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.