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the progress of the battle. On arriving on the Missouri shore I found our troops retreating in some disorder up the river, the enemy having driven them back. I asked an officer the cause of this, and he replied that the men were out of ammunition. I directed him to supply himself from a quantity lying in boxes under the bank. I proceed up the river, sending the men back who were under the bank for a supply, but found, upon an examination of the cartridge-boxes of several, both above and below the bank, that they had a good supply. Finding that the confusion was becoming worse, and the men inclined to rush upon the transports, I endeavored by expostulation and entreaties to halt them, but in vain. I then rode to the head of the column, and applying the saber to the leading files it had the desired effect. By this time I had arrived in the vicinity of General Pillow, who had a regiment, or part of one, halted and in line, and to whom, being without staff officers, I volunteered my services for a time. I told him of your wish to know how the battle was going, to which he replied the men were falling back, and that he wished to make a flank movement upon the enemy. I reported to him there was plenty of ammunition on the bank of the river, and what I had done, stating to him that I had heard there was a scarcity, but that it was not so, and I asked him if the men could not be got to try the cold steel, to which he replied he had tried that, but could not get the men to stand it. I asked him for permission to make a trial myself, but he said he thought his present movement the best.
After remaining for some time with him I told him I must report to you the condition of things, and asked him if he had any communications to send to you, to which he replied to inform you of his intended flank movement.
I crossed the river on the Prince about 2 o'clock and stated to you his message, and also that my opinion was that the battle was lost unless re-enforcements were sent across; that the troops were in retreat and appeared to have lost all confidence in their officers, and that I thought your presence alone would restore order and save the day. These re-enforcements were sent across and were followed by yourself. When, after executing some orders given me by you, I joined you on the Missouri side the enemy were in full retreat.
I am, very respectfully,
HENRY WINSLOW,
Aide-de-Camp.
Major General L. POLK,
Commanding First Division, Western Department, Columbus, Ky.
No. 39. Report of Captain B. J. Butler, steamer Prince.
CORINTH, MISS., April 2, 1862.
I was present at the battle of Belmont; was in command of the Prince as captain. Went over to the battle-field about 9.30 o'clock with a part of General Pillow's staff and staid upon the battle-field until about 11.30 or 12 o'clock, when I left, having been sent over to General Polk by General Pillow. I was sent to General Polk with a message from General Pillow to the effect that he must have ammunition and re-enforcements or he must withdraw his forces from the field. Ammunition had been sent for and brought over to the battle-field by
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that the united forces of both Government are pledged to the maintenance of the peace of the State, and the defense of the rights and property of all persons, without distinction of party. This pledge, which both parties are fully authorized and empowered to give by the Governments which they represent, will be by both most religiously and sacredly kept, and, if necessary to put down evil-disposed persons, the military powers of both Governments will be called out to enforce the terms of the honorable and amicable agreement which has been made. I therefore call upon all persons in this Sate to observe good order and respect the rights of their fellow citizens, and give them the assurance of protection and security in the most ample manner.
WM. S. HARNEY,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
SAINT LOUIS, MO., May 21, 1861.
[Subinclosure.]
SAINT LOUIS, May 21, 1861.
The undersigned, officers of the United States Government and of the government of the State of Missouri, for the purpose of removing misapprehensions and allaying public excitement, deem it proper to declare publicly that they have this day had a personal interview in this city, in which it has been mutually understood, without the semblance of dissent on either part, that each of them has no other than a common object equably interesting and important to every citizen of Missouri-that of restoring peace and good order to the people of the State in subordination to the laws of the General and State Governments. It being thus understood, there seems no reason why every citizen should not confide in the proper officers of the General and State Governments to restore quiet, and, as among the best means of offering no counter influences, we mutually recommend to all persons to respect each other's rights throughout the State, making no attempt to exercise unauthorized powers, as it is the determination of the proper authorities to suppress all unlawful proceedings, which can only disturb the public peace.
General Price, having by commission full authority over the militia of the State of Missouri, undertakes, with the sanction over the militia of the State, already declared, to direct the whole power of the State officers to maintain order within the State among the people thereof, and General Harney publicly declares that, this object being thus assured, he can have no occasion, as he has no wish, to make military movements, which might otherwise create excitements and jealousies which he most earnestly desires to avoid.
We, the undersigned, do therefore mutually enjoin upon the people of the State to attend to their civil business of whatsoever sort it may be, and it is to be hoped that the unquiet elements which have threatened so seriously to disturb the public peace may soon subside and be remembered only to be deplored.
STERLING PRICE,
Major-General Missouri State Guard.
WM. S. HARNEY,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
SAINT LOUIS, MO., May 24, 1861.
Honorable SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War:
The four regiments assigned to Missouri for three years' service can easily be raised; but the order requiring two-thirds of the officers to be
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are at Ironton, or in the vicinity, and the remainder of the regiment will proceed there as soon as it is fully organized. General McClellan has also placed the remainder of General Pope's brigade at the disposal of General Lyon. No more troops will be called for at present, but there may hereafter be occasion for a large force, with artillery and cavalry, in the southeastern counties.
As soon as General Lyon's plan of campaign developed itself the secessionists in the southeast began to organize their forces. They have hitherto been met, as well as possible, by expeditions from Cairo and from this place, and by Home Guards organized and armed under General Lyon's authority. These expeditions were necessarily confined to temporary visits to disaffected regions, and have accomplished little. The whole of the southeast requires permanent occupancy by our troops, as it contains more enemies than any other portion of the State. Apart from this, information has been and is received here daily from different sources, including the reports of our own scouts, who have gone as far as Pocahontas, Ark., that our disloyal citizens are being armed with Baton Rouge muskets, brought up the White River, and troops from Tennessee and Arkansas are concentrating in the vicinity of the State line. These reports differ as to numbers, but agree in all other important particulars. It is apparent that the enemy design an invasion of the southeastern portion of the State with a considerable force, and rely upon the inhabitants of the swamp counties for active co-operation. The country in the lower part of Scott County and in Stoddard, Dunklin, Mississippi, Pemiscot, New Madrid, and Butler Counties is what is known familiarly as the "earthquake country," having been turned from prairie into swamp land by the earthquake of 1811. It is a country as difficult to overrun, if held by hostile people, as the Florida Everglades, and the bear-hunters of that region will be hostile the moment that an advancing column of the rebels enters it.
The troops sent to Cape Girardeau and to Greenville are not designed to enter the swamp country, but to hold the approaches by which an advancing enemy must pass, and to overawe and to keep down the organization of hostile bands of our own citizens, as well as to encourage, organize, and distribute arms to those who are loyal. Time will show how much this force will have to be increased. There is no occasion for immediately re-enforcement. I will send a communication upon another subject by this mail.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHESTER HARDING, Jr.,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Missouri Volunteers.
SAINT LOUIS ARSENAL, MO., July 7, 1861.
General L. THOMAS,
Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: I wish to call your attention to a matter which needs speedy action on the part of Congress.
Before the call for the Convention which met in this State on February 28th last, citizens of Saint Louis organized and partially armed themselves with the intent to hold the city and county true to the Government, without regard to the remainder of the State.
In addition to furnishing troops for four regiments of volunteers, who entered the service for three months immediately after the President's
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CAIRO, July 26, 1861.
Colonel HARDING, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General:
Five steamers were to leave Memphis last night to take troops from Randolph to New Madrid. Union City troops are under orders to cross Mississippi. If they fail to assail us, Ironton and Cape Girardeau will need re-enforcements. Colonel Marsh has no battery. I have none to spare and no transportation to intercept rebels. I am of opinion that Bird's Point is their destination.
B. M. PRENTISS,
Brigadier-General.
ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE WEST, Numbers --.
Springfield, Mo., July 26, 1861.
In consequence of reports of seizures of persons and property not authorized, nor consistent with the purpose and policy of the General Government, the following orders are given:
The persons and property of all law-abiding citizens will not be molested, and it is intended this exemption shall apply to all persons, whatever may be their private opinions, who remain peaceful and quietly pursue their avocations, and who do not take nor excite others to take an attitude of hostility to the General Government. The exception here indicated has reference to such persons as are exciting others to acts of rebellion, and are themselves in arms against the General Government, and any seizure of their property will be made only upon proper authority, and will have reference solely to the means of disarming and depriving them individually of power for mischief, and not to the injury of families or the wanton destruction of property.
In cases of necessities of the service, where private property is seized or pressed into the use of the Army, the sanction of the commander on the spot must be given, and the property either paid for or a certificate of the seizure and a statement of the price due given.
The cases of plundering, wanton destruction of property, and disregard of personal rights, of which the general commanding has heard with pain, have been disgraceful to our troops, a violation of his own orders, and contrary to the purposes of the General Government. In thus expressing his disapproval of such conduct of the unscrupulous members of his command, he declares his determination to use all possible means to suppress it, and calls upon all not subject to this imputation to use all their exertions to this end, and all officers are enjoined to adopt the needful measures of vigilance and rigor to correct this evil.
By order of General Lyon:
J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Acting Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE WEST,
Springfield, Mo., July 26, 1861.
Colonel CHESTER HARDING, Jr.,
Adjutant-General Missouri Volunteers, Saint Louis Arsenal:
Your order relative to the State Journal meets with the general's approbation. The general would like you to join him as soon as you can be spared by General Fremont. No doubt General F. will need you for
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STATION GREENFIELD, MO., July 27, 1861.
Brigadier-General LYON, Commanding, Springfield, Mo.:
DEAR GENERAL: Another scout has returned from the southwest, and reports that bodies of the Confederate troops are in the vicinity of Carthagee, Sarcoxie, Bowers' Mills, and some other points, apparently moving north. He learned from some of these men that McCulloch had moved east in the direction of Cassville, and that Rains was moving north, and that the intention was to move on Springfield and attack it on the west and south. He also learned that if any movement was made upon them by your command that they would receive you with masked batteries. My impression is, however, that their movements are more for provisions and forage than anything else at this time. They are sweeping all before them as they advance. Some forty-seven families, driven from the vicinity and below Carthage, passed through this place on yesterday. They give startling accounts of the depredations that are being committed by the rebels as they return. I will start a train of twelve or fifteen wagons with wheat for Springfield to-morrow morning. I shall have to get material for making sacks before I can have it ground. The material is not to be had here, nor in Melville. I will send an order for it to Springfield by the train. We shall be able in a few days to forward considerable quantities. I sent a squad of my men out on yesterday and started a machine. The owner was somewhat contrary, and I concluded to assist him, in my way. All is working smoothly. I learn to-day I can have the sacks made as soon as I get the material. Then, if necessary, I will start one or two secession mills in addition to what will grind willingly. Unless I hear of something important from bellow to-night, I will look up another machine to thrash wheat to-morrow. I have a man in Rains' camp at this time. When he returns I will report. We are scouting the country as far west as Lamar and south to the rebel camp.
In haste, I have the honor to be your obedient servant, & c.,
CLARK WRIGHT,
Captain Dade County Mounted Home Guards, Commanding.
WASHINGTON, July 27, 1861.
JOHN C. FREMONT:
What disposition was made by you of the arms which you purchased in Europe? We are without information on that point, which is very desirable. Please answer at once by telegraph and by letter. Send an invoice of the articles.
WILLIAM H. SEWARD.
QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, July 27,, [29?], 1861.
Honorable SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:
SIR: I inclose a telegraphic dispatch from General Fremont to Postmaster-General Blair, just received from the Postmaster-General. He says that to save Missouri, now in a critical condition, the public service urgently demands three times the amount of Major McKinstry's (the quartermaster) last requisition. That requisition was for $ 353,761.
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souri, the blame does not rest here; all requisitions have been promptly met here, and the officers have been instructed to spare no effort and means of their department is aiding to the extent of their power General Lyon's movements.
I gave to General Fremont, in addition to Major McKinstry, Captain T-, who I fear from what I have since been told is not as prudent as zealous. I take it for granted that General Fremont leaves estimates of pieces of supplies to his quartermaster, and when I find, as Quartermaster-general, that the pierces are probably too high, it is my duty to the Government and to General Fremont, as well as to this Department, to say so. At the same time, I understand that there may be reasons of time, of quality, which induce a general to order a purchase at a higher rate, and while I communicate to the quartermasters information as to the ruling prices of horses-the market rates-I called upon the Treasury to send all the money he asked for.
Tell General Fremont that no man more than myself desires to sustain him; no one is more ready to take a responsibility to assist him, and that he has, in my opinion already the power which you say ought to be conferred upon him by the President. Whatever a general commanding orders, the subordinates of his staff are by regulations compelled to do, if possible.
If General Fremont orders Captain Turney to pay $1,000 for an ax, Captain Turnley will be supported by this Department in obeying. The propriety of such a payment, however, will be between General Fremont and the Government.
The general is charged with saving the country. The country will be very careful to approve his measures, and will judge his mistakes, if any, very tenderly if successful. Success crowns the work, and let him spare no responsibility, no effort, to secure it, and above all let him not take in ill part what is done with a sincere desire to assist him, and let him not estrange friends by too hastily finding fault with their counsels.
All the requisitions for money for Missouri have been promptly passed through this office; the delay, if any has occurred, is at the Treasury Department, which has allowed the Department to fall in debt in Cincinnati and Philadelphia, each about a million of dollars, for clothing and camp equipage.
There are wagons making in Cincinnati, which Captain Dickerson will send to Saint Louis if wanter; those made at Milwaukee I ordered to Saint Louis long ago. A number of wagons were ordered to be made in Saint Louis, and authority give to Major McKinstry to provide all that might be required for moving the armies of that department.
In regard to advertising and delay, the law of 1861 and the regulations expressly provided that in case of public exigency supplies are to be bought in open market, as between individuals. Exercise this power. Moreover, advertisement or publish notice does not require postponing opening of binds for a month, or a week, or two days.
If forage, wagons, horses are wanted, the law, the necessity are fully met by putting a notice in the paper and purchasing as fast as offers come in-the next day or the same day; take the then lowest bid or the then most advantageous offer. The day after you will have a still better offer; take that for a portion of your supplies, and so on until you have all you need. By this system I have brought down the prices of horses from $128 to $120, of wagons from $108, since I came here, and have got abundant supplies.
These explanations will, I hope, remove many difficulties from the
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ders it equally imperative to call the army to good order and rigorous discipline.
They are reminded that the power to inflict the extraordinary severities of the now governing law is rigidly confined to few, who are to be held strictly accountable for its exercise.
They are also remained that the same necessity which requires the establishment of martial law demands also the enforcements of the military law, which governs themselves with the same sudden severity. The commanding general therefore strictly prohibits all vexatious proceedings calculated unnecessarily to harass the citizens, and also unauthorized searches, seizures, and destruction
of property, except in cases of military necessity, and for which the officer authorizing or permitting it will be held strictly and personally responsibility. All officers commanding districts, posts, or detachments are enjoined to use the umbos prudence and circumspection in the discharge of their duties. Under the circumstances a strict obedience to orders, close attention to duties, and an earnest effort to protect and to avoid harassing innocent persons is requested and expected everywhere from offices and men.
The commanding general trusts that he will find few occasions to reproach the troops. He hopes and believes that he will find many to admire and commenced them.
By order of Major-General Fremont:
J. C. KELTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT,
Saint Louis, Mo., August 31, 1861.
Brigadier General JOHN POPE, U. S. A., Saint Louis, Mo.:
SIR: Major-General Fremont directs that you proceed forthwith to Northeast Missouri and take command in person in that quarter. Please report to the general in person before you start.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. EATON,
Major, U. S. Army, and Military Secretary.
HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT,
Saint Louis, Mo., September 1, 1861.
Brigadier General JOHN POPE:
SIR: You are hereby directed to take possession, if possible, of all the specie in the banks located at Canton and La Grange, Lewis County, Mo., and send the same at once to the city of Saint Louis, under a sufficient escort, giving a proper receipt for the same to the person entailed thereto.
J. C. FREMONT,
Major-General, Commanding.
STATE OF KANSAS, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Topeka, September 1, 1861.
Major General JOHN C. FREMONT:
DEAR SIR: An effort is being made to get up a panic in our State, and I am told messengers have been sent to you representing a fearful state of things on our border. As some parties are interested to have
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SAINT LOUIS, MO., September 14, 1861.
Colonel P. E. BLAND, Ironton, Mo.:
If you have no confirmation of the advance of an enemy, so that your regiment can with safety be withdrawn from the point, you will immediately, upon the receipt of this order, bring it to this city and report yourself to these headquarters. You will direct the officer left in command to use Colonel Baker's cavalry to explore the country towards Greenville, and will direct him to furnish me with daily and minute reports. Also direct him to make use of the express engine to communicate to me any certain information of the enemy's force.
J. C. FREMONT,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT, U. S. ARMY,
Saint Louis, September 14, 1861.
Colonel T. T. TAYLOR, Commanding at Springfield:
SIR: Yours of the 8th instant,* containing an erroneous construction of my proclamation dated on the 30th ultimo, has had my attention. I understand the object of your note to be to inquire whether it was my intention to shoot the wounded who might be taken prisoners by the forces under my command. The following paragraph, extracted from the proclamation, will be strictly enforced within the lines prescribed against the class of offenders for whom it was intended, viz:
All persons who shall be taken with arms in their hands within these lines shall be tried by court-martial, and if found faulty will be shot.
The lines are expressly declared to be those of the army in the military occupation of this State. You have wholly misapprehended the meaning of the proclamation. Without undertaking to determine the condition of any man engaged in this rebellion, I desire it to be clearly understood that the proclamation is intended distinctly to recognize all the usual rights of an open enemy in the field, and to be in all respects strictly conformable to the ordinary usages of war. It is hardly necessary for me to say that it was not prepared with any purpose to ignore the ordinary rights of humanity with respect to wounded men or to those who are humanely engaged in alleviating their sufferings.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. FREMONT,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS KANSAS BRIGADE,
Camp Montgomery, West Point, Mo., September 14, 1861.
COMMANDANT OF POST, Kansas City:
We have moved this far with our limited force, clearing out front and rear as far as practicable, for the purpose of co-operating with the force under your command and the column under Colonel Peabody. We have been unable to hear anything from either column. Can you give us any information as to either column? If Peabody has been driven back, Kansas City should be largely re-enforced, and a column moved
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*Not found.
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September 27, at 5 o'clock a. m., and will reach Kansas City Sunday, 29th.
I will leave at Fort Scott Major Judson's command of about 800 men, about 100 men at Fort Lincoln, and an irregular force which I have had organized and placed in forts all along the southern and eastern border. Inclosed you will find copies of reports of the commandants of Forts Scott, Lincoln, Barnesville, and some of the forts on the southern border, by which you will see all that has transpired at those points.*
You will see by the reports I inclose that rumors are rifle that there is a force moving on Southern Kansas. If such is the case, God only knows what is to become of Kansas when we move on Kansas City.
I hope, as you have now opened communication with me, to bear from you frequently. I trust you will approve the march on Osceola and its destruction. It was the depot of the traitors for Southwestern Missouri. The movement was intended, first, to destroy the ammunition train; second, as a demonstration for the relief of Peabody; third, hoping to hear of a force moving from Sedalia; and, fourth, a covered movement I supposed we would have to make to the north. Our march east was through Papinsville, Prairie City, down the south side of the Osage, returning through Pleasant Gap and Butler to this point.
I inclose you a printed copy of a proclamation* which I have issued, which it is hoped will meet your approbation.
But for the misfortune at Lexington this part of Missouri was safe.+
J. H. LANE.
SAINT LOUIS, MO., September 25, 1861.
Honorable SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:
I have had the proper estimate made, completed this day, for a portion of the supplies and materials needed for the use of my artillery and cavalry. I have ordered the officers of the Quartermaster's Department to take immediate measures to procure the articles required. The proper estimates for funds will go forward by mail in one or two days. I have respectfully to ask that you will make arrangements with the Treasury Department, and advise me by telegraph, authorizing Captain P. T. Turnley, assistant quartermaster, to draw upon Treasury to amount of $2,500,000, payable in Treasury notes. This will enable me to continue operations most essential in this department. This estimate is exclusive of $1,700,000 estimated for some days ago, one-half of which amount is due to railroads in the West on account of military operations since the beginning of the war. I await your affirmative response to leave these headquarters to take the field.
J. C. FREMONT,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI, Cairo, Ill., September 25, 1861.
Lieutenant Colonel E. P. WOOD, Commanding Fort Holt, Ky.:
You will make a reconnaissance to-morrow towards Elliott's Mills, and beyond, if found practicable. Learn all you can of the movements
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*Not found.
+Portion of this letter omitted above appears as report of skirmish, September 22, at Osceola, Mo., p. 196.
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that the Government pay for what had been furnished to the troops in the field. It is suggested that an officer of ordnance be sent to Indianapolis to inspect the arsenal and ascertain the amount expended in the manufacture of ammunition, with a view to reimbursing the State.
Left Indianapolis October 16 for Louisville, Ky., where we arrived at 12.30 o'clock p. m., and had an interview with General Sherman, commanding the Department of the Cumberland. He gave a gloomy picture of affairs in Kentucky, stating that the young men were generally secessionists and had joined the Confederates, while the Union men, the aged and conservatives, would not enroll themselves to engage in conflict with their relations on the other side. But few regiments could be raised. He said that Buckner was in advance of Green River, with a heavy force, on the road to Louisville, and an attack might be daily expected, which, with his then force, he would not be able to resist, but that he would fight them. He was well as citizens of the State said that the border States of Kentucky must furnish the troops to drive the rebels from the State. His force then consisted of 10,000 troops, in advance of Louisville, in camp at Nolin River, and on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad at various points; at Camp Dick Robinson, or acting in conjunction with General Thomas, 9,000; and two regiments at Henderson, on the Ohio, at the mouth of Green River. (See paper Numbers 14) D. On being asked the question what force he deemed necessary, be promptly replied 200,000 men. This conversation occurred in the presence of Mr. Guthrie and General Wood. The Secretary replied that he supposed that the Kentuckians would not in any number take up arms to operate against the rebels, but he thought General Sherman overestimated the number and power of the rebel forces; that the Government would furnish troops to Kentucky to accomplish the work; that he (the Secretary) was tired of this defensive war, and that the troops must assume the offensive and carry the war to the fire-sides of the enemy; that the season for operations in Western Virginia was about over, and that he would take the troops from there and send them to Kentucky; but he begged of General Sherman to assume the offensive and to keep the rebels hereafter on the defensive. The Secretary desired that the Cumberland Ford and Gap should be seized, and the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad taken possession of, and the artery that supplied the rebellion cut.
Complaint was made of the want of arms, and on the question being asked, "What became of the arms we sent to Kentucky?" we were informed by General Sherman that they had passed into the hands of the Home Guards, and could not be recovered; that many were already in the hands of the rebels, and others refused to surrender those in their possession, allerging the desire to use them in defense of their individual homes if invaded. In the hands of individuals and scattered over the State these arms are lost to the army in Kentucky. Having ascertained that 6,200 arms had arrived from Europe at Philadelphia, 3,000 were ordered to Governor Morton, who promised to place them immediately in the hands of troops for Kentucky; the remaining 3,200 were sent to General Sherman at Louisville. Negley's brigade, at Pittsburgh, 2,800 strong, two companies of the Nineteenth Infantry from Indianapolis, the Eighth Wisconsin, at Saint Louis, the Second Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers, at Pittsburgh, and two regiments from Wisconsin were then ordered to Kentucky, making in all a re-enforcement of about 10,000 men.
We left Louisville at 3 o'clock p. m. for Lexington, accompanied by General Sherman and Mr. Guthrie, remained there a few hours, and
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on Sunday, and had not been in since. The other says he left yesterday. Our men agree in saying that several thousand were advancing on Charleston, but a neighbor, who left an h our or more after them, says but 700 had arrived in the town when he left. Captain White had sent to you for re-enforcements, but, as we cannot second any attack from this point, they had better not advance. I will try to hear definitely and truthfully from Bird's Point to-morrow. A spy, just in from Scott County, reports that at noon there were no men in Commerce, but 300 in Hamburg and 300 in Benton. They have six guns with them. If you would allow me to suggest, I would that this is not the point for a depot until after Commerce or Cape Girardeau is taken. I shall have sufficient store room for you. Tippen's regiment and two companies of Mississippians are at Jones' Ferry, and I have only 20 men towards Charleston. To-morrow I hope there will be one of your officers here to act in conjunction with me, and that the horses of your cavalry will be sufficiently rested to take their turn at picket duty. If the force represented be at Bird's Point we cannot be too vigilant. I have requested the Tennessee cavalry to start at daybreak towards Charleston, to cover us in that direction.
Yours, most respectfully,
M. JEFF. THOMPSON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
CAMP SIKESTON, MO., August 14, 1861-10.30 o'clock.
Brigadier General GIDEON J. PILLOW, C. S. A., New Madrid, Mo.:
DEAR SIR: Yours of this morning is at hand. I will have a wareroom prepared. I had taken the depot myself, but you shall have the largest to be had in the village. I had sent the Mississippi cavalry and Colonel Tippen's regiment to the point you indicated in your letter before I heard from you. Waugh, with his men and the Tennessee cavalry, has returned. The shots were exchanged by the cavalry pickets, and both parties ran. I will give my men a good lecture. My men are doing finely at Charleston, as you will see by the inclosed note. I am not strong enough to hold Charleston, and therefore will let my men fall back, according to written instructions. If the horses of the Tennesseeans were not tired, I would send over and drive the enemy into Bird's Point, which we could easily do, as we have them frightened. I will send over some men to cover the retreat.
Yours, respectfully,
M. JEFF. THOMPSON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
P. S.-If you will let me, I will try to take Commerce to-morrow. It is a strong point, and will cut off communication as effectually as Cape Girardeau.
CAMP SIKESTON, MO., August 14, 1861-11 p.m.
Major J. H. MILLER,
Commanding Mississippi Cavalry, Jones' Ford, Mo.:
DEAR MAJOR: Yours of to-night is at hand. I agree with you that the bait is very tempting, and that time is a great object in our movements against Hamburg and Commerce; but we are entirely too weak to hold these positions, if we took them, until to-morrow night, and
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days General Pearce and myself received a latter from General Price, written by Brigadier-General Parsons, from near the Osage River, to the effect that he was trying to form a junction with the other brigadier-generals, Slack and Rains; that the governor of the State was with them; that they were endeavoring to march towards the southwest part of the State, and were pursued by General Lyon in the rear, whilst Colonel Sigel was in front. I at once rode over to General Pearce's headquarters, and we agreed to march into Missouri, to id the governor in cutting his way through his enemies, whilst Colonel McRae, of Arkansas, was ordered to go at once to Fayetteville, raise all the men possible in that neighborhood, and make a demonstration on Springfield by the Telegraph road. This maneuver was well executed, and had the effect of causing General Sweeny, then in camp at Springfield, to recall that portion of his force on its march to join General Sigel.
It would be well to mention here that the military board of Arkansas had instructed General Pearce to co-operate with the forces under my command. At this time we loaned General Price some 615 muskets, with ammunition for the same. On the next morning my mounted men, under Colonel Churchill, reached us by a forced march, and we entered the Sate of Missouri for the first time, and formed a junction with General Price, it being the 4th of July.
My command consisted of Colonel Churchill's regiment of mounted riflemen, and General Pearce's of Colonel Gratiot's regiment of infantry, Colonel Carroll's regiment of mounted men, and battery under the command of Captain Woodruff. We marched as rapidly as possible, expecting to attack the forces under Colonel Sigel at Neosho, but learned with the governor of the State, leaving over 100 men at Neosho, who were captured by the regiment under command of Colonel Churchill, aided by Captain McIntosh, my adjutant-general. That night our whole mounted force reached that point, and after halting an hour or two resumed our march, and met Governor Jackson before 12 m., at the distance of 20 miles.
After a conference, the Missouri generals concluded not to pursue the enemy, but to repair to the southwest corner of the State and organize their forces, as many of them were not formed into companies or regiments.
Having accomplished the object for which we entered Missouri-viz, to assist the governor in cutting his way through the enemy-General Pearce and myself repaired to our camps and went to work to organize and drill our forces, advising General Price to the same course. Very soon we learned that General Lyon had arrived in Springfield with some 10,000 men, and at the same time were well aware of the scarcity of supplies among the Missouri forces and of the disposition of some to leave General Price in consequence. In a word, the country he occupied was too poor to sustain him, and he was compelled to advance or disband his forces. After a conference with General Pearce, I went to General Price's headquarters, and offered to aid him in every possible way, even to marching on Springfield, which was agreed upon.
I am particular in giving these details, hoping they will counteract the effect of the report so often circuited to my injury that I was not willing to assist Missouri.
It will be borne in mind that I was assigned to the Indian Territory, with instructions to defend it from any quarter, and up to and long after this had no other instructions. Consequently I did what was done at my own risk, not knowing that my Government
would approve my conduct.
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through the bushes at this end of the causeway, they proceeded across the causeway until they were approaching the farther end. They were ordered to haled by a voice behind the bushes. At the second command he stepped out and fired. The shot was promptly returned, and my whole command started forward on a double-quick. Two men were seen running to the left of Little Bull Island, and several were heard to run forward and to the right. We then proceeded cautiously through the hedge at the farther end of the causeway into the open field, and deployed skirmishers right and left to the hedges, while a party took a double-quick for the next causeway. Sentinels were placed at each end of the second causeway, and the third causeway crossed in the same cautious manner. When we got through the bushes to the shore of Broad River it was evident that two boats had just left the beach, and their wake was visible on the surface of the still water. One very large wake was seen, very rough in its center, and the sound of wheels turning in the water could be heard beyond Mackay's Point. Company B was left in detachments at the Trescott house, first causeway, and negro houses.
The pickets heard a noise in the field beyond the marsh to the left of the road before the firing, and the negroes' dogs, which are usually very noisy at the least stir, were not heard to bark. We examined the field to the left of the road, and could find numerous tracks in the soft mud between the cotton rows. The tracks of a bare foot were also seen, supposed to be the track of a negro guide. Tracks in the field south of the negro houses were observed going both east and west, presumed to have been made by the rebel party having turned out into the field to avoid the negro houses and the dogs.
Went he attacking party appeared on the farther end of the first causeway they were halted by the picket three times. At the third command they discharged a whole volley at the pickets. The pickets fired their pieces, and continued to load and fire whenever a rebel could be seen.
Fires were seen on the main-land in the field west of the fort, as if there might be a small encampment there. It might be fire in the woods.
Nothing else of interest occurred.
Respectfully,
G. Z. DIMOCK,
Captain, Commanding at Seabrook.
Major OVERTON.
FEBRUARY 11, 1862.-Occupation of Edisto Island, S. C., by the Union forces.
Report of Colonel Henry Moore, Forty-seventh New York Infantry.
HDQRS. FORTY-SEVENTH Regiment N. Y. S. V. TROOPS,
Edisto Island, S. C., February 15, 1862.
SIR: Pursuant to Army Regulations, page 104, paragraph 716, I take the earliest opportunity to inform you, both by letter and by chart, of the occupation of this island by the force under my command.
Pursuant to Special Orders, No. 69, I was ordered by General T. W. Sherman, of the expeditionary corps, to proceed to this point, on North Edisto River, and establish this post. After some reconnoitering I miles located myself at this place, known as Point of Pines, only 25 miles from Charleston. The enemy are all around us. By the aid of light-draught gunboats, which I am expecting daily from Port Royal, to keep them at bay, if troops sufficient, say at the most 10,000, could
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it was but a few minutes until the firing ceased along our whole line. In about an hour afterward most of our troops were withdrawn from the field, and I was directed by you to close in toward the road on my right and remain in a state of vigilance during the night, occasionally firing a shot into the forest in front of me. About 11 o'clock you directed me to withdraw and take the road leading to the James River. I accordingly did so, and arrived at this point about 6 o'clock the next morning, July 2.
In the action of the day previous I met with no casualties, but on the march back one of my caissons breaking was unfortunately lost.
On the morning of July 3 the enemy, taking position with artillery on the high ground (now our front), commenced shelling the low ground, which was occupied by our troops. They also threw with great precision a score or so of war rockets. I was directed to prepare my battery for immediate action, and was in a few minutes afterward directed to report to General Smith, who ordered me up to the front, now occupied by the right of our line. Here I came into battery about 1,500 yards from the enemy's positions and opened fire, and in a few minutes drove the enemy away. I remained at this point until the 5th instant, when, being relieved by another battery, I returned to the camp of the Artillery Reserve.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNumbers C. TIDBALL,
Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding Light Company A.
Lieutenant Colonel WILLIAM HAYS,
Commanding Brigade Horse Artillery, Army of the Potomac.
Numbers 99. Reports of Captain James M. Robertson,
Batteries B and L, Second U. S. Artillery, of the skirmishes at and battle of Williamsburg, skirmishes at New Kent Court-House and New Bridge, battle of Gaines' Mill, engagement at Turkey Bridge, and battle of Malvern Hill.
CAMP NEAR NEW BRIDGE, VA., June 4, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to report that I marched from Camp Winfield Scott at 10.30 o'clock a. m. Sunday, May 4, 1862, in command of Batteries B and L, Second Artillery. Taking the road to Williamsburg, I arrived (about 4 o'clock p. m.) at the edge of the woods near the enemy's batteries in front of Williamsburg. By order of the general commanding my battery was placed in position in rear of and only a few yards from the woods. Several of the enemy's shot falling in my battery, and having no opportunity to reply, I was ordered to retire and take a position on the opposite side of the field.
About 12 m. the 5th I was ordered to report to General Smith, and was placed in position in a wheat field, and remained till dark, at which time I was withdrawn.
On the evening of the 6th I was detached from your brigade, and reported to General Stoneman for duty with the advanced brigade of the army, and remained on this duty until the 31st of May, 1862, when the battery returned and joined the Reserve Artillery, under the command of Colonel Hunt. During the time the battery was with General Stoneman's column it performed the following service and marches:
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my appeals and gathered large squads of men. Seeing the revel cavalry forming in line in the field on the left of the woods which they had taken possession of, and having little confidence in the men, I set them to cheering, when the enemy, thinking, perhaps, we had been re-enforced, retired, and we crossed the bridge in good order.
On Monday night, the 30th ultimo, we lay on our arms near where I had previously posted my men, where an attack was anticipated on our right. On Tuesday morning, being unable to find General Morell, and learning that the enemy was approaching, I marched my command to the front and was about to deploy them as skirmishers, when General Porter came along, and he approving my suggestion, I posted them in front of the batteries, where they remained all day, receiving and repelling the enemy's skirmishers, and received the rebel infantry in the afternoon standing firm and firing with great rapidity and coolness until the enemy's line was within grape-range of our artillery, when they fell back with the Fourth Michigan, firing constantly.
At this period it became necessary to have re-enforcements, and a the request of the commanding officer of the Fourth Michigan, Lieutenant Colonel W. Y. W. Ripley, of my regiment, went back and got two regiments, first the Twelfth New York and afterward the Fourteenth New York, which arrived just in time to save the left wing. Lieutenant-Colonel Ripley behaved with great bravery and coolness. The same may be said of my whole command, with a few exceptions, including the companies on detached service, as I have learned from the general commanding. Companies C and G were in General McCall's division, and were in the engagement at Mechanicsville, and covered the retreat on the morning of the 27th. They were also in the battle at Gaines' Mill. Companies A and D helped to cover the retreat in Smith's division Company H in Richardson's, and Company B in Hooker's.
My men have all been in several engagement and are almost wornout, but are in good spirits.
One officer and 7 men killed; 4 officers and 131 men wounded; 13 men missing; 14 men left sic in hospital.
Respectfully,
H. BERDAN,
Colonel, Commanding U. S. Sharpshooter.
Captain R. T. AUCHMUTY.
[Indorsement.]
Colonel Berdan was not in the fight at Gaines' Mill. What occurred far to the rear near the bridge I do not know of my own knowledge, but I have every reason to believe this statement is highly exaggerated. I refer to the statement marked thus. (*).
GEO. W. MORELL,
Brigadier-General.
Numbers 114. Report of Captain George G. Hastings,
First U. S. Sharpshooters, of operations June 29-July 1.
HDQRS. CO. H, FIRST Regiment U. S. SHARPSHOOTERS,
Camp at Harrison's Point, Va., July 5, 1862.
SIR: In obedience to the order of the general commanding division, requiring reports from commanding officers in this division of the sev-
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During the engagement all the men behaved remarkably well.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
JOHN B. HYDE,
Lieutenant, Commanding Battery E, Massachusetts Artillery.
Captain WEEDEN,
Chief of Artillery, General Morell's Division.
Numbers 118. Report of Lieutenant Henry W. Kingsbury,
Battery D, Fifth U. S. Artillery, of the battles of Gaines' Mill and Malvern Hill.
CAMP AT HARRISON'S LANDING, VA.,
July 5, 1862.
SIR: In obedience to orders I report as follows as to the service of Battery D, Fifth Artillery, since the 26th ultimo:
At noon on that day orders were received to pack camp equipage and send the wagons to General McClellan's headquarters. One teamster deserted his charge; the mules were lost, the wagon destroyed by order of Captain Tidball, of the artillery. Later on the 26th I was ordered to follow Brigadier-General Griffin, then on the march toward Mechanicsville. Being misled as to his route I did not find him, but reached the cross-roads near Mechanicsville just after sundown, and took position in an open field, supported by regiments of Brigadier-General Martindale's command-this with the assent of Brigadier-General Morell, commanding division.
On the 27th, at 2 a.m. I returned, by order with General Martindale over the same route by which we had advanced. A little after sunrise I halted near Gaines' Mill and reported to Brigadier General F. J.
Porter. He ordered, "Stand still and await further orders." These I soon received from yourself, viz: "Cross the bridge and follow General Griffin's brigade." This I did, and parked near Tait's house. Soon, by your order, I went into battery in a position commanding a wide stretch of the valley of the Chickahominy. In the afternoon I received orders from General Porter to move to the right of General Griffin's brigade. These were immediately countermanded. Later, through Lieutenant Monteith, General Porter sent me an order to move quickly to the right of our line and report to General Sykes, if I could find him; if not, to go and act at my own discretion, as a regiment would be sent to support me. I reported to General Sykes. He held the battery, with its support (the Twelfth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers), in reserve.
Lieutenant-Colonel Buchanan, of the Fourth Infantry, asked, in conversation, "If the battery would support his troops should the enemy attempt a flank movement upon them?" I replied, "Certainly." General Sykes not being present at the time, seeing what I thought the enemy's preparation to attack, I brought forward four pieces and placed them on the right of two pieces of Captain Edwards' battery, already in position. I opened fire with shrapnel on the enemy's artillery and infantry-effect satisfactory. After two hours the last fierce charge of the enemy was made. I ordered up my remaining two pieces. Immediately in front of the battery the enemy did not emerge from the woods, being prevented by our canister. On our left the infantry were
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and adjutant-general of General Morell, and he showed me the position which the orders indicated. General Griffin was already there with part of his brigade. I passed Butterfield's brigade on the road. My lines were all formed and I had sent out pickets. I knew that there was a force of our troops still in our front, and soon Couch's division went forward to relieve it.
At about 10 o'clock at night I received information from General Porter that he did not expect me to go so far to the front and not farther than the position held by Butterfield's brigade, but he sent me no orders. I then withdrew my command about half a mile, but still in advance of Butterfield's brigade. We had parted from our transportation, tents, and food back at White Oak Swamp on Sunday morning. This night the men had to forage for food, and although firing had ceased, pigs were squealing wherever they could be found in our vicinity. The Thirteenth New York Regiment had a full day's ration of hard bread on hand, and they generously divided with the First Michigan, which regiment had been twenty-four hours without rations.
Morning came, July 1. We got intelligence from our wagons, and had sent around to us a quantity of sugar, coffee, and hard bread. This was a great relief. It was quite along in the forenoon, when the rear guard of the day before retired, and Porter's corps and Couch's division were left to cover the front. I think it was full noon when the battle opened. The firing was in northeast direction from us, toward Couch's division, which was on our right. Under orders from General Morell I moved my brigade forward and formed in line of battle by battalions at half distance. They were slightly covered by ground rising in front. The Second Maine Regiment was on the right; the Thirteenth New York was on the left. I directed them to lie down. Griffin's brigade was in front, still farther on the left, where we had a couple of batteries. Butterfield's brigade was immediately in my rear.
The battle was now an affair of artillery, and none of Porter's corps had yet engaged the infantry. Couch, however, was pressed severely on the right, but held his ground. I had encountered artillery before, but now it opened as I had never yet seen it. It was obvious that the whole Army of the Potomac was resting there for safety on the steadiness of the portion of it which was then confronting the enemy. I went along the line of my regiments and told them my dispositions for battle, and reminded them that a retreat would be annihilation. It would be better to face the enemy to the last than to retire-that there was no Washington to fall back upon, as at Bull Run; no Chickahominy to cross, as at Gaines' Mill. We must be victorious or perish. That statement of the case was trued, and the men knew it and appreciated it.
During the progress of the cannonading my men were held inactive. I saw repeatedly the wounded rise from their places and retire to the shelter of a bank to our left and rear (which place was selected for a hospital), and those that could not go without aid borne by comrades, who deposited them with the surgeon, and promptly and quietly returned to their places. In this position a number of men were killed and were borne away in like manner, and the places thus made vacant were immediately closed again. Without contrasting the quiet, steady, resolute courage of my brigade with any other engaged that day, I am sure that no other furnished finer exhibitions of fortitude and heroism than my men displayed. At length the enemy ceased their cannonading. There was a calm, but the storm burst again speedily. I had directed the Second Maine to the right,to be in readiness to support Couch. I
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Sergeant Carr, of Company E, fell at the head of his company, which he commanded this day. Over one-half of the rank and file fell manfully battling for their country's rights.
To attempt to particularize where all showed so much gallantry would be invidious and might do some injustice. The loss sustained is a sufficient record. Before the action commenced Colonel Gove gave orders to lay aside knapsacks, blankets, haversacks, not to be encumbered with anything, and when the regiment left they had to leave everything behind, even to tin-cups, plates, knives and forks, and spoons. The Twenty-second was among the very last to leave its position. Night was at hand, and it was too late for the enemy to get batteries into position. All had been effected that was desired. Artillery trains, stores, &c., were across the Chickahominy, passing over Woodbury's [Alexander's?] Bridge. Nothing remained but to remove the wounded and cross the troops, which was done in perfect order. Across the Chickahominy, behind the center of the Army of the Potomac, the regiment collected its shattered fragments together, a little less than 300 effective men, without a field or staff officer, the men without tents, haversacks-nothing save what they stood in. There I assumed command, and I was ably assisted by Captain D. K. Wardewell and Sergeant Major Benson, who acted so adjutant.
About noon Saturday, June 28, I received orders to march the regiment to Savage Station, which I did. Here I was prostrated with a severe attack of chills and fever and rheumatic pains. I lost no time, but placed myself under the surgeon's care. The command of the regiment now devolved upon Captain D. K. Wardwell. At Savage Station a short halt was made. The regiment was ordered to move on, passing through White Oak Swamp, at the farther side of which, upon some high rolling lands, the regiment encamped for the night. Early next morning, Sunday, June 29, the regiment moved forward toward James River, passing over a dry and waterless country, the weather exceedingly hot. The men were suffering for all the necessaries of a soldier's life-food, coffee, haversacks, &c. A halt was made at night where no water could be obtained, no coffee made, and the sufferings of our men can better be imagined than described. I hope that no troops will ever again have to endure all the privation that the Twenty-second endured during the past eight or ten days. All was borne without much murmuring-borne as heroes alone can bear their burdens.
Monday morning, June 30, at 3 o'clock a. m., moved again. After marching a few miles water was discovered, a halt was ordered, and all that could made coffee. Another forward movement of some miles brought the regiment in the vicinity of Turkey Bend, where a halt of some hours was made. Soon the regiment received orders to return to Malvern farm, a high plateau of land some 2 miles back. After reaching this place the regiment lay in column of division and upon their arms for the night.
Tuesday, July 1, about 11 o'clock a. m., a forward movement of about 1 mile was made. Here they were subject to a very heavy and severe cross-fire from the enemy's artillery. Here we lost some 8 men. captain Wardwell moved the regiment forward about 400 yards and deployed to support a battery, which they did firmly and steadily. Orders soon came for the regiment to move forward to support the first line of battle, which was being pressed very hard by the enemy. The regiment moved to its position and opened fire by file, using up their
20 R R - VOL XXI, PT II
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rectly over the Eighty-third Pennsylvania. The engagement was spirited and lasted some forty minutes, when the enemy retired behind the hills with great loss.
At 2 o'clock in the afternoon the enemy came on again and was again repulsed with still greater loss, this engagement being of about the same duration. At 6 o'clock he renewed the attack, and for an hour and a half the battle raged fiercely along our entire line. The enemy was evidently in greatly superior numbers. Brigade after brigade of fresh troops poured down upon us from the opposite hills, but at about 7.30 o'clock the enemy gave way on our front and inclined to their left, bearing down, in overwhelming numbers upon General Martindale. Our men were beginning to fire to the right oblique, when the right of my regiment was broken by the First Michigan Volunteers falling back through it. General Martindale's brigade having fallen back, the enemy occupied the hill on our right where General Martindale's brigade had been posted, and was evidently designing to cut us off. The Eighty-third had filed out of the ravine to our left and taken position out of the woods on our rear. Some of the companies on the right of my regiment were in disorder, owing to the First Michigan breaking through our lines, and I was rallying them at the time Major Barnum called my attention to the fact that our regiment was alone and that were we nearly surrounded. I gave the order to fall back. A portion of the regiment on the left formed on the right of the Eighty-third and Forty-fourth and returned again into the woods, under the direction of General Butterfield, and checked for a while the advance of the enemy, and afterward fell back under the command of Major Barnum, Captains Randall, Fowler, and Hoagland, and crossed the Chickahominy above Woodbury's Bridge. The other portion of the regiment gathered around the colors, Captains Wood and Huson rallying them, and until 1.30 o'clock served as a support to a battery at How's house, when by order they crossed the Chickahominy at Woodbury's Bridge. I was with this portion of the regiment.
Our loss in this engagement was 11 killed, 66 wounded, and 54 missing. The whole battle and all the movements of our regiment were under the immediate supervision of the general, whose soldierly, confident bearing as he rode along our lines gave encouragement and spirit to my entire command, and I can hardly give any information in regard to the conduct of the officers and the men not already known to him, as he witnessed the behavior of all, but I cannot omit to say that the officers generally behaved handsomely and were constantly encouraging their men to a vigorous fight. The gallantry of Major Barnum gave life and spirit to all. Captains Randall and Hoagland, though sick in camp (our devious march had brought us back near to camp), hearing the firing, joined the regiment and did good service in the engagement and retreat. Captains Wood, Huson, and Fowler, Lieutenants Estes, Behan, Auer, and Smith acted bravely. There were many instances of real bravery exhibit by the non-commissioned officers and privates, but I cannot mention them by name now, but will do so when appointments are to be made.
Allow me here to mention with approbation the conduct of Quartermaster--Sergeant Hilton, who, after riding up and down the ranks encouraging the men, dismounted, took a musket, went into the ranks, and did good service as a soldier. It gave me great pleasure to notice the gallant conduct of Major Welch, of the Sixteenth Michigan who held his men steady under the hill in rear of the woods, and who after
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ground easily swept in its whole length by both our artillery and musketry.
The battle, which had opened on the extreme left about 11 o'clock in the morning, had slowly rolled along our front and reached our position about 1 o'clock, when Warren's skirmishers were driven in. When Warren found he was about to be closely engaged, he sent his chaplain to request me to support him on his right flank with my regiment. I had put my regiment in motion, when I received an order from Colonel Buchanan to support a section of Edwards' battery, then moving to take position in my front. I accordingly halted the Twelfth about 80 yards in rear of the section and ordered the men to lie down. We were soon exposed, to a heavy fire of artillery, which my men bore without flinching for three-quarters of an hour, when the section was withdrawn and joined its battery.
I had hardly regained the position first occupied by my regiment when I saw Warren's brigade advancing to the attack in line of battle. Seeing there was danger of his right being overlapped by the enemy, I was moving the Twelfth to his support when I received the order to charge. As I was still 600 yards from the enemy, and not wishing to exhaust my men before getting into close action, I ordered them to shift their arms to the right shoulder, and then marched them in line and in quick-time.
In the mean time Captain O'Connell brought the Fourteenth Infantry handsomely into line on my right, while the battalion of the Tenth and Seventeenth, under Major Andrews, moved down to fill the interval between my left and the right of Warren's brigade. When within easy distance of the enemy these three battalions, taking the double-quick step, with a cheer dashed at the enemy, who, not waiting for us to close, gave way and field disorder across the marsh and into the woods beyond. The rebels, now sheltered by the woods, opened on us an enfilading fire of grape, canister and musketry, which forced me to fall back and occupy the old position, the Fourteenth forming line to my right, and both regiments facing the woods. We held this ground until near 7 o'clock, when the extreme left of our line, near Gaines' Mill, had given way and was being forced back behind our center and right. At the same time the enemy was strongly re-enforced in our front and was crowding through the woods in overwhelming numbers.
The Fourteenth now fell back in good order to the road, where our second line was forming. As my men were partially sheltered by lying down behind a low ridge of ground I determined to hold my position as long as possible, in order to give the second line time to form. My regiment was now without support on either flank, and I soon became satisfied that I must either give ground or see my battalion surrounded, cut to pieces, or captured. I therefore warned my men that the enemy were close upon us and that they must be cool and aim low. When the rebel regiment immediately in my front was within 50 yards I gave the order to rise and fire. My men poured in one close, withering volley. I then gave the order the order to face about and fall back at the double-quick and to rally in the road behind the second line. I had been twice wounded, and while in the act of rallying my men in the road I felt faint from loss of blood and was assisted to McGehee's house, only a short distance off, and which was used as a temporary hospital. While lying there I witnessed the most desperate fighting of the day. The First and Second Brigades of the regular division had rallied in the rear of Weed's, Tidball's, and Kingsbury's batteries and the out-buildings of McGee's house, and they held the position, in spite of the
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of Company H; Color Sergt. John H. Berrian, of company D; Color Corpl. George L. Guthrie, of Company D; Color Corpl. Leon Olivia, of Company B (killed); Orderly Sergt. Patrick Gilligan, of Company A; Private James E. Macbeth, of Company H; Sergt. Thomas R. Martin, of Company D; Sergt. John H. Reilley, of Company D; Corpl. John McKenna, of Company D; Corpl. Wiliam H. Scruder, of Company D; Corpl. Joseph H. Pierce, of Company D; Orderly Sergt. John Frie, of Company E; Sergt. John S. Raymond, of Company E; Orderly Sergt. Wiliam McDowell, of Company G; Private Wiliam F. Mandeville, of Company F (killed); Orderly Sergt. Andrew Whitehead, of Company H; Sergt. Wiliam Chambers, of Company H; Corpl. John Keeney, of Company H; Private James J. Robinson, of Company I; Private George McGeehan, of Company E; Drummer-Roy Robert Daley, of Company D. We went into action about 450 strong.
Dr. O. Munson, assistant surgeon, remained with the sick and wounded at Savage Station, and no doubt fell into the hands of the enemy. He is the officer reported missing. Of the missing enlisted men some are supposed to have been wounded and left on the field, and all are supposed to have been taken prisoners.
After leaving the battle-field we proceeded to near Woodbury's Bridge, where we bivouacked, and remained until 3 o'clock Saturday morning 28th, when we crossed the Chickahominy, and remained supporting the artillery defending the passage of the stream until about 5 p.m. We then proceeded in the direction of savage Station, marching all night, crossing the White Oak Swamp on the morning of the 29th, and halting on the Charles City road, where we remained until Monday morning, 30th, watching the Charles City road in the direction of Richmond. Monday morning took up the march, and halted about noon at Turkey Creek, near James River. Here we took a position on the Richmond road along the river.
At about 3 o'clock p.m. the enemy appeared in force of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, the latter opening fire upon us. We prepared to give them battle, advancing our skirmishers along the edge of the woods, when the enemy, being fired upon by the gunboats and artillery on our right, retired. We remained on the ground that night, and in the morning were re-enforced by a section of artillery. About noon the enemy's force of cavalry and infantry again made their appearance, advancing along the Richmond road. we opened fire upon them from our battery, and succeeded, in driving them back. They afterward appeared several times during the day, but were as often driven back. In this position we were very much exposed, shells often falling inside our lines. The entire regiment remained on picket that night till 1 o'clock Wednesday morning, July 2, when we marched through a cold and drenching rain to near Harrison's Bar, where arrived and bivouacked about 5 o'clock p.m.
During all these trying scenes the men under my command have maintained a spirit of cheerfulness and determination, yielding none of their discipline or soldierly pride.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. DURYEA,
Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Fifth New York Volunteers.
Lieutenant A. S. MARVIN, Jr.
Fifth N. Y. Vols., A. A. A. G., Third Brigadier, Sykes' Div.
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musketry and at a practicable distance for support of any part of the field.
My line of battle was formed in the following order from right to left: On the extreme right were seven companies of the Second Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, Lieutenant-Colonel McCandless; then six companies of the First Rifles, Major Stone; next the Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, Colonel Simmons; then the Eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, Colonel Hays; then the Tenth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, Colonel Kirk; then the Tenth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, Colonel Jackson, and the Twelfth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves on the extreme left. Meade's brigade, in reserve, consisted of the Third Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, Colonel Sickel; the Fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, Colonel Magilton, and the Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, Colonel Harvey. Easton's battery of four 12-pounder guns and Kerns' battery of six 12-pounder howitzers were also held in reserve.
The Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, Lieutenant-Colonel McKean, had been detached some days before days before, and was at Tunstall's railroad station, while the Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, Colonel Gallagher, was on picket along the Lower Chickahominy. These two regiments were consequently thrown out of the engagement, except that the Eleventh was brought forward on the morning of the 27th, and was under fire for a short time before being withdrawn.
At about 3 p.m. the enemy's lines were formed in my front and the skirmishers rapidly advanced, delivering their fire as they approached our lines. They were answered by my artillery and a rather general discharge of musketry.
At this moment I rode along the front of several of the regiments, and I remarked in the animated and cheerful countenances of the men the promise of that brilliant success which they so nobly achieved in the sequel. In a few moments afterward the enemy, commanded by General Robert E. Lee, boldly advanced in force under a heavy artillery fire and attacked my position from right to left. I however, was not long in discovering that his principal effort was directed on my extreme right, whereupon I ordered Kerns' battery to that point, and at the same time moved forward Sickel's regiment (Third) to support it. Here for a long time the battle raged with great fury. The Georgians rushed with headlong energy against the Second Regiment, only to be mowed down by the steady fire of that gallant regiment, whose commander soon sent to the rear some 7 or 8 prisoner taken in the encounter.
The enemy now for a time retired from close contest on the right, but he kept during the whole day a heavy general fire of artillery and infantry, which, with the rapid reply of the Reserves, was at times one unbroken roar of a stunning depth. After a time, however, a heavy column was launched down the road to Ellison's Mill, where a determined attack was made. I had already sent Easton's battery to General Seymour, and I now moved the Seventh Regiment down to the extreme left, apprehending that the enemy might attempt to turn that flank by crossing the stream below the mill. Here, however, the Reserves maintained their position and sustained their character for steadiness in splendid style, never losing a foot of ground during a severe struggle with some of the best troops of the enemy, fighting under the direction of their most distinguished general. For hour after hour the battle was hotly contested, and the rapid fire of our
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About sunset I was ordered to the right, and I can bear testimony that the ground held by the center of your division when the battle opened was held by your troops in the face of a large force of the enemy long after dark.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROY STONE,
Colonel One hundred and forty-ninth Regiment Pa. Vols. late Major First Rifles.
[Extract from the report of Captain J. Cuthbertson, commanding Ninth Pennsylvania Reserves (temporarily).]
WASHINGTON, November 4, 1862.
General GEORGE A. McCALL:
GENERAL: * * * This regiment was at the commencement of the action of June 30 placed in support of Cooper's battery. The enemy consumed a couple of hours in a number of ineffectual attempts to take this battery, several times charging up within a few yards of the guns, but each time driven back with great slaughter.
About 6 o'clock this regiment was ordered to the left, the enemy apparently making headway there, leaving other troops to support the battery. When the enemy on the left was repulsed we were moved to the rear of Cooper's battery, which had just been taken by the enemy.
The regiment was ordered to retake the battery, and the men advanced, cheering lustily, to the attack, although it was in possession of a superior force and was defended with great vigor. A hand-to-hand struggle ensued; muskets were clubbed and bayonets were used; the enemy was driven from the guns, fleeing in great confusion, our men after them to the road. Here our men were with difficulty halted, I having to catch hold of the color-bearer to stop him.
The regiment then fell back. Soon afterward a body of the enemy several times our number came up and were at once engaged, our men behaving with a valor and heroism that could not be surpassed. Though not over 50 yards separated us and officers and men fell rapidly under the terrible fire, not a man faltered. In a few minutes a musket-ball passed through both my thighs. It was then nearly dark, and as I was carried off I could see my gallant comrades were still maintaining the unequal contest with a recklessness of life that astonishes me when I now calmly reflect upon it.
As near as I can estimate it was about fifteen minutes before 8 o'clock when I was wounded. I was the senior captain, and temporarily in command of the regiment at the time. This regiment during this battle was not at any time in rear of the line of battle adopted by you.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN CUTHBERTSON,
Senior Captain, Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves.
[from Colonel Biddle Roberts, commanding First Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves.]
General GEORGE A. McCALL:
DEAR GENERAL: * * * The brigade to which my regiment was attached June 30 was under command of the late lamented and gallant Colonel Seneca G. Simmons and held a position near the center of your line, and you will remember that soon after the action commenced I received a personal order from you to advance the regiment to the support of Kerns' battery, which was at once done. From this position I had a view of portions of the three brigades of the division. We received two distinct charges from the enemy, which were repulsed successfully. We suffered severely, but fought on to the close of the day. * * *
Very truly, yours,
R. BIDDLE ROBERTS,
Commanding First Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves.
[Extract from report of Colonel John H. Taggart, commanding Twelfth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves.]
WASHINGTON, November 18, 1862.
General GEORGE A. McCALL:
GENERAL: * * * My regiment on the 30th June was assigned a position by yourself on the left of your division. Shortly afterward General Seymour made a change, posting six companies in a breastwork of logs hastily constructed and four companies as a support to two 20-pounder guns of the Dutch battery. At 5 p.m. a sudden and vigorous attack was made on my left and front. My men opened fire on the advancing foe, but the charge was so impetuous that after a short hand-to-hand struggle, in which many men were killed and wounded, the six companies fell back
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I make no account of the artillery of Brigadier-General Whiting's division, for though this command was at the time part of your force it had but recently joined, and I was unacquainted with any of the officers of his batteries, of which latter I did not know the composition, and so judged it best that I should leave the management of this artillery to Brigadier-General Whiting entirely.
On Monday, June 30, we crossed the Chickahominy at Grapevine Bridge and moved toward White Oak Swamp, which we reached about 9.30 a.m. At this point the swamp was crossed by a trestle bridge, which the enemy had just fired, while it was commanded by their guns from the opposite hill, and all approach to it prevented by their sharpshooter, who were concealed in a thick woods near by. After examining the ground, I found it possible with a little work to open a way through the woods to the right of the road on which we advanced, by which our guns could be brought, unseen by the enemy, into position behind the crest of the hill on this side, about 1,000 yards from the enemy's batteries and some 1,200 yards from their infantry. Seven batteries [in all twenty-three guns] were accordingly ordered up from Major General D. H. Hill's division. Having met their names, and can only mention the batteries of Capts.t. H. Carter, R. A. Hardaway, G. W. Nelson, A. B. Rhett, James Reilly, and W. L. Balthis [the last two belonging to Brigadier-General Whiting's division] as being of the number.
About 1.45 p.m. we opened suddenly upon the enemy, who had no previous intimation of our position and intention. He only fired four shots in reply and then abandoned the position in extreme haste and confusion. A house near by [afterward found to have contained subsistence stores] was first either fired by themselves or by our shell and burned down. Captain Wooding's battery was immediately ordered down nearer to the burned bridge to shell out the sharpshooters from the woods, which was soon accomplished, and our cavalry crossed the swamp.
It was then found that the enemy was bringing up a considerable artillery force to take position on the opposite side of the road to his former place and directly opposed to our guns, from which he would be concealed by a thick intervening wood. Captain G. W. Wooding's battery was therefore withdrawn and our batteries turned in the new direction. The enemy soon opened on us with about eighteen guns, I think, and we replied, though it was extremely difficult to estimate the distance, as the enemy's guns were entirely concealed from view and our only guide was the sound, while our exact position was of course known to him. His fire was rapid and generally accurate, though the nature of the ground afforded us such shelter as to protect us from much loss. The effect of our own fire could not be estimated until we crossed the swamp next day, when there were palpable evidences of its having been much more destructive than that to which we were subjected, This engagement lasted till dusk without intermission.
We lost no guns or carriages disabled or captured. The enemy had a caisson exploded, and abandoned a traveling forge, battery wagon, 10-pounder Parrott gun, and three caissons, which fell into our hands uninjured next day, besides a good many wagons, mostly filled with small-arms ammunition.
The behavior of the officers and men was excellent, but all the former being strangers to me I mention no names, lest I do injustice to others. Several I observed particularly from their coolness and judgment,
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[Inclosure Numbers 1.]*
JUNE 28, 1862.
Major-General MAGRUDER:
SIR: My line is formed to the left and somewhat to the front of General Cobb. The enemy seem to be in large force in front of my right, and are or have moved a little to their right. I do not think it prudent for me to attack him with my small force, unless there be a simultaneous attack all along our lines. I will keep a good lookout on my left. I had hoped that Jackson would have co-operated with me on my left, but he sends me word that he cannot, as he has other important duty to perform.
Respectfully, &c.,
D. R. JONES,
Brigadier-General.
[Inclosure Numbers 2.]
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
-----
--, 1862.
Major-General MAGRUDER:
I have joined General Longstreet at the intersection of the New Market, Charles City, and Quaker roads, and wish to know how far you have progressed en route to this point.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE.
[Inclosure Numbers 3.]
Major-General MAGRUDER:
GENERAL: I sent my aide and guide some time ago to take you by the nearest route to New Market road and by going down that road to join General Holmes in front of that. Please hurry as much as possible. General Holmes has been expecting you a long time and is in much need of you.
Most respectfully,
JAMES LONGSTREET,
Major-General.
P. S.-If you cannot get your artillery leave it, and sent to me from New Market for such as you want. If you have not the guide, move the troops by General A. P. Hill's, and take the right hand after getting into this.
[Inclosure Numbers 4.]
Testimony of S. B. Sweeney.
I am an enlisted man, member of Henrico Southern Guards; was a citizen of Henrico County; am twenty-three years of age; was born and raised, and was at the time of entering the service living at Sweeney's Tavern, about 13 miles from Richmond, and in the vicinity of Malvern Hill, and near the Quaker road; know the country intimately, having frequently hunted every foot of ground in that vicinity.
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*Inclosure Nos. 1-5, 7, 8, and 12 were submitted with original report; Nos. 6 and 11 transmitted to Adjutant and Inspector General's Office for file September 9, 1862; Nos. 9, 10, and 13-26 added in War Records Office.
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have heard from other sources. I would be glad to have you communicate the same to Washington. I have crossed the Chickahominy at Bottom's Bridge. Am making four bridges there, and constructing a rough tete-de-pont. Shall do the same at the other bridges before advancing in force to the attack. My headquarters are now about 3 miles from New Bridge. I except a desperate battle against superior force, but am so place that I have no choice but to give it, and trust to my own resources to overcome the difficulties. Will your position permit you to assist me by garrisoning Yorktown, Williamsburg, and White House? It would be a great obligation.
GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
Major-General.
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS THREE MILES FROM NEW BRIDGE,
Cold Harbor, May 23, 1862.
Honorable E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:
We are hard at work at Bottom's Bridge, building four bridges and covering the debouche. Are now reconnoitering New and Meadow Bridges. Have my communications well covered and everything well in hand.
GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, May 23, 1862 - 11.45 p. m.
General E. D. KEYES:
The general commanding directs me to say to you that it is probable the part of the army here will cross the Chickahominy to-morrow or the day following, and he regards it as a matter of importance that you should push forward your advance to-morrow to the Seven Pines, spoken of in my dispatch of this evening.
The general is much surprised that a deserter from the rebel army, who gives his name as James A. Beale, and states that he gave himself up to your pickets on the 17th instant, has not been sent to these headquarters until to-day.
This man communicates important information, which should have been made known before. You will please take steps to have all persons that come within your lines from the enemy in future sent at once to these headquarters, after obtaining from them such information as relates to the movements of the enemy immediately in your front, which should not consume more than third minutes' time after he reaches your headquarters.
R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff.
GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
No. 127. Camp near Cold Harbor, Va., May 23, 1862.
Each brigade commander will detail daily two companies, under a field officer, to march in rear of the brigade train as a guard. The field officer will be responsible that the train keeps closed.
If trains meet on the roads, those advancing toward the enemy will pass first, and those going to the rear will halt, if there is not room to
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left at Bethel, and Winston's regiment left at Harwood's Mill. The line of Warwick is being fortified rapidly by a large number of negroes.
The Virginia is expected out in a day or two. Her first object, it seems to me, ought to be certainly to prevent the passage of the enemy's transports and gunboats up James River, except the Ericsson [Monitor], which it is not expected she can prevent, as she draws very little water and can elude the Virginia.
I think the enemy may fear for Fort Monroe, but having such an immense force will endeavor to march up the Peninsula, and by aid of the Ericsson will endeavor to obtain Jamestown Island if he is continued to be opposed by a force so small as mine.
I presume McClellan cannot advance in consequence of the state of the roads and for other reasons. If it were possible, therefore, to throw 30,000 here from the army of the Manassas line, 20,000, making 30,000 in all with mine, with our knowledge of the country, we could crush the enemy, and perhaps with the assistance of the Virginia take Fort Monroe; and if Norfolk should fall into the hands of the enemy in the mean time, with the guns in our batteries spiked, which I do not think at all probable, we could retake it with the aid of the Virginia perhaps, and vanquish or at least expel Burnside.
Not knowing what has taken place elsewhere I do not know if this can be done, that is, whether troops can be withdrawn from other points, but I presume that it could be, at least for a short time, and I have little doubt that I could be able to throw troops across Back River down opposite Hampton, and thus cut off the enemy now around Newport News from that place; but 30,000 men is the least that this ought to be attempted with, leaving out the necessary garrisons, some 4,000 men. Such large re-enforcements having already arrived of horses and men at Old Point and Newport News, as well as supplies of hay and provisions the Virginia ought to first prevent the passage of a fleet of transports and gunboats up James River before she takes her place on the outside of Fort Monroe, as I recommended yesterday, and the sooner she is at her post at Sewell's Point the better, as the enemy may be ready now to send their vessels up James River, where she cannot follow them.
The present Secretary of War is so well acquainted with the localities here that I desire to have this letter laid before him.
I wrote the other day with respect to cavalry re-enforcements, the enemy having so large a preponderance in that arm. One of these companies is ready at Fredericksburg, being sent there to recruit. There are said to be some about Richmond, and Lieutenant-Colonel Goode wrote me of one large company already formed in a county the name of which I have already sent you [Buckingham County probably]. My letter will explain itself.
I beg leave to recommend the arming of cavalry with lances and shot-guns, if to be had. The former can be made by any carpenter and ordinary blacksmith in any neighborhood and rapidly and in any number, and in my opinion more efficient than the saber. Without the shot-guns they would be as powerful in a charge as with them. They could be held in reserve until wanted.
If heavy re-enforcements are to be sent here I would like to know at once, that I may throw up fortifications at points which, if we should not want them ourselves, it is extremely important that the enemy should not hold, such as from Langhorne's Mill to Bethel, and from Young's to Harwood's Mill, which are almost impregnable if held by a sufficient number of troops, but entirely untenable unless so manned.
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General McDowell here stated that he did not want the record of yesterday interfered with. The record had been read and approved.
The witness continued:
I spoke about Gainesville when I really meant Buckland Mills---
General McDowell stated that he would like to have the record of yesterday read over.
The witness continued:
And therefore, as I was not allowed yesterday to make remarks about the record, I wrote this correction down here.
Question by the COURT. Has the witness anything more to say on the point as to whether it was two hours after sunrise when he so left?
Answer. I cannot answer this question directly, because I do not know how long it took me to reconnoiter the country before me, but I admit that it was 7.30 o'clock when I was at Gainesville and sent this dispatch.
Question by General MCDOWELL. How long did you remain at Gainesville after you sent the dispatch?
Answer. I do not know exactly how long.
Question by General MCDOWELL. Was it an hour or two hours, or half an hour; cannot the witness give some idea of the time?
Answer. I cannot really say whether it was half an hour or two hours. I believe it was rather half an hour than two hours. I only waited for General Milroy to bring in all his pickets and come into marching order. This was the reason why I personally remained at Gainesville, if I did so.
Question by General MCDOWELL. Did General Milroy's brigade constitute your advance?
Answer. Yes.
Question by General MCDOWELL. How long were you away from Gainesville in your personal reconnaissance on the Centreville road? How far did you go? Who did you see?
Answer. I went forward on all the roads leading to Manassas Junction and Centreville; and, as much as I remember, it was my escort that met the enemy's pickets and reported to me the fact. I do not exactly know how far I went and I myself did not see the enemy, but received the report on the road by my cavalrymen.
Question by General MCDOWELL. What report did your escort make to you?
Answer. They reported to me that they saw some of the enemy's cavalry pickets on the road to Centreville.
Question by General MCDOWELL. Is that all the report you received on that occasion?
Answer. I received another report a little afterward from a part of my cavalry which I had sent to the right into the woods that they had met the enemy's cavalry in that direction.
Question by General MCDOWELL. Were these two reports all that witness received?
Answer. This is what I remember now in regard to this particular moment.
Question by General MCDOWELL. As these reports of his cavalry scouts were all he received, how did the witness acquire the knowledge be reported of the enemy's train being between Fairfax and Manassas Junction? How as to Anderson's having apparently taken the northern road from Thoroughfare Gap? How that the main force seemed to be still at Manassas Junction?
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General McDowell stated he had no more questions to ask on the Cross-examination.
By the COURT. Have you information of any matter or thing not within your personal knowledge, and not testified to by you, tending to show misbehavior or want of proper qualifications in General McDowell as a general officer, and which information, in your judgment, deserves the consideration of the court? If you have such information will you communicate it in writing to the recorder for the consideration of the court and the names of witnesses by whom the facts may be established.
Answer. I would like time to consider this question. If there is anything will communicate it in writing to the court.
The witness here asked the court if he had authority to lay before the court such papers as related to the evidence given by him and whether he could correct such portions of his evidence as his papers suggest to him.
The court propounded the following question to the witness: It there any portion of your cross-examination in respect to which you desire to make any explanation? If so, you can now make it.
Answer. I would like to read over my evidence to-day and will make these explanations to-morrow. my explanations will be very short.
Captain ULRIC DAHLGREN, additional aide-de-camp, U. S. Army, a witness, was duly sworn.
Question by the COURT. Were you a staff officer on the staff of General Sigel during the month of August last?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question by the COURT. Were you present with General Sigel on the march of his corps from Gainesville toward Manassas on the 28th day of August last?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question by the COURT. Were you sent by General Sigel with any oral or written message to General McDowell on that march; and, if so, what was that message?
Answer. I was. General Sigel sent me to General McDowell for more definite instructions, having previously received orders to halt where he was and form line, with his right resting on the railroad. We were then about a mile on the Manassas Railroad from Gainesville. I went back, and found General McDowell about a mile or a mile and a half to the rear of where we then were. He was then sitting under a tree, with a large map before him. I stated to him that an aide had just come to General Sigel with an order to halt where he was and form line, with his right resting on earl Sigel with an order to halt where he was and from line, with his right resting on the railroad, and that General Sigel wished more definite instructions. General McDowell replied that he had not sent any order to halt nor any order since the one directing him to proceed to Manassas. I then asked, for my own information, so that I could explain it better, at what point at Manassas we should form. General McDowell replied, "Let General Sigel Fight his own corps," emphasizing the word fight. As I was about leaving General McDowell added that General Sigel should be particular to take the nearest road to Manassas, showing me on the map a road which went to the right and near the railroad, distinguished from the road which, I believe, passed by Milford, to the right and south of Milford, and by Bethlehem Church also.
Question by the COURT. What was the manner of General McDowell when he said General Sigel should fight his own corps?
Answer. I would hardly call it angry; it was somewhat irritated or somewhat indifferent as to what might happen to the corps.
Question by the COURT. Did you encounter the enemy on that day and where?
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general order received that morning to move my division toward Manassas, but the details of the order have escaped my memory. As I remember the order was verbal.
Question by the COURT. On your route that day did you meet General McDowell; and, if so, where?
Answer. I think I saw General McDowell twice at least on that day; on the morning before we marched at or near Buckland Mills, and in the afternoon I think 2 or 3 miles to the right of the Warrenton turnpike, in the direction of Bethlehem Church. My impression is this was about 4 o'clock in the afternoon.
Question by the COURT. Did you receive an order changing the direction of your division that afternoon; and, if so, what was that order?
Answer. I received an order from General McDowell turning my division back to the Warrenton pike, with instructions to march to or toward Centreville, and with the caution to look out for my left flank. This was at the time of the last interview I had with General McDowell.
Question by the COURT. Was this order communicated to you by General McDowell in person, by an aide, or in writing?
Answer. My recollection is that it was a verbal order, communicated through, an aide on the general's staff; yet I have the impression that it was the general himself who cautioned me to look out for my left flank.
Question by the COURT. Was or was not the place of this interview, at the point described by you, in the immediate neighborhood of Bethlehem Church?
Answer. No; my recollection is that it was nearer to the Warrenton turnpike than to the Bethlehem Church considerably.
Question by the COURT. Did you turn back to the pike or proceed toward Bethlehem Church?
Answer. We went back to the pike and marched along it.
Question by the COURT. Do you then mean to be understood that you did not go to the immediate neighborhood of Bethlehem Church?
Answer. My first impression was that we went to the Bethlehem Church. Since recalling my last interview with the general I am now under the impression that I went no nearer to the Bethlehem Church than the place of interview.
Question by the COURT. Did you encounter the enemy after returning to the Warrenton pike and where?
Answer. Near Groventon, on the left of the pike. I think the engagement commenced about 6 o'clock.
Question by the COURT. How long did the engagement last?
Answer. I judge about and hour and a half.
Question by the COURT. What was the result of it?
Answer. The attack of the enemy was repulsed and my troops maintained possession of the ground. We collected our dead and wounded. The severity of the action you can judge from the fact that the Second Brigade of my division, under General Gibbon, consisting of four regiments, numbering about 2,300 men, assisted by two regiments from Doubleday's brigade, were engaged in the action. Gibbon's brigade lost in killed, wounded, and missing about 782. The entire loss of Gibbon and Doubleday was about 1,000.
Question by the COURT. How long did you retain possession of the ground, and when you moved where did you go?
Answer. We remained at or near the battle-field till toward 2 o'clock on the morning of the 29th, then we fell back toward the neighborhood of Manassas Junction.
Question by the COURT. What orders or occasion had you to fall back to the neighborhood of Manassas Junction?
Answer. The falling back was in pursuance of a consultation with my general offi-
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Question by the COURT. At what time during the night of the 28th did King's division start for the point it reached during the night and at what time did it halt?
Answer. I think the moving commenced between 11 and 12 o'clock. We halted some time after daylight in the morning. I am uncertain about the time; it was after sunrise, and may have been 8 o'clock, I think the portion of the column that we were with-about the middle of the column-halted at about 8 o'clock.
Colonel ED. SCHRIVER, aide-de-camp, U. S. Army, a witness, was recalled.
Question by General McDOWELL. Can you state if General McDowell was active on the 29th of August in getting his troops on the road to Gainesville as ordered by General Pope? About what hour was it when the troops got on the way?
Answer. I answer, yes. I think they moved between 8 and 9 o'clock in the morning.
Question by General McDOWELL. Did General McDowell, after his troops had gotten on the march and had come to a halt, go forward personally to the head of General Porter's column?
Answer. Yes.
Question by General McDOWELL. Was he not engaged in consultation with General Porter at the head of the column? Was he not also occupied with General Porter in making a reconnaissance of the front?
Answer. Yes.
Question by General McDOWELL. When he left General Porter did he go rapidly back to the head of his own column? If so, state how rapidly.
Answer. I became separated from General McDowell a moment, and on inquiring where he went was told by an orderly that he had gone in a certain direction, pointing it out. He went so fast that he was out of my sight, and I therefore was unwilling and unable to follow him in the direction he went, not being acquainted in the direction
of the route. I therefore retraced my steps (my mode of coming to Porter's headquarters), and thence by the road went back to the head of our column, where I found General McDowell, and where I learned he had gone across the fields by a short cut.
Question by General McDOWELL. When he reached the head of his own column do you know if he took immediate measures to turn it off on the Sudley Springs road?
Answer. I think I saw the troops moving on that road when I got there.
Question by the COURT. What time did General McDowell turn his column on the Sudley Springs road?
Answer. It was some time in the afternoon, but I cannot tell when. I made no note of it.
Question by the COURT. How far had his column been moved by his orders during the preceding portion of the day?
Answer. I think it must have been 4 to 5 miles; probably more than that. The distance from Manassas to where he halted was probably 3 miles.
Question by the COURT. At what time did General McDowell part with General Porter?
Answer. I can't tell.
Question by the COURT. Early in the morning of the 29th at what time did General McDowell reach Reynolds' division, and how far was it from the place where he bivouacked near Springs corps?
Answer. He reached it very early in the morning. I can't tell the hour nor can I now tell the distance.
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In no case will this allowance be exceeded, but always proportionably reduced according to the number of officers and men actually present. All surplus wagons will be turned over to the chief quartermaster, to be organized, under direction of the commanding general, into supply trains, or sent to the nearest depot. The requisite supply trains, their size depending upon the state of the roads and character of the campaign, will be organized by the chief quartermaster, with the approval of the commanding generals, subject to the control of the War Department.
II. The wagons allowed to a regiment, battery, or squadron must carry nothing but forage for the teams, cooking utensils and rations for the troops, hospital stores, and officers' baggage. One wagon to each regiment will transport exclusively hospital supplies, under the direction of the regimental surgeon; the one for regimental headquarters will carry the grain for the officers' horses, and three allowed for each battery or squadron will be at least half loaded with grain for their own teams. Stores in bulk and ammunition will be carried in the regular or special supply trains.
III. In active campaign troops must be prepared to bivouac on the march, the allowance of tents being limited as follows:
For the headquarters of an army corps, division, or brigade, one wall-tent to the commanding general and one to every two officers of his staff.
For the colonel, field, and staff of a full regiment three wall-tents, and for every other commissioned officer one shelter-tent each.
For every two non-commissioned officers, soldiers, officers' servants, and authorized camp followers one shelter-tent.
One hospital tent will be allowed for office purposes at corps headquarters, and one wall-tent at those of a division or a brigade. All tents beyond this allowance will be left in depot.
IV. Officers' baggage will be limited to blankets, one small valise or carpet-bag, and a moderate mess-kit. The men will carry their own blankets and shelter-tents, and reduce the contents of their knapsacks as much as possible.
The depot quartermaster will provide storage for a reasonable amount of officers' surplus baggage and the extra clothing and knapsacks of the men.
V. Hospital tents are for the sick and wounded, and, except those allowed for army corps headquarters, must not be diverted from their proper use.
VI. Commanding officers will be held responsible for the strict enforcement of these regulations, especially the reduction of officers' baggage, within their respective commands.
VII. On all marches quartermasters, under the orders of their commanding officers, will accompany and conduct their trains in a way not to obstruct the movement of troops.
VIII. All quartermasters and commissaries will personally attend to the reception and issue of supplies for their commands, and will keep themselves informed of the condition of the depots, roads, and other communications.
IX. All quartermasters and commissaries will report, by letter, on the first of every month to the chiefs of their respective departments at Washington, D. C., their station, and generally the duty on which they have been engaged during the preceding month.
By command of Major-General Halleck:
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant-General.
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Question by General McDOWELL. What did General McDowell say or do to General Milroy?
Answer. He did not make any reply to General Milroy which could have been heard by General Milroy. General McDowell appeared perfectly willing to re-enforce General Milroy, and hesitated for about ten minutes. At that an officer came with a note for General McDowell. General McDowell having read this note, he at one gave orders to a brigade of General Porter's to advance into the woods and took active measures himself to see that was done.
Question by General McDOWELL. Did he say to General Milroy he would not help General Sigel or anything to that effect?
Answer. Not to my knowledge.
Question by General McDOWELL. Did you hear General Milroy say anything about re-enforcements for General Sigel?
Answer. I did not.
Question by General McDOWELL. Did you learn why General McDowell hesitated to send re-enforcements to General Milroy and then immediately sent them on the application of another?
Answer. The impression that I received from what I heard at the time was that he (General McDowell) did not want to take the responsibility of ordering in General Porter's troops when the commander-in-chief was on the field and in the immediate neighborhood.
Question by the COURT. You have stated that General McDowell did not make any reply to General Milroy which he (General Milroy) could have heard. State what General McDowell said at that time which you heard.
Answer. General McDowell was talking to General Porter during the ten minutes I was there, and I do not know positively the language used by General McDowell on that occasion. General McDowell appeared desirous of supporting General Milroy, and he was talking to General Porter about the arrangement of his troops in order to effect that. After having read that note General McDowell said, "Now I have authority; now all is right; let us go in." That was spoken with a great deal of animation.
Question by the COURT. You have stated that you thought General McDowell did not wish to order any of General Porter's command to support General Milroy. Had not General McDowell any portion of his own troops there with which he could have re-enforced General Milroy?
Answer. No, sir, not at that spot; General Reynolds' troops were in the woods and were coming out, and were mostly without ammunition.
Captain J. De W. CUTTING, aide-de-camp, U. S. Army, a witness, was duly sworn.
Question by General McDOWELL. What is your rank and what duty were you upon on the 30th August last?
Answer. I was captain and additional aide-de-camp, and assigned to duty with General McDowell.
Question by General McDOWELL. Were you near General McDowell on the 30th of August last, on the occasion of General Milroy's coming to him for re-enforcements?
Answer. I was.
Question by General McDOWELL. How far was General Milroy from General McDowell when he asked him for re-enforcements. What was his manner and his state of mind, as far as you can judge?
Answer. When I first saw General Milroy he was about 15 or 20 yards from General McDowell. He was very much excited and gesticulated, having his sword drawn.
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APPENDIX.
A.
GENERAL ORDERS,
WAR DEPT., ADJT. General 'S OFFICE,
Numbers 107.
Washington, August 15, 1862.
I. Officers of the Regular Army will, as a general rule, receive leaves of absence to accept the rank of colonel in volunteer regiments, but not lower grades. Non-commissioned officers and privates will be discharged on receiving commissions in volunteers regiments.
II. The oath of allegiance will not be administered to any person against his own will; it must in all cases be a voluntary act on his part, nor will any compulsory parole of honor be received. But oaths taken and paroles given to avoid arrest, detention, imprisonment, or expulsion are voluntary or free acts, and cannot be regarded as compulsory. All persons guilty of violating such oaths or paroles will be punished according to the laws and usages of war.
III. The laws of the United States and the general laws of war authorize in certain cases the seizure and conversion of private property for the subsistence, transportation, and other uses of the Army, but this must be distinguished from pillage; and the taking of property for public purposes is very different from its conversion to private uses. All property lawfully taken from the enemy, or from the inhabitants of an enemy's country, instantly becomes public property, and must be used and accounted for as such. The fifty-second article of war authorizes the penalty of death for pillage or plundering, and other articles authorize severe punishments for any officer or soldier who shall sell, embezzle, misapply, or waste military stores, or who shall permit the waste or misapplication of any such public property. The penalty is the same whether the offense be committed in our own or in an enemy's territory.
IV. All property, public or private, taken from alleged enemies must be inventoried and duly accounted for. If the property taken be claimed as private, receipts must be given to such claimants or their agents. Officers will be held strictly accountable for all property taken by them or by their authority, and it must be returned for the same as any other public property.
V. Where foraging parties are sent out for provisions or other stores the commanding officer of such party will be held accountable for the conduct of his command and will make a true report of all property taken.
VI. No officer or soldier will, without authority, leave his colors or ranks to take private property or to enter a private house for that purpose. All such acts are punishable with death, and an officer who permits them is equally as guilty as the actual pillager.
VII. Commanding officers of armies and corps will be held responsible for the execution of these orders in their respective commands.
By command of Major-General Halleck, General-in-Chief of the Army:
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
B.
HEADQUARTERS INDEPENDENT BRIGADE, Near Fort Ethan Allen, Va., September 12, 1862.
Major T. A. MEYSENBERG, Assistant Adjutant-General:
* * * * * *
The next morning, 30th, I brought my brigade into the position as-
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public press to disseminate, and a portion of the people to accept, for a time at least, as true such absurd and unjustifiable rumors against general officers, who are thereby disarmed of power and influence essential to the complete performance of their important duties.
It is to be hoped that the public misfortunes entailed by such calumnies will in future lead to greater circumspection and secure for patriotic and meritorious soldiers more considerate treatment from the American press and people.
In the opinion of the court the interests of the public service do not require any further investigation into the conduct of Major-General McDowell.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, February 21, 1863.
The ADJUTANT-GENERAL:
The facts and opinions of the Court of Inquiry in the case of Major-General McDowell, having been submitted to the General-in-Chief, are herewith returned with his order in the case.
Respectfully,
J. C. KELTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJT. General 'S OFFICE,
No. 88. Washington, February 23, 1863.
* * * * * * *
VII. The Court of Inquiry, convened by Special Orders, No. 350 and 362, series of 1862, to investigate certain charges and accusations against Major-General McDowell, having completed its investigation, and reported that in its opinion the interests of the public service do not require any further investigation into the conduct of Major-General McDowell, is hereby dissolved.
VIII. Major-General McDowell will report for duty to the Adjutant-General of the Army.
By command of Major-General Halleck:
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant-General.
MARCH 20, 1862.-Reconnaissance to Gainesville, Va.
No. 1.-Report of Brigadier General Israel B. Richardson, U. S. Army.
No. 2.-Report of Brigadier General Oliver O. Howard, U. S. Army.
No. 1. Report of Brigadier General Israel B. Richardson, U. S. Army.
HEADQUARTERS RICHARDSON'S DIVISION, March 21, 1862.
DEAR SIR: General Howard returned last night after dark from his reconnaissance. He reached Gainesville with his infantry, and pushed
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there a short stand. Again the enemy unmasked two brass pieces, which at last drove us by their vigorous fire back; but I caused the captured gun to be tipped over, so that the enemy, in regaining it, could not drag it away.
The Fifth Ohio and Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania threw themselves once more with fixed bayonets forward, the formed losing four times in a few minutes their standard-bearer. Captain Whitcom at last took the colors up again, and cheering on his men, fell also. So Colonel Murray, gallantly leading on his Eighty-fourth. In fact, that ground was strewn with dead and wounded. General Tyler lost there his aide, Lieutenant Williamson, Twenty-ninth Ohio. I hurried back to bring up the One hundred and tenth Pennsylvania and Fourteenth Indiana by a right-oblique movement through the woods, and the enemy, receiving all the combined shock and fire, retired, and left us in possession of our dearly-bought gun and caissons. United we pressed forward again, the enemy's two brass pieces and musketry pouring in their fire into our ranks. Three companies of the Eighth Ohio re-enforcing us, we gained one brass and its caissons, and compelled the enemy to fall back. this was at 7 p. m. I moved to the right flank and caused the cavalry to go forward on the now fast-retreating enemy, when I met with 6 of Ashby's cavalry, who shot down my orderly and killed his horse, one of the bullets my cap. I was forced to use my sword to kill one of them. The cavalry captured 2340 prisoners and met only with little resistance from the enemy's cavalry.
At 8 p. m. the musketry ceased. A few more of the cannon shots from their extreme left battery were fired, so as to withdraw our attention from the retreating foe, and all was over. Our men remained on the field of battle picked up the wounded, and slept upon their arms, to awake for the pursuit of the enemy on the morning of the 24th, who fell rapidly back beyond Newtown, when at 9 o'clock of the morning of the that day Major-General Banks took command, and I reported back to you.
General, I have the honor to be ever ready to serve in this glorious body of soldiers under able leading.
Most respectfully, your obedient, humble servant,
R. C. SHERIBER,
Aide-de-Camp and Acting Inspector-General.
Brigadier General JAMES SHIELDS,
Commanding Second Division, Fifth Corps d' Armee.
Numbers 6. Reports of Lieutenant William W. Rowley, Twenty-eight New York Infantry, Acting Signal Officer.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Near Yorktown, Va., April 13, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to forward the inclosed report relative to the services of signal officers at the battle of Winchester, and the accompanying communication from Lieutenant W. W. Rowley, acting officer in charge.
The attention of the Secretary of War is respectfully called to the fact that, without recognition or notice of their services, even when rendered on the field of battle and under circumstances of exposure,
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Numbers 12. Reports of Colonel Nathan Kimball, Fourteenth Indiana Infantry, commanding First Brigade.*
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, SHIELD'S DIVISION,
Camp near Strasburg, Va., March 26, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the battle which was fourth near Winchester, Va., on Sunday, the 23rd instant, between the forces composing the division which I had the honor to command and the rebel forces under General Jackson:
Early ion the morning of the 23rd the enemy commenced the attack, advancing from Kernstown and occupying a position with their batteries ion the heights to the right of the road and the woods in the plain to the left of the road with cavalry and infantry and one battery. I at once advanced the Eight Ohio, Colonel Carroll with four companies taking the left and Lieutenant-Colonel Sawyer there companies the right of the turnpike road. Colonel Carroll advanced steadily, coming up with two companies of the Sixty-seventh Ohio, who had been out as pickets. Uniting them with his command, he drove one of the enemy's batteries which had opened a heavy fire upon him, and after a sharp skirmish routing fire companies of the enemy, which were posted behind a stone wall and supported by cavalry, holding his position during the whole day, thus frustrating the attempts of the enemy to turn our left.
The right of the Eighth Ohio remained in front until about 4 o'clock p. m., when they were recalled to support one of our batteries on the heights. The Sixty-seventh Ohio were thrown on a hill to our right to support Jenk's battery, which had been advanced to a position commanding the village of Kernstown and the wood on the right. The Fourteenth Indiana was sent forward to support Clark's battery, which advanced along the road. The Eight-fourth Pennsylvania was thrown over the hills to the right to prevent a flank movement of the enemy.
The Second Brigade, commanded by Colonel Sullivan, Thirteenth Indiana, composed of the Thirteenth Indiana, Fifth Ohio, Sixty-second Ohio, and Thirty-ninth Illinois, was sent to the left, supporting Carroll's skirmishers, a section of Daum's battery, and Robinson's First Ohio Battery, [L], and prevent and attempt which was made to turn that flank. We had succeeded in driving the enemy from both flanks and the front until about 4 o'clock p. m., when Jackson, with the whole of his infantry, supported by artillery and cavalry, took possession of the hill on the right, and planted his batteries in commanding position, and opened a heavy and well directed fire upon our batteries and their support, attracting our attention whilst he attempted to again our right flank with his infantry.
At this juncture I ordered the Third Brigade, Colonel E. B. Tyler, Seventh Ohio, Commanding, composed of the Seventh and Twenty-ninth Ohio, First Virginia, Seventh Indiana, and One hundred and tenth Pennsylvania, to move to the right to gain the flank of the enemy, and charge them through wood to their batteries posted on the hill. They moved forward steadily and gallantry, opening a galling fire on the enemy's infantry. The right wing of the Eighth Ohio, the Fourteenth and Thirteenth Indiana Regiments, Sixty-seventh Ohio, Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania, and Fifth Ohio, were sent forward to support Tyler's brigade,
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* See note, p, 334.
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Remaining in this position one and a half hours, the enemy were discovered moving in force to our right flank. Almost immediately thereafter the collision occurred between the enemy's infantry forces and that portion of our own troops occupying the extreme right. The fire becoming general along our whole right, the Fourteenth Regiment was ordered forward at a double-quick step. Having formed themselves, they eagerly pushed through a slight skirt of timber and crossed an elevation covering the enemy, during the execution of which movement a continuous fire was enemy, during the execution of which movement a continuous fire was kept up upon our lines from one of the enemy's batteries. Having crossed a depression in the ground and coming up to the summit we immediately received a terrific fire from the enemy's infantry. At this point several of our men fell wounded and 1 killed.
On our right the Fifth and Eighth-fourth Pennsylvania Regiments were hotly engaged, when the Fourteenth Indiana rushed forward, cheering at the top of this voices, our right being extended so as to form a connection with the troops in that direction, the left moving directly forward a line of stone fencing connecting with a heavy line of timber in our front. At this point of time a portion of our right wing, under the immediate direction of Lieutenant Catterson, acting adjutant, attacked and silenced the enemy's gun, heaving first received a fire from grape or canister shot at a distance short of 100 yards. This gun the enemy hastily removed under cover, with a loss of 5 or 6 cannoneers killed. The enemy's infantry then rose from their ambush in front and commenced a rapid and murderous fire upon our entire line. This part of their forces. I have been informed, was the rebel brigade known as General Loring's command. Their fire was promptly, rapidly, and gallantry returned, and for more than an hour the road of musketry upon each side was terrific, almost beyond conception; during which time Captain Kelly and Second Lieutenant Slocum, of Company K; First Lieutenant Lindsay, Of Company I captain Martin and First Lieutenant Beem of Company H, and Sergt. Major Thomas C. Bailey fell wounded while bravely sustaining and urging forward their respective commands. During this period also national and regimental color-bearers each fell wounded, when their places were promptly supplied. The bearer of the regimental colors, who had seized when the first was wounded, being also wounded, both standards were seized and for a time held up by a private of Company E.
Lieutenant Catterson, being my only mounted officer, became a conspicuous mark by his presence and activity immediately before the enemy. He had his horse killed under him, the animal receiving six balls, two of which barely escaped killing that officer. This escape from instant death is truly wonderful. The smoke from the enemy's guns and our own, together with the lateness of the evening, prohibit any mention of officer or men, if indeed such discrimination was possible when every officer and man engaged performed his duty to himself, his regiments,and country so nobly. Night closing in the rout of the enemy became general, and another brilliant victory has been chronicled and another hard blow to rebellion has been struck. The entire command lay upon their arms during the night, and for the two days next succeeding pursued the retreating the night, and for the two days next succeeding pursued the retreating enemy till a point 3 miles beyond this camp was reached, but was unable to overtake them.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
WM. HARROW,
Lieutenant Colonel Fourteenth Regiment Indiana Vols., Commanding.
Colonel N. KINBALL, 14th Ind. Vols., Commanding 1st Brigadier, Shields' Div.
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in the early part of the day with a large force of the enemy's advance guard.
At this point Company B was deployed as skirmishers on our right, and remained in that position until just before crossing the last ridge, when it joined the regiment. Moving the rest of the command in the rear of Colonel Fulkerson's brigade, in the directions of the enemy's battery, to within 300 yards of the edge of the woods, at which point the Fourth Regiment was deployed in front of the Second, I received an order from General Garnett to support it.
While waiting in this position Major [Francis B.] Jones, who had been order for the First Brigade to occupy the wooded height to our left. In getting to this range of the enemy's batteries, which pounded in a very heavy fire of shell during the whole passage.
On arriving in the wood I occupied a sheltered position with my command and went across the ridge to report to General R. B. Garnett.
Soon after my return Major Jones again ordered us forward, and after crossing the ridge the firing of musketry began on our left and front. When I reached the last woods I brought my regiment into line by the right flank, and thus advancing came into action in rear of the Thirty-third, on my left, and the Irish Battalion, on my right, about 5 p. m. or soon after. The fire from the enemy was very brisk, but I advanced some paces beyond the line at first occupied. Seeing a wall in front in possession of the enemy, my object was to get possession of it; but owing to the rapid firing of the enemy and thick undergrowth only the right succeeded in reaching it, which they held until the order to retire for nearly given, about 6 p. m. Thus the men were exposed to a severe fire for nearly an hour, during which time they did not lose an inch of ground.
I cannot to highly commend the coolness and bravery of both officers and men, and it would be invidious to draw comparisons. I will therefore, only confine myself to the field and staff officers and commanders of companies who came especially under my observation.
Lieutenant Colonel Lawson Botts and Adjutant Hunter, both of when remained mounted during the day, the first on the left and in front, the latter near me in rear, maintained the possession of the line by their coolness and courage.
Major Jones I observed frequently during the day in the most exposed positions in discharge of his duties to the major-general.
I would also highly commend the action of Captain Rowan, Nadenbush, Hunter, Butler, Colston, and Moore; that latter, through wounded,
went back to the fight; also that of Lieutenants Randolph, Burgess, Lewis, and J. B. Davis, who were in command of their respective companies; and especially would I commend the conduct of Lieuts. J. B. Davis, Company K, and R. H. Lee, Company G, each of whom, after Color-Sergeant Crist fell dead at his post, is succession advanced and raised my colors and went forward and cheered on the men until each was shot down, the first struck by a spend ball, the latter badly wounded. I would also mention most honorably the conduct of Lieutenants Hoffman, Company D, and O. S. Colston, Company E, who were both badly wounded in the thickets fight.
My list of killed and wounded is herewith appended, which under the especial providence of God, who protected us in the thickets of the fight and retreat, is much smaller that could have been expected.*
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*List tabulated on p. 384.
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Numbers 2. Report of Colonel George H. Gordon, Second Massachusetts Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, First Division.
HDQRS. THIRD Brigadier, FIRST DIV., FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
Edenburg, Va., April 3, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to report that the Third Brigade led the advance of the Fifth Army Corps in its march from Strasburg to this town, distant about 15 miles. The following was the order of advance: Five companies of the Second Massachusetts Regiment, deployed as skirmishers, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel George L. Andrews; all the disposable companies of the [First] Michigan [Cavalry], commanded by Colonel Brodhead, in all about two squadrons; Battery M, First New York Artillery, of 10-pounder Parrott guns, commanded by Captain Cothran; the Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Regiment, Colonel J. K. Murphy; the Third Wisconsin Regiment, Colonel Thomas H. Ruger.
Our march was contested during its entire route by the enemy's skirmishers, and at times, when the position was favorable, by a battery of three 10-pounder and one 24-pounder rifled guns, which opened on my advance on three different occasions: First, as I began the descent of the hill into the town of Woodstock; second, as my column was moving through the narrow passage where the turnpike runs between the North Branch of the Shenandoah on one side and high hills on the other; third, from the hills on the south of the town of Edenburd, while my column was moving into that place.
The admirable manner in which the battery was served by Captain Cothran soon silenced the enemy's guns and caused him to retire with precipitation from his strong position. We have evidences of his loss at his second stand; but as all his dead but one was removed I am unable to state the number of his killed and wounded.
Our loss was Private James Martin and Private William D. Richardson, wounded by a shell, both of Company G, Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Regiment, and Private Edward Bonney, Company I, Second Massachusetts Regiment, slightly wounded by a rifle-shot, his life being providentially saved by his belt-plate.
Many of my command were upon this occasion for the first time under fire. I cannot too highly praise their efficiency and coolness.
I inclose the report of Captain Cothran, with my further comments thereon.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. H. GORDON,
Colonel 2nd Mass. Regiment, Commanding 3rd Brigadier, 1st Div., 5th Army Corps.
Captain WILLIAM D. WILKINS, A. A. G., First Division.
Numbers 3. Report of Captain George W. Cothran, Battery M, First New York Light Artillery.
HDQRS. BATTERY M, FIRST NEW YORK ARTILLERY,
Camp Gordon, near Edenburg, Va., April 2, 1862.
COLONEL: Agreeably to General Orders, Numbers 7, Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, Battery M, First New York Artil-
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APRIL 16-17, 1862. - Skirmish at Columbia Furnace; occupation of Mount Jackson and New Market, and skirmish at Rude's Hill, Va.
REPORTS, ETC.*
Numbers 1. - Major General Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army.
Numbers 2. - Abstract from "Record of Events" in Cavalry Brigade, Department of the Shenandoah.
Numbers 1. Reports of Major General Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army.
WOODSTOCK, April 16, 1862 - 7 p. m.
An entire company, more than 60 men and horses, Ashby's cavalry, were captured this morning at Columbia Furnace, about 7 miles from Mount Jackson, by our cavalry and infantry. The capture includes all the officers but the captain. They will be sent to Baltimore tomorrow.
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General, Commanding.
Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
MOUNT JACKSON, April 17, 1862.
Our troops occupied Mount Jackson at 7 o'clock this morning, and are now in front of Rude's Hill, where the enemy appears to be in force. The people report that they intend battle there. They resisted our advance in order to gain time for the burning of bridges and railways, cars, engines, & c., that had accumulated at the terminus of the road; but our movement was so sudden, and the retreat of the rebels so precipitate, that we were enabled to save the bridges, two locomotives, and some cars. All these had been prepared with combustible material for instant conflagration. Many prisoners have been taken, and several fine horses captured from the enemy. The troops have acted admirably. They were in motion at 1 o'clock a. m. colonel Carroll's brigade, of Shields' division, led the advance on the Back road to the rear of Mount Jackson, and General Kimball on the turnpike; General Williams, with his fine division, bringing up the reserve column. We shall occupy New Market to-night. General Shields has so far recovered as to command his division in person.
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General, Commanding.
Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SHENANDOAH,
April 17, 1862.
Our troops occupy New Market to-night. There has been some artillery skirmishing, but no loss on our side. We have many prisoners.
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General, Commanding.
Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
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* See also Jackson to Ewell, April 17, in "Correspondence, etc.," Part III, p. 853.
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BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, SPOTTSYLVANIA CO.,
Telegraph Road, 14 miles from Fredericksburg, April 20, 1862.
GENERAL: I have accurate information of the force of the enemy at Fredericksburg - 5,000, eight pieces of artillery. Reports of troops landing at Aquia Creek, this not ascertained. By last accounts they had not crossed the river, but supposed to be preparing to do so. I have taken a position here favorable for a stand if I have some re-enforcement. My effective force, all told, is about 2,000. I fell back to this point in order to place the streams subject to high water between me and the enemy. My cavalry are in rear, half the distance perhaps. Give me two or three regiments of infantry and I think we may be able to make formidable resistance here to a force not much exceeding what is represented.
It is reliably ascertained that in our skirmish with them we killed some 25 or 30; their own statement to a spy. Our own loss not known to be more than 3 or 4 killed and wounded, 8 or 10 perhaps captured and scattered; most probably the latter.
Very respectfully,
CHAS. W. FIELD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Would it not be well to send the telegraph operator late of Fredericksburg to locate himself at Milford immediately and prepare for operations?
Respectfully,
CHAS. W. FIELD,
Brigadier-General.
[Inclosure.]
GENERAL: I forward note just handed by Mr. Gordon from Mr. Barton to yourself. Mr. Gordon also brings a message from Mr. Slaughter (at 5 p. m. yesterday). He had had an interview with Augur, who states that he (Augur) has three brigade (13,000 men) with him, and that McDowell brings twelve more (25,000 men). I have sent the company to Guiney's with full instructions to report to you and me. Your note to station a picket at Chancellorsville just in. Will do so. Some hours previous to its receipt had sent Captain Crutchfield, who knows the country well, in charge of a scouting party to that point. Will report when he arrives.
Everything quiet on our front so far. Have taken and shall take every possible precaution within my power to guard against surprise.
Respectfully,
J. E. JOHNSON,
Colonel, Commanding Ninth Virginia Cavalry.
[Indorsement.]
These papers are just received. I send them for the information of the general commanding.
C. W. FIELD.
[Sub-inclosures.]
FREDERICKSBURG, April 19, 1862.
GENERAL: You have been advised of the proceedings of the mayor and council, our resolutions, and an appointment to meet General Augur, commander of brigade, & c.
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MAY 6, 1862-Skirmish near Harrisonburg, Va.
Report of Major General Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army, and congratulations from Secretary of War.
NEW MARKET, May 7, 1862.
The Fifth New York Cavalry had a sharp skirmish with Ashby's cavalry yesterday near Harrisonburg. They made a succession of most spirited charges against superior numbers, killing 10, wounding many, and capturing 6 rebels. Their conduct gave the highest satisfaction. Their chief weapon was the saber. The enemy does not show himself except by cavalry. We shall make most vigorous efforts to discover his position. His chief object will doubtless be to prevent a junction of forces on this line with General McDowell.
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General.
Honorable E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
WAR DEPARTMENT, May 8, 1862.
Major General N. P. BANKS, New Market, Va.:
Your account of the repulse of Ashby's cavalry yesterday is received. The New York Fifth Cavalry, by their bravery in the skirmish and the promptness and spirit with they improved the advantage they gained over the enemy by pursuing and cutting them up, merits praise.
The enemy on the Peninsula have evacuated Williamsburg and continue retiring, but where they intend the next making the next stand is not yet ascertained.
P. H. WATSON,
Assistant Secretary of War.
MAY 7, 1862.-Skirmish at and near Wardensville, W. Va.
REPORTS.
No. 1.-Major General John C. Fremont, U. S. Army.
No. 2.-Lieutenant Colonel Stephen W. Downey, Third Maryland Potomac Home Brigade Infantry.
No. 1. Report of Major General John C. Fremont, U. S. Army.
HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD,
Franklin, May 20, 1862.
Lieutenant-Colonel Downey, sent to Wardensville after the party of guerrillas who murdered a party of officers, zouaves, and convalescent soldiers on their way from Winchester to Moorefield, reports that he killed Captain John Umbaugh, chief of guerrillas, and 3 of his men, wounded 5, and took 12 prisoners, without losing any of his command.
J. C. FREMONT,
Major-General.
Honorable E. M. STANTON.
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This regiment fell back as far the base of Cloyd's Mountain, 10 miles from Dublin Deport, Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. When this occurred I was at the White Springs, preparing to withdraw the forces on the James River and Kanawha turnpike to some point at or near the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, which was rendered necessary in consequence of the abandonment of the Virginia Central Railroad by the withdrawal of all the rolling stock on that road west of Staunton, thus cutting off my source of supplies. At that time I did not know whether my force on the James River and Kanawha turnpike could render better service by re-enforcing General Jackson or strengthening the force defending the approaches to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. I wrote and telegraphed General Lee on this subject. On receiving his telegram on the 5th instant I proceeded with all dispatch to strengthen my force covering the approach to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad at Dublin Depot. As soon as the forces were united I determined to attack the enemy at Giles Court-House and try and retake The Narrows of New River.
On the night of the 9th instant orders were issued to this effect: I divided the command into two brigades and a reserve, the first consisting of the Forty-fifth Virginia Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Peters), Otey's battery, and one company of the Eighth Virginia Cavalry, under Colonel Jenifer, and the second composed of the Twenty-second Virginia Regiment (Colonel Patton), Chapman's battery, and one company of the Eighth Virginia Cavalry, under Colonel McCausland, the reserve consisting of fragments of three companies and two mountain howitzers, under Captain Vawter.
We marched at 10 p.m., and discovered the enemy's mounted pickets about 2 1/2 miles from the Court-House. The pickets were driven an and hotly pursued. On reaching a point within 1 mile of Giles Court-House we found the enemy occupying a ridge running from the main road to the mountain (a strong position), sheltered by a fence.
Colonels Jenifer and McCausland, as previously ordered, deployed their commands, the first to the right of the main approach to the Court-House and the second to the left. This was done in handsome style. The battle then commenced by Otey's, Chapman's, and Lowry's artillery opening upon the enemy, the infantry steadily advancing under a line of skirmishers. When within a few hundred yards of the enemy's position, with a determined should, the force simultaneously charged, driving the enemy before them. The enemy retreated beyond the town of Pearisburg (Giles Court-House), when he made a second stand, but was soon dislodged. He disputed with us a series of hills in rear of Giles Court-House, but was driven from hill to hill until his retreat became a rout. On reaching The Narrows of New River, the great point to be gained, he made his last stand. I ordered two pieces of artillery, under Major King, chief of ordnance, supported by a company of infantry, to cross New River and occupy a commanding position on the right bank. As soon as our artillery opened, which was admirably served (the enemy losing 4 men by the explosion of a single shell from a mountain howitzer), he retreated, leaving in our possession the key to his approach to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad by way of Giles Court-House.
The force under my command was composed chiefly of the recent levies; they, as all others, acted like veterans. I never witnessed better or more determined fighting. It is with some hesitation, where all did so well, that I mention names. To Colonels Jenifer and McCausland, commanding brigades, my special thanks are due, and they deserve the approbation of the department.
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General H. Marshall was reported to be advancing from Tazewell Court-house with 2,500 men. I immediately dispatched an order to Colonel Moor to leave half a regiment at French's and march rapidly with the remainder of his force to the Wytheville Cross-Road and hold them at all hazards. Meanwhile I kept patrols active on our right and front to ascertain the enemy's movements in those directions. Colonel Scammon reported the enemy still in force in his front, and no apparent change except he was in receipt of reports of considerable re-enforcements reaching them. About 2 o'clock p. m. a cavalry patrol on the Wyoming road 5 miles from Princeton was fired into by a party of the enemy's horsemen. Two companies of infantry and part of the troops at Princeton were immediately sent out, under Major Ankele, Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteers, to feel the force of the enemy advancing in that direction. It soon became evident that the force which had been met by Colonel Moor's detachment at the Wytheville Cross-Roads was advancing by the Wyoming road, having made a detour to their left to reach it. They advanced cautiously, and were firmly and gallantly met by Major F. E. Franklin, Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteers, and Major Charles ankele, Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteers, with the detachments of those regiments which garrisoned the post, and Captain Frank Smith's troop First Ohio Cavalry. Our troops behaved with great steadiness, retiring slowly from point to point as they were outflanked by the superior numbers of the enemy, and maintained the unequal contest for more than three hours.
About 5 p. m., suspecting, from my examination of the advancing force of the enemy, that the principal body of Marshall's command had passed the Wytheville Cross-Roads, I gave orders to Major Franklin to hold the town as long as possible, and if driven from it to retire by the road to French's, sending back to stop trains advancing by the Raleigh road, and then moved my headquarters and baggage upon the Trenchville road, and proceeded immediately to Colonel Moor's headquarters. I there found that, owing to the difficulty of the roads and slowness of communication, he had not yet been able to carry out the order to move his command to the Wytheville Cross-Roads, but had sent to Lieutenant-Colonel von Blessingh six companies of infantry, under Major Bohlender, Twenty-eighth Ohio Volunteers, making the force at the Cross Roads ten companies of infantry. I immediately ordered the remainder of his command under arms, consisting of three half regiments-the Twenty-eighth, Thirty-fourth, and Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteers, and a section of Simmonds' battery of artillery-and put them upon the march for Princeton. I ordered Colonel Scammon to move up half a regiment to French's for the night, and to follow at daylight with his whole command, to join me at Princeton. The detachment under Lieutenant-Colonel von Blessingh was notified that, should the enemy appear at Princeton by daylight, he was to move forward from the Cross-Roads in that direction and endeavor to take them in the rear by a simultaneous attack.
I arrived at Princeton at daybreak of the 17th and immediately led forward the whole of Colonel Moor's command upon the place. The enemy made no resistance, but retired before us to the wooded range of hills south and west of the town. We attacked and drove them with considerable loss about the distance of a mile to a strong position commanding both the Wytheville and Wyoming roads, and where they could only be reached by ascending a steep ridge heavily covered with timber, where they had also placed a howitzer battery. On the left of their position they had a rifled 10-pounder and smooth 6-pounder
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precautions commander of advance guard; also Captain Reiching, of the Twenty-eighth, on the first day, and Captain West, of the Thirty-fourth, as commanders of the rear guard.
The detachment remained one hour on the ground till the arrival of General Cox, when the different companies joined their regiments.
L. VON BLESSINGH,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Thirty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteers, Commanding Detachment.
Colonel AUGUSTUS MOOR, Commanding Second Prov. Brigade.
Numbers 6. Report of Brigadier General Henry Heth, C. S. Army.
HEADQUARTERS NEW RIVER, May 19,
Via Dublin, Va., may 20, 1862.
By the co-operation of General Marshall, Cox has been driven from this section of the country, losing many prisoners, his entire camp and garrison equipage, baggage, &c. He will be pursued.
H. HETH,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
General R. E. LEE, Commander-in-Chief.
Numbers 7. Report of Brigadier General Humphrey Marshall, C. S. Army.
CAMP NEAR JEFFERSONVILLE, VA.,
May 22, 1862.
GENERAL: In my last letter I advised you that the opportune return of Brigadier-General Heth with his force to Dublin Depot rendered it unnecessary for me to proceed in that direction; but I ventured to suggest to that officer that a lateral movement be me, cutting the line of the enemy's communication at Princeton, might assist him materially in clearing the country of the column which was endeavoring to penetrate to the railroad. General Heth approving the idea, I moved my whole force at once via Salville toward this place, arriving here on the 12th instant.
I took the responsibility of ordering to the field some skeleton companies just recruited and intended to form part of a new regiment authorized by an order of the Secretary of War of April 9, issued to Major McMahon, formerly General Floyd's aide-de-camp. This corps, composed of seven companies, so called, did not number more than 400 men, and none of them were trained at all. Under my order thy elected a lieutenant-colonel for the time only to lead them on this expedition. I also took the responsibility of placing in their hands the old muskets turned in to General Dimmock by Colonel Frigg, which i found at Abingdon.
I left Abingdon with a force composed of the Fifty-fourth Virginia (600 men), the Twenty-ninth Virginia (420 men, four companies, wholly recruits, three raised by me this spring and one by Lieutenant march), the Fifth Kentucky (500 men), Dunn's battalion of recruits (400 men), and Bradley's Mounted Kentucky Rifles (about 275 men), making an
33 R R-VOL XII
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Numbers 1. Reports of Major General Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Shenandoah, of operations May 14-June 16, and including instructions from the President and Secretary of War.
STRASBURG, May 14, 1862-3.30 p. m.
(Received 5.30 p. m.)
Nothing new has occurred to-day. The enemy has not moved beyond Mount Jackson in this direction except by its cavalry, and then to return again. General Hatch stills occupies Woodstock with cavalry. I have declined to order the bridges burned or the telegraph destroyed as inconsistent with the purposes of the Government, unless absolutely necessary to our safety. Very heavy rain all day.
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General, Commanding.
Honorable E. M. STANTON .
WAR DEPARTMENT,
May 16, 1862-4 p. m.
Major-General BANKS:
Please place two of your regiments to guard the railroad from Strasburg to Front Royal, so as to allow Geary to direct his force on other points that are threatened. Answer immediately whether you can do so and how soon thy will be in position.
EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
STRASBURG, May 16, 1862-13 m.
I will send two regiments to protect the road between this place and Front Royal by to-morrow noon, 17th instant. This will reduce my force greatly, which is already too small to defend Strasburg if attacked.
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General, Commanding.
Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
STRASBURG, May 17, 1862-12 m.
(Received 12.45 p. m.)
Owing to the absence of cars my regiment will not reach Front Royal till toward night. It has to march on the railroad, but will be in season to protect bridges, &c. About 100 of the enemy cavalry reported at Columbia Furnace, on line with Woodstock. No infantry in that neighborhood. Ewell's force reported by deserters who left him Tuesday to be still at Swift Run Gap.
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General, Commanding.
Honorable E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
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No advance has been made by the enemy's pickets to-day. Information direct from Martinsburg to-day assures me that he is withdrawing. I shall put all my available forces on the move in the morning. Regiments all greatly disabled from a great variety of causes.
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General.
Honorable E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
WILLIAMSPORT, May 29, 1862-10.15 p. m.
Affairs are more quiet. The rumors of the approach of the enemy at Falling Waters and the extent of his force prove to be unfounded. Every one feels assured of the strength of our positions. Signal officers fail to discover from commanding points any traces of the enemy's camp, and the latest reports from our front indicate his gradual withdrawal.
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General, Commanding.
Honorable E. M. STANTON.
WAR DEPARTMENT, May 29, 1862-11.30 p. m.
Major-General BANKS:
A dispatch just received (11 p. m.) from Assistant Secretary Watson at Harper's Ferry states that Jackson with his forces was near there at sundown, plainly contemplating an attack.
EDWIN M. STANTON.
WILLIAMSPORT, May 30, 1862.
(Received 2.35 a. m.)
Information received from General Saxton at Harper's Ferry which renders it necessary for me to move to his assistance rather than in the direction of Martinsburg.
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General.
His Excellency the PRESIDENT.
WILLIAMSPORT, May 29, 1862.
(Received 30th, 3.25.)
Your dispatch received. Have sent force to Sharpsburg upon same information from General Saxton.
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General, Commanding.
Honorable E. M. STANTON.
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A third time cut off, with nothing but misfortune staring us in the face, though we had spared no human effort to come to your aid, I was at last compelled to provide for our own personal safety; so, placing in the wagons 23 men too fatigued to walk, I left the road with the rest and took to the woods, and providentially having found a pocket-compass and a map, succeeded in reaching Hancock on Monday, the 26th instant, at 2 p. m., and on the following day had the gratification of reporting to you in person.
I have omitted to mention that I brought with me from Strasburg 2 lieutenants and 50 men of various regiments, who had been guarding the commissary stores at that place.
The 23 men who remained with the wagons, I am informed, bravely defended them along the whole route, and rejoined me at Hancock. We lost all our personal baggage, knapsacks, blankets, &c.
I am greatly indebted to Captain James W. Abert, U. S. Army, Topographical Engineers, for most valuable suggestions during my engagement with the enemy, as also to my brother officers, Lieutenant Barthoulot and Heimach.
Incredible, general, as it may appear, my men marched 141 miles in forty-seven hours, as measured by Captain Abert.
Reassuring you of my desire always to serve you and the cause to the extent of my poor capacity, and congratulating you upon the success of your unparalleled retreat, I have the honor to be, very respectfully your obedient servant,
CHARLES H. T. COLLIS,
Captain, Commanding Zouaves d'Afrique, Body Guard.
Major General N. P. BANKS,
Commanding Department of the Shenandoah.
Numbers 14. Report of Brigadier General John P. Hatch, U. S. Army, commanding cavalry, of operations May 24-25.
HDQRS. CAVALRY, DEPARTMENT OF THE SHENANDOAH,
Williamsport, Md., May 30, 1862.
MAJOR: I have the honor to submit herewith a report of the operations of the cavalry under my command during the 24th and 25th instant:
The composition of the force was as follows: The Fifth New York Cavalry, Colonel De Forest; the First Vermont, Colonel Tompkins,and five companies of the First Maine, Lieutenant-Colonel Douty, afterward joined by five companies of the First Maryland, Lieutenant-Colonel Wetschky, Hampton's battery, and one howitzer of Best's battery attached.
On the morning of the 24th the First Maine and two companies of the First Vermont accompanied the main body of the army on the retreat toward Winchester. Colonel Tompkins with the remainder of his regiment made a reconnaissance into Woodstock by the turnpike, and Captain Krom, of the New York Fifth, with two companies reconnoitered the same distance by the Middle road. Nothing was seen of the enemy on either road.
Orders were then received for the cavalry to follow in the rear of
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gallantry displayed by Colonel Cluseret on this and frequent former occasions during the pursuit in which we have been engaged deserve high praise.
Respectfully,
J. C. FREMONT,
Major-General, Commanding.
Honorable E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
HEADQUARTERS, Port Republic, June 10, 1862.
The officer sent with a detachment of cavalry to open communication with General Shields returned at 3 o'clock this morning, having found the troops on the march under orders for Richmond. He learns from the adjutant-general of General Shields that the Union Forces engaged yesterday were only three brigades, which were almost cut to pieces. Jackson having received re-enforcements, General Shields having been ordered to Richmond with his force, and my own being very much weakened by battle and the hardships and exposures of a severe march, I deem it best to fall back until I can form a junction with the forces of Generals Banks and Sigel and am made acquainted with your wishes.
J. C. FREMONT,
Major-General.
Honorable E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
HEADQUARTERS MOUNTAIN DIVISION, Harrisonburg, June 11, 1862. (Received June 12, 10 a. m.)
Your dispatch of yesterday morning finds me here withdrawing upon Mount Jackson, a strong, defensible position behind the Shenandoah, and the key to the surrounding country. General Shields' withdrawal after his action of the 9th, together with the condition of my troops made this movement imperative. Will you allow me to halt at Mount Jackson instead of Harrisonburg, which is not a line of defense, and exposed me to be cut off from my supplies and communication? My troops are much distressed for want of supplies, which are far in the rear and come up very inadequately. We are greatly in need of surgeons and ambulances.
J. C. FREMONT,
Major-General.
Honorable ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
President of the United States.
HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, Mount Jackson, June 12, 1862. (Received June 13, 10 a. m.)
Upon intelligence of General Shields' defeat and withdrawal toward Richmond I retired upon this place, which is a defensible and good position. The regiments composing my command have been rendered very weak by illness, casualties, and deaths. I request that orders be given to recruit them to full strength immediately. Their condition
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necessitates that they have some days' rest and good and sufficient food. The demand made upon them in the pursuit of Jackson has exhausted them for the present, and they should be supported by fresh troops. At any hour they may be attacked by the enemy, now reported strongly re-enforced, and I ask that General Sigel be telegraphed to report to me with his force without delay. I respectfully suggest to the President that it may prove disastrous to separate the small corps now operating in this region. Consolidated, they could act offensively and efficiently against the enemy. I also suggest that General Shields may be attacked in his march eastward unless supported. My strength should be sufficient to enable me to occupy the Monterey passes and aid General Cox and Colonel Crook, against whom I think the enemy is likely to concentrate a superior force. I have asked for Sigel if possible. Banks also should come. A disaster now would have consequences difficult to remedy.
J. C. FREMONT,
Major-General.
Honorable ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
President of the United States.
WASHINGTON, June 12, 1862-11 a. m.
Major-General FREMONT:
Your dispatch of yesterday to the President has just been received. He directs me to say that Mount Jackson will serve the purpose he had in view as well as Harrisonburg, except that it does not so well guard against the enemy's operations toward Western Virginia. But if, in view of all the circumstances, you prefer the position of Mount Jackson, you will occupy it instead of Harrisonburg.
EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY IN THE FIELD, Mount Jackson, Va., June 12, 1862.
I arrived at this place to-day. My officers have been so much engaged with marching duties since the battle of the 8th, at Cross Keys, that full reports of that engagement have not been made to me. Still, wishing to give you a fuller account of that battle than that contained in my telegraphic dispatch, I make the following statement:
The forces under my command left Harrisonburg on the 8th instant, the advance consisting of the Eighth West Virginia and Sixtieth Ohio, being under the command of Colonel Cluseret, aide-de-camp, who was temporarily supported by the Thirty-ninth New York Volunteer Regiment of General Stahel's brigade.
At 9 a. m. the skirmishers of the advance discovered the enemy most advantageously posted in the woods at Cross Keys, on the road to Port Republic. A spirited bayonet charge was immediately made by the Garibaldi Guard, and his right driven back in some confusion. The main body of the army now coming up, General Stahel, commanding the First Brigade, of General Blenker's division, supported by the Third
42 R R-VOL XII
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conduct of First Sergt. C. F. Merkle, Corpl. Francis Dalton, Musician Delmege, and Private John Martin. Where so many deserve to be mentioned it is difficult to discriminate. Two rifled Parrott guns and two caissons were also lost, and 30 horses, most of which were killed by the sharpshooters of the enemy.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. CLARK,
Captain Fourth Artillery.
Colonel PHILIP DAUM,
Chief of Artillery.
Numbers 56. Report of Brigadier General Nathan Kimball, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of action at Front Royal, May 30.
HDQRS. FIRST Brigadier, FIRST DIV., DEPT. RAPPAHANNOCK, Front Royal, Va., May 31, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your orders I moved with my command from Rectortown at 6 p. m. the 29th instant, and after a short rest near Manassas Gap reached Front Royal at 11.30 a. m. the next day, the 30th. I had reason to believe the enemy were in large force in the village, and on approaching the heights commanding the town from the southeast I ordered two guns to be placed in position. This was scarcely done before the enemy was discovered and fire opened upon him. I ordered the Fourth Ohio Volunteers to occupy the hills to the south and southwest, and the Seventh West Virginia and Fourteenth Indiana Volunteers the hills to the northeast and north, reserving the Eighth Ohio Volunteers to support the guns. This disposition of my force was not completed before the enemy commenced a hurried retreat by the road toward Winchester, after setting fire to the railroad depot buildings and the cars near it. A detachment of infantry was hurried forward to extinguish the flames, who by the most strenuous efforts saved several cars loaded with grain, but the buildings were destroyed.
A small body of New Hampshire cavalry, all I had, closely followed by the Fourth and Eighth Ohio Volunteers, were pushed forward in pursuit of the enemy, who was overtaken about 2 miles from the village, and after a sharp skirmish and a decisive charge of the fearfully small body of cavalry he was scattered with loss, and the pursuit abandoned because of the utter exhaustion of my men, they having marched, with but little rest since the evening before, 23 miles. My command rested upon the ground where the pursuit ended.
The enemy's loss in killed and wounded I am unable to ascertain, as he carried them away with him. I succeeded in capturing 155 prisoners and a large quantity of arms, ammunition, clothing, and forage. The prisoners are from the Twelfth Regiment Georgia Infantry; the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Regiments and Bate's and Wheat's battalions Louisiana infantry; the Second, Fifth, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-seventh, Forty-second, Forty-eighth, Fifty-second, and Fifty-eighth Virginia Infantry, and the Sixth and Seventh Virginia and Ashby's Cavalry; the Twenty-first North Carolina and the Sixteenth Mississippi Infantry. Three commissioned officers and 17 privates were recaptured.
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reports of the several regiments accompanying this paper. The loss of the enemy must have been very heavy; the grape and canister from our batteries and the fire of our musketry moved them down like grass before a well-served scythe, and the fact of their heavy force retiring before us in an evidence that they suffered severely.
Aide-de-Camp Eaton was the only officer of my own staff present. Captain Quay being too ill to take the field, Chaplain D. C. Wright, of the Seventh Ohio, volunteered to serve me. The duties these gentlemen were called upon to perform were arduous, and led them almost constantly under fire of the enemy, yet they executed their duties with commendable coolness and energy, meriting my warmest thanks.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. B. TYLER,
Brigadier-General, Third Brigade, Shields' Division.
General JAMES SHIELDS,
Commanding Division.
Numbers 58. Report of Colonel Samuel S. Carroll, Eighth Ohio Infantry, commanding Fourth Brigade, of engagement at Port Republic.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH BRIGADE, SHIELDS' DIVISION, Luray, Va., June 11, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report:
In accordance with orders from the general commanding the division I reached the vicinity of Port Republic about 6 a. m. on Sunday, the 8th instant, with about 150 of the First Virginia Cavalry and four pieces of Battery L, First Ohio Artillery. I found the enemy's train parked on the other side of the North Branch of the Shenandoah, with a large quantity of beef cattle herded near by, and the town held by a small force of cavalry only. I chose the most commanding position I could find, about half a mile from the bridge, and planted there two pieces of artillery to command the ends of the same. I then ordered Major Chamberlain, commanding the cavalry, to rush down and take possession of the bridge.
Finding that he had been injured by a fall from his horse, that his command in consequence were in confusion, and hesitated as they came to the South River, and that a body of the enemy's cavalry were assembling at this end of the bridge, giving me fears that they would fire it, I ordered the artillery to open fire upon them, and sent Captain Goodrich to urge the cavalry forward immediately, which he did, and took possession of the bridge, driving part of the enemy's cavalry across it and part of them out of town by the road leading to the left.
I then went into town myself, and took with me two pieces of artillery, one of which I planted at the end of the bridge and the other at the corner of the street commanding the road by which part of the enemy's cavalry had fled. While occupying a position between these, and devising some method by which I could hold the town until my infantry should come up, I suddenly perceived the enemy's infantry emerging from the woods a short distance from the bridge and dashing down upon it at a run in considerable force. As soon as my cavalry, which was now under charge of its own officers, perceived them, they broke and ran in every direction by which they could secure a retreat.
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growth. I reported this fact to Captain O'Brien, assistant adjutant-general, when he directed that I should send one section of my battery to the support of the left. I did so, under the command of Lieutenant McKendree, who reported to the general in person, and was ordered to take position on the extreme left. Of the operations of this section the general must be acquainted, as it was under his immediate observation nearly the whole time. With Captain O'Brien's permission I ordered the other section, under command of Lieutenant Carpenter, to take a position on the extreme right, as there was no artillery there, and by so doing to get a cross-fire upon the enemy. He moved forward until within short range of the enemy's guns and opened upon them with shell. Very soon the infantry of the enemy began to advance upon him. The I ordered a round or two of canister, which staggered them. He continued to pour canister into their ranks and maintained his ground until his ammunition, except a few shell, was exhausted, in consequence of which and the close proximity of the enemy I ordered him to move to the rear and fill his limbers again.
I then went to look after my other section on the left. After getting nearly there I found that it had already been ordered to the rear.
The artillery duel was a sharp one, having been fought principally with canister and short-range shell.
Strength on 8th, rank and field, 70. Strength on 9th, rank and file, 55; 11 not engaged.*
Very respectfully submitted.
JOS. CARPENTER,
Commanding Battery.
Captain JOHN F. O'BRIEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Numbers 76. Reports of Captain William T. Poague, Virginia (Rockbridge) Artillery, of operations May 23-June 9.
CAMP NEAR WINCHESTER, VA.,
May 27, 1862.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the 23rd ultimo, at about 4 p. m., when distant 5 1/2 miles from Front Royal, I was ordered to report, with my two Parrott pieces, to Major-General Jackson, near Front Royal. I proceeded as rapidly as the jaded condition of my horses would permit, but was unable to get to the scene of action before the retreat of the enemy. I reached the Shenandoah River at dark, and finding the road blocked by artillery and infantry, and not being able to find General Jackson, I went into camp, and awaited the arrival of the brigade.
Following with the brigade the next day, I received orders to report, with my Parrott guns, to Major-General Jackson, who directed me to report to Colonel Ashby, on the road leading to Middletown. I found the colonel about 4 miles from Middletown, driving the enemy's pickets before him. Following along with Captain Chew's battery, supported by a few companies of infantry, we came up with a train of the enemy's
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*List of casualties shows 4 men wounded.
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to submit the following report of the part taken by the Twenty-third Regiment Virginia Volunteers in the late battle of May 25 at Winchester:
Early on the morning of that day orders were received to advance from our position in the road where the night previous we had been halted about 12 o'clock to enable our exhausted troops to acquire a few hours' sleep. The Twenty-third was the front regiment of the Third Brigade at Union Mills, under orders of Colonel Fulkerson, commanding brigade. I filed my command to the left at nearly right angles to the main turnpike, to support a section of Captain Poague's battery, then advancing to take a position in front of the enemy. I subsequently received orders from General Jackson in person, in case the enemy changed, and ordered my regiment to charge, which it did in gallant style. On passing over the hill we received repeated volleys of grape from the enemy. On emerging from the hill we passed a small valley and passed over the hill, and found one piece and a caisson had been abandoned by the enemy. The object of the move being secured, we formed line of battle and moved forward to the right, pressing the enemy until 4 miles beyond Winchester, when we were ordered to halt. The regiment behaved well during the fight. The following is the number of casualties: Wounded, 7.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
By order of A. G. Taliaferro, colonel, commanding.
G. T. WADDY,
Sergeant-Major and Acting Adjutant.
Captain PENDLETON,
[Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Brigade.]
Numbers 88. Report of Major T. V. Williams, Thirty-seventh Virginia Infantry, of operations May 23-25.
HEADQUARTERS THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT,
May 28, 1862.
CAPTAIN: In making my official report of the part acted by the Thirty-seventh Virginia Regiment, commanded by myself, during the days of the 23rd, 24th, and 25th (owing to my position in the column), I am forced to say that I had no opportunity of entering into the skirmishing which took place near Front Royal on the 23rd; also the skirmish near Middletown on the 24th.
I marched on the road to Middletown, and my men up to the latter place kept up and marched in very good order, and seemed to endure the fatigue with surprising fortitude. They seemed loath to vacate their position; but loss of sleep and fatigue from the long and continued march forced many of those who would have been proud to have mingled with their companions in the dangers of the battle of the 25th to leave their places, and in consequence of this fact daylight the next morning found me with 300 men ready for action.
At this time I received orders from Colonel S. V. Fulkerson, commanding brigade, to load and prepare to march immediately after Colonel Taliaferro's regiment. I followed, as I had been directed, to the field where Colonel Fulkerson had drawn up in line. Colonel Taliaferro's
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[Inclosure Numbers 2.]
Casualties in Third Division, action of June 8, near Cross Keys.
Killed Wounded
Command Officers Enlisted Officers Enlisted
men men
Division staff ......... ......... 1 ........
Second Brigade
Field and staff ......... ......... 1 ........
1st Maryland ......... ......... 1 27
44th Virginia ......... 1 1 2
52nd Virginia 1 1 4 20
58th Virginia ......... 4 ........ 5
Brockenbrough's ......... ......... ........ ........
battery
Lusk's battery ......... .......... ........ 3
Total 1 6 8 57
Fourth Brigade
Field and staff ......... .......... 1 ........
12th Georgia ......... 2 ........ 11
13th Virginia .......... 2 1 13
Raine's battery ......... 2 ........ 7
Total .......... 6 2 31
Seventh Brigade
Brigadier-General TRIMBLE
commanding
15th Alabama 2 7 2 35
21st Georgia ......... 4 1 22
16th Mississippi ......... 6 3 25
21st North ......... 2 1 10
Carolina
Courtney's ......... 2 ......... 10
battery
Total 2 21 7 102
Eighth Brigade
Brigadier
General RICHARD
TAYLOR
commanding
7th Louisiana ......... 1 1 7
8th Louisiana ......... 1 ........ 7
Total ......... 2 1 14
Patton's Brigade
Colonel J. M.
PATTON
commanding.
42nd Virginia* ......... ......... ......... 3
48th Virginia* ......... 3 1 6
Total ......... 3 1 9
Grand total 3 38 19 213
Missing
Command Officers Enlisted Aggregate Remarks
men
Division ......... ......... 1 Captain G. C.
staff Brown, aide-de
camp, wounded
Second
Brigade
Field and ......... ......... 1 Brigadier
staff General George
H. Steuart
wounded severely
1st Maryland ......... ......... 28 Lieutenant
Hezekiah H. Bean
wounded
44th ......... ......... 4 Captain John T.
Virginia Martin wounded
52nd ......... ......... 26 Lieutenant [C.
Virginia M.]King killed,
and Major John
D. H. Ross,
Lieuts. S. Paul
and T. D. Ranson,
and Assist. Surg.
John Lewis
wounded
58th .......... ......... 5
Virginia
Brockenbrough's battery ......... ......... 2
Lusk's ......... ......... 5
battery
Total ......... ......... 72
Fourth
Brigade
Field and .......... .......... 1 Brigadier
staff General Arnold
Elzey wounded
12th Georgia .......... .......... 13
13th ......... 1 17 Lieutenant R. C.
Virginia Macon wounded
Raine's ......... 8 17
battery
Total ......... 9 48
Seventh
Brigade
Brigadier-General
TRIMBLE
commanding
15th Alabama 4 51 Captain r. H.
1 Hill and Lieuts.
H. C. Brainard
and A. A.
McIntosh wounded,
and Lieutenant
W. T. Berry
missing.
21st Georgia ......... 1 28 Lieutenant J. M.
Mack wounded
16th ......... ......... 34 Colonel Carnot
Mississippi Posey and Lieuts.
J. B. Carnot
Posey and Lieuts.
J. B. Coleman and
W. R. Brown
wounded.
21st North ......... ............ 13
Carolina
Courtney's ......... ......... 12
battery
Total 1 5
138
Eighth
Brigade
Brigadier
General
RICHARD
TAYLOR
commanding
7th .......... .......... 9 Captain -Green
Louisiana wounded
8th ......... ......... 8
Louisiana
Total ......... ......... 17
Patton's
Brigade
Colonel J.
M. PATTON
commanding.
42nd .......... ......... 3
Virginia*
48th ......... ......... 10
Virginia*
Total .......... ......... 13
Grand total 14 288
1
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*See Second Brigade, Jackson's division, report Numbers 60, p. 717.
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ment through the woods to our right, I deemed it best to withdraws to the woods and await the coming of other troops. I did so, and encountered General Trimble's brigade advancing on our left. General Trimble informed me that he was going forward to charge the enemy's battery, and directed me to advance on his right. This I did, again sending Colonel Terrill forward with the skirmishers. He soon encountered the enemy's skirmishers that had followed us into the woods. After a brief but active skirmish they were driven back with the loss of several killed and wounded, among the latter an aid of General Blenker.
We again moved forward, under cover of Ever's house and barn, until ordered by General Trimble to move more to the right, so as to leave the house and barn on my left. In moving by the right flank to gain this position we received a heavy volley of musketry from a Yankee force on our left, which wounded several of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, and almost at the same instant the right of the Thirteenth Regiment came into full view of a battery of three pieces, supported by three regiments of infantry, and not more than 400 yards in front. The battery opened a well-directed and heavy fire with grape, which, owing to the unexpected nature of the attack, caused some confusion, but, order having been restored, the troops advanced steadily to the front to a fence 50 yards farther in advance. finding General Trimble's brigade was detained by a force on our left, I ordered the men to lie down and fire. This they did with such effect as to twice drive the enemy from one of their guns. The fire of the enemy was galling, and seeing no further good could be accomplished by remaining longer in my position, I moved again by the right flank to the cover of a wood and halted. About this time the enemy fell back and I was ordered to remain in my position. About sundown I was directed by General Trimble to join him on the left, which I did, and remained with his brigade until ordered back to camp about 10 o'clock at night. The men and officers of both regiments were exposed to a terrible fire for a few moments, and behaved to my entire satisfaction.
For a report of the operations of the Twelfth Georgia and Thirty-first Virginia Volunteers on the 8th I beg leave to refer to the report of the commanders of the respective regiments, marked A and B.* Lists of the killed and wounded, will be found inclosed for each regiment. The report from Raine's battery will be sent as soon as received.
On the 9th I was placed in command of the Fourth Brigade, General Elzey having been wounded on the preceding day. After crossing the river I reported to Major-General Jackson, who ordered me to send one regiment and my battery (Raine's) to support General Winder. I detached the Thirty-first Virginia Regiment, under command of Colonel Hoffman, for this purpose, and saw no more of the regiment or battery during the day. The accompanying report, marked C,* of colonel Hoffman, will show the operations of this regiment, which I regret to say was badly cut up, being placed in a very exposed position for some time.
With the three remaining regiments, Thirteenth, Twenty-fifth Virginia, and Twelfth Georgia, I was ordered to follow General Taylor's brigade. I attempted to do this, but, having no guide and being totally unacquainted with the nature of the ground, we became entangled in the thick undergrowth and made slow progress, until we arrived at a precipice so matted and grown over with laurel and ivy that we could ad-
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*Not found.
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JUNE 22-30, 1862.-Scout from Strasburg to Moorefield, New Creek, and Winchester, Va.
Report of Captain Charles Farnsworth, First Connecticut Cavalry.
CAMP NEAR MIDDLETOWN, VA.,
June 30, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to report that in pursuance to a special order I left Strasburg Sunday, June 22, for Moorefield. At Lost River Bridge I found Captain Ten Eyck, of the New York Fourth Mounted Rifles, suffering from wound. I procured a carriage and took him to Moorefield, from whence he was sent to New Creek. On the 24th, when 5 miles distant from Baker's Tavern, was fired upon from the brush and 1 horse killed and 4 wounded. I learned subsequently that 15 men, said to be Harne's men, slept at a Mr. Inskeep's, 4 miles distant from road. At the request of Colonel Downey I remained with my command at Moorefield until noon of the 27th, having sent a squad to New Creek for what stragglers were upon the road.
On the 29th I captured a wagon, loaded with United States goods and arms, in the woods near Cacapon Bridge, 3 horses, and 1 man, who said he was one of a party of 18. I found from the inhabitants that
the party had plundered citizens and stolen many horses. I delivered the man and property to the provost-marshal at Winchester, from which place I came to
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. I gathered up 15 members of the battalion, whom I have reported to Major Lyon.
Respectfully, yours,
CHARLES FARNSWORTH,
Captain Company B, First Connecticut Cavalry.
Captain PIATT,
Assistant adjutant-General, Schenck's Division.
JUNE 24, 1862.-Skirmish at Milford, Va.
Report of Major Charles H. Town, First Michigan Cavalry.
CAMP FIRST MICHIGAN CAVALRY,
Front Royal, Va., June 24, 1862.
GENERAL: I would respectfully report that, in compliance with your order of this date, I proceeded with detachments of the First Michigan and First Maine Cavalry on the road to Luray, nothing of interest occurring on the route until I reached the vicinity of Milford. Found the enemy in possession of the town, with their pickets stationed some half mile this side of the village. We opened fire upon them and drove them into the village. Upon our skirmishers approaching their line they returned the fire in a rapid manner. Our skirmisher continued to advance and drove their advance from the village. They retired upon their main body in the edge of a wood, extending upon both sides of the road beyond the town. Our skirmishers still continued to advance, and parts of Companies B and M, of the First Michigan Regiment, were thrown over the creek to support them, the detachment of Maine cavalry covering the bridge and acting as a reserve.
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THE
WAR OF THE REBELLION:
A COMPILATION OF THE
OFFICIAL RECORDS
OF THE
UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES.
PREPARED, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR
BY
Lieutenant Colonel ROBERT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery,
AND
PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVED JUNE 16, 1880.
SERIES I - VOLUME XII - IN THREE PARTS.
PART II. - REPORTS.
WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1885.
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Numbers 14. [From the War Department, August 18.] UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH.
General POPE:
I fully approve your movement. I hope to push a part of Burnside's forces to near Barnett's Ford by to-morrow night, to assist you in holding that pass. Stand firm on the line till I can help you. Fight hard, and aid will soon come.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
Numbers 15. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, Rappahannock Station, August 20, 1862-8.30 a. m. (Received 10.30 a. m.)
Major-General HALLECK:
Your dispatch of yesterday received last night. I shall mass my whole force along what is known as Marsh Run, about 2 1/2 or 3 miles northeast of Rappahannock Frod, occupying Kelly's Ford with an advance guard from my left, Rappahannock Ford with an advance guard from the center, and picketing strongly with cavalry the fords above me as far as the road from Sperryville to Warrenton. If the enemy attempt to turn my right by the way of Suphur Springs they will probably march direct on Warrenton, from which place a good turnpike conducts to Washington. Such a movement, however, will expose their flank and rear, and you may be sure I shall not lose the opportunity. My right will be considerably refused along the railroad, as far, at least, as Beatlon Station. What relations with me will the corps of Fitz John Porter have? I should like to know exactly. I am going out to post my command. I have heard from ReNumbers He crossed safely yesterday at Kelly's Ford and Barnett's Ford. The enemy so far has made no movement in advance. I think they are not yet ready, for want of transportation for supplies, to cross the Rapidan.
JNO. POPE,
Major-General.
Numbers 16. [Received August 21, 1862, from the War Department, Washington.] UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH.
General POPE:
I have telegraphed General Burnside to know at what hour he can re-enforce ReNumbers Am waiting his answer. Every effort must be made to hold the Rappahannock. Large forces will be in to-morrow.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
Numbers 17. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, Rappahannock Station, August 21, 1862-7.30 a. m.
Major-General HALLECK:
The enemy has made no farther advance since yesterday afternoon, but his cavalry pickets are in plain view of our front. After full examination of the ground I have determined to maintain the line of
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advance approached the Court-House it was supposed to have come from the direction of Warrenton, crossing the Rappahannock at Raccoon Ford and making a detour to the left to take Robertson in rear. General Gibbon, satisfied of the presence of a large force in his front, and having but a small column with him, followed out his instructions by retracing his steps to Fredericksburg. On the return the enemy's cavalry pursued our men for 8 or 10 miles and endeavored to harass the rear guard, but were in every instance checked and driven back by the cavalry and sharpshooters. The only man hurt on our side was a private of the Third Indiana Cavalry, who was thrown from his horse. I am assured that every officer and man of the command behaved as well as could be wished.
I shall have the honor of transmitting General Gibbon's official report to headquarters as soon as it is received.
The column is now within a few miles of Fredericksburg and will be in camp this afternoon.
Very respectfully,
RUFUS KING,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Colonel E. SCHRIVER,
Chief of Staff, Third Army Corps, Warrenton.
FREDERICKSBURG, VA.,
July 27, 1862 - 12.30 p. m.
General Gibbon has returned, and reports substantially what I telegraphed to the general commanding yesterday. The enemy desisted from pursuit after following the column 10 miles. We met with no casualties. I will transmit General Gibbon's report to-morrow. He estimates the force of the enemy between Orange Court-House, Gordonsville, and Liberty Mills at 25,000 or 30,000.
RUFUS KING,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Colonel RUGGLES,
Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.
Numbers 2. Report of Brigadier General John Gibbon, U. S. Army, commanding brigade.
HEADQUARTERS GIBBON'S BRIGADE,
Camp opposite Fredericksburg, Va., July 28, 1862.
SIR: Pursuant to instructions from General King, I left here on the afternoon of the 24th to make a reconnaissance in the direction of Orange Court-House, for the purpose of ascertaining in what force the enemy occupied that place. My command consisted of 60 riflemen, three regiments of infantry, a battery of artillery, and one squadron of cavalry. One regiment was left on the morning of the 25th to guard the junction of the Orange Court-House and Culpeper Court-House plank roads, with orders to follow on after being relieved by a regiment from here, but not to wait for that relief later than 11 a. m. Another
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force, strongly posted in the woods about 2,000 yards in front of us. Here they skirmished until about noon, the enemy occasionally firing upon them by companies. Whenever this occurred I would send a few shells among them, causing their sudden withdrawal. During the afternoon my skirmishers drove the enemy from the woods, following them some three-fourths of a mile. About 4 p. m. sent out my cavalry to reconnoiter, and, if possible, to allow the ambulances to bring off some of our wounded. In this they were quite successful, bringing off about 100. The cavalry had in the meanwhile approached within 300 yards of the enemy's lines without drawing their fire, and having ascertained their position withdrew to our lines.
On the morning of the 11th, it being determined to take the dead and wounded from off the field, I was ordered to advance my brigade and cover the ambulances and working parties. I accordingly sent forward my three companies of cavalry, followed by my infantry. The cavalry, upon arriving at the outskirts of the wood halted, finding ahead of them a strong cavalry force under the direction of General Bayard. I then rode forward, followed by several ambulances, which I sent back loaded with wounded. About an hour had thus elapsed, when I was informed a flag of truce had been sent in by the enemy, and at the same time received a request from General Bayard to attend a conference with the rebel general Stuart relative to a cessation of hostilities for the purpose of attending to the dead and wounded of both parties. An armistice until 2 o'clock p. m. was finally agreed upon, but was afterward, by mutual consent, extended to the evening.
A reconnaissance on the morning of the 12th found the enemy had withdrawn during the night in the direction of the Rapidan River. I followed as rapidly as possible as soon as this was ascertained, but only succeeded in discovering the rear guard of their cavalry in full flight. Having advanced some 6 miles, as far as Crooked Creek, and finding it impassable on account of previous heavy rains, encamped my brigade upon its banks and awaited orders.
On the morning of the 13th, finding Crooked Creek and Robertson's River fordable for my cavalry and artillery, I crossed my infantry on slight bridges hastily constructed. When about 800 yards south of Robertson's River I was obliged to halt my brigade, with the exception of cavalry, on the banks of a narrow and deep creek emptying into Robertson's River. The bottom if this creek, where it crossed the road, was composed of mud worn into deep holes, thus rendering it impassable for my artillery. In the course of two hours I had thrown across it a bridge strong enough to sustain my heaviest guns. A party of my cavalry had in the mean time reconnoitered as far as Rapidan River, some 5 miles beyond us, reporting a small party of the enemy on the opposite shore. Having crossed the bridge I proceeded about a quarter of a mile to where I was ordered to halt for the day.
About 4 p. m., when I was about to post my pickets for the night, I received orders to fall back on my original position left in the morning. I accordingly withdrew my brigade, with the exception of my cavalry and a section of my battery, which I left in a favorable position.*
* * * * * * *
R. H. MILROY,
Brigadier General, Commanding Ind't., First Corps, Army of Va.
Major T. A. MEYSENBERG,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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* Portion here omitted is printed on pp. 315-323.
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them that noble and accomplished officer and patriot General C. S. Winder.
I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General.
No. 29. Report of Colonel S. Crutchfield, C. S. Army, Chief of Artillery.
HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY SECOND CORPS, March 14, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the artillery of his army corps in the battle of Cedar Run of August 9, 1862:
The road on which we advanced debouched from a piece of woods upon the immediate battle-field, which was open and somewhat broken, a brook running across it and the prolongation of the road, and making a small angle with our general line of battle. The advance of our troops was the division of Brigadier General C. S. Winder, and its artillery became first engaged. The enemy's batteries occupied rising ground to the right and beyond the mouth of the road, while is infantry extended from these batteries toward our left. About 2 p.m. a gun placed at the mouth of the road by Major R. S. Andrews, commanding the artillery of General Winder's division, opened on the enemy (his cavalry skirmishers and outposts had been previously driven in by Brigadier-General Early's brigade, which was just to the right of this point). The reply was immediate, and from this time the enemy kept up a sharp fire at this point as one near which our troops and batteries must pass in taking position. I found that to the right and front some 250 yards were rises in the ground favorable for positions for artillery. I therefore directed Major Andrews to move forward his rifled guns to these points. He moved out four rifled and one 12-pounder Napoleon; the latter and two rifles were from Captain Poague's battery, and the others from those of Captains Caskie and Carpenter. Their fire was directed against the enemy's batteries in order to protect the deployment of our infantry. They were excellently served, and so completely occupied the enemy's guns, about twelve in number, I think, that Major Andrews proposed to move one or two smooth-bore batteries farther down the road, and endeavor to enfilade the enemy's position. In trying to do this he was wounded, and the complexion of affairs just after prevented its subsequent execution.
Meanwhile the battery of Captain Latimer, which had moved with Major-General Ewell's division, had opened on the enemy from a position at the base of Slaughter Mountain far to our right, while the batteries of Captains Brown and Dement (the two comprising six guns) had position between the battery of Captain Latimer and those of Major Andrews. These two batteries were capitally served, and evidently damaged the enemy severely. Thus far the fight had been between the opposing artillery exclusively. At this time the enemy's infantry advanced in line of battle-that is, a regiment of them-through a corn field just beyond the brook and in front of Major Andrews' guns. Unable apparently to cross in this formation, they formed column of companies for the purpose. Just then Major Andrews turned his guns
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Numbers 63. Report of Colonel Henry Forno, Fifth Louisiana Infantry, commanding Hays' (or First Louisiana) Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS HAYS' BRIGADE,
August 18, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by Hays' brigade, now under my command, during the battle of the 9th instant, at Cedar Run. Although not actively engaged, the brigade, being held in reserve by General Trimble's command, were under fire and in range of the enemy's shell and suffered considerably; a list of the casualties accompanying this report.*
Very respectfully, yours,
H. FORNO,
Colonel Fifth Louisiana, Commanding Brigade.
Captain G. CAMPBELL BROWN,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Division.
Numbers 64. Report of Major A. R. Courtney, C. S. Army, Chief of Artillery, Third Division.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION,
August 15, 1862.
SIR: I beg leave respectfully to make the following report of the operations of the artillery in this division in the fight of the 9th instant, at Mrs. Crittenden's farm, near Slaughter Mountain, Culpeper County, Virginia.
The battle was opened by the artillery of this division, which had been posted as presently [below] described, with orders not to fire until the infantry sent around to the left to fire, upon the enemy's cavalry skirmishers had opened. Captain Dement's (First Maryland) battery, Captain Brown's Chesapeake Artillery, also from Maryland; Captain D'Aquin's (Louisiana) battery, and the rifle gun of Captain Latimer's battery were posted in aline from the main road, on the left of the mountain, on the right, and as far forward as Majors' house. Captain Latimer, with three guns, and Lieutenant Terry, with Captain Johnson's (Bedford) battery, were stationed by the major-general in person on Slaughter Mountain near the mansion house. From these positions the several batteries named opened upon a large body of cavalry in front as soon as the infantry opened upon their advanced guard from the woods on the left. The cavalry having at once fled, and the enemy opening with several batteries in our front and beyond effective range of our guns, I ordered the batteries on the plain to cease firing, and conducted them forward to the positions afterward taken and held by them until dark, Captain Latimer and Lieutenant Terry continuing their fire from the mountain. I ordered Captain Latimer's rifle to join the battery on the mountain, and leaving three of Captain Brown's guns (two old 6-pounders and howitzer), I carried the rest directly
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*Embodied in Numbers 27.
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Bridge, on the road to Gainesville, with directions to take possession of the bridge, and thereby open the road to Gainesville. The brigade of Brigadier-General Milroy advanced rapidly toward the bridge, and drove the enemy, who was stationed there with some cavalry and artillery, back toward Gainesville, while the pioneers repaired the bridge, which had been set on fire and partially destroyed by the enemy. In a short time the whole of General Milroy's brigade had passed the river and pressed forward against Gainesville, making on their way about 150 prisoners. I now ordered General Schurz to pass the river and follow General Milroy and to take position behind him. The division of General Schenck also crossed the river, and the infantry brigade of General Steinwehr remained in reserve at the bridge. Such was the position of the First Corps on the evening of the 27th.
During the night General McDowell's corps arrived at Buckland Mills, and I received orders at 3 o'clock in the morning to march to Manassas and to take position, with my right resting on the railroad leading from Warrenton Junction to Manassas Junction; so, at least, I understood the order.
On this march our cavalry, sent out to the left in the direction of Groveton, was shelled by the enemy, about 1 1/2 miles distant from the road on which we marched; and, besides this, an artillery engagement began between the corps of General McDowell and the enemy. I immediately halted, ordered the whole corps to counter-march, and formed in order of battle on the heights parallel with the Centerville-Gainesville road. The enemy's infantry and cavalry pickets were about 300 yards from our line, and our skirmishers had already advanced against them when, on a report made to General McDowell, I received orders to march forthwith to Manassas Junction. I reluctantly obeyed this order, marched off from the right, and was within 2 1/2 miles from Manassas, when our cavalry reported that Manassas was evacuated by the enemy, and that General Kearny was in possession of that point. As I was sure that the enemy must be somewhere Centerville and Gainesville, I asked permission to march to New Market, whereupon I was directed to march to Centerville. This order was in execution, and the troops prepared to cross the fords of Bull Run, when our advance met the enemy on the road leading from New Market to Groveton and Sudley's Ford, this side of Bull Run. About the same time I received a report from General Pope that the enemy was concentrating at Centerville. Supposing that this was correct, I directed the brigades of General Milroy and Colonel McLean to advance against the enemy this side of Bull Run, on the road to Sudley Springs, and left General Stahel' brigade and General Schurz' division near the fords, the latter division facing toward Centerville.
As soon, however, as I had ascertained that Centerville was evacuated by the enemy I followed with these troops to assist Brigadier-General Milroy and Colonel McLean, who, under the direction of Brigadier-General Schenck, were briskly engaged with the left of the enemy's forces, whose right had engaged a brigade of the Third Corps. Our artillery advanced steadily until the darkness of night interrupted their movements. They encamped for the night near Mrs. Henry's farm, one regiment taking position on the Centerville-Gainesville turnpike, the main force fronting toward Sudley Springs and Groveton.
2.-BATTLE OF GROVETON, NEAR BULL RUN, ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 1862.
On Thursday night, August 28, when the First Corps was encamped
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to the extreme left. The infantry brigade of General Steinwehr, commanded by Colonel Koltes, was then sent forward to the assistance of Generals Schenck and Schurz, and one regiment was detailed for the protection of a battery posted in reserve near our center. The troops of Brigadier-General Reynolds had meanwhile (12 o'clock) taken position on our left. In order to defend our right I sent a letter to General Kearny, saying that Longstreet was not able to bring his troops in line of battle that day, and requesting him (Kearny) to change his front to the left, and to advance, if possible, against the enemy's left flank. To assist him in this movement I ordered two long-range rifled guns to report to him, as him own battery had remained in reserve behind his lines.
At 2 o'clock in the afternoon General Hooker's troops arrived on the field of battle, and were immediately ordered forward by their noble commander to participate in the battle. One brigade, under Colonel Carr, received orders, by my request, to relieve the regiments of General Schurz' division, which had maintained their ground against repeated attacks, but were now worn-out and nearly without ammunition. Other regiments were sent forward to relieve Brigadier-General Milroy, whose brigade had valiantly disputed the ground against greatly superior numbers for eight hours.
To check the enemy if he should attempt to advance, or for the purpose of preparing and supporting an attack from our side, I placed four batteries of different commands on a range of hills on our center and behind the woods, which had been the most hotly contested part of the battle-field during the day.
I had previously received a letter from Major-General Pope, saying that Fitz John Porter's corps and Brigadier-General king's division, numbering 20,000 men, would come in on our left. I did, therefore, not think it prudent to give the enemy time to make new arrangements, and ordered all the batteries to continue their fire, and to direct it principally against the enemy's in the woods before our front. Some of our troops placed in front were retiring from the woods, but as the enemy, held in check by the artillery in the center, did not venture to follow, and as at this moment new regiments of General Hooker's command arrived and were ordered forward, we maintained our position, which Generals Milroy and Schurz had occupied in the morning.
During two hours, from 4 to 6 p.m., strong cannonading and musketry continued on our center and right, where General Kearny made a successful effort against the extreme left of the enemy's lines.
At 6.15 o'clock Brigadier-General King's division, of Major-General McDowell's corps, arrived behind our front, and advanced on the Gainesville turnpike. I do not know the real result of this movement, but from the weakness of the enemy's cannonade and the gradually decreasing musketry in the direction of General Kearny's attack I received the impression that the enemy's resistance was broken and that victory was on our side; and so it was. We had won the field of battle, and our army rested near the dead and wounded who had so gloriously defended the good cause of this country.
3.-BATTLE OF THE 30TH OF AUGUST.
On Saturday, the 30th of August, I was informed by Major-General Pope that it was his intention to "break the enemy's left," and that I,
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enemy forced us, after a hard contest, to fall back on another hill in our rear, where we came in position again and remained till nearly dark, and after exhausting our ammunition we fell back toward Centreville, where we arrived next morning.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. WIEDRICH,
Captain, Commanding Battery I, First Regiment N. Y. Artillery.
Major MEYSENBERG,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
No. 18. Report of Captain Hubert Dilger, Battery I, First Ohio Light Artillery, of the battles of Groveton and Bull Run.
CAMP NEAR MINOR'S HILL, September 16, 1862.
GENERAL: Respecting the party my battery took in the late conflicts of the 29th and 30th of August, 1862, I have the honor to report the following:
On Friday, the 29th of August, the battery was ordered, under the protection of Colonel Koltes' brigade, to the support of General Schenck's division, upon the left flank of the First Corps. I advanced to the left of the road and took position upon the outermost elevation in our front, just opposite a large battery of the enemy which mounting about ten guns, was posted upon the hill inclosing the valley. After two hours' incessant firing the enemy's guns were silenced for a while - in consequence, no doubt of the successive explosion of two of their caissons. During this pause, which was improved to prepare the battery for the continuance of the contest for the important position, opportunity was also afforded me to support the infantry on our right, that had been compelled to fall back across the railroad track, with two pieces of artillery posted on the right of my battery. The enemy's battery, however, was not long in making its appearance again. I engaged it until Wiedrich's battery and two pieces of Dieckmann's battery were sent by my request, through order of General Sigel, to my assistance, and after I had exhausted all my ammunition, of which there was not an over-supply, to my relief. By this time the fire of the enemy slackened its concentration upon this position.
The loss I sustained during this engagement, which lasted four hours, was 22 horses, and 4 men slightly wounded. The damage to the guns was slight so that they could be repaired in the evening.
On the morning of Saturday, the 30th of August, the battery was assigned to Colonel Krzyzanowski's brigade. While the division was advancing I took position on the left of the battery that was posted on the summit of the hill fronting the enemy's battery which I engaged yesterday. Being apprised by you, general, of the danger that was threatening our center, I took the only two guns that had not been brought into position, on account of the want of room, with me, and engaged with them the battery that was in the act of flanking us from the corner of the woods. Having remained stationary for about half an hour, I perceived one of our infantry regiments, being in full range of the enemy's guns, falling back upon the battery. I tried to bring
20 R R-VOL XII, PT II
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Fifty-fourth Regiment New York State Volunteers was drawn up in line of battle at 6 o'clock a.m. at Manassas, and ordered for reserve by General Schurz. At 8 o'clock, by his orders, was sent to the woods to drive out the enemy, and found them in large force. The regiment instantly became engaged, and it held the woods in spite of the superior numbers until 1 o'clock, when it was relieved by another regiment.
In this engagement the officers and men behaved themselves bravely, especially the second color-bearer, William Ranschmuller, who, seeing his comrade (the first color-braver) fall, instantly seized the flag, and at the same time cared for his wounded comrade, took him, to the rear, and immediately returned again to his proper place. After this the regiment was ordered to fall back to another wood about a half mile distant, with the order to be in column by division, to be ready for any emergency, and the regiment remained under arms all night.
The 30th the Fifty-fourth Regiment New York State Volunteers was ordered at 10 o'clock to draw up in line of battle on the plains of Manassas. About 3 o'clock the enemy commenced to pour into us a terrible fire of shot and shell, and under this fire the regiment suffered very much and stood like a wall. About 4 o'clock the regiment was ordered to advance up the hill to check the enemy, who was trying to flank our left, which was done. After this the regiment was ordered by General Krzyzanowski to be relieved. In the mean time the regiment received orders by Major-General Sigel to hold the ditch, which was done. The commanding officer of the regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Ashby, seeing the regiment left without support, withdrew the troops slowly to the battery of Captain Dilger, reaching there at 7 o'clock p.m., and the regiment was ordered by Major-General Sigel as the rear guard.
In this engagement I have the honor to mention the gallant conduct of First Lieutenant Wertheimer, who, with a small flag in his hand, advanced about 6 paces before the regiment, and the regiment advanced with cheers on a double-quick and fired on the enemy. I also have to mention the brave conduct of the following non-commissioned officers: Sergt. Major E. Both, Orderly Sergeant Friedle, Orderly Sergeant Osterthal, Orderly Sergeant Nelson, Sergeants Raven, King, Steaven, Wearner, Boller, and Hartman.
I am sorry to report the loss of many brave officers and men, as the original report will testify. Killed, wounded, and missing - total 161 men.*
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
STEPHEN KOVACS,
Major, Commanding Fifty-fourth Regiment New York State Vols.
General W. KRZYZANOWSKI, Commanding Second Brigade.
No. 24. Report of Captain Frederick Braun, Fifty-eighth New York Infantry, of operations August 20-31.
HDQRS. FIFTY-EIGHTH Regiment NEW YORK STATE VOLS., Camp near Arlington Heights, September 12, 1862.
I have the honor to submit the following report:
The regiment arrived after three days' marching from camp near
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*See p.251.
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the Waterloo road, was moved across to the Sulphur Springs road to make the attack you had ordered.
In the course of the morning I received your telegram of 5 o'clock a.m.,* and as I was on my way to Sulphur Springs to direct the attack your telegram of 8.10 o'clock a.m.+ These informed me of your order to Reno to make the reconnaissance across the river below Rappahannock Station to Culpeper and of his failure to do so; and, in view of the failure of General Sigel to force the passage of the river above at Waterloo, authorized me to use my discretion as to crossing at Sulphur Springs, and desired me to ascertain, if possible, if the enemy were really in force at Waterloo, and what had become of the head of his column which yesterday was in front and had taken the road toward Salem. General Sigel, you informed me, reported his men unable to do anything until they should have some rest. Generals Bayard and Buford reported to me that, owing to the hard, unremitting services performed, their cavalry was broken down - the former, that his would neither charge nor stand a charge; the latter, that his was at that time disorganized.
As the falling back of General Sigel from Waterloo to Warrenton and the transfer of my troops from the Waterloo road to the Sulphur Springs road had left the right weakly guarded, and as it was around the right the enemy were then moving, I decided to replace my corps in the position it had occupied the day before.
In order to comply with your wishes to ascertain the force of the enemy at Waterloo and farther to the right, agreeably to your instructions of 8.10 a.m. I took command of General Sigel's corps and everything in front. (A copy of my note to General Sigel is below, marked E.)++ Brigadier-General Buford, with the available cavalry at hand and some artillery from General Sigel's corps, was sent to turn the head of the enemy's column, which was moving through Salem. This was reported to you and met your approval.
I am obliged here to ask your attention to General Sigel's report, which has been made public. It will be noticed the general gives at some length his reasons for abandoning the position at Waterloo Bridge and falling back under cover of the night of the 25th; a movement with which he seems to wish it to appear I was in some way connected, if, indeed, for which I was not responsible. He says, first, he had been under my command since his arrival at Waterloo, had sent to me for instructions, &c. It will be seen from your telegram, my letter, and his own report that he did not come under my orders until the 26th, after he had left his position and fallen behind my command at Warrenton. Second, he says I was to have relieved Milroy's brigade at the bridge. In that he mistakes the general order (which I have quoted) forming the line from Kelly's Ford on the left to Warrenton on the right. The river was to be held, except at Kelly's Ford, by cavalry only, and Buford's brigade was close behind Milroy for this purpose. Third, he says when he fell back he had no support within 8 or 10 miles of him. It is 8 miles, so called, from Waterloo Bridge to Warrenton. He had behind and to his right Buford's brigade; behind Buford, Rickett's division, of four brigades and four batteries of artillery, all of which were between 4 and 5 miles of the bridge. Fourth, he says matters were confused at receiving a mutilated order or letter from General McDowell, part directed to him, informing him he would meet his bridge train at
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*In Appendix a.
+See No. 1, Appendix C.
++See No. 2, Appendix C.
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Fayetteville, and part addressed to General Banks, calling for information from his corps. Here he is again mistaken. I wrote him no such letter nor such as he describes to General Banks. I did not myself know where his bridge train was, and had no right to call on General Banks for any return, for he was my senior. The letter to him, I have been informed by that officer, was from your late chief of staff, and was, I suppose, sent to Warrenton by telegraph from your headquarters, and forwarded thence to its destination by the operator by means of one of the cavalry of my corps. However this may be, I know nothing of it.
The attack on the enemy beyond Sulphur Springs by my corps was not undertaken for the reasons I have stated; but before the countermand was given King's division became engaged with the enemy, mostly with artillery, and the firing was kept up during the day. The troops opposed to him, as we learned from a flag of truce sent by the enemy, was a division of Anderson's, formerly Huger's, and, as far as I know, the last of those of which we had any knowledge that had left Richmond. I inferred from this enemy's rear rested then at Sulphur Springs.
On the supposition the enemy might offer us battle at or near Warrenton, upon which he could now concentrate a large force, you informed me in your telegram of the 26th that the corps on my left and rear would all be pushed forward, so as to be within supporting distance of the Third Corps. The information, however, received in the evening and night from General Buford, from General Sigel's scouts,and from some negroes was to the effect that the enemy's column, whose rear division we had been fighting at Sulphur Springs, was directed upon Thoroughfare Gap, through which his advance had passed, to attack our communications at Manassas. Copies of the telegrams to and from your headquarters, concerning the supposed designs of the enemy, are herewith, marked Appendix A.
You then decided to throw the army back on the forces of the enemy which had passed through the Piedmont Ridge at Thoroughfare Gap, and agreeably to your order of 8.30 a.m. of the 27th (and not as stated in General Sigel's proposal), I gave the latter, who as we were to march to the rear, was now in front, the following order:
Push immediately a strong advance along the turnpike from Warrenton to Gainesville for the purpose of taking possession of Buckland Mills, on Broad Run, and get your corps in hand as soon as possible to follow the advance. No wagons but for ammunition will accompany your corps on this road. Your baggage trains will immediately proceed to Catlett's. Detach three batteries from your corps to report to Major-General Kearny, commanding division, who will be moving by way of Greenwich to your support. Further instructions will be given as to which the batteries are to join General Kearny, and until they do they will remain with you.
I gave General Sigel the cavalry of my corps in place of his own, which had been detached by your order, and informed him that Reynolds', King's, and Ricketts' division would immediately follow him,* and that as soon as they closed upon him he should push his advance to Gainesville, the point where the Warrenton turnpike to Centreville and Alexandria was crossed by the road from Thoroughfare Gap to Manassas Junction.
The division of Reynolds, King, and Ricketts, in the order named, followed as soon as they could be brought in. As there was but one
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*See No. 3, Appendix C.
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pers. He readily consented, and finally succeeded in bringing back a force gathered by great e exertion, but too late for action.
I desire to particularly notice the conduct of Captain Dunham assistant adjutant-general First New Jersey Brigade, whose exertions to rally the broken columns of his brigade were untiring.
Very respectfully, &c.,
ROBT. P. KENNEDY,
Lieutenant and A. A. A. G., First Brigade.
Colonel E. P. SCAMMON,
Commanding First Brigade.
No. 50. Report of Lieutenant Colonel Augustus H. Coleman, Eleventh Ohio Infantry, of action at Bull Run Bridge.
HDQRS. ELEVENTH Regiment OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
Munson's Hill, Va., August 30, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Eleventh Ohio Volunteers in the engagement at Bull Run on the 27th instant:
The regiment arrived at the scene of action about 8 a.m., the Twelfth Ohio in the advance. Almost immediately upon halting the rebels began shelling our troops. My regiment was then moved to the left, our of range of the enemy's guns, by Major Jackson (he being in command at that time), and afterward crossed the river agreeably to your order and proceeded about 500 yards when the enemy was discovered in overwhelming numbers. The regiment was then moved along the hill to the rescue of the Twelfth Ohio, which was then nearly surrounded by a force vastly outnumbering them. My regiment then charged upon the enemy and drove them from their position at the bridge. The rebels returned almost immediately in superior numbers, when we retired across the river. It was at this juncture that I arrived and assumed command of my regiment. My regiment was then deployed to the left of the railroad and about 150 yards in rear of the bridge and across Bull run, the Twelfth on our right, when a sharp engagement ensued, the Twelfth suffering severely, but not an officer or man of either regiment wavered, so far as I was able to observe. The Twelfth Ohio fought like veterans. It was also at this point that my adjutant fell mortally wounded. Lieutenant McClure and 4 men of the Eleventh were captured while carrying him from the field.
We were at this time compelled to retire before a superior force, I bringing up the rear with my regiment, skirmishing for some distance as we moved along the railroad.
Both the officers and men of my regiment exhibited the greatest coolness, no one being in haste to leave, but retiring slowly and in a good order. When about 3 miles from Bull Run, about 200 cavalry attacked a small detachment of my rear guard, who were assisting the wounded, capturing 2 men and slightly wounding a third. Rebel cavalry appeared at various points on our march to Fairfax Station.
My loss in killed, wounded, and missing is 21.*
Permit me, colonel, to express the entire satisfaction of the officers
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*But see revised statement, p. 262.
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houses and fences previously occupied by him were seized and held by my light troops (Third Infantry).
Thus far we had seen none of the enemy's infantry, none of the cavalry, and only the muzzles of his cannon over the crest heretofore mentioned. We were in profound ignorance of his position, strength, or designs. About 4 p. m. I was ordered to support an attack to be made by General Butterfield. This attack was based upon the supposition that the enemy was in full retreat-so announced in the orders of General Pope. Porter's army corps was to be the pivot of operations. The troops on our right were to swing toward us, clear the enemy in front (if there), and then, by a joint movement with Porter, we were all to hurry him up in his retrograde movement. The Pennsylvania Reserves, under General J. F. Reynolds, had been posited on my left, south of the Warrenton pike. Just previous to the attack these troops were withdrawn, leaving my left flank entirely uncovered and the Warrenton road open. Colonel Warren, Fifth New York Volunteers, commanding my Third Brigade, seeing the paramount necessity of holding this point, threw himself there with his brigade, the remnants of two regiments, and endeavored to fill the gap created by the removal of Reynolds.
Butterfield's attack was gallantly made and gallantly maintained until his troops were torn to pieces. My First Brigade, under Colonel R. C. Buchanan, U. S. Army, moved to his aid, relieved him, and became furiously engaged. The troops on our right did not properly support this attack, in consequence of which the whole movement failed. The enemy, posted in a railroad excavation, was as secure as earthen embankments could make him, and as our troops emerged from the woods they were met by withering volleys, that decimated their ranks. Their own fire was almost harmless against a sheltered foe. This advance of parts of Porter's and McDowell's army corps was on the left center of our line. The enemy, seeing its failure, and that our weak point lay on my left in front of Warren, poured upon his little command, under cover of the forest, a mass of infantry that enveloped-almost destroyed- him, and completely pierced our line. Out of 490 men in the Fifth New York Volunteers, 79 killed and 170 wounded attest the nature of this attack.*
It became necessary to retire from the ground we occupied. Buchanan's and Chapman's brigades did so in columns of regiments in line of battle under a sever artillery fire, and never wagered. Weed's, Smead's, and Randol's batteries moved with and near them. Warren gathered the remnant of his brigade in rear of Young's Run. I suggested to General Porter that my troops should occupy the plateau of the Henry and Robinson houses beyond Young's Fun, and endeavor to hold it against the oncoming foe. Naturally it was the strongest position on the field. He acquiesced in my suggestion, and during the movement to that point I remained with Weed's battery, that again had been brought into action near the Dogan house. After a short interval, riding rapidly toward the plateau, I learned from my adjutant-general, Lieutenant Cutting, that some general officers had sent Chapman's brigade into action on the extreme left, and that the plateau was held by other troops.
Buchanan's and the remnant of Warren's brigades were then formed immediately in rear of the plateau. The enemy continuing to outflank our left, Buchanan was ordered to the support of the forces engaged in
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*See p. 260.
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ment arrived on the old battle-field of Bull Run at about 7 o'clock a. m. A short time after the brigade was formed in line of battle in front of the Dogan house, and the regiment order forward as skirmishers, with orders to occupy the crest of the hill in our front, our left resting on the Alexandria and Warrenton turnpike. We remained in this position about three hours, when I received orders to advance the line, which was promptly done. To effect this it was necessary to drive the enemy from some houses in front of our left. This was gallantly done by three companies, under the command of Lieutenant Sheridan, with loss of 2 men killed and 3 wounded. Our line of skirmishers then connected with those of the Pennsylvania Reserves (the Bucktails) on our left and General Butterfield's on our right.
At about 4.30 p. m. the attack was made by our troops on the right, and a short time after a movement was observed on our left among the skirmishers of the Pennsylvania Reserves, which ended in their retiring entirely from their position. This was immediately reported to General Sykes, who directed me to occupy the same ground with my skirmishers, which was accordingly done. The skirmishers of the Third Infantry then occupied all the open ground in front, extending from wood to wood. The left of our line of skirmishers was hotly pressed at this time, but the line was held until the movement on our right commenced. I then assembled the skirmishers on the right of the turnpike and retired by it, having directed the skirmishers on the left of it to join me. This they were unable to do, but under Lieutenant Sheridan they assembled on Colonel Warren's brigade, and were with them in the fierce engagement which they had on the left. with all the men of my regiment I could get together I joined the brigade, which I found formed in front of the Henry and Robinson houses.
Shortly after we were ordered forward to engage the enemy, who were pressing our left. We had a short and close conflict at this point. and were finally forced to retire, which we did in good order. Subsequently we moved to Centreville, arriving at 1 o'clock in the night. Captain Walker, acting field officer, had charge of the left wing, and rendered me much assistance by his coolness and prompt carrying out of orders. Lieutenant Sheridan's conduct came under my own observation, and was all that could be desired. He mentions with praise the conduct of Lieutenants Whitney and Eckert, the former wounded and the latter contused. Lieutenant Penrose was active and energetic. Sergeant Torpy, of Company H, with 10 men of that company, held one of the houses occupied by us against a vastly superior force, and only retired when half his men were wounded and the house surrounded. He was subsequently wounded and left on the field. Sergt. Major August Kaiser, First Sergt. Stanley Mourton, of Company H; Hopkins, of Company I; Litzinger, of Company K; Smith, of Company B; Hessian, of Company G; Coady, of Company F; Schafer, of Company E; Morris, of Company C; Hanley, of Company D, and Sergeants Flynn, Ackland and Scully, of the regiment, are mentioned as having been distinguished for coolness and bravery during the entire contest.
Lieutenant Devoe, adjutant of the regiment, rendered me important service during, the action, and behaved with the same indifference to danger which has distinguished him on former occasions.
Our entire loss was 5 killed, 15 wounded, and 25 missing, many of whom were no doubt killed.
The following officers were present in the action: Captain John D. Wilkins, commanding regiment; Captain W. Walker, acting
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field officer; Captain F. A. Davies, Sixteenth Infantry, commanding Company D, Third Infantry; Acting Assistant Surgeon Hall, Second Lieutenant Frederick Devoe, adjutant of the regiment; First Lieutenant A. Sheridan, commanding Company H; First Lieutenant william H. Penrose, commanding Company B; First Lieutenant D. Parker, commanding Company G; First Lieutenant John H. Page, commanding Company I; First Lieutenant George B. Eckert, commanding Company C, contused; Second Lieutenant Henry Asbury, commanding Company F; Second Lieutenant Hohn Whitney, commanding Company K, wounded; Second Lieutenant I. A. Helm.
JOHN D. WILKINS,
Captain, Third Infantry, Commanding Regiment.
Lieutenant WILLIAM H. POWELL,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, First Brigade Regulars.
Numbers 104. Report of Captain Hiram Dryer, Fourth U. S. Infantry, of the battle of Bull Run.
CAMP NEAR HALL'S HILL, VA.,
September 4, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the movements of the Fourth Regiment of Regular Infantry on Saturday, the 30th day of august, 1862:
the regiment was formed at daylight near the Manassas Gap Railroad, about 1 mile from its junction with the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, where it had bivouacked for the night, and marched from there to the Alexandria and Warrenton turnpike, near Dogan's house, arriving at about 8 o'clock a. m. The regiment soon after was formed in line of battle in an open field about 400 yards in front of the Dogan house, covering the Twelfth Infantry, and with its left resting on the turnpike. The enemy commenced a vigorous shelling of our position almost immediately, doing but little damage. Our loss in this position was 1 killed and 3 wounded.
at about 12 o'clock we moved forward in line of battle and took position near the woods to the right and front, and about 1,200 yards distant from the Dogan house, where we remained until about 3.30 o'clock p. m., when we were ordered to fall back and take up a position on the plateau in front of the Henry and Robinson houses. In making this movement we passed nearly over the ground that we had been formed on during the early part of the day, and at or about this point Captain Collins was struck on the thigh with a round shot, producing a severe contusion of the thigh, rendering him unfit for further duty on the field. I then assumed command of the regiment. We had not been long in position on the plateau oboe mentioned when we received an order to re-enforce General Meade's brigade, then engaged on the left and about 500 yards in our front. On arriving in rear of General Meade's line, which was lying down and firing from a ditch, I halted the regiment and opened fire by battalion, firing six rounds. The enemy having disappeared in front of this position and moved to his right, where he was massing a large body of troops in a dense forest, I received an order from Colonel Buchanan to move the Fourth to the left.
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proper front; then toward the left of the position occupied by the Federal forces. My arrival was most opportune. Not a regiment or brigade of the immense reserve held on that field was in effective proximity to repel the advance of the enemy at the point of their approach. The Seventeenth Infantry, leading, marched to the point indicated, followed by the Eleventh, Sixth, Second, and Tenth, and occupied the edge of the wood, through with a heavy force was adman ing against u. The line was formed with the Sixth Infantry advanced a little way in the woods. Here, coolly and calmly, my brave troops awaited a visible evidence of the presence of the enemy, when a volley was poured into their lines, with what effect could not be seen for the cover of underbrush, &c. It was replied to by a terrific fire of musketry. The firing continued three-quarters of an hour with no material decrease on the part of the enemy. One effect of our fire was notable-the enemy was checked. A New York battery, posted on a hill toward the right and rear of my brigade, limbered to the rear, and left its position at the very moment when it could have done excellent service. The enemy having disclosed himself in its front, the commanding officer may have received orders to leave; if so, they came at an unfortunate moment. The enemy's musketry was not sufficiently dangerous to drive him off, and he had the infantry support of my entire brigade. The brigade coolly delivered its fire until our loss urged a withdrawal. The enemy, finding himself checked here, dispatched a force farther to the left, with a section of artillery, threatening our rear. The Ninth New York Regiment of Volunteers, on the left of our line, soon retired, exclaiming, "It is too hot," thus leaving our flank exposed. This also urged the withdrawal of the left. Another volunteer regiment left our right after being engaged but a few minutes. When the First Brigade moved up within view I ordered the brigade to fall back. While this was being done the enemy opened on us with grape and canister, firing very rapidly; but few casualties were caused by it, however. The First Brigade advanced toward the right of the position left by us. My brigade fell back some 600 yards to Bull Run Hill, on the side toward Centreville. We rested here until orders were received, about 6.30 p. m., to march to Centreville. We reached Centreville about 11 p. m., and bivouacked for the night.
It is with the greatest pleasure I bear testimony to the splendid conduct of my command. It challenged unqualified admiration. I feel and acknowledge my indebtedness to the battalion commanders, and particularly Major Lovell, Tenth Infantry, commanding Second and Tenth, whose remarkable coolness in the action was encouraging and inspiriting, and whose assistance was only to be seen to be appreciated. I would recommend that his soldierly qualities by duly rewarded.
For details I respectfully refer to the battalion commanders' reports.
Loss in action of the brigade: Second and Tenth Infantry, 86; Sixth Infantry, 52; Eleventh Infantry, 31; Seventeenth Infantry, 48. Total, 217.
First Lieutenant John S. Poland, regimental quartermaster, Second Infantry, my aide-de-camp, was me during the whole day, carrying orders under the most galling fire to every part of the field where the brigade was engaged, and was conspicuous for his gallantry.
Second Lieutenant E. E. Sellers, Tenth Infantry, acting assistant adjutant-general, was with me during the entire day.
I would also state that I especially noticed Asst. Surgs. W. R.
32 R R-VOL XII, PT II
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active operations on the James were no longer contemplated, and that the most effectual way to relieve Richmond from any danger of attack from that quarter would be to re-enforce General Jackson and advance upon General Pope.
Accordingly, on August 13 Major-General Longstreet, with his division and the two brigades under General Hood, were ordered to proceed to Gordonsville. At the same time General Stuart was directed to move with the main body of his cavalry to that point, leaving a sufficient force to observe the enemy still remaining in Fredericksburg and to guard the railroad. General R. H Anderson was also directed to leave his position on James River and follow Longstreet.
On the 16th the troops began to move from the vicinity of Gordonsville toward the Rapidan, on the north side of which, extending along the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in the direction of Culpeper Court-House, the Federal Army lay in great force. It was determined with the cavalry to destroy the railroad bridge over the Rappahannock in rear of the enemy, while Longstreet and Jackson crossed the Rapidan and attacked his left flank. The movement, as explained in the accompanying order, was appointed for August 18, but the necessary preparations not having been completed, its execution was postponed to the 20th. In the interval the enemy, being apprised of our design, hastily retired beyond the Rappahannock. General Longstreet crossed the Rapidan at Raccon Ford and, preceded by Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry brigade, arrived early in the afternoon near Kelly's Ford, on the Rappahannock, where Lee had a sharp and successful skirmish with the rear guard of the enemy, who held the north side of the river in strong force. Jackson passed the Rapidan at Somerville Ford and moved toward Brandy Station, Robertson's brigade of cavalry, accompanied by General Stuart in person, leading the advance. Near Brandy Station a large body of the enemy's cavalry was encountered, which was gallantly attacked and driven across the Rappahannock by Robertson' command.
General Jackson halted for the night near Stevensburg, and on the morning of the 21st moved upon Beverly Ford, on the Rappahannock. The Fifth Virginia Cavalry, under Colonel Rosser, was sent forward by General Stuart to seize the north bank of the river at this point and gallantly accomplished the object, capturing a number of prisoners and arms. General Stuart subsequently arrived, and being furnished by General Jackson with a section of artillery, maintained his position for several hours, skirmishing warmly with the enemy. General Robertson, who had crossed the river above Beverly Ford, reported that the enemy was advancing in large force upon the position held by General Stuart, and as it had been determined in the mean time not to attempt the passage of the river at that point with the army, that officer withdrew to the south side. The enemy soon afterward appeared in great strength upon the opposite bank, and an animated fire was kept up during the rest of the day between his artillery and the batteries attached to Jackson's leading division, under Brigadier-General Taliaferro.
As our positions on the south bank of the Rappahannock were commanded by those of the enemy, who guarded all the fords, it was determined to seek a more favorable place to cross higher up the river, and thus gain the enemy's right. Accordingly, General Longstreet was directed to leave Kelly's Ford on the 21st and take the position in front of the enemy in the vicinity of Beverly Ford and the Orange and Alexandria Railroad bridge, then held by Jackson, in order to mask the movement of the latter, who was instructed to ascend the river.
On the 22nd Jackson crossed Hazel River at Welford's Mill and proceeded
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was severely wounded at the close of the engagement. Brigadier General C. M. Wilcox, at Manassas Plains on August 29 and 30; afterward absent, sick. Brigadier-General [Richard B.] Garnett, at Boonsborough and Sharpsburg. Brigadier-General Evans, on the plains of Manassas both on August 29 and 30, and at Sharpsburg. Brigadier-General [James L.] Kemper, at Manassas Plains, Boonsborough, and Sharpsburg. Brigadier-General [John B.] Hood and Cols. E. M. Law and W. T. Wofford, at Manassas Plains on August 29 and 30, Boonsborough, and at Sharpsburg on the 16th and 17th. Colonel G. T. Anderson, commanding D. R. Jones' brigade, at Thoroughfare Gap, Manassas Plains, Boonsborough, and Sharpsburg. Brigadier-General [William] Mahone, at Manassas Plains, where he received a severe wound. Brigadier General R. A. Pryor, at Sharpsburg. Brigadier General M. Jenkins, at Manassas Plains on August 29 and 30; on the last day severely wounded. Colonels [Eppa] Hunton, M. D. Corse, [William D.] Stuart, P. F. Stevens, John C. Hately (severely wounded), and [Joseph] Walker (commanding Jenkins' brigade after the latter was wounded), at Manassas Plains, Boonsborough, and Sharpsburg. Colonel Posey, at Manassas Plains and Sharpsburg, where he commanded Featherson's brigade. Colonel Henry L. Benning, at Manassas Plains and Sharpsburg. At Sharpsburg, Captain M. B. Miller, of the Washington Artillery, was particularly distinguished. Colonel Walton, of the Washington Artillery, at Rappahannock Station, Manassas Plains (August 29), and Sharpsburg; and Major [John J.] Garnett, at Rappahannock Station. Lieutenant-Colonels [Fred. G.] Skinner and [Morton] Marey, at Manassas Plains, where they were both severely wounded; and Major R. L. Walker, at Thoroughfare Gap and Manassas Plains. In the latter engagement this gallant officer was mortally wounded.
It is with no common feeling that I recount the loss at Manassas Plains of Cols. J. M. Gadberry, Eighteenth South Carolina; [John H.] Means, Seventeenth South Carolina; [John V.] Moore, Second South Carolina; [Thomas J.] Glover, First South Carolina; W. T. Wilson, Seventh Georgia, and Lieutenant Colonel J. C. Upton, Fifth Texas. At Boonsborough, Colonel J. B. Strange, Nineteenth Virginia Volunteers, and Lieutenant Colonel O. K. McLemore, Fourth Alabama; and at Sharpsburg, Colonel P. F. Liddell, Eleventh Mississippi; Lieutenant-Colonel Coppens [Louisiana Battalion] and Lieutenant-Colonel [William R.] Holmes, Second Georgia Volunteers. These valuable and gallant officers fell in the unflinching performance of their duty, bravely and successfully heading their commands in the thickets of the fight.
To my staff officers-Major G. M. Sorrel, assistant adjutant-general, who was wounded at Sharpsburg; Lieutenant Colonel P. T. Manning, chief of ordnance; Major J. W. Fairfax; Major Thomas Walton, who was also wounded at Sharpsburg; Captain Thomas Goree and Lieutenant R. W. Blackwell-I am under renewed and lasting obligations. These officers, full of courage, intelligence, patience, and experience, were able to give directions to commands such as they thought proper, which were at once approved and commanded my admiration.
Lieutenant-Colonel Blount volunteered his services to me at Boonsborough, and was both there and at Sharpsburg of material service to me.
The medical department, in charge of Surgeon Cullen, were active and unremitting in the care of the wounded, and have my thanks for their humane efforts.
My part of couriers were zealous, active, and brave. They are justly
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rise and take the battery. They rose at the word, and quickly advanced up the hill and beyond the crest and some of them almost up to the guns. While, however, we had been resting at the foot of the hill the enemy had not been idle. They had got several pieces into position on our right flank at a short distance from us, and with these they also opened upon us, thus subjecting us to fire both in front and flank. This was not all. Heavy infantry supports, though not to be seen when the charge was ordered at the thicket, had now become visible in close proximity to the battery in our front. No supports to us were anywhere in sight. Under these circumstances I thought it would be madness to let the regiment go on; that if they took the battery they would not be able to hold it, and therefore would after taking it either have to retreat or all be captured or exterminated. I preferred to fall back at once, although some of the men were almost up to the guns. I accordingly gave the order to fall back, and then the regiment in tolerable order fell back about 200 yards under a terrific fire from both of the batteries and from the infantry supports, when it came to the dry bed of the branch already mentioned. There I halted it and ordered the men to lie down in the bed of the branch, and thus get as much protection from enemy's fire as possible, and at the same time be in a position from which they could return that fire with some effect. This they did.
While the regiment was charging through the pine thicket, and when it had got about half way through it, I discovered close to our left, near the edge of the thicket by the branch, two or three of the enemy's pieces of artillery completely abandoned. When or why these were abandoned I do not know; but it is certain that, abandoned at whatever time and for whatever cause they might be, they were not captured guns as long as the large pine thicket close by them was full of the enemy's infantry to guard and protect them. These guns, therefore, I respectfully submit, the Twentieth Georgia is entitled to the credit of taking.
After disposing of the regiment as aforesaid in the bed of the branch I thought it was time for me to leave it and seek the other regiments of the brigade and give them my services. I accordingly left the Twentieth and was with it no more during the battle. It will be seen, however, from the report of Major Waddell, who commanded the regiment, that it continued to fight to the last and not without effect.
I cannot close this notice of the part taken by the Twentieth in the battle without asking leave to bestow the tribute of my warmest admiration upon the conduct of both officers and men. It was really brilliant, and the name of every officer and of every man deserves to be known, but I have room only for the officers. They are Major J. D. Waddell, commanding regiment; Captain E. M. Seago, second in command; Lieutenant W. N. Hutchins, acting adjutant; A, Captain A. B. Ross and Lieutenant W. W. Breazeal; B, Captain [H. C.] Mitchell and Lieutenant J. M. Granberry (wounded); C, Captain W. F. Denny (wounded), Lieuts. Robert Jordan and J. F. Spear (killed); D, Captain S. W. Blance (wounded), Lieuts. J. L. Carter (wounded), and J. T. Hammack (wounded); K, Lieuts. George F. Adam and L. W. Davis; E, Captain R. D. Little and Lieutenant J. A. Maddox; F, Lieuts. G. S. Thomas, W. L. Abbott, and J. B. Richards; G, Lieutenant T. S. Fontaine (wounded); H, Lieutenant C. H. Culbreath (killed); I, Captain C. B. Mims and Lieutenant J. T. Scott (wounded).
The loss of the regiment was heavy. The killed were 22, the wounded 107, and the missing 6, exclusive of officers. The number carried into action was, exclusive of officers, only 335, and of these nearly one-third were bare-footed, without a piece of leather to their feet.
After leaving the Twentieth I went to seek the other three regiment. On passing from the pine thicket into the large field in which they commenced
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well. For the time they were engaged and the small number present their loss was heavy, being in the aggregate 104 killed and wounded, including some valuable officers. Among the killed were Lieutenant W. C. Leppard, of the Thirteenth, and Adjt. W. C. Buchanan, of the Twelfth, and among the wounded were Captain A. P. West, of the Fourteenth, and Lieuts. E. W. Youngblood, of the Fourteenth, and Robert Junkin, of Orr's Rifles. No field officer killed or wounded.
Statement of killed and wounded.
Command. Killed. Wounded. Aggregate.
Orr's Rifles 5 25 30
1st South 1 7 8
Carolina
Volunteers
12th South 1 10 11
Carolina
Volunteers
13th South 5 24 29
Carolina
Volunteers
14th South 3 23 26
Carolina
Volunteers
Total 15 89 104
* * * * * * *
Again regretting much the many imperfections of this hasty sketch* of operations, which must be historical, I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. McGowan,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Second Brigade.
Major R. C. MORGAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
180. Report of Colonel D. H. Hamilton, First South Carolina Infantry, of operations August 29-September 2.
SEPTEMBER 30, 1862.
CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders from Brigadier-General Gregg, received this date, I herewith beg leave to hand in my report of the part taken by the Twelfth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers in the battles of Manassas, August 29 and 30; battle of Ox Hill, September 1; the capture of Harper's Ferry; the battles of Sharpsburg and Shepherdstown, or Boteler's Ford:
I was not present with my regiment in the three first-named battles, being on sick leave, in consequence of a severe and protracted illness, contracted by exposure and fatigue in the battle of June 26, 27, and 30, and July 1, around Richmond; consequently my report of the battles of August 29 and 30 must be prepared from the reports of company officers, there being no field officer at present with the regiment who was on duty with the regiment at that time. I therefore have the honor to submit the report as taken from Captain W. P. Shooter, Company E, First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers:
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*For portion of report here omitted, see Series I, Vol. XIX, Part I, pp. 987-990.
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the corps I submit the following report of the operations of this division since the movement from the neighborhood of Gordonsville northward in the month of August last until it reached Bunker Hill in September:
This report, however, is necessarily defective in regard to all the other brigades of the division except my own, as there were other division commanders until after the commencement of the battle of Sharpsburg, on September 17, Major-General Ewell having commanded until the night of August 28, when he was wounded in the action near Groveton, and Brigadier-General Lawton having command from that time until he was wounded at the battle of Sharpsburg. It is impossible to supply the necessary information in regard to the particular parts taken by Lawton's and Trimble's brigades in the several actions commencing with the affairs of Hazel River, on the 22nd, and Bristoe and Manassas Junction, on August 27, and ending with the battle of Sharpsburg, except as to the part taken by Trimble's brigade at Sharpsburg, as General Lawton, who commanded his brigade until August 29, is absent in Georgia wounded, and Colonel [M.] Douglass, who commanded the brigade from August 29 to September 17, was killed at Sharpsburg on that day, and General Trimble, who commanded his brigade until August 29, is absent wounded, and Captain [W. F.] Brown, of the Twelfth Georgia Regiment, who succeeded him in the command, was killed at Ox Hill, near Chantilly, on September 1. There is the same difficulty in regard to Hays' brigade as to the part taken by it on August 30 at Manassas and at Ox Hill on September 1, as Colonel Strong, who commanded on these occasions, was killed at Sharpsburg. This report, therefore, will not contain particular details of the operations of any brigade but my own in most of the actions in which the division was engaged during the time covered by it.
MARCH FROM VICINITY OF GORDONSVILLE TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK.
On August 16 the division moved from Liberty Mills, in Orange County, to Mountain Run, in the same county, near Clark's Mountain, below Rapidan Station, where it remained until the 20th, when it crossed the Rapidan at Cunningham's Ford and bivouacked near Stevensburg, in Culpeper County.
On the next day it moved past Brandy Station and bivouacked near Saint James Church, on the road toward a ford on the Rappahannock above the railroad station and below the mouth of Hazel River.
The next day it moved in the direction of that ford, and on arriving there, the enemy being in position on the opposite bank to dispute the passage, the division was moved to the left, Lawton's brigade leading, crossing Hazel River at a mill, and then moving in the direction of a ford on the Rappahannock above the mouth of Hazel River, where the enemy was also found in force, and the division was then again moved to the left in the direction of the ford at Warrenton Springs by a route through fields and woods, so as not to be exposed to view. At the two fords above mentioned and in moving therefrom the division was exposed to shells fired from the enemy's batteries and sustained slight loss. In moving to the left across Hazel River General Trimble with his brigade was left behind to observe the enemy, and had a fight with a body of the enemy which had crossed from the north bank of the Rappahannock and was threatening the trains and succeeded in driving it back across the river, but I am unable to give the particulars of this affair.
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to send a messenger, with the certainty of his being captured if it was the enemy. A young man from the Forty-fourth Virginia Regiment, who volunteered for the purpose, was sent, and he soon returned with the information that the firing was from the skirmishers from Branch's and Gregg's brigades, who mistook us for the enemy. Fortunately, however, no damage was done. I was then ordered to advance to the front, and in a view minutes afterward I was ordered to move back by the right flank, the report of the movement of the enemy around our left flank having proved unfounded. I found that the other brigades had already bivouacked near where I had left them and my own did the same.
Most of the batteries of the division were engaged at different points and times during the fighting on these days, but as they were separated from their brigades on account of the difficulty of following them in the woods, I am unable to give a sufficiently accurate account of the operations, and shall therefore not attempt it.
AFFAIR AT OX HILL, NEAR CHANTILLY, AND MARCH INTO MARYLAND.
In the afternoon of Sunday, the 31st, the division was ordered to move, following Jackson's division, and it did so, crossing Bull Run at a ford below Sudley, and then turning to the left and pursuing a country road until we reached the Little River turnpike, which was followed in the direction of Germantown until we were ordered to bivouac late at night.
Early next morning (September 1) we were again put in motion, following Jackson's division, and moving in single column until we reached Chantilly, where the division was placed in two columns, one being on each side of the road, with the artillery in the road. In this arrangement Trimble's and Hays' were on the right and Lawton's and my own brigades on the left of the road, my own following Lawton's brigade. On reaching Ox Hill in the afternoon, where the Ox road crosses the turnpike, indications of the approach of the enemy on the turnpike from Centreville having been observed, Trimble's and Hays' brigades were moved to the right and placed in line of battle on the right of Jackson's division and occupying positions in the edge of a field beyond a piece of woods through which the Ox road here runs. Lawton's brigade and my own were moved across the turnpike and placed in line in the woods in rear of Trimble's and Hays' brigades, Lawton's being placed in rear of Trimble's brigade and my own in rear of Hays' brigade. As we moved into position the enemy opened with artillery, firing into the woods where we were posted, and in a short time afterward infantry firing commenced in front. After we had been in position for some time General Starke, who was commanding Jackson's division, came to me and represented that the enemy were approaching on his left in considerable force, and that there was an interval on his left between his left flank and the turnpike, his line being in form of an arc of a circle, and he requested me to move my brigade so as to occupy this interval, in the direction of which he represented the enemy to be moving. I had some hesitation about moving my brigade, but as I had received no orders and had merely followed the movement of the brigade preceding me, which brought me in the position I have indicated, and as General Starke was very urgent, representing his condition to be critical, which it in fact was if the information he received was true, I determined to move my brigade to his left, which was but a short distance, owing to the form of the line, and gave the order accordingly to move by flank, putting myself upon the leading flank. During this move
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ment I heard a very considerable musketry fire, but as the woods were very thick and it was raining hard at the time, I could see a very short distance, and took it for granted that the firing proceeded from the troops in front of me. On reaching the position General Starke wished me to occupy I found that three of my regiments (the Thirteenth, Twenty-fifth, and Thirty-first Virginia Regiments) had not followed the rest of the brigade, and I immediately sent my aide, Lieutenant [S. H.] Early, to see what was the cause of it. He found these regiments engaged with the enemy in their front, Hays' brigade, under Colonel [H. B.] Strong, of the Sixth Louisiana Regiment, having fallen back in confusion and passed through these regiments, followed by the enemy, just as my orders were being carried out. This affair could not be seen by me from the flank on which I was, and the regiments engaged in it were very properly detained by their commanding officers. I immediately marched back the rest of the brigade, and found that the enemy had been successfully repulsed by my three regiments.
It is due to Hays' brigade to state that the confusion into which it was thrown was caused by an attempt of the officer in command, Colonel Strong, to change its position when the enemy were advancing, and that his want of sufficient skill in the command of a brigade caused him to get it confused, so that it could present no front, and it had therefore to fall back. The Eighth Louisiana Regiment, commanded by Major Lewis, fell back in better order than the rest of the brigade, and formed in line immediately in rear of my regiments. The rest of the brigade was soon rallied and brought back, and having been placed under my command by General Lawton, it was placed in line on the left of my brigade. General Jackson's division, under General Starke, having been withdrawn a short time after the above-named affair and moved to the rear, Hays' brigade and my own thus covered the same front that had been covered by Jackson's division and that brigade, with, however, a contracted line.
About the time Hays' brigade fell back Captain Brown, of the Twelfth Georgia, commanding Trimble's brigade, was killed, and one or two regiments of it were thrown into some confusion, but the brigade held its position.
Lawton's brigade was not engaged; and I am unable to give the particulars of the part taken by Trimble's brigade. After the enemy had retired, Trimble's brigade having been withdrawn to the line occupied by the division, the whole lay on their arms during the night in the wet woods without fires.
The next day my brigade was advanced to the front and formed in line a quarter of a mile in front of its position of the day before, Hays' being posted on the left flank at right angles to it. The rest of the division remained in its former position, and Colonel Walker, of the Thirteenth Virginia Regiment, was assigned to the command of Trimble's brigade.*
* * * * * * *
I hope I may be excused for referring to the record shown by my own brigade, which has never been broken or compelled to fall back or left one of its dead to be buried by the enemy, but has invariably driven the enemy when opposed to him and slept upon the ground on which it has fought in every action, with the solitary exception of the affair
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* For portion of report here omitted, see Series I, Vol. XIX, Part I, pp. 965 - 973.
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Seventh Regiment Virginia Cavalry, our men following beyond Lewis' Ford as far as the Centreville and Warrenton turnpike, when darkness put and end to the pursuit.
A number of the enemy's dead were left upon the field. Colonel Brodhead, of the First Michigan, was mortally wounded in a hand-to-hand encounter with Lieutenant [Lewis] Harman, adjutant of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry. We captured over 300 prisoners. Our loss was 5 killed and 40 wounded.
The conduct of the field officers, as well as that of the men, of the Second Virginia Cavalry surpasses all praise. Sergeant Leopold, of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, was in the thickest of the fight and acted most gallantly during its continuance. He was wounded in three places.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. H. ROBERTSON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Cavalry.
The ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,
Headquarters Cavalry Division, Army of Northern Virginia.
Numbers 195. Report of Colonel Thomas T. Munford, Second Virginia Cavalry, of operations August 26 - September 3.
-------
---, 1862.
On August 25 my regiment, stationed near Waterloo Bridge, was ordered to report to Major-General Jackson for active service. One squadron of sharpshooters, under Captain Ridgely Brown, was left at the bridge. At Henson's Mill I was ordered in advance, with instructions to picket every road leading toward the enemy, which roads were to be held until the whole army passed. The first night we halted at Salem, and occupied the Thoroughfare Gap as soon after dawn as the advance could get there.
On the evening of the 26th the advanced guard captured some 12 or 15 Yankees at Hay Market and Gainesville. They seemed entirely ignorant of any movement of our army, and we pressed on toward Bristoe Station. Ascertaining that the depot was guarded by a company of cavalry and one of infantry, I was ordered to capture them (the pickets detailed en route had reduced my regiment to about 100 men) and surprise their whole command, but most of their cavalry scampered away with their horses. Many of the infantry fled to the hotel and other houses and opened fire upon us. Just at this crisis a train of cars approached, which we attempted to throw from the track by placing sills on it, but in this did not succeed, at the time and materials at hand were not sufficient.
In this skirmish we killed 2 of the enemy, wounded 7, and captured 43, including the lieutenant-colonel of the Fourth New York Regiment, a major, 3 captains, and 4 lieutenants. We also captured 14 cavalry horses, with some few sabers, carbines, and pistols. Lieutenant Wilson and Privates Saunders and Everett, of Company A, were badly wounded by guns fired from the windows of the houses. The Louisiana Brigade came up to our support and succeeded in capturing several trains of cars. The fighting was all over before they arrived.
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S. Volunteers, Captain Donn Piatt, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers; Captain F. Ball, jr., aide-de-camp; Colonel J. Holt, Judge-Advocate-General, U. S. Army, judge-advocate.
By order of the Secretary of War:
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
WASHINGTON, D. C., October 13, 1862.
The Commission met pursuant to adjournment.
Present, Major General D. Hunter, U. S. Volunteers; Major General G. Cadwalader, U. S. Volunteers; Brigadier General C. C. Augur, U. S. Volunteers; Captain Donn Piatt, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers; Captain F. Ball, jr., aide-de-camp; Colonel J. Holt, Judge-Advocate General.
The minutes of the last meeting were then read and approved.
The judge-advocate informed the Commission that the Secretary of War directs that the Commission also investigate and report upon the evacuation of Winchester by General White.
* * * * * * *
WASHINGTON, D. C., October 17, 1862.
The Commission met pursuant to adjournment of yesterday.*
* * * * * * *
The Commission then proceeded, pursuant to the order of the Secretary of War, under date of October 10, 1862, to the investigation of the circumstances attending the evacuation of Winchester by General White.+
The judge-advocate submitted in evidence copies of the following papers from the War Department, which were read:
WASHINGTON, August 26, 1862.
The COMMANDING OFFICERS AT MARTINSBURG AND HARPER'S FERRY:
If Winchester should be attacked, General White will fire four guns at intervals of two minutes, when the commanders of Martinsburg and Harper's Ferry will throw out vedettes and keep watchmen in the mountains for a few days.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, D. C., September 2, 1862.
Brigadier General JULIUS WHITE, Winchester, Va.:
You will immediately abandon the fortifications at Winchester, sending the heavy guns under escort by rail to Harper's Ferry. If this cannot be done, they should be rendered unserviceable. Having sent off your artillery, your will withdraw your whole force to Harper's Ferry.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, D. C., September 2, 1862.
Colonel DIXON S. MILES, Harper's Ferry:
General White has been directed to withdraw his force from Winchester to Harper's Ferry. Telegraph me any movements of the enemy in your vicinity or across the river into Maryland.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
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*All the members and the judge-advocate being present when not otherwise indicated.
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+That order was an indorsement, on copies of the dispatches following, as follows: "Headquarters of the Army, Washington, October 10, 1862. Respectfully referred to the Judge-Advocate-General. The Secretary of War directs that the Communion also investigate and report on the evacuation of Winchester by General White. - H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief."
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Numbers 3. Return of casualties in the Fourth Brigade, Jackson's division, at the battles of August 28-30.
[Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, &c.
Killed Wounded
Command Officers Enlisted Officers Enlisted
men men
1st Louisiana 3 12 2 31
2nd Louisiana 4 32 7 76
9th Louisiana ..... 23 9 61
10th Louisiana 3 12 5 37
15th Louisiana 4 17 7 34
Total 14 96 30 239
Command Enlisted Aggregate Remarks
men
captured or
missing
Captain R. W.
Armisteaed and
Lieuts. J. P.
Connolly and F. L.
1st Louisiana ..... 48 Fortier killed
Lieuts. N. W.
Bosworth, T. H.
Waddill, E. J.
Miles, and S. H.
2nd Louisiana ..... 119 Quarles killed
9th Louisiana ..... 93
Major W. H.
Spencer, Captain
J. A. Cohen, and
10th Louisiana 3 60 Lieutenant E.
Janin killed
Lieutenant-Colonel
[R. A.] Wilkinson,
Captain S. W.
Spencer and Lieuts.
C. P. Miller and R.
15th Louisiana 3 65 H. Simmons, killed
Total 6 385
Numbers 4. Confederate Roll of Honor.
GENERAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Numbers 93.
Richmond, Va., November 22, 1862.
I. The following acts of Congress, having been approved by the President, are published for the information of the Army:
* * * * * * *
Numbers 27.-AN ACT to authorize the grant of medals and badges of distinction as a reward for courage and good conduct on the field of battle.
The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the President be, and he is hereby, authorized to bestow medals, with proper devices, upon such officers of the armies of the Confederate States as shall be conspicuous for courage and good conduct on the field of battle; and also to confer a badge of distinction upon one private or non-commissioned officer of each company after every signal victory it shall have assisted to achieve. The non-commissioned officers and privates of the company who may be present on the first dress-parade thereafter may choose, by a majority of their votes, the soldier best entitled to receive such distinction, whose name shall be communicated to the President by commanding officers of the company; and if the award fall upon a deceased soldier, the badge thus awarded him shall be delivered to his widow; or, if there be no widow, to any relative the President may adjudge entitled to receive it.
Approved October 13, 1862.
* * * * * * *
By order:
S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General.
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GENERAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Numbers 131.
Richmond, Va., October 3, 1863.
Difficulties in procuring the medals and badges of distinction having delayed their presentation by the President, as authorized by the act of Congress approved October 13, 1862, to the officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of the armies of the Confederate States conspicuous for courage and good conduct on the field of battle, to avoid postponing the grateful recognition of their valor until it can be made in the enduring form provided by that act, it is ordered---
I. That the names of all those who have been, or may hereafter be, reported as worthy of this distinction be inscribed on a Roll of Honor, to be preserved in the office of the Adjutant and Inspector General for reference in all future time, for those who have deserved well of their country, as having best displayed their courage and devotion on the field of battle.
II. That the Roll of Honor, so far as now made up, be appended to this order and read at the head of every regiment in the service of the Confederate States at the first dress-parade after its receipt, and be published in at least one newspaper in each State.
III. The attention on the officers in charge is directed to General Orders Numbers 93, section Numbers 27, of the series of 1862, Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, for the mode of selecting the non-commissioned officers and privates entitled to this distinction, and its execution is enjoined.
* * * * * * *
By order:
S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General.
GENERAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Numbers 64.
Richmond, Va., August 10, 1864.
I. The following Roll of Honor is published in accordance with Paragraph I, General Orders, Numbers 131, 1863. It will be read to every regiment in the service at the first dress-parade after its receipt.
* * * * * * *
SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS.
Alabama.
Eighth Regiment of Infantry:
Corpl. R. Murphy, Company A.
Private James Jennings, Company I.
* * * * * * *
By order:
S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General.
GENERAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Numbers 87.
Richmond, Va., December 10, 1864.
I. The following Roll of Honor is published in accordance with Para-
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Page 0 (Untitled)
Wilkinson's (J. C.) Infantry. See Mississippi Troops, 8th Regiment.
Williams' (Thomas D.) Infantry. See Illinois Troops, 25th Regiment.
Williams' (William C.) Infantry. See Indiana Troops, 44th Regiment.
Williamson's (J. A.) Mounted Rifles. See Arkansas Troops, 2nd Rifles.
Witcher's (V. A.) Cavalry. See Virginia Troops, 34th Battalion.
Wolford's (Frank) Cavalry. See Kentucky Troops, Union, 1st Regiment.
Woods' (Gustavus A.) See Indiana Troops, 15th Regiment.
Woods' (McLain F.) Infantry. See Illinois Troops, 10th Regiment.
Woods' (William B.) Infantry. See Alabama Troops, 16th Regiment.
Woods' Sharpshooters. See Mississippi Troops, 15th Battalion.
Woodbury's (Horatio) Infantry. See Indiana Troops, 81st Regiment.
Woodward's (Pyrrhus) Infantry. See Indiana Troops, 36th Regiment.
Woodward's (T. G.) Cavalry. See Kentucky Troops, Confederate, 2nd Regiment.
Wooster's (Moses F.) Infantry. See Ohio Troops, 101st Regiment.
Wright's (E. E.) Artillery. See Tennessee Troops, Confederate.
Wyatt's (J. N.) Infantry. See Tennessee Troops, Confederate, 12th Regiment.
Wynkoop's (George C.) Cavalry. See Pennsylvania Troops, 7th Regiment.
Wynkoop's (John E.) Cavalry. See Pennsylvania Troops, 7th Regiment.
Yancey's (B. C.) Sharpshooters. See Alabama Troops, 17th Battalion.
Young's (William H.) Infantry. See Texas Troops, 9th Regiment.
Zacharie's (F. C.) Infantry. See Louisiana Troops, 16th and 25th Regiment.
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night of the 28th and 29th of August, for the reason that the information from the front, upon which the dispositions of the army were made, varied at different periods of the day and night, and it was not until toward daylight in the morning of the 29th that I became thoroughly satisfied of the position of the enemy, and of the necessary movements of troops to be made in consequence. The orders that I gave to General Porter on the 29th of August, as I remember them, were four. One of them was detached in the night, I think; I do not remember the time. That order, I think, required him, in consequence of information we had received of the concentration of the enemy's forces beyond Centreville, to move upon Centreville. But about daylight in the morning, I sent General Porter an order to take his own army corps, which was then at Manassas Junction, and which by my order had been re-enforced by the brigade of General Piatt-which had come up there in the command of General Sturgis and King's division of McDowell's corps, which had withdrawn to Manassas Junction, or to that vicinity, during the night of the 28th-and move forward in the direction of Gainesville.
An hour and a half later I received a note from General McDowell, whom I had not been able to find until that hour in the morning, requesting that King's division of his corps be not turned over to General Porter, but that he be allowed to conduct it himself. I then sent a joint order to Generals porter and McDowell, directed to them at Manassas Junction, specifying in detail the movement that I wished to be made by the troops under their command-the withdrawal of King's division, of McDowell's corps, which, during the greater part of the night, I had understood to be on the Warrenton turnpike, and west of the troops under Jackson. Their withdrawal to Manassas Junction, I feared, had left open Jackson's retreat in the direction of Thoroughfare Gap, to which point the main portion of the army of Lee was then tending to re-enforce him. I did not desire to pursue Jackson beyond the town of Gainesville, as we could to have done so on account of the want of supplies-rations for the men and forage for the horses. My order to Generals Porter and McDowell is, therefore, worded that they shall pursue the route to Gainesville until they effect a junction with the forces that are marching upon Gainesville from Centreville-the forces under Heintzelman, Sigel, and Reno; and that when that junction was formed (as I expected it would have been very near to Gainesville), the whole command should halt, it being, as I stated before, not feasible with my command in the condition it was in, on account of supplies, to pursue Jackson's forces farther. During the whole morning the forces under Sigel and heintzelman had kept up a skirmishing with the rear of Jackson's forces, they retiring in the direction of Gainesville. they were brought to a stance at the little town of Groveton, about 8 miles, I think, from Centreville, and perhaps 5 or 6 miles from Gainesville. When i rode on to the field of battle, which was about noon (having been delayed at Centreville), I found that the troops had been sharply engaged and were still confronting each other. General Sigel reported to me that he needed re-enforcements in the front; that his line was weak, and that his troops required to be withdrawn from the action. I told him (as I did General Heintzelman, who was present on the ground) that I only wished them to maintain their positions, as the corps of McDowell and Porter were then on the march from Manassas Junction toward the enemy's right flank, and ought, in a very short time, to be in such position as to fall upon that portion of his line. I desired them, therefore, only to maintain the positions they occupied. We waited for the arrival of Generals McDowell and Porter. At 4 o'clock, or some little after that time (perhaps at half-past 4 in the afternoon), finding that neither McDowell nor Porter had made their appearance on the field, I sent an order to general porter, informing him, generally, of the condition of things on the field and stating to him that I desired him to push forward and attack the enemy in flank, and, if possible, in rear, without any delay. This order was sent to General Porter about half-past 4 in the afternoon. Finding that General Porter did not comply with this order, and receiving a dispatch which he sent to Generals McDowell and King, stating to them that he was about to fall back, or was falling back, to Manassas Junction, and that he did so because he saw clouds of dust, showing that, in his judgment, the enemy was advancing on the road he was occupying, and sating that it appeared to hi, from the fire of the battle that he had bee listening to, that our forces were retreating and the enemy advancing, and he had determined to fall back to Manassas Junction, and recommended Generals McDowell and King to send back their trains also-receiving this note, purporting to be from General Porter to Generals McDowell and King, i sent an order to General Porter, direction him, immediately upon the receipt of the order, to march his whole command to the field of battle, and to report to me in person for orders, stating to him that I expected him to comply strictly with that order. i put it in such form (perhaps not entirely courteous) because I had understood General Porter, upon two several occasions, to have disobeyed the orders that I had sent him. These are all the orders that I issued on that day and night to General Porter. I will state, in addition to what I have already said, that the first of these orders to which I have referred, being subsequently superseded, is not perhaps referred to here. I will also state that the corps of Sigel, Heintzelman, and Reno were formed in line of battle
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than that. I got on the battle-field near Bristoe Station, perhaps, at 5 o'clock. I did not ride directly to the field. I endeavored to bring up the stragglers. And I halted for a time where the first skirmish had taken place, and looked at the wounded and dead that were there. I did not proceed directly through, but delayed considerably on the way.
Question. Do you know at what time of the night of the 27th of August the accused received your order of that date?
Answer. I only know from the report of the aide-de-camp who delivered the order. It was reported to me that he delivered the order about 15 minutes after 9 o'clock.
Question. Will you state whether the moon was shining or whether there was a moon at that time?
Answer. i think, as clearly as I can remember, there was no moon. I am quite sure in was not moonlight.
Question. Try and recollect if, between 11 and 12 o'clock, it was not drizzling with rain and very dark.
Answer. I slept on the ground that night with an overcoat, without any shelter whatever. I have no remembrance of any rain at all. I slept very soundly at that hour of the night, having been up a great deal, and a slight drizzle I might, perhaps, have been unconscious of. I have no knowledge that there was any.
Question. In the order of the 27th August you direct the accused, "Say to Banks, also, that he had best run back the railroad trains to this side of Cedar Run." If that was done, what, in your opinion, would be the effect upon the condition of the road?
Answer. The railroad would, for a considerable space, have been filled with standing cars. But Banks was not at Warrenton Junction, and it is not at all to be supposed, no could it have been possible, without doing the work in the night, to run the railroad trains back in advance of General Porter's movement, nor was it so intended.
Question. You state that Banks was not at Warrenton Junction?
Answer. He was not there when I left Warrenton Junction, and I had had no report that he had arrived there.
Question. In the postscript to that order you say to the accused: "If Banks is not at the Junction, instruct Clary to run the trains back to this side of Cedar Run, and post a regiment and section of artillery with it." Are you to be understood now as saying that it was not your purpose to have that part of the order carried out until the accused had marched with his force?
Answer. Yes, sir; it is my purpose to say so.
Question. Will you state whether, in your opinion, the condition of the roads to which you have referred, as they were between 9 1/2 and 1 p. m., was, or was not, such that the accused could have started at 1 o'clock that night and forwarded his whole force so as to be at the point to which you directed him to march by daylight in the morning?
Answer. As I have previously stated, i have no doubt his infantry could have done so. It might be, possibly, that his artillery would have been delayed longer. But I considered it his duty, at all events, to have made the attempt.
Question. Did you authorize him in that order, or at any other time, to make the march indicated in the order with his infantry, leaving his artillery behind?
Answer. The order specifies in words precisely what I intended. I am not aware that it was modified or countermanded in any was whatsoever.
Question. Did you receive from the accused, after you sent him the order just referred to, a note or a message requesting you to have your
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the 29th and hour a half before. Will you look at this paper, marked "Accused, Exhibit 3," and say if that is the order referred to as having been previously sent?
The paper was read, as follows:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA,
Centreville, August 29, 1862.
Major General FITZ JOHN PORTER:
Push forward with your corps, and King's division, which you will take with you, upon Gainesville. I am following the enemy down the Warrenton turnpike. Be expeditious, or we will lose much.
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
Answer. That is the order.
Question. Was it your purpose in the last order of which you have spoken-the one referred to in the joint order sent forth in specification second of charge first-to supersede the prior order that you had given the accused?
Answer. It is hardly worth while for the accused, an officer of the army, to ask me whether a later order would supersede a previous one. most undoubtedly he should obey the last order he gets.
Question. Is this-"Accused, Exhibit 4"-the antecedent order which
which you intended to revoke?
The order was read, as follows:
HEADQUARTER ARMY OF VIRGINIA,
Near Bull Run, August 29, 1862-3 a. m.
Major-General PORTER:
GENERAL: McDowell has intercepted the retreat of Jackson; Sigel is immediately on the right of McDowell; Kearny and Hooker march to attack the enemy's rear at early dawn. Major-General Pope directs you to move upon Centreville, at the first dawn of day, with you whole command, leaving your trains to follow. It is very important that you should be here at a very early hour in the morning. A severe engagement is likely to take place, and your presence is necessary.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. G. RUGGLES,
Colonel and Chief of Staff.
Answer. That is the one.
Question. Did you know, when you issued the order of the 29th August, referred to in the order of the same date set our in Specification Numbers 2. of Charge 1, that the accused was then engaged in the execution of the order just shown you?
Answer. I did not know that he was; but the order was intended, even if he were in the execution of that order, to direct his movement in a different direction.
Question. Did you know, when you issued the order of the 29th August, set out in the specification referred to, that the accused was then executing the one which that states had been given him an hour and a half before?
Answer. I did not know it; as Dr. Abbott had come from General Porter, as I understood, to learn if I had any orders for him, I stated to Dr. Abbott that I had sent General Porter orders and hour and a half before, and I repeated that statement in the order which I sent to Generals Porter and McDowell, I think by Dr. Abbott himself.
Question. Did you receive from Dr. Abbott a note from the accused; and, if so, can you recollect what, in substance, were the contents of that note?
Answer. I have an indistinct remembrance of receiving a note, but I do not remember the contents at all; my impression is, that I got from Dr. Abbott himself the information upon which I sent back by him the order to General Porter.
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was directed, I should have known it, being myself on the field of battle and near to the front. I relation to the joint order to the 29th, I have General Porter's note to Generals McDowell and King, in which he himself states that he has not fully obeyed that joint order of the 29th of August.
The judge-advocate produced and read a paper as follows:
Generals MCDOWELL and KING:
I found it impossible to communicate by crossing the woods to Groveton. The enemy are in strong force on this road, and, as they appear to have driven our force back,the firing of enemy having advance and ours retired, I have determined to withdraw to Manassas. I have attempted to communicate with McDowell nd Sigel, but my messengers have run into the enemy. They have gathered artillery and cavalry and infantry, and the advancing masses of dust show the enemy coming in force. I am now going to the head of the column to see what is passing and how affairs are going. Had you not better send your train back?
F. J. PORTER,
Major-General.
and will communicate with you.
By the JUDGE-ADVOCATE:
Question. Is this the note of the accused to which you refer?
Answer. That is the note.
By the ACCUSED:
Question. Will you state on what day, and at what hour of the day, you received the note just read:
Answer. I received it on the night of the 29th of August; I think between 7 and 8 o'clock in the evening.
Question. Did you, after that time, and after the receipt of that note, receive another note from the accused; and, if so, have you that other note?
Answer. I do not remember to have received another note; I certainly have not got it anywhere amongst my papers.
Question. Have you any recollection now, without looking at the paper, that you admit in your official report the reception of that other note?
Answer. No, sir; I have not. The note to which I refer in my official report was the note to Generals McDowell and King which I received. That note, as I understand, was brought direct to me, and note delivered to General McDowell, and, so far as I understand, not to General King.
Question. If you did not receive another note, did you receive information from the accused as to his position after the reception of the note which has been produced?
Answer. The only information that I remember to have received of the position of the accused I received from General McDowell when he arrived on the field, and from my aide-de-camp, who reported his position when he returned from delivering him the order dated at half-past 4 in the afternoon. I do not remember to have received any other information.
Question. Recollect, if you can, whether you received a note by hands of one of your own aides, after the reception of the first note, stating that the accused was there in position, and could hold it, and perhaps attack, if strengthened by the division you had taken from him-King's division-or another?
Answer. I do not remember to have received a note; but I remember that my aide-de-cam told me that General Porter stated to him, or in his hearing-perhaps sent me word; I am not quite sure about that-that if he had King's division, he could make a dash, or something of that kind. Whether it came in a note or by word of mouth, I am not clear; I rather think it was brought to me by the aide-de-camp, as near as I can remember, who carried my order to General Porter.
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Question. What distance from the battle field where the engagement was then pending?
Answer. When I received the order, I was to the right of the battle-field, and I suppose it was a distance of about 3 miles from General Porter.
Question. Did you, or not, on delivering the order, learn its character?
Answer. I did not.
Question. What statements, if any, did General Porter make to you in regard to the movements which the order contemplated he should make?
Answer. In a conversation which I had with General Porter, after, his reading the order, the explained to me on the map where the enemy had come down in force to attack him, and had established a battery. I understood him to say that the enemy had opened upon him; but what he had done, I do not now remember.
Question. How long did you remain with General Porter?
Answer. About fifteen minutes, I suppose.
Question. While you were there, or at any time before you left, did you observe any orders given or any indication of preparation for a movement in the direction of the battle-field?
Answer. I did not.
Question. In what condition were the troops there at that time?
Answer. I saw only a portion of them; the portion that I saw I believe belonged to General Sykes' division. They were on the road and Manassas-what small portion of the troops I saw that belonged to General Porter's corps. It was my impression they were halted there; I saw the arms of some of the m stacked.
Question. They had their arms stacked?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question. Was not the sound of the artillery of the battle then pending distinctly audible at that point?
Answer. It was.
Question. And was the sound of the small-arms distinctly audible at that point?
Answer. In regard to the small-arms, I do not remember, but I could hear the artillery very plainly, very distinctly.
Question. Was it continuous, indicating a continued action?
Answer. It was.
Question. Did, or did not, General Porter make any inquiry of you at all as to the condition of the forces then engaged in battle?
Answer. There were inquiries made of me by an officer-one of General Porter's aides-de-camp, I think. I do not think that General Porter said anything to me about it.
Question. As you have passed over the road, and know the distance will you state within what time General Porter and his command could have reached the battle-field after the delivery of that order?
Answer. To have reached where I had received the order, it would have taken him two or three hours, I suppose-that is, to the extreme right of our army.
Question. Within what time would it have required him to reach the right flank of the enemy?
Answer. I could not state, because I do not know where the right flank of the enemy then was. My impression, though, from what General Porter said, was that
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the enemy were nearly in his front. I supposed then about a mile from him. that was merely my impression from conversation I had with General Porter.
Question. Did you, or not, have another interview with General porter after that time?
Answer. I did not. After receiving a written reply to the order I had delivered to General Porter, I started on my way back, and I suppose I had got a mile or a mile and a half from where General Porter was, when I was overtaken by an orderly, who said General Porter wished to see me. I got part way back, when I met an officer, I supposed an aide-de-camp of General Porter, who said that General Porter wished to see me. I went back, and this aide-de-camp told me I better wait a few minutes. I did not see General Porter then.
Question. Had you, or not, seen this officer, whom you supposed to be an aide-de-camp, during your first interview with General Porter?
Answer. I had, and had had a conversation with him.
Question. In the presence of General Porter?
Answer. While General Porter was writing the reply to the order I had delivered to him.
Question. Did he, or not, perform any act or make any remark in the presence of General Porter which induced you to believe that he was an aide-de-camp? If so, state what that remark and what that act was.
Answer. I do not remember his making any remark to General Porter, or General Porter saying anything to him. My impression is, that he told me that he was aide-de-camp. I firmly believed at the time that he was General Porter's aide-de-camp. I did not see any act indicating that, excepting that he was associated with General Porter; he wa very close to General Porter at the time I had the conversation with him; within hearing of General Porter, if he had listened to it.
Question. Do you, or not, suppose that his statement to you that he was as aide-de-camp of General Porter, could have been heard by General Porter if he had bee listening to your conversation?
Answer. It could.
Question. Do I, or not, understand you, then, to say that that conversation occurred, in fact, in the presence of General Porter?
Answer. In the presence of General porter; yes, sir.
Question. Were you, or not, charged by that officer with a message to General Pope that a scout had come in, reporting that the enemy were retreating through Thoroughfare Gap?
Answer. I was.
Question. Did you regard that message as given to you seriously or jestingly?
Answer. Seriously.
Question. How long a time had elapsed from the time of your interview with General Porter until you returned to General Porter's encampment?
Answer. About three-quarters of an hour, I suppose; between that and an hour.
Question. On your return to his encampment, did you, or not, observe any preparation on the part of his officers, or of the troops, for an advance upon the enemy?
Answer. I did not.
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Question. Would you say after sundown or before?
Answer. I do not remember.
Question. How far was it from General Porter, of from where you started from General Porter's location, to the place where you passed General McDowell on your return?
Answer. It was about two miles and a half.
Question. And while you made that two miles and a half, it had become dark?
Answer. I rode slowly back; not rapidly.
Question. When you reached General McDowell's, had the battle ceased?
Answer. It had. I heard some firing, though, after I reached General McDowell.
Question. How much firing?
Answer. Not much; it sounded like 200 or 300 men just skirmishing in the woods.
Question. When you were brought back by the orderly and the aide-de-camp, as you supposed him to be, you did not find General Porter. Do you know where he then was?
Answer. I did not.
Question. Did anything occur to induce you to believe that General Porter had gone to the front?
Answer. There did not. I supposed he had just walked off a short distance and would be back in a few minutes.
Question. From the time when you arrived to deliver the order to General Porter up to the time of your second departure from General Porter's location to go toward General Pope, about what period of time elapsed?
Answer. I should suppose about an hour. I may have been a little more than an hour. I should think at least an hour.
Question. How long did you stay at General Porter's headquarters or location after you were brought back by the orderly and the aide-de-camp?
Answer. A very few minutes.
Question. Would you say five or ten minutes?
Answer. About ten minutes.
Question. Did we understand you correctly to say that it was about fifteen minutes after you delivered the order to General Porter before you first started on your return?
Answer. It was about fifteen minutes.
Question. The remainder of the hour, the, which you spent near General Porter's location, was passed in your going about a mile and a half and returning about a mile and a half, and some ten minutes further of delay in General Porter's camp?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question. Will you state, if you please, at what point General Pope was when you received from him the order of which you have spoken?
Answer. I cannot state exactly where it was. It was on the battle-field-the extreme right of it.
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Question. Do you know the location of the Warrenton and Gainesville turnpike, and did you know it at that time?
Answer. I did not.
Question. Do you know now?
Answer. No, sir; I have not looked at the map since then.
Question. Do you know whether the accused was located near any road?
Answer. Yes, sir; I do.
Question. You are unable, I understand you, to designate the road?
Answer. Excepting that it was a turnpike running from Manassas Junction to the battle-field.
Question. A turnpike?
Answer. I think it is a turnpike. It is a very broad road, running from Manassas Junction directly to the battle-field.
Question. Was he near the point which was intersected by that latter road?
Answer. He was right at the point.
Question. When you received the order of 4.30 p. m. from General Pope, did you take that road in order to get to the accused?
Answer. I struck that road between a quarter and a half a mile from where General Pope was. I am not positive that the road I struck was the Manassas turnpike, but it led into that turnpike.
Question. After striking the road to which you now refer, what distance, if any, did you travel upon it?
Answer. I do not know.
Question. Did you travel upon it until you struck any other road; and, if so, what other road did you strike?
Answer. I struck that road, and was then guided by my orderly. After I was on the Manassas turnpike, seeing it was a very good road, i asked what road it was, and he told me it was the Manassas turnpike. I did not inquire about the road until I got on this broad road. I traveled on the road I started on until I struck that broad road leading from Manassas.
Question. How far did you travel upon what you call the broad road after you struck it?
Answer. I do not recollect.
Question. Can you tell in what direction of the compass you did travel upon that road-north, south, east, or west?
Answer. I think it was east.
Question. Did that broad road to which you have referred, and which you afterward followed, take you to the accused?
Answer. It did.
Question. Will you state at what point the accused was when you found him with the order?
Answer. He was on that broad road leading from Manassas. There was another road running along the railroad, and at the forks of those two roads I found him; right against the railroad.
Question. Are you positive that you returned from that point, where you found the accused, to General Pope, exactly by the same road that you traveled from General Pope's to deliver the order?
Answer. I am not positive that I went all the way on that same road, but the majority
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Question. Had the battle commenced when you delivered that order?
Answer. No, sir; as far as the corps was concerned.
Question. I do not speak of General Porter's connection with the battle, but I speak of the engagement between the other forces of General Pope and the enemy.
Answer. Yes,sir; in front.
Question. Was there not cannonading distinctly heard at the time?
Answer. There had been that morning.
Question. Was it not heard at the time you delivered the order?
Answer. I do not recollect that it was.
Question. You think you delivered it between 12 and 1 o'clock?
Answer. Toward 1 o'clock, I think.
Question. What do you suppose to have been the distance between the point where you found General Porter with his command and the left wing of General Pope's army?
Answer. I can form no idea.
The examination by the judge-advocate here closed.
Examination by the ACCUSED:
Question. You have spoken of an oral message which you took from the accused to General Pope, and of a written message. Will you state what were the contents of the written message, as far as you can remember?
Answer. I did not know what the contents of the written message were.
Question. Do you remember whether the written or the verbal message, one or both of them, contained information for General Pope as to the location of some of the troops?
Answer. Nothing was aid to me.
Question. Do you remember of having heard any conversation between General McDowell and the accused?
Answer. I did not hear the conversation.
Question. Or any part of it?
Answer. I did not hear it.
Question. What reason, if any, did the accused assign for sending the message of which you have spoken, that the might have written orders from General Pope?
Answer. He told me to tell General Pope that he had mentioned the orders he had received to General McDowell, who remarked that it was strange that he knew nothing of them, and that he, General Porter, thought there was evidently some confusion in the orders, and requested General Pope to give him written orders.
Question. Do you remember how the corps under command of the accused was moving at the time you received from the accused the message of which you have spoken?
Answer. I supposed they were moving on toward Centreville-in that direction.
Question. Do you know under what orders that movement was being made?
Answer. I do not; I supposed under orders from General Pope.
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Question. Did you understand from the accused at the time that he was moving int he execution of orders from General Pope?
Answer. That is my impression, though I do not recollect any particular conversation.
Question. Did I understand you to say that you lost your way that night?
Answer. Yes, sir; upon attempting to join the corps with supplies that I was bringing up, it came on dark.
Question. In what direction were you going?
Answer. I was on the Gainesville road then.
Question. In what direction were you moving with the supplies in relation to where you understood, if you did understand where, the accused was with his force?
Answer. I was moving on the Gainesville road, in that direction, inquiring as I went along.
Question. Had you traveled on that road before; were you familiar with it?
Answer. Not at all familiar. I never was on it before I delivered that order.
Question. Was it very dark or not?
Answer. It was dark; quite dark.
Question. How were you traveling?
Answer. On horseback.
Question. Did you come up with the force of the accused?
Answer. I did not.
Question. Did you try?
Answer. I did, but having an ambulance loaded with supplies, I could not make any headway at all.
Question. Medical supplies?
Answer. Medical supplies.
Question. Did you anticipate a battle, or did you know that a battle had been going on?
Answer. I did not know whether the corps had been engaged or not, then.
Question. Did you anticipate there would be a battle?
Answer. I thought there would be.
Question. Were the medical supplies you were bringing up designed to meet the contingencies of a battle?
Answer. To make up deficiencies which I was afraid might occur.
Question. When and where; because of the battle?
Answer. Because of the battle, if prolonged.
Question. At what time did you start with the supplies, and from what point?
Answer. I started from just the other side of Bull Run Bridge, about 6 o'clock, I think.
Question. When did you get up with the army?
Answer. In the morning-the next morning-I started, and met General Morell, who told me the corps was marching on to Centreville, and turned me back. I turned back the supplies, and went on to Centreville, and found there was a mistake. I then turned to the left, and went to the stone bridge over Bull Run. There I left the supplies and joined General Porter, and found out where his lines were.
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754affa575120ebc78c773a60374f769 | https://ehistory.osu.edu/books/official-records/017/0896 | War of the Rebellion: Serial 017 Page 0896 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., AND MD. Chapter XXIV. | War of the Rebellion: Serial 017 Page 0896 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., AND MD. Chapter XXIV.
Question. Have you any knowledge that the accused received the ammunition, and, if you have, at what time did he receive it?
Answer. I have no knowledge that he ever received it.
Question. Have you any knowledge that he did not receive it?
Answer. I have a knowledge from what he told me, that he had not received it at that time. he may have received it subsequently.
Question. The time to which you ow refer is the time of the conversation?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question. then are we to understand you that you have no knowledge that he did not receive it at a subsequent period, or, if he did, when he received it?
Answer. He may have informed me on Sunday morning at Centreville that he had received it, but I do not remember that he did.
Question. Have you any knowledge of the immediate object he had in view, requesting that this additional ammunition should be sent to him?
Answer. No, sir; nothing more than I know that General Porter had reported when he came up that he had, I think, but 40 rounds to the man; that is, he reported that at Warrenton Junction to us, according to my recollection.
Question. You have stated, if your evidence is remembered correctly, that the accused said he had no persons to take charge of and distribute the ammunition, and requested officers to be sent?
Answer. I did not say that he requested officers to be sent to him. He said he had no officers for it. That was the first expression in his conversation which struck me as strange.
Question. You have said, if understood correctly, that the whole of the enemy's forces, whilst the battle of the 29th of August was going on, was not on the field in front of the Union troops?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question. What portion of the enemy's forces were in the rear on that occasion, as you supposed?
Answer. I believe, as far as we ad information from spies, &c., that we had Jackson and Ewell in front of us there, and a part of Longstreet's force that came on to the field.
Question. Do you know what generals commanded the divisions of the army of the enemy?
Answer. I knew at the time, from information that we had. I do not know as I can remember them now. I myself examined a number of prisoners and deserters from time to time.
Question. Did Longstreet, so far as you know, command all the forces that were in the rear when the battle commenced on the 29th of August?
Answer. I supposed Robert E. Lee commanded the Army of Norther Virginia, which was the army operating against us.
Question. The question is, who immediately commanded the forces of the enemy in the rear-what general?
Answer. Robert E. Lee, I supposed.
Question. Was not General Longstreet there?
Answer. I do not know. I understood that General Buford counted a portion of the enemy that passed through Gainesville, which were all the re-enforcements that
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I believe, who brought it down, to have it sent by mail to General Burnside at Falmouth, and I delivered the original to him.
Question. And, in consequence of that, the original was not retained by you?
Answer. No, sir; it was not.
Examination by the judge-advocate here closed.
Examination by the ACCUSED:
Question. Do you recollect [handing witness original of dispatch] that particular part of the telegram as having been transmitted by you?
The portion referred to was read as follows:
Don't let the alarm here disturb you. If you had a good force, you could go to Richmond. A force should at once be pushed on to Manassas, to open the road. Our provisions are very short.
Answer. No, sir; I do not know as I do remember that, though I may probably have sent it.
Question. Can you state that there is any particular passage of that dispatch that you specially recollect having transmitted to General Burnside?
Answer. Yes, sir; where General Porter says that he can make what use of this dispatch that he pleases.
Question. You remember that?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question. Did you, at any time, convey an intimation to the accused from General Burnside to the effect that General Burnside desired the accused to send him information by telegraph from time to time?
Answer. No, sir.
Question. Will you look at that paper [handing paper to witness], and say if it be the order of General Pope which is referred to and commented upon in the telegraphic message which has just been proved and placed upon record, and which was transmitted at the same time with the dispatch?
At this stage of the proceedings, the president of the court said that this court-martial had, up to this time, been pursuing a course never heretofore practiced by courts-martial, viz, the allowing the counsel for the accused to themselves address the court, being satisfied that it had tended, in many respects, to produce delay, he (the president of the court) was desirous of returning to the usual and established practice of courts-martial, and have the accused himself address the court.
The accused said that he hoped this court-martial would continue the practice heretofore adopted by it. He was ignorant of a large portion of the forms and technicalities of law, and unable himself to conduct his own case. Should this court determine to return to the old practice, he would necessarily be compelled to resort to the old system of writing out all his interrogatories to witnesses submitting his questions to them. That, he thought, would produce a great deal more delay than is now experienced. He believed the course now being pursued had conduced to a more rapid execution of the work before the court, and probably to the better administration of justice. He certainly had no desire to delay the proceedings in any way, and was as anxious as the court could be to do all that would enable it to speedily complete the business before it. He desired, as he knew the court desired, to have the truth brought out by this trial. But he was satisfied that, should the court
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Question. At what hour on the morning of the 30th of August did you withdraw from your position, and under what order? Please also state what took place at the time you withdrew.
Answer. A short time before daylight, on the morning of the 30th, I received a written order from General Porter, which i have with me, directing me to lose not a moment in withdrawing, and to come down the road toward him.
Question. Will you read the order, and state the time of its receipt?
Answer. There is indorsed upon the order, in my handwriting. "Received a few minutes before daylight, August 30, '62."
The order is as follows:
General MORELL:
Lose not a moment in withdrawing and coming down the road to me. The wagons which went up, send down at once, and have the road cleared; and send me word when you have all in motion.
F. J. PORTER,
Major-General, Commanding.
Your command must follows Sykes.'-F. J. P.
Question. Do you recollect who delivered that order to you?
Answer. Captain Monteith, of General Porter's staff.
Question. State what took place in consequence of that order.
Answer. i immediately issued the orders to the commandants of brigades and of the artillery to get ready to retire, and to get them in motion as soon as possible. I think General Butterfield's brigade moved first, and then Colonel Barnes' brigade; General Griffin's was to bring up the rear. We called in our pickets. I replaced Hazlitt's battery, which was of 10-pounder Parrott guns, by Martin's battery of brass 12-pounder smooth-bore, to remain in the rear and cover the movement. Butterfield's and Colonel Barnes' brigades moved on up the road. When General Griffin had called in the skirmishers, and was ready to move, I went on myself. Before this, however, it was daylight. I passed the head of General Griffin' s brigade, and rode on for the purpose of overtaking the troops in front of us. Not coming up with them, I sent forward one of my staff to ascertain where they were, and to act as a guide for Griffin's brigade in following them. After some time, he came back and said that he could not find them; that he had been as far as Manassas Junction. I supposed that, in compliance with the orders of the previous day, they had gone to Centreville, as we had no orders to go to any other point. I then turned back until I met General Griffin, and from that point his brigade went on by way of Manassas Junction to Centreville. I was with them.
Question. Was the purpose of keeping Griffin's brigade back the anticipation of an attack on your rear while withdrawing?
Answer. Yes, sir; I supposed that we would be attacked. In the afternoon of the day previous, Colonel Marshall, who was in command in front, sent in a report that the enemy were passing down toward the railroad in the woods on our right, and I supposed that in the morning, at daylight, when the enemy discovered that we were retiring, they would be very likely to attack us.
Question. Did General Butterfield's and Colonel Barnes' brigades get to their destination, or, rather, did they take a different road from the one you took?
Answer. Yes, sir; so I understood afterward.
Question. How soon, after discovering that you had taken the wrong direction, did you proceed to join the command on the battle-field?
Answer. As soon as I discovered it, I went on myself-almost immediately. When we arrived at Centreville, I went to what had been General Pope's headquarters, expecting to find and General Porter there, and was then informed that General Pope had gone to the front, and that General Porter was probably with him. I was referred to Colonel Calry, of General Pope's staff, and went to him and made some inquiries of him. I immediately wrote a note in his tent to General Porter, stating that I was at Centreville, and was surprised at not finding him there, and that as soon as Griffin's brigade had got some rations-they were out-it would move on to the front. General Griffin's commissary immediately went to work to get rations for the men. I went to where my own teams were, to get some dinner. While there, I heard firing of artillery, the first I had heard during the day. I ordered my horse, and rode to General Griffin, and told him that I heard firing, and that we must move immediately.
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