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.