KILPATRICK'S GUNBOAT EXPEDITION.
1863.--Escape of Lee into Virginia.--Reasons.--Cavalry Advance into the
Valley _via_ Harper's Ferry, and Fight.--Riot in New York and
other Northern Cities.--Again Across the Potomac on "Sacred Soil."
--Blackberries and Discipline.--Mails.--Battle of Manassas Gap.--
Mosby Again, and His Bands.--Author's Birthday.--Kilpatrick's Gunboat
Expedition on the Rappahannock.--Cavalry Captures Navy.--Complimented
by Superiors.--General Advance of the Army.--Third Cavalry Battle at
Brandy Station.--Stuart's Cavalry Worsted at Culpepper Court House.
--Sharp Artillery Practice at Raccoon Ford, on the Rapidan.--Special
Duties and Special Dangers.--Good Living Along the Hazel and Robertson
Rivers.--Important Reconnoissance and Raid.--Hard Fighting and Narrow
Escape.--Needed Rest Received.--The Paymaster.--Rebel Plan of Attack
Foiled by a Citizen Informer.--Suspicious Activity on Our Front.
This sudden and masterly movement of the Rebels was a cutting surprise
to General Meade, and a source of mortification and chagrin to all.
Gloriously successful as we had been, it was evident that hesitation and
indecision had greatly detracted from our laurels. We had won a
world-renowned victory, but we had failed to reap all the legitimate
fruits which our situation placed within our reach.
General Lee had been terribly punished, but his escape was quite
marvellous. One writer says: "When his shattered columns commenced their
retreat from Gettysburg, few of his officers can have imagined that
they would ever reach Virginia with their artillery and most of their
trains." And though their trains were severely handled and greatly
injured, yet the old Rebel army of Northern Virginia, with nearly all
its artillery, made its exit from soil too sacred to freedom for a Rebel
victory. Their losses, however, had been immense, and they were only too
glad to escape in a manner very unlike the audacious way in which they
had advanced but a few weeks previous into the Northern States.
It now became the policy of our leader to follow the fugitives as
closely as the changed circumstances of affairs would permit, and to
give the Rebels no rest, while he endeavored to press them determinedly,
and watched them by means of scouts and signal-stations with a jealous
eye. "There is, however, a limit to the endurance which men and horses
are capable of, and, beyond this, the overtaxed powers give way, and
exhausted nature claims her rights. Few there are, except those who have
had experience, who know how much privation the brave soldier and his
general suffer in the toils of the field, on the rapid march, the hasty
bivouac, the broken slumbers, the wakeful watchings, and the scanty
fare." It must be remembered, also, that our army had made many forced
marches, describing in its route a line somewhat resembling the
circumference of a great circle, as a careful survey of the map of
movements will show; while the route of the enemy, who had several days
the start of us, was more like the diameter of that circle. Our cavalry
had not only fought and defeated the Rebel cavalry on many sanguinary
fields, but it had met the serried lines of their infantry also, as at
Gettysburg, where the brave Farnsworth fell. Owing to this fatigue of
our forces, our pursuit of the enemy was not as vigorous, it would seem
in a cursory glance, as it should have been.
As soon as it was ascertained that the Rebel army was in full retreat, a
force of our cavalry was sent across the Potomac at Harper's Ferry,
bivouacking, the night of the fourteenth of July, on Bolivar Heights.
Early the next morning we advanced on the Winchester Turnpike as far as
Halltown, where we deflected to the right on the road to Shepherdstown.
We had not proceeded far before we encountered the enemy's cavalry under
Fitzhugh Lee, with which we were soon involved in a spirited contest. At
first our troopers were worsted and driven back a short distance. But,
having found a good position, we rallied, and repulsed several desperate
charges, inflicting heavy losses, until the Rebels were glad to give up
the game, and consequently retired. Colonel Drake (First Virginia) and
Colonel Gregg were among the Rebel slain, while on our side the highest
officer killed was Captain Fisher, of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania. The
fighting was done principally on foot.
While these things were transpiring, Kilpatrick moved his division from
Falling Waters to Boonsboro' by way of Williamsport and Hagerstown. Sad
evidences of the recent battles and marches, in dead animals and general
_debris_, were seen all along the way. Having reached our bivouac near
Boonsboro', our men and horses came to their rations and rest with a
wonderful relish.
During the day we have been reading of the murderous riots made in
Northern cities, especially in New York, where men in mobs have
ostensibly leagued against the authority of the Government. The bloody
accounts are stirring the rank and file of our army terribly. A feeling
of intense indignation exists against traitorous demagogues, who are
undoubtedly at the bottom of all this anarchy. Detachments from many of
the old regiments are now being sent North to look after Northern
traitors. This depletion of our ranks we cannot well afford, for every
available man is needed in the field. Many of our regiments are much
reduced. The Harris Light now musters but one hundred men fit for duty,
scarcely one tenth the number with which we entered upon the campaign.
Our horses are also much used up. Hundreds of them have been killed and
wounded in battle, and not a few have "played out," so that they are
utterly unserviceable. The author of these records has worn out
completely two horses since he had a second horse shot under him in the
cavalry fight near Upperville.
_July 16._--"Boots and Saddles" sounded at four o'clock, and before
daylight we were on our way toward Harper's Ferry. We revisited
Rhorersville, crossed Crampton's Gap, and at last reached the Potomac at
Berlin, where the division was separated, a portion of it moving to
Harper's Ferry, where they bivouacked at night in the yard of the
destroyed United States arsenal. Pontoons at Harper's Ferry and Berlin
were used for crossing the army into Virginia. The crossing was being
effected as rapidly as possible, yet for so vast an army it is always
slow and tedious.
Our troops are daily crossing and advancing, but all is otherwise quiet.
We are now receiving an issue of clothing, which we greatly need. Our
ranks are putting on a new-revived appearance. The first sergeants of
the Harris Light have received orders to finish their pay-rolls. General
Lee is reported to be falling back to the Rappahannock.
_Sunday, July 19._--Our cavalry left Harper's Ferry at two o'clock
P. M., crossed the river on pontoons at Sandy Hook, and advanced into
Virginia. Monthly returns for June were made before our march commenced.
The weather is very warm and sultry. On the twentieth we resumed our
march at ten A. M., and advanced to Leesburg, where we fed our horses
and rested. In the decline of the day we marched to Goose Creek, on
whose grassy banks we bivouacked for the night.
The whole cavalry force is moving towards the Rappahannock. On the
twenty-first we advanced _via_ Gum Spring and Centreville to Manassas
Junction. The boys have had some gay times to-day after blackberries,
which we found in great abundance all along our line of march. General
Gregg was compelled to dismount several men in the forenoon, and ordered
them to march on foot, for the offence of leaving the ranks for berries,
without permission. A command would soon be totally demoralized, if such
tendencies to unsoldierly conduct were not checked. And though at times
discipline seems severe, yet, especially with us, it is absolutely
necessary.
_July 22._--To-day we marched to the vicinity of Gainesville. We fell in
with Scott's Nine Hundred as we were marching across the old field of
Bull Run, among whom we found several old acquaintances. We spent a few
very interesting moments together.
_July 23._--Our command was cheered to-day by the arrival of a large
mail, which brought a message to nearly every man. During active
campaigning, as in the invasion of Pennsylvania and Maryland, it is
difficult to keep up postal connections with the civil world, and, with
the very best efforts which can be made, our mails are greatly delayed,
sometimes even for weeks together. But when they do come, they are
hailed with a delight which is almost frantic. The post-boys are cheered
as far as they can be seen, as they wend their way from camp to camp,
with their horses loaded down with the enormously swollen mail-bags.
Several bushels of letters are sometimes brought by one carrier, as was
the case to-day.
FIGHTING AT MANASSAS GAP.
During the day we have heard very heavy cannonading in the direction of
White Plains. It appears that General Meade, misled by the information
brought by some of his scouts, expected to engage the Rebel army in
Manassas Gap, or west of that, where General Buford found the enemy in
force. Our army was accordingly concentrated upon this point. The Third
Corps, under General French, which occupied Ashby's Gap, was sent
forward rapidly to Buford's support, where its First Division,
commanded by General Hobart Ward, pushed through the Gap, driving the
enemy before it, but with mutual loss. Here the New York Excelsior
Brigade, General F. B. Spinola commanding, greatly distinguished itself,
by making three heroic charges up the frowning steeps, where the Rebels
were strongly posted. Their general was twice wounded. But the effort
was a success.
On the morning of the twenty-fourth our soldiers pushed forward as far
as Front Royal, but found no enemy. They then learned that they had been
fighting only a portion of Lee's rearguard, which in the night had
slipped away in the trail of their main army southward. By this move
General Meade's army lost about two days' march; and when again we
reached the bank of the Rappahannock, the old foe was facing us in
threatening attitude from the opposite shore.
This afternoon the Harris Light was sent on a scout to Thoroughfare Gap.
From the heights beyond the Gap we saw the wagon-train of the Eleventh
Corps moving toward Warrenton. This was a portion of the force which had
expected a fight at Manassas Gap.
_July 25._--Our cavalry force reached the vicinity of Warrenton
Junction, when we went into bivouac. The second squadron of our
regiment, under Captain O. J. Downing, moved to Thoroughfare Gap and
returned to Gainesville, where it joined the regiment, and then marched
with us to the Junction _via_ Bristoe and Catlett's. Before night we
were sent out on picket in the vicinity of Catlett's Station, where we
relieved the First Virginia Cavalry. We continued on picket through the
twenty-sixth, but all was quiet along the lines.
An inspection of horses was made this morning, when a large number were
condemned as utterly unserviceable; and they were started off toward
Washington, to be exchanged for better ones.
_July 27._--I have the responsibility and honor of being in command of a
company. This afternoon a detachment of our forces was sent out on a
sort of bushwhacking expedition. A portion of Company F was captured by
the Fourth Virginia Cavalry, while patrolling the road near
Bristersburg.
We are not doing much these days, except picketing, scouting,
recruiting, resting. On the twenty-ninth our entire brigade was marched
to within three miles of Warrenton, and then countermarched to the old
camp; and on the last day of the month we advanced to Warrenton in heavy
force, where General Meade has had his headquarters for several days.
_August 1._--To-day General Meade moved his headquarters to Rappahannock
Station. The heat is excessive. Two men of the Harris Light were
sunstruck during the day. We left Warrenton at seven o'clock A. M., and
moved very slowly. At night we bivouacked not far from New Baltimore. On
the following day we were sent out on picket, which here is neither
difficult nor dangerous.
Our Colonel, Otto Harhaus, is ill, and is awaiting his documents for a
leave of absence from the regiment.
_August 3._--The colonel received his papers to-day, and started
forthwith for New York. Captain L. H. Southard, the senior officer, is
in command. The regiment was sent to Thoroughfare Gap, where we encamped
in an apple-orchard.
Our infantry lines now extend down the Rappahannock as far as
Fredericksburg, which we hold. The cavalry is picketing and patrolling
all this territory. However, as there are so many regiments to engage in
this work, the duty is comparatively light. "Many hands make light
work."
_Sunday, August 9._--We still continue near Thoroughfare Gap.
Occasionally, as our turn comes, we picket along the Manassas Gap
Railroad. Major E. F. Cooke, who has been absent for some time, returned
to us to-day and took command. My old company, E, shows the following
report: Present, thirty-two; fit for duty, twenty-two.
On Monday the regiment left camp at nine A. M., and, separating into
several detachments, moved upon White Plains and Middleburg from
different directions. These places have been occupied for some time past
by Mosby's guerilla bands. We did not succeed, however, in bringing them
into an engagement, as they were sharply on the lookout, and studiously
kept beyond the reach of our carbines. Occasionally our pickets are
attacked by them, and some lively times are experienced.
_August 13._--I was detailed by the adjutant this morning to act as
sergeant-major in place of Sergeant Temple, who is assigned to the
command of a company. Very few commissioned officers are with the
regiment at present. This leaves the command of several companies to
enlisted men. Some of our officers are out on detached service, while
not a few, during the lull of army operations, have asked and received
leaves of absence, and are visiting their friends in the North. It might
indeed be said that we are all rusticating; and, were it not for the
guerilla bands that infest the country, attacking our outposts, and
frequently disturbing our lines of communication with our bases of
supply as well as the outer world, our condition would be one of
pleasing rest.
On the fourteenth a little excitement was afforded us, to relieve us
from the monotonous life which we are spending. A detachment of the
regiment, commanded by Captain Griggs, made a bold dash upon an
ill-starred portion of Mosby's band, near Aldie, where we captured three
men and twenty horses and equipments, most of which had formerly
belonged to our service, having been taken by these wily guerillas.
Nearly every horse had the familiar "U. S." upon his shoulder; and the
saddles, with very few exceptions, were of Northern manufacture.
_August 15._--The Harris Light moved from Thoroughfare Gap at ten A. M.
We reached Hartwood Church at eight in the evening, _via_ New Baltimore
and Greenwich. A considerable halt was made at Warrenton Junction,
where we drew rations and forage.
Henry E. Davies, Jr., just promoted to the colonelcy of the regiment,
joined us at the Junction, and took command. He is immensely popular
with the men, especially with those who admire bravery and heroism, and
who covet to be thoroughly drilled and disciplined.
_August 17._--We continue at Hartwood Church, with our camp located very
near General Kilpatrick's headquarters. During the day Colonel Davies
appointed me second lieutenant, and assigned me to the command of
Company M, as both the captain and first lieutenant of the company are
absent on detached service.
Late in the evening I received orders to report, with my company, at an
early hour next day, to Captain Meade, division quartermaster. At five
o'clock on the morning of the eighteenth we made our bow to the captain,
who despatched us as an escort or guard to a train from Hartwood to
Warrenton Junction.
During the march we made an exciting dash upon a band of guerillas, who
were watching for us, expecting to make some captures. But they were
disappointed, for we were not only prepared to resist them, but would
have captured them but for the superior fleetness of their horses. After
accomplishing the work we were sent out to do, and resting one night, we
returned to the regiment.
_August 22._--This is my natal day. I find myself twenty-two years of
age. I am not surrounded on this anniversary, as in former years, by the
friends of my childhood. But memories of the past come trooping up in
such vivid lines, as to make the day one of deep interest.
_August 28._--My company, which forms a part of Captain Mitchell's
battalion, is doing picket-duty at present with the battalion on the
Rappahannock between Banks and United States Fords. My company is at the
captain's headquarters, and acts as grand guard.
_Sunday, August 30._--To-day I accompanied the division and brigade
officers of the day in their visit to and inspection of the pickets
along the Rappahannock. Our ride was very pleasant. Captain Barker, of
the Fifth New York Cavalry, dined with Captain Mitchell and myself. He
is a lively companion; was in the hands of Mosby last Spring; and has a
fund of amusing and interesting incidents of army-life with which to
enliven his conversation.
On the last day of August, Captain Mitchell was ordered to report to the
regiment at Hartwood Church, with his reserves. The pickets are to
remain on the river until attacked by the enemy or recalled by orders
from division headquarters.
CAVALRY GUNBOAT EXPEDITION.
_September 4._--To break the monotony of picketing and to subserve the
cause of freedom, a most novel scheme was lately undertaken, known as
Kilpatrick's Gunboat Expedition. The object was to destroy a portion of
the Rebel navy anchored in the Rappahannock, near Port Conway, opposite
Port Royal. This peculiar kind of warfare, which required genius and
dash, was waged by the troopers with complete success, and they returned
to their bivouac fires to enliven the weary hours with stories of their
long march down the river, and their destructive charge upon the
gunboats of the enemy. The expedition set out about two o'clock on the
morning of September first.
Doctor Lucius P. Woods, Surgeon-in-Chief of the First Brigade, Third
Division, gives the following interesting description of the above raid
in a letter to Mrs. Woods:
"I returned yesterday after a three days' expedition after gunboats! We
all laughed at the order sending cavalry after such craft, but I am
happy to say that the object of the expedition was accomplished. We left
camp at two o'clock A. M., marched all day and all the following night,
till three o'clock next morning, when we made a furious charge upon
Rebel infantry. They ran so fast as to disarrange the general's plan of
attack. The morning was so dark that we could not see one rod in advance.
"We captured twelve or fifteen prisoners, and General Kilpatrick gave
orders in their hearing to have the whole command fall back, stating
that the gunboats would be alarmed and the expedition be a failure. The
general took particular pains to allow half the prisoners to escape and
to get across the Rappahannock. After falling back two miles, we were
countermarched toward the river, near which we were formed in line of
battle. We sat there on our horses waiting for daylight. Then the flying
artillery of ten guns, supported by the old Fifth New York and First
Michigan, dashed at a full run down to the river-bank, wheeled into
position, and gave the Rebels a small cargo of hissing cast-iron, which
waked them up more effectually than their ordinary morning-call. They
soon came to their senses, and for half an hour sent over to us what I
should think to be, by the noise they made, tea-kettles, cooking-stoves,
large cast-iron hats, etc. But our smaller and more active guns soon
silenced theirs, and drove the gunners away, when we turned our
attention to the boring of holes in their boats with conical pieces of
iron, vulgarly called solid shot. I am sure I can recommend them as
first-class augers, for they sank the boats in time for all hands to sit
down to breakfast at half-past nine o'clock. The repast consisted of
muddy water, rusty salt-pork, and half a hard cracker, termed by us "an
iron-clad breakfast." We were absent from camp three days, and had only
nine hours' sleep."
Further interesting particulars were given in a New York daily, as
follows:
"The expedition under General Kilpatrick, sent out a few days since to
recapture, in conjunction with the navy, the gunboats Satellite and
Reliance, which recently fell into the hands of the Rebels, was, so far
as the cavalry is concerned, successful.
"On Tuesday evening General Kilpatrick arrived on this side the river,
at Port Conway, and brilliantly dashed upon the enemy's pickets under
Colonel Low. The Rebels did not even make a show of resistance, but
rushed into a number of flat-boats in the wildest confusion, and landed
safely on the opposite bank. If they had made a show of fight, they
would have most likely been captured.
"After the escape of the enemy, General Kilpatrick waited two hours for
the cooeperation of the navy, which is understood to have been agreed
upon. The vessels did not arrive, and General Kilpatrick ordered a
battery to open fire upon the gunboats Reliance and Satellite. This was
done at the distance of six hundred and fifty yards. The enemy
immediately abandoned the gunboats--very fortunately for themselves, for
only a few moments elapsed before the Satellite was in a sinking
condition, and the Reliance rendered useless. Both boats were completely
riddled by shot and shell. The force under Kilpatrick consisted of
cavalry and two batteries of artillery. The Satellite is sunk, and the
Reliance so completely disabled as to be beyond hope of being repaired
by the Rebels."
On our return from Port Conway we passed through Falmouth, where we
halted a short time. It was pleasant to survey the scenes of former
labors and conflicts. Much alarm appears to have been created among the
Rebels by our gunboat disturbance. A large force of Rebel cavalry can be
distinctly seen approaching Fredericksburg on the Telegraph Road, and
more or less commotion prevails across the river. From Falmouth we
marched directly to Hartwood Church. On arriving here, Captain
Mitchell's battalion was ordered back to its old position on picket, to
relieve the infantry which took our places before the expedition to Port
Conway.
_September 5._--We continue on picket near United States Ford. This
morning the regiment was mustered in for pay by Major McIrvin, who is
temporarily in command, Colonel Davies having been placed in command of
a brigade.
At ten o'clock A. M. I received my commission of second lieutenant. It
was brought from the headquarters of the regiment by the bugler of
Company H. It dates back to the cavalry fight at Aldie, which occurred
on the seventeenth of June.
On this line of pickets we have continued uninterruptedly for a week. On
the seventh, Colonel Davies, with his assistant adjutant-general,
visited our post. It was very gratifying to Captain Mitchell and myself
to receive the colonel's compliments for promptness and vigilance in our
work, especially as he has the reputation of never bestowing praise
where it is not deserved.
I rode down to Lieutenant Temple's picket-reserve, at Richard's Ferry,
on the eighth. I found the lieutenant in excellent humor, but decidedly
opposed to picketing as a permanent occupation. We were, however,
consoled with the hope of relief ere long.
In the afternoon the brigade officer of the day called at the bivouac of
the "grand guard," and expressed himself as being highly pleased with
the disposition and management of the pickets. The enemy's pickets
confront ours at all the fords of the river, and appear in heavy force.
For some time past we have understood that General Lee's headquarters
are at Orange Court House, while his infantry occupies the south banks
and bluffs of the Rapidan. Stuart occupies Culpepper Court House, and
pickets and patrols the territory between the Rapidan and the
Rappahannock, a region shaped much like an old-fashioned harrow.
_September 13._--An advance of the Union army was ordered yesterday by
its Chief, in which the cavalry was to take a prominent part. Orders
were issued accordingly last evening, and every needed preparation made
for our work. At an early hour this morning the entire cavalry corps was
on the march. In order that the enemy might not be prematurely warned of
our design, the several commands were ordered to make as little noise as
possible. Consequently the bugle-calls were dispensed with, and
commanders made use of their voices, and in some instances the orders
were conveyed from rank to rank in a whisper. The three great divisions
of the corps were to cross the river as follows: Gregg's, at Sulphur
Springs; Buford's, at Rappahannock Bridge; and Kilpatrick's, at Kelly's
Ford.
BRANDY STATION NO. 3.
At six o'clock the Harris Light plunged into the river at Kelly's Ford,
leading the advance. A strong detachment of Stuart's cavalry, consisting
of pickets and reserves, opposed our crossing with dogged pertinacity,
but finally, yielding to our superior numbers and to the deadly accuracy
of our carbines, gave way. He then advanced in the direction of Brandy
Station. The farther we advanced the stronger grew the ever-accumulating
force of the enemy, who disputed every inch of ground with great
stubbornness. On arriving near the Station we found the enemy in strong
force, with artillery posted on the surrounding hills. We saw clearly
that a third cavalry fight was destined to be fought on this historic
field, and we began to make preparations for the onset. It was my
fortune to lead the advance company in the first charge. Three men and
four horses were killed and wounded in this company by the first
discharge of the enemy's artillery, whose fire was terribly accurate.
But we had not been fighting long before the other divisions joined us.
At their approach great enthusiasm among our boys prevailed. Before our
combined force the enemy was swept from those plains like chaff before
the whirlwind. They fled in the direction of Culpepper, a naturally
strong and now fortified position, where we knew we must soon encounter
the Rebel chivalry _en masse_ upon their chosen field.
FIGHT AT CULPEPPER COURT HOUSE.
From Brandy Station General Pleasonton directed Kilpatrick to make a
detour _via_ Stevensburg, in order to operate as a flanking column upon
the enemy at the proper time. With the First and Second divisions
Pleasonton pushed straight on to Culpepper, driving the enemy before him
without much resistance until within about a mile of the town. Here our
advance was effectually checked. A fearful duel now took place with
varying fortunes. For some time the enemy baffled all our efforts to
dislodge him from his strong position, and our men began to look
wishfully for the flankers, when lo! Kilpatrick's flags were seen
advancing from the direction of Stevensburg, and his artillery was soon
thundering in the enemy's flank and rear. Under this unexpected and
well-directed fire, that portion of the enemy which had kept our main
column at bay fell back in confusion into the town; and, before they
had time to re-form their broken lines, the Harris Light, Fifth New
York, First Vermont, and First Michigan, led by General Custer, dashed
upon the "Johnnies" in the streets, throwing the boast of the chivalry
into a perfect rout. Many prisoners were captured, more or less material
of war, and three Blakely guns. The Rebels retreated hastily in the
direction of Pony Mountain and Rapidan Bridge, whither they were closely
pursued by our victorious squadrons. The day following this brilliant
advance Pleasonton occupied all the fords of the Rapidan, extending his
pickets on our right as far forward as the Robertson and Hazel Rivers.
The way having been thus prepared by his heroic _avant-couriers_,
General Meade advanced the Army of the Potomac across the Rappahannock,
and took his temporary residence in Culpepper.
_September 15._--Kilpatrick's division advanced from Culpepper to
Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan. Colonel Davies' brigade supported a battery
of artillery a short distance from the ford from one till four P. M. The
shelling from the enemy's batteries was terrific. Their position was
admirable on the high bluff south of the ford, and the range was just
right for execution. Their artillery was of a heavy calibre, and
supported by infantry. They were finely screened by earthworks, while
our forces were almost entirely exposed, and protected only here and
there by a little knoll. In the unequal duel which took place, two of
our guns were dismounted and disabled, while several artillerymen and
horses were killed. It was not at all pacticable for us to attempt a
crossing.
Before night we retired from the ford, and the divisions took up their
headquarters, Gregg's, at Rappahannock Bridge; Buford's, at Stevensburg;
and Kilpatrick's, on the extreme right, at James City.
_September 16._--To-day we are picketing the fords of the Robertson
River, a branch of the Rapidan. At five o'clock P. M. the Fifth New York
pickets were attacked and driven to within a few rods of their reserve;
but being reenforced by ourselves, who were ordered to relieve them, the
enemy was compelled to retire hastily, and we reoccupied the line which
was taken up by the Fifth in the morning.
At ten o'clock in the night I received orders to take four men and
communicate with Major McIrvin at Newman's Ford, two miles above our
post on the Robertson. This was by no means an easy task, as the
wilderness country was almost wholly unknown to us, and the Rebel
pickets in this quarter had not been sounded. Through the darkness,
however, I advanced with my men as cautiously as possible, and yet at
several points along our line of march we drew the fire of the Rebel
pickets. At length we espied a force of cavalry approaching us, which
proved to be a detachment under Major McIrvin on their way to the ford.
We challenged one another simultaneously, each supposing the other to be
an enemy. The major was on the point of ordering his command to fire
upon me, when I recognized his voice and quickly gave him my name. The
discovery was timely, and mutually enjoyable.
_September 17._--The enemy advanced his picket lines this morning across
the river, pushed ours back with considerable precipitancy, when a
general skirmish occurred along the lines for a distance of about two
miles. Captain Hasty was chief in command of our skirmishers. I assisted
him, riding my sorrel pony, the only horse on the skirmish line, as all
the men fought dismounted. At nine o'clock Colonel Davies arrived with
his brigade and took command. The Rebels were not able to withstand our
accumulated power, and rapidly retreated across the river, enabling us
to reestablish our lines where they were before the onset.
Picket-firing is very common. "Give and take" is the game we play, and
sometimes the blows are as severe as they are unexpected. The cavalry is
almost constantly on duty, scouting, patrolling, and very often
fighting. Thus we are kept ever in motion.
The only relief for our excessive labors is our good living. Seldom are
soldiers permitted to live in a country of which it may be said as
emphatically as of this, that it "flows with milk and honey." The
numerous flocks of sheep and herds of cattle in the neighborhood are
made to contribute the basis of our rations, while the poultry-yards,
larders, and orchards are made to yield the delicacies of the season.
The country abounds with sorghum, apple-butter, milk, honey, sweet
potatoes, peaches, apples, etc.; so that kings are not much better fed
than are the cavaliers of this command.
_September 19._--The weather is becoming cold and wet. Yesterday this
brigade retired from the Robertson to the vicinity of Stevensburg,
where we bivouacked in the pine woods.
Henry E. Davies, Jr., formerly Colonel of the Harris Light, and for some
time past in command of the First brigade of Kilpatrick's division, was
congratulated to-day by his friends upon his promotion to
brigadier-general. No promotion was ever more fitly made, and the "star"
never graced a more perfect gentleman or more gallant soldier. The
general feeling in the command is, long may he live in the service of
his country and for the honor of her flag.
_Sunday, September 20._--This morning very appropriate and solemn
funeral services were held, conducted by Chaplain Edward P. Roe, in
honor of the officers and soldiers of the Harris Light, who were killed
in our recent advance to, and skirmishes along, the Rapidan and
Robertson Rivers.
IMPORTANT RECONNOISSANCE AND RAID.
On the morning of the twenty-first, at day-break, an important movement
was commenced by Generals Kilpatrick and Buford, while General Gregg
remained on the picket lines. The object of the advance was mainly to
reconnoitre the position and strength of the enemy, and at the same time
to do all the mischief we could. We made a forced march directly upon
Madison Court House, meeting but little opposition. The tired troopers
rested themselves and their animals at night, preparatory to another
early advance.
_September 22._--We were early in the saddle, with our steps turned
southward in the direction of Orange Court House. The two divisions
advanced upon different but nearly parallel roads. We had not proceeded
far before messengers from General Buford informed us that, by a rapid
movement across the country between the two roads, Kilpatrick might
intercept a brigade of the enemy's cavalry, which Buford was engaging
and pursuing. The Harris Light had the advance of the division, and we
soon came in contact with the retreating Rebel force in a dense oak
forest, through which we were compelled to approach the pike by a wood
road, which was so narrow as to necessitate our moving in columns of
twos. Upon gaining the main road we found the entire force of the enemy
advancing with skirmishers deployed, and a battery of light artillery in
position, which instantaneously opened upon us with grape and canister.
The situation of our regiment was extremely critical and embarrassing.
ENGAGEMENT AT LIBERTY MILLS.
Generals Kilpatrick and Davies were at the head of the column, and by
them we were ordered and encouraged to present a bold front and make a
desperate resistance, in order to give the division time to file out of
the forest and to get into a fighting position along the road. At this
juncture I was in command of the first company of the first squadron,
and consequently was ordered to cross the pike, and to check the advance
of the enemy in that quarter, while the balance of the regiment was to
hold the pike and a small opening to the left. We had barely time to
deploy as skirmishers, when the Rebel commander, seeing that his only
hope of escape from the trap we were laying for him lay in a quick and
decisive charge, came down upon us like an avalanche, crushing through
the force that was on the road, and sweeping a clean path for his
escape. The resistance of the regiment, however, was so desperate that
the killed and wounded from both sides strewed the hotly-contested
ground in every direction. Not more than twenty minutes elapsed from the
time we first saw the enemy before the contest was decided; and yet, in
this brief period of time, the Harris Light lost several of its most
gallant officers and many of its bravest men. Our loss was principally
in wounded and prisoners, while that of the enemy was in killed and
wounded.
By this sudden and unexpected charge of the enemy upon the force on the
pike, myself and company were completely cut off from our main column.
For one whole hour we were entirely enclosed within the lines of the
Rebel cavalry. It is true that they had about all they could do to take
care of themselves, and yet they might have bagged and gobbled our small
force. But by swift and careful movements we succeeded in eluding the
vigilance of the Rebels, and finally we made our exit from their lines
unhurt, and with much valuable information which we had obtained. As
soon as possible I reported to General Kilpatrick, who was much
surprised at seeing me, having come to the conclusion that myself and
men were already on our way to "Richmond!"
The forces of Stuart were ultimately routed and fell back from Liberty
Ford, near which the fight occurred, upon their infantry reserves at
Gordonsville.
My escape from the toils of the enemy was regarded as almost miraculous.
General Davies sent an aid to me with his compliments, inviting me to
his headquarters, where he expressed his surprise at my safe return, and
complimented me for the dexterity, wisdom, and success of my movements.
The day following this engagement and adventure our forces returned to
the vicinity of Culpepper, where we spent a few days in comparative
rest--rest which we all needed and greatly enjoyed.
_September 25._--I received an order this afternoon from Major McIrvin,
commanding the regiment, directing me to take command of Company H,
which is without a commander.
On the twenty-sixth the paymaster made his appearance among us, much to
the satisfaction of the command. Owing to the continuous movements of
the Cavalry Corps, and its generally exposed condition, no opportunity
has been afforded the Government to pay us for the last six months. Very
little money was in the regiment, even officers as well as men being
pretty well reduced. The paymaster's "stamps" were more than usually
acceptable.
_September 28._--Four companies, namely, B, F, H, and M, commanded by
Captain Grinton, were ordered on picket to-day along the Hazel River.
One half of this force occupies the picket line, the other half patrols
the country. The captain commands the post, and I have the special
charge of the pickets. We do not want, at present, for fresh meat and
vegetables. We live almost entirely from the country, and we live well.
Our bill of fare is varied and rich. Forage for our horses is also
abundant in all the neighboring plantations. Picketing under these
circumstances is more like a picnic than any thing else which we can
remember.
_October 8._--We are still in _statu quo_, picketing on the Hazel River.
However, yesterday Captain Mitchell relieved Captain Grinton in command
of the post. The reserve companies fell in line to hear the orders of
the War Department, concerning veteran volunteers. They produced quite
an excitement among us. The three years' enlistment of a large portion
of the army is nearly expired, and the Government, in its anxiety to
avail itself of the experience of the veteran troops to the end of the
conflict, is now offering extra inducements, in the way of furloughs and
bounties, to secure the reenlistment of these men to the end of the war.
The orders propounded to us meet with universal favor, and the cry runs
like wild-fire from rank to rank, "let us go in, boys!" This will be an
element of great power.
A citizen-youth, of manly bearing, who professes loyalty to our cause,
came to our pickets to-day, and from thence to headquarters, bringing
information of a Rebel plan to surprise our picket lines to-night. We
will give them a warm reception if they undertake the execution of their
scheme. A regiment of infantry, and one squadron of cavalry arrived
before dark, and are in readiness for the night's entertainment. The
pickets are doubly strong, and are under special orders to be vigilant.
_October 9._--The enemy did not venture an attack last night, but
doubtless contented themselves with the maxim that "discretion is the
better part of valor." Possibly they were informed of our preparation
for them. Spies and informants are numerous and active on both sides.
Lieutenant Houston and privates Donahue and Pugh were captured this
morning while scouting just beyond the pickets. Much activity is
manifested on our front. Indeed, it is quite generally understood among
us that General Lee is taking the initiatory steps of a flank movement
upon us. Our scouts so report, and the suspicious movements of the
pickets and forces before us corroborate the information.
[Illustration: THE CAPTURE--CAVALRY FIGHT AT BUCKLAND MILLS.]