravery of + Union Troops.--Last Vestige of the Invaders Wiped Out.-- + Bivouac and Rest. 267 + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +KILPATRICK'S GUNBOAT EXPEDITION. + +1863.--Escape of Lee into Virginia.--Reasons.--Cavalry Advance into the +Valley _via_ Harper's Ferry.--Riot in New York and other Northern +Cities.--Again Across the Potomac on "Sacred Soil."--Blackberries and +Discipline.--Mails.--Battle of Manassas Gap.--Mosby Again, and His +Bands.--Kilpatrick's Gunboat Expedition on the Rappahannock.--Cavalry +Captures Navy.--Complimented by Superiors.--General Advance of the +Army.--Third Cavalry Battle at Brandy Station.--Stuart's Cavalry Worsted +at Culpepper Court House.--Sharp Artillery Practice at Raccoon Ford, on +the Rapidan.--Special Duties and Special Dangers.--Good Living Along +the Hazel and Robertson Rivers.--Important Reconnoissance and Raid. +--Hard Fighting and Narrow Escape.--Needed Rest Received.--The +Paymaster.--Rebel Plan of Attack Foiled by a Citizen Informer. +--Suspicious Activity on Our Front. 298 + + +CHAPTER XV. + +CAPTURE OF THE AUTHOR. + +1863.--Fight at James City.--Music of Retreat.--Fourth Cavalry + Fight at Brandy Station.--Critical Situation.--Kilpatrick + Undaunted.--Davies and Custer.--The Grand Charge.--The + Escape.--The Scene.--Subsequent Charges and Counter-charges. + --The Cavalry Routed.--The Rappahannock Recrossed in Safety. + --Infantry Reconnoissance to Brandy Station.--Comical Affair + at Bealeton Station.--Thrilling Adventure of Stuart.--His + Escape.--Battle of Bristoe.--Casualties.--Retreat Continued. + --Destruction of Railroad by the Rebels.--Kilpatrick at + Buckland Mills.--Unpleasant Surroundings.--Sagacity and + Daring.--The Author's Capture.--Fall, Insensibility, Change + of Scene.--The End.--Introduced to Prison Life. 327 + + + + +List of Illustrations. + + PAGE. + + 1. Portrait of the Author, Frontispiece. + + 2. Our Cavalry Leaders, 17 + + 3. Cavalry Column on the March, 37 + + 4. Night Attack on Falmouth Heights, 61 + + 5. Burial of Captain Walters at Midnight, during Pope's + Retreat, 87 + + 6. Federal and Rebel Pickets Meeting on the Rappahannock, 119 + + 7. Cavalry Scouting Party Halting for the Night, 173 + + 8. Cavalry Fight at Brandy Station, 215 + + 9. The Cavalry Bivouac, 277 + +10. Cavalry Battle at Buckland Mills, Va., and Capture of + the Author, 323 + +[Illustration: OUR CAVALRY LEADERS. + +Bayard-Davies-Gregg +Stoneman-Sheridan-Pleasonton +Buford-Kilpatrick-Custer + +J.A. O'Neill, +N.Y.] + + + + +THREE YEARS IN THE FEDERAL CAVALRY. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +THE WAR FOR THE UNION.--CONTEST BEGUN. + +1861.--Enthusiasm of the North.--Washington Threatened.--Bull Run, and + Its Lessons.--General Scott and the Cavalry.--Enlistment under + Captain Buel.--Harris Light Cavalry.--Leaving Troy, New York.-- + Captain A. N. Duffie.--Drilling and Fencing at Scarsdale, New York. + --Bound for the Seat of War.--Philadelphia.--Baltimore.-- + Washington.--Camp Oregon. + + +The eleventh of April, 1861, revealed the real intention of the Southern +people in their dastardly assault upon Fort Sumter. The thunder of Rebel +cannon shook the air not only around Charleston, but sent its thrilling +vibrations to the remotest sections of the country, and was the +precursor of a storm whose wrath no one anticipated. This shock of arms +was like a fire-alarm in our great cities, and the North arose in its +might with a grand unanimity which the South did not expect. The spirit +and principle of Rebellion were so uncaused and unprovoked, that +scarcely could any one be found at home or abroad to justify them. + +President Lincoln thereupon issued a call for seventy-five thousand men +to uphold and vindicate the authority of the Government, and to prove, +if possible, that secession was not only a heresy in doctrine, but an +impracticability in the American Republic. The response to this call was +much more general than the most sanguine had any reason to look for. The +enthusiasm of the people was quite unbounded. Individuals encouraged +individuals; families aroused families; communities vied with +communities, and States strove with States. Who could be the first and +do the most, was the noble contention which everywhere prevailed. All +political party lines seemed to be obliterated. Under this renovating +and inspiring spirit the work of raising the nucleus of the grandest +army that ever swept a continent went bravely on. Regiments were rapidly +organized and as rapidly as possible sent forward to the seat of +Government; and so vast was the number that presented themselves for +their country's defence, that the original call was soon more than +filled, and the authorities found themselves unable to accept many +organizations which were eager to press into the fray. + +Meanwhile the great leaders of the Rebellion were marshalling the hordes +of treason, and assembling them on the plains of Manassas, with the +undoubted intention of moving upon the national capital. This point +determined the principal theatre of the opening contest, and around it +on every side, and particularly southward, was to be the aceldama of +America,--the dreadful "field of blood." + +The first great impulse of the authorities was in the direction of +self-defence (and what could be more natural and proper?), and +Washington was fortified and garrisoned. This done, it was believed that +the accumulating forces of the Union, which had become thoroughly +equipped and somewhat disciplined, ought to advance into the revolted +territory, scatter the defiant hosts of the enemy, and put a speedy end +to the slaveholders' Rebellion. But the hesitation and indecision which +prevailed in our military circles were becoming oppressive and +unendurable, and hence the cry of "On to Richmond!" was heard from the +Border States to the St. Lawrence, precipitating the first general +engagement of the war. Our defeat at Bull Run was a totally unexpected +disaster, which, for a time, it was feared, would chill the enthusiasm +and greatly weaken the energy of the North. But though the South was +much strengthened and emboldened by their victory, our defeat had its +own curative elements: it taught us that the enemy was determined and +powerful, and that to overcome him the ranks of the Union army must be +filled with something besides three months' men, or men on any very +limited term of enlistment. Other lessons were also gained: our men had +formed some acquaintance with the citizens and the country; they had +learned the importance of a more thorough discipline and organization; +and those who had gone forth as to a picnic or a holiday, sat down "to +count the cost" of "enduring hardness as good soldiers." The nation +discovered that this struggle for life was desperate and even dubious, +and it was thoroughly aroused. + +Under the military regime of General Winfield Scott, the cavalry-arm of +the service had been almost entirely overlooked. His previous campaigns +in Mexico, which consisted mainly of the investments of walled cities, +and of assaults on fortresses, had not been favorable to extensive +cavalry operations, and he was not disposed at so advanced an age in +life materially to change his tactics of war. What few regiments of +cavalry we had in the regular army were mostly broken up into small +detachments for the purpose of ranging our Western frontiers, while a +few squads were patrolling between the outposts of our new army, +carrying messages from camp to camp, and pompously escorting the +commanding generals in their grand reviews and parades. + +But the Black Horse Cavalry of Virginia, at Bull Run, unmatched by any +similar force on our side, had demonstrated the efficiency and +importance of this branch of the service, and our authorities began to +change their views. The sentiment of the people at large seemed to turn +in the same channel, and a peculiar enthusiasm in this direction was +perceptible everywhere. It was as though the spirit of the old +knight-errantry had suddenly fallen upon us. + +I was in Troy, New York, when the sad intelligence of the reverse to our +arms at Bull Run, was received. This was followed quickly by another +call for volunteers, and I decided without hesitation to enter the army. +In accordance with my resolve I enlisted as a private soldier at Troy, +on the sixth day of August, 1861, in a company raised by Captain +Clarence Buel, for the cavalry service. To encounter the chivalrous +Black Horse Cavalry, of Bull Run fame, it was proposed to raise a force +in the North, and as Senator Ira Harris, of New York, was giving this +organization his patronage and influence, a brigade was formed, whose +banners should bear his name. + +Originally the regiment to which my company was assigned was intended +for the regular army, and was for some time known as the Seventh United +States Cavalry; but the Government having decided to have but six +regiments of regular cavalry, and as New York had contributed the +majority of the men to the organization, we were denominated the Second +Regiment of New York Cavalry, "Harris Light." This regiment was +organized by J. Mansfield Davies, of New York, as colonel, assisted by +Judson Kilpatrick, of New Jersey, as lieutenant-colonel. The men were +mostly from the States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, +Pennsylvania, and Indiana. + +_August 13._--To-day Captain Buel's company of Trojans was summoned +together for the purpose of leaving for the South. Under a severe, +drenching rain we were drawn up in line fronting the residence of +General John E. Wool, when the old veteran delivered a most heroic +address, which led us quite to forget the pelting rain, and prepared us +for our departure. The boys then found a very pleasant shelter on board +the Vanderbilt, bound for New York City. The day following all the New +York State men rendezvoused at 648 Broadway, and were mustered into the +service of the United States by Lieutenant-colonel D. B. Sackett, of the +regular army. At four o'clock P. M. we were ordered aboard a +train of cars, and told that our destination was Camp Howe, near +Scarsdale, twenty-four miles north of the city, between the Harlem and +East rivers. We reached the place just in time to pitch our tents for +the night--an operation which was not only new and strange, but +performed in any thing but a workman-like manner. We had every thing to +learn, and this was our first lesson in soldiering. + +Captain A. N. Duffie, of Co. A, a Frenchman and graduate of the military +school of St. Cyr, France, is in command of the camp, and is to be the +superintendent of our discipline and drill. He is undoubtedly well +qualified for this position. + +_August 16._--This morning we commenced the inevitable drill on foot, as +we are still without horses. We find this exercise very severe, and yet, +in view of its great importance, we accept it with a good degree of +relish. Our drill-master is thorough and rigidly strict, after the +fashion of the French schools. We cannot avoid learning under his +tuition. In the afternoon we were set to policing camp. This comprises +the cleaning of one of the roughest farms in the country of stone. And +as a remuneration to the owners for the use of this most unsightly of +God's forsaken ground, we are compelled to build stone fences--a very +unpleasant introduction to military life, and an occupation which by no +means accords with our ideas of a soldier's duties. But our hands toil +with a protest in our hearts, and with a certain resolve that this kind +of fencing must not long continue. + +After a week spent in drill and the stone-wall enterprise, we were all +surprised one morning with an order to fall into line to receive a +Napoleonic harangue from Captain Duffie. So many and even loud had been +our protests, and so glaringly manifest our rebellious spirit on the +subject of fortifying a farm in the State of New York, that the captain +undoubtedly feared that he might not be very zealously supported by us +in his future movements, and so, like Napoleon, on assuming command of +the army of Italy, he sought to test the devotion of his men. After +amusing us awhile in his broken English, and arousing us by his touching +appeals to our patriotism and honor, at length he shouted, "Now as many +of you as are ready to follow me to the cannon's month, take one step to +the front." This _dernier resort_ to pride was perfectly successful, and +the whole line took the desired step. We were then ordered to be ready +to leave camp at eleven o'clock that morning, which was on the twentieth +of August, assured that Washington, D. C., was our destination. + +Our ranks were quickly broken, and all due preparation made for our +departure. After marching to Scarsdale we took cars and were soon landed +in the metropolis, through the principal streets of which our command +passed to the Jersey City ferry. Without much delay we reached +Philadelphia in the evening, where we were bountifully supplied with +rations by her proverbially generous and patriotic people. True to the +instinct of "Brotherly Love," the citizens are making arrangements such +as would indicate that millions of Union soldiers might be fed at their +tables. Here we spent the night. The next morning at 6.30 we were on our +way southward. A brief halt was made in Baltimore, whose streets still +seem to be speaking of the blood of the brave Massachusetts men. And as +we march along, we can but recall the poet's prophesy: + + "And the Eagle, never dying, still is trying, still is trying, + With its wings upon the map to hide a city with its gore; + But the name is there forever, and it shall be hidden never, + While the awful brand of murder points the Avenger to its shore; + While the blood of peaceful brothers God's dread vengeance doth + implore, + Thou art doomed, O Baltimore!" + +At 4 o'clock P. M. we beheld the dome of the nation's capitol, +and, after landing, we were marched to the eastern part of the city, and +pitched tents near Camp Oregon--named thus in honor of Colonel Edward D. +Baker, who represented that Territory in the Senate of the United +States, previous to his acceptance of a military commission, and who is +now in command of the famous California regiment which occupies this +camp. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +CAMP-LIFE AND ITS INFLUENCES. + +1861.--Our unmilitary Appearance.--First Equipage.--My Black Mare.--Good + and Evil Influences.--News-Boys.--Mail-Bag.--Letter-Writing.--The + Bugle Corps.--Camp Guard.--Guerillas under Turner Ashby.--Mounted + Drill.--Laughable Experiences with Horses.--Southern Egotism.-- + Northern Fancies. + + +Drill! drill! and camp-police are the order of the day. Indeed we have +nothing else to do, and to do nothing at all is the hardest kind of +work. We expect soon to have some accoutrements to enable us to drill +something besides our feet. Our preparations for war have commenced at +the extremities; for thus far nothing but our heads and feet have been +instructed. However, as we become better acquainted with this part of +our duty we enjoy it better than at first, and we think we are making no +very mean progress. + +For some time after our arrival here, the Government was unable to +supply us with uniforms, or weapons of war, and our appearance was far +from being _a la militaire_, as Captain Duffie would have it. Coming as +we did from colleges and schools, from offices and counting-rooms, from +shops and farms, and some from no occupation at all, each with the +peculiar dress he wore when he enlisted, and already pretty well worn +out by our labors at Camp Howe and extensive travelling, we were a most +unsightly, heterogeneous mass of humanity, and were a subject of no +little sport to our better-clad fellow-soldiers. Especially was this the +case when on a certain day General B. F. Butler reviewed the troops of +this department, and we were made to appear before him and the multitude +with our hats and caps, our coats and jackets, in nearly all colors, and +many of them in rags and shags. We certainly had nothing to recommend us +to the consideration of military men, except the courageous spirit that +throbbed in our generally robust frames. But we were hopeful of better +days, when we might have the appearance and equipage as well as the +internal qualities of soldiers. + +But the Government was so wholly unprepared for war, that our supplies +were received very slowly. First came our uniforms, which every man +donned gladly, and yet with a feeling that the last link to civil life, +for the present, was severed, and that henceforth in a very peculiar +sense we belonged to our common country. + +A few days after our arrival at Camp Oregon, we were joined by the men +who belonged to our regiment from other States. This added fresh +enthusiasm, as well as new strength, to our ranks. However, there is as +yet nothing in our _tout ensemble_ to distinguish us from infantry or +artillery, except the yellow trimming of our blue uniforms, whereas the +infantry has the light-blue trimming, and the artillery bright red. + +_August 23._--To-day I am happy to make the following entry in my diary, +namely: the regiment was furnished with sabres, Colt's revolvers and +all the necessary appendages, consisting of belts and ammunition-boxes. +Every man has now a new care and pride--to keep his sabre bright, and +his entire outfit clean, that he may wear them with pleasure to himself +and honor to his comrades. The morning and evening of the 24th were +spent in sabre exercise, with which we were all delighted. This is the +first development in us of the cavalry element as such, and we begin to +feel our individuality. We desire to have this growth continue +uninterruptedly, and in aid of it, in the early part of September, came +quite a large installment of horses and equipments. This occurred while +the regiment occupied a camp about three miles from Washington, on the +Bladensburg road, which we named Sussex, in honor of Sussex county, New +York, our colonel's native county. As the number of horses furnished us +at this time was not sufficient to mount the whole command, the number +received by each company was proportioned to the maximum roll of its +men. After the non-commissioned officers of each company, including all +the sergeants and corporals, had drawn their horses according to rank, +the privates were made to draw lots for the remainder--a performance +which produced no little amount of excitement. + +Several of our comrades were of course unfortunately compelled for +several days to march on foot, though much against their wishes; for +nothing could be more humiliating to a dragoon than to be trudging +through the mud and dust, while his companions were gliding past him +with their neighing steeds, on their way to the drill-grounds, or to +any other post of duty. It was my good fortune to be the recipient of a +beautiful black mare, only five years old, full of life and fiery metal, +fourteen hands high, and weighing ten hundred pounds. She was a gem for +the cavalry service, or any thing else, and a friendship was to grow up +between us worthy of historic mention. + +We are now fairly out upon the ocean of our new life, and are beginning +to feel its influence. It does not take the careful observer long to +notice the effects which outward changes and circumstances have upon the +characters of most men. Indeed, no man remains unaffected by them; he +either advances or retrogrades, and it is very apparent already among us +that while soldiering does make some men, it _un_ makes many. The very +lowest stratum of life among us, such as represents the loungers in the +streets and lanes of our cities,--those who have neither occupation nor +culture, is amazingly influenced for the better by military discipline. +These men now find themselves with something to do, and with somebody to +make them do it. The progress is very slow, it is true, and in some +cases exceptional, but this is evidently the general tendency. + +But on the other hand, our regiment is made up partly of young men from +respectable families, reared under the influences of a pure morality; +but they find that the highest standard of morality presented here is +much lower than they were wont to have at home, and they soon begin to +waver. Thus having lost their first moorings of character, they start +downward, and in many instances are precipitated to horrible depths. + + "When once a shaking monarchy declines, + Each thing grows bold and to its fall combines." + +Only a very few have sufficient force in themselves to effectually +resist these evils. It must be remembered that the wholesome and normal +restraints of virtuous female society are wholly removed from us. And +from what we daily see around us we are convinced that a colony of men +only, however virtuous or moral, would in a short time run into utter +barbarism. No candid observer can doubt the teaching of the old +scripture, that "it is not good for man to be alone." + +Moreover, the friends and associates of our childhood's innocence, whose +presence always calls forth the purest memories, are not with us; nor do +we feel the almost omnipotent influences of the old school-house +gatherings, of the church-going bell, and of the home-fireside. When you +sever all these ties and helps to a moral life, and throw a man in the +immediate association of the vicious, he must be only a little less than +an angel not to fall. Here we are all dressed alike, live alike, and are +all subject to like laws and discipline. The very man who shares our +blanket and tent-cover, who draws rations from the same kettle, who +drinks from the same canteen, and with whom we are compelled to come in +contact daily, may be the veriest poltroon, whose diploma shows +graduation at the Five Points, and whose presence alone is morally +miasmatic. Consequently our camp is infested more or less with gambling, +drunkenness, and profanity, and all their train of attending evils, and +at times we long for campaigning in the field, where it seems to us we +may rid ourselves of this demoralization. Hannibal's toilsome marches +across the Alps and through Upper Italy only gave hardihood and courage +to his legions, who came thundering at the very gates of Rome, and +threatening its immediate overthrow; but a winter's camp-life at Capua +left them shorn of their strength. + +But then we have remedial influences even in camp, and we hail them with +no little delight. Daily the news-boys make their appearance, calling +out: "Washington Chronicle and New York papers!" They enjoy an extensive +patronage. With these sheets many moments are pleasantly spent, as their +columns are eagerly perused. Then, following hard on the track of the +news-boys, comes our adjutant's orderly or courier with a mail-bag full +of letters, precious mementos from the loved ones at home. These +messages are the best reminders we have of our home-life, especially +when they are brim-full, as is usually the case, with patriotic +sparkling, and with affection's purest libations. These letters have a +double influence; while they keep the memories of home more or less +bright within us, and at times so bright that as we read we can almost +see our mothers, wives, and sisters in their tender Christian solicitude +for us, they also stimulate us to greater improvements in the epistolary +art. Men who never wrote a letter in their lives before, are at it now; +those who cannot write at all, are either learning, or engage their +comrades to write for them, and the command is doing more writing in +one day than, I should judge, we used to do in a month, and, perhaps, a +year. + +No sooner are the contents of the mail-bag distributed, and devoured by +the eager newsmongers, than active preparations are made for responding. +Some men carry pocket-inkstands and write with pens, but the majority +use pencils. Here you see one seated on a stump or fence, addressing his +"sweet-heart" or somebody else; another writes standing up against a +tree, while a third is lying flat on the ground. Thus either in the +tents or in the open air, scribbling is going on, and the return mail +will carry many sweet words to those who cannot be wholly forgotten. I +suppose in this way we are not only making, but writing history. +Camp-life then is not entirely monotonous. + + +THE BUGLE-CORPS. + +Sights and sounds of interest may be seen and heard at almost every hour +of the day. The morning is ushered in with the shrill reveille, which +means awake and arise. This is well executed by our bugle-corps, which +Captain Duffie has organized, and is drilling thoroughly. All our +movements are now ordered by the bugle. By its blast we are called to +our breakfast, dinner and supper. Roll-call is sounded twice a day, and +the companies fall into line, when the first sergeants easily ascertain +whether every man is at his post of duty. The bugle calls the sick, and +sometimes those who feign to be, to the surgeon's quarters, and their +wants and woes are attended to. By the bugle we are summoned to +inspections, to camp-guard, to the feeding and watering of our horses +and to drill. A peculiarly shrill call is that which brings all the +first or orderly sergeants to the adjutant's quarters to receive any +special order he may have to communicate. + +Thus call after call is sounded at intervals throughout the day, ending +with "taps," which is the signal for blowing out the lights, and seeking +the rest which night demands. + + +CAMP GUARD. + +Our principal duties now are camp guard and drill, which we perform by +turns. Every morning quite a large force is detailed, with a +commissioned officer in command, for guard duty. These form a line of +dismounted pickets, or vedettes, around the entire camp. They are +stationed within sight and hailing distance of each other, enabling them +to prevent any one from leaving or entering camp without a written pass +in the day-time, or the countersign at night. The rule is to have each +man stand post for two hours, when he is relieved. This is the maximum +time, and is sometimes made less at the discretion of the commandant. + +We are told, as we perform this duty, that it is not very unlike the +picketing that will be required of us if we are ever permitted to take +the field which confronts the enemy. Indeed, this is picketing on a +small scale. And our enthusiasm in this branch of our work increases, as +we are almost daily in receipt of accounts of attacks on our pickets +along the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Cumberland +Canal. It appears that a certain Colonel Turner Ashby, with a force of +cavaliers (?) acting as guerillas, singly and in squads, is nightly +endeavoring to sever our telegraph wires, to burn our railroad-bridges, +and to destroy the canal, or fire at our men on the passing boats; and +not unfrequently we read of skirmishes in which several of our pickets +have been either captured, wounded, or killed. Of course, we expect +before long to face Mr. Ashby and his confederates, and we are preparing +ourselves for it. + + +MOUNTED DRILL. + +But this we do specially in the drill. Recently the balance of our men +were gladdened with a full supply of horses. Mounted drill is now the +general order, and nearly all our time not otherwise occupied is devoted +to this exercise. At first we had some exciting times with our young and +untrained horses. One of our men received a kick from his horse which +proved fatal to his life. Several of our wildest and seemingly +incorrigible ones we have been compelled to run up the steepest hills in +the vicinity, under the wholesome discipline of sharp spurs, until the +evil has been sweated out of them. We find, however, that the trouble is +not only with the horses, but frequently with the men, many of whom have +never bridled a horse nor touched a saddle. And then, too, these curbed +bits in the mouths of animals that had been trained with the common +bridle, produced a most rebellious temper, causing many of them to rear +up in the air as though they had suddenly been transformed into +monstrous kangaroos, while the riders showed signs of having taken +lessons in somersets. Some of the scenes are more than ludicrous. Horses +and men are acting very awkwardly, also, with the guiding of the animal +by the rein against the neck, and not by the bit, as we were accustomed +to do at home. + +We do not wonder much that the chivalrous Black Horse gentry have +expressed their contempt of Northern "mudsills and greasy mechanics," +and have made their brags that we could never match them. But then it is +said that these Southrons were born in a saddle, and were always trained +in horsemanship. They generally perform their pleasure excursions, go on +their business journeys, and even to church, on horseback. They were +therefore prepared for the cavalry service, before we had so much as +_thought_ of it. But let them beware of what they think or say, for _we +can learn_, and it does frequently occur that somewhere in the +experience of contending parties, "the first is last, and the last +first." + +We are improving rapidly. There is so much exhilaration in the shrill +bugle-notes which order the movements of the drill, and so much life in +its swift evolutions, that the men and horses seem to dance rather than +walk on their way to the drill grounds, and both are readily learning +the certain sounds of the trumpet, and becoming masters of motions and +dispositions required of them. Like all other apprentices, of course, we +occasionally indulge in the reveries of imagination, and we think we are +laying the foundation of a career which is destined to be important and +glorious. Be this as it may, we do not mean to be outstripped by any one +in our knowledge and practice of cavalry tactics, and of the general +manoeuvrings of war. + +[Illustration: CAVALRY COLUMN ON THE MARCH.] + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +PREPARATIONS FOR ACTIVE SERVICE. + +1861.--First Advance.--"Contrabands," their Hopes and Treatment.--Union + Ranks Filling Up.--Promotion.--Foraging and its Obstacles.--Scouting + and its Aim.--Senator Harris visits the Command.--Ball's Bluff. + --Recruiting Service.--Interesting Incidents.--Camp Palmer.-- + "Contrabands" at Work.--Drilling near Arlington Heights.--Colonel + George D. Bayard.--Fight at Drainesville. + + +October 15, 1861.--The Harris Light broke camp at eight o'clock, A. M., +and marched proudly through Washington, crossed the famous Long +Bridge over the Potomac, and moved forward to Munson's Hill, in full +view of our infantry outposts, where we established a new camp, calling +it "Advance." For the first time our horses remained saddled through the +night, and the men slept on their arms. To us this was a new and +exciting phase of life. + +Since our retreat from Bull Run, the Rebel army has made itself +formidable on this line, and though no active movements have been +attempted on Washington, we are, nevertheless, apprehensive of such a +measure on their part. Hence our picket lines are doubly strong and +vigilant, while every means is resorted to to ascertain the position, +strength, and intention of our wily foe. + +Frequently "contrabands" feel their way through the enemy's pickets +under cover of the night, and through the tangled brushwood which +abounds, and reach our lines safely. From them we gain much valuable +information of the state of things in "Dixie." Some of them, we learn, +were employed by Rebel leaders in constructing forts and earthworks, and +in various ways were made to contribute muscle to the Southern +Confederacy. They have strange and exciting stories to tell us, and yet +it seems as though they might be of great service to us, if we saw fit +to employ them, as guides in our movements. Their heart is with us in +this conflict. They hail us as friends, and entertain wild notions about +a jubilee of liberty, for which they are ever praying and singing, and +look upon us as their deliverers. How they have formed such opinions is +somewhat difficult to conjecture, especially when we consider the +anomalous treatment they have received from our hands. The authorities +have seemed to be puzzled with regard to them; and there are cases where +they have even been returned to their former owners. And yet there seems +to be an instinctive prophecy in their natures, which leads them to look +to Northmen for freedom. Their presence in our camps becomes a sort of +inspiration to most of us, and we only wish that their prayers may be +answered, and that every chain of servitude may be broken. This +sentiment at times breaks out in such as the following poetic strain: + + "In the beauty of the lily Christ was born across the sea, + With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me + As He died to make men holy, let us die to make them free." + +And as slavery was the cause, and not, as some say, the pretext, of the +war, if the Union arms succeed, this "irrepressible conflict" and +villanous wrong must come to an end. + +Our confidence in the ultimate success of our arms is daily increasing. +Since the first of August our ranks have been wonderfully swelled; and +now regiment after regiment, battery after battery, is pouring in from +the North, filling the camps of instruction, and manning the +fortifications around Washington. Meanwhile, earthworks are being +constructed on all the high hills and commanding positions; strong +abatis are made of the forest-trees, and every thing done that can give +the city an air of security, and the country round about the appearance +of a bristling porcupine. Should this influx of troops continue, we +shall be compelled to advance our lines for very room on which to +station them. We have some intimations that our advance to this point +to-day is preparatory to such a movement. + +The day following our advance I was promoted to the rank of corporal, on +the recommendation of Captain Buel, my appointment to date from the +fifteenth. On the sixteenth our lines were advanced to Vienna, a station +on the Leesburg Railroad, and on the seventeenth as far as Fairfax Court +House, the Confederates falling back toward Centreville and Manassas +without offering the least resistance. + + +FORAGING AND SCOUTING. + +We are spending our time mostly in foraging, scouting, and patrolling. +In consequence of imperfect transportation, the cavalry especially is +compelled to seek its own forage, with which, however, the country +abounds. Corn is found in "right smart heaps," as the natives say, +either in the fields or barns, and hayricks dot the country on every +side. But there is a certain degree of scrupulousness on the part of +some of our commanders with regard to appropriating the produce of the +"sacred soil" to our own use, which greatly embarrasses our foraging +expeditions, and exasperates not a little those of us who are needy of +the things we are at times ordered not to take. It is no uncommon thing +to find one of our men stationed as safeguard over the property of a +most bitter Rebel--property which, in our judgment, ought to be +confiscated to the use of the Union, or utterly destroyed. We do not +believe in handling Rebels with kid gloves, and especially when we know +that the very men whom we protect are constantly giving information to +the enemy of all our movements, and using their property whenever they +can to aid and comfort the cause of treason. We are too forcibly +reminded of the fable we used to read in our schoolboy days, of the +Farmer and the Viper. We are only warming into new life and strength +this virus of Rebellion, to have it recoil upon ourselves. We hope our +authorities will soon discover their error, and change their tactics. + +Our scouting is on a limited scale, though it affords considerable +exercise and excitement. Thereby we are learning the topography of the +country, and making small maps of the same. We are traversing the +forests, through the wood-roads and by-paths which run in every +direction; strolling by the streams and ravines, and gaining all the +information which can be of use to us in future manoeuvrings. We +scout in small squads over the entire area occupied by our forces, and +often beyond; and, now and then, more frequently in the night, we patrol +between our picket posts, to ascertain that all is well at the points +most exposed to danger. The principal object of scouting is to learn the +strength and position of the enemy, while the object of patrolling is to +learn our own. + +_October 20._--To-day the regiment was honored by a visit from its +patron, Senator Ira Harris. After witnessing a mounted drill and parade, +which pleased him much, he presented us a beautiful stand of colors, +accompanied by an appropriate and eloquent address. He made especial +reference to the object of the organization, the hopes of its friends, +and their earnest prayers for its future usefulness and success. He +dwelt enthusiastically upon the work before us. At the close of the +speech the command responded with a rousing round of cheers, expressive +of their thankfulness for the banner and of their determination to keep +it, to stand by it, and to defend it even with their lives. The occasion +was one to be remembered. + + +BALL'S BLUFF. + +Another great pall of sadness has fallen upon our soldiers. The papers +bring intelligence of our terrible disaster at Ball's Bluff, and the +promising Colonel E. D. Baker has fallen, while gallantly leading his +noble Californians. Discussions as to the cause or causes of that fatal +advance and bloody retreat are going on throughout our camps. It does +seem to many as though gross incompetency or treachery must have +influenced the authorities having immediate oversight of the affair, and +that our fallen braves have been needlessly immolated upon their +country's altar. + + "Big Bethel, Bull Run, and Ball's Bluff, + Oh, alliteration of blunders! + Of blunders more than enough, + In a time full of blunders and wonders." + +But the boys are enthusiastic over the bravery of our nineteen hundred, +who fought against a force more than twice their number, with all the +advantage of position and knowledge of the country. All our battles have +proven that our men can fight, and, though Providence seems to have been +against us thus far, for reasons most inscrutable, we will not waver in +our determination to dare or die in the contest. Our chief difficulties +are not in the rank and file of the army, but in the general management +of the forces, and we trust that ere long right men will be found to +take the places of incompetent ones. + + +RECRUITING SERVICE. + +_October 28._--To-day I was detailed by Colonel Davies to proceed to New +York with Lieutenant Morton, on recruiting service. We went on to +Newburgh, near the lieutenant's native home, where we spent a few days +together, but on the first of November I was ordered to Troy, to act +independently. I spent several weeks in this peculiar work, and with +good success. + +Though recruiting offices could be found on all the principal streets +of our cities and villages, yet a good business was done by them all, +such was the enthusiasm which prevailed among the people. War-meetings +were frequently held, and addressed by our best orators. The press, with +few exceptions, poured forth its eloquent appeals to the strong-bodied +men of the country to range themselves on the side of right against +wrong. Violence would be done to truth did we not mention, also, that +the pulpits of the land were potent helpers in this work, by their +religious patriotism and persistent efforts to keep the great issue +distinctly before the people. Thus the mind and heart of the North were +kept alive to the great problem of the nation's existence, and men were +rallying to our standard. It was no uncommon thing to receive +applications to enter our lists from young men or boys too young and +slender to be admitted, who left our offices in tears of disappointment, +unless we could find for them a position as drummers and buglers. + +A single instance of enlistment under my observation might be mentioned, +as it gives a specimen of the manner in which our work went on. Having +taken passage on the cars one day from one point of my labors to +another, I fell in with a young man who was on his way to college, where +he expected to be matriculated the following day. His valise was full of +books and other students' requisites, and his heart full of literary +ambition. Attracted to me by my uniform, he soon learned my business, +and, after a few moments of pensiveness, to my surprise, he told me to +inscribe his name among my recruits. Then turning to a friend on board +the car, he said, "Take this trunk to my home, and tell my mother I have +enlisted in a cavalry regiment." + +_December 4._--To-day I returned from recruiting service, bringing with +me our enlisted men who had not been sent previously to the regiment. I +found the Harris Light occupying Camp Palmer, on Arlington Heights, the +confiscated property of the Rebel General Robert E. Lee. On arriving in +camp I found that the papers from Washington contained a letter of +Secretary Seward, directing General McClellan not to return to their +former owners contrabands in our lines. This order, when fully +understood by our colored friends, will undoubtedly increase their exit +"from Egypt," as many of them style their escape from bondage. The +government will probably adopt measures to give these fugitives +systematic assistance and labor, that they may be of use to us. Already +I find that a goodly number of our officers have adopted them for cooks +and hostlers, in which positions they certainly excel; and there is no +good reason why we may not employ them as teamsters on our trains and +helpers in our trenches. They are generally very powerful, and show +signs of great endurance. Nor do we find them unwilling to labor, as we +have been so often told they were. However, we do not wonder much that +they have acquired the "reputation" of being lazy, for what but a thing +or an animal could take pleasure in unrequited toil? Now they have a +personal interest, and take a peculiar delight in what they do for us. +Their great willingness and ability to work for Uncle Sam or any of his +boys, would indicate that they will become eminently useful in the +service of their country. + +From Camp Palmer the regiment had gone out to drill for some time; and +here we continued through the month, generally occupying the large plain +which lies between the Arlington House and the Potomac, and in full view +of Washington. On this field Kilpatrick, Davies, Duffie, and others, +began to develop their soldierly qualities, infusing them into their +commands, and imparting that knowledge of cavalry tactics which would +prepare us for the stern duties of war. We have recently been greatly +encouraged by the movements of Colonel George Dashiel Bayard, of the +First Pennsylvania Cavalry, who, on the 27th of November, while on a +scout on the road to Leesburg, Loudon county, met a band of the Chivalry +near Drainesville, with whom he had a spirited skirmish. The whole +affair would indicate that Colonel Bayard is destined to be no mean +cavalry leader. Cavalry regiments from most of the loyal States have +been organized, and are now in camps of instruction. Occasionally they +go out scouting, picketing, etc., and are thus preparing for the coming +campaigns. + +_December 20._--To-day a brigade of Pennsylvanians, including two +squadrons of Colonel Bayard's cavalry regiment, the whole force under +command of General E. O. C. Ord, while foraging in the vicinity of +Drainesville, were attacked by a Rebel force nearly equal in numbers, +with General J. E. B. Stuart commanding in person. A lively contest +followed, in which the Rebels were thoroughly beaten and driven from the +field, losing, according to their own accounts, about two hundred and +fifty in killed, wounded, and captured. They left twenty-five dead +horses on the field, with the debris of two caissons, disabled and +exploded by the well-directed fire of Easton's battery, which +accompanied the expedition. The Rebels, who had undoubtedly come out for +the purpose of forage as well as ourselves, having a long wagon train, +retreated toward Fairfax Court House, with their wagons laden with their +wounded. Our loss includes only nine killed and sixty wounded. +Unimportant as this victory might seem, it caused an immense rejoicing +in the Union ranks. It was a fitting answer to the calumny heaped upon +us from both North and South, that our soldiers could not fight, and +were no match for their boastful enemy. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +THE ADVANCE TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK. + +1862.--"All quiet along the Potomac."--Preparations.--Army of the Potomac + Moves!--Capture of the "Quaker Guns" at Centreville.--Return to + Defences.--Guerillas.--Their Attacks and Stratagems.--The Bovine + Foe.--Picketing; how it is done.--Sufferings.--McClellan to the + Peninsula.--Virginia Weather and the People.--General Augur's Advance + to the Rappahannock.--Lieutenant Decker's Bravery and Death.--Night + Charge on Falmouth Heights.--Fredericksburg Surrenders.--How Citizens + regard us.--Guarding a Train to Thoroughfare Gap.--Fight and Captures + at Flipper's Orchard.--Shenandoah Valley.--The Fifth New York + Cavalry, First Ira Harris' Guard.--Death of Turner Ashby.--Strange + Cavalry Tactics.--Personal Bravery of Captain Hammond.--End of the + Peninsular Campaign. + + +The winter was one of preparation, not of operation. Why we were kept +"all quiet along the Potomac," until the announcement, reiterated +through the press, elicited only disdainful merriment among our friends, +was never satisfactorily explained. The month of December had been +beautiful, the roads in excellent condition, the army well supplied and +disciplined, so that nothing but hesitancy in our leaders stood in the +way of army movements. The North and West, which had supplied myriads of +men and millions of money, were becoming very impatient with such a +state of things. This feeling was intensified by the fact that it was +known that the enemy was tireless in his efforts to increase his army +and to fortify his strongholds, while he was also gaining the sympathy +of foreign powers, and, by means of blockade-running, was adding not a +little to his munitions of war. The army shared largely this general +discontent. "Why do we not advance?" was every where the interrogation +of eager officers and men. + +However, we were not wholly unemployed; for while we waited for +reinforcements and cannon, as demanded by the general in command, and +for the leaves to fall from the trees to facilitate movements in a +country so thickly wooded as is Virginia, we were kept busy with the +camp curriculum, namely, the drill, the guard, the inspection, and +parade. General Lee's plantation, on Arlington Heights, and the +surrounding country, was thoroughly trodden by loyal feet, as men and +horses were acquiring the form and power of military life. + + +THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. + +But our quiet was to be broken by our grand advance, which commenced on +the 3d of March. The Harris Light broke camp at three o'clock in the +morning, and, with several regiments of cavalry, under the command of +Colonel W. W. Averill, led the advance, the Harris Light having the +position of honor as vanguard. We were ordered to move slowly and +cautiously, which we did, on the main thoroughfare known as the Little +River Turnpike, and, at four o'clock, P. M., we arrived at Fairfax Court +House, having marched only about fourteen miles. + +What was our surprise to find the place entirely deserted by the enemy, +who had left the day previous with the design of retiring beyond the +Rappahannock. This change of affairs seemed so sudden as to be full of +mystery, and was wholly unknown even to our secret corps. We could not +doubt but that this movement was performed in anticipation of some of +our contemplated manoeuvrings, of which the Rebel leaders are +generally informed by their spies in Washington and all through our +lines, even before they are known to our army. + +Our march was resumed the following day at ten o'clock A. M., and early +in the afternoon we captured the "Quaker Guns" at Centreville. The enemy +had actually placed in the earthworks or forts which commanded the road, +large trunks of trees, resembling cannon of heavy calibre, which frowned +down upon us from the heights. Had it not been for the information we +had received from contrabands on the march, that the enemy had evacuated, +a report confirmed by the curling smoke which rose from various parts of +the field, this formidable array of threatening cannon would have +terrified us all, and greatly retarded our progress. Indeed, it was not +till after the suspicious works had been thoroughly scanned with +field-glasses that we were ordered to advance, when the strong position +was carried without the snapping of a cap, or a sabre stroke. Chagrin +was written upon every face. Not a sign of the enemy was visible, save +the deserted remains of their winter-quarters, which fell into our hands. + +A very brief halt was here made, and, hurrying our steps, we soon +crossed the memorable Bull Run, and came up with the rearguard of the +retiring army at Manassas Junction. Here we pitched into them, and +kicked up a little dust on the road to Bristoe. This expedition, or +wild-goose chase, was continued to Warrenton Junction, where General +George D. Stoneman found the enemy in force, but returned without +attacking them. Having loitered about these historic fields a few days, +our whole force began to fall back towards its old position on the +Potomac, establishing our advanced picket-lines, however, as far forward +as Centreville, with Fairfax Court House as headquarters. Our line of +pickets intercepts the Leesburg turnpike at Drainesville and extends to +the Potomac, a distance of about twenty miles. + + +GUERILLAS AND BUSHWHACKERS. + +As guerillas and their brethren, the bushwhackers, infest the country +more or less, picketing is dangerous as well as difficult. Between the +Rappahannock and the Potomac lies a vast territory which abounds in +creeks, marshes, deep, dark forests, with only here and there a village +or settlement. A little to the west of this plain extend the Bull Run +Mountains, with their ravines and caverns. This is a very fit +hiding-place for mischief-makers. The guerillas consist mostly of +farmers and mechanics, residents of this region, who, by some means, are +exempt from the Rebel conscription. Most of them follow their usual +avocations daring the day, and have their rendezvous at night, where +they congregate to lay their plans of attack on the pickets. + +They resort to every stratagem which a vile and savage spirit could +inspire. Sometimes a picket is approached by the stealthiest creeping +through the dark thickets, when the unfortunate sentinel is seized and +quickly despatched by a bowie-knife, or other like weapon, which a +Southron can always use most dexterously. When mere stealth cannot +accomplish the task, other methods are used. For instance, on a dark +night, a vedette, stationed by a thick underbrush, heard a cow-bell +approaching him, and supposing that the accompanying rustle of leaves +and crackling of dry limbs was occasioned by a bovine friend, +unwittingly suffered himself to be captured by a bushwhacker. But the +boys soon learned to be suspicious of every noise they heard; so much +so, that one night a picket, hearing footsteps approaching him, cried +out, "Halt! Who comes there?" His carbine was instantly brought to a +ready, and as no halt occurred nor answer was made, a second challenge +was given; but failing to effect any thing, he fired in the direction of +the noise, when he distinctly heard a heavy fall, and then groans, as of +somebody dying. The sergeant of the post, running up to ascertain the +cause of the alarm, found that an unfortunate ox, that had been grazing +his way through the forest, lay dying, with his forehead perforated by +the faithful sentry's bullet. The incident caused considerable +merriment, and the pickets were supplied with poor Confederate beef +during the remainder of their term of duty. + +But the attacks are frequently of a more disastrous character, resulting +in the killing of men and horses, in wounds and in captures. The utmost +care and strictest vigilance cannot secure us perfectly from +depredations. Our general plan is as follows: The major part of the +regiment or picket detail establishes what we denominate the "main +reserve" within a mile or two in rear of the centre of the line of +vedettes, or at a point where their assistance, in case of an attack, +can be secured at any place in the line, at the shortest possible +notice. About midway between the main reserve and the picket line are +stationed two, three, or four picket reliefs, so situated as to form, +with the line of vedettes for a base, a pyramid, with its apex at the +main reserve. + + +PICKET DUTY. + +The boys will not soon forget the long, dreary, dangerous hours they +spent along this line. Here we find ourselves shivering around a +miserable fire among the sighing pines (though in times of special +danger we are not permitted to have even this slight comfort, for fear +of detection), often compelled to sit or lie down in snow or mud, or to +walk about smartly to prevent freezing to death. Sometimes, when much +exhausted, we have laid ourselves down on the damp and muddy ground, +which was frozen stiffly all around us when we awoke. Frozen fingers and +toes are no uncommon things. + +In this wretched plight we hear the summons to get ready to stand post. +We go out upon our shivering horses, to sit in the saddle for two hours +or more, facing the biting wind, and peering through the storm of sleet, +snow, or rain, which unmercifully pelts us in its fury. But it were well +for us if this was our worst enemy, and we consider ourselves happy if +the guerilla does not creep through bushes impenetrable to the sight, +to inflict his mortal blows. The two hours expire, relief comes, and the +vedette returns to spend his four, six, or eight hours off post, as best +he may. + +Once, at least, during the night, we are visited by the grand guard, +which consists of the officer of the day, accompanied by others, whose +duty it is to make a thorough, though usually swift, inspection of the +picket line. Most of our time is spent in this duty. + +_March 29._--Considerable excitement prevailed among us to-day, as +Colonel Bayard was dispatched with a detachment of his regiment to +repulse a dastardly raid made by some of General J. E. B. Stuart's men, +on the house of a Mrs. Tenant, a Union lady, residing near Difficult +Run, about six miles from Chain Bridge. Colonel Bayard reached the place +a few moments too late, and the raiders succeeded in taking Mrs. Tenant +as a prisoner, and making off with their prey. + +For several weeks the main portion of our grand army has been sent by +transports to the Peninsula, with the evident intention of moving upon +Richmond by shorter land routes than by way of Manassas. This change in +our plans of attack was probably known by the Rebels before they were +matured at Washington, and we now understand why they so quietly +evacuated their positions on our front. + +General McDowell remains in command of the defences of Washington, with +a force sufficient, it is believed, to give safety to the Capital, and +to harass the Rebels who continue before us. With the departure of +General McClellan to the Peninsula, our picket lines were withdrawn to +Annandale and Falls Church, within a few miles of the fortifications of +Washington. + + +THE ATMOSPHERE AND THE PEOPLE. + +_April 4._--The Harris Light and the First Pennsylvania Cavalry were +recalled from the picket lines and sent out on a reconnoissance in +force, with a division in command of General McDowell. Our march led us +through Fairfax Court House and Centreville, near which we bivouacked +for the night. + +Already, at this early spring time, a luxurious vegetable growth of +green is beautifully carpeting the fields through which we pass and in +which we halt. Flowers of great beauty and variety of hues and sweetness +of perfume greet us on every hand. It would seem as though Nature were +struggling to hide the desolations which war has made, and were weaving +her chaplets of honor around the graves of our fallen brothers. And it +really seems as though Destruction himself had contributed to this +lavish growth. Thus, + + "Life evermore is fed by death, + In earth, or sea, or sky; + And, that a rose may breathe its breath, + Something must die." + +On the fifth we continued on our march to Bristoe Station, on the Orange +and Alexandria Railroad, where we encountered one of the most furious +snow storms ever known in this region of country. The wind which bore +the snow was cold and cutting. It was a season never to be forgotten by +those who were quartered in mere shelter tents, or had no tents at all. + +So sudden are the changes of the atmosphere here that "no man knoweth +what a moment may bring forth." Yesterday we sought shelter from the +sun's heat under the budding trees, while grass and flowers and singing +birds indicated settled weather. To-day the storm howls music through +the bending pines, and snow several inches deep covers the earth. + +We are thoroughly convinced that the character of the people here +greatly partakes of the nature of these surroundings. Is not this the +case everywhere? But we see it here more plainly than we ever did +before. The people are fitful, and their spasms are terrible; and yet we +find them at times to be as kind and hospitable as any we have ever +found elsewhere. After one has witnessed their beautiful days, cooled +with a gentle sea-breeze, which generally blows from about nine o'clock +in the morning till six at night, and then their cool, calm evenings, he +can see why there are so many lovely traits in the nature of the people. +But if he experience some of their sudden and terrific snow storms and +showers, when the thunder and the lightning are such that a Northerner +feels that all the storms he has ever witnessed are only infantile +attempts, he is inclined to extenuate, on mere climactic principles, the +outbursts of wrath, and "fire-eating" propensities of the people. He who +is gendered of fire and brimstone must have some vim in his composition. +We believe this study is not unworthy the Christian philosopher and +philanthropist. + +The day following the storm, the sun came out warmly, and the snow +suddenly disappeared, but left us in a bed of mud. The soil, naturally +rich and tender, consisting of a reddish loam, trodden by many feet, and +cut by the wheels of heavy vehicles, became almost impassable. But it +has this advantage, that it soon dries. So the soil, as well as the +atmosphere and the people, is suddenly changeable. + +_April 7._--To-day our expedition continued its march to Catlett's +Station, a few miles south of Bristoe. General Augur commands the +advance, which consists of a brigade of infantry and two regiments of +cavalry. + +On the eighth of the month a detachment of the Harris Light was ordered +out on picket at six o'clock P. M., and we enjoyed a quiet, pleasant +trip on this usually unpleasant duty. Here we spent a few days picketing, +scouting and patrolling, and on the seventeenth we advanced from +Catlett's in the direction of Falmouth, on the Rappahannock. + + +DEATH OF LIEUTENANT DECKER. + +Our march was rapid and lay through a country altogether new to us, +which, however, presented no very interesting features. The Harris Light +had the advance, and was followed by the Fourteenth Brooklyn. As our +infantry comrades became foot-sore and weary, we exchanged positions +with them, for mutual relief, until at last one half of the regiments +were bearing one another's burdens. This incident paved the way for a +strong friendship to grow up between us. + +Seventeen miles were travelled quietly, when a sudden fire on our +advance-guard brought every cavalry man to his horse and infantry man to +his musket. Every thing assumed the signs of a fight. Kilpatrick, who +was in command of the regiment, ordered his band to the rear. This +precaution of the commander was no sooner taken than the vanguard, in +command of Lieutenant George Decker, was making a furious charge upon +Field's Cavalry, which was doing outpost duty ten miles from Falmouth. +On the very first assault Lieutenant Decker fell from his horse, pierced +through the heart with a fatal bullet. He was a daring young man, well +formed, light complexion, blue eyes, and about twenty-three years of +age. He was much lamented by his many friends. His fall, shocking as it +was to the command, being our first fatal casualty, only seemed to nerve +the men for bold revenge. And we had it. Like chaff before the whirlwind +the outpost was quickly scattered, and the whole regiment entered upon +its first charge with a will, a charge which continued for several miles +with wild excitement. Picket reliefs and reserves were swept away like +forest trees before the avalanche, and we fell upon their encampment +before time had been afforded them for escape. Here we captured several +men and horses, with large quantities of stores, and then rested our +tired steeds and fed them with confederate forage. The men enjoyed the +captured rations. It was near night, and as the sun disappeared the +infantry force came up to our newly-possessed territory. + +The cavalry was ordered to "stand to horse," and a strong picket was +thrown out to prevent any surprise attack or flanking movement of the +enemy. In the early part of the evening one of our pickets was surprised +by the friendly approach of a citizen of Falmouth, who had come, as he +said, "to hail once more the 'old star-spangled banner,' and to greet +his loyal brethren of the North." + +Such a patriotic and fearless individual among the white population of +that section of country was a great rarity, and his protestations of +friendship were at first received with some suspicion. He was, however, +brought to General Augur's headquarters, where he gave satisfactory +proof of his kind intentions, and then gave the General a full +description of the position and strength of the enemy. + + +NIGHT ATTACK ON FALMOUTH HEIGHTS. + +A plan for a night attack was thereupon laid and committed to Bayard and +Kilpatrick. Our instructions were conveyed to us in a whisper. A +beautiful moonlight fell upon the scene, which was as still as death; +and with a proud determination the two young cavalry chieftains moved +forward to the night's fray. Bayard was to attack on the main road in +front, but not until Kilpatrick had commenced operations on their right +flank by a detour through a neglected and narrow wood-path. As the +Heights were considered well nigh impregnable, it was necessary to +resort to some stratagem, for which Kilpatrick showed a becoming +aptness. + +Having approached to within hearing distance of the Rebel pickets, but +before we were challenged, Kilpatrick shouted with his clear voice +which sounded like a trumpet on the still night air. + +[Illustration: NIGHT ATTACK ON FALMOUTH HEIGHTS.] + +"Bring up your artillery in the centre, and infantry on the left." + +"Well, but, Colonel," replied an honest, though rather obtuse captain, +"we haven't got any inf----" + +"Silence in the ranks!" commanded the leader. "Artillery in the centre, +infantry on the left." + +The pickets caught and spread the alarm, and thus greatly facilitated +our hazardous enterprise. + +"Charge!" was the order which then thrilled the ranks and echoed through +the dark, dismal woods, and the column swept up the rugged Heights in +the midst of blazing cannon and rattling musketry. So steep was the +ascent that not a few saddles slipped off the horses, precipitating +their riders into a creek which flowed lazily at the base of the hill; +while others fell dead and dying, struck by the missiles of destruction +which at times filled the air. But the red field was won; and the enemy, +driven at the point of the sabre fled unceremoniously down the Heights, +through Falmouth, and over the bridge which spanned the Rappahannock, +burning the beautiful structure behind them to prevent pursuit. Quite a +number of prisoners and various materials of war fell into our hands. +Kilpatrick and Bayard were both highly complimented for their personal +bravery on the occasion. + +_April 18._--This morning, at eight o'clock, General Augur took peaceful +possession of Falmouth; and here, with military honors, the remains of +Lieutenant Decker and about fifteen others, who fell in the late +struggle, were interred. Later in the day, and after considerable +hesitation, the mayor of Fredericksburg formally surrendered the city to +the Yankee General, whose guns on Falmouth Heights commanded obedience. + +A bridge of canal boats, similar to a pontoon, was constructed across +the river, and we took possession of this beautiful, proud city. This +was the first appearance of Yankees in this Rebel locality, and we were +the subject of no little curiosity. Many of the people, who, by the +misrepresentations of their licentious press and flaming orators, had +been led to believe that Yankees were a species of one-eyed cyclops, or +long-clawed harpies, or horned and hoofed devils; who had been deceived +into the notion that President Lincoln was a deformed mulatto, +degenerated into a hideous monkey, and that all his followers were of +that sort, on seeing us, expressed great surprise and wished to know "if +we were specimens of the Lincoln army." They had forgotten that our +fathers fought side by side in our common country's early struggles, and +that now we, their children, as brothers, ought all to sit unitedly +under the tree of liberty which they had planted in tears and nourished +with blood. + +But it is painful to observe how the spirit of secession has blotted out +the memories of past days and deeds, and filled their hearts with +bitterness toward us. A few Union families in these parts, whose +acquaintance we have made, assure us that their neighbors, who were +formerly most hospitable and humane, have become, through this Rebel +virus, incarnate fiends. To secede from the Union was evidently to +secede from the God of virtue and charity. + +_April 25._--After spending a few days of tolerable quietness on the +banks of the Rappahannock, with our camp near the Phillips House, +Falmouth, a most lovely spot, we were to-day ordered out as escort or +guard to a train destined for the Shenandoah Valley. Such a job is +generally any thing but pleasant to a cavalry force, for the movement is +altogether too slow, especially when bad roads are encountered. And in +case a team becomes balky or gives out, or a wagon breaks down +(incidents which occur frequently), the whole column is in _statu quo_ +until the difficulty or disability is removed. And so we are halting, +advancing, halting and advancing again, with this monotonous variety +repeated _ad libitum_, while the halts are often longer than the +advances. But our slow motion gives us some opportunity to scout the +country through which we pass, and to obtain any quantity of rations and +forage for man and beast. By this means we are not compelled to consume +much, if any, of the contents of our train. + +On the twenty-eighth we reached Thoroughfare Gap, through which the +Manassas Gap railroad finds its way over the Bull Run mountains. Here we +met a force from General Nathaniel P. Banks' army, to whose care we +delivered the train. We remained a few days to scout through the +country. + +On the first of May we started back toward Falmouth, but stopped several +days at Bristersburg, a small town, where we spent our time very +pleasantly, scouting through the country and living upon its rich +products. Here we are very much isolated from the rest of our army. We +seldom get a mail or receive any papers, except from rebel sources, and +these are so meagre of literary taste and especially of reliable army +news, that we dare not put much trust in their representations. However, +we are satisfied from what we read, that our grand Peninsular army is +making some telling demonstrations toward Richmond, and that the Rebel +General Thomas J. Jackson, surnamed "Stonewall," since his famous defeat +by General James Shields at Kernstown, near Winchester, is still in the +valley. + +_May 25th._--We reached Falmouth to-day and took possession of our old +camping ground in front of the Phillips House. We have but little to do +except to graze our horses in the surrounding fields, and to recruit our +strength. We also have the usual camp work, namely, policing, drilling, +etc. This department is very quiet, though we hear of active movements +elsewhere. + +On the thirtieth we had a severe rain storm, with thunder and lightning, +_a la Virginie_. The streams were greatly swollen, and mud was abundant, +so as to retard movements before Richmond. + +_June 6._--The Harris Light crossed the Rappahannock and advanced six +miles beyond Fredericksburg, where we got only a glimpse of some of +Field's cavalry, who had not forgotten us. They kept themselves at a +very respectful distance from us, and made themselves "scarce" whenever +we made signs of an attack. For several days we bivouacked on that side +of the river, and on the twelfth we returned to our old camp at Falmouth +Heights. On the sixteenth we were again thrown across the river, and +made a reconnoissance several miles south, without finding any force of +the enemy. + +Nothing of importance occurred until the Fourth of July, when the Troy +company of the Harris Light, commanded by Lieutenant Robert Loudon, was +sent out to celebrate this national holiday by a reconnoissance on the +Telegraph Road, south of Fredericksburg. We left camp at eight o'clock +in the morning, and soon came in sight of a detachment of Bath Cavalry, +doing patrol duty. After following them for some time, though not +rapidly, we halted a few moments, and they lost sight of us, concluding +doubtless that we had retired. This was just what we wanted. + + +ATTACK AT FLIPPER'S ORCHARD. + +On the south bank of the Po river, about twenty miles from +Fredericksburg, was a beautiful orchard, owned by a Dr. Flipper. This +lovely spot had been chosen by our Bath friends for their outpost, their +main reserve being a few miles farther south. On arriving at the +orchard, with its luscious fruit and inviting shade, the squad we were +still pursuing unsuspectingly unsaddled their horses, began to arrange +preparations for their dinner, and to make themselves generally +comfortable. Of this state of things we were informed by a contraband we +chanced to meet. We then resolved either to share or spoil their coffee; +so, moving forward at a trot until in sight of them, we swooped down +upon the orchard like eagles. The surprised and frightened cavaliers +fired but a few shots, and we captured twelve men and nine horses, and +escaped with our lawful prey without having received a scratch. It was +my good fortune to take prisoner Lieutenant Powell, the officer in +command, and to receive as my own a fine silver-mounted revolver, which +he reluctantly placed in my hand. It will be a fine souvenir of the war +and of this Fourth of July. + + +SHENANDOAH VALLEY. + +Sometime in May Colonel Bayard with his regiment and a large portion of +General McDowell's division were sent to the Shenandoah Valley to share +in the shifting military panorama which was there displayed. With the +removal of the Army of the Potomac to the Peninsula the Confederate +authorities despatched General Jackson to the Valley, to threaten the +upper Potomac and Maryland, thus making it necessary for a large Federal +force to remain in these parts. General Banks was in command of that +department. + +After the battle of Kernstown, in which Jackson received the sobriquet +of "Stonewall" and a sound thrashing, General Banks, who had set out for +Warrenton, returned to the Valley, and pursued Jackson, but was unable +to bring him to bay. The enemy's cavalry under Colonel Turner Ashby was +frequently attacked by the Union Cavalry under General John P. Hatch. On +the sixth of May, the Fifth New York Cavalry, First Ira Harris Guard, +had a hand to hand encounter with Ashby's men near Harrisonburg, where +Yankee sabres and pluck had established a reputation. A portion of the +same regiment under Colonel John R. Kenly, at Front Royal, added new +lustre to their fame, on the twenty-third of the same month, during +"Stonewall's" flank movement on General Banks at Strasburg, and fought +bravely during that memorable retreat to Maryland. + +At this juncture of affairs, a division of General McDowell's forces, +under General Shields, was dispatched to the valley to intercept +Jackson, while General John C. Fremont was ordered by telegraph to the +same scene from the Mountain Department. But unavoidably detained by +almost impassable mountain roads and streams enormously swollen by +recent rains, Fremont reached Strasburg just in time to see Jackson's +last stragglers retreating through the town. His pursuit was very rapid, +though no engagement was brought about until the fifth of June, at +Harrisonburg. Here Colonel Percy Wyndham, on our side, and Turner Ashby, +now a general, on the Rebel side, distinguished themselves in the +cavalry. Ashby was killed. His loss was greatly lamented by his +comrades. He always fought at the head of his men, with the most +reckless self-exposure, and for outpost duty and the skirmish line he +left scarcely an equal behind him in either army. His humaneness to our +men who had fallen into his hands caused many of them to shed tears at +the intelligence of his death. Men of valor and kindness are always +worthy of a better cause than that in which the Rebels are engaged; but +their merit is always appreciated. + +Upon the heel of this fight followed the battles of Cross Keys, and Port +Republic, where Jackson eluded the combined Union forces which had been +directed against him. + +During this memorable campaign, a curious military _modus operandi_ had +been resorted to in the Luray Valley, in which the cavalry had made +itself doubly useful. A small force of our infantry and cavalry were +surrounded by the enemy on the south bank of the Shenandoah River, which +was so high as to be unfordable. As a last resort the cavalrymen plunged +into the stream, swimming their horses, and towing across the +infantrymen, who clung to the animals' tails! + +A striking case of personal daring in this Valley campaign, is worthy of +record here. During Banks' retreat from Winchester, on the twenty-fourth +of May, four companies of the Fifth New York Cavalry, under command of +Captain Wheeler, were moving on the left flank of our retreating +columns, to protect them from any attacks by the Rebel cavalry, which +infested the wooded hills that lay along our route. Emerging from a +thick wood, Captain John Hammond, who had the advance with eight or ten +men, suddenly came upon a squad of mounted Rebels, and immediately +called on them to surrender. However, they fled, firing as they went, +but were closely pursued. Captain Hammond was riding a powerful horse, +which he had taken from his home, and as his blood was up, he determined +to capture one of the party at least, at all hazard. He soon came up to +the hindmost, a strong man, with whom he exchanged several shots at +close quarters, but without effect on either side, owing to their +fearful gait through the timber and down a hill. Hammond's pistol became +fouled by a cap, and the cylinder would not revolve. The Rebel had two +charges left. Quick work was now necessary. Another spurring of his +horse brought him within arm's length of the flying Rebel, whereupon he +seized his coat collar with both his hands, and dragged him backward +from his saddle. Holding firmly his grasp, both horses went from under +them, and they fell pell-mell to the ground. Luckily Hammond was +uppermost, with one hand at the enemy's throat and the other holding the +band of the pistol with which the Rebel was trying to shoot him. As the +two men were powerful, a fearful struggle ensued for the mastery of the +pistol. Meantime up rode one of Hammond's boys, who, by his order, fired +at the upturned face of the obstinate foe, the ball grazing his scalp +and causing him to relinquish his hold of the revolver, when he was +forced to surrender. Thus ended one of the roughest yet amusing contests +of the war. + +The prisoner proved to be one of Ashby's scouts, and the remainder of +the party were all captured. But notwithstanding the personal bravery of +our men, disaster and defeat had attended our operations in the Valley. +Nor was this the only field of disastrous changes. On the Peninsula +sieges had been laid and raised, terrible battles fought, won, and lost, +and thousands of our brave comrades had succumbed to the impure water +and miasmatic condition of the country. The rebel General J. E. B. +Stuart had astounded every body by a raid around our entire army, +cutting off communications, destroying stores, and capturing not a few +prisoners. On the second of July this jaded army found a resting place +at Harrison's Landing on the James River. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +POPE'S CAMPAIGN IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA. + +1862.--Kilpatrick at Beaver Dam.--Captain John S. Mosby.--Return of the + Raiders.--Complimentary Orders.--The Harris Light at Anderson's + Turnout.--Rebel Account of the Scare.--General John P. Hatch, his + Misfortunes and Justification.--Reconnoissances.--Battle of Cedar + Mountain.--Hospital at Culpepper.--General Stuart in Close Quarters. + --His Adjutant-General Captured.--Death of Captain Charles Walters. + --Pope driven back and waiting for Reinforcements.--Kilpatrick's + Fight at Brandy Station.--Waterloo Bridge.--Bristoe Station.-- + Manassas Junction.--Battle of Groveton.--Second Bull Run.--Chantilly + and Death of Kearny.--General Pope resigns. + + +Our prospects as a nation were any thing but promising about the fourth +of July, 1862. Our operations in the Shenandoah Valley had been very +expensive and fruitless. The Peninsular campaign, which promised so much +at its beginning, which had proceeded at so fearful a cost of treasure +and blood, was pronounced a failure at last, and the great armies, +depleted and worn, were well nigh discouraged. The celebration of the +anniversary of our national birthday was observed throughout the loyal +North in the midst of gloomy forebodings, and only the pure patriotism +of governors of States, and of the President of the United States, gave +the people any ground of hope for success. In the army changes of +leaders were occurring, which produced no little amount of jealousy +among the "stars," and upon which the opinion of the rank and file was +divided. + +On the fourteenth of July, General John Pope, having been called from a +glorious career in the West, took command of the Army of Virginia, which +was a consolidation of the commands of Fremont, Banks, and McDowell. + +Before General Pope left Washington, he ordered General Rufus King, who +was in command at Fredericksburg, to make a raid on the Virginia Central +Railroad, for the purpose of destroying it at as many points as +possible, and thus impede communications between Richmond and the +Valley. This work was committed to our regiment. + +_July 19._--About six o'clock this evening the Harris Light was set in +rapid motion almost directly south. By means of a forced march of forty +miles through the night, at the gray dawn of the morning we descended +upon Beaver Dam depot, on the Virginia Central, like so many ravenous +wolves upon a broken fold. Here we had some lively work. The command was +divided in several squads, and each party was assigned its peculiar and +definite duty. So while some were destroying culverts and bridges, +others were playing mischief with the telegraph wires; others still were +burning the depot, which was nearly full of stores, and a fourth party +was on the lookout. During our affray we captured a young Confederate +officer, who gave his name as Captain John S. Mosby. By his sprightly +appearance and conversation he attracted considerable attention. He is +slight, yet well formed; has a keen blue eye, and florid complexion; +and displays no small amount of Southern bravado in his dress and +manners. His gray plush hat is surmounted by a waving plume, which he +tosses as he speaks in real Prussian style. He had a letter in his +possession from General Stuart, recommending him to the kind regards of +General Lee. + +After making general havoc of railroad stock and Rebel stores, we +started in the direction of Gordonsville, but having ascertained that a +force of Rebels much larger than our own occupied the place, we turned +northward, and reached our old camp at midnight, having marched upward +of eighty miles in thirty hours. + +Some of us will not soon forget the ludicrous scenes which were acted +out, especially in the latter portion of the raid. In consequence of the +jaded condition of our horses it was necessary to make frequent halts. +To relieve themselves and animals, when a halt was ordered, some men +would dismount, and, sinking to the ground through exhaustion, would +quickly fall asleep. With the utmost difficulty they were aroused by +their comrades when the column advanced. Calling them by their names, +though we did it with mouth to ear, and with all our might, made no +impression upon them. In many instances we were compelled to take hold +of them, roll them over, tumble them about, and pound them, before we +could make them realize that the proper time for rest and sleep had not +yet come. + +Others slept in their saddles, either leaning forward on the pommel of +the saddle, or on the roll of coat and blanket, or sitting quite erect, +with an occasional bow forward or to the right or left, like the swaying +of a flag on a signal station, or like the careerings of a drunken man. +The horse of such a sleeping man will seldom leave his place in the +column, though this will sometimes occur, and the man awakes at last to +find himself alone with his horse which is grazing along some unknown +field or woods. Some men, having lost the column in this way, have +fallen into the enemy's hands. Sometimes a fast-walking horse in one of +the rear companies will bear his sleeping lord quickly along, forcing +his way through the ranks ahead of him, until the poor fellow is +awakened, and finds himself just passing by the colonel and his staff at +the head of the column! Of course, he falls back to his old place +somewhat confused and ashamed, and the occurrence lends him just +excitement enough to keep him awake for a few minutes. + +It is seldom that men under these somnambulic circumstances fall from +their horses, yet sometimes it does happen, and headlong goes the +cavalier upon the hard ground, or into a splashing mud-puddle, while +general merriment is produced among the lookers-on. But as no one is +seriously injured, the "fallen brave" retakes his position in the ranks +and the column proceeds as though nothing had happened. We had all these +experiences in one form or another in our raid, and on reaching camp we +found that several men had lost their caps by the way. + +The day following our arrival at camp the general in command issued his +complimentary message, namely: + + HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, + Washington, July 21. + + _To Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War_: + + SIR: The cavalry expedition I directed General King to send + out on the nineteenth instant has returned. + + They left Fredericksburg at seven P. M., on the nineteenth, + and after a forced march during the night made a descent at + daylight in the morning upon the Virginia Central Railroad at + Beaver Dam Creek, twenty-five miles north of Hanover Junction + and thirty-five miles from Richmond. They destroyed the + railroad and telegraph line for several miles, burned the + depot, which contained forty thousand rounds of other musket + ammunition, one hundred barrels of flour, and much valuable + property, and brought in the Captain in charge as a prisoner. + + The whole country round was thrown into a great state of + alarm. One private was wounded on our side. The cavalry + marched eighty miles in thirty hours. The affair was most + successful, and reflects high credit upon the commanding + officer and his troops. + + As soon as full particulars are received I will transmit to + you the name of the commanding officer of the troops + engaged. + + I am, Sir, very respectfully, + Your obedient servant, + JOHN POPE, + _Major-General Commanding_. + +The above order was received with great gladness by the boys of the +Harris Light, and Kilpatrick had just reasons to feel proud of his brave +boys and their noble deeds. As we had done so well in this branch of +business, it was natural for the commanding general to be looking out +for more similar jobs for us, and, indeed, they came. + +_July 24._--Kilpatrick was again launched out with his men on another +raid upon the Virginia Central Railroad, which, this time, we struck at +Anderson Turnout. However, we did not reach the railroad before we had +surprised a camp of Rebel cavalry, with which we had a sharp skirmish on +the south bank of the North Anna River. But having the advantage of the +enemy, we defeated them, captured their camp, with several prisoners and +horses. A large quantity of camp and garrison equipage fell into our +hands, which we burned. Unfortunately for us we did not come just in +time to take the cars, but we created an alarm quite as extensive as +that which prevailed at Beaver Dam, on our former visit. The _Richmond +Examiner_, commenting upon the affair, gave the following truthful +rendering: + + +ANOTHER SCARE ON THE CENTRAL ROAD. + +"When the train from the west on the Central Railroad reached +Frederick's Hall, a station fifty miles from this, it was met by a rumor +that the Yankee cavalry had made another raid from Fredericksburg, and +had possession of the track at Anderson Turnout, ten miles below Beaver +Dam, and thirty miles from Richmond. The telegraph wire not being in +working order, there was no means at hand of ascertaining the truth of +this report. Under the circumstances the conductor, not choosing to risk +the passengers and train, took an extra locomotive and ran down to +Anderson's on a reconnoissance. When he reached this place he found the +report of the Yankees at that point correct, but they had left several +hours previous to his arrival. He learned the following particulars: + +"At a quarter past nine A. M., just a quarter of an hour after the +passage of train from Richmond, the Yankee cavalry, several hundred in +number, made their appearance at the Turnout. Having missed the train, +they seemed to have no particular object in view, but loitered about the +neighborhood for a couple of hours. They, however, before taking leave, +searched the house of Mr. John S. Anderson, which is near the railroad, +and took prisoner his son, who is in the Confederate service, but at home +on sick furlough. They also took possession of four of Mr. Anderson's +horses. They made no attempt to tear up the railroad, having no doubt +had enough of that business at Beaver Dam last Sunday. They did not +interfere with the telegraph wire through prudential motives, shrewdly +guessing that any meddling with that would give notice of their presence. + +"Of the movements of our troops occasioned by this second impudent foray +it is unnecessary to say any thing. The Central train reached this city +at eight o'clock, three hours behind its usual time." + +It is evident that we are greatly embarrassing the Rebel travelling +public by our raids, destroying public property, capturing prisoners and +horses, and gaining some valuable information. We have learned from +contrabands and other sources that Rebel forces in considerable numbers +are being transported westward over this route. Some grand movements are +undoubtedly on foot. + +We have received word that on the fourteenth General John P. Hatch, with +all his cavalry, was ordered by General Banks to proceed at once upon +Gordonsville, capture the place and destroy all the railroads that +centre there, but especially to make havoc of the Central road, as far +east as possible, and west to Charlottesville. For some reason General +Hatch was too slow in his movements, and General Ewell, with a division +of Lee's army, reached the place on the sixteenth, one day ahead of +Hatch. Thereupon Hatch was ordered to take from fifteen hundred to two +thousand picked men, well mounted, and to hasten from Madison Court +House, over the Blue Ridge, and destroy the railroad westward to +Staunton. He commenced the movement; but after passing through the +narrow defiles of the mountains at Swift Run Gap, he felt that there was +no hope of accomplishing any thing, and returned. General Pope +immediately relieved him from command, and appointed General John +Buford, General Banks' chief of artillery, in his place. + +After some months had elapsed, the following correspondence between +General Hatch and his former command will partly vindicate, if it does +not fully justify, his course: + + SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, THIRD ARMY CORPS, + Near Fort Scott, Va., ---- 1862. + + _To Brigadier-General John P. Hatch_: + + GENERAL: The accompanying sabre is presented to you by the + officers of the First Vermont and Fifth New York Cavalry. + + We have served under you while you commanded the cavalry in + Virginia--a period of active operations and military + enterprise--during which your courage and judgment inspired + us with confidence, while your zeal and integrity have left + us an example easier to be admired than imitated. + + We, who have passed with you beyond the Rapidan and through + Swift Run Gap, are best able to recognize your qualities as + a commander. + + Accept, therefore, General, this testimonial of esteem + offered long after we were removed from your command,--when + the external glitter of an ordinary man ceases to affect the + mind, but when real worth begins to be appreciated. + + On behalf of the officers of the Fifth New York, + + ROBERT JOHNSTONE, + _Lieutenant-Colonel, Fifth New York Cavalry_. + + _To the Officers of the Fifth New York and First Vermont + Regiments of Cavalry_: + + OSWEGO, N. Y., ---- 1862. + + GENTLEMEN: A very beautiful sabre, your present to myself, + has been received. I shall wear it with pride, and will never + draw it but in an honorable cause. + + The very kind letter accompanying the sabre has caused + emotions of the deepest nature. The assurance it gives of + the confidence you feel in myself, and your approval of my + course when in command of Banks' Cavalry, is particularly + gratifying. You, actors with myself in those stirring + scenes, are competent judges as to the propriety of my + course, when it unfortunately did not meet with the approval + of my superior; and your testimony, so handsomely expressed, + after time has allowed opportunity for reflection, more than + compensates for the mortification of that moment. + + I have watched with pride the movements of your regiments + since my separation from you. When a telegram has announced + that "in a cavalry fight _the edge of the sabre_ was + successfully used, and the enemy routed," the further + announcement that the First Vermont and Fifth New York were + engaged, was unnecessary. + + Accept my kindest wishes for your future success. Sharp + sabres and a trust in Providence will enable you to secure + it in the field. + + Your obedient servant, + JOHN P. HATCH, + _Brigadier-General_. + +_August 5._--The Harris Light was again sent out on a reconnoissance to +the Central Railroad, which we struck on the sixth, about ten o'clock +A. M., at Frederick's Hall. The depot, which contained large supplies of +commissary and quartermaster stores, was burned. The telegraph office +was also destroyed, with considerable length of wire, while the railroad +track was torn and otherwise injured, principally by the fires we built +upon it. In a factory near the station were found huge quantities of +tobacco. The men took as much as the jaded condition of their horses +would permit, and the remainder was wrapped in flames. + +All this was accomplished without loss on our side. These daring and +successful raids made Kilpatrick very conspicuous before the army and +country. He was complimented by the general commanding both in orders +and by telegraph, and his name became a synonym of courage and success. +This gave wonderful enthusiasm to his men, and their devotion to him was +unbounded. Wherever he led us we gladly went, feeling that however +formidable the force or dangerous the position we assailed, either by +main force we could overcome, or by stratagem or celerity we could +escape. This gave our young hero a double power. + +_August 8._--To-day Kilpatrick was ordered with his regiments to +reconnoitre in the direction of Orange Court House. He advanced by way +of Chancellorsville and old Wilderness Tavern; but on approaching the +Court House we found it occupied by a heavy force of the enemy. It is +evident that the Rebel army is advancing with a show of fight towards +the upper fords of the Rapidan, where, we understand, Generals Buford +and Bayard are picketing. After ascertaining all we could about present +and prospective movements, we returned to our old camp, having made a +swift and tedious march. + + +BATTLE OF CEDAR MOUNTAIN. + +On the ninth was fought the memorable battle of Cedar or Slaughter's +Mountain, in which both sides claimed the victory. The Confederates +certainly had the advantage of position, having taken possession of the +wooded crest before the arrival of our advance; and they also greatly +outnumbered the Union ranks. But their loss was nearly double our own, +and nearly the same ground was occupied by the combatants at night, +which each held in the beginning of the fight. The cavalry was not +conspicuously engaged in this bloody fray, except such portions of it as +were escort or body-guard to officers in command, and among these some +were killed. The main cavalry force watched the flanks, doing good +service there. + +_August 10._--At an early hour of the day the Harris Light was ordered +to report at Culpepper Court House, and we were soon on the march. On +arriving at our destination we found the place well nigh filled with our +wounded from the battle of yesterday. It is estimated that not less than +fifteen hundred of our men were killed and wounded, about a thousand of +the latter having found a refuge here. The seventh part of the +casualties of a battle, on an average, will number the killed and +mortally wounded; the others claim the especial attention of their +comrades. It is heart-sickening to witness their bloody, mangled forms. +All the public buildings and many private residences of this village are +occupied as hospitals, and the surgeons with their corps of hospital +stewards and nurses are doing their work, assisted by as many others as +have been detailed for this purpose, or volunteer their services. The +Rebel wounded who have fallen into our hands receive the same attention +that is bestowed upon our own men, many of them acknowledging that they +are far better off in our care than they would be among their +confederates. + +These hospitals are all much more quiet than one would naturally +suppose. How calmly the brave boys endure the wounds they have received +in defence of their beloved country! Only now and then can be heard a +subdued sob, or a dying groan; while those who are fully conscious, +though suffering excruciating pain, are either engaged in silent prayer +or meditation, or reading a Testament or a last letter from loved ones, +and patiently awaiting their turn with the surgeon or the nurse. + +In the most available places tables have been spread for the purpose of +amputations. We cannot approach them, with their heaps of mangled hands +and feet, of shattered bones and yet quivering flesh, without a shudder. +A man must need the highest style of heroism willingly to drag himself +or be borne by others to one of these tables, to undergo the processes +of the amputating blade. But thanks be to modern skill in surgery, and +to the discoverer of chloroform; for by these the operations are +performed quickly and without the least sensation, until the poor brave +awakes with the painful consciousness of the loss of limbs, which no +artificer can fully replace. Thus the skill displayed and the care taken +greatly mitigate the horrors of battle. Men here are wounded in every +conceivable manner, from the crowns of their heads to the soles of their +feet, while some are most fearfully torn by shells. It had been thought +that men shot through the lungs or entrails were past cure, yet several +of the former have been saved, and a few of the latter. Indeed, it would +seem as though modern science was measuring nearly up to the age of +miracles. + +We found that a large force of cavalry was concentrating at Culpepper, +awaiting new developments. Reconnoissances are of frequent occurrence, +and all of them reveal that the enemy is in motion, concentrating on our +front. Our picket lines are made doubly strong, and the utmost vigilance +is enjoined. Scouts and spies are on the rampage, and more or less +excitement prevails everywhere. + + +IMPORTANT CAVALRY MOVEMENTS. + +_August 16._--To-day a small detachment of cavalry under Colonel +Broadhead, of the First Michigan Cavalry, was despatched on a scout in +the direction of Louisa Court House. Having penetrated to within the +enemy's lines, and not far from the Court House, they made a swift +descent upon a suspicious looking house, which proved to be General +Stuart's headquarters. The general barely escaped through a back door, +as it were "by the skin of his teeth," leaving a part of his wardrobe +behind him. His belt fell into our hands, and several very important +despatches from General Lee. Stuart's adjutant-general was found +concealed in the house and captured. General Pope, in his official +reports, speaks of this affair as follows: + +"The cavalry expedition sent out on the sixteenth in the direction of +Louisa Court House, captured the adjutant-general of General Stuart, and +was very near capturing that officer himself. Among the papers taken was +an autograph letter of General Robert E. Lee to General Stuart, dated +Gordonsville, August fifteenth, which made manifest to me the +disposition and force of the enemy and their determination to overwhelm +the army under my command before it could be reenforced by any portion +of the Army of the Potomac." + +Had it not been for the timely discovery of this Rebel order, General +Pope's army, only a handful to the multitudes which were gathering +against him from the defences of Richmond, would have been flanked and +probably annihilated. Assured, however, that reenforcements from +McClellan's army could certainly reach him before long, General Pope +held his advanced position to the last, our pickets guarding the fords +of the Rapidan. On the eighteenth, the entire force of cavalry relieved +the infantry pickets, and evident preparations were being made for a +retreat. On the day following a sharp skirmish took place with Rebel +cavalry which appeared across the narrow, rapid river. In this +engagement Captain Charles Walters, of the Harris Light, was killed, +and his remains were interred at midnight just as orders were received +to retreat on the road to Culpepper. + +The cavalry under General Bayard is acting as rear guard to our +retreating columns. Stuart's cavalry, with whom we are engaged at almost +every step, is vanguard of the Rebel army, which is advancing as rapidly +as possible. The prospect before us is exceedingly dark. Nothing is more +discouraging to a soldier than to be compelled to retreat, especially +under a general whose first order on assuming command contained the +following utterances: + +"Meantime, I desire you to dismiss from your minds certain phrases which +I am sorry to find much in vogue among you. + +"I hear constantly of taking strong positions and holding them--of lines +of retreat and of bases of supplies. Let us discard such ideas. + +"The strongest position a soldier should desire to occupy is one from +which he can most easily advance against the enemy. + +"Let us study the probable lines of retreat of our opponents, and leave +our own to take care of themselves. Let us look before, and not behind. +Success and glory are in the advance. Disaster and shame lurk in the +rear." + +We all felt that the moment we begin to turn our backs to the enemy, +that moment we acknowledge ourselves either outgeneraled or whipped, a +thing most disheartening, and to which pride never easily condescends. +Our only hope was based on early reenforcements. Should these fail us +we saw nothing but defeat and disaster in our path. + +[Illustration: BURIAL OF CAPTAIN WALTERS AT MIDNIGHT, DURING POPE'S +RETREAT.] + +_August 20._--While our cavalry forces were feeding their horses on the +large plains near Brandy Station, about six o'clock this morning, a +heavy column of Stuart's cavalry was discovered, approaching from the +direction of Culpepper. Kilpatrick was ordered to attack and check this +advance, which he did in a spirited manner. The Harris Light added fresh +laurels to its already famous record, and made Brandy Station memorable +in the annals of cavalry conflicts. Stuart's advance was not only +retarded, but diverted; and it was made our business to watch closely +his future movements. + +On the twenty-first we reached Freeman's Ford, on the Rappahannock, +which we picketed, preventing the enemy from effecting a crossing. As +the fords of the river were generally heavily guarded up to this point, +the enemy kept moving up the stream toward our right, evidently +designing to make a flank movement upon us. + +On the twenty-second a notable cavalry engagement, with light artillery, +took place at Waterloo Bridge. During this fight a Rebel shell took +effect in our ranks, killing instantly the three horses ridden by the +three officers of the same company, dismounting the braves very +unceremoniously, but injuring no one seriously. Through the darkness of +the night following, Stuart, with about fifteen hundred picked cavalry, +effected a crossing of the river, and after making quite a _detour_ via +Warrenton, came down unperceived through the intense darkness and the +falling rain upon General Pope's headquarters near Catlett's Station. +He captured the general's field quartermaster and many important +documents, made great havoc among the guards, horses, and wagons, and +finally escaped, without injury to himself, with about three hundred +prisoners, and considerable private baggage taken from the train. His +victory was indeed a cheap one, but we all felt its disgrace, which the +darkness to some extent explained, but did not fully excuse. + +_August 23._--A severe contest occurred to-day at Sulphur Springs. The +enemy is pressing us hard at every crossing of the river, and continues +to move towards our right. Skirmishing occurs at nearly every hour of +the day and night, occasioning more or less loss of life. Yesterday in a +skirmish led by General Sigel, who had crossed the river, General Bohlen +was killed, and our forces driven back to the north side of the river. +While this manoeuvring was going on along the Rappahannock, General +Lee had despatched Stonewall Jackson, to pass around our right, which he +did by crossing about four miles above Waterloo, and, on the +twenty-fifth, he struck our forces at Bristoe Station, where a severe +contest took place, the losses in killed and wounded being heavy on both +sides. But the enemy was successful in taking possession of the +railroad; and in the evening a portion of Stuart's cavalry, strengthened +by two regiments of infantry, advanced to Manassas Junction, where they +surprised and charged our guards, capturing many prisoners, also ten +locomotives, seven trains loaded with immense quantities of stores, +horses, tents, and eight cannon. They destroyed what they could not +take away. The Rebel General Ewell, having followed closely in the track +of Jackson, also came upon the railroad in rear of General Pope's army. + +Our commander, greatly astonished at this embarrassing juncture of +affairs, began to make the best disposition of his forces, to extricate +himself from the toils that had been carefully laid for him; still +hoping that new forces would come to his aid from McClellan's army via +Alexandria. But "hope deferred made his heart sick," and he was +compelled to encounter the immense Rebel hosts, not only massed on his +front, but also lapping on his flanks, and penetrating, as we have seen, +even to his rear. The situation was critical in the extreme; and had not +the available forces behaved themselves with undaunted courage and, at +times, with mad desperation, the disaster would have been unprecedented. + +Several unimportant and yet hotly contested battles were fought at +Sulphur Springs, Thoroughfare Gap, Bristoe Station, etc., and early on +the morning of the twenty-ninth commenced the battle of Groveton, by +some called the second Bull Run. The Rebels were in overwhelming +numbers, though driven badly during the earlier hours of the day; and +had Fitz-John Porter brought his forces into the action, the victory +must have been ours. The cavalry, though quiet most of the day, made an +important charge in the evening. The carnage had been terrible, and the +fields were strewn with the dead and dying. It is estimated that the +casualties would include not less than seven thousand men on our side +alone; and it is fair to suppose that the enemy has lost not less than +that number. + +_August 30._--Our lines having fallen back during the night, the battle +was renewed to-day on the field of the first Bull Run. But the fates +were again against us, and, though not panic-stricken, our men retired +from the field at night, until they rested themselves on the heights of +Centreville. The enemy did not follow us very closely, not attempting +even to cross Bull Run. + +On the thirty-first General Pope expected to be attacked in his strong +position at Centreville, but the enemy was too cautious to expose +himself in a position so advantageous to ourselves, where the repulse of +Malvern Hill might have been repeated. Quiet reigned along our entire +line during the day. + + +KEARNY'S DEATH AT CHANTILLY. + +_September 1._--Becoming aware that a flank movement was in operation, +General Pope started his entire army in the direction of Washington. But +his army had not proceeded far, before one of his columns, which had +been sent to intercept the Little River Turnpike, near Chantilly, +encountered Stonewall Jackson, who had led his weary, yet intrepid +legions entirely around our right wing, and now contested our farther +retreat. General Isaac J. Stevens, commanding General Reno's Second +division, who led our advance, at once ordered a charge and moved with +terrible impetuosity upon the foe; but he was shot dead, on the very +start, by a bullet through his head. His command was thereupon thrown +into utter disorder, uncovering General Reno's First division, which was +also demoralized and broken. + +Just at this critical moment, General Philip Kearny, who was leading one +of General Heintzelman's divisions, advanced with intrepid heart and +unfaltering step upon the exultant foe. This was during a most fearful +thunder-storm, so furious that with difficulty could ammunition be kept +at all serviceable, and the roar of cannon could scarcely be heard a +half dozen miles away. The Rebel ranks recoiled and broke before this +terrible bolt of war. Just before dark, while riding too carelessly over +the field and very near the rebel lines, Kearny was shot dead by one of +the enemy's sharpshooters. His command devolved upon General Birney, who +ordered another charge, which was executed with great gallantry, driving +the enemy from the field, and defeating the great flanker in his +attempts farther to harass our retreating columns. But our success had +been dearly bought. Two generals had been sacrificed, and Kearny +especially was lamented all over the land. Of him the poet sings: + + "Our country bleeds + With blows her own hands strike. He starts, he heeds + Her cries for succor. In a foreign land + He dwells; his bowers with luxury's pinions fanned, + His cup with roses crowned. He dashes down + The cup, he leaves the bowers; he flies to aid + His native land. Out leaps his patriot blade! + Quick to the van he darts. Again the frown + Of strife bends blackening; once again his ear + War's furious trump with stern delight drinks in; + Again tho Battle-Bolt in red career! + Again the flood, the frenzy, and the din! + + At tottering Williamsburg his granite front + Bears without shook the battle's fiercest brunt. + So have we seen the crag beat back the blast, + So has the shore the surges backward cast. + Behind his rock the shattered ranks re-form; + Forward, still forward, until dark defeat + Burns to bright victory! + + * * * * * + + Fame commands + The song; we yield it gladly; but the glow + Fades as we sing. The dire, the fatal blow + Fell, fell at last. Full, full in deadliest front + Leading his legions, leading as his wont, + The bullet wafts him to his mortal goal! + And not alone War's thunders saw him die; + Amid the glare, the rushing, and the roll, + Glared, crashed, the grand dread battle of the sky! + There on two pinions,--War's and Storm's,--he soared + Flight how majestic! up! His dirge was roared + Not warbled, and his pall was smoke and cloud; + Flowers of red shot, red lightnings strewed his bier, + And night, black night, the mourner. + + * * * * * + + Now farewell, + O hero! In our Glory's Pantheon + Thy name will shine, a name immortal won + By deeds immortal! In our heart's deep heart + Thy statued fame, that never shall depart, + Shall tower, the loftier as Time fleets, and show + How Heaven can sometimes plant its Titans here below." + +General Pope, during all the day, and most of the night, hastened his +retreat, and on the second of September, his broken and demoralized +columns found rest and rations within the fortifications which guard the +approaches to Washington. Thus ended General Pope's brief and trying +career as commander of the Army of Virginia. Here he resigned his +command, and was succeeded by General McClellan. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +REBEL INVASION OF MARYLAND + +1863.--Result of Pope's Campaign.--Best and Recruit at Hall's Hill.--"My + Maryland:" Its Invasion.--Offensive Policy of the Rebellion.-- + Pennsylvania and the Whole Country Aroused.--Battle of South + Mountain.--Harper's Ferry.--Colonel Miles.--His Treachery and Death. + --Bloody Battle of Antietam.--Drilling Recruits.--The Harris Light + again at the Front.--At Chantilly.--Sudley Church.--Leesburg.-- + McClellan again Relieved from Command. + + +By the almost continual fighting of General Pope's campaign, our ranks +had been greatly depleted. Of the cavalry in general one correspondent +makes the following remark: "They picket our outposts, scout the whole +country for information, open our fights, cover our retreats, or clear +up and finish our victories, as the case may be. In short, they are +never idle, and rarely find rest for either men or horses." We had felt +the influence of this wear and tear so sadly, that our once full and +noble regiment was now reduced to about three hundred and fifty men, +scarcely one third of our original number. Nearly every regiment of +cavalry which had participated in the misfortunes of the campaign, had +suffered a like decimation. To replenish our weakened ranks and to +infuse new vigor and discipline into the various commands, became a +question of no little moment. Consequently a large number of regiments, +under the direct supervision of General Bayard, were ordered to Hall's +Hill, about ten miles from Washington, where we established camps of +instruction and drill. + +During the disasters of the Peninsular campaign, and the subsequent +defeats and retreats from the Rapidan to the Potomac, the country had +awakened to the importance of increasing the army by new organizations, +and of filling up the broken ranks by fresh levies of recruits. This +feeling was greatly intensified by the exposure of Washington to the +victorious and advancing enemy, and by the invasions of Northern soil, +which the triumphs of the Rebellion made imminent. Hence multitudes of +recruits were pouring into Washington principally, and into other +places, gladly donning the uniform, and eager to learn the duties, of +the soldier. Camps of instruction were, of course, necessary. And as the +attention of young men was turning very favorably to the cavalry +service, our camps at Hall's Hill were the scenes of daily arrivals of +fine specimens of patriots, whose hands were warmly grasped by us; and +gladly we initiated them into the mysteries of this new science. We were +not a little elated at the epithet of "Veteran," which these recruits +lavished upon us. + +The experiences and labors of our old camps "Oregon" and "Sussex" were +repeated with somewhat of new combinations and interests, as we sought +to prepare ourselves and others more thoroughly than before to meet the +foe in coming campaigns. + +We had scarcely reached our new camps and entered upon our new labors, +when we learned that General Lee was marching his confident hosts into +Maryland. This movement at first was regarded as a feint only, with the +intention of uncovering Washington; but as column after column was known +to have crossed the Potomac, and to be advancing through the State with +more or less rapidity, the tocsin of alarm was sounded everywhere, and a +general movement was made to repel the invaders. Pennsylvania was +thoroughly aroused, and her loyal and true governor issued a +proclamation calling upon all the able-bodied men of the Commonwealth to +organize for defence. The militia promptly responded to the call, and +military preparations were going on, not only in the old Keystone State, +but throughout the land. + +Up to this time the attitude of the Rebels had been defensive, but their +recent great victories had led them to change their tactics, and +thinking that ultimate success was almost within their grasp, they now +assumed the offensive policy. Aside from this consideration they +doubtless hoped to awaken in the Border States a sympathy and an +enthusiasm on their behalf, which thus far they had failed to create; +and that their brilliant march northward would not only carry a strong +political influence, but that their ranks would be greatly swollen by +accessions of recruits from those States. This indication of Rebel +thought is evidently found in the address which General Lee issued to +the people of Maryland on the eighth day of September. In it are found +the following sentences: + +"The people of the Confederate States have long watched with the +deepest sympathy the wrongs and outrages that have been inflicted upon +the citizens of a Commonwealth allied to the States of the South by the +strongest social, political, and commercial ties, and reduced to the +condition of a conquered province. * * * + +"Believing that the people of Maryland possess a spirit too lofty to +submit to such a Government, the people of the South have long wished to +aid you in throwing off this foreign yoke, to enable you again to enjoy +the inalienable rights of freemen, and restore the independence and +sovereignty of your State. + +"In obedience to this wish, our army has come among you, and is prepared +to assist you with the power of its arms in regaining the rights of +which you have been so unjustly despoiled." + +But the fond hopes which prompted this address were destined to be +blasted. Lee's advancing columns met no resistance, and marched directly +upon Frederick City, where recruiting offices were opened under the +superintendence of General Bradley T. Johnson, who had left this city, +at the beginning of the war, to serve in the Rebel army. But the +Confederate chiefs were disappointed. The number who were marshalled +under their stars and bars did not exceed the number of those who, tired +of training in Rebel gray, deserted their banner. + +The enemy's peaceful march through the State and its quiet possession +were not of long duration; and the invaders soon found other work to do, +than to make political orders and harangues, and to increase their ranks +by recruits. From Washington the Union army began to advance with +considerable strength and determination, compelling General Lee to +relinquish his design of penetrating into Pennsylvania. Initiatory steps +were now being taken for a great battle, the first encounter of which +took place, under General Pleasonton, who commanded our cavalry during +this campaign, at the Catoctin Creek, in Middletown, Maryland. The +enemy's rearguard, consisting of cavalry, was struck with some force, +the prelude of the battle of South Mountain, at Turner's Gap. The enemy +having taken possession of this mountain pass, was driven from it only +after the most obstinate resistance and severe loss, and forced to leave +only before superior numbers. This occurred on the fourteenth; and the +victory, though somewhat dearly bought, inspired our troops with new +courage, and gave them a foretaste of better days. + + +HARPER'S FERRY AND ANTIETAM. + +But during the day we have received sad tidings from Harper's Ferry, a +point of no little importance to the invaders. Unfortunately for us the +place was under the command of Colonel Miles, who, for his drunkenness +and general incompetency, had made himself conspicuous during the first +battle of Bull Run. Why such a man was left in command of at least ten +thousand men, and at a place of so much interest, cannot well be +accounted for. + +Aware as he must have been several days ago, that this position was a +coveted prize and would undoubtedly be assailed, he neither retreated, +nor fortified himself as he easily could have done to hold out for a +long time against a superior force. Nothing but imbecility or treachery +could have controlled his conduct. On the eleventh his command was +increased largely by a force under General Julius White, who had +evacuated Martinsburg on the approach of Stonewall Jackson. + +But to-day he was attacked from various positions, and his forces +driven; and on the fifteenth, being attacked from at least seven +commanding positions, early in the day the white flag was raised, which +the enemy failing to see, continued to fire for several minutes, during +which time Colonel Miles was killed, some say by a Rebel shell, others +assert by some of his own men. By this shameful surrender there fell +into the hands of the enemy nearly twelve thousand men, half of them New +Yorkers, who had just entered the service; also seventy-three guns good +and bad; thirteen thousand small arms; two hundred wagons, and a large +supply of tents and camp equipage. + +Stonewall Jackson, who had commanded the expedition from Frederick to +Harper's Ferry, now moved forward to join Lee's main army, which he did +on the sixteenth. From South Mountain General McClellan began to collect +his forces well in hand and to move towards Boonsborough. Here General +Pleasonton again struck the Rebel cavalry rearguard, capturing two +hundred and fifty prisoners and two field-pieces. Infantry supports were +following our cavalry very closely, and, after marching about twelve +miles, they discovered the Rebels in force posted on the south bank of +Antietam Creek, just in front of the little village of Sharpsburg. Our +troops entered into bivouacs for the night, expecting to attack the +enemy early next morning. But the morning and most of the day passed in +idleness, while the Rebels were fortifying their positions, and +gathering their forces which had been more or less scattered. Had +McClellan ordered an advance that morning early, the sixteenth of +September, 1862, would have witnessed a comparatively easy and complete +victory. + +At four o'clock P. M., General Joseph Hooker was sent out on the right. +Moving at a sufficient distance to keep out of sight of the Rebel +batteries, he forded the Antietam, and, soon afterward turning sharply +to the left, came down upon the enemy near the road to Hagerstown. But +darkness soon coming on put a speedy end to the conflict. + +_September 17._--This day has witnessed the grand and glorious battle of +Antietam, the particulars of which I need not record. It is enough to +say, that the daring of our men and their heroic deeds upon this field, +wiped out forever, in Rebel blood, the disgrace and foul stain cast upon +our arms in the momentous military blunders and defeats which have +followed us since the beginning of this great American conflict. + +The losses were heavy on both sides, but the enemy was fairly beaten, +and driven from his chosen positions; and night closed the most +sanguinary day ever known to the American continent. McClellan ought to +have followed up his victory early next morning, but hesitating, the +enemy made good his escape across the Potomac, leaving only his dead +and desperately wounded, the latter numbering about two thousand, in +our hands. + +_October 4._--We are still in our camps at Hall's Hill, teaching and +learning the tactics of war. To-day Kilpatrick detailed me to act as +drill-master, and gave me the command of a detachment of recruits. This +gives me a new phase of army experience, and though it has its +difficulties, as one will always find when he endeavors to control "men +of many minds," yet I find a good exercise of my little knowledge of +human nature, and realize that the influence of my new labor upon myself +is very salutary. I had thought that I was master of all the preliminary +steps of the science and art of a soldier's discipline, but in +endeavoring to teach the same to others, I have learned so much myself, +that it now seems to me that what I knew before was the merest rudiment. +This I learn is the experience of others who are engaged in similar +work. Helping others has a wonderful reflex influence upon ourselves. I +often wonder if this may no explain in part the philosophy of that +passage of Holy Writ, which says, "It is more blessed to give than to +receive." In this exercise of drilling, and in the comparative monotony +of camp life, we spent the month of October. + +All was quiet along the entire lines of the great armies. Our ranks had +been greatly swollen by new accessions; yet General McClellan was +constantly calling for reenforcements, and all kinds of supplies, +alleging that the army was in no condition to move. At length about the +twenty-sixth of October a feeble advance was made across the Potomac. +Several days were spent in putting the Federal army on the sacred soil +and under marching orders. No opposition was encountered in the march. +Our forces moved along the east side of the Blue Ridge, the enemy still +occupying the Shenandoah Valley, and moving southward on a line parallel +with our own. + +_November 2._--The Harris Light broke camp at Hall's Hill and advanced +to the Chantilly Mansion, bivouacking on its beautiful grounds. This +property is said to be owned by one of the Stuarts, who is reported to +be a quartermaster-general in the Rebel service. Pleasant as was the +place, with its fine walks, bordered with flowers and evergreen +shrubbery; its fruitful gardens and groves, the cold of the night made +our stay not the most agreeable. The next morning we pursued our line of +march to Sudley Church, near Bull Run, where we encountered a strong +force of Stuart's cavalry. After a sharp conflict, in which Yankee +ingenuity and grit were fairly tested, the chivalry retired +southwestwardly, acknowledging themselves badly defeated. + +_November 4._--To-day the regiment was ordered to move to Leesburg, near +which we pitched our shelters. This is an old, aristocratic village, the +shire-town of Loudon County. It is situated in a lovely valley, at the +terminus of the Loudon and Hampshire Railroad, and is only about two +miles from the Potomac, and an equal distance from Goose Creek, which is +a considerable stream. Though this county sent many brave men into the +Union ranks, probably more than any other county of the same population +in Virginia, yet Leesburg is almost a _fac-simile_ of Charlestown, the +capital of Jefferson County, the scene of John Brown's execution, where +all the people, including women and children, are "secession to a man." + +All this while the Grand Army of the Potomac was moving southward at a +snail's pace; and on the seventh of November, just after reaching +Warrenton, General McClellan was relieved from command, and directed to +report to the authorities by letter from Trenton, New Jersey. Thus ended +another indecisive campaign, which though it had witnessed a greater +victory than ever won before, yet had failed to reap the fruits +thereof. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +McCLELLAN SUCCEEDED BY BURNSIDE. + +1862--Burnside's First Campaign.--Army of the Potomac in Three Divisions. + --Advance from Warrenton to Falmouth.--General Stahel's Raid to the + Shenandoah.--Laying Pontoons across the Rappahannock under Fire.-- + Battle of Fredericksburg--Daring Feats and General Heroism.--Death of + General Bayard.--The Hospitals.--Sanitary and Christian Commissions. + --Camp "Bayard."--Camp-Fires.--Winter Quarters.--Friendly Relations + of Pickets.--Trading.--Pay-Day.--"Stuck in the Mud." + + +Upon General Ambrose Burnside fell the choice of the Executive for +commander of the great Union army. He assumed it with great reluctance +and unfeigned self-distrust, and only as a matter of obedience to +orders. This change in the commanding officer, deleterious and dangerous +as it might be upon the morale of the army, was nevertheless considered +necessary and expedient. + +Having secured, by somewhat formidable forces, the principal gaps or +passages of the Blue Ridge, which had been occupied by the enemy since +their advance into the Valley, General Burnside began to make +preparations to move his army to Fredericksburg, as being the most +feasible and direct line from Washington to Richmond. To mask as long as +possible his real design, he threatened an attack upon Gordonsville; but +General Lee, by the aid of his emissaries and raiders, soon ascertained +his plans, and moving his army across the Blue Ridge, through the +western passes, he took his position on the south bank of the +Rappahannock, to prevent Burnside's crossing. + +_November 8._--The Harris Light broke camp at Leesburg early in the +morning, and advanced to White Plains, where we encountered and defeated +a detachment of Rebel cavalry, driving them towards the mountains. +Continuing our journey through this pleasant valley between the Blue +Ridge and the Bull Run mountains, we soon joined our main army, whose +headquarters were at Warrenton. This is the most beautiful village in +this region of country, situated on the crest of fruitful hills, and +elegantly laid out. It is the shire-town of Fauquier County. Here a few +days were consumed in effecting the alterations incident upon a change +of commander, and on the fourteenth the Army of the Potomac was +constituted into three grand divisions, to be commanded respectively by +Generals Sumner, Franklin, and Hooker. The following day Warrenton was +abandoned, and the army swept down towards the Rappahannock. The sight +was a grand one. On our march, orders were received from President +Lincoln enjoining a stricter observance of the Sabbath in the army and +navy, than had been done before. As a general thing the Sabbath had not +been regarded as any more than any other day. Indeed, very few men in +the rank and file kept any calendar of time, and seldom knew the date or +day. This was occasionally the case even with officers. The only +possible way of keeping pace with flying time in the army, is by +writing a diary. But even when it was known that the Sabbath had been +reached, no regard was taken of its sacred character. One of the causes +of our disaster at the first battle of Bull Run was supposed by many to +be, that we had desecrated the holy Sabbath by our attack. However true +or false such a view may have been, the order we received to-day from +Washington was universally felt to be opportune. + +Two days' march brought our advance to Falmouth, and on the twenty-first +General Patrick, our provost-marshal general, was directed to repair to +Fredericksburg under a flag of truce, and request the surrender of the +city. The authorities replied, that while its buildings and streets +would no longer be used by Rebel sharp-shooters to annoy our forces +across the river, its occupation by Yankee troops would be resisted to +the last. Had the means of crossing the river been at hand, General +Burnside would have made hostile demonstrations at once; but through +some misunderstanding between himself and General Halleck, at +Washington, the pontoons were not in readiness. + +_November 28._--A strong force of Rebel cavalry, under General Wade +Hampton, dashed across the river at some of the upper fords, raided up +around Dumfries and the Occoquan, captured several prisoners and wagons, +and returned to their side of the river without loss. As a sort of +offset to this, on the twenty-ninth, General Julius Stahel, who +commanded a brigade of cavalry at Fairfax Court House, commenced an +expedition of great daring and success, to the Shenandoah Valley. +Having advanced to Snicker's Gap in the Blue Ridge, a strong Rebel +picket-post was captured by our vanguard. Pressing forward on the main +thoroughfare, they soon reached the Shenandoah river, and were not a +little annoyed by Rebel carbineers, hidden behind old buildings across +the stream. Captain Abram H. Krom, commanding a detachment of the Fifth +New York Cavalry, and leading the advance, dashed across the river, +though deep and the current swift, closely followed by his men. On +reaching the opposite bank, a charge was ordered, and executed in so +gallant a manner that several Rebels were made prisoners, and the +remainder of the squad was driven away at a breakneck speed. Our men +pursued them in a scrambling race for nearly three miles, when they came +upon a Rebel camp, which was attacked in a furious manner. Our boys made +noise enough for a brigade, though only a squadron was at hand. The +enemy attempted a defence, but utterly failed. Reenforcements coming to +our aid, the Rebels were thoroughly beaten and driven away, leaving in +our hands one captain, two lieutenants, thirty-two privates, one stand +of colors, and several wagons and ambulances. Most of these were laden +with booty taken by White's guerillas in a recent raid into Poolesville, +Maryland. Sixty horses and fifty heads of cattle were also captured in +this gallant charge. With all their spoils the expedition returned, via +Leesburg, arriving at their camps in safety. + +But all eyes were turned expectantly towards Fredericksburg, with its +two vast armies preparing for a grand encounter. Nearly all the +citizens of the city had left their homes and fled southward. While +General Burnside waited for his pontoons, General Lee was fortifying the +Heights in rear of the city, and concentrating his forces for the +anticipated onset. This state of things was greatly regretted. + +_December 11._--The laying of the pontoons commenced in the night, but +the task was only partially performed when daylight made the sappers and +miners at work a fair mark for the sharpshooters, who were hidden among +the buildings which lined the opposite shore, and whose numbers had +largely increased within a few days. Battery after battery was opened on +Falmouth Heights, until not less than one hundred and fifty guns, at +good range, were belching fire and destruction upon the nearly +tenantless city, and still the sharpshooters prevented the completion of +the pontoons, and disputed our crossing. At this critical moment the +Seventh Michigan regiment of infantry immortalized their names. Failing, +after some entreaty, to secure the assistance of the engineer corps to +row them across, they undertook the perilous labor themselves, and amid +the rattling of bullets and the cheers and shouts of our own men, they +reached the opposite shore, with five of their number killed, and +sixteen wounded, including Lieutenant-Colonel Baxter. They immediately +dashed through the streets of the city, and being quickly reenforced by +other regiments, they soon cleared the rifle-pits and buildings adjacent +to the stream of all annoyance. Foremost among the noble men who +performed this heroic work was the Rev. Arthur B. Fuller, chaplain of +the Sixteenth Massachusetts infantry, who was killed by a rifle-shot. + +Our pontoons were now laid in quietness to the city; and about three +miles below General Franklin laid his pontoons without opposition. +Several bridges were thus constructed, and before night the main body of +infantry and cavalry filed across the river, preparatory to a grand +engagement. On the twelfth General Bayard moved his cavalry down the +river six miles, and was posted on picket. Several shots were exchanged +with the Rebel pickets during the day, and the demon of fight seemed to +exist everywhere. + +_December 13._--The night had been cold, and the morning was dimmed by a +heavy fog which covered friend and foe. But orders for an attack upon +the formidable works of the enemy had been given, and even before the +mist arose, General Gibbon opened fire with his heavy artillery, which +was responded to, but without much effect, owing to the fog, which, +however, disappeared about eleven o'clock. The engagement now became +general, and the fighting was of a character more desperate and +determined than ever known before. + +The line of Rebel fortifications was so far back from the river, that +our artillery, posted on the Falmouth Heights, was out of range, and +made more havoc in our advancing ranks than in the ranks of the enemy, +until the fire was silenced by order of General Burnside. About one +o'clock, one of the most brilliant movements of the day was performed by +General George G. Meade's division, which by a terrific charge, gained +the crest of the hill, which was near the key of the position. But not +being sufficiently supported, they were compelled to retire, bringing +away several hundred prisoners with them. + +Another masterpiece of gallantry was presented nearer the town, at +Marye's Heights, where General Meagher's Irish Brigade repeatedly +charged the Rebel works, until at least two-thirds of his stalwart men +strewed the ground, killed and wounded. Brigade after brigade was +ordered to take these heights, and though their ranks were mown down +like grass before the scythe, in the very mouth of Rebel guns the effort +was again and again made. Midway up the Heights was a heavy stone wall, +behind which lay the hosts of the enemy, who delivered their fire with +scarcely any exposure, sweeping down our columns as they approached. +This hillside was completely strewn with our dead and disabled, and at +length our assailing ranks retired, compelled to abandon their futile +and murderous attempts. But in the language of General Sumner, "they did +all that men could do." This could be applied to all the troops engaged. + +Night at length threw her sable mantle over the bloody field, covering +in her sombre folds the stiffened corpses and mangled forms of not less +than fifteen thousand dead and wounded, including the casualties of both +armies. + +Not one of all our dead fell more lamented than Major-General George D. +Bayard, who was struck by a shrieking shell, dying early in the evening. +He was only twenty-eight years of age, of prepossessing appearance and +manners, with as brave a heart as ever bled for a weeping country, and a +capacity of mind for military usefulness equal to any man in the +service. Gradually he had arisen from one position of honor and +responsibility to another, proving himself tried and true in each +promotion, while his cavalry comrades especially were watching the +developments of his growing power, with unabating enthusiasm. But "death +loves a shining mark," and our hero, with his own blood, baptized the +day which had been appointed for his nuptials. The recital of his early +death brought tears to many eyes, and caused many a loving heart to +bleed. + + "Death lies on him like an untimely frost-- + Upon the sweetest flower of all the field." + +The night following this bloody conflict was horrible in the extreme. +Every available spot or building in the city was sought for a hospital, +to which the wounded were brought on stretchers by their companions. Now +and then there came a poor fellow who was able to walk, supporting with +one hand its bloody, mangled mate. At times two men might be seen +approaching through the darkness, supporting between them their less +fortunate comrade, whose bloody garments told that he had faced the foe. +But many of our hospitals proved to be very unsafe refuges, into which +Minie balls and broken shells would come rattling, and in some instances +destroying the precious lives that had escaped--though not without +suffering--the terrible and deadly shock of battle. Many of the wounded +were taken across the river, and made perfectly safe and as comfortable +as circumstances would permit. The Sanitary and Christian Commissions +rendered very effective service, enshrining themselves in the memory of +a grateful people. Their deeds of charity and mercy can never be +forgotten. By their timely supplies and personal labors many lives were +saved, and thousands of the wounded were comforted. + +_December 14._--The light of this holy Sabbath was hailed with gladness +by many a poor soldier, who had suffered from the chill of the night +alone upon the bloody field. The weather, however, is unusually clement +for this season of the year. A little firing occurred this morning, but +no general engagement resulted. This was greatly feared, for had General +Lee advanced upon us, it is difficult to see how our men, though +somewhat covered by the fire of our batteries from Falmouth Heights, +could have recrossed the stream without fearful loss. But both armies +spent most of the holy day in the sacred task of caring for the wounded +and burying their dead. Monday was also spent mostly in the same +employment, and in the night, so skilfully as to be unknown even to the +Rebel pickets, our whole army was withdrawn to the north side of the +river in perfect order and without loss. Our pontoons were then taken +up. + +General Burnside was not willing to remain totally idle, and, after some +time had elapsed, he planned another grand movement, which, with more or +less opposition from his subordinates, who did not confide in his +judgment, he endeavored to execute. But he had just taken the first step +in the programme when he was signaled to desist by a telegram from the +President, who had been informed that the temper of the army was not +favorable to a general move under its present commander. + +With the battle of Fredericksburg terminated the campaign of 1862, and +the two great armies established their winter quarters facing each other +along the line of the Rappahannock. Our camps extend for several miles +along the northern shore above and below Falmouth, and the enemy occupy +the south bank above and below the Heights of Fredericksburg. Indeed, +nearly the whole territory between the Rappahannock and the Defences of +Washington, a dark, forsaken, wilderness region, with only here and +there a plantation or a village, was soon converted into a vast camping +ground, and became the most populous section of Virginia. + +To avoid the distant transportation of forage, the greater portion of +the cavalry is encamped near Belle Plain, where government transports +land with supplies from Washington. The Harris Light has established its +camp on the Belle Plain and Falmouth Turnpike, about four miles from the +former place, and has named it "Bayard," in honor of our lamented +commander, whose fall at Fredericksburg is still a subject of universal +sorrow. + +It is wonderful to witness how the forests are disappearing in and +around our camps. From morning till night the chopmen's axes resound +from camp to camp, echoing dolefully along the river-shore and far back +into the dense, dark woods. Soon after the battle of Fredericksburg, as +we had no quarters, and nothing but worn and torn shelter-tents, our +only way to prevent freezing at night was to cut and heap together a +large number of logs, which, though green, when fully ignited made a +rousing fire. These fires, numerously built in rows throughout the +streets of our camps, presented, especially at night, a most beautiful +and lively scene. The few trees which still remained as shelters were +generally lighted up by our fires into grand chandeliers, reflecting +upon our white tents a weird light of gold and green, which might have +furnished the pen of the romancer, and the pencil of the artist, their +most interesting plots and designs. + +Around these fires gathered the comrades of many a march and battle, to +discuss the experiences of the past, to applaud or censure certain men +and measures, and to lay plans, and to entertain rumors with regard to +future operations. The gallantry and merits of companions fallen in +strife were presented by those most intimate with them; and otherwise +dreary hours were pleasantly whiled away with narratives of personal +encounters, of terrible sufferings of prisoners while in the hands of +the enemy, and of hair-breadth escapes. These accounts were generally +enlivened with extra coloring drawn from the enchanting and fairy-like +scenes which surrounded the speaker, and an entire group was thrilled +and electrified until frequently the night was made to ring with +uproarious applause. Occasionally the friends and home scenes we have +left behind us became the subjects of conversation, and it is +astonishing how that word "home," with its hallowed associations, +touches the tender feelings of our hearts. These colloquies often ended +with the good old hymn, "Home, sweet home," and with the sound of the +last bugle-call we hastened to our rest, to spend, it may be, a +miserable night of cold and storm. + +No soldier can ever forget these camp and bivouac scenes, for they are +deeply photographed upon his memory. He will often recall their +ludicrous as well as romantic side, when the mud was knee-deep and over, +up to within a few feet of the fire, compelling him often to stand so +near the burning pile as to set his clothes on fire. In very cold +weather he would freeze one side while the other burned, unless he +frequently performed that military feat, changing "his base of +operations." If the wind blew, making his fantastic gyrations among the +tents, so that you never knew whence he would come nor whither he would +go, you were sure to get your face smoked horribly. + +With thousands of camps thus circumstanced, it may be conjectured that +no little amount of fuel would suffice us. At first the trees were cut +down without much regard to the height of the stumps, but as the forest +receded from the camps, making transportation difficult, the stumps were +dug up by the roots, leaving the ground perfectly smooth, and made ready +for the ploughman, whenever our swords are beaten into ploughshares and +our battle spears into pruning hooks. And besides the consumption of +wood for fires, no little amount is used for the construction of our +houses or huts. Nearly every man has suddenly become a mason or a +carpenter, and the hammer, the axe, and the trowel are being plied with +the utmost vigor, if not with the highest skill. Many of us, however, +are astonished at the ingenuity that is displayed in this department. +Large logs, notched at the ends so as to dovetail together, and +sometimes hewn on the inside, compose the body of the hut. By the +careful application of mud--that Virginia mortar or plaster with which +every soldier is so familiar--to the crevices between the logs, a very +comfortable structure is made ready for its covering and occupancy. +Shelter-tents, buttoned or sewed together, form the roof, which, by the +aid of talmas or ponchoes, is generally made water-proof. + +Three or four men usually unite in the construction of a hut, and share +one another's skill and stores. If they can afford it, they purchase of +the sutlers small sheet-iron stoves, which will keep them very +comfortably warm, and afford them an opportunity to do their own cooking +on extra occasions, such as come with the issues of supplies from the +Christian or Sanitary Commissions, or the reception of boxes from +friends at home. The ordinary cooking of a company is done by men +detailed for that purpose. Often good fire-places and chimneys are +erected in the tents. These are sometimes made of sticks of wood laid in +thick mud, or of stones or bricks taken from the foundations and remains +of buildings that have been destroyed in the neighborhood of our camps. +Every means is resorted to which Yankee ingenuity can devise to make our +soldier-homes as comfortable and convenient as possible. Punch says, +"that a Yankee baby will creep out of his cradle, take a survey of it, +invent an improved style and apply for a patent, before he is six months +old," and this he said some time ago; what he would say now, we cannot +tell. If a house has been abandoned by its inmates anywhere within our +lines, it is taken as _prima facie_ evidence that the owners must be +Rebels--and it matters but little whether they are or not so long as the +house stands alone; and in nearly as short a period of time as it takes +to tell the story, the building is torn in pieces, and the materials are +used in the construction of our huts and the stables of our horses. + +The dying year left us engaged in these labors. + +_January 1, 1863._--The Harris Light was ordered to the Rappahannock, +where we were posted on picket near Port Conway. + +The Federal and Rebel pickets have mutually arranged that there shall be +no firing on either side, unless an advance is undertaken. This +agreement is of course among ourselves, neither approved nor disapproved +at headquarters. For several days the most perfect harmony has prevailed +between the blue and the gray. Yankees and Johnnies wash together in the +same stream, procure water to drink and for culinary purposes from the +same spring, and, curious to relate, often read the news from the same +papers. Squads of soldiers from both armies may be observed seated +together on either side of the Rappahannock, earnestly discussing the +great questions of the day, each obstinately maintaining his views of +the matters at issue. + +On one occasion a soldier from our ranks took from his pocket a copy of +the _New York Herald_, and read the Union account of one of the great +battles to an attentive crowd of Rebel soldiers. When he had concluded, +up sprang one of the chivalry, who brought to view a dingy copy of +the _Richmond Examiner_, and proceeded to read his side of the story. No +one was offended, and all relished the comparison of views, and then +began to discuss the merits of the two accounts. + +[Illustration: CAVALRY PICKETS MEETING IN THE RAPPAHANNOCK.] + +During all these interviews trading was the order of the day, and a +heavy business was carried on in the tobacco, coffee, and hard-tack +line. There was also a special demand on the part of the Rebels for +pocket-knives and canteens, these articles evidently being very scarce +in Dixie. + +_January 12._--The weather has been very uneven since the year began. +Wind, rain, sleet, and snow, singly and combined, have been our portion, +and as a natural consequence, oceans of mud have thus far given Camp +Bayard a most unwelcome appearance. Our only remedy is to corduroy our +streets, which we do by bridging them with the straightest timber we can +find. Usually this is pine, with which thousands of acres of Virginia +are covered. As it is mostly of a recent growth, averaging about six +inches in diameter, and shooting up to an immense height before you can +reach the branches, it is well suited to our purpose. + +Rough as these corduroyed streets are, they are very passable, and +prevent us from sinking with our horses into a bottomless limbo. On the +fourteenth of the month our picket details returned to camp, after being +several days on duty. The weather is becoming delightful. The sun is +often so brilliant and warm that we are compelled to seek shelter in our +tents or in the fragrant shades of the woods. We are reminded of +pleasant April weather in Northern New York. Under this _regime_ of old +Sol, the roads are rapidly improving, and should no adverse change +occur, we may look for some important army movement. + +_January 21._--To-day we received two months' pay, and, as is usually +the case on pay-day, the boys are in excellent spirits. Whatever trouble +or difficulty the soldier may have, pay-day is a wonderful panacea, at +least if his pay-roll and accounts are all satisfactory and right. But +the men do not all make the same use of their money. Many on receiving +the "greenbacks" hasten to Adams' Express or despatch an agent, and send +home all the money we can spare. Some repair at once to their tents and +enter upon gambling schemes with cards generally, or other games; and it +is no uncommon thing to hear that some one has lost all he had, and has +gone so far even as to borrow more, in less than twelve hours of the +time he was paid. A small portion of the men visit the sutlers, those +army vampires, whose quarters are converted into scenes of dissipation, +drunkenness, and folly. Men whose families at home are waiting for means +to live, thus waste all their wages, disgrace themselves, and cast their +dependents upon the charities of the cold world. + +_January 22._--For about two days the army has been prepared for an +advance across the Rappahannock. To-day the grand movement was +commenced. Several regiments, supposing that they never again would need +their winter huts, have burned or otherwise demolished them. But the +weather, which was fine at the outset, has suddenly changed, and about +ten o'clock at night there poured upon us, untented and unprotected, a +furious storm of rain, sleet, and snow, making our condition almost +unendurable. We are now left in a bed of almost fathomless mire. None of +the men who flounder through these oozy roads, under the inclement sky, +will ever forget the "Muddy March." We had scarcely reached the +river-shore before we were compelled to return. In one instance a piece +of artillery with its horses had to be abandoned, submerged so deeply in +the mud that it was considered impracticable to extricate them. Men are +frequently compelled to assist one another, unable to proceed alone. The +ground is covered with snow, and yet the mud is so deep that it is +almost an impossibility to move artillery or supplies. All our forage +and rations are brought from Belle Plain on horses and pack-mules, all +wheeled vehicles being entirely shipwrecked. + +The Rebels appear to understand what had been our designs, and know +fully the cause of our failure in the expedition. Consequently, to +tantalize us, they have erected an enormous sign-board on their side of +the river, but in full view of our pickets, bearing the inscription: +"Stuck in the mud!" + +General Burnside, beset on every hand with misfortunes and disasters, +tendered his resignation, but was simply relieved, as at his own +request, from the command of the Army of the Potomac. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +ORGANIZATION OF A CAVALRY CORPS. + +1863.--General Hooker assumes Command of the Army of the Potomac. + --Demoralization.--Reorganization.--A Cavalry Corps.--General + George D. Stoneman in Command.--Death of Sergeant May.--Forests of + the Old Dominion.--The Cavalryman and his Faithful Horse.--Scenes + in Winter Quarters.--Kilpatrick.--His Character.--Qualifications + of the True Soldier.--A New Horse.--A Mulish Mule.--Kilpatrick's + Colored Servants in Trouble.--Terrific Hail-Storm.--Major E. F. + Cooke Honored.--Colonel Clarence Buel. + + +On the twenty-sixth of January, General Joseph Hooker assumed command of +the Army of the Potomac, whose vicissitudes and defeats have well-nigh +broken its spirit and wiped out its efficiency. The patriotic fire is +burning dimly in shrines where it has blazed brightly before. The tide +of military life has possibly reached its lowest ebb, and the signs of +the times are ominous of ill. Desertions are reported to be fearfully +large. For this many of our friends at the North are responsible. Not +only do their letters speak discouraging words to the soldier, but many +of them sent by express citizens' clothes, with which many of the boys +quickly invest themselves, throwing away the blue, and thus disguised +find their way to their false friends at home. I esteem him false to me +who would thus rob me of my honor. I would rather say, "despoil me of my +life, but my integrity never." Discouraging as all this depression of +mind and dispersion of comrades may be, many still remain steadfast at +their trust and unflinchingly go ahead in the discharge of their duty. + +General Hooker's first work seems to be in the direction of checking +this loosening of discipline, and in reorganizing and strengthening the +bands of military order. As the infantry needed but little further +solidification, the commander-in-chief turned his attention to the +cavalry. In the possible efficiency of this arm of the service the +general seems to have full faith. But it is currently reported that the +general has said "that he has yet failed to see or hear of a dead +cavalryman." Of course this cannot be strictly true, for we could cite +him multitudes, including our noble Bayard, whose bravery and sacrifice +of themselves upon their country's altar, are worthy of recognition at +the hand of their commander. But it is quite evident that the cavalry +has not yet come up to the beau-ideal of the general. And, indeed, it +has been a source of wonderment to us, that while the efficiency of the +infantry is known to depend largely upon its organization into brigades, +divisions, and corps, with their general commander, the same may not be +true of the cavalry. + +General Bayard, the great cavalry chief of the Army of the Potomac +during General Burnside's administration, made several efforts at +consolidation, resulting, however, in no very permanent changes. It was +reserved for General Hooker to bring about the desired result; and, at +last, the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac is organized, with +General George D. Stoneman for its commanding officer. By this change +regiments which have been scattered here and there on detached service +are brought together, and made to feel the enthusiasm which numbers +generally inspire, especially when those numbers are united into a +system, with a living head, whose intelligence and authority control the +whole. + +Under this new _regime_ some very beneficial changes have been wrought. +Schools or camps of instruction have been established, with a more rigid +discipline than before, and boards of examination, with all the +experience of the past before their eyes, have been organized. Old and +incompetent officers have been dismissed, or have slunk away before this +incisive catechism, giving way generally to intelligent, young, and +efficient men, who, placed at the heads of regiments and brigades, give +promise of success in the struggles that await us. + +The Rebel cavalry under Stuart has long been organized into an efficient +body, which, at times, has sneered at our attempts to match them; and +yet they have been made to feel, on some occasions, that we are a +growing power, which time and experience may develop into something +formidable. But the general successes of the Rebel army have made them +all very insolent, in the hope that final victory is already in their +grasp. + +_February 11._--My old friend and comrade, Sergeant Theodore May, of +Pittstown, New York, died this afternoon at two o'clock, after a brief +illness, of typhoid fever, which is a great scourge throughout the army. +The death of this valiant fellow-soldier casts a deep gloom over the +entire command, in which he has so faithfully served. When we entered +the army together at the organization of the regiment, he came a perfect +stranger, but his gentle manners and soldierly deportment soon made for +him hosts of warm friends. By his gallantry on the field of battle, as +well as by the gentleness of his manners and his unblemished conduct in +camp, he has won the respect, and even admiration, of all who knew him. + +The patriotic motives which induced Sergeant May to quit his pleasant +home in the beautiful valley of the Tomhannock, for the privations, +hardships, and dangers of military life, have always proved him to be a +true and warm sympathizer in his country's cause. It was evidently not +the mere love of adventure, or the mere pageantry or glory of war, that +led him to make the great sacrifice. He has been with us in every +conflict, and shared with us the varied fortunes of the Harris Light. +His death, which he would rather have met on the field of strife, +battling manfully against traitors, was reserved for the calm and quiet +of the camp, where he spent his last moments urging his comrades to +"cheer up and fight on," offering as his dying reason, that "our cause +is just, and must triumph." Such a death is a rich legacy to a command. +"He being dead, yet speaketh." We would emulate his virtues. + +_February 12._--On recommendation of Lieutenant Frederick C. Lord, I was +to-day appointed by Colonel Kilpatrick First Sergeant of Company E, vice +Henry Temple, promoted to Sergeant Major. My appointment is to date from +the first of January, making me a very desirable New Year's gift, which +I shall strive to honor. + +_February 22._--Snow has been falling uninterruptedly the livelong day, +and yet the boys have been unusually merry, as they were wont to be on +this anniversary before the war. Our celebration has been on a scanty +scale, and yet we have felt the patriotic stimulus which comes from the +great men and days of the past. And truly, the birth of the great +Washington gives birth to many interesting thoughts, especially at this +period of our history. A national salute has been fired from our +fortifications on the Potomac, and the whole country round about us has +been made to reverberate with the sound that welcomes in the day. + +But all these patriotic manifestations have not prevented the snow-storm +and the cold. When we left our home in the North for what was termed +"the sunny South," we little expected to find such storms as this here. +While the summers are much cooler than we expected to find them, the +days being generally fanned by a beautiful sea-breeze, the winters +exceed for cold our highest expectation. The cold is not continuous, but +very severe. We have seen the soft ground and water-puddles freeze +sufficiently in one night to bear a horse; and in several days and +nights the frost has penetrated the earth several inches deep. The +snow-storm of to-day is as severe as most storms experienced in the +North. The wind has howled from the north-west, burdened with its cold, +feathery flakes, which to-night lie at least twelve inches deep in +places undisturbed. It is such a storm as our suffering pickets, and +indeed our entire army, cannot soon forget. + +It may be that the vast forests of Virginia have much to do with its +peculiar temperature. As we travel from place to place we are strongly +impressed with the vastness of the wilderness, which covers thousands of +acres of as fine arable soil as can be found on the continent. How +different is this from the notions we had formed of the _Old_ Dominion, +while reading of its early settlements, and of its great agricultural +advantages. But when we look into its system of land-owning, and find +that one individual monopolizes a territory sufficient for a dozen +farms, and consequently neglects eleven twelfths of his acres; and then +look into its even worse system of labor, we need search no farther for +the causes of this backwardness in agricultural pursuits. The implements +made use of here on the plantations are such as were rejected by New +England farmers over half a century ago; and the _methods_ of +cultivation are a century behind the times. Slavery and land-monopoly +are the incubus. + +Who does not sincerely hope that the time is not far distant, when the +rich acres of this great State shall be properly shared by its +inhabitants, and when, freed from a burden and curse which have long +paralyzed their energies, instinct with new life and enterprise, the +people will realize the dignity of labor? Then will the almost +interminable forests disappear, and in their stead the industrious +yeoman will behold his rich fields of waving grain. Then, too, along the +now comparatively useless streams and swift water-courses, will spring +up the factory and the mill, whose rolling wheels and buzzing spindles +will bring wealth and prosperity to the nation. We are convinced, from +what we have seen, that Virginia has water-power enough to turn the +machinery of the world. With these changes the school-house will be +found by the side of every church, and intelligence and virtue will +bless the home of the Presidents. + +We have also many times been led to think, while lying in these chilly +woods, that a greater warmth would be imparted to the atmosphere if the +forest-trees were felled and the land put under cultivation,--a change +sufficiently great to be appreciable throughout the State. + + +"UNCHRONICLED HEROES." + +_Sunday, March 1._--The usual Sunday morning inspection was omitted on +account of rain. Rain, rain had fallen for many days almost incessantly. +The regiment has been earnestly at work throughout the day in building +stables for the horses, which have suffered greatly from being kept +standing too long in the mud. Under these circumstances our horses are +afflicted with the scratches, many of them so badly as to render them +unserviceable, and occasionally they lose their lives. + +By this cause and through hard work my little black mare, which I drew +by lot at Camp Sussex in the autumn of 1861, has at last succumbed, and, +with a grief akin to that which is felt at the loss of a dear human +friend, I have performed the last rite of honor to the dead. The Indian +may love his faithful dog, but his attachments cannot surpass the +cavalryman's for his horse. They have learned to love one another in the +most trying vicissitudes of life, and the animal manifests affection and +confidence quite as evidently as a human being could. + +The cavalier, it is true, is often compelled to drive at a most fearful +rate, as when bearing hurried despatches, or making a charge, frequently +causing almost immediate blindness to the animal. Or, may be, he +continues on a march for many days and nights in succession, as on a +raid, averaging at least sixty-five miles in twenty-four hours, with +little water and less forage; unable to remove the saddle, which has to +be tightly bound, until the animal is so badly galled that the hair +comes off with the blanket at its first removal. + +Sufferings like these often cause the death of a large proportion of a +command; and to a careless looker-on these things would appear to be +mere neglects. But these cruel military necessities only develop more +perfectly the rider's sympathy for his suffering beast, and bind them in +closer and more endearing bonds. + +Some men had rather injure themselves than have their horses harmed, and +the utmost pains are taken to heal them in case they are wounded. Each +regiment has its veterinary surgeon, whose skill is taxed to the utmost +in his branch of the healing art. + +Among the most touching scenes we have witnessed, are those in which the +mortally wounded horse has to be abandoned on the field of carnage. +With tearful eyes the rider and perhaps owner turns to take a last look +of the "unchronicled hero," his fellow-sufferer, that now lies weltering +in his blood, and yet makes every possible effort to follow the +advancing column. The parting is deeply affecting. + +Often the cavalryman finds no object to which he may hitch his horse for +the night save his own hand; and thus with the halter fast bound to his +grasp he lies down with a stone, or perhaps his saddle, for a pillow, +his faithful horse standing as a watchful guardian by his side. At times +the animal will walk around him, eating the grass as far as he can +reach, and frequently arousing him by trying to gain the grass on which +he lies; yet it is worthy of note, that an instance can scarcely be +found where the horse has been known to step upon or in anywise injure +his sleeping lord. Such a scene the poet undoubtedly had in his mind +when he sang: + + "The murmuring wind, the moving leaves + Lull'd him at length to sleep, + With mingled lullabies of sight and sound." + +Such experiences as these had taught me to love my faithful and true +friend. But I found I was not the only man in the command who was +bereaved of his _first_ love. Only a few horses of the original number +which we drew still remain, and several of them are either partially or +totally blind, though yet serviceable. The hardships of the camp and the +campaign are more destructive of animal than human flesh. Men are often +sheltered from the storm when the horses are exposed, and the men are +sometimes fed when the horses have to go hungry. + +In battle the horse is a larger mark than the man, and hence is more +frequently hit, so that more than twice the number of horses fall in +every engagement than men. The cavalryman is more shielded from the +deadly missile than the infantryman. The horse's head and shoulders will +often receive the bullet which was intended for the rider's body. This +is true also of the elevated portions of the saddle, with the rolls of +blankets and coats and bag of forage. A difference has also been noticed +between the casualties in cavalry and infantry regiments under equal +exposure. This difference is wholly explained when we consider the +jolting and swift motion of the man as his horse leaps forward in the +fray, making him a very uncertain mark for the enemy. + + +BRIGHT DAYS. + +_March 3._--This is the first bright day we have seen in more than three +weeks. The mud around our camps, especially in the neighborhood where we +water our horses, is terrible, and the roads are almost bottomless. +However, long trains of forage and commissary-wagons may be seen passing +to and fro, with horses and mules in mud from "stem to stern." +Cavalcades of mudded horses and riders traverse the camps and adjoining +fields in various directions. + +Large flocks of crows--the most soldier-like bird in the world--with +their high-perched vedettes when alighted, and their military line of +march when on the wing, afford some lessons of diversion and +instruction. It would seem as if all the ravens of the United States had +congregated here, having been attracted by the carrion of battle-fields +and the refuse of camps. Turkey buzzards, birds which are always on the +wing, and that none of us ever yet saw alighted, wheel through the air +like eagles, gazing down upon us with seeming defiance. The sights are +of daily occurrence. + + +KILPATRICK. + +To-day several details were made from the regiment for brigade +headquarters, where Kilpatrick, the senior colonel in the brigade, now +commands. In the afternoon we raised the "stars and stripes" in front of +his tent, after which three cheers were given for the flag and three for +the Union. Kilpatrick was then called upon for a speech, and responded +in his usually felicitous style. He is certainly an orator as well as a +warrior. He speaks, too, as he fights, with dash and daring. What he has +to say he says with such perspicuity that no one doubts his meaning. +Frequently there are flashes of eloquence worthy of a Demosthenes. His +voice and diction seem to be well-nigh faultless. His speech to-day +elicited frequent outbursts of applause, and the men cheered him +enthusiastically at the close, and left his quarters with a deeper +affection for him than before. Strict as he is to enforce discipline, +and thorough, yet he is not severe; and the men love him for his +personal attention to their wants, and for his appreciation of their +labors. If he gives us hard work to do in march or battle, he endures or +shares with us the hardship. If by the losses of men he has sustained he +is truly entitled to the nickname of "Kill Cavalry," which has been +quite generally accorded to him, his men know that these casualties +have fallen out in the line of duty, in bold enterprises that cost the +enemy dearly, the wisdom of which will ever exculpate our loved +commander from the imputation of rashness with which, by uninformed +parties, he is sometimes charged. + +In preparation for, and during, a battle, none can excel him. His plans +are quickly made and executed, while all possible contingencies seem to +have been foreseen. His selection of positions and disposition of forces +always exhibits great sagacity and military genius. He generally holds +his men under perfect control. His clarion voice rings like magic +through the ranks, while his busy form, always in the thickest of the +fight, elicits the warmest enthusiasm. His equanimity of mind seems +never to be overcome by his celerity of motion, but are equally +balanced. Rarely is so great prudence found blended with so undaunted +courage. He has an indomitable will that cannot brook defeat. The word +_impossible_ he never knows, whatever difficulties intervene between him +and duty. He feels like Napoleon, "that _impossible_ is the adjective of +fools." + +Added to all these mental qualifications, is that perfect _physique_, +which makes Kilpatrick the model soldier. As an equestrian we have never +seen his superior. He rides as though he had been made for a saddle. +Rocks, stumps, fallen trees, brooks, and fences are nothing before him. +His well-trained steeds understand him perfectly, and are never at a +loss to know what is meant by the sharp spurs on their sides, whatever +obstacles stand in their path. We have seen him leap over barriers +where only few could follow him. To accomplish such feats the horse must +have confidence in the rider as well as the rider in the horse. While in +a charge, Kilpatrick has more the appearance of an eagle pouncing upon +his prey, than that of a man pouncing upon a man. Then, too, he has a +wonderful power of endurance. Though somewhat slender in form and +delicate in mould, with complexion and eyes as light as a maiden's, yet +it would seem as though his bones were iron and his sinews steel, while +the whole is overlaid with gold. He is certainly compactly built. He has +undoubtedly his faults, but his men fail to see them, so that to them he +is as good as perfect. + +What so young a champion of the right may yet achieve for his country, +is a matter of much hopeful conjecture among us. He is now only +twenty-five years of age, having had his birth in the beautiful valley +of the Clove, in Northern New Jersey, in 1838. He entered the Military +Academy at West Point on the twentieth of June, 1856, and graduated with +honors in 1860, just in time to be ready for the great conflict then +impending. He was present at Baltimore when the mob endeavored to stop +the trains for Washington, and the blood of Massachusetts men was spilt +upon the streets. He there exhibited that bold intrepidity which has +ever characterized his actions. He was wounded at the battle of Big +Bethel, one of the first engagements of the war, where as a lieutenant +he commanded Duryea's Zouaves, June eleventh, 1861. He had just +recovered from his wound when he entered upon the organization of the +Harris Light, and became its lieutenant-colonel. + +_March 5._--We had regimental drill at the usual time this morning. I +rode my black pony recently drawn in place of my little black mare, +deceased. This was his first experience in cavalry discipline; and I +infer that the men in the front rank of the platoon, which I commanded, +hoped it might be his last entry; for it must have been most +emphatically evident to those who followed him that he was determined to +introduce a new system of tactics, in which heels were to go up in no +gentle manner at every change of movement. He is certainly the most +ungovernable horse on drill I ever mounted; and nothing but long marches +and raids can effectually subdue his kicking propensities. I am +encouraged, however, with the consideration that such fiery metal, when +properly controlled and moulded, is usually very valuable. + +The rain fell so fast on the sixth, that we were prevented from drill, +and recall was sounded immediately after drill-call. + +_Sunday, March 8._--Details from the regiment were ordered out on +picket. The night had been stormy, but the day has been lovely. At such +times, were it not for the mud, we would feel that we are very +comfortably circumstanced. + +On the eleventh, in the morning, the ground was covered with snow which +had fallen in the night. A brilliant sun soon dissolved the pure mantle +and left us in much mire. But our attention was diverted from the going +by a novel scene which we were called to witness in camp. The regiment +was instructed in the best method of packing a mule, by one who has had +experience in the business. The most mulish mule in the whole braying +family was selected for the operation, and if we did not have some tall +fun I will admit that I am no judge. A hog on ice or a bristling +porcupine are bad enough, but an ugly mule outstrips them all. It seems +as if the irascible animal tried to do his prettiest, flouncing around +in a most laughable manner, pawing and kicking at times furiously. But +the desperate Yankee teacher was not to be outwitted, and conquered him +at last, when the pack was satisfactorily poised, and the ornamented +mule was promenaded about camp as in triumph. + +We are informed that it is the intention of the authorities to have +pack-mules used in the cavalry corps henceforward in place of army +wagons. The reason of this change seems to be to facilitate rapid +movements or forced marches. It is the prevailing opinion, however, that +the experiment will prove a failure. Too many mules would be required +for this purpose, and our forage and rations would be very insecure, +especially from the storms. But we will see how the thing works. At +times it may be expedient. + +_March 12._--I had the misfortune to have my quarters burned this +morning while getting out a detail for picket. All my extra clothing, +equipments, and some little mementoes or valuables were speedily +converted into ashes. But I immediately went to work, and with some kind +assistance, which every brother-soldier is so ready to bestow, I put up +a new establishment which in every respect is superior to the old. Our +homes, it is true, are easily destroyed, but they are as easily +replaced. + +_March 13._--Details from the regiment, with pack-mules, were sent out +to the Rappahannock, to carry rations and forage to our pickets. The +mule-train looks oddly enough, and yet through these muddy roads it +seems to be a necessity. + +_March 14._--To-day I am doing regimental guard duty. The guard has been +not a little amused by the arrest of Kilpatrick's colored servants. It +was their misfortune to be discovered by Captain Southard, the officer +of the day, while engaged in a fierce contest, in which their heads were +used as the chief weapons of attack and defence. The blows they dealt +upon each other were most terrible, reminding one of the battering-rams +of old, used for demolishing the walls of forts or cities. Such ancient +modes of warfare, of course, could not be tolerated here, especially as +no order for battle had been promulgated from headquarters, and the +captain arrested the offenders and brought them to the guard-house, +where they were placed in my charge. I immediately ordered them out +under guard to police camp as a punishment for their bad conduct. + +While thus engaged, Kilpatrick happened to see them, and, not wishing to +have his faithful servants subjected to such humiliating labor, issued +an order for their immediate release from durance vile, asserting that +he would be responsible for their fighting in the future, if at least +they did not put their heads together more than half a dozen times a +day. + +The day following this laughable farce, in the afternoon, we experienced +one of the most terrific storms ever known in this part of the country. +The day had been quite pleasant until about two o'clock, when dark +clouds began to obscure the sky, and the wind shifted from the south to +the north-west. At four o'clock the elements were ready for battle, and +a fierce engagement commenced. Gleaming and forked lightnings cleft the +canopy, while booming thunder shook the trembling earth. The artillery +of Heaven had not long been opened before the musketry commenced, and +down poured a shower of hail, which came near demolishing our tents, and +brought suffering and sorrow upon all unsheltered heads. Mules brayed +horribly, vying with the hoarse, muttering thunder, making the camp most +hideous and lonely. The wind and cold increased with every passing hour, +the hail fell faster and more heavily, and night came suddenly down to +hide, though not to prevent, the storm. The night was one of great +suffering, especially on the lines of picket--it was bad enough +anywhere. + +_March 23._--A beautiful sabre was presented to Major E. F. Cooke this +afternoon, by the members of his old company, for his gallantry and +soldierly character, which have earned his promotion. Captain O. J. +Downing, of company B, made the presentation speech, in which he +beautifully alluded to the happy relation which always exists between a +faithful commander and his men. As a token that such relation existed +between the major and those whom he had often led through perilous +scenes and conflicts, their gift was presented. An appropriate response +was made by the major, in which he very humbly attributed his military +success thus far to the bravery of the noble men who had always stood by +him, and whose gift he accepted not only as a mark of their appreciation +of himself as a man, but of their devotion to the cause which he hoped, +by the edge of the sabre and trust in Providence, we may yet win. + +_March 24._--Kilpatrick's brigade was reviewed this morning by General +Gregg, who commands the Second division of the cavalry corps. Kilpatrick +commands the First brigade, which is composed of the First Maine, the +Tenth New York, and Harris Light. On the twenty-fifth General Gregg +again reviewed us. We were ordered to turn out in "heavy marching +orders," that is, with all our clothing, rations, forage or grain, and +fully equipped. For some reason inspections and reviews are frequent of +late. The Harris Light maintains its established reputation, as being +second to none in the corps, for its efficiency in drill and discipline, +and in its general appearance. The men take pride in keeping up the +_morale_ of the regiment. + +_March 28._--Colonel Clarence Buel is paying us a visit to-day. This +gallant and noble officer, who organized and formerly commanded the Troy +company of the Harris Light, has recently been promoted to the colonelcy +of the Hundred and Sixty-ninth New York Infantry. The colonel has taken +a temporary leave of absence from his new command for the purpose of +making us a friendly call; and he is again surrounded by his old tried +friends and comrades. Company E hails with pleasure its former loved +captain, and though sad at his loss, still rejoices in his well-earned +and merited promotion. All the men of the company showed their respect +and admiration for him by falling into line upon the announcement of his +arrival in camp, and thus greeted the Christian soldier. It was a very +delightful and enjoyable occasion. + +As a soldier, Colonel Buel stands among the bravest and the best. Always +attentive to the wants of his command, his men are always the last to be +out of supplies of rations or clothing. He generally exercised that +fatherly care over us which called forth in return a filial love. He is +dignified, and yet perfectly affable. As a commander, he is intrepid and +cool, and manages his troops with admirable skill. He possesses a +naturally well-balanced mind, thoroughly cultivated, and a heart always +full of Christian hopefulness and benevolence. We wish him great success +in his new field of labor and responsibility. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +REBEL CHIEFS AND THEIR RAIDS. + +1863.--Rebel Raids by Stuart, Imboden, and Fitz-Hugh Lee.--John S. Mosby, + Guerilla Chief.--His Character.--His Command.--Daring and Plunder.-- + Aided by Citizens.--Condition of the Country Favorable for their + Depredations.--Our Picket Lines too Light.--Attacks on Pickets at + Herndon Station, Cub Run, and Frying-Pan Church.--Miss Laura + Ratcliffe, Mosby's Informant.--Mosby at Fairfax Court House.-- + Capture of General Stoughton.--Fight at Chantilly.--Mosby lauded by + His Chiefs.--Mosby beaten at Warrenton Junction.--Severely whipped + at Greenwich, where he loses a Howitzer captured from Colonel Baker + at Ball's Bluff. + + +The Rebel cavalry has been very active all winter, as may be seen by the +many raids which they have made, beginning as far back as December +twenty-fifth, when their chief, J. E. B. Stuart, anxious to obtain +something suitable with which to celebrate the holidays, crossed the +Rappahannock, advanced on Dumfries, where it would seem that our boys, +freezing dumb (Dumfries), suffered the raider to capture not less than +twenty-five wagons, and at least two hundred prisoners. Moving boldly +northward, he struck the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, burning the +bridge across the Accotink Run, and from Burke's Station he swung around +Fairfax Court House, and returned, by long, circuitous route, into their +lines with their hard-earned spoils. + +A lull of operations followed this bold holiday enterprise, until the +sixteenth of February, when a party of General John D. Imboden's +rangers, in the Shenandoah Valley, made a rapid raid to Romney, farther +west, where they captured several men, horses, and wagons, having taken +our forces entirely by surprise. The success which characterized these +forays was not only disgraceful to ourselves, and very disheartening, +but it gave the Rebels an audacious effrontery and malignant boldness, +which led them into more frequent and reckless movements. But our men +were a little more on the alert, and thus averted, to a great extent, +the injury which was intended. + +_February 25._--To-day Fitz-Hugh Lee, almost in the very face of our +pickets, crossed the Rappahannock near Falmouth, attacked by surprise a +camp, where he captured one hundred and fifty prisoners, but was not +able to return without some loss. The next day General W. E. Jones +marched with a brigade into the Valley, attacked and routed two +regiments of General Milroy's cavalry, and, with slight loss from his +command, escaped with about two hundred prisoners. The most daring, +however, of all these raids was made by Major White, with his band of +Loudon County rangers, which differs not much from guerillas, into +Maryland, where they captured a few prisoners, but spent most of their +time and strength in plunder. Poolesville was the scene of their +depredations. + +It did seem as though nearly every Rebel cavalry officer had been +touched with a magic wand which filled him with the most weird and +romantic views of warfare, and led him into enterprises almost as wild +as any of Dick Turpin's. Fauquier County was the theatre of several of +these movements by Captain Randolph, of the Black Horse Cavalry. And in +these days appeared another partisan, whose name for the first time +flashes out in big capitals in the official as well as other bulletins, +amid most startling manoeuvrings: it is John S. Mosby. To the Harris +Light this gentleman was not wholly unknown, and we distinctly remember +the time when he was a prisoner in our hands. It appears that he was +then sent to Old Capitol Prison at Washington. Not long thereafter he +was released; and, being bent on revenge, and naturally fitted for +guerilla operations, he soon received permission from his chief, to +operate on an independent plan. + +This Mosby, as we have been informed by an acquaintance of his, a Rebel +soldier who has known him from early life, has always been a sort of +guerilla--deserting from his father's house in mere boyhood--fighting +duels as a pastime--roving the country far and wide in search of +pleasure or profit--a thorough student of human nature and of the +country in which he operates--bold and daring to a fault and romantic in +his make--and finding now his chief delight in the adventures of +guerilla life. + +His commission is a roving one, and his command seems to be limited +neither to kind or number. Many of his men are citizens, who spend a +portion of their time in their ordinary business, and who hold +themselves in readiness for any movements indicated by their +commander-in-chief. Occasionally he is accompanied and assisted in his +forays by daring men from various commands, who are at home on leaves +of absence or furloughs, while a few seem to be directly and continually +under his control. The principal stimulus of the entire party (except +the bad whiskey which they are said to use), is the plunder which they +share. It is their custom at times to parole their prisoners and send +them back to our lines, though often, when large numbers are taken, they +are sent to Richmond; but all horses and equipments, which now command +enormous prices in Dixie, are the property of the captors. + +The region of the country they have chosen for their operations is +certainly well adapted to facilitate their designs. Deep ravines +traverse the country, skirted with dense, dark foliage, which affords +them shelter, and through which they pass like so many wild turkeys or +wild boars, knowing, as they do, all the roads and by-paths. Indeed, +some of their parties are dwellers in these regions, and are acquainted +with every nook and corner, where they can hide securely with their prey +and elude their pursuers. When the immediate neighborhoods of their +depredations do not offer a sufficient asylum, they fly to the +fastnesses and caverns of the Bull Run Mountains. + +Then, too, there is a certain degree of carelessness on the part of our +own men, which merits censure and causes trouble. For instance, they +frequently call at the homes of bitter Rebels for the purposes of +pleasure, or to get articles of food, which they purchase or take, and +while at these places they are too free to talk about the condition of +our army, the position of our picket lines and posts, etc.--information +which is grasped with wonderful avidity and as readily transmitted to +Mosby and his men. Scarcely does any important event transpire among us, +that is not fully understood immediately by the Rebel families within +our lines, and is very easily borne to those outside the lines between +two days. Thus movements even in contemplation have been heralded before +the incipient steps had been taken, and consequently thwarted. Our only +safety from this source of trouble would be to drive out of our lines +all Rebel families, thus preventing the means of communicating the news +to the outer world. + +Another simple statement will explain the chances of the enemy and the +causes of many of our casualties. Our picket-lines are too much +extended, covering too wide a territory to make them as strong as they +should be. Only a brigade is doing the work of a division, and +consequently the picket-posts are not sufficiently near each other. +Thus, in the night, it requires no very great dexterity to creep through +the bushes between the pickets unobserved, and, once within our lines, +any amount of mischief may be done by the miscreants. The method +indicated here is usually the one employed by these active guerillas, +and it forms the chief stratagem of all their movements upon us. + +Their first important attack upon our pickets took place on or about the +tenth of January. A small Federal picket was doing duty at Herndon +Station, on the Loudon and Hampshire Railroad. Mosby determined to +effect their capture. Led by a skilful guide, he dismounted his command +some distance from the picket-lines. Then they all crept cautiously +between the vedettes, until they reached the rear of the post, and from +that direction advanced upon the unsuspecting boys, whose forms could be +distinctly seen by the flaring light of their bivouac fire. While the +pickets were thus a fine shot and mark for the enemy, the attacking +force was concealed perfectly by the darkness of night and the shades of +the thick pines. A pistol-shot from the guerillas was followed by a +charge, when our boys were suddenly surrounded and captured. + +This attack and capture was followed by another similar enterprise a few +nights afterwards at Cub Run, near the Little River Turnpike. The picket +relief was captured by a charge made in their rear, and only the two +vedettes made their escape. Later in the same night a similar assault +was made upon our post at Frying-Pan Church. Not far from this church +resides a Miss Laura Ratcliffe, a very active and cunning Rebel, who is +known to our men, and is at least suspected of assisting Mosby not a +little in his movements. The cavalry brigade doing picket duty at this +point is composed of the First Virginia (many of whose men were raised +in these parts), the First Vermont, the Fifth New York, and the +Eighteenth Pennsylvania. The latter of these regiments has but recently +been mustered into the service, is poorly drilled and worse equipped, +and is by no means fitted to picket against so wily a foe as Mosby. +Though great caution is exercised by Colonel Percy Wyndham, who is in +command of the brigade, to arrange and change the alternation of the +pickets, so that the regiments to picket at a given point may not be +known beforehand; yet by means of Miss Ratcliffe and her rebellions +sisterhood, Mosby is generally informed of the regiment doing duty, and +his attacks are usually directed against the unskilled and unsuspecting. + +Having approached, under cover of the night above alluded to, within a +few hundred yards of the pickets, whose position and strength he knew +very well from information received by the neighbors, the horses were +left in charge of one man, while the party skulked along through the +thick underbrush, until they could approach the post from the direction +of the Union camp. The picket relief was mostly quartered in an old +house near by, with a single sentinel stationed at the door. Seeing the +Mosby party approaching, he supposed that they were a patrol, and +consequently allowed them to come within a few paces of the house before +he challenged them. But it was now too late; and springing forward like +panthers, the guerillas presented their pistols at his head, ordering a +surrender. The house was immediately surrounded and the assailants began +to fire through the thin weather-boarding upon the men shut up within. +This fire, however, was vigorously returned for a time, but yielding at +last to superior numbers, who had greatly the advantage, the whole party +was compelled to surrender. + +The success with which Mosby carried on his operations made him a sort +of terror to our pickets, while it attracted to him from all quarters of +Rebeldom a larger and more enthusiastic command. They became wonderfully +skilled and bold, as may be seen by the following daring exploit. On +the night of the eighth of March, during rain and intense darkness, +Mosby led a squadron of his conglomerate command through the pines +between the pickets near the Turnpike from Centreville to Fairfax Court +House. Striking through the country, so as to avoid some infantry camps, +he soon reached the road leading from Fairfax Station to the Court +House. Moving now with perfect confidence, as no pickets along this +route would suspect the character of such a cavalcade several miles +inside our lines, about two o'clock in the morning he entered the +village and began operations. The first thing was to capture the pickets +stationed along the streets in a quiet manner, so as to arouse no one +from their slumbers, and this was easily accomplished. The way was now +fully open to the Confederate band. Divided into parties, each with its +work assigned, they quickly accomplished the mischief they desired. + +Mosby, with a small band, proceeded to General Stoughton's headquarters, +in the house of a Dr. Gunnel. Dismounting, he soon stood knocking at the +door. A voice from an open window above demanded their business at such +an unseasonable hour. "Despatches for General Stoughton," responded +Mosby. The door was quickly unlocked, and the guerilla chief stood by +the bedside of the sleeping general, who had but a few moments before +retired from a dancing and convivial party. Fancy now the reenactment of +the scene in old Ticonderoga fort, when Ethan Allen, by stratagem, stood +in the presence of His Majesty's sleeping commander. + +Stoughton was soon apprised of the character of his nightly visitors, +and quickly making his toilet, he was hurried away with a portion of his +escort, and several other prisoners, including Captain Augustus Barker, +of the Fifth New York Cavalry. Fifty-eight of the finest horses from the +officers' stables were also captured; and Mosby retraced his sinuous +route through our lines of pickets so rapidly, that he escaped all his +pursuers. + +The morning light of the ninth of March revealed the boldness and +success of the raiders, and no little excitement prevailed. Several +parties of cavalry were ordered out in pursuit of the flying partisans, +but all returned at night unsuccessful. This was an occasion for great +humiliation on the part of our troops, stationed about the Court House, +while in Washington and throughout the nation not a little humor was +drawn from the remark made by the President when some one told him of +the loss we had sustained; "Yes," he characteristically replied, "that +of the horses _is_ bad; but I can make another general in five minutes." + +Suspicious that Rebel citizens within our lines were more or less +implicated in this and other raids, quite a number of arrests were made +among them, which cleared the country of the most flagitious cases. +However, it is very probable that some innocent ones were made to +suffer, while the most guilty were allowed to escape. + +_March 23._--The pickets near Chantilly had been quiet for several days, +but toward night a company of cavaliers, mostly dressed in blue +uniforms, emerged from a piece of wood within a mile of the Chantilly +mansion, and moved directly toward the picket post stationed near a +small run on the Little River Turnpike. The picket, supposing them to be +Union troops, watched their approach without suspicion; and when they +had come within a few feet of him they introduced themselves by shooting +him through the head. The alarm being thus given, the nearest reserve +made a sudden descent upon the attacking party, which proved to be +Mosby's, and the guerillas retreated for some distance up the turnpike, +closely pursued. Having followed them about three miles, they came to a +barricade of trees which had been fallen across the road. Back of this +obstruction Mosby had formed a large part of his command, and our column +was stopped by a heavy fire from carbines and pistols in their front and +also by a flank-fire from the woods. At this inopportune moment Mosby +made a charge which broke our column. The boys were driven back at a +furious rate, and had not strength to rally. Some horses giving out, the +hapless riders were captured. + +But as Rebels and Yankees were uniformed much alike, it gave some of our +boys an opportunity for stratagem. For instance, one of our fellows +finding himself overtaken by the enemy, began to fire his pistol in the +direction of his flying comrades (with care not to harm them), but with +sufficient vim to be taken by the enemy, in their haste, as one of their +number. In this way they passed him by, and he effected his escape. + +This scrambling race continued for about three miles, back to the ground +where the affair commenced, when our men were reenforced by the reserve +from Frying-Pan Church. The Mosbyites were now compelled to halt, and a +charge made upon them drove them back up the pike. They were pursued +several miles, but night came on and our men were compelled to return. +Three of our men were killed, and about thirty-five were taken +prisoners, including one lieutenant. Several horses were also taken +away. The enemy suffered no appreciable loss. + +Mosby's plans were certainly made with great wisdom and forethought, and +executed with a dash and will which were at times very astonishing. His +men must have been warmly attached to him as their leader, while the +gain they made by their plunder greatly increased their zeal. The +command was truly _unique_ in its leader, its composition, and its +_modus operandi_, while its results, assisted as they were by the +topography of the country, and the Rebel sympathizers within and just +without our lines, attracted no little attention. The orders of General +Stuart and even those of General Lee associated the name of Mosby with +consummate daring and continual success, stimulating the band to greater +deeds. We append one specimen of those orders, furnished us by one of +their own number: + + HEADQUARTERS, CAVALRY DIVISION, + Army of Northern Virginia, March 27, 1863. + + CAPTAIN--Your telegram, announcing your brilliant achievements + near Chantilly, was duly received and forwarded to General + Lee. He exclaimed upon reading it, "Hurrah for Mosby! I wish + I had a hundred like him!" + + Heartily wishing you continued success, I remain your + obedient servant, + + J. E. B. STUART, + Major-General Commanding. + + Captain J. S. MOSBY, commanding, etc., etc. + +But it is not often permitted one man always to prosper in his +enterprises, and even the wonderful Mosby was destined to meet equals, +and to be worsted in engagements. Later in the season, while General +Stahel's cavalry division was picketing the line of the Orange and +Alexandria Railroad, Mosby made a sudden descent one morning upon the +First Virginia Cavalry at Warrenton Junction. Unfortunately, these Union +Virginians, who were one of the best regiments in our service, were just +then unprepared for any such manoeuvring. They had just been relieved +from duty, and were taking their rest. Many of the men were lounging +about under the shade of trees, or quartered for the time in a few block +buildings situated in an angle formed by the two railroads. Their horses +were mostly "unsaddled and unbridled, and hence not fit for a fight," +while many of them were grazing loosely and quietly in the adjoining +fields. + +Mosby advanced upon them from the direction of Warrenton--was at first +mistaken for a squadron of our own cavalry, which had been sent out on a +scouting expedition. The error was soon corrected by a fierce charge +made by the guerillas. Such of the men as were roaming about the +premises, mostly unarmed, of course immediately surrendered; but about +one hundred of them fled for refuge in one of the largest buildings, +resolved to sell themselves (if it came to that) at the dearest price. +And now commenced a fearful struggle. The Confederates would ride up +near the windows and discharge their pieces at the men within, while the +brave fellows inside, commanded and inspired by Major Steele, one of +the bravest of the brave, defended themselves with a noble +determination. All efforts of Mosby to make them surrender were in vain. +Finding at last that he could not intimidate them with bullets, he +ordered the torch to be applied to a pile of hay near by, and the house +was set on fire. Just at this juncture of affairs a strong party of +Mosby's gang, having dismounted from their horses, rushed against the +door of the building with such force as to burst it open. Surrounded now +by the flames, which were spreading rapidly, and attacked with +desperation by the foe, the whole party was compelled to surrender. + +Flushed with success, the guerillas were making preparations to retire +from the field with their booty, when the Fifth New York Cavalry, which +had been bivouacked in a grove not far from Cedar Run Bridge, arrived at +the Junction, whither they had been attracted by the firing, and +immediately fell upon the foe like an avalanche. Major Hammond commanded +in person. Mosby was heard to exclaim, "My God! it is the Fifth New +York!" A hand-to-hand encounter now took place, in which bravery was +fired with desperation, and Yankee sabres were used with fearful effect. +The Rebels soon broke and fled in every direction, demoralized and +panic-stricken, leaving behind not only the captures they had made, but +many of their own number. Some Rebel heads were fearfully gashed and +mangled, one of them exhibiting his lower jaw-bone not only dislocated, +but almost entirely severed with one determined blow from the strong +hand of a cavalryman. + +General Stahel, in his despatch to General Heintzelman, says: "The +Rebels, who fled in the direction of Warrenton, were pursued by Major +Hammond, Fifth New York Cavalry, who has returned, and reports our +charge at Warrenton Junction as being so terrific as to have thoroughly +routed and scattered them in every direction. I have sent in +twenty-three prisoners of Mosby's command, all of whom are wounded--the +greater part of them badly. Dick Moran (a notorious bushwhacker) is +among the number. There are also three officers of Mosby's. The loss of +the enemy was very heavy in killed, besides many wounded, who scattered +and prevented capture. I have no hopes of the recovery of Major Steele, +of the First Virginia. Our loss is one killed and fourteen wounded." + +Templeman, one of Stonewall Jackson's best spies, was killed; and the +partisans confessed themselves thoroughly whipped. They were wont to +call this their first retreat, in which they did some tall running. The +following complimentary order was issued: + + HEADQUARTERS STAHEL'S CAVALRY DIVISION, + Fairfax Court House, Va., ----, 1863. + + SPECIAL ORDERS NO. 80. + + When soldiers perform brave deeds, a proper acknowledgment + of their services is justly their due. The commanding + general, therefore, desires to express his gratification at + the conduct of the officers and men of Colonel De Forest's + command, who were engaged in the fight at Warrenton + Junction, on Sunday, ----, 1863. By your promptness and + gallantry the gang of guerillas who have so long infested + the vicinity has been badly beaten and broken up. The heavy + loss of the enemy in killed, wounded, and prisoners, proves + the determination of your resistance and the vigor of your + attack. Deeds like this are worthy of emulation, and give + strength and confidence to the command. + + By command of + MAJOR-GENERAL STAHEL. + +Thoroughly as Mosby had been whipped on this occasion, and diminished as +was his command, it was not long before he was again heard from. It must +be confessed that he possessed remarkable recuperative powers. His +qualities of heart and mind seemed to attach his men to him peculiarly, +while his mode of warfare was calling many young and daring Virginians +to his standard. By this means his numbers were soon recruited, and he +was again on the rampage. + +At this time the government was sending supplies to the army on the +Rappahannock _via_ the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. Each train was in +charge of a guard, and all the principal bridges and exposed places on +the route were under pickets. Besides this, frequent patrols were sent +from one picket post to the other, so that the entire road was under a +close surveillance. One morning, between seven and eight o'clock, the +cavalry pickets and reserves about Catlett's Station were startled by +artillery firing just below them on the railroad. A train laden with +rations and forage had just passed on its way to the Rappahannock. It +was soon ascertained that during the night the guerillas had carefully +unfastened one of the rails in the woods, and by means of a wire +attached to it and extended to some distance from the road, in a manner +to be unobserved by the patrols, a man concealed behind a tree had +drawn the rail out of place just as the engine was approaching it, +throwing it off the track. A mountain howitzer, which had been placed in +position, immediately plunged a shell through the engine, and at the +same time a charge was made upon the guard. This consisted mostly of men +whose term of service expired that very day, and their resistance +amounted to nothing. They soon fled in shameful confusion, leaving the +ground to the Rebels, who, after taking such plunder as they could +carry, fired the train, and then started on the road to Haymarket. + +But the cavalry had been aroused, and detachments of the First Vermont +and Fifth New York, each in separate routes, commenced a vigorous +pursuit. Mosby, who commanded in person, evidently had not reckoned on +so sudden and sharp an encounter. He had not proceeded two miles before +he espied the boys in blue eagerly flying after him. His howitzer was +quickly brought into position, and a shell was accurately thrown among +his pursuers, suddenly dismounting one of the officers, whose horse was +killed. But the detention of the column was only temporary, the boys +being determined once more to cross sabres with the chivalry. The nature +of the ground was unfavorable for a cavalry charge, and the enemy showed +no disposition to fight, but fled as rapidly as possible, firing an +occasional shell, but without inflicting any injury. Eagerly the boys +spurred on their chargers, and were soon joined by the Vermonters, who +added fresh excitement to the chase. + +Mosby, finding himself too closely followed for his comfort, and +knowing that something desperate must be done, determined to sell his +howitzer as dearly as possible. Having reached the head of a narrow +lane, near the house of a Mr. Warren Fitzhugh, he wheeled the piece into +position and commenced a rapid fire. There was no way for our boys to +reach the howitzer except through the lane, the whole length of which +was raked by every discharge. "That gun must be captured," exclaimed +Lieutenant Elmer J. Barker, of the Fifth New York, "and who will +volunteer to charge it with me?" About thirty brave fellows responded +promptly, and suiting the action to the words, "charge, boys!" he rushed +furiously forward at their head, while the fields rang with their +maddening yell. But the brave lieutenant fell severely wounded before a +murderous discharge of grape and canister, which killed three of his men +and wounded several. The lieutenant's faithful horse was also mortally +wounded. But before the piece could be reloaded with its only one +remaining shell, the surviving comrades were crossing sabres with the +gunners over the gun. The conflict here was desperate, but of short +duration. Mosby's lieutenant, Chapman, fought with the rammer of the +gun, but fell wounded and was captured. At length those who could not +escape surrendered, and the howitzer was ours. It bore an inscription +which showed that it had been captured by the Rebels from the lamented +Colonel Baker, at Ball's Bluff. + +Among the enemy's wounded and captured was a Captain Hoskins, formerly +of the British army, who had run the blockade and espoused the Rebel +cause. He received his death-wound as follows: having wounded a private +soldier in a hand-to-hand encounter, he roughly cried out, "Surrender, +you d----d Yankee!" "I'll see you d----d first," was the characteristic +reply, while the Yankee boy lodged a pistol ball in the captain's neck, +from which he did not long survive. An interesting diary was found in +Captain Hoskins' possession, describing mainly his private life since +entering Mosby's command. + +Mosby himself barely escaped being captured on this occasion, and he +carried the mark of a sabre-cut on his arm. The fight had been desperate +on both sides, but the guerillas were badly worsted, and driven away as +far as the jaded condition of our horses would permit us to pursue them. +In their flight the spoils, which had been taken from the captured +train, were left behind, strewn in every direction. This fight occurred +near the little village of Greenwich, and gave Mosby a blow quite as +severe as any he had ever received. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +CHANCELLORSVILLE AND STONEMAN'S RAID. + +1863.--Review of the Army by the President.--Deserters Punished.--Sports + and Pastimes.--Stoneman's First Move.--Storm.--Reconnoissance to + Warrenton. --Another Move.--Other Storms.--Catching "Rabbits."-- + Stoneman's Great Raid on Lee's Communications.--On the Virginia + Central Railroad.--Kilpatrick at Louisa Court House.--He Marches upon + Richmond.--Bold Advance near the City. --Important Captures.--Retreat + over Meadow Bridge.--Destructions.--Bushwhackers.--Happy Rencounter. + --Safe Arrival at Gloucester Point.--Public Prints.--Battle of + Chancellorsville.--Heroism and Defeat.--Stonewall Jackson Falls. + --Hooker Injured.--Retreat.--Orders. + + +April 1.--April-fool day always brings its trains of fun and broods of +annoyances, the boys being determined to make the most of it. The usual +plan is to induce a comrade to believe that either the colonel, his +captain, or lieutenant, wants to see him. This scheme is generally +successful; for the victim dare not refuse to report whenever called +for, and as he is unable to learn whether he is really wanted or +otherwise, he finds it necessary to call upon his superior to ask his +pleasure. Receiving the assurance that nothing is wanted of him, he sees +that he has been "sold," and returns to his comrades in the midst of +their hilarity at his expense. But he is generally determined to have +revenge, and to get the "laugh" on them before the day is spent. +Sometimes these jokes are carried rather too far for sport, and recoil +upon their perpetrators with unpleasant force. + +But, then, this soldier-life of ours is so grave and solemn that our +buoyant natures seek relief in all such means as the above. The bow, +always bent to its utmost tension, would soon break or become useless; +it must be straightened to send the arrow. So our natures would break +were they not elastic, and were there no opportunities for reaction as +well as action. Then, too, there is a kind of monotony to our life in +winter-quarters, to which it is difficult to accustom ourselves. And he +who can suggest any thing laughable is a great benefactor to his +comrades; for then the monotony is broken, and we enjoy a little +sprinkling of variety, which is truly said to be "the spice of life." A +good joke, that runs through the command like a bubbling brook along the +flowering meadows, is worth more to us than a corps of nurses with +cart-loads of medicine. + +On the second of April, from nine to eleven o'clock in the morning, we +had a mounted brigade-drill. Colonel Kilpatrick was in command. He +appeared well pleased, at the close, with the proficiency of his men, +and they are all enthusiastic over him. There seems to be a wonderful +unanimity of feeling in the brigade, all regarding Kilpatrick as the +right man in the right place. + +_April 6._--To-day the Cavalry Corps, consisting of twenty-five +regiments, well filled and drilled, was reviewed by President Lincoln +and Generals Hooker and Stoneman. A salute of twenty-one guns was fired +upon the arrival of the Presidential party. The review took place on +Falmouth Heights, in full view of the Rebel encampment in rear of +Fredericksburg. The scene we presented to our enemies must have been +grand, for we appeared in our best uniforms and with flying colors. It +was an occasion not to be forgotten, the sight being one of the most +magnificent many of us ever saw. The column was between three and four +hours passing in review. It seemed to do us all good to get a glimpse of +the solemn, earnest face of the President, who reviewed us with apparent +satisfaction. + +_April 7._--Picket details returned from the river to-day. In the +afternoon several horse-races came off near our camp, between the First +Pennsylvania, the First New Jersey, and Harris Light. One of +Kilpatrick's favorite horses was badly beaten, much to his +mortification, owing, as was alleged, to the stupidity of the rider, who +was sent off the ground in disgrace. We are frequently training our +horses for swift motions, and teaching them to jump ditches and fences. +These are occasions of excitement and amusement. Men are frequently +thrown from their horses while endeavoring to jump them beyond their +ability, though seldom is any one hurt. Much practice is necessary to +make perfect in this exercise. + +The papers bring us good news of a "Great Union Victory in Connecticut." +Such victories, though bloodless, have a powerful influence upon the +rank and file of the army. Every ballot cast to sustain the +administration is equal to a well-directed bullet against the foe. + +_April 8._--The brigade was called out this morning on the old +drill-ground to witness a somewhat sad and novel scene, namely, the +branding and drumming out of service of two deserters from Company K. +The command was formed into a hollow square, facing inward. Upon the +arrival of the blacksmith's forge, the deserters were partially stripped +of their clothing, irons were heated, and the letter "D" was burnt upon +their left hip. Their heads were then shaved, after which they were +marched about the square under guard, accompanied by a corps of buglers +playing "the rogue's march." It was a humiliating and painful sight, and +undoubtedly it left its salutary impression, as it was designed, upon +all who witnessed it. A deserter should be regarded as only next to a +traitor, and when the military law against such offenders is enforced +with becoming rigor, we will probably have fewer infractions. This part +of our army discipline has thus far been evidently too loosely +administered, giving occasion for demoralization. + +In the afternoon we enjoyed a very pleasing change of programme, when +true merit was rewarded. A beautiful sabre was presented by the officers +of the brigade to Kilpatrick. Affairs of this kind are much enjoyed by +the major part of the command; and when night came on we all felt that +to-day, at least, we have learned that "the way of the transgressor is +hard," and also that + + "Good actions crown themselves with lasting days; + Who deserves well needs not another's praise." + +_April 9._--To increase the variety of our experience, and to give it a +pleasing tone, Kilpatrick's brigade-band made its first appearance in +front of headquarters this evening. They discoursed national airs in a +manner that thrilled and elated us, making the welkin ring with their +excellent music. As the last echoes of a plaintive air died over the +distant woods, and I crept into my lowly quarters for my rest, the +poet's verse seemed full of hallowed potency: + + "Music exalts each joy, allays each grief, + Expels diseases, softens every pain, + Subdues the rage of poison and of plague." + +_April 11._--An exciting game of "base-ball" was played to-day near our +camp, between boys of the Fourteenth Brooklyn and the Harris Light. The +contest resulted in a drawn game, so that neither could claim the +victory. Our time, of late, is slipping rapidly along. The weather is +warm and beautiful, the mud is disappearing, and flowers and birds +remind us that winter is over and gone. + +For several weeks preparations have been evidently made for the opening +of the Spring campaign. Each branch of the service has been thoroughly +recruited and drilled, and the entire force is computed to be at least +one hundred and twenty-five thousand strong. All seem to be anxious for +a good opportunity to advance upon the enemy. + +_April 13._--On the evening of the twelfth, at regimental inspection, +orders were received to be ready for march at daylight the next day. +Consequently, early this morning our winter-quarters were abandoned, and +General Stoneman, at the head of about thirteen thousand cavalry, took +up a line of march in the direction of the upper fords of the +Rappahannock, in the neighborhood of the Orange and Alexandria +Railroad. + +General Hooker's order to his cavalry-chief had the ring of bright metal +in it, and contained the following terse sentences: + +"Let your watchword be fight, and let all your orders be _fight!_ +FIGHT! FIGHT! bearing in mind that time is as valuable to the +Federal as the Rebel authorities. + +"It devolves upon you, General, to take the initiative in the forward +movement of this grand army; and on you and your noble command must +depend, in a great measure, the extent and brilliancy of our success. +Bear in mind that celerity, audacity, and resolution are every thing in +war; and especially is it the case with the command you have, and the +enterprise on which you are about to embark." + +We moved at a sufficient distance from the Rappahannock to screen our +columns from the enemy's posts of observation. We marched to the +vicinity of Elkton, where we bivouacked for the night. The next morning +we resumed our march, and soon struck the railroad at Bealeton, where we +met and drove a detachment of Rebel cavalry. After a sharp skirmish they +fell back to Beverly Ford, where their crossing was covered by artillery +and sharpshooters. A neat little fight enabled us to advance carbineers +down to the ford, which we held, though subjected to the fire of rifled +cannon on the opposite bank. + +At another of the numerous fords of the river (Sulphur Springs), which +was not guarded, an entire division was forded across before night. But +during the night a heavy rain-storm set in _a la Virginie_, which so +suddenly raised the stream, that the order for crossing more troops was +not only countermanded, but the forces already across were ordered to +return. This was not very easily done. Meanwhile the separated division, +by rapid movement and some fighting through the rain, had swung down the +river to Beverly Ford, where they commenced recrossing, without +pontoons, and with the ford unfordable. The enemy, taking advantage of +this unhappy predicament, attacked the rearguard with furious +determination, killing and capturing quite a number. As our artillery +could not be brought into position, the only help we could afford to our +unfortunate comrades was to play on the Rebels with our carbines, which +kept them somewhat at bay. In the haste and difficulty of crossing, +where horses were compelled to swim a considerable distance through the +strong current, several animals and men were drowned and borne down the +stream. It was certainly a very sad experience--a disheartening +commencement of operations. + +_April 16._--The Harris Light was relieved from picket, and moved to +Bealeton, leaving Beverly Ford at four o'clock A. M. The roads are +almost impassable. The rain has continued almost uninterruptedly for +forty-eight hours, making our sojourn in these parts very disagreeable. +But, notwithstanding the mud, on the seventeenth a squadron of the +Harris Light, composed of Companies E and F, in command of Captain +Charles Hasty, left our bivouac at Bealeton, early in the morning, with +instructions to proceed to Warrenton, and, if possible, to occupy the +place until four o'clock P. M. When we had approached to within three +miles of the place the Captain learned that the famous Black Horse +Cavalry, under Captain Randolph, was in possession of the village, and +would undoubtedly give us a splendid entertainment. + +The boys were unanimously pleased at the prospect of an opportunity to +cross sabres with those heroes of Bull Run, and, concluding from their +worldwide reputation that nothing short of a desperate fight would +ensue, we made preparations accordingly. The squadron was formed in +column of platoons, and two detachments, consisting each of a sergeant +and eight men, were instructed to advance upon the town from two +parallel streets, thus giving our small force the appearance of being +only the vanguard of a very large army. + +It was my privilege to command one of these detachments; and, on +entering the village, we found the foe formed into line of battle on +Main street, with the apparent intention of giving us a warm reception. +They had been notified of our approach by a sentinel posted in a +prominent church-steeple, and were, therefore, ready for us. We +immediately drew sabres and bore down upon them with the usual yell; +and, strange as it may seem to those who laud the daring of the Southern +Black Horse, they advanced to receive us, fired a few shots, unsheathed +their bloodless sabres, but wheeled about suddenly and dashed away to +the rear at a breakneck pace, without even halting to pay us the +compliment of an affectionate farewell. Actually it seemed as though +they did not so much as look behind them until fairly out of the range +of our best carbines. It was quite evident to us that they agreed +perfectly with that most ungallant poet, who sings: + + "He who fights and runs away, + Will live to fight another day." + +The beautiful and aristocratic village was now in our possession. Being +informed that the proprietor of the Warrenton House was a conspicuous +Rebel, Captain Hasty decided to try his hospitality and sound his +commissary department. Accordingly he accosted the chivalrous gentleman, +and ordered a dinner for the entire squadron. When all had partaken +freely of the good things provided, our Rebel landlord showed signs of +uneasiness in his desire to ascertain who would foot the bill. After a +while the Captain politely directed him to charge it to Uncle Sam. This +ended all controversy on the subject. We left Warrenton in accordance +with instructions, at four o'clock, and, well satisfied with our +excursion, rejoined the regiment during the following night. + +_April 18._--The enemy "opened the ball" this morning by shelling the +cavalry pickets in the woods near Rappahannock Station. Under this fire +we advanced some distance toward the river, and then retired slowly with +a view of drawing the Rebels across to our side. But they were too wily +to be caught in such a trap, and our attempt failed. A stream is a great +barrier, between two contending forces, and no careful leader will place +his men with a stream behind them, unless he is quite certain of +victory. We had a sad lesson of this in the battle of Ball's Bluff. + +On the day following this useless cannonade, each regiment of the corps +had dress-parade at six o'clock P. M. Orders from General Stoneman were +read by the adjutants of their respective regiments, informing them that +the entire cavalry force would move at an early hour next day. A portion +of the evening was spent in preparation. However, when in the bivouac, +as we have been for some time, it takes but a few moments to prepare for +a move. All surplus baggage, which naturally accumulates during +winter-quarters, has been disposed of, either by sending it home, or to +some quartermaster depot, established for the purpose, as at Alexandria, +or by destruction; and each man carries only what little articles he can +stow away in his saddle-bags and roll up in his blanket. His inventory +might run as follows: A shirt, a pair of socks (and often he has only +those he wears), a housewife or needle-book, paper and envelopes, a tin +cup, and bag which contains his coffee and sugar mixed together. Some +men carry a towel and soap. The great effort is to learn to get along +with the very least possible. + +At first the soldier thinks he must have this article of luxury and the +other, until he finds that they are positive burdens to himself and +horse, and gradually he throws off this weight and that incumbrance, +until his entire outfit is reduced to nearly "the little end of nothing, +whittled to a point!" Possessed of a coffee-bag and cup and a hard-tack +or biscuit, the most essential things, he seldom now borrows much +trouble about the rest of men and things. + +_April 20._--We commenced march at four o'clock this morning on the +road to Sulphur Springs. Scarcely had we gone out of our bivouacs before +a drenching rain-storm set in, and continued incessantly until we were +forced to halt, the mud being really oceanic. The day being quite warm, +we experienced but little discomfort from the wet until night. The +weather then became cold, and every thing being so wet, it was difficult +to make fires; consequently we had a very tedious night. A fellow +considered himself fortunate, if, after toiling long through the cold +and dark, he could succeed to cook a little coffee. But the soldier will +have his coffee, if it be possible, and then he is quite contented with +his lot. + +On the twenty-first, all we could do was to change our position, to get +out of the very deep mud, which one night's treading of the horses' feet +produced. On the following day in the afternoon the Cavalry Corps moved +from Waterloo Bridge to Warrenton Junction. The day was pleasant, though +the roads are still in a fearful condition. Our infantry is engaged in +repairing the railroad to Rappahannock Station. We are evidently on the +eve of some important movements. + +Before night, many of the boys were made glad by the reception of a +large mail from the North, which is the first we have received since we +left our winter-quarters on the thirteenth instant. Nearly every man had +a letter, and there was general contentment all around. The mail-bag is +always a welcome visitor, especially in times like this, and it is not +the least of the instrumentalities which mould our character and give +tone to our _morale_. + +_April 23._--Another drenching rain set in this morning and continued +without cessation throughout the day. We were all drowned out of our +little shelter-tents, and many preferred to take the chastisement face +to face with the merciless elements. We were a sorry looking company of +men, drenched with the rain, bespattered with mud, and chilled with the +cold. Our fires, well-nigh quenched by the falling floods, were of very +little use to us. Men and horses all suffered together. Thus far the +month has been very wet, and this April is certainly entitled to be +classed among the Weeping Sisters. + +We spent the dreary night hoping for a better morrow. But the +twenty-fourth followed the example of its predecessor, and rain poured +upon us in torrents. + +The yielding clay of this region of country is soon trodden into a soft +mud, under so many hoofs, until it seems quite impossible to find a dry +spot large enough to lie down upon at night. This makes our bivouacs +very dreary and uncomfortable. And yet under these melancholy +circumstances we are not totally bereft of pleasant entertainment. The +woods and fields in this vicinity abound with quails and rabbits, whose +presence has been the cause of some excitement and not a little fun. + +Ever and anon a sportive cavalier starts up a nimble rabbit and chases +the frightened little creature through the camp, crying at the top of +his voice, "stop him! stop him! catch that rabbit," etc. Poor pussy +comes flying down the road, pursued by a throng, of men, while the +shouts are caught up and repeated along the entire line of escape, men +jumping up at every bound of the animal, and joining in the sport. +Occasionally the rabbit is so perfectly surrounded as to be compelled at +last to surrender, when the trembling prisoner is caught, but carefully +treated. At this time of the year they are so very small and lean as to +be scarcely eatable, and yet now and then they are shot, as well as +quails, to increase our commissary supplies, and the cooks display +considerable skill in dressing and preparing them _a la Delmonico_. + +[Illustration: CAVALRY SCOUTING PARTY HALTING FOR THE NIGHT.] + +_April 27._--Colonel Davies, after quite a lengthy absence from us, +rejoined the regiment at ten o'clock A. M. He reported having a narrow +escape from guerillas near Elkton, where he was fired at and pursued for +some distance, while on his way from Falmouth. Details were ordered out +immediately to those infested regions, with instructions to capture every +thing in the shape of a bushwhacker. Captain Coon, of the Connecticut +squadron, was put in command of the reconnoitring party. We had a rich +and delightful ride, but did not succeed in overhauling the offenders. + +On the twenty-eighth the first battalion of the Harris Light, commanded +by Captain Samuel McIrvin, was ordered to reconnoitre as far as +Brentsville. We went via Elkton and Bristersburg, at which places we +captured several guerillas, who were not looking for us. The first part +of the day was very pleasant, but from eleven o'clock till night we had +a continually drizzling rain, which made our march exceedingly +disagreeable. + +We had but just halted for the night, when an order was received from a +messenger, to rejoin the regiment without delay. Through the rain, mud, +and darkness we hastened back to Catlett's Station, where we found +every thing in motion, preparing for some grand movement. + +With the gray light of the morning of the twenty-ninth, after marching +most of the night, we reached the banks of the Rappahannock at Kelly's +Ford. In addition to the Cavalry Corps we found here the Fifth, Sixth, +Seventh, and Twelfth Corps of the Army of the Potomac, making +preparation to cross the river. The Engineer Corps soon laid the +pontoons, and the grand columns effected a passage without material +resistance or difficulty. + + +STONEMAN'S RAID. + +We are credibly informed that other columns of our army are crossing the +river at other points, and that a great battle is imminent. There has +been occasional skirmishing, on the front, during the day. The Rebels, +however, seem to have been taken wholly by surprise and are not making +the demonstrations we had good reason to anticipate; but we shall be +greatly disappointed if they do not soon awake, and come to their work. + +The going is far from pleasant, though to-day the weather is favorable. +The streams are dreadfully swollen and nearly all bridgeless, compelling +us to ford them. This process, through the cold, high water, is attended +with more or less difficulty and suffering. + +Soon after crossing the river the Cavalry Corps broke away from the +infantry, in the direction of Stevensburg; and it is rumored among us +that a grand raid upon the enemy's communications is contemplated, +while the two armies engage in deadly combat, it is thought not far from +the river. + +_April 30._--This afternoon our column reached the Rapidan at Raccoon +Ford, and began to cross over. The water being much above the fording +mark and very rapid, we had an exciting time. Several horses and men +were swept down the stream by the swift current and were drowned; and +none of us escaped the unpleasant operation of getting wet. + +After reaching the high plateau on the south bank of the river, the +entire corps were formed in line of battle, in which hostile position we +were ordered to spend the night. For more thorough protection, pickets +had been sent out in every direction, and posted with much care. It was +a season of considerable anxiety to all, and of great fatigue especially +to those of us who had been in the saddle several consecutive days and +nights. Standing to horse as we were compelled to do, very little rest +could be obtained, though many were so exhausted, that, dropping to the +earth, with bridle and halter in hand, they fell asleep, while their +comrades wished for the morning, which came at last. + +After our frugal breakfast, which consisted mostly of hard-tack and +coffee, a thorough inspection of the command was made, and all men +reported to have unserviceable or unsafe horses, were sent to the rear. +The weather is perfectly charming to-day, although quite too warm, in +the midday heat, to be comfortable marching. + +_May 2._--Early in the morning our column reached the railroad, in the +rear of General Lee's army, and, with slight opposition from scattered +pickets, the work of destruction began. Culverts and bridges, telegraph +lines and posts, disappeared like the smoke of their burning. + + +KILPATRICK AT LOUISA COURT HOUSE. + +While this work was going on, Kilpatrick was ordered to lead the Harris +Light into Louisa Court House, which he did in a gallant manner. The +inhabitants, taken by surprise, were greatly terrified at our approach +and entry into the place, but finding themselves in the hands of men, +and not fiends, as they had been wont to regard us, and receiving from +us neither disrespect nor insult, soon dispelled their needless fears. +We remained in town until two o'clock P. M., tearing railroad track and +destroying railroad property, as well as commissary and quartermaster +stores found in public buildings. + +At the hour above named we were ordered out to support the First Maine +Cavalry in a spirited skirmish with Rebel cavalry. In this engagement +our Troy company had one sergeant wounded, and one corporal and four men +taken prisoners. + +By eleven o'clock at night General Stoneman's forces had reached the +neighborhood of Thompson's Cross Roads, where the command was broken up +into several independent expeditions to scour the country in every +direction, and to destroy as completely as possible all the enemy's +means of supply. Colonel Percy Wyndham, with the First New Jersey and +First Maine, was sent south to Columbia on the James River, to destroy +the great canal which feeds Richmond from the west. Lieutenant Colonel +Davis, with the Twelfth Illinois, was despatched to the South Anna +River, in the neighborhood of Ashland Station, on the Fredericksburg and +Richmond Railroad, to destroy the important bridges in that vicinity. +General Buford was to march westward and do all the mischief he could. +But it was reserved to Kilpatrick to advance upon Richmond, enter the +Rebel capital, if possible, and lay waste the public property and +communications there. + +_Sunday, May 3._--We marched steadily after leaving General Stoneman, +long into the night, halting only long enough for a little refreshment +and rest. At two o'clock this afternoon the command, which consists only +of about three hundred men, well mounted, was marched into a pine +thicket, where we were ordered to destroy or throw away all our extra +clothing and blankets, with every thing which we could possibly spare, +to lighten the burdens of our horses. This halt in the shade of the +pines was very refreshing both to men and beasts. The sun is very warm +and shelter is very agreeable. + +Leaving the fragrant shade, we moved on until night. We are now within +fifteen miles of Richmond, where vigilance is the price, not only of +liberty, but of life. Sergeant Northrup, while on a scout to the front, +was fired upon by a guerilla undoubtedly, and wounded. Colonel +Kilpatrick and Major Henry E. Davies, Jr., slept on their arms in the +road with the men. Very little sleep was had through the night, but what +we did get was precious. + +At two o'clock on the morning of the fourth we resumed our hazardous +journey toward the rebellious city. Had it not been for the intrepidity +of our leader, and the utmost confidence of the men in his ability to +accomplish whatever he undertook, it would have been impossible to +proceed. Fearing as we did the desolation and sorrows of "Libby Prison," +ignorant of the forces we might soon encounter, and the ambuscades that +might be laid for us, we nevertheless pushed bravely on, because we were +bound to follow our chief, be the consequences what they might. + +Soon after day-break we came down upon Hungary Station, on the +Fredericksburg and Richmond Railroad. Here we destroyed the telegraph +lines, tore up the track, and burned the depot. Near the station we ran +into the enemy's pickets, the first we have encountered since leaving +our main column. Only two of them were discovered, and they fled so +rapidly that it was useless for us to try to overtake them with our +jaded horses. They kept generally about three hundred yards ahead of us, +and as we had orders to fire on no one unless positively necessary, they +proceeded unmolested, in the direction of Richmond. + +Having arrived within five miles of the city, we advanced more +cautiously. There was good reason for this, for our condition was +critical. There we were, only a remnant of a regiment, many miles away +from any support, with no way to retreat, as we had burned all the +bridges and ferries in our rear, nearer to the Confederate capital than +ever any Union troops were before, and ignorant of the forces that +garrisoned it. Still on we moved, looking only to our leader, who +seemed especially inspired for the work assigned him. + +We soon arrived in sight of the outer line of fortifications, and moved +steadily upon them. To our surprise, we found them unmanned, and we +safely passed in towards the second line of defence. We had scarcely +entered these consecrated grounds, when General Winder's assistant +adjutant-general pompously rode up to the head of our column, and +inquired, "What regiment?" Astonishment and blight accompanied the +answer of Kilpatrick, who said, "The Second New York Cavalry," adding, +"and you, sir, are my prisoner." Ceremonies were short, and Kilpatrick +very quickly appropriated Winder's favorite charger, upon which the +captured adjutant was mounted when he made his fatal challenge. + +We continued still to advance, until the smoke from workshops, and the +church steeples were plainly visible, and we began to think that we were +about to enter Richmond without opposition. We were now within _two +miles_ of the city, and yet we halted not until we had reached the top +of a hillock just before us. Here was an interesting scene. There stood +a handful of cavalrymen, far within the fortifications of a hostile +city, almost knocking at the door of her rebellious heart. On every hand +were frowning earthworks, and just ahead of us the coveted prize. + +But just at the foot of the hill on which we stood, we discovered a +battery of artillery, drawn up in the road, supported by infantry, ready +to receive us. It became evident that we had advanced as far as +prudence would permit us. We had also reached and secured the road to +the Meadow Bridge across the Chickahominy, over which we were expected +to escape, and which it was very desirable to destroy. These facts or +circumstances decided the direction of our march. We moved leisurely on +our way, the cavalry refusing to give us even the semblance of a +pursuit. + +Having crossed Meadow Bridge, it was set on fire. Following the railroad +a little distance, a train of cars was met and captured, much to the +astonishment of the bewildered conductor, who was in charge of +government stores _en route_ for Richmond. After firing the cars, the +engine was set in motion under a full head of steam, and the blazing and +crackling freight went rushing on until it reached the burning bridge, +when the whole thing well-nigh disappeared in the deep mud and water of +the sluggish stream. + +No particular line of escape seemed to have been agreed upon. Our main +object was to do all the mischief in our power to the Rebel cause. The +men were much exhausted for want of rations and rest, but you could not +hear a word of complaint from one of them. They were all inspired with +the greatness of the deeds which they were required to perform, feeling +much as Napoleon's legions must have felt, when he said to them: "The +eyes of all Europe are upon you." Sustained by such considerations, and +cheered by the voice and still more potent example of their leader, they +pressed onward, resolved to do all within their power, and then, if the +worst came, they could go to "Libby" or "Belle Isle," with the pleasing +consciousness that they had done their duty. + +All night we marched with only an occasional and brief rest. On the +morning of the fifth we arrived at the Pamunkey River. Here we captured +a Rebel train laden with commissary stores, just the prize we coveted. +After appropriating a generous supply for the day, the remnant was +reduced to ashes. All the serviceable animals captured were added to our +cavalcade, and the prisoners paroled and sent on their way rejoicing. +The river was crossed on a one-horse platform ferry-boat, whose capacity +was only twenty horses and their riders. Considerable precious time was +consumed in this tedious operation. When the last man had reached the +desired shore, the ferry-boat was destroyed, and the column resumed its +line of march. + +About four o'clock in the afternoon a cold rain-storm set in, borne on +the flapping wings of a chilly wind. Cold, hungry, and fatigued, we +still pressed onward, suffering not a little. Fearful of encountering +heavy forces of the enemy on the main thoroughfares, we filed along the +by-ways and neglected paths, where we were frequently immersed in almost +impenetrable bushes dripping with rain. + +_May 6._--To-day we crossed the Mattapony, at Aylett's, burning the +ferry behind us. We then took the road to Tappahannock, a small village +on the Rappahannock. We had not proceeded far in this direction before +we met and captured another wagon-train, laden with ham and eggs and +other luxuries, which had been smuggled across the Rappahannock. This, +of course, was thoroughly confiscated, appropriated, and destroyed. A +consultation of officers was here instituted, and it was decided to try +to reach Gloucester Point, opposite Yorktown, which we knew was in +possession of Union forces. + +Not far from King and Queen Court House we captured and burned a depot +of ordnance and several wagons. We have been much annoyed by +bushwhackers on the way to-day. Their plan is to hide in the thick +bushes, and fire upon the rear of our column as we pass, in places where +it is not possible to pursue them without much loss of time, which is +too precious to be wasted thus. Several men and horses have been wounded +by these skulkers during the day. As night was settling down upon us, we +discovered a body of cavalry in our front, and quickly made preparations +to meet them. Kilpatrick deployed skirmishers and advanced in column of +squadrons. Our supposed enemies were also prepared for fight, and a +spirited conflict was anticipated. Several shots were exchanged, when +the contending parties discovered their mutual mistake. Our opponents +proved to be the Twelfth Illinois, which, after leaving the main column +at Thompson's Cross Roads, had swept down through the enemy's +communications about Ashland Station, destroyed several important +bridges and some stores, and was now, like ourselves, endeavoring to +reach Gloucester Point. + +This rencounter was very pleasing. Our column was greatly increased and +encouraged. We needed this stimulus exceedingly, for we had been +marching all day through a cold drizzling rain, which had dampened our +ardor somewhat, and chilled our blood. Many of our horses had given out +by the way, and were killed to prevent their falling into the enemy's +hands. A few days of rest and care will so recruit such horses that they +become again serviceable. Their places were filled by those horses and +mules which were brought to us by the contrabands, which all along our +journey flocked to our standards, and by such other animals as were +captured by our flankers and advance guards. Exhausted as most of us +were, no bivouac fires were kindled until we reached our lines of +pickets from Gloucester Point, where we were received by our Union +comrades in the midst of demonstrations of admiration and joy. Here we +had a splendid rest. + +_May 7._--This morning, after a more sumptuous breakfast than we had had +for many days, we crossed the York River to Yorktown, where we encamped. +We are now, as it may well be supposed, the "lions of the day." Nothing +is too good for us. We have the freedom of the town, and the subject of +our raid is the theme of private and public speculation. + +In our travels we have captured and paroled over three hundred +prisoners, burned five or six railroad bridges, destroyed all the +ferries on our route, captured and demolished two wagon-trains, burned +five or six depots of stores, destroyed one railroad train, besides +stations and telegraph offices, and have torn several miles of track. We +have taken over one hundred and fifty horses, some of them the finest in +the country. + +The following extract from the _Yorktown Gazette_ will more fully +explain the importance of our expedition: + +"We have heard startling accounts of the prodigies of valor performed by +Stuart's Cavalry in Virginia, and the bands of Morgan in the West. That +they showed true valor, nice discretion, and great powers of endurance, +we will not for a moment question. But the exploits of our cavalry, in +the late expedition in the rear of Lee's army, surpasses any thing ever +achieved on this continent. Especially are the adventures of the Second +New York (Harris Light Cavalry) and the Twelfth Illinois almost +incredible. But they bear with them trophies that fully confirm the +record of their daring. + +"They penetrated within the outer lines of fortification at Richmond, to +within less than two miles of the city, and captured prisoners and +trophies there. They cut all the communications between that city and +Lee's army, travelled two hundred miles, and lost only thirty men. Many +of them have changed horses a number of times on the route. Whenever +theirs got tired, they laid hold of any thing that came in their way +that suited them better. The contrabands flocked to them from every +quarter. They would take their masters' teams from the plough and their +best horses from the stables. Some of them were almost frantic with +delight on the appearance of the Yankees. Over three hundred found their +way to this place. Their services are all needed at this present time." + +The following report of Brigadier-General King will be read with +interest: + + YORKTOWN, Virginia, May 7, 1863. + + _To Major-General Halleck_: + + Colonel Kilpatrick, with his regiment (the Harris Light + Cavalry) and the rest of the Twelfth Illinois, have just + arrived at Gloucester Point, opposite this post. + + They burned the bridges over the Chickahominy, destroyed + three large trains of provisions in the rear of Lee's army, + drove in the Rebel pickets to within two miles of Richmond, + and have lost only one lieutenant and thirty men, having + captured and paroled upwards of three hundred prisoners. + + Among the prisoners was an aid of General Winder, who was + captured with his escort far within the entrenchments + outside of Richmond. + + The cavalry have marched nearly two hundred miles since the + third of May. They were inside of the fortifications of + Richmond on the fourth; burnt all the stores at Aylett's + Station, on the Mattapony, on the fifth; destroyed all the + ferries over the Pamunkey and Mattapony, and a large depot + of commissary stores near and above the Rappahannock, and + came here in good condition. + + They deserve great credit for what they have done. It is one + of the finest feats of the war. + + RUFUS KING, + _Brigadier-General Commanding Post_. + +Another print contained the following remarks: + +Two regiments of Stoneman's Cavalry, the Second New York (Harris Light +Cavalry) and the Twelfth Illinois, after accomplishing the duty assigned +them of cutting the railroads near Richmond, made their way through the +country to this place. The boldness and success of their movements +surpass any thing of the kind ever performed in this country. + +Various opinions are entertained with regard to General Stoneman's +expedition as a whole, some believing it to have been a grand success, +and others a conspicuous failure. The former look only at what was +actually accomplished, the latter only at what they think might have +been done. While all admit that the destruction of property and the +severance of communications were a serious blow to the enemy, most +persons agree that the General made a mistake in dividing his command. +Had he kept his forces together he was amply sufficient to have broken +all railroad and telegraphic connection between Lee and Richmond at +least for a whole week, and he could have routed any cavalry force which +could have been brought against him. As it was, by dividing his +strength, he made each party too weak to effect very great damage, and +exposed them to great danger of capture. + +The following is a summary, in tabular form, as clipped from the _New +York Herald_, of the work accomplished by General Stoneman's expedition: + + Bridges destroyed 23 + Culverts destroyed 7 + Ferries destroyed 5 + Railroads broken, places 7 + Supply-trains burned 4 + Wagons destroyed 122 + Horses captured 200 + Mules captured 104 + Canals broken 3 + Canal-boats burned 5 + Trains of cars destroyed 8 + Storehouses burned 2 + Telegraph-stations burned 4 + Wires cut, places 5 + Depots burned 3 + Towns visited 25 + Contrabands liberated 400 + + Besides the destruction of large quantities of pork, bacon, + flour, wheat, corn, clothing, and other articles of great + value to the Rebel army. + + +BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE. + +But it must be borne in mind that General Stoneman's grand raid and ride +were only the background of a bloody tableau in the wilderness country +around Chancellorsville. The last days of April witnessed the stratagem +and skill of General Hooker, in his advance upon the enemy's position. A +feint of crossing his entire army to the south side of the Rappahannock +below Fredericksburg completely deceived the enemy, who at once withdrew +his forces from the upper fords of the river. This was Hooker's desire +and expectation. + +Three corps, commanded respectively by Generals Howard, Slocum, and +Meade, had been sent up the river, but marched at a sufficient distance +from the hostile southern bank to avoid all observation. Arriving at +Kelly's Ford, they began to cross, though it was in the night, and the +men were compelled to wade in water up to their armpits. The moon, which +shone brightly, assisted them most of the night, but went down before +the entire force had crossed, when crossing had to be suspended until +morning. Pontoons were brought up and laid, and so the remainder of the +infantry and the cavalry corps crossed pleasantly. + +The column advanced towards the Rapidan, and Generals Howard and +Slocum's commands crossed this stream at Germania Mills, and General +Meade's at Ely Ford, below, and then all marched on roads which converge +to the Chancellorsville House, a large brick edifice, which was used as +a mansion and tavern, situated in a small clearing of a few acres, and +which, with its few appendages of outbuildings, constituted the village +known by that name. Other forces, including General Pleasonton, with +nearly a brigade of cavalry, who guarded the flanks of the advancing +columns, had crossed the river, and taken their position near +Chancellorsville. + +By this wily movement General Lee's position on the Rappahannock had +been entirely flanked; and, flushed with incipient success, General +Hooker followed his great captains, and in the evening of the thirtieth +of April he established his headquarters in the historic brick mansion +above described. So completely absorbed was our general with the +brilliancy of his advance that, in the moment of exultation, he forgot +the dangers of his situation, and issued the following congratulatory +order: + + HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, + Camp near Falmouth, Virginia, April 30, 1863. + + It is with heartfelt satisfaction that the commanding + general announces to the army that the operations of the + last three days have determined that our enemy must either + ingloriously fly or come out from behind his defences and + give us battle on our own ground, where certain destruction + awaits him. The operations of the Fifth, Eleventh, and + Twelfth Corps have been a succession of splendid + achievements. + + By command of MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER. + + S. WILLIAMS, _Assistant Adjutant-General_. + +It would seem as if the general had overlooked the fact that his army +had but eight days' supplies at hand; that a treacherous river flowed +between him and his depots; that he was surrounded by a labyrinth of +forests, traversed in every direction by narrow roads and paths, all +well known to the enemy, but unknown even to most of his guides; and +that many of his guns of heaviest calibre, and most needed in a deadly +strife, were on the other side the river. + +General Lee had undoubtedly been outgeneraled by Hooker in this +movement, but he appeared not to have been disconcerted. Leaving the +Heights of Fredericksburg with a small force, he advanced towards +Chancellorsville. + +_May 1._--The first collision between the contending forces took place +to-day. General Sykes, with a division of regulars, was despatched at +nine o'clock in the morning on the Old Pike to Fredericksburg. He was +followed by a part of the Second Corps. Sykes had not proceeded far +before he encountered Lee advancing, and a sharp contest ensued, with +heavy losses on both sides. The Rebels having the best ground, and being +superior in numbers, compelled our men to fall back, which they did in +tolerable order, bringing away every thing but their dead and badly +wounded. But the enemy followed our retreating column, though +cautiously, and filled the woods with sharpshooters. They also planted +their heavy batteries on hills which partially commanded the clearing +around the Chancellorsville House. This gave them great advantage. They +were also greatly elated with the success which had crowned the first +onset. This was Hooker's first misfortune or mistake. The first blow in +such an engagement is quite as important as the last. This first +movement ought to have been more powerful, and ought to have given to +our men a foretaste of victory. But we had lost prestige and position +which undoubtedly weakened us not a little. The night following passed +quietly away, except that the leaders were laying their plans for future +operations. + +About eight o'clock on the morning of the second, it was reported that a +heavy column of the enemy was passing rapidly toward our right, whither +the Eleventh Corps had been stationed. This movement was hidden by the +forests, though the road over which the column passed was not far from +our front. A rifled battery was opened upon this moving column, which, +though out of sight, was thrown into disorder, at which time General +Birney made a charge upon them with such force as to capture and bring +away five hundred prisoners. By successive and successful advances, by +sunset our men had broken this column and held the road upon which they +had been marching to some scene of mischief. But the evil was not cured, +as other roads more distant and better screened were followed by the +wily foe. + +Just before dark Stonewall Jackson, with about twenty-five thousand +veterans, fell like a whirlwind upon the Eleventh Corps, which he had +flanked so cautiously and yet so rapidly that our German comrades were +taken by surprise while preparing their suppers, with arms stacked, and +no time to recover. It is not at all wonderful that men surprised under +these circumstances should be panic-stricken and flee. Let the censure +rest not upon the rout, but upon the carelessness that led to the +surprise. + +Whole divisions were now overwhelmed by the Rebel hordes, that swept +forward amid blazing musketry and battle-shouts which made the +wilderness resound; and a frantic stampede commenced which not all the +courage and effort of commanding generals, or the intrepidity of some +regiments could check, and which threatened to rout the entire army. +This unforeseen disaster changed the whole programme of the battle and +greatly disheartened our men. + +However, the ground was not to be abandoned so ingloriously, and though +our lines were broken, and the enemy had gained a great advantage, +heroism was yet to manifest its grand spirit, and to achieve undying +laurels. The sun had gone down, refusing to look upon this Union defeat +and slaughter, but the pale-faced moon gazed with her weird light upon +the bloody scene, while the carnage still continued. + +With the disaster of the Eleventh Corps General Sickles, who was +stationed in the front and centre of our lines and had been preparing to +deal a heavy blow upon the enemy, was left in a critical position. His +expectation of assistance from General Howard was not only cut off, but +he was left with only two divisions and his artillery to meet the shock +of the advancing hosts. General Pleasonton, with his small force of +cavalry, being under Sickles' command, was ordered to charge the proud +columns of the enemy, with the hope of checking them until our batteries +could be suitably planted. + +Pleasonton, addressing Major Keenan of the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, +said, "You must charge into those woods with your regiment, and hold the +Rebels until I can get some of these guns into position. You must do it +at whatever cost." + +"I will," was the noble response of the true soldier, who, with only +about five hundred men, was to encounter columns at least twenty-five +thousand strong, led by Stonewall Jackson! The forlorn charge was made, +but the martyr-leader, with the majority of his dauntless troopers, soon +baptized the earth upon which he fell, with his life blood. But the +precious sacrifice was not in vain. The Rebel advance was greatly +checked, as when a trembling lamb is thrown into the jaws of a pursuing +pack of ravenous wolves. + +The two determined generals improved these dear-bought moments in +planting their own batteries, and getting in readiness also several guns +which had been abandoned by the Eleventh Corps in its flight. All these +guns were double-shotted, and all due preparation was made for the +expected stroke. It was a moment of trembling suspense. Our heroes +waited not long, when the woods just in front of them began to swarm +with the advancing legions, who opened a fearful musketry, and charged +toward our guns. Darkness was falling; but the field where the batteries +were planted was so level that the gunners could do wonderful execution. +And this they did. The Rebel charge had just commenced when our guns +simultaneously opened with a withering fire, which cut down whole ranks +of living flesh like grass. As one line of embattled hosts melted away, +another rushed forward in its place to meet the same fate. Three +successive and desperate charges were made, one of them to within a few +yards of the guns, but each was repulsed with terrible slaughter. In +many places the dead were literally in heaps. Our resistance proved +successful. + +A little later in the night, and right in front of these batteries, fell +Stonewall Jackson, mortally wounded by our scathing fire, as was at +first supposed, but more likely by the fire of his own infantry, as one +of their writers alleges. Speaking of Jackson, he says, "Such was his +ardor, at this critical moment, and his anxiety to penetrate the +movements of the enemy, doubly screened as they were by the dense forest +and gathering darkness, that he rode ahead of his skirmishers, and +exposed himself to a close and dangerous fire from the enemy's +sharpshooters, posted in the timber. + +"So great was the danger which he thus ran, that one of his staff said: +'General, don't you think this is the wrong place for you?' He replied +quickly: 'The danger is all over; the enemy is routed. Go back, and tell +A. P. Hill to press right on.' Soon after giving this order General +Jackson turned, and, accompanied by his staff and escort, rode back at a +trot, on his well-known 'Old Sorrel,' toward his own men. Unhappily, in +the darkness--it was now nine or ten o'clock at night--the little body +of horsemen was mistaken for Federal cavalry charging, and the regiments +on the right and left of the road fired a sudden volley into them with +the most lamentable results. Captain Boswell, of General Jackson's +staff, chief of artillery, was wounded; and two couriers were killed. +General Jackson received one ball in his left arm, two inches below the +shoulder joint, shattering the bone and severing the chief artery; a +second passed through the same arm, between the elbow and wrist, making +its exit through the palm of the hand; a third ball entered the palm of +his right hand, about the middle, and, passing through, broke two of the +bones. + +"He fell from his horse, and was caught by Captain Wormly, to whom he +said, 'All my wounds are by my own men.'" + +The loss of this heroic chieftain, this swift flanker and intrepid +leader, was undoubtedly the greatest yet felt by either army in the fall +of a single man. Some report that, on hearing of the sad fall of his +chief Captain, General Lee exclaimed, "I would rather have lost twenty +thousand men!" + +Admitting that the Rebels gained in this battle a great victory, its +advantages were dearly purchased by the loss of Thomas Jonathan Jackson. +About midnight a fierce charge was made by General Sickles' forces, +which proved successful, enabling our boys to recover much of the ground +formerly occupied by the unfortunate Eleventh Corps, and they brought +back with them some abandoned guns and other valuable articles from the +_debris_, which the Rebels had not time or disposition to disturb. + +General Hooker then ordered this exposed position to be abandoned, and +by daylight our lines were falling back in good order towards +Chancellorsville, but were closely pursued by the enemy, who filled the +woods. Several determined charges were made upon our retreating +columns, which, however, were repelled mostly by the fire of our +artillery, which mowed down hundreds as they rushed recklessly almost to +the cannon's mouth. But these batteries had been played and worked so +incessantly for the last twelve hours, that ammunition began to fail, +and General Sickles sent a message to Hooker that assistance must be +granted him, or he would be compelled to yield his ground. The officer +who brought the despatch, found General Hooker in a senseless state, +surrounded by his hopeless attendants, while general confusion had +possession of the headquarters. A few minutes previous to this a +cannon-ball had struck the wall of the mansion upon which the General +was incidentally leaning, the concussion felling him to the floor. For +some time he was supposed to be dead, but soon giving signs of returning +consciousness, General Couch, who was next in rank, refused to assume +command, and hence about one hour of precious time was lost. This was a +fatal hour. Had General Hooker been able to receive Sickles' message, +and ordered a heavy force to his assistance, it is thought that a great +disaster could have been prevented, and probably a victory might have +been gained. + +But the golden opportunity, which is seldom duplicated in a given crisis +or a life-time, was lost; and the enemy, though somewhat disorganized +and badly disheartened by our well-managed batteries, had time, during +this lull, to recover strength. They then advanced again with such power +as to compel our men to retire from Chancellorsville toward the +Rappahannock, leaving the brick mansion a mass of ruins, made such by +the fire of the enemy. + +By noon General Hooker had recovered his consciousness sufficiently to +order the movements of his troops. The fighting on his front was now +nearly over, but his position was critical. General Sedgwick, who had +been directed to cross the Rappahannock below Fredericksburg, with +orders to advance thence against all obstacles until he could fall upon +General Lee's rear, while the grand army engaged him in front, found it +impossible to proceed as rapidly as was expected of him, and was finally +repulsed with such slaughter and pursued with such vigor as to be +compelled to recross the river, leaving at least five thousand of his +men killed, wounded, and captured in the hands of the enemy. + +No alternative seemed now left to the Army of the Potomac but to beat a +retreat and recross the river. On the evening of the fifth, General +Hooker held a council of war with his commanders, at which, however, +nothing was decided upon; but in the night he took the responsibility of +ordering all his forces to recross the Rappahannock, which they did in +good order and without molestation; and thus ended the disastrous battle +of Chancellorsville, with a loss of about eighteen thousand men on each +side, and our remaining troops returned to bivouac on their old +camping-ground on the north bank of the river near Falmouth. + +This retrograde movement was undoubtedly considered to be necessary in +consequence of the impending storm, which set in about four o'clock of +the afternoon of the fifth, and rendered the march and night +exceedingly disagreeable. The river was swollen so rapidly as to set +adrift several of our pontoons, and the act of recrossing, though +orderly, was by no means pleasant. The storm was cold and violent, and +the roads soon became so bad as to remind the boys of Burnside's +unfortunate advance in January. It is supposed by some that the rain +explains satisfactorily the conduct of the enemy, who seemed to make no +attempt whatever to follow our returning troops. + +While yet the rain was drenching our weary boys, on the sixth, General +Hooker issued a congratulatory order to them and the country, in which +are to be found the following characteristic passages: + +"The Major-General commanding tenders to this army his congratulations +on its achievements of the last seven days. If it has not accomplished +all that was expected, the reasons are well known to the army. It is +sufficient to say they were of a character not to be foreseen nor +prevented by human sagacity or resources. + +"In withdrawing from the south bank of the Rappahannock before +delivering a general battle to our adversaries, the army has given +renewed evidence of its confidence in itself and its fidelity to the +principles it represents. In fighting at a disadvantage, we would have +been recreant to our trust, to ourselves, our cause, and our country. +Profoundly loyal, and conscious of its strength, the Army of the Potomac +will give or decline battle whenever its interest or honor may demand. +It will also be the guardian of its own history and its own honor. + +"By our celerity and secrecy of movement, our advance and passage of the +rivers was undisputed, and, on our withdrawal, not a Rebel ventured to +follow. + +"The events of the last week may swell with pride the heart of every +officer and soldier of this army. We have added new lustre to its former +renown. We have made long marches, crossed rivers, surprised the enemy +in his intrenchments, and, wherever we have fought, have inflicted +heavier blows than we have received. We have taken from the enemy five +thousand prisoners and fifteen colors; captured and brought off seven +pieces of artillery; placed _hors de combat_ eighteen thousand of his +chosen troops; destroyed his depots filled with a vast amount of stores; +deranged his communications; captured prisoners within the +fortifications of his capital, and filled his country with fear and +consternation. We have no other regret than that caused by the loss of +our brave companions; and in this we are consoled by the conviction that +they have fallen in the holiest cause ever submitted to the arbitrament +of battle." + +This order, if not perfectly satisfactory to the country and to the +authorities, was generally hailed with applause by the army, which +recognized in its sagacious rendering of our difficulties and +humiliations the meed of praise awarded where it was due. + +General Lee's order respecting this campaign is also very modest and +unique, and is worthy of a place in this record. In it he says: + +"With heartfelt gratification the General commanding expresses to the +army his sense of the heroic conduct displayed by officers and men +during the arduous operations in which they have just been engaged. + +"Under trying vicissitudes of heat and storm, you attacked the enemy +strongly intrenched in the depths of a tangled wilderness, and again on +the hills of Fredericksburg, fifteen miles distant, and, by the valor +that has triumphed on so many fields, forced him once more to seek +safety beyond the Rappahannock. While this glorious victory entitles you +to the praise and gratitude of the nation, we are especially called upon +to return our grateful thanks to the only Giver of victory for the +signal deliverance He has wrought. + +"It is, therefore, earnestly recommended that the troops unite on Sunday +next in ascribing to the Lord of Hosts the glory due His name. Let us +not forget in our rejoicings the brave soldiers who have fallen in +defence of their country; and, while we mourn their loss, let us resolve +to emulate their noble example. The army and the country alike lament +the absence for a time of one [Jackson] to whose bravery, energy, and +skill they are so much indebted for success." + +The two great armies once more confronted each other from either bank of +the river, as they had done during all the winter and spring months. On +the seventh of May, President Lincoln visited the camp near Falmouth, +conferred with his generalissimo on movements past and future, appeared +pleased with the spirit and _morale_ of the troops, and returned to +Washington to continue his earnest toil for the nation's life and +well-being. + +During the month quite a depletion of the rank and file of the army took +place, by the mustering out of large numbers of three months' and two +years' men. And such had been the depressing influences of +Chancellorsville upon the country, that the places of these men were not +very easily filled. To the sagacious leaders in political and military +circles this state of things was not a little alarming. But to the Rebel +leaders the times were affording opportunities for grand schemes, and +for the execution of movements most startling. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +FROM YORKTOWN TO FALMOUTH. + +1863.--Curiosity Satisfied.--Pastimes on the York River.--Religious + Services; their Influence.--Raid to Mathias Court House.--Sickness + and Recovery.--From Gloucester Point to Falmouth.--Exciting Details. + --Correspondence of Mr. Young.--The Press.--With the Army of the + Potomac again.--Cavalry Fight at Brandy Station.--Bold Charge of the + First Maine Cavalry.--The Chivalry fairly Beaten.--Death of Colonel + B. F. Davis, Eighth New York Cavalry.--Interesting Letter of a Rebel + Chaplain.--Casualties.--What was Gained by the Reconnoissance.-- + Pleasonton and Kilpatrick Promoted.--Rebels Raiding in Maryland. + + +Long raids and general engagements or campaigns are usually followed by +a few days of comparative rest. This is necessary both for animals and +men. Vacancies which are generally made during such vicissitudes, in the +staffs of commissioned and non-commissioned officers, have to be filled, +and reorganization takes place. This was the experience of the Army of +the Potomac after its Chancellorsville campaign, as well as our own +after our return from Richmond. + +On the eighth of May, Kilpatrick's command left Gloucester Point in the +morning, and, after crossing the York River, amid the cheers of General +Keyes' command, we were provided with tents in an encampment within the +fortifications of Fort Yorktown. Here was a fine opportunity for +repose, which we were all in a condition to relish. Like the prince of +poets, we could realize that + + Weariness + Can snore upon the flint, when rusty sloth + Finds the down-pillow hard. + +On the day following our arrival here, soldiers and citizens from the +town were flocking into our camp in droves, from reveille till taps, +eager to learn from us the particulars of our recent raid. Groups of +attentive hearers could be seen in various parts of the grounds +surrounding some of our talkative comrades who discoursed eloquently to +them of the sufferings and fatigue, of the daring and danger, of the +stratagem and endurance which attended the expedition. No little amount +of yarn was spun, and not a little imagination was employed to paint the +scenes as vividly as possible. + +_May 10._--A dress-parade was ordered at ten o'clock this morning, at +which time a complimentary order to the regiment from the Secretary of +War was read by the adjutant. The occasion was very interesting, and +every man seemed to feel proud of himself, his deeds, and especially of +his leader. In the afternoon our cup of delight was made to run over by +the appearing of our paymaster with his "stamps," as the boys call the +greenbacks. "We received two months' pay. The usual scenes of pay-day +were reenacted, and the occasion passed away amid the untempered follies +of some and the conserving wisdom of others. + +The weather is warm and beautiful. Many of us are improving the +opportunity of bathing in the York. This, though not a military, is +certainly a very salutary, exercise, and one which we very much enjoy. +Boat-rides are occasionally participated in, and lots of sport is found +in raking the river-bed for oysters. "Two birds are here killed with one +stone," for there is pleasure in catching, and a double pleasure in +eating, these bivalvular creatures of the brine. Some days we live on +little else but oysters--a diet which is very rapidly recuperating our +overtasked powers. + +_Sunday, May 17._--This has been a beautiful day, and this evening a +large meeting for religious services was held near the spot where Lord +Cornwallis surrendered his sword to General Washington. The place seemed +hallowed with the memory of those events; and it certainly ought to have +witnessed the surrender of many rebellious hearts to the "King of kings +and Lord of lords." The exercises of the meeting were conducted by the +officers of the post, and were full of interest. + +Wild and rude as soldiers often are, they generally attend with pleasure +all religious services when they are pleasantly invited to do so. And I +think no one ever beheld more attentive audiences than here. So great is +the contrast between the spirit of such a meeting and the general tenor +of our work, that the transition is relieving. Then there is so much in +the life and character of a true soldier that suggests the experience +and principles of a soldier of the Cross, that a versatile and +interesting speaker in a religions assembly here finds ample +illustrations from our every-day observations for the unfolding of +Christian themes. And yet the main influence of Christianity here lies +back even of these statements; it is found in the ready response which +memory brings from the fireside religion of our homes, and the early +instructions of the Sunday-school and church. The "stirring up of our +pure minds by way of remembrance," which is done so easily in the +company of American soldiers, is one of the most potent elements of +heroism and right discipline which can be found. + +The history of this country borrows so much light from the cross which +Columbus bore as an ensign, and planted here, from the prayers of the +Pilgrim Fathers, and from the Christian devotion of Washington and +others who laid the foundation of this great Republic, that a _true_ +American cannot be destitute of reverence for the religion of the Bible. +Hence over us especially these religious assemblies cannot fail to exert +a salutary influence. And yet we observe that not more than one regiment +in five is provided with a chaplain, or with means of religious +instruction. To a certain extent this deficiency is supplied by the +benevolent agents of the Christian Commission, who, however, are not +able to fill the place of a faithful chaplain. But if it were not for +these, many of our sick and dying would be utterly destitute of +Christian influence, and our dead would be buried more like dogs than +like Christian heroes. We fear that the Government does not properly +appreciate the importance of the chaplaincy in the army, and hence does +not give sufficient inducement for true men to enter this difficult +field of labor. Only a man of stalwart character is fit for the +position--a man of physical, mental, and moral daring. And so far as our +observations extend, with very few exceptions, this is the class of men +who occupy the position of chaplains among us. + +_May 19._--Several days have been spent pleasantly within Fort Yorktown, +and we are becoming somewhat eager for more lively experiences and +scenes. + + "Variety's the source of joy below, + From which still fresh revolving pleasures flow." + +During the day we abandoned Fort Yorktown, and Kilpatrick established a +camp for the regiment in the old peach-orchard, famous for the battle +which occurred within its limits during McClellan's Peninsular Campaign. +It is a lovely spot, which, however, shows signs of the conflict above +referred to. There is scarcely a tree but presents marks of the bloody +drama, in broken bark and splintered trunk, and in wounded branches +which hang danglingly over our heads. + + +RAID TO MATHIAS COURT HOUSE. + +During the day a detail of the regiment, sufficient in number to mount +all the serviceable horses, was ordered out in an expedition against +Mathias Court House. A detachment of infantry and a battery of artillery +accompany the cavalry, and Kilpatrick is in command of the entire force. +The line of march is through a rich and beautiful region of country. +Mathias county is a lovely peninsula, encompassed by the waters of the +Piankatank River, on the north, the Chesapeake Bay, on the east, and Mob +Jack Bay, on the south. The North River forms a portion of its boundary +on the west, against Gloucester county, and nearly severs it from the +mainland. + +Kilpatrick was favored with fine weather in his expedition, and returned +on the twenty-second crowned with success. A multitude of slaves was +liberated, hailing our forces everywhere as their friends and +protectors. Large numbers of fine horses and mules, with which that +country abounds, were also captured. No Rebel force of any importance +was encountered, and the boys greatly enjoyed their visit to the +well-stocked plantations of the wealthy farmers, many of whom had never +before seen a Yankee. + +_May 24._--I was taken very suddenly ill during the night. Dr. Kingston +came to see me at three o'clock, and so skilfully treated my case, that +I was quickly relieved of pain. In three hours from the time the surgeon +came to my quarters, I was well enough to be up and on duty, so that at +six o'clock I was able to call the roll of my company as usual, and to +attend to other duties. + +The day after my illness I began to make out muster and pay rolls for my +company. This work was undertaken by all the first-sergeants of the +regiment. But our task is unusually difficult, as nearly all our +company-books and papers were captured by guerillas at the commencement +of the spring campaign. "Patience and perseverance" is our motto; and +yet many times, as we endeavor to unravel the snarls and untie the +knots, we find that the above virtues almost forsake us. + +_May 26._--This afternoon we had mounted regimental drill, and this was +followed by dress-parade. Our time is now devoted mostly to drilling, in +preparation, as we all think, for some movement. + +_May 29._--Orders for an advance have at length reached us. At five +o'clock this afternoon we struck our tents, broke camp, and crossed the +York by ferry, halting for the night near Fort Keyes, at Gloucester +Point. There is much discussion among us as to the point of destination, +but nearly all agree that we are to rejoin the Army of the Potomac. +Soldiers seldom know the object of their movements. All we need is to +receive the order or command, and we go, "asking no question for +conscience' sake." + +_May 30._--We moved from Gloucester Point early in the morning, and made +a forced march to the Piankatank River. The rising smoke announced to us +that the bridge across this stream had been burnt before us. After +considerable searching and sounding, a place so nearly fordable was +found as to enable a portion of the command to cross over. Others +meanwhile constructed a temporary bridge over which they effected a +crossing. Guerillas are very numerous in these parts. One of our +vedettes was fired upon and wounded by them early this evening. All our +attempts to capture such culprits are in vain. The forests are so dense, +and ravines so deep and dark, that a man acquainted with every secret +nook and corner, can hide away in perfect security, after committing his +depredations. + +_Sunday, May 31._--The Troy company is on picket duty to-day. A +detachment from the company made a reconnoissance this morning beyond +the outposts, and brought in two citizens of a suspicious character. +They undoubtedly belong to the gang of bushwhackers that has hung upon +our flanks and rear, and inflicted the injuries we have sustained for +the past few days. Rich supplies of bacon and corn, of sorghum and +honey, are found along our path. The country has never been visited by +Federal troops, and is as full of provisions for us as it is filled with +consternation and alarm at our approach. We have spent the day in +scouting the country. + +_June 1._--Our march was resumed at an early hour in the morning, and we +advanced to Urbanna, a town on the Rappahannock. Here several important +captures were made, including Colonel E. P. Jones and Captain Brown, of +the Virginia militia. Here we spent the night pleasantly. During the +night Kilpatrick managed to establish communication with our gun-boats +on the Rappahannock, and in the morning early we were taken across on +transports, protected by the gun-boats. After a short halt to feed our +horses from the corn-ricks which dot the country, we resumed our march, +and with the setting sun reached a place called Litwalton, where we +bivouacked for the night. + +_June 3._--To-day we had a very pleasant march through a pleasant +country and with pleasant weather. Richmond Court House was reached for +our bivouac to-night; but we left early in the morning of the fourth, +and by good marching arrived at Port Conway at four o'clock P. M. Here +we unsaddled our horses for the first time since leaving Yorktown, +after the marches of six days. + +_June 5._--We reached Falmouth. Upon meeting our old acquaintances in +the Army of the Potomac, cheers upon cheers were heartily vociferated +for Kilpatrick and the Harris Light, and our march was a continual +ovation. + +The following quotations will show the consideration that was accorded +to Kilpatrick's movements: + +"Colonel Kilpatrick, with the Harris Light Cavalry and the Twelfth +Illinois Cavalry, left Yorktown at twelve o'clock Friday night, reaching +Gloucester Point at one A. M., and Gloucester Court House at half-past +five A. M., Saturday. They left again at eight o'clock, and at four P. M. +on the same day arrived at Saluda, leaving there at half-past four Monday +morning, and reaching Urbanna at half-past six A. M., where the wharves +were found to be partially destroyed by fire. + +"The bridge on the Piankatank River, near Dragon Ordinary, had been +destroyed by the citizens, and, as there were no fords, a squadron of +the Twelfth Illinois swam their horses over the river, while another +portion of Kilpatrick's command--the Colonel and his staff-officers +assisting--constructed a floating bridge of felled trees and fence-rails +in about half an hour, over which the remainder of the cavalry crossed +in safety. + +"At Saluda the colors of the Twelfth Virginia Infantry were captured by +the cavalry. From there the country was scoured for a distance of ten +miles, resulting in the capture of horses, mules, and carriages, and in +the emancipation of numerous slaves. + +"Between Montague and Bowler's Ferry the Rebel pickets were driven in as +far as the barricades which they had constructed of felled trees, within +three miles of the ferry. + +"Occasionally guerilla skirmishing was encountered on the road; but +there was no fighting with any considerable force of the Rebels, though +they had infantry and artillery at Kings and Queens Court House and +about two hundred cavalry at Bowler's Ferry. + +"A letter from Stuart was intercepted, addressed to a secessionist named +Fontleroy, in Middlesex County, assuring him that he would have a +sufficient force of cavalry in that neighborhood by Sunday evening to +relieve the anxiety of the people of the county and stop the raids of +the Yankees. + +"Among the prisoners captured by Kilpatrick's cavalry was Captain Brown, +of the Fifth Virginia cavalry, and the guerilla, Colonel E. P. Jones. +The only man wounded was Orderly-Sergeant Northrup, of Company G, Harris +Light Cavalry, who was hit with a buckshot-charge fired by a +bushwhacker. + +"The transports Long Branch, William N. Frazier, Star, and Tallaca, +under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Dickinson, of General Hooker's +staff, conveyed the cavalry and the captured horses and mules across the +Rappahannock from Urbanna to Carter's wharf, six miles higher up than +the former place, and subsequently conveyed the contrabands to Aquia +Creek. + +"The gun-boats Freeborn, Yankee, Anacostia, Jacob Bell, Satellite, +Primrose, and Currituck, convoyed the transports up and down the river, +and the Jacob Bell covered the landing at Carter's Creek. These vessels +of the Potomac flotilla were under the command of Commodore Samuel +Magaw. + +"There was a small force of infantry under Colonel Dickinson, being +picked men; and the cavalry, with the aid of this infantry at Urbanna, +despoiled the Rebels between Yorktown and the Rappahannock of nearly one +thousand contrabands and about three hundred horses and mules, besides +depleting their granaries and poultry-yards. + +"Colonel Kilpatrick, Colonel Dickinson, and Commodore Magaw, and those +in their commands, are entitled to commendation for the energy +exhibited, as is also the engineer corps of the Fiftieth New York, under +Captain Folwell, which promptly repaired the bridge at Carter's wharf. +Lieutenant-Colonel Dickinson, Captain John B. Howard, acting +assistant-quartermaster, formerly of the Brooklyn Fourteenth, and other +military gentlemen and civilians, rode out to Saluda, and were +hospitably entertained at the residence of the Clerk of the Courts, who +tendered his assurances of respect with generous plates of strawberries +and cream." + +From another periodical we clip the following: + +"We have an account of Colonel Kilpatrick's recent successful raid back +from Gloucester Point. He crossed the country between the York and +Rappahannock Rivers, making an extensive circuit through the garden-spot +of Virginia--a section where our troops have never before penetrated. +Colonel Kilpatrick made a large haul of negroes, horses, &c., and has +arrived safely at Urbanna with them. He spread general terror among the +Rebels. His forces were taken across the Rappahannock by our gun-boats, +and proceeded at once to our lines." + +A brief item from the _Troy Times_ will complete the journal of this +important event: + +"Colonel Kilpatrick is the hero of another great raid through the +enemy's country. At the conclusion of Stoneman's raid, it will be +remembered, Colonel Kilpatrick's command remained at Gloucester Court +House. Last week he was ordered to again join the main army, and, on the +thirtieth ultimo, he started on the march to Urbanna, on the Lower +Rappahannock. He returned to the Army of the Potomac on the fifth +instant, after travelling over a large extent of territory and +destroying an immense amount of property." + +A little rest was enjoyed at Falmouth. But our experience convinces us +that the cavalryman must write history in haste if he would write as +rapidly as it is made. + +_June 7._--The bugles sounded reveille at three o'clock A. M. "Boots and +saddles" followed at four; "lead out" at four-and-a-quarter, and the +column was in motion towards Warrenton Junction at four-and-a-half. We +went _via_ Catlett's Station, which place we reached at two o'clock P. M. +Nearly every step of the march was on familiar ground, where we had +passed and repassed many times. It seemed like meeting old friends, and +nearly every object we saw suggested thoughts and experiences of the past. + +[Illustration: CAVALRY FIGHT AT BRANDY STATION, JUNE 9th, 1863.] + +At Warrenton Junction we rejoined the Cavalry Corps, now under the +command of General Alfred Pleasonton. + +_June 9._--At two o'clock P. M. the whole Cavalry Corps moved from +Warrenton Junction towards the Rappahannock. We are marching in two +columns, one towards Beverly and the other towards Kelly's, Fords. The +Harris Light moves with the latter column. Two brigades of infantry +under Generals Ames and Russell accompany the expedition, each with a +battery of artillery. + + +CAVALRY FIGHT AT BRANDY STATION. + +Early on the morning of the ninth we arrived at the river, where it was +evident we were not expected in force, for we found nothing but a strong +picket-guard to contest our advance. A brief though brisk skirmish took +place at the ford, but the Rebel pickets were soon driven back and our +column began to cross over, the Harris Light being in the van. On +reaching the south bank of the stream, the column was re-formed, and we +advanced for some distance at a gallop. + +The column at Beverly Ford, commanded by General Gregg, had been engaged +since early in the morning, and the roaring of light arms and the +booming of cannon clearly indicated to us that hot work was being done +by our comrades below. It had been hoped that that column would be able +to strike the enemy in flank at Brandy Station, in the early part of the +day, giving us an opportunity to rake them furiously in front. Hence we +were somewhat retarded in our movements, waiting or expecting the +combinations and juxtapositions which had been planned. But, failing in +this, at length we advanced towards the station, where, at ten o'clock, +we engaged a regiment of Stuart's cavalry. As soon as we reached the +field which they had evidently selected for the fight, we charged them +in a splendid manner, routing them completely, and capturing many +prisoners. Light artillery was used briskly on both sides. + +By twelve o'clock Pleasonton's entire force had effected a union, after +much severe fighting, on the left, and the engagement became general. +The infantry fought side by side with the cavalry. There was some grand +manoeuvring on that historic field, and feats were performed worthy of +heroes. + +One incident should be particularized. At a critical moment, when the +formidable and ever-increasing hosts of the enemy were driving our +forces from a desirable position we sought to gain, and when it seemed +as though disaster to our arms would be fatal, Kilpatrick's battle-flag +was seen advancing, followed by the tried squadrons of the Harris Light, +the Tenth New York, and the First Maine. In echelons of squadrons his +brigade was quickly formed, and he advanced like a storm-cloud upon the +Rebel cavalry which filled the field before him. The Tenth New York +received the first shock of the Rebel charge, but was hurled back, +though not in confusion. The Harris Light met with no better success; +and, notwithstanding their prestige and power, they were repulsed under +the very eye of their chief, whose excitement at the scene was well-nigh +uncontrollable. His flashing eye now turned to the First Maine, a +regiment composed mostly of heavy, sturdy men, who had not been engaged +as yet during the day; and, riding to the head of the column, he +shouted, "Men of Maine, you must save the day! Follow me!" With one +simultaneous war-cry these giants of the North moved forward in one +solid mass upon the flank of the Rebel columns. The shock was +overwhelming; and the opposing lines crumbled like a "bowing wall" +before this wild rush of prancing horses, gleaming sabres, and rattling +balls. + +On rode Kilpatrick with the men of Maine, and, on meeting the two +regiments of his brigade, which had been repulsed and were returning +from the front, the General's voice sang out like clarion notes above +the din of battle, "Back, the Harris Light! Back, the Tenth New York! +Re-form your squadrons and charge!". With magical alacrity the order was +obeyed, and the two regiments, which had been so humbled by their first +reverse, now rushed into the fight with a spirit and success which +redeemed them from censure, and accounted them worthy of their gallant +leader. The commanding position was won; a battery lost in a previous +charge was recaptured, and an effectual blow was given to the enemy, +which greatly facilitated the movements which followed. + +But the Rebel cavalry was greatly emboldened and strengthened by +reenforcements of infantry which were brought in railroad cars. We, +however, continued to press them closely until six o'clock, when, by a +grand charge of our entire force, we gained an important position, which +ended the contest. + +Heavy columns of Rebel infantry could now be distinctly seen advancing +over the plains from the direction of Culpepper, to the rescue of their +fairly-beaten cavalry. But it was too late for them, for we had won a +splendid victory, and had gained all the information of Rebel movements +which we desired to obtain. Under cover of the night we recrossed the +Rappahannock in safety. + +The whole command had lost about five hundred men, and we brought over +with us one hundred prisoners. In the early part of the engagement fell +Colonel B. F. Davis, of the Eighth New York Cavalry, who was instantly +killed. His loss was a subject of general lamentation. He had +distinguished himself for great sagacity, wonderful powers of endurance, +and unsurpassed bravery. He it was who led the cavalry safely from +Harper's Ferry just before Miles' surrender of the place, and who, on +his way to Pennsylvania, captured Longstreet's ammunition-train. + +Among our wounded was Colonel Percy Wyndham. The enemy's killed included +Colonel Saul Williams, of the Second North Carolina Cavalry, and +Lieutenant-Colonel Frank Hampton, of the South Carolina Cavalry; General +W. H. F. Lee and Colonels Butler and Harmon were among their wounded. +They acknowledge a loss of six hundred men. + +From the _Richmond Sentinel_ we clip the following account of the +battle, by a Rebel chaplain: + + CAMP IN CULPEPPER COUNTY, + June 10, 1863. + + Tuesday, the ninth of June, will be memorable to General + Stuart's command as the day on which was fought the longest + and most hotly-contested cavalry battle of the war. At an + early hour skirmishing commenced, and soon the commands of + Hampton, the two Lees, Robinson, and Jones, were engaged + along the whole Culpepper line, from Welford's Ford, on the + Hazel, down to Stevensburg. Each command acted nobly, and + the Yankees were forced, after a fight of nearly twelve + hours, to recross the river with great losses. We have to + lament the loss of many gallant officers and privates, some + killed and others permanently disabled. The forces under W. + H. F. Lee, that worthy descendant of "Old Light Horse + Harry," bore no mean part in the fray. We have to regret the + temporary loss of our general (W. H. F. Lee), who was + wounded in the thigh, and the death of Colonel Williams (of + our brigade), than whom a more elegant gentleman or braver + soldier never lived. + + Being connected with the Tenth Virginia Cavalry, under + Colonel J. Lucius Davis, and, therefore, better cognizant of + its conduct, it is not invidious to allude to it, though not + claiming any superiority over other regiments, all of which + did nobly. Early in the morning this regiment was dismounted + for sharp-shooting, and, until ordered off, held its ground, + though exposed to an incessant and galling fire from the + Fifth United States Regulars, who were snugly ensconced + behind a stone fence. At this point many of the casualties + in our regiment occurred. In the afternoon the Tenth, led by + Colonel Davis, made a splendid charge on the Second United + States Regulars, who, after a hand-to-hand conflict, broke + and fled incontinently. Our General (Stuart), whose praise + is not to be despised, paid a high compliment on the field + to the Tenth for its conduct in holding Welford's Hill, and + for its dashing charge. + + I append a list of casualties: + + Company A (Caskie Rangers), commanded by Captain Robert + Caskie.--Killed: None. Wounded: Second Lieutenant J. Doyle, + slightly in head; Private, Eytel, in breast; English, in + foot; Hubbell, in breast; Gill, in arm and shoulder; Wilson, + in hip. Missing and taken prisoners: Privates Burton, + Charles Childress, Joseph Childress, Fulcher, Hudnall, and + Parker.--Total, 12. + + Company B, Captain W. B. Clements.--Killed: Corporal N. B. + Ellis. Wounded: Privates Anderson Foster, severely in thigh; + P. J. Cape, in thigh; H. Foster, slightly in foot; R. P. + Brewbaker, slightly in head; A. Caton, in hand.--Total, 6. + + Company C, commanded by Lieutenant Richardson.--Killed: + None. Wounded: Lieutenant N. Richardson, seriously through + breast; Sergeant J. Mason, in leg; Corporal Brown, in arm; + Privates J. B. King, slightly in thigh; W. B. Saw, seriously + in hip; M. Potter, in hand. Missing: J. Shumate. --Total, 7. + + Company D, absent on detached service. + + Company E, commanded by Captain J. Tucker.--Killed: Private + H. T. Bourgois. Wounded: Corporal F. S. Labit, in shoulder; + S. H. Lamb, in hand. Missing: Sergeant Peter Smith (wounded + and captured); Sergeant Stromburg (wounded and captured); + Private Enoch Pelton.--Total, 6. + + Company F, commanded by Captain J. H. Dettor.--Killed: G. + Wescott. Wounded: Privates John White, in thigh; John E. + Edge, in thigh; J. R. Giles, in arm; Sergeant J. Durret, + arm.--Total, 5. + + Company G, commanded by M. S. Kirtley.--Killed: None. + Wounded: Corporal J. M. McConn, seriously in arm; Private + Jonathan Shepherd, slightly in head. Missing: Private S. + Hartley.--Total, 3. + + Company H, commanded by Lieutenant S. K. Newham.--Killed: + None. Wounded: Privates James O'Connor, mortally; M. Neff, + seriously in leg. Missing: J. P. Martz, R. F. + Koontz.--Total, 4. + + Company I (Henrico Light Dragoons), commanded by Lieutenant + J. H. T. McDowell.--Killed: Private Louis Ottenburg. + Wounded: Sergeant S. L. McGruder, slightly in shoulder; + Corporal J. C. Mann, slightly in leg; Privates Walter + Priest, mortally in breast; George Waldrop, slightly in + shoulder; B. J. Duval, slightly in head; W. T. Thomas, in + shoulder slightly.--Total, 7. + + Company K, commanded by Captain Dickinson.--Killed: None. + Wounded: Corporal J. L. Franklin, in right shoulder; Private + J. M. Craig, head, left arm severely; R. V. Griffin, right + shoulder severely; C. P. Preston, slightly in nose; W. T. + Arrington, breast slightly; T. R. Gilbert, left arm + slightly. Missing: Sergeant T. S. Holland; Privates E. A. + Haines and S. R. Gilbert.--Total, 9. + + Total killed, wounded, and missing, 59. + + J. B. TAYLOR, JR., _Chaplain Tenth Virginia Cavalry_, + W. H. F. LEE'S _Brigade_. + +Two important ends were reached by this advance, namely, first, a +cavalry raid contemplated by Stuart, who had massed his forces near +Culpepper, was utterly frustrated; and second, General Pleasonton +ascertained conclusively that General Lee was marching his army +northward, with the evident design of invading the Northern States. +Indeed, it was a suspicion of such a movement that led General Hooker to +order the reconnoissance. + +The day following this glorious fight, in which the men of the North had +proved themselves to be more than a match for the boasted Southern +chivalry, and had gained a name which placed Pleasonton's command at the +head of the world's cavalry forces, Pleasonton was made a Major-General, +and Kilpatrick a Brigadier. Their stars were well-deserved and proudly +worn. + +During the day the Cavalry Corps moved to Warrenton Junction, leaving +strong guards at the fords of the Rappahannock to prevent any crossing +which might be attempted by the enemy. + +_June 11._--At two o'clock this afternoon General Gregg inspected our +division. The day was beautiful, and the troopers made a splendid +appearance. To heighten the interest of the occasion, the colors +captured by the Harris Light at Urbanna, and those taken by the First +Maine in their memorable charge at Brandy Station on the ninth instant, +were displayed amid the cheers of the enthusiastic cavalrymen, whose +past deeds give encouraging promise for the future. + +_Sunday, June 14._--We are still encamped on the plains near Warrenton +Junction. On the twelfth the regiment was inspected by Captain +Armstrong, of Kilpatrick's staff. The following day we had an +interesting mounted-drill. We cannot keep idle. This afternoon, at two +o'clock, we received orders to prepare to move at a moment's notice. +Cannonading is distinctly heard in the direction of Warrenton. + +For several days it has been expected that General Lee, with his forces, +would make his appearance on the banks of the Potomac, somewhere below +Harper's Ferry. But as they have failed to do so, the inquiry is very +general among us, "Where are they?" and, "What do they intend?" To work +out the answer to such interrogations is generally the work of the +cavalry; so that, when our orders for readiness to move were received, +we saw before us a reconnoissance in force. We understand that already +Rebel cavalry is raiding more or less in Maryland, and some exciting +times are expected before long. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +SECOND INVASION OF MARYLAND.--GETTYSBURG. + +1863.--Invasion of the Northern States.--Kilpatrick at Aldie.--The Bloody + Battle.--Daring Deeds.--Colonel Cesnola, Fourth New York Cavalry.-- + Incidents.--Victory.--Advance to Ashby's Gap.--Pleasonton's Official + Report.--Rebel Movements on Free Soil.--Difficulties in the North.-- + The Cavalry Corps Crosses the Potomac at Edward's Ferry.--General + Meade succeeds Hooker.--Orders.--Changes in the Cavalry.--Movements. + --Kilpatrick's Fight with Stuart at Hanover Junction.--Solemn and + laughable Scenes.--Buford's Division Opens the Fight at Gettysburg. + --Death of General Reynolds.--First Bay's Repulse.--Second Bay.-- + Rebel Advantages.--Third Bay.--Last Grand Effort.--Death of General + Farnsworth.--The Republic just Saved. + + +For nearly two days we were prepared to march, and awaiting orders, when +at last they came. At about six o'clock on the morning of the sixteenth +we took up our line of march, which was mostly along the railroad in the +direction of Manassas. Having arrived at these celebrated plains, we +struck off a little to the left towards Centreville, where we arrived at +ten o'clock, weary with the long journey. Here we ascertained that +General Hooker's headquarters are at Fairfax Court House, or in the +vicinity, and that his army covers the approaches to Washington. + +_June 17._--After a refreshing night's rest, we were up early in the +morning, and resumed our march at six o'clock, taking the Warrenton +Turnpike. Kilpatrick has the advance of the corps. We soon crossed the +memorable fields of the two Bull Run battles, passed the famous field of +Groveton, and there deflecting to the right, and pushing forward +rapidly, we arrived by noon in sight of the hills which partially +surround the village of Aldie, on the north side of the Bull Run +Mountains. Kilpatrick had been directed to move through Aldie, and +thence to and through Ashby's Gap, in the Blue Ridge, learn all he could +of the enemy's movements, and, then returning, to rejoin the corps at +Nolan's Ferry on the Potomac. Colonel Duffie, with his regiment, the +First Rhode Island, was ordered to move through Thoroughfare Gap, and to +join Kilpatrick in Pleasant Valley beyond. These plans were laid with +the presumption that no very heavy force of Rebels remained north of the +Blue Ridge, and none at all north of the Bull Run Mountains. But this +was a great mistake. + + +BLOODY BATTLE OF ALDIE. + +James Moore, M. D., Surgeon of the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, thus +describes what occurred to Kilpatrick and his command at this place: + +"Scarcely had his advance reached the town of Aldie, when it came +directly upon the advance-guard of W. H. F. Lee. It was entirely +unexpected. No enemy was supposed to be on the Aldie side of the Bull +Run Mountains. + +"The general rode to the front, ran his eye over the field for a moment, +and then rapidly gave his orders. He had taken in the whole field at +one rapid glance, and saw the important points that must be gained. The +Harris Light Cavalry was directed to charge straight down the road, +through the town, gain and hold the long, low hill over which runs the +road from Middleburg. With anxious eye he watched the charge, on which +so much depended, saw that it was successful, and quickly and resolutely +pushed in one regiment after another on the right of the Harris Light, +till the high hills far on the right of Aldie were gained. + +"This fine disposition was made, and important position won, before the +Rebel General Fitzhugh Lee could make a single effort to prevent it, +although he had a division of cavalry at his back. + +"He soon recovered, however, from the temporary surprise, and for two +hours made most desperate efforts to regain the position lost. He struck +the right, left, and centre in quick succession, while his battery of +Blakely guns thundered forth their messengers of death. + +"But all in vain! Kilpatrick's gallant men--the heroes of Brandy +Station--met and hurled back each charge, while Randall's battery, +ignoring entirely the Rebel guns, sent his canister and shells tearing +through the heavy columns of the enemy. + +"On this day Kilpatrick did wonders. He fought under the eye of his +chief, and where bullets flew the thickest, and where the shock came the +heaviest, there rang his cheering voice and there flashed his sabre. His +own regiment, the Harris Light, had failed to meet his hopes on the +plains of Brandy Station. This was known to the officers of that +splendid organization, and on that very morning they had petitioned +their general for an opportunity to retrieve their reputation. The +opportunity was at hand. + +"A large force of the enemy occupied a strong position behind rail +barricades encircling large stacks of hay. For a long time Rebel +sharp-shooters, from this secure position, had baffled every attempt to +advance our lines on the left. The general ordered up a battalion of the +Harris Light. Quickly they came! Addressing a few encouraging words to +the men, and then turning to Major McIrvin, the officer in command, he +said, pointing to the barricades: 'Major, _there_ is the opportunity you +have asked for. Go, take that position!' Away dashed this officer and +his men. In a moment the enemy was reached, and the struggle began. The +horses could not leap the barricade, but the men dismounted, scaled +those formidable barriers, and, with drawn sabres, rushed upon the +hidden foe, who quickly asked for quarter. + +"Another incident occurred worth mentioning. Colonel Cesnola, of the +Fourth New York Cavalry, had that morning, through mistake, been placed +under arrest, and, his sword being taken from him, was without arms. But +in one of these wild charges, made early in the contest, his regiment +hesitated. Forgetting that he was under arrest, and without command, he +flew to the head of his regiment, reassured his men, and, without a +weapon to give or ward a blow, led them to the charge. This gallant act +was seen by his general, who, meeting him on his return, said: 'Colonel, +you are a brave man; you are released from arrest;' and, taking his own +sword from his side, handed it to the colonel, saying: 'Here is my +sword; wear it in honor of this day!' In the next charge Colonel Cesnola +fell, desperately wounded, and was taken prisoner. + +"The Rebel general, being foiled at every point, resolved to make one +more desperate effort. Silently and quickly he massed a heavy force upon +our extreme right, and, led by General Rosser, made one of the most +desperate and determined charges of the day. Kilpatrick was aware of +this movement, and satisfied that his men, exhausted as they were, could +not withstand the charge, had already sent for reenforcements. + +"Before these could reach him the shock came. The First Massachusetts +had the right, and fought as only brave men could to stem the tide that +steadily bore them back, until the whole right gave way. Back rushed our +men in wild confusion, and on came the victorious Rebel horsemen. The +general saw, with anguish, his flying soldiers, yet in his extremity +retained his presence of mind, and proved himself worthy the star he had +won at Brandy Station. + +"Sending orders for the centre and left to stand fast, he placed himself +at the head of the First Maine, sent to his assistance, and coolly +waited till the Rebel charging columns had advanced within fifty yards +of Randall's guns. He then shouted 'Forward!' and the same regiment that +saved the day at Brandy Station was destined to save the day at Aldie. +Rosser's men could not withstand the charge, but broke and fled up the +hill. The general's horse was killed in the charge, and here the brave +Colonel Doughty fell. + +"The general determined now to complete the victory, and, mounting a +fresh horse, he urged on the First Maine and First Massachusetts, sent +orders for his whole line to advance, and then sounded the charge. Lee +struggled for a few minutes against this advance, and then ordered a +retreat, which ended in a rout. His troops were driven in confusion as +far as Middleburg, and night alone saved the remnant of his command. + +"This was by far the most bloody cavalry battle of the war. The Rebel +chivalry had again been beaten, and Kilpatrick, who was the only general +on the field, at once took a proud stand among the most famous of our +Union cavalry generals. The fame of our cavalry was now much enhanced, +and caused the greatest joy to the nation." + +_June 18._--General Pleasonton was anxious to press the Rebel cavalry +back upon their infantry, to ascertain minutely their movements; hence, +to-day, Kilpatrick was ordered to advance through the Bull Run +Mountains, and to occupy Middleburg. Jaded as we were, as well as our +horses, with the fearful yet glorious labors of the previous day, with +mercury up to 98 deg. Fahrenheit in the shade, and 122 deg. in the sun, with an +atmosphere unusually oppressive for Virginia, and through dust which +many tramping hoofs made almost intolerable, we marched into Pleasant +Valley. The outpost of the Rebel cavalry was met near the town, but they +were driven from the streets, and we took possession of Middleburg. + +About three o'clock in the afternoon a heavy wind arose, betokening +rain, which began to fall about five o'clock, mingled with hail. For +this atmospheric change we had earnestly prayed. The heat had become so +oppressive, and the roads so dusty, as to make our movements very +unpleasant and disastrous to men and beasts, especially to the latter. + +In this beautiful region of country we spent a few days very pleasantly, +recruiting our strength and awaiting orders. + + +CAVALRY BATTLE AT UPPERVILLE. + +_June 21._--The Cavalry Corps, with General Pleasonton at its head, +moved, at eight o'clock this morning, in the direction of Ashby's Gap, +in the Blue Ridge. We had not proceeded far before we encountered the +Rebel pickets, which we drove steadily before us. Their strength, +however, greatly increased as we advanced. Quite a large force contested +our progress when we entered Carrtown, and from this place to Upperville +the engagement was a little too heavy to be called a skirmish. +Nevertheless, we pushed ahead without being seriously retarded until we +reached Upperville. Here our advance was met with great desperation, the +enemy charging us handsomely, but with no great damage. When our forces +had been properly arranged, and the right time had come, Kilpatrick was +ordered to charge the town. With drawn sabres--weapons in which the +general always had great confidence, and generally won success--and with +yells which made the mountains and plains resound, we rushed upon the +foe. The fray was terrible. Several times did the Rebels break, but, +being reenforced or falling back upon some better position, again +endeavored to baffle our efforts. But they were not equal to the task, +and we drove them through the village of Paris, and finally through +Ashby's Gap, upon their infantry columns in the Shenandoah Valley. In +these charges and chase we captured two pieces of artillery, four +caissons, several stand of small arms, and a large number of prisoners. + +It was my misfortune, in one of those desperate encounters, to have a +favorite horse shot under me. But it was also my fortune to escape from +the deadly missiles which filled the air, and from my fallen horse, +unhurt. Another animal was soon provided for me from the captures we had +made. + +Our scouts, during this engagement, had managed to gain an entrance into +the Valley, where they ascertained that the Rebel army, in heavy +columns, was advancing towards the Upper Potomac. + +This fight was of sufficient importance to call forth from the commanding +general the following official document: + + HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, + Camp near Upperville, 5.20 P. M., June 21. + + _Brigadier-General S. Williams_: + + GENERAL: I moved with my command this morning to Middleburg, + and attacked the cavalry force of the Rebels under Stuart, + and steadily drove him all day, inflicting a heavy loss at + every step. + + I drove him through Upperville into Ashby's Gap. + + We took two pieces of artillery, one being a Blakely gun, + and three caissons, besides blowing up one; also, upwards + of sixty prisoners, and more are coming; a + lieutenant-colonel, major, and five other officers, besides + a wounded colonel and a large number of wounded Rebels left + in the town of Upperville. + + They left their dead and wounded upon the field; of the + former I saw upward of twenty. + + We also took a large number of carbines, pistols, and + sabres. In fact, it was a most disastrous day to the Rebel + cavalry. + + Our loss has been very small both in men and horses. + + I never saw the troops behave better, or under more + difficult circumstances. + + Very heavy charges were made, and the sabre used freely, but + always with great advantage to us. + + A. PLEASONTON, + _Brigadier-General_. + +The day following this decided victory by force of arms, and by the +stratagem of scouts, who obtained all needful information as to the +intentions of the enemy, the Cavalry Corps retired from Ashby's Gap and +established its headquarters at Aldie. Our outposts are near Middleburg. +We are now receiving some exciting news from Maryland and the North. It +appears that Rebel cavalry was raiding through Maryland, destroying +railroads and bridges, telegraph lines and depots, and making havoc on +the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal as early as the fifteenth instant; and +that General Ewell, with a corps of infantry, crossed the Potomac at +Williamsport on the sixteenth, and advanced _via_ Hagerstown towards +Pennsylvania. + +A sad and distressing alarm seems to have aroused the North. General +Lee's advance thus far, excepting the repulses of his cavalry on his +right flank, has been a perfect success. It is true that Washington, the +glittering prize before him, has been protected by General Hooker's +cautious movements. But this protection of the Capital has consumed time +and given the enemy a decided advantage in other quarters. He had +already entered the Free States before we fairly understood his +intentions. + +Winchester, an important post in the Shenandoah Valley, guarded by +General Milroy, was nearly surrounded by the advancing Rebel hordes, +before our general even dreamed that he was in jeopardy. The few of our +men who escaped from that garrison, were greatly demoralized, while +about four thousand were made prisoners, and many heavy guns, small +arms, wagons, horses, and stores of all kinds fell into the enemy's +hands. + +These blunders on our part and losses, together with the prowess and +boast of the Rebel legions, gave the malcontents of the North, and +political tricksters, a coveted opportunity to rail against the +Administration, and to weaken, as far as their influence could be felt, +the confidence which had been reposed in it. The President was +represented as an imbecile, utterly devoid of statesmanship. The army +was berated with no measured terms. Every reverse of fortune was +attributed to a want of brains and heart in the heads of departments. +The Republic had certainly fallen upon dark days. + +General Lee, undoubtedly, expected to make capital out of this state of +things, and hoped that by winning a grand victory on Northern soil, so +to cripple the Administration and to demoralize the political party in +power, that he could secure the aid and comfort of the opposing party, +and thus compel the North to submit to any terms of peace which the +anomalous Confederacy might dictate. + +Notwithstanding the threatening posture of military affairs, and that +the Government was thoroughly alarmed and ordered out the militia of +Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, West Virginia, and other States, +the call being faithfully reechoed by the Governors of those States, the +responses were comparatively faint and fell far short of the numbers +which had been demanded. New York City alone responded generously. The +uniformed and disciplined regiments there generally and promptly went to +the contest, and appeared where they were needed. For this the Governor +of the State was publicly thanked by the Secretary of War. + +_June 25._--We are informed that our infantry and artillery, with small +detachments of cavalry, are advancing through Maryland to meet and repel +the invaders, who are reported to be crossing the Potomac in two heavy +columns at Shepherdstown and Williamsport. Every department of the +service seems to be in commotion, and great things are expected. A heavy +rain set in early this evening. + +_June 26._--At six o'clock this morning we broke camp at Aldie and +advanced towards Leesburg, spending the night near this place. Most of +our time has been spent in the saddle. This is becoming not only our +seat, but also our bed and pillow. + +_June 27._--At five o'clock A. M. our corps commenced its march towards +Edward's Ferry, on the Potomac. On our way to the ferry we crossed the +famous battle-field of Ball's Bluff, where Colonel Baker and many of his +gallant Californians became an early and costly sacrifice to the cause +of the Union. + +On reaching the river we found the two pontoon bridges over which +already a large portion of our army had passed on before us. They had +been much retarded by the heavy rains and mud. The approaches to the +pontoons had been so trodden by the myriad feet of men and beasts, and +cut by the heavy wheels of laden wagons and artillery, that we found the +roads almost bottomless. But as we had seen mud many times before, we +moved forward undismayed, though somewhat retarded, and were soon on +Northern soil. A somewhat strange feeling came over us on finding +ourselves marching mainly towards the North Star to meet the enemy, +whereas we had so long been accustomed to look and march only southward +for this purpose. + +Our march lay through a fine and fertile section of country. The vast +fields of grain are ripening for the harvest, and their appearance +indicates that thus far the labors of the husbandman have not been in +vain. The peacefulness of the fields and flocks presents a striking +contrast to the warlike preparations which are now being made for what +must be the most decisive and bloody contest of the war. The rebellion +seems to have risked its very existence in the coming conflict, which +cannot be many days hence. Determination and desperation seem foremost +in the movement. On our side a solemn decision seems to be actuating +the masses. We know that should the "Stars and Bars" be victorious +again, and at this crisis of our national affairs, as they were at the +two Bull Run battles, and at Chancellorsville, our "Stars and Stripes" +will not only be shamefully humbled, but suffer cruel elimination. In +such an event some of our stars must fall and some of the beams of our +light must be obscured. + + "But conquer we must, for our cause it is just, + And this be our motto, 'In God is our trust.' + And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave + O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave." + +_Sunday, June 28._--All night long we were on the march, arriving in the +vicinity of Frederick City early in the morning. The whole country for +miles seems to be covered with soldiers. This is one of the most +beautiful spots in the world. However, the city does not show the thrift +and prosperity which are evidenced in Northern cities enjoying similar +advantages. This is the capital of Frederick County, one of the richest +in the State. Looking southward from the city we behold an almost +interminable stretch of beautiful rolling land, nearly every inch of +which is not only arable but richly productive. On the east, at a +distance of several miles, the eye rests upon a range of hills which +sweep downward toward the Potomac, terminating in the lofty peak called +Sugarloaf. Westward rises the loftier chain of the Catoctin, which is +but a continuation of the Bull Run Mountains, severed by the river at +Point of Rocks. All the highest peaks of these hills and mountains are +now used for signal stations, where wave the signal flags by day and +flash the signal fires by night. One seldom wearies in watching these +operations, though he may not understand their significance. + + +CHANGE OF COMMANDERS. + +This has been a day of much interest among us and of no little +excitement--a day of changes and reorganization. An exciting rumor was +bandied from man to man this morning, that General Hooker was about to +be relieved from the command of the grand army; and the day was only +partly spent when the strange rumor resolved itself into the astounding +truth. The facts which led to this result may not be perfectly +understood among us, but appear to be about as follows: On discovering +that the enemy had actually invaded the Northern States, General Hooker +requested the authorities to send him all the forces which could be +spared from General Heintzelman's command in and about the Defenses of +Washington. This was done. But, having crossed the Potomac, General +Hooker visited Harper's Ferry with its strong garrison, and immediately +urged upon the Government the importance of placing this force also +under his command. Upon this subject there sprang up a sharp controversy +between Hooker and Halleck. The latter rejoined to the former in these +words: + +"Maryland Heights have always been regarded as an important point to be +held by us, and much expense and labor incurred in fortifying them. I +cannot approve of their abandonment, except in case of absolute +necessity." + +General Hooker's reply to this shows him to have been in the right, and +to have comprehended the relative importance of the position in +question: + +"I have received your telegram in regard to Harper's Ferry. I find ten +thousand men here in condition to take the field. Here they are of no +earthly account. They cannot defend a ford of the river; and, so far as +Harper's Ferry is concerned, there is nothing of it. As for the +fortifications, the work of the troops, they remain when the troops are +withdrawn. This is my opinion. All the public property could have been +secured to-night, and the troops marched to where they could have been +of some service. Now they are but a bait for the Rebels, should they +return. I beg that this may be presented to the Secretary of War, and +his Excellency, the President." + +Receiving no direct reply to this announcement, and goaded by the +pressure of fast-moving events, our General yielded to do what many of +us heartily condemn, by sending the following message: + + SANDY HOOK, MD., + June 27, 1863. + + _Major-General H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief_: + + My original instructions require me to cover Harper's Ferry + and Washington. I have now imposed upon me, in addition, an + enemy in my front of more than my numbers. I beg to be + understood respectfully, but firmly, that I am unable to + comply with this condition, with the means at my disposal, + and earnestly request that I may at once be relieved from + the position I occupy. + + JOSEPH HOOKER, _Major-General_. + +To-day came the order relieving General Hooker, who issued the +following characteristic farewell address to the troops, many of whom +were taken, wholly by surprise, and all of them appeared greatly +afflicted: + + HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, + Frederick, Md., June 28, 1863. + + In conformity with the orders of the War Department, dated + June 27, 1863, I relinquish the command of the Army of the + Potomac. It is transferred to Major-General George G. Meade, + a brave and accomplished officer, who has nobly earned the + confidence and esteem of the army on many a well-fought + field. Impressed with the belief that, my usefulness as the + commander of the Army of the Potomac is impaired, I part + from it, yet not without the deepest emotions. The sorrow of + parting with the comrades of so many battles is relieved by + the conviction that the courage and devotion of this army + will never cease nor fail; that it will yield to my + successor, as it has to me, a willing and hearty support. + With the earnest prayer that the triumph of this army may + bring successes worthy of it and the nation, I bid it + farewell. + + JOSEPH HOOKER, _Major-General_. + +Such a change of _regime_ on the eve of a great battle, with the command +in the hands of one less known and trusted, at first seemed to threaten +disaster. But the modest, earnest words with which the new commander +framed his first order to the troops allayed all fears, renewed +confidence, and greatly attached to him the hearts of his subordinates. + + HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, + June 28, 1863. + + By direction of the President of the United States I hereby + assume command of the Army of the Potomac. As a soldier, in + obeying this order --an order totally unexpected and + unsolicited--I have no promises or pledges to make. The + country looks to this army to relieve it from the + devastation and disgrace of a hostile invasion. Whatever + fatigues and sacrifices we may be called to undergo, let us + have in view constantly the magnitude of the interests + involved, and let each man determine to do his duty, leaving + to an all-controlling Providence the decision of the + contest. It is with just diffidence that I relieved, in the + command of this army, an eminent and accomplished soldier, + whose name must ever appear conspicuous in the history of + its achievements; but I rely upon the hearty support of my + companions in arms to assist me in the discharge of the + duties of the important trust which has been confided to me. + + GEORGE G. MEADE, + _Major-General Commanding_. + +This change of commanders was followed by others in various branches of +the service, not excepting the Cavalry Corps. Our force has been +increased by General Julius Stahel's division, which has been employed +for some time in the vicinity of Fairfax Court House, and along the line +of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. In the reorganization, the corps, +which continues under the efficient command of General Pleasonton, is +arranged into three divisions, the First, Second, and Third, commanded +respectively by Generals Buford, Gregg, and Kilpatrick. A more effective +cavalry force was never organized on this continent, and probably on no +other. + +The Harris Light is assigned to General Gregg's division, which +separates us, for the first time, from our former beloved commander. But +we are not among those who desire to shirk responsibility for any such +cause as this. After the division had been reorganized and reviewed, in +the afternoon we took up our line of march to New Market. Some rain +fell towards night, which laid the dust and allayed the heat. Men and +horses are living well upon the rich products of the country. Upon such +supplies we rely mainly, though our trains are not wholly destitute. + +We are received with more or less enthusiasm and demonstrations of +patriotism in nearly all the towns we visit, making a very striking +contrast with our former receptions in cities and towns of Virginia. +This gives our men additional courage, and nerves us for the conflicts +impending. + +_June 29._--We have been in the saddle nearly all day, scouting the +country in the neighborhood of Westminster. On the morning of the +thirtieth, about nine o'clock, the regiment entered this pleasant town, +the citizens flocking from all directions to pay us their respects, and +to show their devotion to the cause of the Union. After a short halt we +advanced to Manchester. + +_July 1._--To-day we marched to Hanover Junction, Pennsylvania, where we +met the enemy's cavalry under General John Jenkins, and, after a +spirited skirmish, they were forced to retire. + +The Pennsylvanians welcomed us with glad cheers, and showed their +appreciation of our presence and services by driving several "huckster's +wagons" into our midst, well laden with a great variety of eatables, +which were donated to us by the good citizens of the surrounding +country. It is true that some of the inhabitants made their gifts very +sparingly and not without grudging, while others charged enormous +prices for such articles as we were willing to purchase; but justice +demands that we state that such inhospitable, unpatriotic, and niggardly +souls were the exception. + +While here we learned the particulars of important movements made by +other portions of our cavalry. Kilpatrick, with his vigorous division, +left the vicinity of Frederick on Monday; and, striking northward, he +passed through Taneytown, reaching Littletown about ten o'clock at +night, where he was received in the midst of great rejoicing. A large +group of children and young ladies, gayly attired, on the balcony of a +hotel, waving handkerchiefs and flags, greeted their defenders with +patriotic songs, while the heroic troopers responded with cheers which +made the welkin ring. The command bivouacked in the vicinity of the +village, where the citizens brought abundant forage for the horses, and +the cavalrymen rested till morning. The march was then resumed in the +direction of Hanover. + +The column, which was several miles in length, entered this beautiful +town, and was passing through, while the citizens were regaling the men +sumptuously from their bountifully provided larders, and interchanging +friendly and patriotic greetings, neither party suspecting the presence +of the enemy. Nearly one half the column had already passed through, +when suddenly the quiet, social scene was disturbed by the opening of a +Rebel battery concealed on a wood-crowned hill, and so posted as to rake +a portion of the road upon which the Union forces entered the town. This +was immediately followed by a charge of Rebel cavalry, which had been +drawn up in line of battle just behind a chain of hills which ran near +and parallel to the highway. There they had quietly waited until the +train was passing before them, with the hope that this might be captured +or stampeded, and a glorious victory be won. General Stuart commanded in +person, and the attack was certainly well planned. But Kilpatrick's boys +were not to be disconcerted nor panic-stricken by any such or any other +trap. The main force of the charging column happened to be in the rear +of the Fifth New York, commanded by Major Hammond. Quick work was +necessary. Rapidly moving out of the street into the open park near the +railroad depot, Major Hammond drew his regiment in line of battle, and +in nearly as short time as it takes to record it, charged with drawn +sabres the Rebels, who then possessed the town. The charging columns met +on Frederick street, where a fierce and bloody hand-to-hand contest +ensued. For a few moments the enemy made heroic resistance, but soon +broke and fled, closely pursued. They rallied again and again as fresh +regiments came to their aid, but they were met, hurled back, and pursued +with irresistible onsets, which compelled them to retire not only from +the town, but also behind the hills under cover of their batteries. + +In less than fifteen minutes from the time the Rebels charged into the +village they were driven from it, leaving the streets strewn with their +dead men and horses, and the _debris_ which always accompanies such a +conflict. The dead of both parties lay promiscuously about the street, +so covered with blood and dust as to render identification in some +cases very difficult. The _blue_ of the Union and the gray of Rebellion +were almost entirely obliterated, and, in many instances, the contending +parties mingled their blood in one common pool. + +This work of destruction had but just commenced when Generals Kilpatrick +and Farnsworth, who, though some miles distant at the head of the column +when the booming cannon announced the bloody fray, arrived in hot haste +and took personal charge of the movements. These were ordered with +consummate skill, and executed with promptness and success. Elder's +battery, well posted on the hills facing the Rebels, and well supported, +soon silenced the guns of the enemy, and drove him in the direction of +Lee's main army. He was thoroughly punished for his audacious attack, +and left many dead, wounded, and captured. The colors of the Thirteenth +Virginia Cavalry were captured by a sergeant of the Fifth New York. +About seventy-five prisoners, beside the wounded, fell into our hands, +including Lieutenant-Colonel Payne, who commanded a brigade. + +The particulars of his capture are worthy of historic record. In one of +the charges made in the edge of the town, one of our boys, by the name +of Abram Folger, was captured by Colonel Payne, and marched toward the +rear. Just outside the town was a large brick tannery, the vats of which +were not under cover, and close alongside of the highway. Folger was +walking beside the Colonel's orderly. As they approached the tan-vats he +espied a carbine lying on the ground. Quick as thought he seized it, +fired, and killed Payne's horse. The animal, in his death-struggle, +plunged over towards the vats, and Payne was thrown headlong into one of +them, being completely submerged in the tan-liquid. Folger, feeling that +the Colonel was secure enough for the moment, levelled his piece on the +orderly, who, finding that his pistol was fouled and hence useless, +attempted to jump his horse over the fence, but not succeeding, +surrendered. It happened, however, that Folger had expended the last +shot in the carbine on the Colonel's horse; but, as the orderly did not +know it, it was just as well for Folger as though more ammunition had +been on hand. + +The recently-made prisoner was compelled to assist his Colonel from the +vat. His gray uniform, with white velvet trimmings, his white gauntlets, +and his face and hair had received a brief but thorough tanning. Folger +marched the two in front of him to the market-place in the centre of the +village, where he delivered his captives to the authorities. In one hand +the brave soldier-boy carried his empty carbine, and in the other a good +strong stick. It was a most ludicrous and interesting scene. Folger was +captured by Payne's command, in Virginia, the winter before this affair, +and his feelings may be imagined at having so nicely returned the +compliment. + +The citizens of Hanover, who so nobly cared for our wounded in the +hospitals during and after the battle, and assisted us in burying our +dead, will not soon forget that terrible last day of June. Our brave +boys, who, though taken by surprise, had so valiantly defeated the +enemy, built their bivouac fires and rested for the night on the field +of their recent victory. Stuart's cavalry was now losing caste, while +our troopers were not only adding fresh laurels to their chaplet of +renown, but also new fibres of vitality to the hearts and hands which +loved and defended the sacred Tree of Liberty. + + +FIRST DAY AT GETTYSBURG. + +General Buford, with his division, had moved from Frederick City +directly to Gettysburg, the capital of Adams County, a rural village of +about three thousand inhabitants, beautifully situated among the hills, +which, though quite lofty, are generally well cultivated. The general +found the borough very quiet, and passed through; but he had not +proceeded far beyond before he met the van of the Rebel army under +General Heth, of Hill's Corps. The dauntless troopers charged furiously +the invading hordes, and drove them back upon their supports, where our +boys were driven back in their turn before overwhelming numbers. As +Providence would have it, our infantry advance, under General James S. +Wadsworth, marching from the village of Emmitsburg, hearing the familiar +sound of battle, went into a double-quick, and, hastening through +Gettysburg, struck the advancing Rebel column just in time to seize and +occupy the range of hills that overlooks the place from the north-west, +in the direction of Chambersburg. + +General John F. Reynolds, a true Pennsylvanian, was in command of our +entire advance, which consisted of the First and Eleventh Corps, about +twenty-two thousand strong. As General Wadsworth was placing his +division in position, General Reynolds went forward quite alone to +reconnoitre, when he discovered a heavy force of the enemy in a grove +not far distant. Dismounting quickly he crouched down by a fence through +which he sought to survey the force and its position by means of his +field-glass, when a whistling ball from a sharpshooter's musket struck +him in the neck. He fell on his face and baptized with his life-blood +the soil which had given him birth. His untimely fall, especially at +this crisis and almost in sight of his childhood's home, was generally +lamented. His lifeless form was borne away to the rear just as the +Rebels in heavy force advanced upon not more than one-third their +number. + +General Abner Doubleday had to assume command of our forces under this +galling fire, having arrived with a portion of the First Corps, the +remainder of which and the Eleventh Corps, not being able to join them +until two hours of fearful destruction had gone on. Our feeble advance +was compelled to fall quickly back upon Seminary Hill, just west of the +village, and were pursued very closely, so much so that one portion of +our line, seeing its opportunity, swung around rapidly, enveloping the +Rebel advance and capturing General Archer the leader and about eight +hundred prisoners. On the arrival of the Eleventh Corps, General O. O. +Howard, being the ranking officer present, assumed command, giving his +place to General Carl Schurz. Our men, now emboldened by these fresh +arrivals of helpers, and having alighted upon a fine commanding +position, renewed the fight with spirit and wonderful success. This +prosperous tide of things continued until about one o'clock P. M., when +their right wing was assailed furiously by fresh troops, which proved +to be General Ewell's Corps, which had been marching from York, directed +by the thunder of battle. + +Thus flanked and outnumbered by the gathering hosts, the Eleventh Corps, +which was most exposed to the enfilading fire of the newly arrived +columns, began to waver, then to break, and soon fled in perfect rout. +The First Corps was thus compelled to follow, or be annihilated. The two +retreating columns met and mingled in more or less confusion in the +streets of the town, where they greatly obstructed each other, though +the First Corps retained its organization quite unbroken. In passing +through the town the Eleventh Corps was especially exposed to the fire +of the enemy, who pressed his advantage and captured thousands of +prisoners. Our wounded, who, up to this time, had been quartered in +Gettysburg, fell into the enemy's hands, and scarcely one-half of our +brave boys, who had so recently and proudly passed through the streets +to the battle lines, had the privilege of returning, but either lay dead +or dying on the well-fought fields, or were captives with a cruel foe. +The number of killed and wounded showed how desperately they had fought, +and the large number captured was evidence of the overwhelming numbers +with which they had contended. + +General Buford, with his troopers, covered our retreat, showing as bold +a front as possible to the enemy, who, it was feared, would follow +fiercely, as they were very strong and several hours of daylight yet +remained. But doubtless fearing that a trap might be laid for them if +they advanced too far, they contented themselves with only a portion of +the borough, their main force occupying the hills which form a grand +amphitheatre on the north and west. It would be difficult to refrain +from saying, that those Rebel forces were prevented from advancing by +some mighty unseen hand--the hand of Him who "watches over the destiny +of nations." + +Our feeble and decimated forces took possession of Cemetery Hill, south +of the town, and being reenforced by General Sickles' Corps, they began +to intrench themselves with earthworks and rifle-pits, to extend their +lines to right and left, and to select the best positions for our +batteries. This work was continued quite late into the evening, the +broad moonlight greatly facilitating the operations. + +General Meade, who had selected his ground for the impending battle +along the banks of Pipe Creek, and who at one o'clock P. M. was at +Taneytown when the news of the fight, and the death of the brave +Reynolds at Gettysburg, reached him, despatched General Hancock to the +scene of conflict to take command, and to ascertain whether Gettysburg +afforded better ground than that which had been selected. Hancock +arrived at Cemetery Hill just as our broken lines were hastily and +confusedly retreating from the village; our advance, however, had +already taken this commanding position and was making some preparation +for resistance. The newly arrived general began at once to order the +forces which had been engaged and others which were occasionally +arriving. He ordered the occupancy of Culp's Hill on our extreme right, +and extended the lines to our left well up the high ground in the +vicinity of Round Top, a rocky eminence about two miles from Gettysburg, +and nearly equi-distant from the Emmitsburg and Taneytown roads. The +line having been made as secure as possible, Hancock wrote to Meade that +the position was excellent. His despatch had scarcely gone, when he was +relieved by General Slocum, a ranking officer, and so, leaving the +field, Hancock hastened to report in person to his chief the condition +of things at Gettysburg. On arriving, Meade informed him that he had +decided to fight at Gettysburg, and had sent orders to the various +commands to that effect; then together they rode to Gettysburg, arriving +about eleven o'clock at night. + +All night long our forces were concentrating before this historic +village, where they were all found on the morning of the second of July, +except the Sixth Corps, General Sedgwick's, which did not arrive until +two o'clock in the afternoon, after marching nearly all the previous +night. + + +SECOND DAY'S FIGHT. + +Until three o'clock all was quiet along the battle lines, except an +occasional picket or sharpshooter's fire. However, there had been +considerable manoeuvring. On our left General Sickles, in his +eagerness for a fight, had advanced his corps across the Emmitsburg +road, and on a wood-crowned ridge in the immediate vicinity of the main +portion of the Rebel army. General Meade, in his inspection of the +lines, remonstrated against the perilous position which Sickles had +taken the liberty to gain. He, however, intimated that, if desired, he +would withdraw to the ridge which Meade had justly indicated as the +proper place where our forces would be better protected, and would be +able to cover Round Top, a point which it was considered essential to +retain. General Meade thereupon expressed his fear to Sickles that the +enemy would not permit him quietly to retire from the trap in which he +had placed his foot; and the last words had scarcely fallen from his +lips, when the Rebel batteries were opened with fearful accuracy and at +short range, and the infantry came on with their fierce charging yell. +General Longstreet was in command. + +With so long and strong lines of infantry in his front, which lapped +over his flanks on either side, and a fearful enfilading fire from the +heavy batteries on Seminary Hill, Sickles and his brave men were torn, +shattered, overwhelmed, and with terrible loss and in great confusion, +fell back to the ridge from which he ought not to have advanced. In the +struggle the Rebels made a desperate attempt to reach and possess Round +Top, which they came near doing before General Sykes, who had been +ordered to advance and hold it, had gained the elevation. But their +failure to possess this coveted prize proved a great disaster; for +before they could withdraw their charging columns across the plain +between Round Top and the ridge where Sickles stood at the beginning of +the fray, they were attacked by General Hancock with a heavy force, and +driven almost like chaff before the wind. Their loss was terrible. At +the close of this encounter our lines stood precisely where General +Meade desired they should be before the fight commenced, with Round Top +fully in our possession and now strongly fortified with heavy artillery +and good infantry support. + +On our right General Ewell had succeeded in pushing back some portions +of our lines under Slocum, who occupied Culp's Hill, and some of our +fortified lines and rifle-pits were occupied by the Rebels. Night came +on to close the dreadful day. Thus far the battle had been mostly in the +advantage of the Rebels. They held the ground where Reynolds had fallen, +also Seminary Ridge, and the elevation whence the Eleventh Corps had +been driven. They also occupied the ridge on which Sickles had commenced +to fight. Sickles himself was _hors de combat_, with a shattered leg +which had to be amputated, and not far from twenty thousand of our men +had been killed, wounded, and captured! The Rebels had also lost +heavily; but, as they themselves believed, they were the winners. + +General Lee, in his official report, says: "After a severe struggle, +Longstreet succeeded in getting possession of and holding the desired +ground. Ewell also carried some of the strong positions which he +assailed; and the result was such as to lead to the belief that he would +ultimately be able to dislodge the enemy. The battle ceased at dark. +These partial successes determined me to continue the assault next day." + +During these days of deadly strife and of unprecedented slaughter, our +cavalry was by no means idle. On the morning of the first, Kilpatrick +advanced his victorious squadrons to the vicinity of Abbottstown, where +they struck a force of Rebel cavalry, which they scattered, capturing +several prisoners, and then rested. To the ears of the alert chieftain +came the sound of battle at Gettysburg, accompanied with the +intelligence, from prisoners mostly, that Stuart's main force was bent +on doing mischief on the right of our infantry lines, which were not far +from the night's bivouac. + +He appeared instinctively to know where he was most needed; so in the +absence of orders, early the next morning he advanced to Hunterstown. At +this point were the extreme wings of the infantry lines, and as +Kilpatrick expected, he encountered the Rebel cavalry, commanded by his +old antagonists, Stuart, Lee, and Hampton. The early part of the day was +spent mostly in reconnoitring; but all the latter part of the day was +occupied in hard, bold, and bloody work. Charges and counter-charges +were made; the carbine, pistol, and sabre were used by turns, and the +artillery thundered even late after the infantry around Gettysburg had +sunk to rest, well-nigh exhausted with the bloody carnage of the weary +day. But Stuart, who had hoped to break in upon our flank and rear, and +to pounce upon our trains, was not only foiled in his endeavor by the +gallant Kilpatrick, but also driven back upon his infantry supports, and +badly beaten. + +In the night, Kilpatrick, after leaving a sufficient force to prevent +Stuart from doing any special damage on our right, swung around with the +rest of his troopers to the left of our line, near Round Top, and was +there prepared for any work which might be assigned him. + + +THE LAST EFFORT. + +_Friday, July 3._--The sun rose bright and warm, and looked down upon +the blackened corpses of the dead, which were strewn over the bloody +earth; upon the wounded who had not been cared for, and upon long +glistening lines of armed men, ready to renew the conflict. Each +antagonist, rousing every slumbering element of power, seemed to be +resolved upon victory or death. The fight commenced early by an attack +of General Slocum's men, who, determined to regain the rifle-pits they +had lost the evening before, descended like an avalanche upon the foe. +The attack met with a prompt response from General Ewell. But after +several hours of desperate fighting, victory perched upon the Union +banners, and with great loss and slaughter the Rebels were driven out of +the breastworks, and fell back upon their main lines near Benner's Hill. + +This successful move on the part of our boys in blue was followed by +ominous lull or quiet, which continued about three hours. Meanwhile the +silence was fitfully broken by an occasional spit of fire, while every +preparation was being made for a last, supreme effort, which, it was +expected, would decide the mighty contest. The scales were being poised +for the last time, and upon the one side or the other was soon to be +written the "_Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin_." Hearts either trembled or +waxed strong in the awful presence of this responsibility. + +At length one o'clock arrived; a signal-gun was fired, and then at least +one hundred and twenty-five guns from Hill and Longstreet concentrated +and crossed their fires upon Cemetery Hill, the centre and key of our +position. Just behind this crest, though much exposed, were General +Meade's headquarters. For nearly two hours this hill was ploughed and +torn by solid shot and bursting shell, while about one hundred guns on +our side, mainly from this crest and Round Top, made sharp response. The +earth and the air shook for miles around with the terrific concussion, +which came no longer in volleys, but in a continual roar. So long and +fearful a cannonade was never before witnessed on this continent. As the +range was short and the aim accurate, the destruction was terrible. But +the advantage was decidedly in favor of the Rebels, whose guns were +superior in number to ours, and of heavier calibre, and had been +concentrated for the attack. A spectator of the Union army thus +describes the scene: + +"The storm broke upon us so suddenly, that soldiers and officers--who +leaped, as it began, from their tents, or from lazy siestas on the +grass--were stricken in their rising with mortal wounds, and died, some +with cigars between their teeth, some with pieces of food in their +fingers, and one at least--a pale young German, from Pennsylvania--with +a miniature of his sister in his hands. Horses fell, shrieking such +awful cries as Cooper told of, and writhing themselves about in hopeless +agony. The boards of fences, scattered by explosion, flew in splinters +through the air. The earth, torn up in clouds, blinded the eyes of +hurrying men; and through the branches of trees and among the +gravestones of the cemetery a shower of destruction crashed ceaselessly. +As, with hundreds of others, I groped through this tempest of death for +the shelter of the bluff, an old man, a private in a company belonging +to the Twenty-fourth Michigan, was struck, scarcely ten feet away, by a +cannon-ball, which tore through him, extorting such a low, intense cry +of mortal pain as I pray God I may never again hear. The hill, which +seemed alone devoted to this rain of death, was clear in nearly all its +unsheltered places within five minutes after the fire began." + +A correspondent from the Confederate army thus describes this artillery +contest: "I have never yet heard such tremendous artillery-firing. The +enemy must have had over one hundred guns, which, in addition to our one +hundred and fifteen, made the air hideous with most discordant noise. +The very earth shook beneath our feet, and the hills and rocks seemed to +reel like a drunken man. For one hour and a half this most terrific fire +was continued, during which time the shrieking of shell, the crash of +fallen timbers, the fragments of rocks flying through the air, shattered +from the cliffs by solid shot, the heavy mutterings from the valley +between the opposing armies, the splash of bursting shrapnel, and the +fierce neighing of wounded artillery-horses, made a picture terribly +grand and sublime, but which my pen utterly fails to describe." + +Gradually the fire on our side began to slacken, and General Meade, +learning that our guns were becoming hot, gave orders to cease firing +and to let the guns cool, though the Rebel balls were making fearful +havoc among our gunners, while our infantry sought poor shelter behind +every projection, anxiously awaiting the expected charge. At length the +enemy, supposing that our guns were silenced, deemed that the moment for +an irresistible attack had come. Accordingly, as a lion emerges from his +lair, he sallied forth, when strong lines of infantry, nearly three +miles in length, with double lines of skirmishers in front, and heavy +reserves in rear, advanced with desperation to the final effort. They +moved with steady, measured tread over the plain below, and began the +ascent of the hills occupied by our forces, concentrating somewhat upon +General Hancock, though stretching across our entire front. + +Says a correspondent of the _Richmond Enquirer_: "Just as Pickett was +getting well under the enemy's fire, our batteries ceased firing. This +was a fearful moment for Pickett and his brave command. Why do not our +guns reopen their fire? is the inquiry that rises upon every lip. Still, +our batteries are silent as death!" And this undoubtedly decided the +issue--was God's handwriting on the wall. The Rebel guns had been +thundering so long and ceaselessly that they were now unfit for use, and +ceased firing from very necessity. + +"Agate," correspondent of _The Cincinnati Gazette_, gives the following +graphic description of the struggle: + +"The great, desperate, final charge came at four. The Rebels seemed to +have gathered up all their strength and desperation for one fierce, +convulsive effort, that should sweep over and wash out our obstinate +resistance. They swept up as before: the flower of their army to the +front, victory staked upon the issue. In some places they literally +lifted up and pushed back our lines; but, that terrible position of +ours!--wherever they entered it, enfilading fires from half a score of +crests swept away their columns like merest chaff. Broken and hurled +back, they easily fell into our hands; and, on the centre and left, the +last half hour brought more prisoners than all the rest. + +"So it was along the whole line; but it was on the Second Corps that the +flower of the Rebel army was concentrated; it was there that the +heaviest shock beat upon, and shook, and even sometimes crumbled, our +lines. + +"We had some shallow rifle-pits, with barricades of rails from the +fences. The Rebel line, stretching away miles to the left, in +magnificent array, but strongest here--Pickett's splendid division of +Longstreet's corps in front, the best of A. P. Hill's veterans in +support--came steadily, and as it seemed resistlessly, sweeping up. Our +skirmishers retired slowly from the Emmitsburg road, holding their +ground tenaciously to the last. The Rebels reserved their fire till they +reached this same Emmitsburg road, then opened with a terrific crash. +From a hundred iron throats, meantime, their artillery had been +thundering on our barricades. + +"Hancock was wounded; Gibbon succeeded to the command--an approved +soldier, and ready for the crisis. As the tempest of fire approached +its height, he walked along the line, and renewed his orders to the men +to reserve their fire. The Rebels--three lines deep--came steadily up. +They were in point-blank range. + +"At last the order came! From thrice six thousand guns there came a +sheet of smoky flame, a crash, a rush of leaden death. The line +literally melted away; but there came the second, resistless still. It +had been our supreme effort; on the moment we were not equal to another. + +"Up to the rifle-pits, across them, over the barricades--the momentum of +their charge, the mere machine-strength of their combined action, swept +them on. Our thin line could fight, but it had not weight enough to +oppose to this momentum. It was pushed behind the guns. Right on came +the Rebels. They were upon our guns--were bayoneting the gunners--were +waving their flags over our pieces. + +"But they had penetrated to the fatal point. A storm of grape and +canister tore its way from man to man, and marked its track with corpses +straight down their line! They had exposed themselves to the enfilading +fire of the guns on the western slope of Cemetery Hill; that exposure +sealed their fate. + +"The line reeled back--disjointed already--in an instant in fragments. +Our men were just behind the guns. They leaped forward upon the +disordered mass; but there was little need of fighting now. A regiment +threw down its arms, and, with colors at its head, rushed over and +surrendered. All along the field smaller detachments did the same. +Webb's brigade brought in eight hundred: taken in as little time as it +requires to write the simple sentence that tells it. Gibbon's old +division took fifteen stand of colors. + +"Over the fields the escaped fragments of the charging line fell +back--the battle there was over. A single brigade, Harrow's (of which +the Seventh Michigan is part), came out with fifty-four less officers, +and seven hundred and ninety-three less men, than it took in! So the +whole corps fought; so, too, they fought farther down the line. + +"It was fruitless sacrifice. They gathered up their broken fragments, +formed their lines, and slowly marched away. It was not a rout; it _was_ +a bitter, crushing defeat. For once the Army of the Potomac had won a +clean, honest, acknowledged victory." + +General Pickett's division was nearly annihilated. One of his officers +recounted, that, as they were charging over the grassy plain, he threw +himself down before a murderous discharge of grape and canister, which +mowed the grass and men all around him, as though a scythe had been +swung just above his prostrate form. + +During the terrific cannonade and subsequent charges, our ammunition and +other trains had been parked in rear of Round Top, which gave them +splendid shelter. Partly to possess this train, but mainly to secure +this commanding position, General Longstreet sent two strong divisions +of infantry, with heavy artillery, to turn our flank, and to drive us +from this ground. Kilpatrick, with his division, which had been +strengthened by Merritt's Regular brigade, was watching this point, and +waiting for an opportunity to strike the foe. It came at last. Emerging +from the woods in front of him came a strong battle-line followed by +others. + + +FALL OF GENERAL FARNSWORTH. + +To the young Farnsworth was committed the task of meeting infantry with +cavalry in an open field. Placing the Fifth New York in support of +Elder's battery, which was exposed to a galling fire, but made reply +with characteristic rapidity, precision, and slaughter, Farnsworth +quickly ordered the First Virginia, First Vermont, and Eighteenth +Pennsylvania in line of battle, and galloped away and charged upon the +flank of the advancing columns. The attack was sharp, brief, and +successful, though attended with great slaughter. But the Rebels were +driven upon their main lines, and the flank movement was prevented. Thus +the cavalry added another dearly-earned laurel to its chaplet of +honor--_dearly earned_, because many of their bravest champions fell +upon that bloody field. + +Kilpatrick, in his official report of this sanguinary contest, says: "In +this charge fell the brave Farnsworth. Short and brilliant was his +career. On the twenty-ninth of June a general; on the first of July he +baptized his star in blood; and on the third, for the honor of his young +brigade and the glory of his corps, he yielded up his noble life." + +Thus ended the battle of Gettysburg--the bloody turning-point of the +Rebellion--the bloody baptism of the redeemed Republic. Nearly twenty +thousand men from the Union ranks had been killed and wounded, and a +larger number of the Rebels, making the enormous aggregate of at least +forty thousand, whose blood was shed to fertilize the Tree of Liberty. + +In the evening twilight of that eventful day General Meade penned the +following interesting despatch to the Government: + + HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, + Near Gettysburg, July 3, 8.30 P. M. + + _To Major-General Halleck, General-in-Chief_: + + The enemy opened at one o'clock P. M., from about one hundred + and fifty guns. They concentrated upon my left centre, + continuing without intermission for about three hours, at the + expiration of which time he assaulted my left centre twice, + being, upon both occasions, handsomely repulsed with severe + loss to them, leaving in our hands nearly three thousand + prisoners. Among the prisoners are Major-General Armistead, + and many colonels and officers of lesser note. The enemy + left many dead upon the field, and a large number of wounded + in our hands. The loss upon our side has been considerable. + Major-General Hancock and Brigadier-General Gibbon were + wounded. + + After the repelling of the assault, indications leading to + the belief that the enemy might be withdrawing, an armed + reconnoissance was pushed forward from the left, and the + enemy found to be in force. At the present hour all is + quiet. + + The New York cavalry have been engaged all day on both + flanks of the enemy, harassing and vigorously attacking him + with great success, notwithstanding they encountered + superior numbers, both of cavalry and artillery. The army is + in fine spirits. + + GEORGE G. MEADE, _Major-General Commanding_. + +On the morning of the Fourth of July, General Meade issued an address to +the army: + + HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, + Near Gettysburg, July 4. + + The commanding general, in behalf of the country, thanks the + Army of the Potomac for the glorious result of the recent + operations. Our enemy, superior in numbers and flushed with + the pride of a successful invasion, attempted to overcome or + destroy this army. Utterly baffled and defeated, he has now + withdrawn from the contest. + + The privations and fatigues the army has endured, and the + heroic courage and gallantry it has displayed, will be + matters of history to be ever remembered. + + Our task is not yet accomplished, and the commanding general + looks to the army for greater efforts, to drive from our + soil every vestige of the presence of the invader. + + It is right and proper that we should, on suitable + occasions, return our grateful thanks to the Almighty + Disposer of events, that, in the goodness of His providence, + He has thought fit to give victory to the cause of the just. + + By command of MAJOR-GENERAL MEADE. + S. WILLIAMS, _A. A.-General_. + +It is fitting we should close this chapter with President Lincoln's +brief yet comprehensive announcement to the country: + + WASHINGTON, D. C., July 4, 1863, 10 A. M. + + The President of the United States announces to the country, + that the news from the Army of the Potomac, up to ten + o'clock P. M. of the third, is such as to cover the army + with the highest honor--to promise great success to the + cause of the Union--and to claim the condolence of all for + the many gallant fallen; and that for this he especially + desires that on this day, "He whose will, not ours, should + ever be done," be everywhere remembered and reverenced with + the profoundest gratitude. + + ABRAHAM LINCOLN. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +RETREAT OF THE REBELS FROM GETTYSBURG. + +1863.--National Rejoicing.--The Enemy Retreating.--Feebly Pursued. + --Reconnoissances.--Kilpatrick Gives the Enemy a Fourth of July + Entertainment at Monterey Pass.--Storm and Terror.--Immense Train + Destroyed, and Hosts of Prisoners Taken.--Pitiable Condition of + Stuart's Cavalry.--Battle of Hagerstown.--Captains Penfield and + Dahlgren Wounded.--Wonderful Exploits of a Union Scout.--Kilpatrick + and Buford at Williamsport.--Cavalry Fight at Boonsboro'.--Stuart + Defeated.--Hagerstown Retaken.--Orders to Advance, One Day Too Late. + --Kilpatrick Chases the Flying Foe.--Fight at Falling Waters, Last + Act in the Drama.--Great Bravery of Union Troops.--Last Vestige of + the Invaders Wiped Out.--Bivouac and Rest. + + +The victory at Gettysburg, though purchased at so dear a price, when +announced to the people, produced a deep and widespread joy, which +contributed to make the Fourth of July doubly memorable. The gallant +behavior of our men furnished a theme for general exultation, and the +removal of the threatened disaster foreshadowed in the pompous and +successful invasion, made every true American breathe more freely. + +But the work of the soldier was not yet done. The feet of the invaders +were still upon free soil; and though his ranks had been thinned by +desertions, and by unprecedented casualties in battle, and he had been +thwarted in all the important minutiae of his plan, he was still +formidable, and compelled to fight with desperation, if attacked, to +prevent utter destruction. + +Some apprehension that the enemy was at least contemplating a speedy +retreat was entertained during the night that followed the third bloody +day. General Pleasonton, chief of cavalry, urged General Meade to +advance in force upon the beaten foe, alleging that they were not only +greatly weakened by their losses, but undoubtedly demoralized, in +consequence of repulse and probable scarcity of ammunition. To ascertain +positively what could be of these probabilities, Pleasonton was directed +to make a reconnoissance toward the Rebel rear. Accordingly, several +detachments of cavalry were thrust out on different roads, where they +rode all night. General Gregg, on our right, went about twenty-two miles +on the road to Chambersburg, and returning early on the morning of the +fourth, reported that the road was strewn with wounded and stragglers, +ambulances and caissons, and general _debris_, which indicated that the +enemy was retreating as rapidly as possible, and was passing through a +terrible season of demoralization. The testimony of the mute witnesses +of disaster was corroborated by that of the many prisoners which easily +fell into Gregg's hands. Other expeditions, returning later in the day, +had similar reports to render of what they had seen and heard. And now +came the time for energetic cavalry movements. While our infantry was +resting, or engaged in burying our own and the Rebel dead within our +lines, the cavalry was despatched to do all the damage it could upon +the retreating Rebel columns. + + +KILPATRICK ON THEIR TRAIL. + +Kilpatrick, having assembled his immortalized division on the plain at +the foot of Round Top, on the morning of the fourth, discoursed to them +eloquently for a few moments on the interests of the times. He assured +his men that their noble deeds were not passing by unnoticed, nor would +be unrequited, and that they were already a part of a grand history. He +trusted that their future conduct would be a fair copy of the past. But +his pathetic and patriotic accents had scarcely died upon the ear of his +brave command, when the shrill bugle-blast brought eager men and grazing +horses in line of march. Orders had been received by Kilpatrick to +repair as swiftly as possible to the passes in the Catoctin Mountains, +to intercept the enemy now known to be flying southward at a rapid rate. + +The command had gone but a short distance when rain began to fall in +torrents, as is usually the case after great battles, especially when +much artillery is used. But through mud, in places to the horses' +bodies; through brooks swollen enormously, and through the falling +floods, the troopers pressed forward to the accomplishment of their +task. About five o'clock P. M. Kilpatrick reached Emmitsburg, where he +was joined by portions of General Gregg's command, including the Harris +Light, which had been kept mostly in reserve during the conflicts of the +past few days. Thus reenforced, this intrepid leader marched directly +toward the Monterey Pass, arriving at the foot of this rocky defile in +the mountains in the midst of pitchy darkness. + +As was anticipated, a heavy Rebel train was then trying to make its +escape through the gorge, guarded by Stuart's Cavalry, with light +artillery. This artillery was planted in a position to rake the narrow +road upon which Kilpatrick was advancing. But the darkness was so +intense that the guns could be of little use, except to make the night +terribly hideous with their bellowings, the echoes of which reverberated +in the mountain gorges in a most frightful manner. To add to the horrors +of the scene and position, the rain fell in floods, accompanied with +groaning thunders, while lightnings flashed from cloud to cloud over our +heads, and cleft the darkness only to leave friend and foe enveloped in +greater darkness in the intervals of light. By these flashes, however, +we gained a momentary glimpse of each other's position, and as we dashed +forward in the gloom, we were further directed by the fire of the +artillery and the desultory fire of the cavalry. + +Surgeon Moore gives the following account of this affair: "We do not +hesitate in saying, and have good reason to know, that had any want of +firmness on the part of the leader, or any indecision or vacillation +appeared, and a mischance occurred, this splendid command would then and +there have been lost. + +"But with unflinching and steady purpose, bold bearing, and a mind equal +to the emergency, the general rode to the head of the column, reassured +his frightened people, and, notwithstanding the intense darkness that +hid friend from foe, made such skilful dispositions, and then attacked +the hidden foe with such impetuosity that he fled in wild dismay, +leaving his guns, a battle-flag, and four hundred prisoners in the +victor's hands. + +"The pass was gained, and Pennington's and Elder's guns were soon +echoing and reechoing through the mountain defiles. The artillery opened +thus on the flying columns of the routed foe, who, with wagons, +ambulances, caissons, and the _debris_ of a shattered army, were rushing +in chaotic confusion down the narrow mountain road, and scattering +through the fields and woods on the plains below." + +All night long Kilpatrick and his successful followers were gathering +the spoils of their evening work. Wagon after wagon was overtaken, +captured, and destroyed, while hundreds of prisoners were easily +captured. This daring exploit placed Kilpatrick in advance of the Rebel +army, giving him a fine opportunity to obstruct their pathway of +retreat, and to destroy whatever could be of any use to them. Had he not +been cumbered with so many prisoners, it is not in the power of any one +to estimate the damage he would have done. In his official report he +says: "On this day I captured eighteen hundred and sixty prisoners, +including many officers of rank, and destroyed the Rebel General Ewell's +immense wagon-train, nine miles long." + +It should be stated that these wagons were mostly laden with the ripened +and gathered crops of Pennsylvania and Maryland, and with the plunder of +private and public stores, including dry goods and groceries of every +variety and quality. None who saw it will ever forget the appearance of +that mountain road the day following this night's foray. + +Stuart, who was ingloriously defeated at Monterey, retired towards +Emmitsburg with about fifty prisoners that he had captured during and +after the fight. He then moved southward until he struck an unfrequented +road which leads over the mountain _via_ Wolfe's Tavern. By this turn he +avoided immediate contact with our cavalry. But about five o'clock +P. M., as he was about to debouch into the valley, Kilpatrick, who was +watching for him as a cat does a mouse, attacked him with artillery and +fought him till dark. This fight occurred near Smithburg, whence the +prisoners in Kilpatrick's hands were sent to South Mountain, guarded by +the Harris Light. + +Darkness having put an end to the contest, Kilpatrick marched through +Cavetown to Boonsboro', where he bivouacked for the night. Stuart, it +was ascertained, marched till about midnight to the small town of +Leitersburgh, where he rested his worn and wearied command. His +condition was really pitiable. A large number of his men were mounted on +shoeless horses, whose leanness showed that they had made many a long +march through and from Virginia. Or, as was the case with a large +proportion of them, they had fat horses, which were stolen from the +fields and stalls of the invaded States, but, being entirely unused to +such hard and cruel treatment as they were now receiving, were well-nigh +unserviceable. Lameness and demoralization were prominent +characteristics among animals and men. + +_July 6._--This morning, at an early hour, Kilpatrick's crowd of +prisoners were turned over into the hands of General French, and then +his command marched to Hagerstown, taking possession of the place in +advance of Stuart, whose approach about eleven o'clock was met with +determined resistance, and, at first, with great success. A heavy battle +was fought, in which Kilpatrick's men showed their usual prowess and +strength. Had not Rebel infantry come to the aid of his cavalry, Stuart +would have suffered a stunning blow. For several hours the contest was +wholly between cavalry and light artillery. Charges of great daring and +skill were made. One reporter says: "Elder gave them grape and canister, +and the Fifth New York sabres, while the First Vermont used their +carbines." + +In one of those charges, made in the face of a very superior force, +Captain James A. Penfield, of the Fifth New York, at the head of his +company, had his horse killed under him, and, while struggling to +extricate himself from the animal, which lay upon him in part, he was +struck a fearful blow of a sabre on the head, which came near severing +it in twain. Thus wounded, with blood streaming down upon his long beard +and clothes, he was made a prisoner. In a similar charge the gallant +Captain Ulric Dahlgren lost a leg, though not his valuable life. + +It appeared as though the Rebels were afforded an opportunity to avenge +themselves in part for the shameful losses which they had sustained in +this very place by the strategic operations of a Union scout, by the +name of C. A. Phelps, during the incipient step of the invasion. We will +let the scout relate his own story, which is corroborated by a +signal-officer, who, from one of the lofty peaks of the mountains, +witnessed the exciting denouement. The scout proceeds to say: + +"I was very anxious to learn all about General Stuart's force and +contemplated movements, and resolved to see the general himself or some +of his staff-officers, soon after he entered Hagerstown. + +"Accordingly I procured of a Union man a suit of raglings, knocked off +one boot-heel to make one leg appear shorter than the other, and put a +gimblet, a tow-string, and an old broken jack-knife in my pockets. My +jewelry corresponded with my clothes. I adopted the name of George Fry, +a harvest-hand of Dr. Farney, from Wolfetown, on the north side of the +mountain, and I was a cripple from rheumatism. Having completed +arrangements with Dr. Farney, Mr. Landers, and other Union men, that +they might be of service to me in case the Rebels should be suspicious +of my character, I hobbled away on my perilous journey, and entered the +city by leaping the high stone wall which guards it on the north side +near the depot. This occurred just as the town-clock struck one. + +"It was a clear, starlight night, and the glistening sabres of the +sentries could be seen as they walked their lonely beat. Scarcely had I +gained the sidewalk leading to the centre of the town when the sentry +nearest me cried, 'Halt! who goes there?' 'A friend,' I replied. + +"'A friend to North or South?' + +"'To the South, of course, and all right.' + +"'Advance, then,' was the response. On reaching him, he asked me what +could be my business at this hour of the night. I told him I had come in +to see our brave boys, who could whip the Yankees so handsomely, as they +had done especially at Bull Run and Chancellorsville. We fell at once to +the discussion of the war-questions of the day. In the midst of our +colloquy up came the officer of the guard on his 'grand rounds,' who, +after probing me thoroughly, as he thought, with many questions, finally +said, 'Had you not better go with me to see General Stuart?' + +"'I should reelly like ter git a sight of the gin'ral,' I quickly +replied, 'for I never seen a reel gin'ral in all my life.' + +"I was soon in the presence of the general, who received me very +cordially. I found him to be a man a little above the medium height, and +fine looking. His features are very distinct in outline, his nose long +and sharp, his eye keen and restless. His complexion is florid and his +manners affable. I told him who I was and where I lived when at home. +'Wolfetown!' exclaimed the general, 'have not the Yankees a large +wagon-train there?' I told him they had; and then, turning to one of his +staff-officers, he said, 'I must have it; it would be a fine prize.' + +"I noted his words and determined, if I possessed any Yankee wit, to +make use of it on this occasion. + +"'Gin'ral,' said I, '_you all_ don't think of capterin' them are Yankee +wagons, do you?' + +"'Why not? I have here five thousand cavalry and sixteen pieces of +artillery, and I understand the train is lightly guarded.' + +"I saw that he had been properly informed, and I told him they came +there last evening with twelve big brass cannon and three regiments of +foot-soldiers, and if he was to try to go through the gap of the +mountain they would shoot all the cannon off right in the gap, and kill +all his horses and men. The general smiled at my naive answer, and said +I had a strange idea of war if I thought so many men would be killed at +once, and added that I would not be a very brave soldier. I replied that +many times I had felt like going into the Confederate army, but my +rheumatism kept me out. + +"After a while the general concluded not to try the train, and I was +heartily glad, for he would have taken at least two hundred wagons +easily, as they were guarded by not more than three hundred men. + +"He then gave orders to have the main body of his cavalry move towards +Green Castle; and I distinctly heard him give orders to the Major to +remain in town with fifty men as rearguard, and to send on the army +mail, which was expected there about six the next evening. I made up my +mind that it would be a small mail he would get, as I proposed to myself +to be postmaster for once. + +"After seeing the general and his cavalry move out of town, I went +directly for my horse, which I had concealed in a safe place some +distance from the city, meanwhile surveying the ground to see which way +I could best come in to capture the mail, and determined to charge the +place on the pike from Boonsboro', and made my arrangements to that +effect. I got a Union man, by the name of Thornburgh, to go into the +town and notify the Union people that, when the town-clock struck six +P. M., I would charge in and capture the Rebel mail, at the risk of +losing my own life and every man with me. I had now but eight men, two +having been sent to General Stahel with despatches. + +"I then returned to Boonsboro', and found my men waiting for me. I told +them my intentions, and offered to send back to his regiment any man who +feared to go with me. But every one bravely said he would not leave me, +nor surrender without my order. I then ordered them to bring out their +horses, and we were soon on the road. It was a moment of thrilling +interest to us all, as we approached Hagerstown, and lingered to hear +the signal-strokes of that monitor in the old church-tower. At the +appointed time (we had already entered into the edge of the town), with +a wild shout we dashed into the streets, and the Major and his fifty +braves fled without firing a shot. We captured sixteen prisoners, +twenty-six horses, several small-arms, and a heavy army mail, which +contained three important despatches from Jeff. Davis, and two from the +Rebel Secretary of War to General Lee. All this substantial booty we +safely carried within our own lines, without the loss of a man or a +horse. + +"Many thanks are due to Dr. C. R. Doran and Mr. Robert Thornburgh, for +their kind and timely assistance, and also to Misses Susie Carson and +Addie Brenner, who did so much for the comfort of our brave men. I still +have in my possession some choice flowers, preserved from a bouquet +presented to me by Miss Carson the evening we captured the Rebel mail; +and though the flowers have faded, the good deeds done by the giver +will ever grow bright through coming time. All honor to the brave Union +ladies." + +In these same streets, where Captain Briggs with his telescope witnessed +the successful charge of the scouting party, raged the battle hotly on +the sixth of July. But, as the Rebel infantry was advancing with heavy +artillery to the aid of Stuart's cavalry, Kilpatrick was sorely pressed, +and, at length, compelled to retire. His ears were now saluted with the +sound of artillery in the direction of Williamsport, and a messenger +arrived with the intelligence that General John Buford, who had advanced +through the South Mountain Pass, was now attempting to destroy Lee's +immense supply train, which was packed near Williamsport, and not very +heavily guarded. + +Kilpatrick desired no better work than to assist his brave comrade, and +he at once hastened down the main road, and soon joined Buford in the +work of destruction. These combined commands were making fearful havoc +in the Rebel commissary and quartermaster stores. Many wagons were +burned, and the whole train would have shared the same fate had not the +united infantry and cavalry of the enemy come down upon us in +overwhelming force. But we were not to be driven away very suddenly nor +cheaply. Long and desperately we contended with the accumulating forces, +until darkness came on, when we found ourselves completely enveloped by +the foe. Nothing but splendid generalship and true bravery on the part +of our officers and men saved us from capture and destruction. Some of +our number were made prisoners, but our losses were very small +considering the amount of depredations we had committed, and the great +danger to which we were exposed. As it was, the commands were +successfully withdrawn from their hazardous position, and through the +darkness of the night we crossed Antietam Creek, and bivouacked in +safety on the opposite bank. Several prisoners were captured from the +Rebels during the fights of the day. They were mostly from Alabama and +Louisiana regiments; and they state that their army is all together, and +well on its way to the river. They speak doubtfully of Lee's recrossing +the Potomac. + +[Illustration: THE CAVALRY BIVOUAC.] + +_July 7._--Our cavalry is in the vicinity of Boonsboro', and is acting +mostly on the defensive. The enemy in force is in our front, and an +attack is momentarily expected. At six P. M. "to horse" was sounded +throughout our camps; and, after waiting two hours in rain, ready for +a move, orders were received to return to our quarters. Rain is now +falling in torrents, accompanied with fearful thunderings and lightnings. +Unpleasant as it is, we welcome its peltings, hoping that the storm will +raise the Potomac above the fording mark, and thus give Meade an +opportunity to attack Lee before he has time to recross the river into +Virginia. We know that his pontoons at Falling Waters have been totally +destroyed by our cavalry and by the high water, and that the only ford +available is at Williamsport, and hence we welcome the falling floods. +Many of us have to lie down in water, which, however, is not very cold. +But the night is very tedious. + +_July 8._--The sun came out bright and warm this morning, enabling us in +a few moments to dry our drenched blankets and garments. The roads, +however, abound in mud, and the streams are enormously swollen. Early in +the day our pickets were driven in along the Antietam, and the enemy +advanced with such force that by noon the plains around Boonsboro' were +the scene of a furious cavalry engagement. + + +CAVALRY BATTLE AT BOONSBORO'. + +Dr. Moore, from whose excellent reports we have before quoted, gives the +following graphic description of this cavalry duel: "Buford had the +right and Kilpatrick the left. The movements of the cavalry lines in +this battle were among the finest sights the author remembers ever to +have seen. It was here he first saw the young general (Kilpatrick), and +little thought that one day the deeds he saw him perform he would +transmit to paper and to posterity. Here, all day long, the Rebel and +the Union cavalry-chiefs fought, mounted and dismounted, and striving in +every manner possible to defeat and rout the other. The din and roar of +battle that, from ten A. M. until long after dark, had rolled over the +plains and back through the mountains, told to the most anxious generals +of them all, Meade and Lee, how desperate was the struggle--Stuart and +his men fighting for the safety of the Rebel army, Buford and Kilpatrick +for South Mountain's narrow Pass. + +"Just as the setting sun sent his last rays over that muddy +battle-field, Buford and Kilpatrick were seen rapidly approaching each +other from opposite directions. They met; a few hasty words were +exchanged, and away dashed Buford far off to the right, and Kilpatrick +straight to the centre; and in less than twenty minutes, from right to +centre, and from centre to left, the clear notes of the bugles rang out +the welcome charging, and with one long, wild shout, those glorious +squadrons of Buford and Kilpatrick, from right to left, as far as the +eye could see, in one unbroken line, charged upon the foe. The shock was +irresistible; the Rebel line was broken--the routed enemy confessed the +superiority of our men as they fled from the well-fought field, leaving +their dead and dying behind them; and our heroic chiefs led back their +victorious squadrons, and, while resting on their laurels, gave their +brave, wearied troops a momentary repose." + +Thus far our cavalry had done much to obstruct the retreat of the Rebel +army, and had inflicted incalculable losses of men and materials. But +the pursuit of our main army was not correspondingly vigorous. Two +pretty good reasons may be assigned for this seeming incompetency or +want of energy. The first reason is found in the fact that scarcely more +than a brigade of infantry had been kept in reserve during the great and +destructive battle of Gettysburg, while the three days of struggle had +well-nigh exhausted our entire strength. Rest was therefore greatly +needed, and a general engagement was to be guarded against. It should +also be remembered that nearly one fourth of our entire army was _hors +de combat_. The second reason may be found in the heavy rains which +fell, "impeding pursuers," as one writer says, "more than pursued, +though they need not." But the retreating army has this advantage; it +usually chooses its own route, which it can generally cover or hide by +means of stratagem, so that it requires time as well as study to +effectually pursue. Perhaps a third reason for our tardiness of pursuit +should be presented. Does it not appear to be an overruling act of +Providence? Had General Meade advanced, as it seems he might have done +with the resources at his command, against the demoralized, decimated, +and flying army, with its ammunition quite exhausted, and a swollen +river, unfordable and bridgeless, between it and safety, Lee could not +have escaped annihilation. But the public sentiment of the country, +though forming and improving rapidly, was not yet prepared for such a +victory. We needed to spend more treasure, spill more blood, sacrifice +more precious lives, to lift us up to those heights of public and +political virtue, where we could be safely entrusted with so dear a +boon. We were not then prepared for peace, that sovereign balm for a +nation's woes. + +The tardiness with which our movements were made enabled the enemy to +reach a good position near Hagerstown, which he began to fortify in such +a manner as to cover his crossing. Meantime we understood that +successful efforts were made to rebuild the bridge at Falling Waters. + +General Meade, in his official report, gives the following account of +his pursuit: "The fifth and sixth of July were employed in succoring the +wounded and burying the dead. Major-General Sedgwick, commanding the +Sixth Corps, having pushed the pursuit of the enemy as far as the +Fairfield Pass and the mountains, and reporting that the pass was very +strong--one in which a small force of the enemy could hold in check and +delay for a considerable time any pursuing force--I determined to follow +the enemy by a flank movement, and, accordingly, leaving McIntosh's +brigade of cavalry and Neil's brigade of infantry to continue harassing +the enemy, I put the army in motion for Middletown, and orders were +immediately sent to Major-General French, at Frederick, to reoccupy +Harper's Ferry, and send a force to occupy Turner's Pass, in South +Mountains. I subsequently ascertained that Major-General French had not +only anticipated these orders in part, but had pushed a cavalry force to +Williamsport and Falling Waters, where they destroyed the enemy's +pontoon bridge, and captured its guard. Buford was at the same time sent +to Williamsport and Hagerstown. The duty above assigned to the cavalry +was most successfully accomplished, the enemy being greatly harassed, +his trains destroyed, and many captures of guns and prisoners made." + +_July 10._--This morning, at five o'clock, the cavalry advanced from +Boonsboro', passed through Keedysville, and crossed the Antietam about +ten o'clock. At twelve o'clock we engaged the enemy at Jones' Cross +Roads. The Harris Light led the advance, dismounted. The Rebels were +driven three consecutive times from as many positions which they had +chosen. Their resistance was by no means strong nor determined. Before +night Buford moved his command to Sharpsburg, on the extreme left of our +lines, and Kilpatrick advanced to a position on the extreme right, in +the vicinity of Hagerstown, where he covered the road to Gettysburg. On +the eleventh only picket skirmishes occupied the time. But on the +twelfth Kilpatrick, supported by a brigade of infantry under the command +of Brigadier-General Ames, of Howard's Corps, advanced upon the enemy +near Hagerstown, drove them from their works, and then out of the +streets of the city, and took permanent possession. This successful +movement greatly contracted our lines, and brought our forces into a +better position. At the close of this enterprise, as we are informed, +General Meade called a council of war, at which was discussed earnestly +and long the propriety of attacking the enemy. Notwithstanding the +anxiety of the chief commander to advance and reap fully the fruit of +Gettysburg, five of his corps commanders, out of eight, argued against +the measure, and as Meade did not desire to assume the grave +responsibility of a movement against such protests, no move was +immediately attempted. + +This statement may modify the condemnatory judgments which were formed +against General Meade, and may prepare our minds rightly to interpret +General A. P. Howe's report of the general pursuit. In narrating its +spirit and progress, he says: "On the fourth of July it seemed evident +enough that the enemy were retreating. How far they were gone we could +not see from the front. We could see but a comparatively small force +from the position where I was. On Sunday the Fifth and Sixth Corps moved +in pursuit. As we moved, a small rearguard of the enemy retreated. We +followed them, with this small rearguard of the enemy before us, up to +Fairfield, in a gorge of the mountains. There we again waited for them +to go on. There seemed to be no disposition to push this rearguard when +we got up to Fairfield. A lieutenant from the enemy came into our lines +and gave himself up. He was a Northern Union man, in service in one of +the Georgia regiments; and, without being asked, he unhesitatingly told +me, when I met him as he was being brought in, that he belonged to the +artillery of the rearguard of the enemy, and that they had but two +rounds of ammunition with the rearguard. But we waited there without +receiving any orders to attack. It was a place where, as I informed +General Sedgwick, we could easily attack the enemy with advantage. But +no movement was made by us until the enemy went away. Then one brigade +of my division, with some cavalry, was sent to follow after them, while +the remainder of the Sixth Corps moved to the left. We moved on through +Boonsboro', and passed up on the pike-road leading to Hagerstown. + +"After passing Boonsboro' it became my turn to lead the Sixth Corps. +That day, just before we started, General Sedgwick ordered me to move on +and take up the best position I could over a little stream on the +Frederick side of Funkstown. As I moved on, it was suggested to me by +him to move carefully. 'Don't come into contact with the enemy; we don't +want to bring on a general engagement.' It seemed to be the current +impression that it was not desired to bring on a general engagement. I +moved on until we came near Funkstown. General Buford was along that +way with his cavalry. I had passed over the stream referred to, and +found a strong position, which I concluded to take, and wait for the +Sixth Corps to come up. In the meantime General Buford, who was in +front, came back to me, and said, 'I am pretty hardly engaged here; I +have used a great deal of my ammunition; it is a strong place in front; +it is an excellent position.' It was a little farther out than I +was--near Funkstown. He said, 'I have used a great deal of my +ammunition, and I ought to go to the right; suppose you move up there, +or send up a brigade, or even a part of one, and hold that position.' +Said I, 'I will do so at once, if I can just communicate with General +Sedgwick; I am ordered to take up a position over here, and hold it, and +the intimation conveyed to me was, that they did not want to get into a +general engagement; I will send for General Sedgwick, and ask permission +to hold that position, and relieve you.' I accordingly sent a +staff-officer to General Sedgwick with a request that I might go up at +once and assist General Buford, stating that he had a strong position, +but his ammunition was giving out. General Buford remained with me until +I should get an answer. The answer was, 'No; we do not want to bring on +a general engagement.' 'Well,' said I, 'Buford, what can I do?' He said, +'They expect me to go farther to the right; my ammunition is pretty much +out. That position is a strong one, and we ought not to let it go.' I +sent down again to General Sedgwick, stating the condition of General +Buford, and that he would have to leave unless he could get some +assistance; that his position was not far in front, and that it seemed +to me that we should hold it, and I should like to send some force up to +picket it at least. After a time I got a reply that, if General Buford +left, I might occupy the position. General Buford was still with me, and +I said to him, 'If you go away from there I will have to hold it.' +'That's all right,' said he, 'I will go away.' He did so, and I moved +right up. It was a pretty good position when you cover your troops. Soon +after relieving Buford, we saw some Rebel infantry advancing. I do not +know whether they brought them from Hagerstown, or from some other +place. They made three dashes, not in heavy force, upon our line to +drive us back. The troops that happened to be there on our line were +what we considered, in the Army of the Potomac, unusually good ones. +They quietly repulsed the Rebels twice, and the third time they came up +they sent them flying into Funkstown. + +"Yet there was no permission to move on and follow up the enemy. We +remained there some time, until we had orders to move on and take a +position a mile or more nearer Hagerstown. As we moved up we saw that +the Rebels had some light field-works--hurriedly thrown up, +apparently--to cover themselves while they recrossed the river. I think +we remained there three days; and the third night, I think, after we got +up into that position, it was said the Rebels recrossed the river." + +_Sunday, July 12._--I had the misfortune to be kicked off my pins last +night, just before we were relieved at the front. Approaching my sorrel +pony from the rear, in a careless manner, for he could not see me until +I got within short range, when he raised his heels very suddenly, and, +without ceremony, planted them in my breast, laying me, not in the most +gentle manner, flat upon the ground. Medical aid is considered necessary +to-day, as I am suffering not a little. But, as the conflict was purely +caused by my own folly, I endure my pains with becoming patience. + +To-day I found the following despatches in some Northern paper, and I +record them to show what contradictory reports will often find their way +into the public press concerning men and measures: + +"_Mountain-House, near Boonsboro', July 9._--There has been no fighting +this morning. The fight of yesterday, near Boonsboro', was between +Generals Buford and Kilpatrick's cavalry and Rebel infantry, principally +on the bushwhacking style. Our troops fell back early in the day, but +subsequently reoccupied the ground. Artillery was used on both sides. + +"There is no truth in the reported death of General Kilpatrick." + + +(SECOND DESPATCH.) + +"_Boonsboro', July 9_, 8 P. M.--There have been no active operations on +our front to-day. After the cavalry fight of yesterday the enemy drew in +their forces towards Hagerstown, and formed a line on elevated ground from +Funkstown on the right to the bend of the river below Williamsport on the +left, thus uncovering the Shepherdstown crossing. Scouts and reconnoitring +parties report that Lee is entrenching his front and drawing from his +train on the Virginia side, and making general preparations for another +battle. It is contradicted, to-night, that we have a force on General +Lee's line of retreat in Virginia." + +_July 13._--All has been quiet along our lines to-day. The army, being +pretty well rested by this time, is waiting impatiently for the command +to advance. Our position is also a good one, though not better than that +of the enemy. We have every reason to believe that the Rebel army is +still on the north bank of the Potomac. The recent rains have raised the +river above the fording mark. However, Lee will undoubtedly fall back +into Virginia if he finds a good opportunity. During the latter part of +the day General Meade finally decided to assault the position of the +invaders. Very much to the delight of the rank and file of the army, +orders were promulgated to the effect that a strong and simultaneous +advance must be made early on the morning of the fourteenth. +Preparations were immediately begun. + + +FALLING WATERS. + +Kilpatrick and his cavalry were sent out on picket, and advanced as near +the enemy's lines as it was prudent. Not many hours of the night had +passed away when Kilpatrick discovered certain movements which indicated +that the enemy was leaving his front. Prepared as he was to attack them +by the morning light, he was ready to follow up any movement which they +might make. Hence, at three o'clock in the morning of the fourteenth, +his advance-guard moved forward upon the retiring enemy. While +information of this unexpected movement of the enemy was despatched to +General Meade, Kilpatrick advanced towards Williamsport with his usual +rapidity and power, driving and capturing every thing before him. +Informed by citizens that the rearguard of the retreating army had but a +few moments before started from the river, he followed closely in their +tracks, and struck them at Falling Waters, where, after a brilliant and +sharp conflict, he bagged a large number of prisoners. Many a poor +fellow never reached the long-looked-for Virginia shore. + +General Meade then sent the following despatch to Washington: + + HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, + July 14, 3 P. M. + + _H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief_: + + My cavalry now occupy Falling Waters, having overtaken and + captured a brigade of infantry, fifteen hundred strong, two + guns, two caissons, two battle-flags, and a large number of + small-arms. The enemy are all across the Potomac. + + GEORGE G. MEADE, _Major-General_. + +Later in the day he sent the following: + + HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, + July 14, 3.30 P. M. + + _Major-General Halleck, General-in-Chief_: + + My cavalry have captured five hundred prisoners, in addition + to those previously reported. General Pettigrew, of the + Confederate army, was killed this morning in the attack on + the enemy's rearguard. His body is in our hands. + + G. G. MEADE, _Major-General_. + +These despatches were afterward denied by General Lee in a letter to his +authorities, as follows: + + HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, + July ----, 1863. + + _General S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector-General C. S. A._: + + GENERAL: I have seen in the Northern papers what purports to + be an official despatch from General Meade, stating that he + had captured a brigade of infantry, two pieces of artillery, + two caissons, and a large number of small-arms, as this army + retired to the south bank of the Potomac on the thirteenth + and fourteenth instant. This despatch has been copied into + the Richmond papers; and, as its official character may cause + it to be believed, I desire to state that it is incorrect. + The enemy did not capture any organized body of men on that + occasion, but only stragglers, and such as were left asleep + on the road, exhausted by the fatigue and exposure of one of + the most inclement nights I have ever known at this season + of the year. It rained without cessation, rendering the road + by which, our troops marched toward the bridge at Falling + Waters very difficult to pass, and causing so much delay + that the last of the troops did not cross the river at the + until one A. M. on the morning of the fourteenth. + + While the column was thus detained on the road a number of + men, worn down with fatigue, laid down in barns and by the + roadside, and though officers were sent back to arouse them + as the troops moved on, the darkness and rain prevented them + from finding all, and many were in this way left behind. Two + guns were left on the road; the horses that drew them became + exhausted, and the officers went back to procure others. + When they returned, the rear of the column had passed the + guns so far that it was deemed unsafe to send back for them, + and they were thus lost. No arms, cannon, or prisoners were + taken by the enemy in battle, but only such as were left + behind, as I have described, under the circumstances. The + number of stragglers thus lost I am unable to state with + accuracy, but it is greatly exaggerated in the despatch + referred to. + + I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, + + R. E. LEE, _General_. + +This was evidently an attempt, on the part of the Rebel leader, to +disparage our victories and to wipe out of his record, with a sort of +legerdemain, the disgraceful and disastrous denouement of his invasion. +In the following important statement General Meade confirms his position +by incontestable facts, and shows how the matter stood: + + HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, + Aug. ----, 1863. + + _Major-General Halleck, General-in-Chief_: + + My attention has been called to what purports to be an + official despatch of General R. E. Lee, commanding the Rebel + army, to General S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector-General, + denying the accuracy of my telegram to you, of July + fourteenth, announcing the result of the cavalry affair at + Falling Waters. + + I have delayed taking any notice of Lee's report until the + return of Brigadier-General Kilpatrick, absent on leave, who + commanded the cavalry on the occasion referred to, and on + whose report from the field my telegram was based. I now + enclose the official report of Brigadier-General Kilpatrick, + made after his attention had been called to Lee's report. + You will see that he reiterates and confirms all that my + despatch averred, and proves most conclusively that General + Lee has been deceived by his subordinates, or he would + never, in the face of the facts now alleged, have made the + assertion his report claims. + + It appears that I was in error in stating that the body of + General Pettigrew was left in our hands, although I did not + communicate that fact until an officer from the field + reported to me he had seen the body. It is now ascertained, + from the Richmond papers, that General Pettigrew, though + mortally wounded in the affair, was taken to Winchester, + where he subsequently died. The three battle-flags captured + on this occasion, and sent to Washington, belonged to the + Fortieth, Forty-seventh, and Fifty-fifth Virginia regiments + of infantry. + + General Lee will surely acknowledge these were not left in + the hands of stragglers asleep in barns. + + GEORGE G. MEADE, _Major-General Commanding_. + +Kilpatrick, in his letter of explanation, referred to in the above +despatch, gives the following graphic account of this last scene in the +great drama of the invasion: + + HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION CAVALRY CORPS, + Warrenton Junction, Va., Aug. ----. + + _To Colonel A. J. Alexander, Chief of Staff of Cavalry Corps_: + + COLONEL: In compliance with a letter just received from the + headquarters of the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac, + directing me to give the facts connected with the fight at + Falling Waters, I have the honor to state that, at three + A. M. of the fourteenth ultimo, I learned that the enemy's + pickets were retiring in my front. Having been previously + ordered to attack at seven A. M., I was ready to move at + once. + + At daylight I had reached the crest of hills occupied by the + enemy an hour before, and, a few minutes before six, General + Custer drove the rearguard of the enemy into the river at + Williamsport. Learning from citizens that a portion of the + enemy had retreated in the direction of Falling Waters, I at + once moved rapidly for that point, and came up with this + rearguard of the enemy at seven-thirty A. M., at a point two + miles distant from Falling Waters. We pressed on, driving + them before us, capturing many prisoners and one gun. When + within a mile and a half of Falling Waters, the enemy was + found in large force, drawn up in line of battle on the crest + of a hill, commanding the road on which I was advancing. His + left was protected by earthworks, and his right extended to + the woods on our left. + + The enemy was, when first seen, in two lines of battle, with + arms stacked within less than one thousand yards of the + large force. A second piece of artillery, with its support, + consisting of infantry, was captured while attempting to get + into position. The gun was taken to the rear. A portion of + the Sixth Michigan Cavalry, seeing only that portion of the + enemy behind the earthworks, charged. This charge was led by + Major Webber, and was the most gallant ever made. At a trot + he passed up the hill, received the fire from the whole + line, and the next moment rode through and over the + earthworks, and passed to the right, sabring the Rebels + along the entire line, and returned with a loss of thirty + killed, wounded, and missing, including the gallant Major + Webber, killed. + + I directed General Custer to send forward one regiment as + skirmishers. They were repulsed before support could be sent + them, and driven back, closely followed by the Rebels, until + checked by the First Michigan and a squadron of the Eighth + New York. The Second brigade having come up, it was quickly + thrown into position, and, after a fight of two hours and + thirty minutes, routed the enemy at all points and drove him + toward the river. + + When within a short distance of the bridge, General Buford's + command came up and took the advance. We lost twenty-nine + killed, thirty-six wounded, and forty missing. We found upon + the field one hundred and twenty-five dead Rebels, and + brought away upward of fifty wounded. A large number of the + enemy's wounded were left upon the field in charge of their + own surgeons. We captured two guns, three battle-flags, and + upward of fifteen hundred prisoners. + + To General Custer and his brigade, Lieutenant Pennington and + his battery, and one squadron of the Eighth New York + Cavalry, of General Buford's command, all praise is due. + + Very respectfully, your obedient servant, + + J. KILPATRICK, _Brigadier-General_. + +In his official report of operations from the twenty-eighth of June, +when he assumed command of the Third division, Kilpatrick says: "In this +campaign my command has captured forty-five hundred prisoners, nine +guns, and eleven battle-flags." Never before, in the history of warfare, +has it been permitted to any man commanding a division to include, in a +report of about forty-five days' operations, such magnificent results. + +As the last foot of the invaders disappeared from the soil where they +had never been successful, our gallant boys built their bivouac fires +and rested themselves and their weary animals near the scene of their +recent victory. + +The telegraph lines, which had so often been burdened with news of +disaster, now sang with joyful intelligence from all departments of our +vast armies. Gettysburg was soon followed by Vicksburg, then Port +Hudson, the names being emblazoned upon many a glowing transparency, to +the honor of the heroes who had planned, and the braves who had fought, +so successfully and well. The news was welcomed with salutes of +artillery and bonfires in most of the Northern cities and villages, +while the whole mass of our people was jubilant and rejoicing. + +On the fifteenth the President issued a proclamation of Thanksgiving, in +which he recognized the hand of God in our victories, and called upon +the people to "render the homage due to the Divine Majesty for the +wonderful things He has done in the nation's behalf, and to invoke the +influence of His Holy Spirit to subdue the anger which has produced, and +so long sustained, a needless and cruel rebellion." In the midst of +these rejoicings we end our chapter. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +KILPATRICK'S GUNBOAT EXPEDITION. + +1863.--Escape of Lee into Virginia.--Reasons.--Cavalry Advance into the + Valley _via_ Harper's Ferry, and Fight.--Riot in New York and + other Northern Cities.--Again Across the Potomac on "Sacred Soil." + --Blackberries and Discipline.--Mails.--Battle of Manassas Gap.-- + Mosby Again, and His Bands.--Author's Birthday.--Kilpatrick's Gunboat + Expedition on the Rappahannock.--Cavalry Captures Navy.--Complimented + by Superiors.--General Advance of the Army.--Third Cavalry Battle at + Brandy Station.--Stuart's Cavalry Worsted at Culpepper Court House. + --Sharp Artillery Practice at Raccoon Ford, on the Rapidan.--Special + Duties and Special Dangers.--Good Living Along the Hazel and Robertson + Rivers.--Important Reconnoissance and Raid.--Hard Fighting and Narrow + Escape.--Needed Rest Received.--The Paymaster.--Rebel Plan of Attack + Foiled by a Citizen Informer.--Suspicious Activity on Our Front. + + +This sudden and masterly movement of the Rebels was a cutting surprise +to General Meade, and a source of mortification and chagrin to all. +Gloriously successful as we had been, it was evident that hesitation and +indecision had greatly detracted from our laurels. We had won a +world-renowned victory, but we had failed to reap all the legitimate +fruits which our situation placed within our reach. + +General Lee had been terribly punished, but his escape was quite +marvellous. One writer says: "When his shattered columns commenced their +retreat from Gettysburg, few of his officers can have imagined that +they would ever reach Virginia with their artillery and most of their +trains." And though their trains were severely handled and greatly +injured, yet the old Rebel army of Northern Virginia, with nearly all +its artillery, made its exit from soil too sacred to freedom for a Rebel +victory. Their losses, however, had been immense, and they were only too +glad to escape in a manner very unlike the audacious way in which they +had advanced but a few weeks previous into the Northern States. + +It now became the policy of our leader to follow the fugitives as +closely as the changed circumstances of affairs would permit, and to +give the Rebels no rest, while he endeavored to press them determinedly, +and watched them by means of scouts and signal-stations with a jealous +eye. "There is, however, a limit to the endurance which men and horses +are capable of, and, beyond this, the overtaxed powers give way, and +exhausted nature claims her rights. Few there are, except those who have +had experience, who know how much privation the brave soldier and his +general suffer in the toils of the field, on the rapid march, the hasty +bivouac, the broken slumbers, the wakeful watchings, and the scanty +fare." It must be remembered, also, that our army had made many forced +marches, describing in its route a line somewhat resembling the +circumference of a great circle, as a careful survey of the map of +movements will show; while the route of the enemy, who had several days +the start of us, was more like the diameter of that circle. Our cavalry +had not only fought and defeated the Rebel cavalry on many sanguinary +fields, but it had met the serried lines of their infantry also, as at +Gettysburg, where the brave Farnsworth fell. Owing to this fatigue of +our forces, our pursuit of the enemy was not as vigorous, it would seem +in a cursory glance, as it should have been. + +As soon as it was ascertained that the Rebel army was in full retreat, a +force of our cavalry was sent across the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, +bivouacking, the night of the fourteenth of July, on Bolivar Heights. +Early the next morning we advanced on the Winchester Turnpike as far as +Halltown, where we deflected to the right on the road to Shepherdstown. +We had not proceeded far before we encountered the enemy's cavalry under +Fitzhugh Lee, with which we were soon involved in a spirited contest. At +first our troopers were worsted and driven back a short distance. But, +having found a good position, we rallied, and repulsed several desperate +charges, inflicting heavy losses, until the Rebels were glad to give up +the game, and consequently retired. Colonel Drake (First Virginia) and +Colonel Gregg were among the Rebel slain, while on our side the highest +officer killed was Captain Fisher, of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania. The +fighting was done principally on foot. + +While these things were transpiring, Kilpatrick moved his division from +Falling Waters to Boonsboro' by way of Williamsport and Hagerstown. Sad +evidences of the recent battles and marches, in dead animals and general +_debris_, were seen all along the way. Having reached our bivouac near +Boonsboro', our men and horses came to their rations and rest with a +wonderful relish. + +During the day we have been reading of the murderous riots made in +Northern cities, especially in New York, where men in mobs have +ostensibly leagued against the authority of the Government. The bloody +accounts are stirring the rank and file of our army terribly. A feeling +of intense indignation exists against traitorous demagogues, who are +undoubtedly at the bottom of all this anarchy. Detachments from many of +the old regiments are now being sent North to look after Northern +traitors. This depletion of our ranks we cannot well afford, for every +available man is needed in the field. Many of our regiments are much +reduced. The Harris Light now musters but one hundred men fit for duty, +scarcely one tenth the number with which we entered upon the campaign. +Our horses are also much used up. Hundreds of them have been killed and +wounded in battle, and not a few have "played out," so that they are +utterly unserviceable. The author of these records has worn out +completely two horses since he had a second horse shot under him in the +cavalry fight near Upperville. + +_July 16._--"Boots and Saddles" sounded at four o'clock, and before +daylight we were on our way toward Harper's Ferry. We revisited +Rhorersville, crossed Crampton's Gap, and at last reached the Potomac at +Berlin, where the division was separated, a portion of it moving to +Harper's Ferry, where they bivouacked at night in the yard of the +destroyed United States arsenal. Pontoons at Harper's Ferry and Berlin +were used for crossing the army into Virginia. The crossing was being +effected as rapidly as possible, yet for so vast an army it is always +slow and tedious. + +Our troops are daily crossing and advancing, but all is otherwise quiet. +We are now receiving an issue of clothing, which we greatly need. Our +ranks are putting on a new-revived appearance. The first sergeants of +the Harris Light have received orders to finish their pay-rolls. General +Lee is reported to be falling back to the Rappahannock. + +_Sunday, July 19._--Our cavalry left Harper's Ferry at two o'clock +P. M., crossed the river on pontoons at Sandy Hook, and advanced into +Virginia. Monthly returns for June were made before our march commenced. +The weather is very warm and sultry. On the twentieth we resumed our +march at ten A. M., and advanced to Leesburg, where we fed our horses +and rested. In the decline of the day we marched to Goose Creek, on +whose grassy banks we bivouacked for the night. + +The whole cavalry force is moving towards the Rappahannock. On the +twenty-first we advanced _via_ Gum Spring and Centreville to Manassas +Junction. The boys have had some gay times to-day after blackberries, +which we found in great abundance all along our line of march. General +Gregg was compelled to dismount several men in the forenoon, and ordered +them to march on foot, for the offence of leaving the ranks for berries, +without permission. A command would soon be totally demoralized, if such +tendencies to unsoldierly conduct were not checked. And though at times +discipline seems severe, yet, especially with us, it is absolutely +necessary. + +_July 22._--To-day we marched to the vicinity of Gainesville. We fell in +with Scott's Nine Hundred as we were marching across the old field of +Bull Run, among whom we found several old acquaintances. We spent a few +very interesting moments together. + +_July 23._--Our command was cheered to-day by the arrival of a large +mail, which brought a message to nearly every man. During active +campaigning, as in the invasion of Pennsylvania and Maryland, it is +difficult to keep up postal connections with the civil world, and, with +the very best efforts which can be made, our mails are greatly delayed, +sometimes even for weeks together. But when they do come, they are +hailed with a delight which is almost frantic. The post-boys are cheered +as far as they can be seen, as they wend their way from camp to camp, +with their horses loaded down with the enormously swollen mail-bags. +Several bushels of letters are sometimes brought by one carrier, as was +the case to-day. + + +FIGHTING AT MANASSAS GAP. + +During the day we have heard very heavy cannonading in the direction of +White Plains. It appears that General Meade, misled by the information +brought by some of his scouts, expected to engage the Rebel army in +Manassas Gap, or west of that, where General Buford found the enemy in +force. Our army was accordingly concentrated upon this point. The Third +Corps, under General French, which occupied Ashby's Gap, was sent +forward rapidly to Buford's support, where its First Division, +commanded by General Hobart Ward, pushed through the Gap, driving the +enemy before it, but with mutual loss. Here the New York Excelsior +Brigade, General F. B. Spinola commanding, greatly distinguished itself, +by making three heroic charges up the frowning steeps, where the Rebels +were strongly posted. Their general was twice wounded. But the effort +was a success. + +On the morning of the twenty-fourth our soldiers pushed forward as far +as Front Royal, but found no enemy. They then learned that they had been +fighting only a portion of Lee's rearguard, which in the night had +slipped away in the trail of their main army southward. By this move +General Meade's army lost about two days' march; and when again we +reached the bank of the Rappahannock, the old foe was facing us in +threatening attitude from the opposite shore. + +This afternoon the Harris Light was sent on a scout to Thoroughfare Gap. +From the heights beyond the Gap we saw the wagon-train of the Eleventh +Corps moving toward Warrenton. This was a portion of the force which had +expected a fight at Manassas Gap. + +_July 25._--Our cavalry force reached the vicinity of Warrenton +Junction, when we went into bivouac. The second squadron of our +regiment, under Captain O. J. Downing, moved to Thoroughfare Gap and +returned to Gainesville, where it joined the regiment, and then marched +with us to the Junction _via_ Bristoe and Catlett's. Before night we +were sent out on picket in the vicinity of Catlett's Station, where we +relieved the First Virginia Cavalry. We continued on picket through the +twenty-sixth, but all was quiet along the lines. + +An inspection of horses was made this morning, when a large number were +condemned as utterly unserviceable; and they were started off toward +Washington, to be exchanged for better ones. + +_July 27._--I have the responsibility and honor of being in command of a +company. This afternoon a detachment of our forces was sent out on a +sort of bushwhacking expedition. A portion of Company F was captured by +the Fourth Virginia Cavalry, while patrolling the road near +Bristersburg. + +We are not doing much these days, except picketing, scouting, +recruiting, resting. On the twenty-ninth our entire brigade was marched +to within three miles of Warrenton, and then countermarched to the old +camp; and on the last day of the month we advanced to Warrenton in heavy +force, where General Meade has had his headquarters for several days. + +_August 1._--To-day General Meade moved his headquarters to Rappahannock +Station. The heat is excessive. Two men of the Harris Light were +sunstruck during the day. We left Warrenton at seven o'clock A. M., and +moved very slowly. At night we bivouacked not far from New Baltimore. On +the following day we were sent out on picket, which here is neither +difficult nor dangerous. + +Our Colonel, Otto Harhaus, is ill, and is awaiting his documents for a +leave of absence from the regiment. + +_August 3._--The colonel received his papers to-day, and started +forthwith for New York. Captain L. H. Southard, the senior officer, is +in command. The regiment was sent to Thoroughfare Gap, where we encamped +in an apple-orchard. + +Our infantry lines now extend down the Rappahannock as far as +Fredericksburg, which we hold. The cavalry is picketing and patrolling +all this territory. However, as there are so many regiments to engage in +this work, the duty is comparatively light. "Many hands make light +work." + +_Sunday, August 9._--We still continue near Thoroughfare Gap. +Occasionally, as our turn comes, we picket along the Manassas Gap +Railroad. Major E. F. Cooke, who has been absent for some time, returned +to us to-day and took command. My old company, E, shows the following +report: Present, thirty-two; fit for duty, twenty-two. + +On Monday the regiment left camp at nine A. M., and, separating into +several detachments, moved upon White Plains and Middleburg from +different directions. These places have been occupied for some time past +by Mosby's guerilla bands. We did not succeed, however, in bringing them +into an engagement, as they were sharply on the lookout, and studiously +kept beyond the reach of our carbines. Occasionally our pickets are +attacked by them, and some lively times are experienced. + +_August 13._--I was detailed by the adjutant this morning to act as +sergeant-major in place of Sergeant Temple, who is assigned to the +command of a company. Very few commissioned officers are with the +regiment at present. This leaves the command of several companies to +enlisted men. Some of our officers are out on detached service, while +not a few, during the lull of army operations, have asked and received +leaves of absence, and are visiting their friends in the North. It might +indeed be said that we are all rusticating; and, were it not for the +guerilla bands that infest the country, attacking our outposts, and +frequently disturbing our lines of communication with our bases of +supply as well as the outer world, our condition would be one of +pleasing rest. + +On the fourteenth a little excitement was afforded us, to relieve us +from the monotonous life which we are spending. A detachment of the +regiment, commanded by Captain Griggs, made a bold dash upon an +ill-starred portion of Mosby's band, near Aldie, where we captured three +men and twenty horses and equipments, most of which had formerly +belonged to our service, having been taken by these wily guerillas. +Nearly every horse had the familiar "U. S." upon his shoulder; and the +saddles, with very few exceptions, were of Northern manufacture. + +_August 15._--The Harris Light moved from Thoroughfare Gap at ten A. M. +We reached Hartwood Church at eight in the evening, _via_ New Baltimore +and Greenwich. A considerable halt was made at Warrenton Junction, +where we drew rations and forage. + +Henry E. Davies, Jr., just promoted to the colonelcy of the regiment, +joined us at the Junction, and took command. He is immensely popular +with the men, especially with those who admire bravery and heroism, and +who covet to be thoroughly drilled and disciplined. + +_August 17._--We continue at Hartwood Church, with our camp located very +near General Kilpatrick's headquarters. During the day Colonel Davies +appointed me second lieutenant, and assigned me to the command of +Company M, as both the captain and first lieutenant of the company are +absent on detached service. + +Late in the evening I received orders to report, with my company, at an +early hour next day, to Captain Meade, division quartermaster. At five +o'clock on the morning of the eighteenth we made our bow to the captain, +who despatched us as an escort or guard to a train from Hartwood to +Warrenton Junction. + +During the march we made an exciting dash upon a band of guerillas, who +were watching for us, expecting to make some captures. But they were +disappointed, for we were not only prepared to resist them, but would +have captured them but for the superior fleetness of their horses. After +accomplishing the work we were sent out to do, and resting one night, we +returned to the regiment. + +_August 22._--This is my natal day. I find myself twenty-two years of +age. I am not surrounded on this anniversary, as in former years, by the +friends of my childhood. But memories of the past come trooping up in +such vivid lines, as to make the day one of deep interest. + +_August 28._--My company, which forms a part of Captain Mitchell's +battalion, is doing picket-duty at present with the battalion on the +Rappahannock between Banks and United States Fords. My company is at the +captain's headquarters, and acts as grand guard. + +_Sunday, August 30._--To-day I accompanied the division and brigade +officers of the day in their visit to and inspection of the pickets +along the Rappahannock. Our ride was very pleasant. Captain Barker, of +the Fifth New York Cavalry, dined with Captain Mitchell and myself. He +is a lively companion; was in the hands of Mosby last Spring; and has a +fund of amusing and interesting incidents of army-life with which to +enliven his conversation. + +On the last day of August, Captain Mitchell was ordered to report to the +regiment at Hartwood Church, with his reserves. The pickets are to +remain on the river until attacked by the enemy or recalled by orders +from division headquarters. + + +CAVALRY GUNBOAT EXPEDITION. + +_September 4._--To break the monotony of picketing and to subserve the +cause of freedom, a most novel scheme was lately undertaken, known as +Kilpatrick's Gunboat Expedition. The object was to destroy a portion of +the Rebel navy anchored in the Rappahannock, near Port Conway, opposite +Port Royal. This peculiar kind of warfare, which required genius and +dash, was waged by the troopers with complete success, and they returned +to their bivouac fires to enliven the weary hours with stories of their +long march down the river, and their destructive charge upon the +gunboats of the enemy. The expedition set out about two o'clock on the +morning of September first. + +Doctor Lucius P. Woods, Surgeon-in-Chief of the First Brigade, Third +Division, gives the following interesting description of the above raid +in a letter to Mrs. Woods: + +"I returned yesterday after a three days' expedition after gunboats! We +all laughed at the order sending cavalry after such craft, but I am +happy to say that the object of the expedition was accomplished. We left +camp at two o'clock A. M., marched all day and all the following night, +till three o'clock next morning, when we made a furious charge upon +Rebel infantry. They ran so fast as to disarrange the general's plan of +attack. The morning was so dark that we could not see one rod in advance. + +"We captured twelve or fifteen prisoners, and General Kilpatrick gave +orders in their hearing to have the whole command fall back, stating +that the gunboats would be alarmed and the expedition be a failure. The +general took particular pains to allow half the prisoners to escape and +to get across the Rappahannock. After falling back two miles, we were +countermarched toward the river, near which we were formed in line of +battle. We sat there on our horses waiting for daylight. Then the flying +artillery of ten guns, supported by the old Fifth New York and First +Michigan, dashed at a full run down to the river-bank, wheeled into +position, and gave the Rebels a small cargo of hissing cast-iron, which +waked them up more effectually than their ordinary morning-call. They +soon came to their senses, and for half an hour sent over to us what I +should think to be, by the noise they made, tea-kettles, cooking-stoves, +large cast-iron hats, etc. But our smaller and more active guns soon +silenced theirs, and drove the gunners away, when we turned our +attention to the boring of holes in their boats with conical pieces of +iron, vulgarly called solid shot. I am sure I can recommend them as +first-class augers, for they sank the boats in time for all hands to sit +down to breakfast at half-past nine o'clock. The repast consisted of +muddy water, rusty salt-pork, and half a hard cracker, termed by us "an +iron-clad breakfast." We were absent from camp three days, and had only +nine hours' sleep." + +Further interesting particulars were given in a New York daily, as +follows: + +"The expedition under General Kilpatrick, sent out a few days since to +recapture, in conjunction with the navy, the gunboats Satellite and +Reliance, which recently fell into the hands of the Rebels, was, so far +as the cavalry is concerned, successful. + +"On Tuesday evening General Kilpatrick arrived on this side the river, +at Port Conway, and brilliantly dashed upon the enemy's pickets under +Colonel Low. The Rebels did not even make a show of resistance, but +rushed into a number of flat-boats in the wildest confusion, and landed +safely on the opposite bank. If they had made a show of fight, they +would have most likely been captured. + +"After the escape of the enemy, General Kilpatrick waited two hours for +the cooeperation of the navy, which is understood to have been agreed +upon. The vessels did not arrive, and General Kilpatrick ordered a +battery to open fire upon the gunboats Reliance and Satellite. This was +done at the distance of six hundred and fifty yards. The enemy +immediately abandoned the gunboats--very fortunately for themselves, for +only a few moments elapsed before the Satellite was in a sinking +condition, and the Reliance rendered useless. Both boats were completely +riddled by shot and shell. The force under Kilpatrick consisted of +cavalry and two batteries of artillery. The Satellite is sunk, and the +Reliance so completely disabled as to be beyond hope of being repaired +by the Rebels." + +On our return from Port Conway we passed through Falmouth, where we +halted a short time. It was pleasant to survey the scenes of former +labors and conflicts. Much alarm appears to have been created among the +Rebels by our gunboat disturbance. A large force of Rebel cavalry can be +distinctly seen approaching Fredericksburg on the Telegraph Road, and +more or less commotion prevails across the river. From Falmouth we +marched directly to Hartwood Church. On arriving here, Captain +Mitchell's battalion was ordered back to its old position on picket, to +relieve the infantry which took our places before the expedition to Port +Conway. + +_September 5._--We continue on picket near United States Ford. This +morning the regiment was mustered in for pay by Major McIrvin, who is +temporarily in command, Colonel Davies having been placed in command of +a brigade. + +At ten o'clock A. M. I received my commission of second lieutenant. It +was brought from the headquarters of the regiment by the bugler of +Company H. It dates back to the cavalry fight at Aldie, which occurred +on the seventeenth of June. + +On this line of pickets we have continued uninterruptedly for a week. On +the seventh, Colonel Davies, with his assistant adjutant-general, +visited our post. It was very gratifying to Captain Mitchell and myself +to receive the colonel's compliments for promptness and vigilance in our +work, especially as he has the reputation of never bestowing praise +where it is not deserved. + +I rode down to Lieutenant Temple's picket-reserve, at Richard's Ferry, +on the eighth. I found the lieutenant in excellent humor, but decidedly +opposed to picketing as a permanent occupation. We were, however, +consoled with the hope of relief ere long. + +In the afternoon the brigade officer of the day called at the bivouac of +the "grand guard," and expressed himself as being highly pleased with +the disposition and management of the pickets. The enemy's pickets +confront ours at all the fords of the river, and appear in heavy force. + +For some time past we have understood that General Lee's headquarters +are at Orange Court House, while his infantry occupies the south banks +and bluffs of the Rapidan. Stuart occupies Culpepper Court House, and +pickets and patrols the territory between the Rapidan and the +Rappahannock, a region shaped much like an old-fashioned harrow. + +_September 13._--An advance of the Union army was ordered yesterday by +its Chief, in which the cavalry was to take a prominent part. Orders +were issued accordingly last evening, and every needed preparation made +for our work. At an early hour this morning the entire cavalry corps was +on the march. In order that the enemy might not be prematurely warned of +our design, the several commands were ordered to make as little noise as +possible. Consequently the bugle-calls were dispensed with, and +commanders made use of their voices, and in some instances the orders +were conveyed from rank to rank in a whisper. The three great divisions +of the corps were to cross the river as follows: Gregg's, at Sulphur +Springs; Buford's, at Rappahannock Bridge; and Kilpatrick's, at Kelly's +Ford. + + +BRANDY STATION NO. 3. + +At six o'clock the Harris Light plunged into the river at Kelly's Ford, +leading the advance. A strong detachment of Stuart's cavalry, consisting +of pickets and reserves, opposed our crossing with dogged pertinacity, +but finally, yielding to our superior numbers and to the deadly accuracy +of our carbines, gave way. He then advanced in the direction of Brandy +Station. The farther we advanced the stronger grew the ever-accumulating +force of the enemy, who disputed every inch of ground with great +stubbornness. On arriving near the Station we found the enemy in strong +force, with artillery posted on the surrounding hills. We saw clearly +that a third cavalry fight was destined to be fought on this historic +field, and we began to make preparations for the onset. It was my +fortune to lead the advance company in the first charge. Three men and +four horses were killed and wounded in this company by the first +discharge of the enemy's artillery, whose fire was terribly accurate. + +But we had not been fighting long before the other divisions joined us. +At their approach great enthusiasm among our boys prevailed. Before our +combined force the enemy was swept from those plains like chaff before +the whirlwind. They fled in the direction of Culpepper, a naturally +strong and now fortified position, where we knew we must soon encounter +the Rebel chivalry _en masse_ upon their chosen field. + + +FIGHT AT CULPEPPER COURT HOUSE. + +From Brandy Station General Pleasonton directed Kilpatrick to make a +detour _via_ Stevensburg, in order to operate as a flanking column upon +the enemy at the proper time. With the First and Second divisions +Pleasonton pushed straight on to Culpepper, driving the enemy before him +without much resistance until within about a mile of the town. Here our +advance was effectually checked. A fearful duel now took place with +varying fortunes. For some time the enemy baffled all our efforts to +dislodge him from his strong position, and our men began to look +wishfully for the flankers, when lo! Kilpatrick's flags were seen +advancing from the direction of Stevensburg, and his artillery was soon +thundering in the enemy's flank and rear. Under this unexpected and +well-directed fire, that portion of the enemy which had kept our main +column at bay fell back in confusion into the town; and, before they +had time to re-form their broken lines, the Harris Light, Fifth New +York, First Vermont, and First Michigan, led by General Custer, dashed +upon the "Johnnies" in the streets, throwing the boast of the chivalry +into a perfect rout. Many prisoners were captured, more or less material +of war, and three Blakely guns. The Rebels retreated hastily in the +direction of Pony Mountain and Rapidan Bridge, whither they were closely +pursued by our victorious squadrons. The day following this brilliant +advance Pleasonton occupied all the fords of the Rapidan, extending his +pickets on our right as far forward as the Robertson and Hazel Rivers. + +The way having been thus prepared by his heroic _avant-couriers_, +General Meade advanced the Army of the Potomac across the Rappahannock, +and took his temporary residence in Culpepper. + +_September 15._--Kilpatrick's division advanced from Culpepper to +Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan. Colonel Davies' brigade supported a battery +of artillery a short distance from the ford from one till four P. M. The +shelling from the enemy's batteries was terrific. Their position was +admirable on the high bluff south of the ford, and the range was just +right for execution. Their artillery was of a heavy calibre, and +supported by infantry. They were finely screened by earthworks, while +our forces were almost entirely exposed, and protected only here and +there by a little knoll. In the unequal duel which took place, two of +our guns were dismounted and disabled, while several artillerymen and +horses were killed. It was not at all pacticable for us to attempt a +crossing. + +Before night we retired from the ford, and the divisions took up their +headquarters, Gregg's, at Rappahannock Bridge; Buford's, at Stevensburg; +and Kilpatrick's, on the extreme right, at James City. + +_September 16._--To-day we are picketing the fords of the Robertson +River, a branch of the Rapidan. At five o'clock P. M. the Fifth New York +pickets were attacked and driven to within a few rods of their reserve; +but being reenforced by ourselves, who were ordered to relieve them, the +enemy was compelled to retire hastily, and we reoccupied the line which +was taken up by the Fifth in the morning. + +At ten o'clock in the night I received orders to take four men and +communicate with Major McIrvin at Newman's Ford, two miles above our +post on the Robertson. This was by no means an easy task, as the +wilderness country was almost wholly unknown to us, and the Rebel +pickets in this quarter had not been sounded. Through the darkness, +however, I advanced with my men as cautiously as possible, and yet at +several points along our line of march we drew the fire of the Rebel +pickets. At length we espied a force of cavalry approaching us, which +proved to be a detachment under Major McIrvin on their way to the ford. +We challenged one another simultaneously, each supposing the other to be +an enemy. The major was on the point of ordering his command to fire +upon me, when I recognized his voice and quickly gave him my name. The +discovery was timely, and mutually enjoyable. + +_September 17._--The enemy advanced his picket lines this morning across +the river, pushed ours back with considerable precipitancy, when a +general skirmish occurred along the lines for a distance of about two +miles. Captain Hasty was chief in command of our skirmishers. I assisted +him, riding my sorrel pony, the only horse on the skirmish line, as all +the men fought dismounted. At nine o'clock Colonel Davies arrived with +his brigade and took command. The Rebels were not able to withstand our +accumulated power, and rapidly retreated across the river, enabling us +to reestablish our lines where they were before the onset. + +Picket-firing is very common. "Give and take" is the game we play, and +sometimes the blows are as severe as they are unexpected. The cavalry is +almost constantly on duty, scouting, patrolling, and very often +fighting. Thus we are kept ever in motion. + +The only relief for our excessive labors is our good living. Seldom are +soldiers permitted to live in a country of which it may be said as +emphatically as of this, that it "flows with milk and honey." The +numerous flocks of sheep and herds of cattle in the neighborhood are +made to contribute the basis of our rations, while the poultry-yards, +larders, and orchards are made to yield the delicacies of the season. +The country abounds with sorghum, apple-butter, milk, honey, sweet +potatoes, peaches, apples, etc.; so that kings are not much better fed +than are the cavaliers of this command. + +_September 19._--The weather is becoming cold and wet. Yesterday this +brigade retired from the Robertson to the vicinity of Stevensburg, +where we bivouacked in the pine woods. + +Henry E. Davies, Jr., formerly Colonel of the Harris Light, and for some +time past in command of the First brigade of Kilpatrick's division, was +congratulated to-day by his friends upon his promotion to +brigadier-general. No promotion was ever more fitly made, and the "star" +never graced a more perfect gentleman or more gallant soldier. The +general feeling in the command is, long may he live in the service of +his country and for the honor of her flag. + +_Sunday, September 20._--This morning very appropriate and solemn +funeral services were held, conducted by Chaplain Edward P. Roe, in +honor of the officers and soldiers of the Harris Light, who were killed +in our recent advance to, and skirmishes along, the Rapidan and +Robertson Rivers. + + +IMPORTANT RECONNOISSANCE AND RAID. + +On the morning of the twenty-first, at day-break, an important movement +was commenced by Generals Kilpatrick and Buford, while General Gregg +remained on the picket lines. The object of the advance was mainly to +reconnoitre the position and strength of the enemy, and at the same time +to do all the mischief we could. We made a forced march directly upon +Madison Court House, meeting but little opposition. The tired troopers +rested themselves and their animals at night, preparatory to another +early advance. + +_September 22._--We were early in the saddle, with our steps turned +southward in the direction of Orange Court House. The two divisions +advanced upon different but nearly parallel roads. We had not proceeded +far before messengers from General Buford informed us that, by a rapid +movement across the country between the two roads, Kilpatrick might +intercept a brigade of the enemy's cavalry, which Buford was engaging +and pursuing. The Harris Light had the advance of the division, and we +soon came in contact with the retreating Rebel force in a dense oak +forest, through which we were compelled to approach the pike by a wood +road, which was so narrow as to necessitate our moving in columns of +twos. Upon gaining the main road we found the entire force of the enemy +advancing with skirmishers deployed, and a battery of light artillery in +position, which instantaneously opened upon us with grape and canister. +The situation of our regiment was extremely critical and embarrassing. + + +ENGAGEMENT AT LIBERTY MILLS. + +Generals Kilpatrick and Davies were at the head of the column, and by +them we were ordered and encouraged to present a bold front and make a +desperate resistance, in order to give the division time to file out of +the forest and to get into a fighting position along the road. At this +juncture I was in command of the first company of the first squadron, +and consequently was ordered to cross the pike, and to check the advance +of the enemy in that quarter, while the balance of the regiment was to +hold the pike and a small opening to the left. We had barely time to +deploy as skirmishers, when the Rebel commander, seeing that his only +hope of escape from the trap we were laying for him lay in a quick and +decisive charge, came down upon us like an avalanche, crushing through +the force that was on the road, and sweeping a clean path for his +escape. The resistance of the regiment, however, was so desperate that +the killed and wounded from both sides strewed the hotly-contested +ground in every direction. Not more than twenty minutes elapsed from the +time we first saw the enemy before the contest was decided; and yet, in +this brief period of time, the Harris Light lost several of its most +gallant officers and many of its bravest men. Our loss was principally +in wounded and prisoners, while that of the enemy was in killed and +wounded. + +By this sudden and unexpected charge of the enemy upon the force on the +pike, myself and company were completely cut off from our main column. +For one whole hour we were entirely enclosed within the lines of the +Rebel cavalry. It is true that they had about all they could do to take +care of themselves, and yet they might have bagged and gobbled our small +force. But by swift and careful movements we succeeded in eluding the +vigilance of the Rebels, and finally we made our exit from their lines +unhurt, and with much valuable information which we had obtained. As +soon as possible I reported to General Kilpatrick, who was much +surprised at seeing me, having come to the conclusion that myself and +men were already on our way to "Richmond!" + +The forces of Stuart were ultimately routed and fell back from Liberty +Ford, near which the fight occurred, upon their infantry reserves at +Gordonsville. + +My escape from the toils of the enemy was regarded as almost miraculous. +General Davies sent an aid to me with his compliments, inviting me to +his headquarters, where he expressed his surprise at my safe return, and +complimented me for the dexterity, wisdom, and success of my movements. + +The day following this engagement and adventure our forces returned to +the vicinity of Culpepper, where we spent a few days in comparative +rest--rest which we all needed and greatly enjoyed. + +_September 25._--I received an order this afternoon from Major McIrvin, +commanding the regiment, directing me to take command of Company H, +which is without a commander. + +On the twenty-sixth the paymaster made his appearance among us, much to +the satisfaction of the command. Owing to the continuous movements of +the Cavalry Corps, and its generally exposed condition, no opportunity +has been afforded the Government to pay us for the last six months. Very +little money was in the regiment, even officers as well as men being +pretty well reduced. The paymaster's "stamps" were more than usually +acceptable. + +_September 28._--Four companies, namely, B, F, H, and M, commanded by +Captain Grinton, were ordered on picket to-day along the Hazel River. +One half of this force occupies the picket line, the other half patrols +the country. The captain commands the post, and I have the special +charge of the pickets. We do not want, at present, for fresh meat and +vegetables. We live almost entirely from the country, and we live well. +Our bill of fare is varied and rich. Forage for our horses is also +abundant in all the neighboring plantations. Picketing under these +circumstances is more like a picnic than any thing else which we can +remember. + +_October 8._--We are still in _statu quo_, picketing on the Hazel River. +However, yesterday Captain Mitchell relieved Captain Grinton in command +of the post. The reserve companies fell in line to hear the orders of +the War Department, concerning veteran volunteers. They produced quite +an excitement among us. The three years' enlistment of a large portion +of the army is nearly expired, and the Government, in its anxiety to +avail itself of the experience of the veteran troops to the end of the +conflict, is now offering extra inducements, in the way of furloughs and +bounties, to secure the reenlistment of these men to the end of the war. +The orders propounded to us meet with universal favor, and the cry runs +like wild-fire from rank to rank, "let us go in, boys!" This will be an +element of great power. + +A citizen-youth, of manly bearing, who professes loyalty to our cause, +came to our pickets to-day, and from thence to headquarters, bringing +information of a Rebel plan to surprise our picket lines to-night. We +will give them a warm reception if they undertake the execution of their +scheme. A regiment of infantry, and one squadron of cavalry arrived +before dark, and are in readiness for the night's entertainment. The +pickets are doubly strong, and are under special orders to be vigilant. + +_October 9._--The enemy did not venture an attack last night, but +doubtless contented themselves with the maxim that "discretion is the +better part of valor." Possibly they were informed of our preparation +for them. Spies and informants are numerous and active on both sides. + +Lieutenant Houston and privates Donahue and Pugh were captured this +morning while scouting just beyond the pickets. Much activity is +manifested on our front. Indeed, it is quite generally understood among +us that General Lee is taking the initiatory steps of a flank movement +upon us. Our scouts so report, and the suspicious movements of the +pickets and forces before us corroborate the information. + +[Illustration: THE CAPTURE--CAVALRY FIGHT AT BUCKLAND MILLS.] + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +CAPTURE OF THE AUTHOR. + +1863.--Fight at James City.--Music of Retreat.--Fourth Cavalry Fight at + Brandy Station.--Critical Situation.--Kilpatrick Undaunted.--Davies + and Custer.--The Grand Charge.--The Escape.--The Scene.--Subsequent + Charges and Counter-charges.--The Cavalry Routed.--The Rappahannock + Recrossed in Safety.--Infantry Reconnoissance to Brandy Station.-- + Comical Affair at Bealeton Station.--Thrilling Adventure of Stuart. + --His Escape.--Battle of Bristoe.--Casualties.--Retreat Continued. + --Destruction of Railroad by the Rebels.--Kilpatrick at Buckland + Mills.--Unpleasant Surroundings.--Sagacity and Daring.--The Author's + Capture.--Fall, Insensibility, Change of Scene.--The End.--Introduced + to Prison Life. + + +Early in the morning of October tenth the enemy, in heavy force, came +down upon our pickets along the Robertson River, driving us back in +haste and occupying the fords. The flank movement of General Lee was +fully understood. He had crossed the Rapidan, advanced to Madison Court +House, and was lapping around our right wing, threatening it with +destruction. Quick work on our part was now necessary. Swift messengers +from officers high in command brought orders to retire with promptness, +but in good order, if possible. Our boys, in many instances, were +compelled to leave uneaten and even untasted their palatable +preparations for breakfast of roast lamb, sweet potatoes, fine wheat +bread, milk and honey, &c., to attend to the stern and always +unpleasant duties of a retreat, with the enemy pressing very closely +upon us. + +Sharp skirmishing took place at the river, and the successive crack of +carbines afforded the music of our march to James City, where the +conflict deepened into a battle, which raged with fury and slaughter. +The enemy, conscious of having outgeneraled us in this instance, and +having at least a temporary advantage, was bold and defiant. He was met, +however, with corresponding vigor. Those contesting legions, which had +so often measured sabres in the fearful charge, and hand-to-hand +encounter, again appealed to the God of battle, and wrested with +Herculean strength for the mastery. Night came on at length to hush the +strife, and the weary men and horses sought repose from the bloody fray. + +_October 11._--With the first pencilings of the morning light we took up +our line of march toward the Rappahannock. Skirmishing continued nearly +every step of the way. On the Sperryville pike to Culpepper we were +closely pursued and heavily pressed. At Culpepper the corps separated. +Gregg, who had come by way of Cedar Mountain, passed out on the road to +Sulphur Springs. Buford moved in the direction of Stevensburg, leaving +Kilpatrick alone on the main thoroughfare along the railroad line. + +Kilpatrick, accompanied by Pleasonton, had scarcely left Culpepper, when +Hampton's Legions made a furious attack upon his rearguard, with the +hope of breaking through upon the main column to scatter it, or of so +retarding its progress that a flanking column might fall upon him ere +he could reach the safe shore of the Rappahannock. Our infantry, which +yesterday occupied this ground, had retired, leaving the cavalry to +struggle out of the toils of the enemy as best it could. + +Gallantly repelling every attack of the enemy, our command moved on, +without expending much of its time and material, until opposite the +residence of Hon. John Minor Botts, where a few regiments suddenly +wheeled about, and, facing the pursuing foe, charged upon them with +pistols and sabres, giving them a severe check and an unexpected +repulse. On arriving at Brandy Station Kilpatrick found himself in a +most critical situation, with an accumulation of formidable difficulties +on every hand, which threatened his annihilation. + +Buford, who had been sharply pursued by Fitzhugh Lee's division over the +plains of Stevensburg, had retired more rapidly than Kilpatrick, and, +unaware of his comrade's danger, had suffered Lee to plant his batteries +on the high hills which commanded Kilpatrick's right, while the Rebel +troopers, in three heavy lines of battle, held the only route by which +Kilpatrick could retreat. Lee's sharpshooters also occupied the woods in +the immediate vicinity of Kilpatrick's columns, where they were making +themselves a source of damage and great annoyance. To increase the +danger of the situation, Stuart, by hard marching, had swung around to +Kilpatrick's left, and had taken possession of a range of hills, planted +batteries, and was preparing to charge down upon the surrounded division +below. + +This was a situation to try the stoutest hearts. Nothing daunted, +however, by this terrific array of the enemy, Kilpatrick displayed that +decision and daring which have ever characterized him as a great cavalry +leader, and he proved himself worthy of the brave men who compose his +command. His preparation for the grand charge was soon completed. +Forming his division into three lines of battle, he assigned the right +to Davies, the left to Custer, and, placing himself with Pleasonton in +the centre, he advanced with unwavering determination to the contest. +Having approached to within a few yards of the enemy's lines on his +front, he ordered his band to strike up a national air, to whose +spirit-stirring strains was joined the blast of scores of bugles ringing +forth the charge. + +With his usual daring Davies was foremost in the fray, leading his +command for the fourth time on this memorable field. To his men he had +addressed these stirring words: "Soldiers of the First Brigade! I know +you have not forgotten the example of your brave comrades, who, in past +engagements _here_, were not afraid to die in defence of the old flag." + +Custer, the daring, terrible demon that he is in battle, pulled off his +cap and handed it to his orderly, then dashed madly forward in the +charge, while his yellow locks floated like pennants on the breeze. +Pennington and Elder handled their batteries with great agility and +success, at times opening huge gaps in the serried lines of the enemy. + +Fired to an almost divine potency, and with a majestic madness, this +band of heroic troopers shook the air with their battle-cry, and dashed +forward to meet the hitherto exultant foe. Ambulances, forges, and +cannon, with pack-horses and mules, non-combatants and others, all +joined to swell the mighty tide. Brave hearts grew braver, and faltering +ones waxed warmer and stronger, until pride of country had touched this +raging sea of thought and emotion, kindling an unconquerable principle, +which emphatically affirmed every man a hero unto death. So swiftly +swept forward this tide of animated power, that the Rebel lines broke in +wild dismay before the uplifted and firmly-grasped sabres of these +unflinching veterans, who, feeling that life and country were at stake, +risked them both upon the fearful issue. + +Kilpatrick thus escaped disaster, defeated his pursuers, captured +several pieces of the enemy's artillery, and presented to the beholders +one of the grandest scenes ever witnessed in the New World. + + "By Heaven! it was a splendid sight to see, + For one who had no friend or brother there." + +No one who looked upon that wonderful panorama can ever forget it. On +the great field were riderless horses and dying men; clouds of dust from +solid shot and bursting shell occasionally obscured the sky; broken +caissons and upturned ambulances obstructed the way, while long lines of +cavalry were pressing forward in the charge, with their drawn sabres, +glistening in the bright sunlight. Far beyond the scene of tumult were +the quiet, dark green forests which skirt the banks of the Rappahannock. +The poet Havard, in his "Scauderberg," has well described the scene: + + "Hark! the death-denouncing trumpet sounds. + The fatal charge, and shouts proclaim the onset. + Destruction rushes dreadful to the field + And bathes itself in blood: havoc let loose, + Now undistinguish'd, rages all around; + While Ruin, seated on her dreary throne, + Sees the plain strewed with subjects, truly hers, + Breathless and cold." + +The Rebel cavalry, undoubtedly ashamed of their own conduct and defeat, +reorganized their broken ranks, and again advanced upon Kilpatrick and +Buford, whose divisions had united to repel the attack. For at least two +long hours of slaughter these opposing squadrons dashed upon one another +over these historic fields. Charges and counter-charges followed in +quick succession, and at times the "gray" and the "blue" were so +confusedly commingled together, that it was difficult to conjecture how +they could regain their appropriate places. Quite a number of prisoners +were made on both sides. It was a scene of wild commotion and blood. +This carnival continued until late at night, when the exhausted and +beaten foe sank back upon safer grounds to rest, while our victorious +braves, crowned with undying laurels, gathered up their wounded and dead +companions, and, unmolested, recrossed the Rappahannock. + +_October 12._--To-day a portion of our infantry was thrown across the +Rappahannock. They advanced by a forced march to reconnoitre as far as +Brandy Station, where they met the enemy in force and engaged him in a +sharp contest. They returned, however, without serious loss. Our main +army is retreating toward Washington. + +On the evening of the thirteenth, while bivouacking near Bealeton +Station, a serio-comical scene diverted for a time the attention of our +officers and men. By a strange accident an ammunition wagon took fire, +which caused the rapid explosion of its contents. Shells flew and burst +in every direction, and the apparent musketry was terrible. The +consequence was a widespread alarm, which brought every trooper to his +horse ready to engage the foe, who was supposed to have made a furious +onset. Great merriment and relished rest followed the discovery of the +cause of disturbance, especially as no one was seriously hurt. + +Since our last reconnoissance to Brandy Station, Stuart has been very +active, following our rear very closely, and committing all the +depredations possible. In his hands have fallen many stragglers, who, it +is true, were of very little use to us, but who would count as well as +true men in the Rebel lists of exchanges of prisoners. Some of Stuart's +performances were exceedingly hazardous, as the following well-described +narrative from a well-known pen will clearly show: + +"Stuart, with two thousand of his cavalry, pressed our rear so eagerly +that, when near Catlett's Station, he had inadvertently got ahead, by a +flank movement of our Second Corps, General Warren acting as rearguard, +and was hemmed in, where his whole command must have been destroyed or +captured had he not succeeded in hiding it in a thicket of old +field-pines, close by the road whereon our men marched by: the rear of +the corps encamping close beside the enemy, utterly unsuspicious of +their neighborhood, though every word uttered in our lines, as they +passed, was distinctly heard by the lurking foe. Stuart at first +resolved to abandon his guns and attempt to escape with moderate loss, +but finally picked three of his men, gave them muskets, made them up so +as to look as much as possible like our soldiers, and thus drop silently +into our ranks as they passed, march awhile, then slip out on the other +side of the column, and make all haste to General Lee, at Warrenton, in +quest of help. During the night two of our officers, who stepped into +the thicket, were quietly captured. + +"At daylight the crack of skirmishers' muskets in the distance gave +token that Lee had received and responded to the prayer for help, when +Stuart promptly opened with grape and canister on the rear of our +astounded column, which had bivouacked just in his front, throwing it +into such confusion that he easily dashed by and rejoined his chief, +having inflicted some loss and suffered little or none." + + +BATTLE OF BRISTOE. + +The above manoeuvre was a great and unexpected or unsought risk, +which, however, did not prove disastrous to the authors, but which might +not again be ventured with similar results. A performance resembling it +somewhat was enacted by the Rebels, but with very different issue. Early +in the morning of the fourteenth A. P. Hill's corps left Warrenton, with +orders to strike our rear at Bristoe Station. They moved up the +Alexandria Turnpike to Broad Run Church, where they deflected on the +road to Greenwich, and soon after struck our trail just behind the +Third Corps, and eagerly pursued it. They were busy picking up +stragglers and making some preparation for an attack upon our +unsuspecting corps, when about noon General Warren's Second Corps, which +was still behind, and bringing up the rear, made its appearance on the +tapis, and materially changed the programme of the scene. Hill, finding +himself nicely sandwiched or trapped by his own indiscretion, turned +away from the retreating Third Corps, to fight, and, if possible, drive +back the advancing Second. Warren's surprise in finding an enemy in +force before him was not less than Hill's in finding one behind him; but +it took Warren only about ten minutes to adjust himself to this +unexpected position of affairs, when his batteries opened with such +precision and effect, aided by the musketry of his infantry, that the +Rebels fell back in much greater haste than they had advanced, leaving +six of their guns in our hands and multitudes of dead, wounded, and +prisoners. Five of the captured guns, still serviceable, were at once +seized and used against the disappointed foe with telling power. One +historian says, "Our loss in killed and wounded was about two hundred, +including Colonel James E. Mallon, Forty-second New York, killed, and +General Tile, of Pennsylvania, wounded; that of the enemy was probably +four hundred (besides prisoners), including Generals Posey (mortally), +Kirkland, and Cooke, wounded, and Colonels Ruffin, First North Carolina, +and Thompson, Fifth North Carolina Cavalry, killed." + +This Bristoe fiasco was a stunning blow to the Rebel pursuit, and +greatly checked their incursions. But our soldiers held the field so +lately won only until dark, and "then followed the rest of the army, +whose retreat they had so effectually covered." + +General Meade continued his retreat to Centreville, and then, seemingly +ashamed--as well he might be--of his flight, would have retraced his +steps and pushed back the insolent foe, but he was prevented from +executing his plans by a heavy rain-storm, which began on the sixteenth. +While he was awaiting the arrival of pontoons to enable him to recross +Bull Run, which was enormously swollen, the enemy, after some daring +skirmishes along his front, and some feints of attack, retreated quite +rapidly, completely destroying the Orange and Alexandria Railroad from +Manassas Junction to the Rappahannock. A more thorough work of +destruction was never witnessed. Scarcely a tie even remained. The ties +were generally heaped together, and set on fire, and the rails were laid +upon the heaps cross-wise. As the middle of the rails became heated, the +ends lopped down, forming a graceful bow. They were thus effectually +ruined. In many instances the rails thus heated were twisted around the +trees. The road and the telegraph lines and posts were utterly +demolished. + +For a few days the Harris Light was bivouacking near Sudley Church, and +the cavalry was picketing, scouting, and patrolling on either side of +Bull Run; and, on one occasion, while endeavoring to ford the swollen +stream, several men and horses were drowned. + +_October 18._--To-day Kilpatrick advanced with his division, which +consists of Custer's and Davies' brigades, to within a half-mile of +Gainesville, where we bivouacked for the night. A terrific rain-storm +raged nearly all night, making our condition very uncomfortable, and +rendering the going impracticable, except upon the turnpikes. At this +time of the year these night-storms in Virginia are very cold, and the +sufferings of men mostly unsheltered, as we were, are beyond +description. On such a night one will naturally recall such passages as +the following, from Byron's "Childe Harold:" + + "The sky is changed, and such a change! oh, night, + And storm, and darkness, ye are wondrous strong, + Yet lovely in your strength, as is the light + Of a dark eye in woman! far along + From peak to peak, the rattling crags among, + Leaps the live thunder! not from one lone cloud, + But every mountain now hath found a tongue, + And Jura answers through her misty shroud, + Back to the joyous Alps, who call to her aloud! + And this is in the night: most glorious night! + Thou wert not sent for slumber! let me be + A sharer in thy fierce and far delight,-- + A portion of the tempest and of thee!" + +It is true that the poet, looking out upon the storm and listening to +its mutterings from his comfortable studio, may call such a night +"glorious," and may find in it depths of inspiration and delight; but to +us poor soldiers it seemed more appropriate to take up Shakespeare's +lines: + + "The tyranny of th' open night's too rough + For nature to endure," + +while every one felt to say, + + "The gathering clouds, like meeting armies, + Come on apace."--_Lee's "Mithridates."_ + +All night long our pickets along Cedar Run were confronted by Stuart's +pickets, though no disposition to fight us was manifest in the morning. +Dripping with wet and somewhat stiffened with cold, we were ordered in +battle array early in the morning, and the command, about two thousand +strong, advanced toward Buckland Mills. The Rebel pickets were quickly +withdrawn, and their whole force slowly and without resistance retired +before us. With some degree of hesitation, yet unconscious of imminent +danger, we advanced on the main turnpike toward Warrenton. Our +advance-brigade had just passed New Baltimore, when Fitz-Hugh Lee, who +had surprised and cut his way through a small detachment of our infantry +at Thoroughfare Gap, then had swiftly swung around our right by an +unpicketed road, fell upon our rearguard at Buckland Mills, and opened +upon our unsuspecting column with a battery of flying artillery. At this +signal Stuart, who had hitherto retired before us quietly, now turned +about and advanced upon us in front with terrible determination. Thus +unexpected troubles were multiplying around us. Scarcely had we time to +recover our senses from the first shock of attack upon our rear and +front, when General Gordon, with a division of infantry, until now +concealed behind a low range of hills and woods on our left, appeared +upon the scene, and advanced upon our flank with a furious attack, which +threatened to sever our two small brigades and to annihilate the entire +command. We were now completely surrounded by a force which outnumbered +us at least four to one. + +This was a critical situation; but "Kil" (as the general is familiarly +styled among us) seemed to comprehend it in a moment. All thought and +effort now centralized into a plan of escape from the snares which the +enemy had laid for us, and into which we had too easily thrown +ourselves. Kilpatrick is supposed by some to have unnecessarily exposed +himself, in which he suffered his first defeat, though escaping with a +remarkably small loss. + +Quickly ordering his force to wheel about, he led them back in a +determined charge upon Lee's columns and artillery, now planted on the +banks along Cedar Run. This timely order, executed with masterly skill, +saved his command from utter disaster, and justified his course. As it +was, however, he lost nearly three hundred men, including quite a number +who were drowned in the creek while endeavoring to escape. The scene was +one of great confusion and distress. + + +THE AUTHOR'S CAPTURE. + +By the sudden evolution of the command, when the order was first +executed, the Harris Light, which was in front, while advancing, was +thrown in the rear, and was thus compelled to meet the desperate charges +of the enemy in pursuit, and to defend itself as best it could from fire +on the flank. Having reached a slight elevation of ground in the road, +we made a stand, and for some time checked the advancing columns of the +Rebels by pouring into their ranks rapid and deadly volleys from our +carbines and revolvers. Stuart, who commanded in person, saw clearly +that the quickest and almost only way to dislodge us was by charging +upon us, and, consequently ordering the charge, he came with a whole +brigade amid deafening yells. Our men stood firmly, almost like rocks +before the surging sea. We were soon engaged in a fierce hand-to-hand +conflict with the advancing columns. + +In Byron's "Corsair" we find a description of the scene: + + "Within a narrow ring compressed, beset, + Hopeless, not heartless, strive and struggle yet,-- + Ah! now they fight in firmest file no more, + Hemmed in--cut off--cleft down--and trampled o'er, + But each strikes singly, silently, and home, + And sinks outwearied rather than o'ercome, + His last faint quittance rendering with his breath, + Till the blade glimmers in the grasp of death." + +At this important juncture my faithful horse was shot under me, and we +both fell to the ground. Meanwhile our little party, outnumbered ten to +one, was hurled back by the overpowering shock of the Rebels, who rode +directly over me. Injured somewhat by the falling of my horse, and +nearly killed by the charging squadrons, which one after the other trod +upon me, I lay in the mud for some time quite insensible. How long I lay +there I cannot tell; but when I returned to consciousness the scene had +changed. I was in the hands of a Rebel guard, who were carrying me +hastily from the hard-fought field. My arms had been taken from me, and +my pockets rifled of all their valuables, including my watch. I was +unceremoniously borne to the vicinity of an old building, where I met a +number of my comrades, who with me had shared the misfortunes of the +day. And thus ended three years and more of camping and campaigning with +the Harris Light. + +What I saw and endured, thought and experienced, during a little more +than a year among the Rebels, in several of their loathsome prisons, may +be found recorded in a volume I published in 1865, entitled "The +Capture, Prison-Pen, and Escape." + + +FINIS. + + + + + +------------------------------------------------------+ + | Transcriber's Note: | + | | + | Some inconsistent hyphenation and spelling in | + | the original document have been preserved. | + | | + | Typographical errors corrected in the text: | + | | + | Page xii Hull's changed to Hall's | + | Page 21 pic-nic changed to picnic | + | Page 41 Leesburgh changed to Leesburg | + | Page 41 patroling changed to patrolling | + | Page 73 Fredericksburgh changed to Fredericksburg | + | Page 74 Gordonville changed to Gordonsville | + | Page 99 Pleasanton changed to Pleasonton | + | Page 100 Pleasanton changed to Pleasonton | + | Page 175 Bristerburg changed to Bristersburg | + | Page 182 bad changed to had | + | Page 189 mast changed to must | + | Page 193 Pleasanton changed to Pleasonton | + | Page 238 Heintzleman's changed to Heintzelman's | + | Page 241 Stahil's changed to Stahel's | + | Page 257 shrapnell changed to shrapnel | + | Page 263 Hallech changed to Halleck | + | Page 300 Leesburgh changed to Leesburg | + +------------------------------------------------------+ + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Three Years in the Federal Cavalry, by +Willard Glazier + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THREE YEARS IN THE FEDERAL CAVALRY *** + +***** This file should be named 29660.txt or 29660.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/9/6/6/29660/ + +Produced by Chris Curnow, Barbara Kosker, Joseph Cooper +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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