Advance against Pope. Battle at Cedar Run. Battle at Bristoe Station.
Battle at Manassas. Battles near Groveton on 28-29th. Battle renewed on
30th.
About the first of August Jackson's corps moved toward Gordonsville.
When the troops got under way and the head of the column had been
turned sharply to the left, indicating the direction of our march
toward the mountains and the valley, where pure air and good water
could be had, a shout arose that was deafening in its volume; and it
was taken up by the column as it reached the turn, and was so continued
until the corps had passed. The same occurred, except possibly in
greater volume, on the following day when the Blue Ridge was first
brought into view. This elevation of spirits, pure air, and drinkable
water soon made the army itself again.
The head of the column, however, soon turned toward Culpeper Court
House; and, on the ninth, Pope's advance was found in position on Cedar
Run, at the northwest base of Slaughter Mountain, about eight miles
from Culpeper Court House. Our guns were soon placed and about 2 p.
m. a heavy artillery duel opened and continued for about two hours.
The batteries of Poag, of Carpenter and of Caskie were well placed and
appeared to do fine execution. Our brigade supported these batteries,
which, of course, were targets for the enemy's guns, as was the
brigade. In the meantime, the infantry was being brought into position
near the brow of a low ridge. Our brigade occupied the line to the
left of Early's, and to the right of the second brigade of Jackson's
division. About 4 p. m. the line advanced over the ridge into an
open wheat field. Two hundred yards to our front was thick timber and
undergrowth. From the timber the enemy advanced in great numbers,
forcing back the brigade to our left. This compelled the "3rd brigade"
also to fall back to meet this flank and rear attack, but again as soon
as our left was sufficiently protected by A. P. Hill the whole line
moved forward and turned the Federal right and the day was practically
won. Federal cavalry in great force charged on our brigade, but was
repulsed with heavy loss.
A brilliant dash on our right of our flying artillery was beautifully
executed in view of both armies and did splendid work. Our whole
line now pushed forward, and the Federals gave way at every point in
confusion and disorder, leaving their dead and wounded on the field.
General Winder, commanding our division, was struck by a piece of shell
during the artillery duel and died in a few minutes. He occupied a
high place in the esteem of the army and the loss was deeply felt.
Other incidents occurred during this artillery duel. A shell exploded
in the ranks of a regiment and five men fell to death together and
upon each other. Our losses in this battle, as shown by statistics,
were 19 officers killed and 114 wounded, of non-commissioned officers
and privates 204 killed and 946 wounded and 31 missing, aggregating a
loss of 1,314. The Federal loss was greater. "The regiment" had its due
share of casualties, owing to its prominent share in the engagement.
After more than forty-five years it is impossible to recall the names
of the unfortunates, but I do recall that Capt. John Duff of Company
"C" and I were in conversation just as we reached the border of the
wheat field from the skirt of the woods. He was in a most cheerful
mood as we entered this rapid and fierce battle. He fell in death a
few minutes after he entered. Capt. Felix Duff of Company "H," another
brave and efficient officer, fell mortally wounded and died in a few
hours. I was of the number of the wounded. Of the killed and wounded
of the regiment I am unable to recall the number, names or companies,
except in one instance, and that was impressed upon my mind because
of the nature of the wound and of the unlooked for result, viz: Young
Combs of Company "C" was to appearances vigorous and strong, of fine
physical appearance. It was his first battle. A minnie ball passed
just under the skin in the calf of the leg for the space of one or two
inches and out. There was but little blood, no artery had been touched
and no reason could be assigned for serious results; nevertheless, he
was greatly excited and died in a few minutes.
The victory over superior numbers by Jackson's army, composed of the
divisions of Jackson, Early and A. P. Hill, had a telling effect;
but now the Federal Commander, Pope, who had so valiantly proclaimed
headquarters in the saddle, began to concentrate his army on a strong
position near Culpeper Court House to resist Jackson's further
advance. But Jackson chose to await the coming of the main army under
Lee which was still in the vicinity of Richmond, hence retired to
Gordonsville.
The rest and recuperation so much needed was now enjoyed until the
middle of August, thus putting the army in fine condition for the
campaign then entered upon. The route of which was by way of Orange
Court House, thence up the right bank of Rapidan River. The divisions
of Ewell, Hill and Jackson composed Jackson's corps, and on the 12th
moved in the direction of Beverly Ford on the Rappahannock. Jackson's
division, now commanded by Talliaferro, was at the head of the column.
In the afternoon a spirited artillery duel across the river was fought,
resulting in the silencing of the Federals, who, however, brought
forward and began to concentrate a strong force. The river still
separating these armies, the Confederates continued the march up the
right bank, the head of the column crossing on the 24th to the left
bank. The balance of the corps, strung out for many miles, followed
in the wake of the advance, encountering on the way like artillery
duels across the river, but not swerved from the end sought, pushed
forward for a week with but little sleep or rest toward the rear of
Pope's army, and at Salem Church went into bivouac for the night. On
the following day, the march being continued across Bull Run Mountain
through Thoroughfare Gap and Gainesville to Bristoe Station on the
railroad, we were now in the rear of Pope and between his army and
Washington. Here some prisoners and loaded cars were captured, and the
same night at Manassas, seven miles distant, a number of prisoners,
cannon, small arms, ammunition, immense and valuable commissary and
quartermaster stores were captured.
[Illustration: LT. COL. ROBERT P. CARSON