TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 33 AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1891 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B Title Page Page R001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL BECOIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED BY The late Lient. Col. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery, PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. REDFIELD PROCTOR, Secretary of War, BY MAJ. GEORGE B. DAVIS, U. S. A., MR. LESLIE J. PERRY, MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Board of Publication. SERIES IVOLUME XXXIII. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRTNTING O1?FWE, 1891, I- Page R002 ~:?: \ L.a Ux%J I Page R003 PREFACE. fly an act approved June 23, 1874, Congress made an appropriatioft to enable the Secretary of War to begin the publication of the Offi- cial Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and Con- federate Armies, and directed him to have copied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, telegrams, and general orders not hereto- fore copied or printed, and properly arranged in chronological order. Appropriations for continuing such preparation have been made from time to time, and the act approved June 16, 1880, has provided for the printing and binding, under direction of the Secretary of War, of 10,000 copies of a compilation of the Official Records (Union and Confederate) of the War of the Rebellion, so far as the same may be ready for publication, during the fiscal year; and that of said number 7,000 copies shall be for the use of the house of Repre- sentatives, 2,000 copies for the use of the Senate, and 1,000 copies for the use of the Executive Departments. * * Volumes I to V distributed under act approved June 16, 1880. The act approved August 7, 1882, provides that The volumes of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion shall be distri- huted as follows: One thousand copies to the Executive Departments, as now pro- vided by law. One thousand copies for distribution by the Secretary of War among officers of the Army and contributors to the work. Eight thousand three hundred copies shall be sent by the Secretary of War to such libraries, organiza- tions, and individuals as may be designated by the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Forty-seventh Congress. Each Senator shall designate not exceed- ing twenty-six, and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding twenty-one of such addresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time as they are published, until the publication is completed. Senators, Representatives, and Dele- gates shall inform the Secretary of War in each case how many volumes of those heretofore published they have forwarded to suchi addresses. The remaining copies of the eleven thousand to be published, and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein, shall be sold by the Secretary of War for cost of publication with ten per cent. added thereto, and the proceeds pf such sale shall be covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volumes are ordered to the same address the Secretary of War shall inform the Senators, Representatives, or Delegates, who have designated the same, who thereupon may designate other libraries, organizations, or individuals. The Secretary of War shall report to the first session of the Forty-eighth Congress what volumes of the series heretofore published have not been furnished to such libraries, organizations, and individuals. He shall also inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent. II Page R004 P1~EFACE. This compilation will be the first general publication of the military records of the war, and will embrace all official documents that can be obtained by the compiler, and that appear to be of any historical value. The publication will present the r~cords in the following order of arrangement: The 1st Series will embrace the formal reports, both Union and Con- federate, of the first seizures of United States property in the South- ern States, and of all military operations in the field, with the corre- spondence, orders, and returns relating specially thereto, and, as proposed, is to be accompanied by an Atlas. In this series the reports will be arranged according to the cam- paigns and several theaters of operations (in the chronological order of the events), and the Union reports of any event will, as a rule, be immediately followed by the Confederate accounts. The correspond- ence, & c., not embraced in the reports proper will follow (first Union and next Confederate) in chronological order. The 2d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns, Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far as the military authorities were concerned) to State or political prisoners. The 3d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Union authorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate officials) not relating specially to the subjects of the first and second series. It will set forth the annual and special reports of the Secretary of War, of the General-in-Chief, and of the chiefs of the several staff corps and departments; the calls for troops, and the correspondence between the national and the several State authorities. The 4th Series will exhibit the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Confederate authorities, similar to that indicated for the Union officials, as of the third series, but excluding the corre- spondence between the Union and Confederate authorities given in that series. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Major Third Art., and Bvt. Lieut. Cot. WAR DEPARTMENT, August 23, 1880. Approved: ALEX. RAMSEY, Secretary of War Table of Contents Page R005 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XLV. Page. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Penn sylvania. January 1April 30, 1864 11335 (V Page R006 J s~t~ m iwPI~~ I Jbu. ..n U Additions and Corrections Page A001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL IRECOIU)S OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. Al)!) I TIUNS ANI) C ) 1{R EUTIONS TO SERIES I -VOLUME XXXIII. he inseited iii the voluixie. For explaiiatioii see G-exieral Index volume, Serial INo. 130, rage XXVIII.) PUBLISHEI) UNDER TILE DIRECTION )F The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AH~SWORTH, CHIEF OF THE RECORD AND PENSION OFFIcE, WAR DEPARTMENT, AND MR. JOSEPH W. KIRI(LEY. !Ir. JOHN S. MOODEY, Indexer. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1902 Page A002 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. TEXT. Page i. Second line, * foot-note, erase the words All such are desigwated in the Index. Page 105. Twenty-second line, bottom, for Ensign read Lieutenant. Page 249. Twenty-seventh line, top, insert X~ after horses and add foot-note, * Fo? portion of report here omitted, see Series I, Vol. 37, Part s, p. 2. Page 1120. Sixth line, bottom second paragraph, insert a period after the word enemy, third line, bottom same paragraph, strike out the period after the word strength and insert a comma, thas making the new sentence beginning with the word Unless end with the word arm.~. Page 1266. Note, April 7, 1864, last line, for 576 read 756. Page 1340. Third line, top, for Captain Braxton read A. M. Braxton. Page 1363. After Woodsons (Charles H.) Partisans, for Virginia read Missouri. Pages 13651525. Erase foot-note No circumstantial reports on file, wherever it occurs. Page 1367. Under Alabama Troops, third and fourth lines, strike out Regiments. before Montgomery True Blues. INDEX. Insert all words and figures in italics and strike out all in [brackets]. Abbott, Isaac [Ira] c. Alderson,J. [I.] A. Amick, John W. Amory, Thomas J. C., sg8 tArmory, Thomas 3. C., 538]. A myel/ [Armyette], Amos. Aseb, MyerJ. Baker, 3. Stannard, ~8g [Baker, James S., 483]. [Barnett, George A., 473.] Beck/cl [Bechtal], Aaron. Blanding, Christopher [christian]. Bonaparte, Charles L. N., 958. Braxton, A. M. [captain]. Brock [Beck], John J. Brock [Block], Joseph. Burpee [Durpee], Thomas F. Butterfield, Francis W. cape Fear, District of [Department of the]. Chisoim [Chisholm], A. R. clark, Terrence [Samuel]. Lolonel Racker, Steamer, loll. Davis, Jefferson. correspondence with Alderson,J. [I.] A. Denicke, Conrad F. M. [Martin c. F.]. Dougherty [Daughtry], William H. Dutton, Arthur H. Mentioned, 285, 289, 293, 304, 707 [Dutton, Arthur R., 285, 289, 293, 304, 707]. Barley [Early], Patrick S. Egan [Eagan], Michael. Paris [Farris], Joseph A. Farron, John [Farrow], Steamer. Finale, John Orr [0. W.]. Fisher, Adam [Andrew]. Fitz Simons [Simmons], charles. Frank, Paul. Itinerary of 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 2d Army Corps, February, 2861, 621. Geofroy, Louis de [Geoffrey, ]. Haddock [Haddick], William. Hampshire and Hardy counties, W. Va. Operations in, JaIl. 27Feb. 7, 1864. Reports of Fita Simons [Simmons], charles. Hampton, Wade. Mentioned, 203 [202]. Hampton, Wade, Jr., 202. Harris, Thomas S., 27, 105, io6; Harris, Arnold, [27, 1o5]. Iludgin, Wal/er [Walker] G. Hun/er Woodis, Steamer, 271, 272. Jones, William D. Kelley, Benjamin F. correspondence with Paris [Farris], Joseph A. Fltz Simons [Simmons], charles. Kelly, John G. [captain]. Kessler [Kesler], Joseph R. [K.]. La Tisiphone, H. I. M. S. [Steanier]. Lavender, Jacob [ ]. Liaskey [Siaskey], charles H. J. Lockwood, John L., U. S. S. [Steamer]. Lord, Newton B. Mentioued~ 1054 [Lord, Nathan B., 1054]. Miller, Frank B. Missouri Troops (C.). CavalryCompanies: Woodsons, 1192. New Hampshire Troops cavalryRegiments: 1st, 1050 [1o56]. Olcolt, Egl,ert W., 485, iog8 [Alcott, Eghert W., 485]; Olcott, Eghert, [so~8]. [Paul, Frank. Itinerary of 3d Brigade, 1st Divis- ion, 2d Army corps, Feb., 1864, 624.] Paxton, J. G., 1182, 1189 [Paxton, A. M., 1182, 1189]. Pet, Steamer, 1227; Petit [(or Pet), 1227]. Page A003 3 ADDITIONS AND COI~RECTIONS. Pitzer, Andrew L. [ ]. Prisoners. Execution of certain, of sd North Carolina Regiment (U.), 865-870. Randol, Alanson [Alexander] M. Rose, Laurin [T~awrin] I~. Rocker, Colonel, Steamer. Ryder [Rider], Henry W. Slzadtnrne, GeorgeD. [Shadbourne, ]. Summerlin, JesseJ. Taliman, James [John] H. Virginia Troops (C.). Artillery, I,ightBatteries: Youngs (F. R.), [ii5~, 1248]. Youngs (J.J.), 1159, is~8. Virginia Troops (C. )Continued. CavalryCompanies: [Woodsons Partisans, 1192.] Wells, James M. [Welles, George M.]. Whaley, Kellian [William] V. Wheeler, Jerome [John] B. Williams, Franklin [Wi. Willis, Edward (Q. M.), 1308. Willis, Edward (12th Ga.), Mentioned, [1308]. Witcher, Vincent [Vinson] A. Woodis, Hunter, Steamer. Worth, D. G. [E.]. Young John J. (Pa. Art.), 476. Young, John J. (Va. Art.), [476] Page A004 Special Index Page R007 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME I. CHAPTER I Page. Operations in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. December 20, 1860-April 14, 1861 1317 CHAPTER II. The secession of Georgia. January 8-26, 1861 318325 CHAPTER III. The secession of Alabama and Mississippi. January 4-20,1861 326-830 CHAPTER IV. Operations in Florida. January 6-August 31, 1861 331473 CHAPTER V Page. The secession of North Carolina. Janu ary 9-May 20, 1861 474-488 CHAPTER VI. The secession of Louisiana. January 10- February 19,1861 489501 CHAPTER VII. Operations in Texas and New Mexico. February 1-June 11, 1861.. . 502-636 CHAPTER Vm. Operntions in Arkansas, the Indian Terri- tory, and Missouri. February 7-May 9, 1861 637-691 VOLUME II. CHAPTER IX. Page - Operations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. April 16-July 31,1861.... 1-1012 VOLUME III. CHAPTER X. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. May 10-November 19,1861... 1-749 VOLUME IV. CHAPTER XI. Page. CHAPTER XIII. Page. Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and . Operations in North Carolina and South- Arizona. June 11, 1861-February 1,1862. 1-174 eastern Virginia. August 1, 1861-Janu- CHAPTER XLI. ary 11, 1862 Operations in Kentucky and Tennessee. July 1-November 19, 1861 175565 - VOLUME V. CHAPTER XIV. Page. Operations in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and West Virginia. August 1,1861-March 17,1862.. 1-1106 VOLUME VI. CHAPTER XV. Operationson the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. August 21,1861April 11, 1862 Page. CHAPTER XVI. Page. Operations in West Florida, Southeru Al- abama, Southern Mississippi, and Lou 1-435 isiana. September 1,1861-May 12,1862. 436-894 VOLUME VII. CHAPTER XVII. Page. Operations Ia Kentucky, T6nnes86e, N, Alabama, and S. W. Virginia. Nov.19, 1861-Mar. 4,1862.. 1-946 (VII Page R008 VIII CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME VIII. CHAPTER XVIII. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. Nov. 19, 1861-April 10, 1862. 1-834 VOLUME IX. CHAPTER XIX Page. CHAPTER XXI. Page. Operations In Southeastern Virginia. Jan- Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and nary 11-March 17, 1862 ~ Arizona. February 1-September 20, CHAPTER XX 1862 481-730 Operations in North Carolina. January 11-August 20,1862 72-480 VOLUME X-IN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXII. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. March 4-June 10, 1862. Page. Part I-Reports 1-927 Part lICorrespondence, etc 1-642 VOLUME XIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIII. The Peninsular Campaign, Virginia. March 17-September 2, 1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 24 1-1077 Part lIReports, June 25-September 2 1-994 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1-691 VOLUME XIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIV. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. March 17-September 2, 1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 25 1-818 Part lIReports, June 26-September 2 1-820 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1-966 VOLUME XIII. CHAPTER XXV. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest. April 10-November 20, 1862 . . . ~..... 1-981 VOLUME XIV. CHAPTER XXVL Page. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. April 12, 1862-June 11, 1863 14025 VOLUME XV. CHAPTER XXVII. Page. Operations in West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi (embracing all operations against Vicksburg, May 18-July 27. 1862), and Louisiana, May 12,1862-May 14, 1863; and oper- ations in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. September 20, 1862-May 14, 1863 1-11 Page R009 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. IX VOLUNIE XVIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXVIII. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. June 10October 31, 1862. Page. Part IReports 1-1168 Part Il--Correspondence, etc 1-1017 VOLUME XVIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXIX. Operations in West Tennessee and Northern Mississippi. June 10, 1862-January 20, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-807 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-916 VOLUME XVIII. CHAPTER XXX. Page. Operations in North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia. August 20, 1862-June 3, 1863 1-1104 VOLUME XIXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXI. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. September 3-Novem ber 14.1862. Page. Part IReports, September 3-20 1-1108 Part lIReports, September 20-NOvember 14; Correspondence, etc., September 8-Novem- ber 14 1739 VOLUME XXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXII. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. No vember 1,1862-January 20, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-997 Part 11Correspondence, etc 1-516 VOLUME XXI. CHAPTER XXXIII. Page. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. November 15, 1862-January 25,1863 . . ... 1-1152 VOLUME XXIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXIV. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas,Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest. November 20, 1862-December 31,1863. Page Part IReports 1-926 Part lICorrespondence, etc 1-116 Page R010 X CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME XXIIJIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXV. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. Jan uary 21-August 10, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-858 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-986 VOLUME XXIVIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVI. Operations in Mississippi and West Tennessee, including those in Arkansas and Louisiana connected with the Siege of Vicksburg. January 20.-August 10, 1863. Page. Part IReports, January 20-May 15, including the General Reports for whole period, January 20-August 10 1-787 Part lIReports, May 16-August 10 1-699 11070 Part IllCorrespondence, etc.. VOLUME XXVIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVII. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. January 26-June 3 1863. Page., Part I Reports 1-1119 Part IlCorrespondence, etc.... . 1862 VOLUME XXVIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Operations in West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and New Mexico. May 14-December 31, 1863. Page. Part IReports, Union Correspondence, etc 1-920 Part IlConfederate Correspondence, etc 1-581 VOLUME XXVHIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXXIX. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Department of the East. June 3-August 3, 1863. Page. Part IReports 11059 Part IlReports 1-1005 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1-1092 VOLUME XXVIIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XL. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia, and in Middle and East Florida. June 12- December 31, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-755 Part lICorrespondence, etc 1-609 VOLUME XXIXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XLI. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia. Maryland, ahd Pennsylvania. August 4-De cember 31, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-1018 Part lICorrespondence, etc 1-93 Page R011 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. xi: VOLUME XXXIN FOUR PARTS. CHAPTER XLII. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Alabama, and North Georgia. August 11October 19, 1863. Page. Part IReports Part IlReports .... 1821 Part IllUnion Correspondence, etc 1-1017 Part IVUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-768 VOLUME XXXIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XLIII. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Alabama, and North Georgia. October 20-December 31,1863. Page. Part IReports and Union Correspondence 1-852 Part IlReports 1-782 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-893 VOLUME XXXIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XLIV. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and North Georgia. January 1-April 30,1864. Page. Part IReports 1-703 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc. January 1-Feb. 29, 1864 1-833 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc. March 1-April 30, 1864 1-87 Additions and Corrections Page R012 4 0 4 1 ~3 120 C.~i ~0 120 C~ Co ~k . l~ ~~i 0 Co -ci 0 Co ~ . Co ~ i~ 1 ~ ~ -ci 0 Co 10 13 ~ Co 120 I -~ 0 Co O~. 0 Co O~ ~ VT Co ~ 4~. Co ~ l~ 12~0 Co Co Co -~ : l0~ : Tuesday. ~0 120 123 VT Co ~ Co ~ l1~ -ci. VT Co . Wednesday. VT Co ~ ~ ..~ 0 Co ~ 0 Co ~ ~ ~3. ~ -ci 0 Co~ ~ 0 Co O~ Co120I-~ ~ 10: ~ VT ~ ~: ~ Co 10~ 120120~ Thursday. 0 Co O~ . VT Co ~ . Co l~ l~. ~ 10120~ . 123)k1~L . l0~~I~ ~~VTCoh Friday. ~-ci0Co~ -ci0Co0~ e~10VTCo~ VTCo~-~-~ 10VT 120120~.L . Co123I~ . 10120~ . Co10~ Saturday. VTCo~-~ ~ 0CoO~ 10VT~ -~0CoO~ 0Co0~310 0 0 0 o 4 4 ~9. 101201 . Co1201 . ~3~L1-~ . 101201 . Co12011 Sund VTCoT-L~~ -ci0CoC~~ 0Co0~~0120~ TColl~~ Co1-l~-1~ I~I1~ci0Co ay. ~3 1-~ . ~31~3~l . Co120 ~3I~1-I . ~3~31- . ~31-Ll.J~ Mon ~~3123VT Co~-1~ci ~-~-ci0Co~ O~0120VT ~0123VTCo1-~ VTCol-l~~ day. 101201-~ . 1010I.~ . Co1201- Tuesday. -ci 0Co0 ~013VTCo1- VTCo1-l~~ -Zi0CoC~ 0Co~~120 ~3VT. 101231- Co131- 101-~ 10101- Co 10~-~1- . 120101- Wed Co1-l1~ci 0Co0~0?-0 10VT~ Co~11~~ ~-~.-ci0Co~ -ci0Co0~~ nesda~ 10l0l~ 101-L1-~ 1201201- 10101-~ . 101-~1-~ 120101- Thursday. ~310VTCo1- ~1~.-ci0Co~ ~ci0Co0~~ ~010VTCo1-~ VTCo1-l~ ~ 0Co0~010 VTCo1-4~ Co1-1ci 0Co0~~012O~ 0~010VT~ ~10VTCo1- rk1ay. Co 120 1-~ 101-~1-~ . 10101-~ 10~1-~ . i010 . Co 10 I- 120lSaturday. ~ -~ 0 Co ~ ~3 120 VT ~0 10 VT Co ~ ~ -~ 0 Co -ci 0 CoO 0 Co 0~ p 1 0 4 9, Sunday. Monday. 120 VT Co ~ 10 ~L ~ VT Co Page 1 CHAPTER XLV. OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLiNA, VIRGINIA, WEST~ VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND PENNSYLVANIA. January 1April 30, 1864. SUMMARY OF TIlE PRINCIPAL IEVENTS.* Dec. 31, 1863Jan. 5, 1864.Operations in Hampshire and Hardy Counties, W. Va. Jan. 1, 1864.Affair at Bunker Hill, W. Va. Skirmish at Rectortown, Va. 1 4, 1864.Expedition from Bealeton to Front Royal, Va. 3, 1864.Reconnaissance from Charlestown, W. Va., to Winchester, Va., and skirmish. Skirmish at Jonesville, Va. ~ 4, 1864.Affair at Lockwoods Folly Inlet, N. C. ~ 6, 1864.Affair at Flint Hill, Va. 7, 1864.Skirmish at Warrenton, Va. 8, 1864.Skirmish at Moorefleld Junction, W. Va. 9, 1864.Maj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren, U. S. Army, temporarily in command of Second Army Corps. 10, 1864.Skirmish at Loudoun Heights, Va. Skirmish at Petersbur~,, W. Va. Scout to Sperryville, Va. 11, 1864.Affair at Lockwoods Folly Inlet, N. C.~ 12, 1864.Affair near Accotink, Va. Affair near Ellis Ford, Va. * Of some of the minor conflicts noted in this Summary no circumstantial reports are on file. All such are designated in the Index. ~ See Vol. XXXII, Part I, p. 57. t Between U. S. Navy and Confederate batteries. See Whitings dispatches, Jan- uary 4 and 5, post; and for report of Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. Lee, U. S. Navy (of the destruction of the Bendigo), see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 5, 1864. ~ See Acting Rear-Admiral Lees report of the destruction of the steamers Ranger and Vesta (blockade-runners), Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, Decem- ber 5, 1864. (1 Page 2 2 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. Jan. 1214, 1864.Raid on the Northern Neck, Va. 13, 1864.Affair near Elys Ford, Va. 15, 1864.Skirmish near Petersburg, W. Va. 16, 1864.Affair near Turkey Creek, Va. 17, 1864.Affairs near Ellis and Elys Fords, Va. 18, 1864.Affair at Flint Hill, Va. 1924, 1864.Scouts from Williamsburg, Va. 20-29, 1864.Operations in the District of North Carolina. 22, 1864.Affair at Ellis Ford, Va. Skirmish at Germantown, Va. 2325, 1864.Scout from Charlestown, W. Va., to Woodstock, Va. 2425, 1864.Expedition up the James River, Va. 27, 1864.Brig. Gen. John C. Caldwell, U. S. Army, temporarily in com- mand of Second Army Corps. Affair near Thoroughfare Mountain, Va. 27Feb. 7, 1864.Operations in Hampshire and Hardy Counties, W. Va. 28, 1864.Maj. Gen. David B. Birney, U. S. Army, temporarily in com- mand of Third Army Corps. 28-Feb. 10, 1864.Expedition against New Berne, N. C. 29, 1864.Affair near Gloucester Court-House, Va. 29Feb. 1, 1864.Expedition to Isle of Wight County, Va., skirmishes near Beuns Church and at Smithfield, and destruction of the U.S. steamer Smith Briggs. 30, 1864.Skirmish at Windsor, N. C. Scout from Culpeper to Madison Court-House, Va. 31, 1864.Reconnaissance to Madison Court-House and Mount Carrnel Church, Va. Feb. 1, 1864.Skirmish at Bristoe Station, Va. 2, 1864.Skirmish near Strasburg, Va. 3, 1864.Capture of the steamer Levi, Kanawha River, W. Va. 5, 1864.Skirmish near Aldie, Va. Affair at Winchester, Va. 6, 1864.Maj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren, U. S. Army, temporarily in command of Second Army Corps. 6 7, 1864.Demonstration on the Rapidan, including engagement at Mor- tons Ford and skirmishes at Barnetts and Culpeper Fords, Va. 6 8, 1864.Expedition from Yorktown against Richmond, Va., including skirmishes at Bottoms Bridge and near Baltimore Store. 7, 1864.Affair at Waccomo Neck, N. C. 9, 1864.Reconnaissance toward Swausborough, N. C. 11, 1864.Gilmors raid on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. 14, 1864.Affair near Brentsville, Va. 15, 1864.Skirmish at Laurel Creek, Wayne County, W. Va:X 16, 1864.Affair at Fairfield, N. C. 17, 1864.Maj. Gen. William H. French, U. S. Army, resumes command of Third Army Corps. 1718, 1864.Scout from Warrenton, and skirmish near Piedmont, Va. 20, 1864.Skirmishes at Upperville and Front Royal, Va. Affair near Hurricane Bridge, W. Va. 2122, 1864.Scout from New Creek to Moorefield, W. Va. Skirmishes near Cireleville and Dranesville, Va. 24, 1864.General Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army, charged with the conduct of military operations in the Armies of the Confederacy. * See Vol. XXXII, Part I, p. 394 Page 3 Ca& ~. XLV.] SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 3 Feb 25, 1864.Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge, C. S. Army, assigned to com- mand of the Trans-Alleghany or Western Department of Vir- ginia, relieving Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones. 28, 1864.Scout in Gloucester County, Va. 28Mar. 1, 1864.Custers raid into Albemarle County, Va. 28-Mar. 4, 1864.Kilpatricks expedition against Richmond, Va. 29-Mar. 1, 1864.Skirmishes at Ballahock, on Bear Quarter road, and at Deep Creek, Va. 29Mar. 5, 1864.Expedition to Petersburg and destruction of saltpeter- works near Franklin, W. Va. Mar. 3, 1864.Skirmish near Petersburg, W. Va. 4- 5, 1864.Demonstration on Portsmouth, Va. 5, 1864.Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge, C. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of Western Virginia. Raid on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. 6, 1864.Skirmish at Snickersville, Va. 9, 1864.Skirmish near Greenwich; Va. Skirmish near Suffolk, Va. 9-12, 1864.Expedition into King and Queen County, Va. 9-22, 1864.Expedition to the Piank~tank, and skirmish at Cricket Hill, Va. 10, 1864.Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, U. S. Army, supersedes Brig. Gen. Ben- jamin F. Kelley, in command of the Department of West Vir- ginia. Skirmishes near Charlestown and at Kabletown, W. Va. 12, 1864.Lieut. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the Armies of th~ United States, and Maj. Gen. Henry W. Halleck assigned as chief of staff of these armies. 14, 1864.The Ninth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. John G. Parke, U. S. Army, commanding, ordered from East Tennessee to Annapolis, Md. 16, 1864.Brig. Gen. Orlando B. Willco~, U. S. Army, temporarily in command of the Ninth Army Corps. Affair near Annandale, Va. Skirmish at Bristoc Station, Va. 16-18, 1864.Scout in Cabell and Wayne Counties, W. Va. Reconnaissance toward Snickers Gap, Va. 1718, l864.Reconnaissance to Sperryville, Va. 1721, 1864.Expedition from Yorktown into Mathews and Middlesex Coun- ties, Va. 19, 1864.Scout to Salem and Orleans, Va. 22, 1864.Maj. Gen. Lewis Wallace, U. S. Army, supersedes Brig. Gen. Henry H. Lockwood in command of the Middle Department. Affair at Winchester, Va. 23, 1864.The First Army Corps discontinued and troops assigned to the Fifth Army Corps. Maj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren, U. S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gen. George Sykes in command of the Fifth Army Corps. 24, 1864.The Third Army Corps discontinued and troops distributed to the Second and Sixth Army Corps. Maj. Gen. Winfield S. Hancock, U. S. Army, resumes com- mand of Second Army Corps. 25, 1864.Brig. Gen. David McM. Gregg, U. S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton in command of the Cavalry Corps. 2526, 1864.Expedition to Bogue and Bear Inlets, N. C. 26, 1864.Skirmish near Black Jack Church, N. C Page 4 4 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [OH~AP. XLV. Mar. 28, 1864.Scout in Gloucester County, Va. Affair at Bloomery Gap, W. Va. 28-29, 1864.Scout to Aldie and Middleburg, Va. 30, 1864.Capture of Confederate outpost at Cherry Grove, Va. * Apr. 1, 1864.Skirmish near Plymouth, N. C. 2, 1864.Destruction of Cape Lookout Light, N. C. 4, 1864.Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan, U. S. Army, assigned to the command of the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac. 5, 1864.Affair near Blounts Creek, N. C. 6, 1864.The Department of the Monongahela merged into the Depart- ment of the Susquehanna. Brig. Gen. James B. Ricketts, U.S. Army, temporarilycommand- ing the Sixth Army Corps. 7, 1864.Longstreets army corps ordered to rejoin the Army of North- ern Virginia. 8, 1864.Skirmish at Winchester, Va. 11, 1864.Affair near Gree~awich, Va. 1214, 1864.Expedition from Point Lookout, Md., to Westmoreland County, Va. 13, 1864.Affair near Nokesville, Va. Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick, U. S. Army, resumes command of the Sixth Army Corps. Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, U. S. Army, resumes command of the Ninth Army Corps. 1315, 1864.Reconnaissance from Portsmouth to the Blackwater, Va. Expedition from Norfolk to Isle of Wight County, Va., and skirmishes near Cherry Grove Landing and at Smithfield. 15, 1864.Affairs near Bristoe Station and Milford, Va. 16, 1864.Affair near Catletts Station, Va. 17, 1864.Skirmish at Beaver Creek, N. C. Affair near Ellis Ford, Va. 1720, 1864.Capture of Plymouth, N. C. 18, 1864.General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, assigned to command of the Department of North Carolina and Southern Virginia. 19, 1864.Affair at Leesburg, Va. Affair at Marlings Bottom, W. Va. 21, 1864.Destruction of salt-works at Masonborough Inlet, N. C. 28, 1864.Affair near Hunters Mills, Va. 24, 1864.Skirmish near Middletown, Va. 25, 1864.Maj. Gen. Robert Ransom, jr., C. S. Army, assigned to command of the Department of Richmond. 26, 1864.Affair at Winchester, Va. 26-30, 1864.Evacuation of Washington, N. C. 27-29, 1864.Expedition from Williamsburg and skirmish at Twelve-Mile Ordinary, Va. Affairs at Masonborough Inlet, N. C. t 28, 1864.Reconnaissance to Madison Court-House, Va. 28May 1, 1864.Scout from Vienna toward Upperville, Va. 2930, 1864.Expedition from Newport Barracks to Swausborough, N. C. * By boats from the U. S. steamer Commodore Barney. See Annual Report of. the Secretary of the Navy, December 5, 1864. ~ Between the U. S. steamer Niphon and Confederate batteries. For report of Actg. Vol. Lieut. Joseph B. Breck. U. S. Navy, see Annual Report of the Secre- tary of the Navy, December 5,1864 Page 5 C~. XLV.] OPERATIONS IN HAMPSHIRE AND HARDY CO.S, W. VA. S DECEMBER 31, 1863JANUARY 5, 1864.Operations in Hampshire and Hardy Counties, W. Va. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley, U. S. Army, commanding Department of West Virginia. No. 2.Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, C. S. Army, commanding expedition. NQ. 1. Reports of Brig. Gem. Be~jamir~ F. Kelley, U. S. Army, command ing Department of West lkrgtnta. CUMBERLAND, MD., January 3, 1864. (Received 8 a. in., 4th.) Just received information that Lees and Rossers forces were be- sieging Colonel Thoburn at Petersburg. Thoburn has three small regiments and a battery, and a good position. I have no force to send to relieve him without exposing all my stores. Sullivan reports Early as having fallen back to Middletown, anticipating an attack on his flank from General Meades army crossing at Front Royal. He has 5,000 men. Colonel Boyd was in Winchester to-day. Re- ports about 700 cavalry at Kernstown. Have ordered Averell to go to Winchester to-morrow with all of his available cavalry. It now appears that Lee has detached a large force and sent them into these valleys. If General Meade would send a strong cavalry force into the Luray Valley it would be an important movement to us. I now fear it is their intention to destroy the railroad, and drive me from New Creek and this place. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. I~rigadier-General CULLUM, Chief of Staff. CUMBERLAND, MD., January 4, 186410 a. in. (Received 1 p. in.) I have nothing new from Colonel Thoburn this morning. The enemy captured his returning empty train yesterday, and are now between him and New Creek. I am concentrating my troops at New Creek as rapidly as I can form my scattered troops. I trust Thoburn will hold out till I can relieve him. The railroad all safe yet. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Brigadier-General CULLUM, Chief of Staff. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 18648 p. in. (Received 9.10 p. in.) The enemy drove in the cavalry pickets at New Creek this p. m. I fear he will attack me here before my re-enforceinents arrive. I think Page 6 6 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. he left a force to engage Thohurn, and pushed on a portion to attack New Creek or this~ place. New Creek is pretty well fortified; this is not. The wires, I fear, will be cut to-night. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General CULLUM, Brigadier-General. Chief of Staff, Washington. CUMBERLAND, MD., January 5, 18649 a. m. (Received 11.30 a. in.) My re-enforcements have all arrived. I am now ready for Lee and Rosser. Thoburn is yet safe at Petersburg. The enemy have kept beyond the reach of his guns. As soon as the men get rested we will relieve Thoburn. The railroad, telegraph line, and public property are yet all safe9 a. in. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. Brigadier-General CULLUM, Chief of Staff. CUMBERLAND, MD., January 7, 18648 p. in. (Received 10.15 p. in.) Dispatch just received from Colonel Thoburn, First Virginia In- fantry, commanding at Petersburg, advises me that the rebels have fallen back from the valley of the South Branch toward the Shenan- doah Valley, and will doubtless join Early near Strasburg or Mount Jackson. Quite a number of deserters have come into Thoburns camp. They report the troops in South Branch Valley to have been three brigadesLees, Rossers, and Walketsall under Fitzhugh Lee. They report their failure to take Petersburg, New Creek, and Cuinberland to be because they could not get their artillery forward, in consequence of the roads. They had no train; were compelled to subsist on the country. They have suffered terribly. The raid thus far to them has been severe, while they have not been able to inflict any injury on us. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. Brigadier-General CULLUM, Chief of Staff. CUMBERLAND, MD., January 8, 18649 p. in. (Received 11 p. in.) The following dispatch just received from Lieutenant Myers, com- manding sconts. The force referred to in this dispatch is the same that threatens New Creek. The troops that were threatening Colonel Thoburn at Petersburg retreated through Moorefield toward War Page 7 CHAP. XLV.1 OPERATIONS IN HAMPSHIRE AND HARDY 00. 5, W. VA. densville, at which point, I presume, they will form a junction, then proceed to the valley, and reach Early at Strasburgor Mount Jack- son: ROMNEY, W. VA., January 8, 1864. Brigadier-General KELLEY: Arrived safely. No enemy in or about Romney since Wednesday evening. The force that left Romney Wednesday evening was commanded by Fitzhugh I~ee and Rosser1.500 cavalry; no artillery. They had left their artillery above Moorefield. They went by Grassy Lick road. They had. pressed some teams at Romney. The teams got back to-day to Romney. The left rear of rebel force at 12 oclock yester- day was on Wardensville and Moorefield pike. This force is said to be greatly demoralized. Several of their men froze to death on the road. General Fitzhugh Lee very badly frozen. They were much alarmed; afraid tbey would be cut off by your forces from Martinsburg. MYERS, Lieutenant, Commanding Scouts. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General CULLUM, Brigadier-General. Chief of Staff. CUMBERLAND, January 9, 1864. We have been threatened for several days by a large cavalry force under command of General Fitzhugh Lee, but he has now retreated toward the Shenandoah Valley, having been foiled in all of his at- tempts to take any of our outposts, or to capture any public stores, or to inflict any damage on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The raid of Major-General Early on us, in retaliation for the active movements of the troops in this department, has thus far been a complete failure. The railroad is perfectly safe, trains making regular trips from Baltimore to Wheeling and Parkersburg. B. F. KELLEY, Major-General BRooKs. Brigadier- General. No. 2. Report of Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, C. S. Army, commanding expe dition. HEADQUARTERS LEES CAVALRY DIvISIoN, January 11, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report, as subsequent to a preced- ing report of my operations while nuder your command, that I left Mount Jackson upon December 31, 1863, and marched to Moorefleld across North Mountain on the Orkney Springs road. Found the mountain so steep in the ascent and descent that my artillery and a train of wagons from the Valley quartermasters department were unable to follow, and results which were expected to ensue from their presence, of course, could not in their absence be realized. At Moorefleld learned that the force of 8u0 or 900 of the enemy still remained at Petersburg. Reconnoitered and found that they were intrenched with abatis. The greater part of my ammunition being wet, owing to starting in a snow and rain storm, and having no artillery, I decided not to attack them, and moved upon their line of communication toward New Creek Depot. Captured a train o Page 8 8 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. forty wagons (6 mules and horses to each wagouX loaded principally with artillery ammunition and hides, and 250 head of cattle, 120 being driven out and the remainder lost in driving them at night over the mountains. Marched on to Burlington. Captured at that place and. at Williamsport and McLemars Church some prisoners and supplies, and burnt the block-houses which the enemy abandoned in his flight. Although not an object of the expedition. it was de- termiAed to cut the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at New Creek Depot; so marched to Ridgeville and encamped at that place upon the night of the 4th instant. Marched at 4 oclock next morning in a hail-storm, and though a point was reached within 6 miles of the depot, on account of the sufferings of my men and the impassability of the mountain passes to my smooth-shod horses was unable to pro- ceed farther, so countermarched, and passing through Romney, re- turned to Harrisonburg via Brocks Gap, it being the only practicable route back to the valley. Major Gilmor, who had been left with his own command and that of Captain McNeill to hold the gap on the Moorefield and Peters- burg road, and to protect my flank and rear, in the mean time moved to Romney, and from thence to Springfield. The enemy, reported at 800 strong, with some artillery, abandoning the latter place in the night, Major Gilmor brought off about 3,000 pounds of bacon and some hard bread, horseshoes, nails, & c., and burnt the forage and other stores there and the winter quarters of the troops. I secured on the expedition 27 wagons (8 of the original 40 being smashed up and burnt at the place of attack, and 5 overturned and abandoned in the mountains on the route back), 110 prisoners with their arms, & c., 460 head of cattle (lost between 100 and 200 travel- ing in the mountains at night, and which have since been sent back for, and if obtained will add up the number of head to over 600), and over 300 horses and mules. Lost 2 men killed and 2 wounded in the attack on the train, and 1 left at Moorefield with feet frozen to such an extent that the surgeon thinks they will have to be amputated. My whole command were more or less frost-bitten, and suffered a great deal, the weather being excessively cold during the whole trip; the ground was covered with snow and ice in going up and down the various mountains. From my own observation and knowledge gained from my inter- course with the citizens of Hampshire and Hardy Counties, I have ascertained there are very little supplies to be obtained in these counties. Several hundred head of cattle and some sheep on Patter- sons Creek and the South Branch of Potomac would perhaps include everything, and the reason is apparent from the fact of the occupa- tion of the country by the enemy from the commencement of the war. Averell was reported to have reached Grafton and to have been sent with his command on the cars to Martinsburg, the enemy judging that place would be the point of attack. My command has marched since the 11th of last month 555 miles in weather of uncom- mon severity, and deserves praise for the endurance displayed and hardships undergone. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FITZ. LEE, Major- Generat, Commanding. Maj. Gen. J. A. EARLY, Commanding Page 9 CHAP. XLIV.] SKIRMISH AT RECTOIRTOW~W, VA. 9 JANUARY 1, 1864.Affair at Bunker Hill, W. Va. January 1.A rebel division under General Early advanced as far down the valley as Winchester. Our pickets at Bunker Hill, 12 miles from Martinsburg, were driven in after a skirmish. ~ Owing to the excessive cold weather, no further demonstrations were made against the enemy. Scouting parties have been constantly kept out and all the neighboring country thoroughly scoured, resulting in the capture of a large number of prisoners and obtaining much vah~iable information. f JANUARY 1, 1864.Skirmish at Rectortown, Va. Report of ltJiaj. John S. llifosby, Forty-third Virginia Cavalry Bat talion. JANUARY 4, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to: report that during the month of December there were captured by this command over 100 horses and mnles and about 100 prisoners. A considerable number of the enemy have also been killed and wounded. It would be too tedious to men- tion the various occasions on which we have met the enemy, but there is one which justice to a brave officer demands to be noticed. On the morning of January 1, I received information that a body of the enemys cavalry were in Upperville. It being the day on which my command was to assemble, I directed Capt. William R. Smith to take command of the men while I went toward Upperville to ascertain the movements of the enemy. In the mean time the ene.my had gone on toward Rectortown, and I pursued, but come up just as Captain Smith with about 35 men had attacked and routed them (78 strong), killing, wounding, and capturing 57. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. S. MOSBY, Major, Commanding. Maj. H. B. MCCLELLAN, Assistant Adjutant-General. [First indorsement.] HDQRs. CAVALRY CoRps, February 13, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. A subsequent report of subsequent operations has been already sent in, this having been mislaid. Major Mosby continues his dis- tinguished services in the enemys rear, relieving our people of the depredations of the enemy in a great measure. J. E. B. STUART, Major- General. [5econd indorsement.] FEBRUARY 15, 1864. ADJUTANT-GENERAL: A characteristic report from Colonel Mosby, who has become so familiar with brave deeds as to consider them too tedious to treat unless when necessary to reflect glory on his gallant comrades. Cap- tain Smiths was a brilliant and most successful affair. J. A. S. * See Averell to Kelley, January 1, in Correspondence, & c., p. 321. ~ From monthly return of First Division, Department of West Virginia Page 10 OPERATIONS IN N. 0., VA., W. VA., MD., AI~D PA. ~OItAP. XLV. JANUARY 14, 1864.Expedition from Bealeton to Front Royal, Va. Report of Col. John P. Taylor, First Pennsylvania Cavalry, com- manding expedition. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SECOND Div., CAY. CORPS, January 4, 1864. CAPTAIN: In pursuance to instructions from tl~e major-general commanding, dated 6.30 p. in., December 31, 1863, received by me 12.05 a. in., January 1, 1864, I have the honor to report that I left my camp with part of the Second Brigade at 7 a. in., January 1, 1864, and arrived at Warrenton at 1 p. in., where I found Lieutenant- Colonel Kester, commanding First Brigade, Second Division, in readiness, save the two regiments on picket, and not deeming it proper to wait longer for the First Brigade, First Division, which was to relieve my pickets and take position at this point, I at once deter- mined to proceed with the force I had, save Captain Randols battery, which on account of the badness of the roads I deemed prudent to send back to camp at Bealeton and take Lieutenant Egans battery of rifled guns. I left Warrenton at 2.30 p. in., taking the Waterloo pike as far as iledgeman River; thenc& taking road to Orleans, making a cold and weary march, at which place I arrived after dark and went into camp. At daylight on the morning of the 2d January I took up line of march for Chester Gap, 19 miles distant, over an almost im- practicable road, as far as what is called Chester Gap grade, and at that point to gain the grade my artillery was obliged to double their rains. From this point I found the road in good condition, save but one exception of 300 yards, which was very bad. I reached Front Royal about dark. Sending Lieutenant-Colonel Kester with 500 cavalry to examine the fords of the Shenandoah, and to ascertain if a commu- nication could be established with Winchester, Lieutenaiit-Colonel Kester reported it utterly impracticable. I then went into camp. Early on the morning Qf the 3d January I went to the ford myself to examine and try it, and found it, as it had been reported to me the night previous, utterly impracticable, even for cavalry, and from the signs of the weather at this point it was evident that it could not be crossed at any point; even at Luray, 25 miles distant, it was reported unfordable. All the information gained from different sources corroborated the report that Rosser and Imboden, with about 2,800 cavalry, and General Early, with a considerable infantry force, were between Strasburg and New Market, and that the river between them and Winchester was also unfordable. No pickets of the enemy were to be seen on the opposite side of the river. Citizens said it was impossible for horsemen to cross even at Strasburg to- ward Front Royal. My command being out of forage, and having but one days rations, I determined, having fulfilled my mission, to return. I at once dis- patched a staff officer with an escort of 100 men to report, and at 12 oclock started on my return, by way of Manassas Gap and Salem, the road between these points being almost impassable from the severity of the weather, the mountain streams overflowing the roads from the recent rains and frozen for hundreds of yards, through which I was obliged to cut away the ice to enable my artillery to pass over. The weather was intensely cold, and I cannot but expres Page 11 CUAP. flAT.] RECONNAISsANcE TO WINCllESTJ~rn, VA. 11 my admiration for the good conduct of my whole command, from the manner in which they withstood the hardships of this expedition of nearly 100 miles. I arrived at Warrenton at 2.30 p. in., January 4, bringing with me 17 prisoners, 1 of whom was a commissioned officer; also one re- captured Government wagon and team, together with a number of horses. We destroyed one tannery and one distillery. The First Brigade, First Division, did not arrive here until thirty- five hours after we had left. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. P. TAYLOR, Colonel, Commanding Second Division Cavalry. Capt. C. C. SUYDAM, Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Corps. JANUARY 3, 1864.Reconnaissance from Charlestown, W. Va., to Win- chester, Va., and skirmish. Report of C~ol. William H Boyd, Twenty-first Pennsylvania ~3~avalry. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FoRcEs. Charlestown, Va., January 4, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, in obedience to orders from division headquarters of 3d January, 1864, to proceed to Winchester to develop the force of the enemy, that I left Charlestown and went to Winchester, by way of Berryville. All the way going there we were told a large force were in Winchester. Upon nearing the town I divided my force, about 300 men, so as to cover all approaches or exits, except on the west side, and then dashed in simultaneously. A perfect skedaddle took place; a great many rebels took to the houses and were lost. We captured 6 and killed 1, and mortally wounded a Captain Armstrong. From citizens and prisoners I learned that Imbodens camp had been on the outskirts of the town, on Cedar Creek road, and had about 800 men, but a telegram was received about 11 a. m. Qrdering him to fall back, as Meades force was supposed to be crossing near Front Royal. Imboden began falling back between 1 and 2 p. in., and was in Newtown at 6 p. in., to which place I drove his pickets and finally his rear guard. It growing dark, I prudently retired to Charlestown, arriving in camp at 3 a. in., having traveled over 60 miles in seventeen hours. The following items of information were gleaned, viz: That Fitz- hugh Lees and Rosser s cavalry had avoided Winchester and gone toward Moorefield, W. Va., arid to Paw Paw tunnel, for the purpose of destroying it. Lee had Walkers (old Stonewall) brigade of in- fantry with him, in all about 3,000, two or three pieces of artillery, and some wagons. Earlys division never came any lower down the val- ley than Middletown, and were there last night when I left Newtown. He has a large wagon train, artillery, and about 5,000 infantry. A report was prevalent and seemed to be well-founded that Fitzhugh Lees forces were expected in Winchester at any moment, and this gained some credit with me, from the fact that numerous signals were exhibitedrockets and firing of guns (small). This impressed upon me the importance of retiring to a place of safety; hence my retreat Page 12 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CEAP. XLV. or I would have camped for the night somewhere and renewed the attack this morning; besides, I had no forage with me for so long a stay. The enemy foraged very close, carrying off everything in the way of forage. After I had been in Winchester about an hour, and had started about 2 miles toward Newtown, Captain Johnson, of the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, from Martinsburg, reported to me with about 100 men. I sent them back to Bunker Hill on my return to Winchester. I am led to believe that there has never been a larger force than about 800 in or about Winchester within the last week. Col. George Imboden was with these forces, not General Imboden. Believing that the object of the reconnaissance was fully accom- plished, I respectfully submit this report. I am, captain, with much respect, your obedient servant, WM. II. BOYD, Colonel Twenty-ftr~t Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanding. Cart. WILLIAM M. BOONE, Assistant Adjutant-General. JANUARY 6, 1864.Affair at Flint Hill, Va. Report of Cot. Charles 911. Ale~rander, Second District of Columbia Infantry. HEADQUARTERS DIvIsION, January 7, 1864. The cavalry pickets at Flint Hill were attacked last night by a dismounted party of 15 men, who fired about 30 shots, without doing any damage. The pickets fell back and the attacking party retreated. A company of cavalry was sent out, but failed to intercept them. All quiet to-night. C. M. ALEXANDER, C~olonel, C~ommanding Division. Lieut. Col. J. H. TAYLOR Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of Washington. JANUARY 7, 1864.SkirmiSh at Warrenton, Va. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. David McM. Gregg, U. S. Army. No. 2. Maj. James W. Walsh, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry. No. 3.Lieut. G. S. Luttrell Ward, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry. No. 4.Maj. John S. Mosby, Forty-third Virginia Cavalry Battalion, including skirmish, January 10, at Loudoun Heights. No. 1. Reports of Brig. Gen. David ]11c31. Gregg, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Tyarremton, January 7, 1864. A party of Mosbys men made an attack this morning on the pick- ets of the First Brigade, resulting in the wounding of 1 officer and Page 13 CHAP. XLV.] SKIRMISH AT WARRRNTON, VA. 13 men and the capture of 30 men and 40 horses. A force of 100 men sent in pursuit returned this evening. The pursuit was kept up as long as there was any hope of overtaking the party, and until the horses were broken down. Three prisoners captured from Mosby. D. McM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. Captain PARSONS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Corps. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 8, 1864. Respectfully returned to the commanding officer of the Cavalry Corps. The commanding general desires an explanation of the delay in forwarding this intelligence, he having been unofficially advised of the circumstances last evening. A thorough investigation will at once be made into the affair, and report sent to these headquarters. It would seem that some one has been grossly derelict in duty. By command of Major-General Meade: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, January 9, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that a full investigation has been had of the circumstances of the attack upon and capture of the picket reserve of the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry on the morning of the 7th. The attack was made about 4.30, and by a force of the enemy es- timated at about 50. At the hour it was very dark, and the wind was blowing violently. The attack upon the reserve was made from the rear, the enemy having gained the rear by passing through the picket-line (very probably in very small detachments), at a gap which should not have existed, and which was occasioned by the removal of a vedette from a point previously occupied. The responsibility of the removal of this vedette rests upon Lieutenant Warren, Third Penn- sylvania Cavalry. This officer asserts that he acted by order of the brigade officer of the day. The brigade officer of the clay denies having given the order for the removal of the vedette. The attack from the rear was unexpected and so sudden that the resistance offered was confused and ineffective. Th~ officer in command was severely wounded, as were also 6 of his men. The entire loss on the occasion was 18 enlisted men captured, and 43 horses with equip- ments. The reports furnished and examinations made convince me that the officer in command of the reserve is responsible for the disaster, which resulted from inattention and gross neglect of duty. The officers and enliste4 men responsible will be brought to trial. The intelligence of the affair was not at once communicated be- cause of a force of 100 men having been sent in pursuit, which was confidently expected to overtake the enemy a short distance from Warrenton. It wa~ dQsir~d to ~eiid with the report of a disgracefu Page 14 14 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. capture the more pleasant report of the capture of the enemy. The party continued the pursuit without success, and did not return to Warrenton until the middle of the afternoon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. McM. GREGG, Brig. Gen. of Vols., Comdg. Second Cavalry Dirnswn. Capt. E. B. PARSONS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Corps. No. 2. Report of Maj. James W. Walsh, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS THIRD PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY, January 7. 1864. CAPTAIN: I have just received a report from Captain Gillmore, who is picketing in my front, that the rebels charged on his reserve, coming from the Warrenton side, capturing all his horses, the greater portion of his men, and wounding a great many. The cap- tam reports himself wounded. He wishes two ambulances to be sent out to bring in the wounded. I will have the picket-lines es- tablished in as quick time as possible. He reports the rebels having left in quick meter after collecting up the horses and men. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. WALSH, Major, Commanding Third Pennsylvania Cavalry. Captain WRIGHT, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 3. Report of Lieut. G. S. LutIrell Ward, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry. CAMP OF THIRD PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY, January 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 3th day of January, 1864, Captain Gillmore relieved a detachment of the First Brigade, First Division, Cavalry Corps, on the Sulphur Springs road, taking up the line as established under the supervision of the brigade officer of the day. Everything remained quiet on the line until the morning of the th, when the corporal of the fifth relief started from camp to re- lieve the pickets. On reaching No. 3 post he discovered 10 or 12 men drawn up in line at the post. He immediately reported the fact to Captain Gilimore, who sent inc with 10 men to his support. In the mean time they had made good their retreat without firing a shot. I scouted around the whole line, finding No. 3 post vacant, but no other indications of the presence of an enemy. The pickets received additional instructions as to vigilance, and nothing further occurred until between the hours of 4 and 5, when the second relief started from camp. They had been gone J~ut a short tiwe when Page 15 CHAP. XLV.] 15 SKIRMISH AT WARRENTON, VA. party of 35 or 40 men charged upon the camp from our rear, taking us totally by surprise. Their movements were hidden by a ridge, and the darkness and high wind which prevailed aided their attack. Captain Gilimore sprang to his feet, and~ in attempting to rally his men, many of whom were asleep, was shot down and surrounded by a dozen mounted men. At the same time 6 men were wounded and 18 captured. As we were weakened by the absence of two reliefs the command was totally overpowered and at the mercy of the enemy. It is my opinion that they entered the line between Captain Gill- mores extreme left post and the right of the First Pennsylvania pickets, considerable distance intervening. This opinion is strength- ened from the fact that there was not a shot fired on the line, and in the morning Ii examined the ground, finding a trail through the snow at the point designated. They retreated out the Sulphur Springs road, carrying with them 18 prisondrs and 43 horses with their equipments, leaving 8 wounded, including Captain Gillmore, which comprised the whole command with the exception of 3 or 4 who escaped. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant G. S. LUTTIIELL WARD, Second Lieutenant, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry. Maj. J. W. WALSH. No. 4. Report of Maj. John S. Mosby, Forty-third Virginia Cavalry Bat talion, including skirmish, January 10, at Loudoun Heights. FEBRUARY 1, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this command since rendering my report of January 4: On Wednesday, January 6, having previously reconnoitered in person the position of the enemy, I directed Lieutenant Turner with a detachment of about 30 men, to attack an outpost of the enehiy in the vicinity of Warrenton, which he did successfully, routing a superior force of the enemy, killing and wounding several, and capt- uring 18 prisoners and 45 horses, with arms, equipments, & c. On Saturday, January 9, having learned through Frank String- fellow (a scout of General Stuart) that Coles (Maryland) cavalry was encamped on Loudoun Heights with no support but infantry, which was about one-half mile off, I left lie with about 100 men in hopes of being able to completely surprise his camp by a night attack. By marching my command by file along a narrow path I suc- ceeded in gaining a position in rear of the enemy between their camp and the ferry. On reaching this point without creating any alarni I deemed that the crisis had passed and the capture of the camp of the enemy a certainty. I ha d exact information up to dark of that evening of the number of the eneiUy (which was between 175 and 200), the position of their headquarters, & c. When within 200 yards of the camp I sent Stringfellow on ahead with about 110 men to capture Major Cole and staff, whose headquarters were in a house about 100 yards from their camp, while I halted to close up my com- mand. The camp was buried in profound sleep; there was not a sentinel awake. All my plans were on the eve of consummatio Page 16 16 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP XLV. when suddenly the party sent with Stringfellow came dashing over the hill toward the camp yelling and shooting. They had made no attempt to secure Cole. Mistaking them for the enemy, I ordered my men to charge. In the mean time the enemy had taken the alarm and received us with a volley from their carbines. A severe fight ensued, in which they were driven from their camp, but taking refuge in the surround- ing houses kept up a desultory firing. Confusion and delay having ensued from the derangement of my plans, consequent on the alarm given to the enemy, rendered it hazardous to continue in my posi- tion, as re-enforcements were near the enemy. Accordingly I ordered the men to retire, wbich was done in good order, bringing off 6 pris- oners and between 50 and 60 horses. My loss was severe; more so in the worth than the number of the slain. It was 4 killed, 7 wounded (of whom 4 have since died), and 1 captured. A published list of the enemys loss gives it at 5 killed and 13 wounded. Among those who fell on this occasion were Capt. William R. Smith and Lieutenant Turner, two of the noblest and bravest officers of this army, who thus sealed a life of devotion and of sacrifice to the cause that they loved. In numerous other affairs with the enemy between 75 and 100 horses and mules have been captured, about 40 men killed, wounded, and captured. A party of this command also threw one of the en- emys trains off the track, causing a great smash-up. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. S. MOSBY, Major, Commanding. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, February 9, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. The conduct of Major Mosbv is warmly commended to the notice of the commanding general. llis sleepless vigilance and unceasing activity have done the enemy great damage. He keeps a large force of the enemys cavalry continually employed in Fairfax in the vain effort to suppress his inroads. His exploits are not surpassed in daring and enterprise by those of petite guerre in any age. Unswerv- ing devotion to duty, self-abnegatiOn, and unflinching courage, with a quick perception and appreciation of the opportunity, are the char- acteristics of this officer. Since I first knew him in 1861 he has never once alluded to his own rank or promotion; thus far it has come by the force of his own merit. While self-consciousness of having done his duty well is the patriot soldiers best reward, yet the evidence of the appreciation of his country is a powerful incentive to renewed effort, which should not be undervalued by those who have risen to the highest point of military and civic eminence. That evidence is promotion. If Major Mosby has not won it, no more can daring deeds essay to do it. Capt. W. R. Smith, late lieutenant of Black Horse, has been long distinguished as one of the best cavalry leaders we have. Lieutenant Turner has won an enviable name. Both had inscribed their fame in old Fauquier imperishably in the blood of her enemies. All honor to the glorious dead. J. E. B. STUART, Major- Generat Page 17 (ThAP. XIN.] SKIRMISH AT LOUDOUN HEIGHTS, VA. 17 JANUARY 10, 1864.Skirmish at Loudoun Heights, Va. iRiEPOIRTS.* No. 1.Brig. Gen. Jeremiah C. Sullivan, U. S. Army. No. 2.Maj. Henry A. Cole, Battalion Maryland Cavalry, Potomac Home Brigade. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Jeremiah C. Sullivan, U. S. Army. CUMBERLAND, MD., January 10, lS64~2~jxm. ni.) The following dispatch just received. I cheerfully comply with the request of General Sullivan in calling the attention of the Gen- eral-in-Chief to the gallant conduct of Major Cole and his brave command. This repulse of a murderous attack, made by an over- whelming force at 4 oclock on a dark, cold morning, evinces a dis- cipline, a watchfulness, and a bravery most commendable: HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., General KELLEY, January 10, 1864. Cumberland, Md.: I have just returned from Major Coles camp, and report the conduct of his men and officers as worthy of the highest praise. He was attacked about 4 oclock from three sides of his camp by a force under Mosby of nearly 400 men. After severe fighting Mosby retreated, leaving his killed and wounded in our hands. Among the dead are 4 officers. Our loss is reported 2 killed and 11 wounded. Captain Vernon was seriously wounded in the left eye. I am pursuing the enemy, but with no hope of overtaking them. I request that the conduct of Major Cole, his officers, and men may be reported to the War Department. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier-General. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. Brigadier-General CULLUM, Chief of Staff. No. 2. Report of ]Jifaj. Henry A. Cole, Battalion ilfaryland Cavalry, Potomac Home Brigade. HDQRS. BATT. P. II. B. CAVALRY, MARYLAND VOLS., Loudoun Heights, Va., January 10, 1864. SIR: I have the honor of addressing you for the purpose of re- portlng the facts of an attempt by Major Mosbys battalion of guer- rilla cavalry to surprise and capture my camp, between the hours of 3 and 4 a. m. of this day. They studiously avoided my pickets; divided themselves into small bodies, which were speedily consolidated in sight of my camp. They then made an impetuous charge with a yell on the right of the same. In consequence of the suddenness of the same this company could offer but a feeble resistance. In the mean time Company A, * See also Mosbys report, p. 15. 2 R RVOL XXXII Page 18 18 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. the second in the line, was speedily rallied by its commanding officer, Captain Vernon, who contested their farther advance in such a sanguinary manner that [they] formed a rallying point for the bal- ance of the command, who were now thoroughly aroused of the danger that threatened them, and one and al], from the officer to the private, entered into the contest with such a determined zest as led to the utter ront and discomfiture of the enemy, and the signal failure of their base attempt. They experienced a loss of 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 2 privates killed, and 2 privates mortally wounded, and 1 prisoner. It was also very evident that they removed a large portion of their wonnded with them in their precipitate flight, as a detachment of the com- mand, subsequently sent in pursuit, found evidence of blood all along their line of retreat. II experienced a loss of 4 enlisted men killed and 16 wounded. Captain Vernon experienced a serious wound in the head, but it is the opinion of Batt. Surg. W. R. Way that it will not prove fatal. I am deeply indebted to the officers and men of my command for the dariug displayed by them on this occasion, and earnestly commend them to the division commander for his favorable consideration. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient serv- ant, HENRY A. COLE, Major, Commanding. Capt. WILLIAM M. BOONE, Assistant Adjutant- General. ADDENDA. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 20, 1864. Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY, Cumberland, Md.: GENERAL: I have jnst received from your headquarters Maj. Henry A. Coles report of the repulse of Mosbys attack upon his camp at Londoun Heights on the 10th instant. Major Cole and his command, the battalion of Potomac Home Brigade Cavalry, Mary- land Volunteers, deserve high praise for their gallantry in repelling this rebel assault. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. JANUARY 10, 1864.SCQUt to Sperryville, Va. Report of lIIcij. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. Army, command ing Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, January 11, 1864. Brigadier-General Merritt reports a force out after guerrillas last night, and succeeded in capturing 6, including 1 lieutenant. They will be forwarded to your headquarters as soon as they arrive at these headquarters. The force went out as far as Sperryville and met with no loss. A. PLEASONTON, Major-Gcnerat. Major-General SEPGWIC~ Page 19 Cri~~. XLV.] AFFAIR NEAR ELYS FORD, VA. 19 JANUARY 12, 1864.Affair near Accotink, Va. Report of Lieut. Col. Henry II. Wells, Provost-Marshal- General, Defenses South of the Potomac. ALEXANDRIA, VA., January 12, 1864. COLONEL: My men have scouted as usual this morning. Near sunrise a squad of 6 rebel cavalry came near Accotink and captured 2 citizens and a number of horses. My men, 4 in number, with some of the Accotink Home Guard, pursued them and retook the pris- oners and horses; also took 2 rebels prisoners and the horses and equipments of the whole party. The prisoners state that they be- long to Hamptons division, aud that Hampton has some 4,000 cav- alry near Fredericksburg. These men belong to Gordons brigade of Hamptons division. They were out gathering information as to the forces, & c., and they intended to make a raid on the railroad. H. H. WELLS, Provost-Marshal- General. Lient. Col. J. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff. JANUARY 12-14, 1864.Raid on the Northern Neck, Va. Report of Capt. John S. Braxton. CENTRE CROSS, January 18, 1864. SIR: The enemy made a raid through the Northern Neck, landing at Kinsale, Westmoreland County, on the Potomac, on last Tuesday at 4 p. m. The force consisted of about 100 cavalry and the same of infantry, and passed directly through the county of Richmond into Lancaster and Northumberland, doing but very little damage other than taking a few negroes and horses, and embarked again on Thurs- day from a wharf on the Great Wicomico River, Northumberland County. The force caine to Point Lookout from Norfolk a few days previous. They are increasing their force there (Point Lookout), I think, with a view to guard our prisoners, which have greatly in- creased at that point. The enemy returned again on Saturday, and commenced building a wharf on the Wicomico River, Northumber- land County, but left again at night. The raid was a very small one, and I think indicates nothing of importance. No other movement on the Potomac. - I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. S. BRAXTON, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. Major-General ELZEY. JANUARY 13, 1864.Affair near Elys Ford, Va. Report of Brig. Gem. Judson Kilpatricic, U. S. Army. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, January 148.30 a. m. I regret to report that a non-commissioned officer and 6 men of the Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry were captured last evening whil Page 20 4 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. patrolling to Elys Ford, by a party of dismounted rebels, who Crossed upon the ice and secreted themselves for that purpose. All quiet a on my line at this hour. J. ~KILPATRICK, Brigadier- General. Lient. Col. C. Ross SMITH, Chief of Staff. JANUARY 17, 1864.Affairs near Ellis and Elys Fords, Va. January 17.The patrol of 1 sergeant and 7 men returning from Ellis Ford were surrounded by the enemy in ambuscade and 7 men captured. At the same time the patrol of 1 sergeant and 8 men re- turning from Elys Ford were fired upon from both sides of the road and rear by concealed dismounted men in dense pine woods; 1 man killed, 2 wounded, and 2 captured. January 22.The patrol of 1 commissioned officer and 30 men were attacked going to Ellis Ford by a party of dismounted men in am- bush. Loss, 1 man killed, 6 wounded; and 4 captured. * JANUARY 18, 1864.Affair at Flint Hill, Va. Report of Brig. Gen. Robert 0. Tyler, U. S. Army, commanding division. HEADQUARTERS DIvIsION, January 18, 1864. Fifteen or 20 rebels attacked the picket at Flint Hill at about 2 oclock this a. in., but were driven off by a volley. A few guerrillas have appeared, both last night and to-night, in the vicinity of our lines. Parties have been sent out to try and pick them up. R. 0. TYLER, Brigadier- General. Lieut. Col. J. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff, Assistant Adjutant-General. JANUARY 1924, 1864.Scouts from Williamsburg, Va. Reports of Maj. Edgar A. Hamilton, First New York Mounted Rifles. CAMP MOUNTED RIFLES, Near Williamsburg, Va., January 20, 1864. COLONEL: I report that agreeably to special orders from head- quarters U. S. Forces at Williamsburg, Va., of January 19, trans- mitted to me for action, that I started from camp at 9 oclock in the evening with a command of 140 men, moving cautiously forward on the Richmond turnpike road until we arrived nearly to the Twelve * F~y~P4 monthly return of First Brig~ide, Thir4 Division, Cavalry Corps Page 21 CHAP. XLV.] SCOUTS FROM WILLIAMSBURG, VA. 21 Mile Ordinary, where a dismounted party was sent forward to capt- ure the enemys scout, secreted in the woods, a trust of unusual delicacy, as their known watchfulness and dexterity had eluded all former attempts at capture. However, succeeding in this, we alarmed the surrounding couriers and scouts. Moving quickly forward we discovered that the couriers had been previously notified, and it was impossible to get near them. Upon our arrival at New Kent Court- House, and while forming the troops, the enemys picket fired an alarm from the woods. Captain Hill with his troops moved forward, followed the picket in the direction of Bottoms Bridge for nearly a mile, charging upon the picket station of a lieutenant and 8 men, who, however, had time to mount and run or take to the swamps. He was here met by a severe fire from the woods, and soon discov- ered a small bivouac with five wagons full of meats, fish, and ve~e- tables. Being unable to transport it back, I ordered it burned with the wagons. Owing to the small number of my command, the foreknowledge of our approach by the enemy, the liability of being cut off, I deemed it imprudent to go to the White House, having secured from an old gentleman who had just left Richmond what I considered reliable news, namely, that there is no movement of public effects, no evac- uation or unusual change in the military of the city; that the num- ber of troops was limited. This information was confirmed as far as possible by repeated and indirect inquiries to other citizens. Upon my return I captured 2 privates of the First Virginia Bat- tery and also a surgeon of the Fifteenth Virginia Cavalry, together with 4 horses and a mule. The enemys scouts on my return were scattered for a distance of 15 miles upon our flanks in coverts and swamps, and kej?t up a continual fire. Dismounted skirmishers kept them at a distance from the flanks, and with the exception of 1 horse wounded there were no casualties. From intelligence gleaned from the prisoners I discovered that our approach had been known in Richmond and to the enemy at least thirty-six hours previous. They had lain in ambush waiting our approach for nearly thirty hours previous. Lieutenant Hume, the commander of the scouts, had received his information in letter direct from Williamsburg, and as a general thing they gained intel- ligence of an expected scout previously. A great deal is due Captain Hill for his prompt and efficient aid, and also to the troops for the zeal shown in a very fatiguing and cold march of 65 miles, which they performed in nineteen hours. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient serv- ant, EDGAR A. HAMILTON, Major Mounted Rifles. Col. B. F. ONDERDONK, Commanding U. S. Forces. CAMP MOUNTED RIFLES, Williamsburg, Va., January 24, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with your instructions received on the evening of the 22d instant, I left camp with 50 mounted men under command of Captain Hill, 40 dismounted men with Captain Harmon, and Captain Barnards company of 3 Page 22 22 OPERATIONS IN N. C., TA., W. VA., 1~IIX, AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. men joined me at the camp ~f the One hnndred and thirty-ninth New York Infantry. We moved in direction of Twelve-Mile Or- dinary, dismounted men taking the advance, marching through the fields, preventing any knowledge of a dismounted party being out- side. The cavalry took the advance beyond Six-Mile Ordinary. The infantry was secreted in the woods this side the Twelve-Mile Or- dinary, with instructions to remain until the ensuing evening, guard- ing the rear, York River, and Diascond roads, and ~o capture all scouts~and parties coming through, and reporting to me the next night at Hickory Neck Church. I made a detour to the left around the Burnt Ordinary, coming in the woods beyond in the rear, and secreting the dismounted men near the church. Captain Hill advanced directly to Barhamsville, there parted with the 2 men he escorted out; thence scouting in direction of York River, took 2 prisoners with 2 horses, 2 mules, and 1 rifle. On his return he was fired into by aii ambuscaded party. He returned the fire, but the woods and night prevented him from distinguishing their where- abouts. Sergeant Eddy was mortally wounded (since dead), Cor- poral Newby slightly wounded (both of the battery detail). A second volley was poured into him, when near the Twelve-Mile Ordinary; however, without any damage. The cavalry then returned to camp. On hearing the first firing the detachment of dismounted men were placed in position to receive the enemy as they approached the road through the woods, but instead the enemy moved across the woods, coming out upon the Diascond road. At daylight they were heard approaching from the Ordinary. They came nearly to the woods; then diverged to the right across an open field, apparently making for the houses on the right. A small party secreted in the road, finding that they were moving away, immediately fired, when we made a charge. The soreness from walking so far, proximity to a ravine, and the woods prevented us from capturing them, although to escape they threw away their arms. One of them was wounded. We returned to the bivouac; immediately secreted ourselves in another part of the woods beyond. In about an hour a small party of the enemy returned, fired three or four volleys through the old bivouac, and retired. They were con- stantly scouting around all day, hunting up our pickets. Once or twice we fired at them. Our ignorance of the roads and by-paths prevented our getting near them. Toward evening we returned to the church, the pickets here capturing 1 of their scouts, who was attempting to crawl in upon u~. The infantry met us at dusk. I placed them in the woods, and with Captain Harmons troop scouted through the adjoining woods, searching houses, & c. It being known that we were there, the men being foot-sore, I concluded to return to camp, which we approached by the York River road. One man dressed in military clothes was taken from a house where they were signaling from. H~ claims not to be a soldier. The marching was very difficult, and a great deal of praise should be awarded to a body of foot-sore men, who marched so well and acted so bravely. Captain Barnards company of infantry did very efficient service in guarding the roads to the rear. I remain, Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, EDGAR A. HAMILTON, Major First New York Mounted Rifles. Col. B. F. ONPERDONK, First New York Mounted Rifles Page 23 CHAP. XLV.1 OPERATIONS IN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA. 23 JANUARY 2029, 1864.Operations in the District of North Carolina. * Report of Brig. Gem minis N. Palmer, U. S. Army, commanding district. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. 0., January 29, 1864. 0 MAJOR: I have the honor to state, for the information of the corn- manding general Department of Virginia and North Carolina, that since the departure of General Peck the movements of interest that have taken place in this district are the following: On the 26th instaftt I directed a small force of picked cavalry with one howitzer to report to Colonel Jourdan, commanding the Sub- district of Beaufort, for the purpose of co-operating with an infahtry force to be selected by him, the whole to be commanded by the col- onel in person, in ~n expedition for the purpose of capturing a force of rebel cavalry in Jones and Onslow Counties. Some vessels were reported as being in New River, loading with turpentine, and an attempt was to be made to get theffi out and to secure or to destroy them. Colonel Jourdan has just reported by telegraph from Newport, stating that he had captured a lieutenant and 23 men of the Seventh Confederate Cavalry, with horses, arms, and equipments complete. If possible, I shall direct the prisoners to be forwarded to Fortress Monroe by the Spaulding, now at Morehead City. General Wessells, commanding Sub-district of the Albemarle, reports on January 23, 1864, that having heard that a considerable quantity of stores had been collected at Harrellsville, Hertford County, he directed Lieutenant-Colonel Maxwell, One hundred and third Pennsylvania Volunteers, with a detachment of infantry, to proceed to that point, and capture and destroy the property. The expedition left Plymouth on the evening of the 20th instant, and reached the point indicated at 4 oclock on the following morn- ing without interruption. While securing the property a simulta- neous and spirited attack upon the town from different points was made, but the enemy was repulsed at all points. General Wessells reports the results of the expedition to have been the destruction of 150,000 or 200,000 pounds of pork, 270 bushels of salt, 10,000 pounds of tobacco, 32 barrels of beef, and other stores ; also the capture of some prisoners, horses, mules, & c. Also on the 27th instant reports that, in order to put a stop to dis- orders and outrages in Tyrrell County, near Lake Phelps, he directed Captain Cady, Twenty-fourth New York Battery, to proceed to that place with a detachment of mounted men, with instructions to arrest the criminals, if possible, and to bring off from the Pettigrew and Collins plantations such property as would be of value to the Gov- ernment. The result of the expedition was the arrest of 5 men who have been employed in a series of robberies; also one of the mur- derers of the men Tom and York, and two Confederate soldiers, to- gether with the capture of about 200 sheep and other property. Full reports will be transmitted as soon as possible. General Wessells, in a letter of the 27th instant, informs me that * Including expeditions to Harrellsville, into Bertie County, into Onslow County, and up the Roanoke River Page 24 24 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. Richmond papers of the 22d instant state that ilokes brigade is ordered to North Carolina, charged with the duty of arresting de- serters. No particular locality is specified. The news from Kinston is that quite a large force is there, anticipating, I presume, an attack from us. This we have known for some time. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Brigadier- General. Mat. R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. ADDENDA. Abstract from Record of Events on district return for January, 1864. January 20.An expedition started from Plymouth, N. C., under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Maxwell, One hundred and third Pennsylvania Volunteers, for the purpose of proceeding to Harrells- yule to capture or destroy Confederate property which had been con- centrated there. The expedition was highly successful; a large amount of property was brought away, and for want of transporta- tion many wagons, large quantities of salt and sugar, and 1150,000 pounds of pork were destroyed; our loss, 1 killed; enemys, 1 killed and 2 wounded. January 26.Lieutenant-Colonel Maxwell was dispatched from Plymouth to destroy and capture Confederate property, with a small force, into Hertford County; 200,000 pounds of pork were destroyed, also a large amount of Confederate property; tobacco, cotton, horses, mules, and wagons were brought away. January 27.Colonel Jourdan started from Newport Barracks with detachments of the Ninth Vermont, One hundred and fifty-eighth New York Volunteers, Twelfth New York Volunteer Cavalry, and Mixs Cavalry, and proceeded to Onslow County, N. C.; captured the pickets stationed in that county, 27 men with 24 horses and cav- alry equipments. January 29.A detachment of infantry, under command of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Tolles, Fifteenth Connecticut Volunteers, accompa- nied by a detachment of seamen, under Lieutenant-Commander Flusser, U. S. Navy, proceeded up the Roanoke River to Windsor, to destroy Confederate supplies there concentrated. A rebel canton- ment near the place was destroyed; horses, mules, wagons, clothing, and ammunition were captured. Several prominent citizens were brought away to be held as hostages for certain royal persons incar- cerated in Richmond; 2 prisoners were captured. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY AND DIST. OF N. CAROLINA, No. 21. New Berne, N. C., February 24, 1864. The commanding general has often recognized the ability with which Brigadier-General Wessells has administered the Sub-district of the Albemarle, and acknowledged the good conduct of his officers and men. The late expedition to Windsor was followed by another in the same quarter only a few weeks since, c& nsisting of detachments o Page 25 CHAP. XLV.] SCOUT TO WOODSTOCK, VA. 25 the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Connecticut Volunteers, under Major Osborne, of the Eighty-fifth New York and One hundred and first and One hundred and third Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Lieu- tenant-Colonel Clarke, all under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Maxwell. The success of this enterprise is shown in the list of prop- erty taken or destroyedli bales of cotton, 20 horses, 10 mules, 200,000 pounds of pork, 80 barrels of lard, 25 casks of salt, 25 barrels of meal, 50 bushels of corn, and many oxen, wagons, carts, & c. This example of Colonel Maxwell will be appreciated and emulatc~ by the whole command. By command of Major-General Peck: BENJ. B. FOSTER, Assistant Adjutant.~ General. JANUARY 2325, 1864.Scout from Charlestown, W. Va., to Woodstock, Va. Report of ]Jifaj. Timothy Quinn, First New York Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS FIRST NEW YORK CAVALRY, Charlestown, 147. Va., January 25, 1864. SIR: ]i have the honor to report for the information of the general commanding that, pursuant to orders, I took command of a scout on Saturday morning last. Moved from this place at 8 a. in.; proceeded to Berryville, where I divided my command, sending a p arty through Millwood and White Post to ewtown, the main body taking the pike to Winchester, ~thence to the latter place, where both parties united and bivouacked for the night. The next morning (Sunday) at 5 a. in., resumed the journey, pass- ing through Middletown and Strasburg; halted about 4 miles beyond the latter place, and sent Captain Bailey with a detachment of the First New York Cavalry to Woodstock. On this side of Woodstock the enemys pickets were posted. The captains party captured 1 of them, wounded 1 badly through the knee, and after driving the bal- ance through the town returned to the main body. I then nioved back with my whole command to Winchester, where I remained last night. At Strasburg, on my way back, I sent four companies through Cedar Creek road, they uniting with the main body at Winchester. I captured in all 9 prisoners; 3 of those pretend to have been paroled by General Butler. As I was not certain as to what course would be proper for me to pursue in their case, I brought theni along for the action of the general commanding. The whereabouts of the enemy in the valley is as follows: Gen- eral Early left Strasburg two weeks ago last Saturday, and is now at Harrisonburg. Rossers brigade of cavalry, consisting of the Sev- enth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Virginia and Whites battalion, is between New Market and Timberville. Imbodens command is at Cross Keys. No casualty to report in my command. I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant, TIMOTHY QUINN, Major First New York C~avalry, Commanding Scout. Capt. W. M. BOONE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 26 26 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. JANUARY 2425, 1864.Expedition up the James River, Va. Reports of Brig. Gen. Charles K. Graham, U. S. Army, commanding Naval Brigade. HEADQUARTERS NAVAL BRIGADE, NorfolA~, Va., January 25, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the following as the result of an expedition organized under my command, consisting of the gnn-boats General Jesup, with two launches, each mounting a 12- pounder Dahigren howitzer; Smith Briggs, with three launches; Flora Temple, and the transport George Washington. The troops which accompanied the expedition, besides the crews of the vessels above named, were the crew of the hun-boat Samuel L. Brewster, Ensign Harris commanding; a detachment of 15 men of the harbor police of Norfolk, and 20 cavalrymen under command of Captain Lee, of the harbor police; 80 men from the crew of the steamer Foster, Captain McLaughlin commanding, and a detach- ment of 150 men and 6 officers of the Twenty-first Connecticut Vol- unteers under the command of Captain Brown. The expedition left Norfolk at 5 p. m. on the 24th instant, sailed to Newport News, arriving about 7 p. in., when the detachment of the Twenty-first Connecticut Volunteers was embarked on board the steamer George Washington. The expedition again sailed about 9 p. m. for Brandon, about 7 miles from Fort Powhatan, arriving at that place about 5 a. m. on the 25th instant. The advancp guard under Captain Lee, of the harbor police, was immediately landed, followed by the two launches armed with how- itzers. No opposition was made to their landing, and in the course of an hour the whole force was disembarked. The wharf on the plantation was found to be completely destroyed, and it being mi- possible to land the cavalry that detachment was not used. Captain Lee, pursuant to instructions, advanced a line of skirmishers, sur- rounding the house of Dr. Ritchie, upon whose plantation the expe- dition landed. The doctor and overseers were taken and brought back as prisoners, it being ascertained that the doctor was a large contractor with the Confederate Government, from papers found upon his premises. The information being positive that tbere was a signal station at Mount Pleasant, on the James River, Captain Lees detachment, having been increased by the crew of the gun-boat Brewster, 31 men, was ordered to advance to that place, which was about 3 miles from the landing. Coming upon the station, they found the non- commissioned officers in command and men asleep. Six of the party were captured, 1 effected his escape. All the signal apparatus, con- sisting of one large and one small telescope with their stands, one signal flag, and three night . signals, with the arms and accouter- ments of the men, were taken. Another detachment was sent out on the left of the landing of the expedition, which, though it did not encounter any enemy, rendered valuable service by destroying immense quantities of wheat, corn, and hay, besides sending in a nuniber of horses and mules. Upon the plantation of Dr. Ilitchie were found about 5,000 bushels of corn, large quantities of hay and grain, and 24,000 pounds pork, all of which was destroyed Page 27 CHAR. XLV.] EXPEDITION TIP THE JAMES RIVER, VA. 27 The ubgroes everywhere evinced a disposition to give information, and large nnmbers flocked to the beach, and many of them, to the number of 80, returned with the expedition. There were collected abont 60 horses and mules, bnt owing to the fact that the landing was destroyed and the wind from off shore was quite high, it was almost impossible to embark them. Althongh officers and men labored for several honrs, they were only able to place on board, by building a temporary platform, abont 10. Dnring the op~erations of the force on land, which I personally superintended, the gun-boats General Jesup and Smith Briggs were ordered to proceed np the river to a position which commanded an extensive view in the direction of Richmond, both to command the neck of land Where the land forces were operating and to watch for the approach of the iron-clad Richmond, which was reported to be on the James River. While executing this duty, the gun-boat General Jesup having the advance, two vessels made their appearance and were brought to and captured by that vessel. One of these was the sloop Birdloe, of Warwick, apparently used for the purpose of carrying wood, and was without a cargo, having 2 men on board as crew. The other was the schooner Thomas F. Dawson, of Richmond, loaded with 242 boxes of tobacco, William Henley captain, with 3 seamen and 5 for- eign Jews, blockade-runners, as passengers. Upon searching the vessel a large box of jewelry was discovered, and upon the persons of the men papers proving them to be blockade-runners, also the following amount of money: $755 in gold, $656 in Treasury notes, $7,000 in bonds on the States of Florida, Maryland, and North Caro- lina, $347 in Confed~rate money, $3 in silver, $1,796.50 in Southern bank-notes, $10 in Northern bank-notes; in all, $10,567.50. Not a shot was fired at the expedition, either going or coming, and it is be- lieved that its landing, owing to the capture of the signal party re- ferred to, was not perceived until several hours after it was effected. Captain Lee, of the harbor police, is deserving of the most credit- able mention for the judgment he displayed in making his disposi- tions and the celerity with which his movements Were executed. Lieutenant Harris, of the General Jesup, also displayed much zeal and is entitled not only to recommendations but promotion for his services. The detachment from the Twenty-first Connecticut Volunteers, under Captains Brown and Long and Lieutenants Shep- ard, Crane, Dutton, McKinney, and Edwards, rendered good serv- ice. In the main all the detachments behaved well, although I regret to say that some of the men gave way to intemperance, a large quantity of liquor having been found on the premises of Dr. Ritchie. Lieutenant Bullard, one of my aides, was with Captain Lee when the signal party was surprised, and he and Lieutenant Benson, like- wise of my staff, were indefatigable in the performance of the ardu- ous duties which devolved upon them. At 10.40 p. m. the expedition arrived at Fortress Monroe. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES K. GRAHAM, Brigadier-General, Commanding Naval Brigade. Major-General BUTLER, (Jomdg. Department of Virginia and ~ATorth Garolina Page 28 28 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. HEADQUARTERS NAVAL BRIGADE, Norfolk, Va., January 26, 1864. GENERAL: Owing to the haste with which my report of the expe- dition of the 25th instant was made, and the fact that the contra- bands were counted on board the Vessels at night, the return was in- correct. Instead of 99, the list of men, women, and children amounts to 137. The following property was likewise captured: Four horses, 3 mules, 2 telescopes, 2 pieces of duck, 5 carbines, 5 carbine cartridge- boxes and belts, 2 old muskets, and 1 old cavalry pis~tol. Captain McLaughlin reports this morning that 1 of the privates of his company, Thirteenth New York Artillery, is missing. The loss of this man was no doubt cansed by his being intoxicated, as every precantion was taken to prevent any of the expedition being left. The sloop and schooner Inentioned in my official report as having been captnred are now lying at anchor off this place, with prize crews on board, and await yonr orders as to what disposition shall be made of them. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES K. GRAHAM Brigadier-General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Comdg. Department of Virginia and North Carolina. JANUARY 27, 1864,Affair near Thoroughfare Mountain, Va. Report of ]Ifaj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, C. S. Army. HDQRS. CAy. CORPS, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, January 29, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to annonnce that Capt. M. W. Strother, commanding a company of the Fourth Virginia Cavalry, on detached service in the vicinity of Thoroughfare Mountain, encountered on the 27th instant a scouting party of the enemys cavalry, 14 in num- ber, and captured the entire party except 2, who made their escape. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. B. STUART, Major- General. Col. R. H. CHILTON, Chief of Staff. JANUARY 27FEBRUARY 7, 1864.Operations in Hampshire and Hardy Counties, W. Va. SUMMARX 013 TIlE PRINCIPAL EVENTS~ Jan. 30, 1864.Capture of wagon train at Medley. Feb. 2, 1864.Skirmish at Pattersons Creek. 4, 1864.Skirmish at Moorefleld. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley, U. S. Army, commanding Department of West Virginia. No. 2.Lieut. Col. Charles Fitz Simmons, Third New York Cavalry, commanding cavalry, First Division Page 29 XLV.] OPERATIONS IN HAMPSHIRE AND HARDY CO.S, W. VA. 29 No. 3.Col. James A. Mulligan, Twenty-third Illinois Infantry, commanding Sec- ond Division. No. 4. Col. Jacob M. Campbell, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry, command- ing First Brigade. No. 5.Col. Joseph Thoburn, First West Virginia Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 6.Col. Joseph Snider, Fourth West Virginia Cavalry. No. 7.Lieut. Col. Francis W. Thompson, Sixth West Virginia Cavalry. No. 8.General Robert E. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Northern Virginia. No. 9.Maj. Gen. Jubal A. Early, C. S. Army, commanding Valley District. No. 10.Brig. Gen. Thomas L. Rosser, C. S. Army, commanding expedition. No. 1. Reports of Brig. Gem. Benjamin F. Kelley, U. S. Army, command ing Department of West Virginia. CUMBERLAND, MD., February 2, 18647 p. m. (Received 12 midnight.) At 1 p. m. to-day about 500 of Rossers brigade made an attack on the forces guarding the bridges across Pattersons Creek and North Branch of Potomac. Several of our men were wounded, 1 killed, balance either captured or dispersed. Both bridges were fired. Re- enforcements were promptly sent forward, and arrived in time to drive the enemy away and save the Pattersons Creek bridge. About 1 mile of the telegraph line destroyed. It will be repaired to-mor- row, and in three days the bridges will be repaired and the road in working order. Mulligan still driving the enemy back from New Creek. If Sullivans cavalry arrives at Romney to-night I hope to cut Rosser off. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General CULLUM, Brigadier-General. Chief of Staff. CUMBERLAND, MD., February 5, 186410 p. m. (Received 10.45 p. in.) Colonel Mulligan reports that he drove Earlys forces through Moorefield up the South Fork till darkness put a stop to the pursuit. I have yet no particulars of the affair. Early is making a rapid re- treat into the Shenandoah Valley. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General CULLUM, Brigadier- General. Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA Cumberland, Md., March 8, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations in this department from the 27th of January, 1864, until the 7th of February, during which time our troops were engaged i Page 30 30 OPERATLON~ IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AN]) PA. [CHAP XLV. repelling the attempts of the enemys forces, nnder General Early, npon the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and upon the posts at Petersburg and New Creek, W. Va. On the 27th of January a train of eighty wagons, loaded with com- missary stores, was dispatched from New Creek to supply the garri- son at Petersburg, Hardy County, under the command of Colonel Thoburn. On the 28th, citizen refugees from the vicinity of Petersburg and Moorefleid brought information that the rebel forces were approach- ing, and iii consequence of these rumors the supply train was stopped at Burlington and turned back, and a precautionary message sent to Colonel Thoburn, ordering him to fall back from Petersburg upon ascertaining that the enemy menaced him in force. On the same day IL went personally to New Creek, and there found that the statements made by the refugees were vague and unsatis- factory, and being assured that the scouting parties sent up the Shenandoah Valley, and those sent out by Colonel Thoburn from Petersburg, had returned without discovering any signs of the enemy. I concluded that the citizens had been alarmed by some prowling bands of guerrillas, and ordered the supply train again to take the road with a strong guard of cavalry and infantry, under the com- mand of Col. Joseph Snider, Fourth Virginia Cavalry, whose r6port, marked A, * is herewith submitted. At the same time I telegraphed General Sullivan, at Harpers Ferry, and Colonel Oley, command- ing Averells division, at Martinsburg, to keep their mounted troops ready for the saddle. On the 29th, C4olonel Snider started with the train, and en route received a message from Lieutenant-Colonel Quirk asking him to hasten his movements, and informing him that the Twenty-third Regiment Illinois Volunteers, of Colonel Thoburns command, would meet him at the Moorefield Junction. On reaching Medley, 2~- miles from the junction, he met Lieutenant-Colonel Quirk with the Twenty- third~ Illinois, retiring before the enemy. Colonel Snider, being the ranking officer, here assumed command, and with the combined forces took position to resist the enemys attack, which was persistently made and sustained by a battery of artillery. After an action of one hour and twenty minutes Colonel Snider was driven back, retiring from the field in good order and with consider- able loss. Meanwhile the train-masters and teamsters, becoming alarmed, had abandoned their wagons, and cutting the harness of the draft animals, had used them to effect their escape, thus leaving the train immovable, which, in consequence, fell into the hands of the enemy, who fired about forty wagons and carried off the remainder. Immediately upon hearing of the loss of this train I telegraphed General Sullivan to move the mounted force from Charlestown, and to Colonel Oley to move forward two mounted regiments of Aver- ells division by way of Winchester and Wardensville to Moorefield, hoping thus to cut off the enemy and prevent his escaping with his spoils. At daylight on the 30th, Colonel Thoburns scouts discovered the enemy in the vicinity of Moorefield, and by further information ob- tained from prisoners and deserters he ascertained that his position was to be attacked on the following morning by a large force under General Early. As he had but one days provisions on hand, and * 8ee p. 40 Page 31 CHAP. XLV.] OPERATIONS IN HAMPSHIRE AND HARDY CO. 5, W. VA. 31 perceiving that his line of communication was held by the enemy, and that his force was weakened by the absence of the Twenty-third Illinois Regiment, he determined to evacnate Petersburg and fall back on New Creek, according to precantionary orders already re- ceived. He accordingly withdrew his forces at midnight, and carry- ing with him all stores and Government property he retired by way of Greenland Gap, and arrived at New Creek safe and in good con- dition on the 1st of February. At daylight on the 31st, the enemy opened fire on the abandoned works at Petersburg, and shelled them for some time before he dis- covered that they were unoccupied. Perceiving at length that the garrison had escaped, he hastened by the direct route to Greenland Gap, hoping to cut off Colonel Thoburns retreat, but he arrived too late. The enemy still continued to press upon Colonel Mulligans out- posts, both in the New Creek and Pattersons Creek Valleys, showing a considerable force of all arms on both points. I began to appre- hend that his ultimate designs were to effect the destruction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and that at the same time he might attack the post at New Creek, or even hazard a coup de maim upon Cumberland with a view to plunder. I therefore held Mulligans division, strengthened by Thoburn, ready for defensive or offensive operations, as circumstances might di6tate, and sent an order after the mounted column at Wardensyille to move as speedily as possible upon Romney, at Which point this force would have an opportunity to strike the enemy in flank and rear, and would be able to commu- nicate more directly with Colonel Mulligan. In The mean time two regiments of infantry, Twelfth [Westj Virginia and Thirty-fourth Massachusetts, arrived by rail from Harpers Ferry, and with one light battery were held to secure Cumberland against any sudden movements. On the morning of February 2, hearing from Colonel Mulligan that the enemy were retiring, I ordered him to follow at once, and notified him that four reginients of our mounted troops would ar- rive at Romiiey that night to co-operate with him. Suddenly, about noon on the same (lay (2d), the enemy, about ~OO strong, under Rosser, made his~ appearance at Pattersons Creek Station, capturing a portion of the company of infantry guarding the road, killing and wounding several, and setting fire to Pattersons Creek bridge and also to North Branch bridge, 2 miles from the former and 6 miles from Cumberland. I immediately took command of the forces at this place, and marched toward the menaced point, but presently ascertained that the enemy was hastily retiring by the way he caine, having failed to do any serious damage to the road. Rosser retired by way of Sheets Mill, where two regiments bf infantry were stationed to support him. It being impossible to pursue with the infantry under my immediate command, I now depended on the mounted troops I had set in motion to intercept and punish the enemys temerity. Lieutenant-Colonel Fitz Simmons, commanding the mounted col- umn from the valley of the Shenandoah, received the order directing him to move on Romney while at Wardensvihle, and responded with commendable promptness, arriving at the time expected. Unfor- tunately he here received information that the enemy was destroying the railroad in the neighborhood of Green Spring. Leaving a de- tachment to hold Romney, lie followed this false scout to Springfield Page 32 32 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. while Rosser, secured from view by the Pattersons Creek Mountain, was rapidly escaping through a parallel valley in the opposite direc- tion. Before this error could be rectified the enemy was well on his way to Moorefleld, and on the 3d February, communication having been opened with the infantry under Colonel Thoburn, the whole force nuder command of Colonel Mulligan, started in pursuit, the cavalry, under Colonel Fitz Simmons, taking the old road to Moore- field and the infantry, with the artillery, following the.new road west of the South Branch River. On the morning of the 4th our advanced cavalry came in sight of the enemy in the Moorefield Valley. At this place, according to the report* of Colonel Mulligan, herewith transmitted, the enemy ap- peared in strong force with infantry, cavalry, and artillery, and maintained a determined front for the evident purpose of securing the safe retreat of baggage trains and droves of cattle, which could be seen defiling by the roads leading southward over the mountains. Pressed by our artillery and advanced skirmishers, he retired through the village of Moorefield, but before our troops, already harassed by loss of sleep and worn down by forced marches, had arrived in suffi- cient force to justify a general attack, the enemys trains were beyond our reach and his troops had gained the defile in the mountains~ where he could not be attacked except at a great disadvantage, and from whonce he could retire from position to position, inflicting seri- ous loss upon an assailant with comparative safety to himself. As there seemed to be no adequate advantage promised that would justify so hazardous an attack, Colonel Mulligan followed the enemy slowly with cavalry andartillery until nigbt. On the following morning, 5th of February, ascertaining that Gen- eral Early was still rapidly retiring toward Harrisonburg by the Lost River road and Brocks Gap, Colonel Mulligan ordered the co-op- erating forces back to their respective stations, and leaving Colonel Thoburn at Burlington, he returned with his own command to New Creek. The principal object of the enemy in this movement appears to have been the capture of the garrison at Petersburg, and incidentally to collect supplies from the Moorefield Valley. His main object failed entirely, and the small amount of dainage resulting [from] his hurried attempt upon the railroad ha.rdly justified the hazard incurred. I do not think his falling upon the supply train was the result of any information received of its movements, but simply ac- cidental. The fact that citizen refugees brought the first information of the eneniys approach, and that cavalry scouts sent out for the ex- press purpose failed to obtain any information on the subject, is highly discreditable to the officers conducting these reconnaissances. I have heretofore maintained the post at Petersburg for the pur- pose of protecting the fertile and populous valley of the South Branch from plunder and conscription by the enemy. The line of coinmu- nication with its depot at New Creek is long and difficult and the position a good deal exposed. Yet such is the value of the district covered by it that I have thought proper to maintain it, and it is now abandoned with great reluctance, and I hope only for a time. The officers an d troops engaged in the operations above reported, as far as I am informed, have behaved with commendable zeal and * See p. 35 Page 33 Ca~i. XLV.] OPERATIONS IN HAMPSHIRE AND HARDY 00.5, W. VA. 33 alacrity, and the enemys escape from the punishment due his temer... ity is entirely owing to fortuitous circumstances and the great diffi- culty of concentrating troops and combining movements from posi- tions so distant and in a country whose topography is so difficult and intricate. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. KELLEY, Brig. Gen. GEORGE ~. CULLUM, Brigadier-General. Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C. No. 2. Report of Lient. Col. Charles Fitz Simmons, Third New York Cav alry, commanding cavalry, First Division. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY FORCES, FIRST DIvISION, Charlestown, Va., February 7, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that in pursuance of orders I moved from this place on the 31st of January with the following force, viz: First New York, Major Quinn commanding, 230 men; Twenty-first New York, Major Otis commanding, 3Th men; Fif- teenth New York, Major Hyde commanding, 400 men; Coles (Maryland) cavalry, and detachments of the Second Maryland, Sixth Michigan, and First Connecticut Cavalry, Major Cole commanding, 225 men; one section of artillery, Lieutenant Hoffman. I arrived at Winchester at 8 p. in., and bivouacked, 3 miles west, on the Romney road. At 10 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson and 500 mounted infantry, with four guns, passed through Winchester to- ward Strasburg, he having orders to join me at or near Wardens- yule. The next day I received orders in the morning from General Sul- livan to call in all detachments and move toward Romney direct. I sent Lieutenant Rivers and 12 men of Coles battalion to intercept Colonel Thompson and inform him I had received intelligence that the enemy was in IRomney on the night of the 31st, and moving toward Green Spring Run. Upon the arrival of my wagon train I moved to Romney, stopping at Cacapon Bridge to allow my column to close up and to feed, leaving my train at Blues Gap, in charge of Major Hyde and all but one squadron of the Fifteenth, which I took with me. Upon my arrival in Romney Lieutenant Wyckoff, of the First New York, who had charge of the advance platoon, dashed forward and captured Lieutenant Allen and 2 men of the Seventh Virginia, from whom I learned that the enemy were in force and moving toward Frankfort, on the west side of South Branch Mountain. I sent Captain Firey, with his company of Coles battalion, to Springfield to ascertain, if possible, where the enemy was, and in which direction he was moving. In the mean time I ordered Lieutenant Wyckoff with 10 men of the First New York to reconnoiter the gap, the result of which was to bring on a spirited skirmish. I at once supported Lieuteiiant Wyckoff with Coles battalion and Captain Hicks squadron of the Fifteenth. They drove the enemy through the gap, against great odds of position, killing 1 captain and 1 man and wounding Lienten- ~nt Summers and 2 men, and capturing 2 men, all of the ~eventb. Yirw ~ WYQb ~~I Page 34 34 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., ND., AND PA. [CHAP XLV. ginia Cavalry. Our casualties, 1 man, Second Maryland, wounded; 2 horses of the First New York killed. After driving the enemy through the gap, Major Cole asked leave to pursue him to the junction of the Moorefield and New Creek roads. This I refused, as at that moment Captain Firey and Lieu- tenant Rivers returned, both bringing information that the enemy was in strong force on the west side of the mountain, and number- ing not less than 3,000 men of all arms; also, that the advance under Rosser had not reached above Frankfort. I waited until Lieutenant- Colonel Thompson and my wagon train arrived, and left Romney for Springfield at 4 a. in., hoping to head off the enemy and to pro- tect the bridge at Green Spring Run. U}~on arriving at Springfield, I sent a party to Frankfort and anot er to Green Spring Run. Upon their return I found Rosser had retreated on one side of the mountain while I passed up on the other. I returned to Romney and halted my command to rest and feed, while I rode through the gap to communicate with the force from New Creek. I overtook there, 16 miles from Moorefield, Col- onel Thompsons comn;and and the portion of the Fifteenth I left at Blues Gap, all having joined Colonel Mulligan. Colonel Thompson informed me that orders had been sent me to move to Moorefield, that I might send my artillery to Burlington, as Colonel Mulligan had then eight or nine guns. I returned to Romney and marched with my command at 1 a. m. forMoorefield by the old road, sending Captain Hicks squadron of the Fifteenth by the new road, to notify Colonel Mulligan of my whereabouts. I arrived in sight of Moorefield at dawn of the 4th instant. Sent a party to communicate with Colonel Mulligan, whose command just came in sight on the new road, 5 miles from the town. I at once pushed forward; Major Quinn, being in the advance, dashed after the enemys pickets in a splendid manner, driving them back precipi- tately on the main body. At this point I received orders from Col- onel Mulligan that he depended upon my command to gain the earliest intelligence of the enemy, his numbers, position, and inten-~ tions. In about fifteen minutes I was able to inform him the en- emy occupied Moorefield, numbering 1,000 cavalry and about 500 in- fantry. His intentions were evidently to cover the retreat of his train through the mountain pass or gap 3 miles in rear of the town. I was then ordered to watch my left flank, as it was found the en- emy nieditated an attack in that direction. I had already sent two companies toward the Wardensville road for that purpose, but they were driven back by a gun stationed at the first ford. I sent to the colonel commanding asking that the gun at the ford be sent across to me. This he did not deem p roper to do, but informed me he would send one to luskips Ford, which he did, but with no better results than the first, the shells all bursting either in rear of Major Quinns line or among his skirmishers. Major Quinn kept con- tinually informing us that the enemy was falling back, and that unless soon attacked he would be in the defile and beyond our reach. I attempted to join him at all hazards, and was going up at a gal- lop, when I received peremptory orders from Colonel Mulligan I must move no farther; that the enemys falling back was for the purpose of entrapping us, as he had information that a large force of infantry and twelve guns were on our left flank. He ordered me to send 200 men to scour the hills, and to move up only as fast as they were able to move through the hills on our left Page 35 CHAP. XLV.] OPERATIONS IN HAMPSHIRE AND HARDY CO. 5, W. VA. 35 Major Quinn in the mean time pushed through the town, and the enemy took a position in column of squadrons, just in advance of the defile, well covered with skirmishers in front and on the flanks. A company of mounted infantry crossed at Juskips Ford and relieved Major Quinns skirmishers. The enemy at this point commenced maneuvering as if to charge. I made a disposition of the coin- mand to~eceive them, but the movement only proved to be a feint to draw in their parties on the right and left. I was then ordered by Colonel Mulligan to carry out my original intention of precipitating my command upon the enemy, and that a gun would report to me in a few minutes. I moved my column to- ward the enemy as fast as the nature of the ground would admit, but no gun reporting, the enemy entered the pass before I could reach him, leaving only a small party of skirmishers, which we drove back at a trot. Shortly after the gun came up, and also Col- onel Mulligan. We together pursued the enemy up, shelling him wherever we could use artillery, but night coming on and the posi- tion being one of evident advantage to the enemy, Colonel Mulligan ordered me to withdraw to the other side of the town and river, and on the morning of the ~5th ordered me to report to my division com- mander without delay, which I did, reaching Halltown at 3 p. m. of the 7th instant. I am, captain, your obedient servant, C. FITZ SIMMONS, Lieut. Col., Commanding Cavalry Forces, First Division. Capt. WILLIAM M. BOONE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 3. Report of Col. James A. Mulligan, Twenty-third illinois Infantry, commanding Second Division. HDQRs. SECOND DIv., DEPT. o~ WEST VIRGINIA, New Greek, W. Va., February , 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the evening of the 3d in- stant I took command of the column then in pursuit of General Rosser on the Moorefield and Hardy pike, Colonel Thoburn com- manding. On my arrival, reported the infantry, Fourteenth Vir- ginia, Third and Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves, as exhausted, foot- sore, and unable to proceed. I ordered them into camp near Purgitsville, and with Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson, commanding ~5GO of General Averells cavalry, Captain Greenfields Independent Company of Cavalry, Carhins battery, and a section of Ewings bat- tery, under Lieutenant Morton, moved to Reynolds Gap, where we halted to await the arrival of General Sullivans cavalry under Lieutenant-Colonel Fitz Simmons. The colonel not arriving, and unable to ascertain his location, at 4 oclock in the morning I ordered Carlins battery, with a guard of 200 cavalry, back to the infantry at Purgitsville, it being hazardous to risk so much artillery with so light a force. With the remaining force of 300 and the section of Ewings battery we moved forward to feel the enemy, whom we discovered at 8 a. m. at Parsons Ford, on the South Branch. At the same time Lieutenant- Colonel Fitz Simmons, advancing on the Romney road, reported t Page 36 36 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [cHAP. XLV. me with 600 of General Sullivans cavalry. Lieutenant Morton im- mediately opened on the enemy from the ford. I sent orders to Col- onel Thoburn to come forward with the infantry, but he was unable to arrive in time to participate in the affair. Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson was directed to take a part of his force, with one piece of artillery, move into a good position near the Jnskips Ford on the enemys flank, hold it, and harass the enemy, which movetnent he executed with rapidity and success. At the same time Lieutenant- Colonel Fitz Simmons steadily pressed the enemy in front until his advance, under Major Quinn, drove them through and out of Moore- field at 11 oclock. The enemy made another stand at Randolphs, on the South Fork, but gave way as the artillery was brought up, and fell slowly back up the fork, when Earlys infantry were reported by Lieutenant-Col- onel Fitz Simmons deploying into position. Captain Myers, of the Riuggold Cavalry, being familiar with the South Fork pass, was ordered to the front with his company and Colonel Fitz Simmons ordered to press closely after him, using his artillery, and rout the enemy. Captain Myers, after an endeavor to break through their lines, returned and reported the enemy strongly lodged in the rocks. Lieutenant-Colonel Fitz Simmons reported the majority of his cavalry too exhausted for further efficient pursuit. At this point, about 3 p. in., the enemys train was discovered on the South Branch Mountains. The artillery opened on it without effect, the distance being too great. Colonel Fitz Simmons and the artillery were then stationed at the mouth of the South Fork defile, and Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson, with the whole available force of both commands, moved up the fork in pursuit. Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson followed the enemy, not returning until late in the night, having pursued him to the neighborhood of Lost River road. The cavalry, having made forced marches from Harpers Ferry and Martinsburg, were greatly worn down. The same is true of Lieu- tenant Mortons artillery, some of whose horses dropped dead from exhaustion in the field. Thanks are due Lieutenant-Colonels Thompson and Fitz Simmons for having overtaken and pursued the enemy until night and the mountains saved him. I am also much indebted to my staff, Cap- tains Moriarty a~nd Pease, Lieutenants Nugent and McKenzie, for their skill and efficiency. This report has been delayed waiting for the reports of the officers commanding the cavalry, which reports have not yet been received. With respect, faithfully, JAS. A. MULLIGAN, Golonel. Capt. T. MELVIN, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 4. Report of Cot. Jacob ill. Campbell, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania In fantry, commanding First Brigade. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, Cumberland, hId., February 24, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In obedience to your letter of the 23d instant, di- rec1in~ i~Q tQ report whet d~i~ge w~ ~ t~ tho ~alti~ppr~ ?4~ Page 37 Ciw~. XLV.] OPERATIONS IN hAMPShIRE AND HARDY CO. S, W. VA. 37 Ohio Railroad, or any part thereof; where the troops of your (my) brigade were stationed; what bridges on said road were de- stroyed or injured; whether such bridges were protected by block- houses or otherwise, and through whose fault, if any, the injury occurred; also what, if any, losses of men, animals, transportation, ordnance, quartermasters and commissary stores, in the last two movements of the rebel force in West Virginia, and also, as far as you have the means of knowing, the captures from and losses to the enemy in these operations, I have the honor to report as follows: At the time of the first rebel raidJanuary 4, 1864I was stationed at Springfield, W. Va., with the Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry, and Battery E, First Virginia Volunteer Artillery. At 6 p. m. on that day I received orders from Brig. Gen. B. F. Kelley, commanding Department of West Virginia, to move to Cumberland, Md., by way of Pattersons Creek, but which was afterward changed, directing me to move by way of Green Spring at once. This last dispatch was received at 8 p. in. My orders were to reach Cumberland at day- light. I immediately began the movement. My supply train had that evening arrived from Green Spring with a load of supplies. This materially reduced my means of transportation, and I had no time to send out to press teams, if, indeed, I could have found any in the neighborhood. Yet I took off all my stores except a few sacks of grain and some other stores of but little value, which were con- cealed in the night and afterward recovered by a scouting party sent out for that purpose. I arrived at Cumberland about daylight, Jan- uary 5, having lost neither men, animals, or stores. At the time of the second raidFebruary 2, 1864I was stationed at Cumberland, Md. On that day Company F, Capt. John W. Hibler, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, with 57 men of my brigade, was stationed at Pattersons Creek bridge, Baltimore and Ohio Rail- road, and a detachment of the company at the North Branch bridge as pickets. I had warned Captain Hibler to be on the alert and to keep scouts well ont, but it seems that General Rosser (rebel), with from 400 to 500 cavalry, succeeded in penetrating to Pattersons Creek bridge on the 2d of February. His advance guard were dressed in Federal uniforms, and succeeded in getting up to Captain Hiblers by representing themselves as part of the Riuggold Cavalry (Union), and thus successively captured all the pickets on the Patterson s Creek road, and then rapidly dashed into camp while the men were at dinner. A slight skirmish ensued, in which we had 1 man killed, 1 mortally and 3 slightly wounded. The rebels captured 1 captain and 36 men, with all the camp and garrison equipage of the company, 40 Enfield rifles, and 4,000 rounds of rifle cartridges. They then set fire to the Pattersons Creek bridge, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and thence went to the North Branch bridge, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and fired it, the guard at the latter bridge making their escape. I may here say that as there was known to be a large Union force some 18 miles south and west of Pattersons Creek, and part of the Riuggold Cavalry there, taken in connection with the fact that the rebels wore our uniform and claimed to be Union cavalry, may, in a measure, account for the pickets being deceived. Neither the Pattersons Creek bridge nor the North Branch bridge were protected by block-houses, and the only protection for them was the company of infantry which the rebels captured. As soon as the news of the rebel force being at Pattersons Cree Page 38 - 38 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. was received at this place, one company of the Ringgold Cavalry, Captain Myers, was dispatched to that point, and arrived at the North Branch bridge in time to put out the fire. Neither of the bridgesmere trestle-workswere totally destroyed. Captain Myers, immediately after pntting ont the fire, pushed on after the enemy. This is all the loss any portion of my brigade sustained, and the partial destrnction of the two above-mentioned bridges being all the injury done to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. A sconting party from this place captured during the last raid 1 rebel captain. This is all the loss I know of the rebels snstaining. As to whose fault it was that the injnry occurred, whether the fault was with the large force that lay some 18 miles in front, near the jnnction of the Burlington and Pattersons Creek roads, or with the mere detachments of a small company of infantry at the two bridges, I am not prepared to say. I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. CAMPBELL, Colonel, Commanding First Brigade. Lient. M. J. RUSSELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 5. Report of Col. Joseph Thoburn, First West Virginia infantry, com manding Second Brigade. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, New Creek, W. Va., February 14, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In reply to your communication of the 13th, asking for a detailed report of my operations from the 30th ultimo to the 6th instant, I beg leave to report as follows: At daylight on the morning of the 30th ultimb Captain Greenfield, with a squad of 20 cavalry, ran into a camp of rebel cavalry, 1 or 2 miles south of Moorefield, and returned, bringing with him a prisoner, from whom we learned that Rossers brigade with some other detach- ments was there. I at once notified the commanding officer of the train, then on its way from New Creek to Petersburg, of the threat- ened danger; also the commanding officer of the Twenty-third Illinois Infantry, then engaged in blockading the road leading from Moorefield to Pattersons Creek Valley. At 12 m. of the same day information was received from a deserter that Earlys command was moving from the valley in the direction of Moorefield, the intention evidently being either an attack on Petersburg or the railroad. Owing to the supplies at the former place being nearly exhausted (only having rations to last until the evening of the 31st), and the uncertainty of the arrival of the train, I determined to evacuate the place, and sent a courier to the wagon train directing it to return to New Creek. But before the arrival of the courier the train was captured, and inforniation was brought back that Rossers brigade with artillery occupied the road at the Moorefield and Alleghany Junction. A little after dark a scouting party brought in a prisoner taken from Early, as he was going into camp on the Moorefield road, 6 o Page 39 C~AI~. XLVI OPERATIO~S IN ~LAMPSHIRE AND HARDY CO. S, W. VA. 39 7 miles from Petersburg, from whom we learned that we would be attacked the following morning at daylight. At midnight, every preparation being completed, the command moved off quietly, taking with us, with some trifling exceptions, all our stores and Government property. The Pattersons Creek road being occupied by the enemy, I was compelled to take an unfre- quented and difficult mountain road, through Reels Gap to the base of the Alleghany Mountains, and from thence to Greenland Gap, at which place the head of the column arrived at 10.15 a. in., January :31. The train was delayed eight hours crossing a spur of the mount- ain, where I was compelled to abandon several caissons, chests, and other property in order to enable the train to cross the mountain. Since our arrival here nearly all of the stores abandoned at that place have been brought in. At 5 p. m. we went into camp 18 miles from New Creek. Shortly afterward information was brought in that the enemy was pursuing and was in force within a few miles of us. Having received orders from division headquarters to proceed to New Creek as rapidly as possible, I gave orders to move at 1 a. in., February 1, and arrived at this post at 11.30 a. m. The column arrived in good condition, without casualty or disaster on the way, with the exception of a few stragglers that were picked up by the enemy while in a state of intoxication. Among these I am sorry to say were Capt. John Rourke, Illinois Light Artillery, and Capt. William S. Robb, First West Virginia Volunteer Infantry. On my arrival at this place the Third and Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves, Fourth West Virginia Cavalry, and the Sixth West Vir- ginia Battery were temporarily assigned to my brigade, and in ac- cordance with orders from division headquarters my command, with the exception of the Riftggold Battalion and Carlins battery, was moved upon the mountain east of this place called Piano Fort. At 12 p. m. Captain Greenfleld, with 100 of the Riuggold Battalion and four companies of infantry, moved out on a reconnaissance to Ridge- ville, where a body of rebel cavalry was supposed to be. At daylight, February 2, information was received that the enemy had evacuated that place the evening before at 7 oclock. Captain Greenfleld moved forward to Burlington, and sent back information that Rossers command had left that place the evening before, going down Pattersons Creek. In accordance with orders, I sent to Burlington the Third Penn- sylvania Reserves and Lieutenant Kelleys two howitzers, all under command of Major Briner, Third Pennsylvania Reserves. At 4 p. in. I received orders to move to the same place with the First and Fourteenth West Virginia Infantry Regiments, Fourth Pennsyl- vania Reserves, and Carlins battery, where I was directed to bivouac a~nd await further orders. On account of delay, caused by bad roads, it was after dark when the battery got down from Piano Fort, and owing to the darkness of the night the command did not reach Bur- lington until 3 a. in., February 3. At 5 a. in. a scouting party brought information that Rosser had left Sheets Mill the evening before, and was supposed to have gone in the direction of Romney. I immediately moved forward the cav- alry and one regiment of infantry to Moorefleld Junction, where it was discovered that the enemy had passed in the early part of the night. Communication was had with Lieutenant-Colonel Thomp- son, commanding General Avereils cavalry, at Roinney, and Lieu Page 40 40 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. tenant-Colonel Fitz Simmons, of General Sullivans command, near Springfield, W. Va. I requested them to move at once in pursuit of the enemy. In the mean time my cavalry had come up with the rear of the enemys retreating column, who had camped within 4 miles of the junction. At 1 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel Thompsons command (600 strong) arrived at the junction. Lieutenant-Colonel Fitz Simmons with 1,100 cavalry was reported on the way. I at once moved for- ward with Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson, the Fourteenth West Vir- ginia, Third and Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves, and Carlins battery being directed to follow. At Purgitsville I was overtaken by Col. James A. Mulligan, commanding division. I then returned to the infantry, and went into camp on William Taylors farm. February 4, at 7.30 a. in., I received orders to move forward as rapidly as possible. At Oldfields, the enemy having fallen back from vicinity of Moorefield, I received orders to halt and hold my command in readiness to return to New Creek. February 5, at 6.30 a. in., the column moved and reached Burling- ton at 4 p. m. and camped for the night. February 6, the Fourteenth West Virginia Infantry was directed to remain at Burlington, and with the remainder of the command I moved to this place. Very respectfully, & c., J. THOBURN, Colonel, Commanding. Lient. M. J. RUSSELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 6. Report of (Jot. Joseph Snider, Fourth West Virginia Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH WEST VIRGINIA CAVALRY, New C~reeIc, TV. Va., February 9, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your orders I started in command of the escort to supply train for the garrison at Petersburg on Friday, Jan- uary 29, 1864. On the next morning I received dispatch from Colonel Thoburn requesting me to hurry up the train, stating also that the Twenty- third Illinois Regiment was at the Moorefield Junction. Later in the day couriers came back with request from Lieutenant-Colonel Quirk to push forward the train. The train was moved forward with all possible speed, and proceeded unmolested until we arrived at Medley, 2~ miles below the Moorefield Junction, when I met Lieu- tenant-Colonel Quirk, commanding Twenty-third Illinois, falling back before the advance of the enemy. Being the ranking officer present, I assumed command of the forces, and immediately formed line of battle on the right of the road, the Twenty-third Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonel Quirk, occupying the left, a detachment of the Second Maryland the center, four companies of the Fourth West Virginia Cavalry occupying the right. Two companies of the Fourth were placed in position on our right flank; also a detachment of the Riuggold Battalion, Lieutenant Speer, to prevent, if possible, a flank movement by the enemy, which I plainly saw was their ob- ject. Two Companies of the Fourth were ordered to take position on our left flank, to prevent a similar movement by the enemy; an Page 41 ~aAp. XLV.I OPERATIONS IN HAMPSHIRE AND HARDY CO. S, W. VA. 41 the two remaining companies of the Fourth were placed in rear of the center, to be used as the exigencies of the engagement might de- mand. I had scarcely got my command in position when the enemy opened upon us with two pieces of artillery, their infantry advancing at the same time, which was met by a galling fire from my front, and caused them to fall back. Thrice they attempted the same thing with the same results. During the engagement in front the enemy was extending their flanks, either of which linefront, right, or leftwas longer than my entire command. At this crisis I ordered the train to be turned and started back, but to my great mortification two of the train-mas- ters had fled and all the teamsters with few exceptions. The position of my command was becoming perilous. I discov- ered that the train must be abandoned in order to save my command from capture. I then ordered my men to fall back to an elevation, where we reformed line of battle, giving the enemy several volleys, which checked their advance. Having foiled the enemy in their designs as long as it was possible for my little command to do so, having fought against great odds for one hour and twenty minutes, to save my command from capture I was compelled to order a retreat, which I did, my command leaving the field slowly and in line of battle. My entire loss, killed, wounded, and missing, is as follows: Maj. N. Goff, jr., Fourth West Virginia Cavalry, captured (horse shot, fell on his leg, could not extricate himself) ; Lieutenant Elliot, slightly wounded. Privates killed, 5; wounded, 34; missing, 35. I am con- fident the enemys loss was much greater than ours. From informa- tion received since the engagement I am justified in saying that the rebel force consisted of Rossers command of Earlys corps, with five pieces of artillery. A large proportion of the officers and men behaved admirably. It would be invidious to make distinctions, but I cannot omit to men- tion the name of Captain Pease, of your staff, who rendered me such valuable assistance during the entire engagement. I especially recommend him for favorable consideration. My report having been delayed for days waiting for report of the extent of loss in horses, mules, and wagons, and not yet received, I have thought it prudent to send in this report without it. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JO. SNIDER, Col. 4th W. Va. Cay., Comdg. Escort to Supply Train. Col. JAMES A. MULLIGAN, Commanding Second Division. No. 7. Report of Lieut. Uol. Francis W. Thompson, Sixth West Virginia Gavatry. HDQRS. SIXTH REGT. WEST VIRGINIA VOL. CAy., Martinsburq, W. Va., Febrnary 27, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the march of detachments of the Fifth and Sixth West Virginia Cavalry and three guns of Ewings battery from Martinsburg to Moorefield and return. On the morning of the 31st day of January I received orders fro Page 42 42 OPERATIONS IN N. 0., VA., W. V~A., MD., AND PA. (CItAP. XLV. Col. John H. Oley, commanding the Fourth Division, Department of West Virginia, to take command of a detachment of 240 men of the Sixth West Virginia Cavalry and 170 of the Fifth West Vir- ginia Cavalry, and proceed to Winchester, there to join forces from Harpers Ferry and receive orders from General Sullivan as to fur- ther movements. I arrived at Winchester about 9 p. in., received orders from General Sullivan to march immediately to Cedar Creek, and at daylight to occupy Strasburg, which was done promptly, after driving about 16 rebel pickets from Cedar Creek; then we marched to Wardensville by sundown that day, joining forces from Harpers Ferry at Wardensville, the senior officer taking command, to push the enemy vigorously and recapture the train taken near Burlington. On arriving at Hoff Gate I received orders to march by the nearest practicable route to Romney, as the enemy were at Green Spring. We marched until 2 a. m. ; stopped to feed 7 miles west of Winchester, on the Northwestern road; started at 7 a. in.; arrived at Romney 2 a. in., ~joining Lieutenant-Colonel Fitz Simmons, in command of troops from Harpers Ferry, comprising about 1,250 men and three pieces of artillery. Colonel Fitz Simmons was sent to the Wire Bridge over the South Branch of the Potomac, 7 miles below Romney. with about 900 men and three pieces of artillery, to hold the bridge and send a heavy advance toward Green Spring to find the course the enemy would take. At this time the rebels were holding Mechanics- burg Gap, 2 miles from Romney, on the Northwestern road. The gap was held by infantry from General Earlys command. Learn- ing that Rosser had passed up the South Branch Valley between Roinney and New Creek, I started the command on the Northwest- ern pike to join Colonel Thoburn s command, which I was informed was at the junction of Moorefield and Northwestern pikes, 7 miles from Romney. I arrived there at 2 p. in., joined Colonel Mulligan, who assumed command and marched up the valley above Moore- field, returning to the junction of the pike with the Northwestern road. Received verbal orders from Colonel Mulligan to only report up to the time I joined his command, and after I left it arrived 4~ miles east of Romney, encamped for the night; then marched to within 2 miles of Winchester, encamped for the night; arrived at Martinsburg. No casualties to report. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. W. THOMPSON, Lieut. Col., Comdg. Sixth Regiment W. Va. Vol. Gay. Capt. WILL RUMSEY, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 8. Report of General Robert E. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Northern Virg~nta. ORANGE CouRT-HousE, February 6, 1864. On the 30th ultimo General Rosser captured a train of 93 wagon~ loaded with commissary stores and forage, on way from ~ ew Creek to Petersburg, 300 mules, 20 prisoners. The guard of 800 infantry escaped to the mountains. Our loss, 25 killed and wounded. In- formation of the advance upon Petersburg having been received, the garrison evacuated it during the night. On the 2d Rosser destroyed the bridges over Pattersons Creek and North Branch of Potoma Page 43 OnAP. XLVI OPERATIONS IN HAMPSHIRE AND HARDY CO.S, W. VA. 43 and canal, and captnred 40 prisoners. Two hundred and seventy- eight prisoners, 50 wagons and teanis, 1,200 cattle, and 500 sheep have been brought off. General Rosser has shown great energy and skill, and his command deserves great credit. R. E. LEE. General S. COOPER. ORANGE CoURT-HousE, February 6, 1864. Please correct my dispatch of to-day. General Early reported only 78 prisoners; there was error in the telegraph. R. E. LEE. General S. COOPER. No.9. Report of ilIaj. G~n. Jubal A. Early, C. S. Army, commanding Valley District. NEW MARKET, February 6, 1864. GENERAL: On January 28, leaving Imbodens and Walkers bri- gades near Mount Jackson to guard the valley, I moved from this place with Rossers brigade, Thomas brigade, all the effective men of Gilmors and McNeills Partisan Rangers, and four pieces of Mc- Clanahans battery, toward Moorefield, in Hardy. I arrived at Moorefield with Rossers brigade and the artillery on the 29th, and early next morning (the 30th) Rosser was sent to intercept a train on its way from New Creek to Petersburg and get between the garri- son at the latter place and the railroad. After cutting through a heavy blockade on the mountain between the South Branch and Pattersons Creek, which was defended by a regiment, Rosser suc- ceeded in reaching and capturing the train after a short fight with its guard, which consisted of over 800 infantry and a small body of cavalry, all under Colonel Snider. The guard for the train broke and run to the mountains, and only a few prisoners were captured. Rossers loss in killed and wounded was about 25 and the enemys much heavier. Ninety-three loaded wagons were captured, but the teams from forty-two of them were run off by the drivers during the fight, and being considerably smashed, these wagons were burnt. Fifty wagons with their teams were brought off, one having been overturned in the night and broken to pieces, so as to be useless. The wagons were loaded with commissary stores and forage, but as the wagons crossed the mountain from Pattersons Creek to Moore- field in the night a great deal of the loading was thrown out by the drivers, and much of it was plundered before steps could be taken to secure it. After the train was captured Rosser moved toward Petersburg and got possession of the roads from Petersburg down Pattersons Creek and through Greenland Gap, and the same even- ing Thomas brigade arrived at Moorefield and was crossed over the South Branch to within 10 miles of Petersburg. Early next morning both forces moved upon Petersburg, but on arriving there it was found that the enemy had evacuated during the night, taking a mountain road to the head of New Creek through a pass where it was impracticable to follow him, especially as there was a dense fog, rendering it difficult to discern objects at a short distmce. The works at Petersburg were found to be very strong, with a ditch around them and very strong abatis. There wer Page 44 44 oPA~IONs t~ N~ C., VA.; W. VA., Mb., ANP PA. LOHAP. XLV. large bomb- p roof shelters, and appearances indicated that a good deal of work had been done lately. The, works were destroyed as far as practicable, and some commissary stores and forage and about 13,000 cartridges were secured. Thomas brigade was then marched back to Moorefleld, and Rosser was sent down Pattersons Creek to collect cattle and cut the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He reached the road on the 2d at the mouth of Pattersons Creek and destroyed the bridge over that creek, and partially destroyed the bridge over the North Branch of the Potomac. He also destroyed another bridge over the canal, and a lock of the canal itself. In the mean time a considerable cavalry force had made its appear- ance at Romney, and Rosser returned to Moorefield, which place he reached on the 3d with a number of cattle and sheep. McNeill crossed over to the eastern ridge of the Alleghany and brought off over 300 cattle. After Rossers return I gave orders for the troops, trains, & c., to start back early next morning, as we had accomplished all we then could, and accordingly everything but the cavalry was in motion very soon, and after Thomas brigade had gone about 4 miles from Moorefleld a considerable force of the enemys cavalry with some ar- tillery made its appearance below Moorefleld, on the road from Rom- ney. I ordered Thonias brigade to be brought back toward Moore- field and Rosser to retire through Moorefleld, and taking a position on the South Fork of the North Branch I awaited the approach of the enemy until after 12 oclock, when, he showing no disposition to attack, but contenting himself with maneuvering very cautiously, and Rossers cavalry being too much reduced in numbers to attack the enemys cavalry, which was in view and largely exceeded his own in numbers, I resumed my march back without molestation from the enemy, crossing over to Lost River that night, and the next day (the 5th) to this valley. A large portion of the cavalry force which appeared at Moorefleld went from Martinsburg and Charlestown, a brigade under Colonel Fish having lately been sent to the lower valley. I have been informed that a force of infantry was follow- ing the cavalry, but I am not certain of this. I did not think it pru- dent to leave the trains and cattle to the risk of capture while I was being amused by cavalry at Moorefleld, and I therefore moved back, according to my original purpose. We brought off the 50 captured wagons with their teams, 1,200 cattle, 500 sheep, 78 prisoners (1 major, 3 captains, and 74 enlisted men), and some commissary stores. We got all the cattle we could. Many persons ran off their cattle to Maryland, and a number of those brought off will not answer for beef at present. We could have got as many sheep as we wanted, but they could not be driven. We found the people of Moorefleld and the adjoining valley very true to our cause, and exceedingly kind and hospitable to our men. I think the enemy will hardly occupy Petersburg again; and if he does not, as soon as things get quiet some more cattle can be gotten. Very respectfully, J. A. EARLY, Major- General. General R. E. LEE. I understand that the operator here made a mistake and telegraphed that we had brought off 278 prisoners, which is just 200 more than we did get. It should have been 78. J.A.E Page 45 Cxi.u. XLV.] OPERATIONS iN HAMPSHIRE AND HARDY CO.S, W. VA. 45 [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS, February 11, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to the honorable Secretary of War, to whom the conduct of General Early and General Rosser and their troops is commended. R. E. LEE, General. No. 10. Report of Brig. Gem. Thomas L. Rosser, C. S. Army, commanding expeditton. HDQRS. ROSSERS BRIGADE, February 9, 1864. MAJOR: On the morning of the 28th ultimo, in obedience to an order from Mad. Gen. J. A. Early, I moved my brigade and a battery of four pieces of General Imbodens in direction of Moorefield, H~ardy County, where I arrived early on the evening of the 30th r 29th]. The infantry having failed to get up. I spent the remainder of the day in constructing bridges across the South and North Forks of the South Branch, and early on the morning of the 31st ~30th] moved my com- mand across the mountain in the direction of Pattersons Creek, upon which I had been informed by reliable scouts was a large supply train encamped, destined for Petersburg. In crossing the mountain I encountered, when in about 2 miles of the creek, a regiment of in- fantry blockading the road by felling trees across it, and by drgging it away when constructed upon the side of a hill, & c. By dismounting a few men I soon dislodged them and drove them entirely through the gap. The obstructions were soon removed by the pioneers of the brigade, and the road reconstructed where it had been dug away. The brigade then fairly through, I pressed vigorously upon the enemy, who was then retiring in the direction of Williamsport to meet the train, which was then moving up. Upon my approach his wagons were parked and all dispositions made to meet my attack. The enemys force (I have since learned numbered 1,100 men), I saw at a glance, was much larger than my own. I dismounted 300 or 400 men, and with the remainder in the saddle I charged him front, flank, and rear. The first onset was repulsed, but one piece of my artillery conling up (the enemy having none), my troops were much elated by this seeming advantage, and I charged him again, which was very suc- cessful, driving him into the mountains and giving me possession of the entire train of 95 wagons and teams, excepting a few of the latter that were cut away during the fight and run off, and the regiment I sent to occupy the road in rear of the train failing to get up in time, these mules and a few ambulances were allowed to escape. The conduct of my men on this occasion entitles them to their countrys gratitude. Indeed, I believe it is the first instance during this war where cavalry attacked successfully a superior force of in- fantry. I lost in the action 24 men killed and wounded. The ene- mys acknowledged loss in killed and wounded was 80. I captured 40 prisoners, 2 captains and 1 major. The train, which was heavily loaded with commissary stores (bacon, rice, coffee, sugar, & c.), was turned over to General Early. Many of the wagons, however, had to be destroyed in consequence of the want of mules to bring them off, a number having been killed in. thQ ~gtion an.d others. ridden off by the ileeing enemy Page 46 46 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. On the morning of the 1st I moved into Petersbnrg, the enemy having escaped upon one of the back roads, which it was impossible f or me to guard with my small force. The enemy in evacuating this place left almost all his bag~age and a large supply of provisions, which fell into the hands of my men. From this place I proceeded, in obedience to instrnctions from General Early, down Pattersons Creek, with the view of driving out the cattle, and for this purpose I sent Major Gilmors and Cap- tain McNeills commands, under the command of the latter, into the Alleghany Mountains, and placed one regiment in Mechanicsville Gap to prevent Averell, whom I expected from Martinsburg, from getting between me and General Early. I then pressed down the creek to its mouth, at which place there was a guard of one com- pany, which I captured, and I destroyed here the railroad bridges across Pattersons Creek, the Potomac, and canal. I also destroyed one engine, all the property belonging to the road, the bridge for the pike across the canal, and one canal-lock. Learning that the enemy was in Romney in considerable force, and that he was struggling for the gap at which my regiment was posted, I abandoned the idea of going to Cumberland and turned back in direction of Moorefield, evading the enemy, who had forced the gap and got in my rear, and brought out safely all my prisoners and cattle. Upon the expedition I captured 1,200 or 1,300 head of cattle, 500 or 600 sheep, 95 wagons, and 80 prisoners. Only fifty of the wagons were saved and brought to the valley. Everything else is now safe in the valley. I am, major, most respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. L. ROSSER, Brigadier-General. Maj. H. B. MCCLELLAN, Asst. Adjt. Gem., Stuarts Cavalry Carps. [First indorsement.] HDQRS. CAY. CORPS, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 7, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. The bold and successful enterprise herein reported furnishes addi- tional proofs of General Rossers merit as a commander, and adds fresh laurels to that veteran brigade so signalized for valor already. J. E. B. STUART, Major- General. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUAR~PERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 19, 1864. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the War Depart- ment. General Rosser acquitted himself with great credit in this expedi- tion. R. E. LEE, G~neral. [Third indorsement.] MAY 4, 1864. ADJUTANT-GENERAL: Noted. General Rosser exhibited both judgment and valor, and accomplished valuable results in this expedition. J. A. S., Secretary Page 47 C~. XLV I EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 47 JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 10, 1864.Expedition against New Berne, N. C. SUMMARY~ OF TIHE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. Feb. 1. 1864.Skirmish at Batchelders Creek. 2, 1864.Skirmish at Gales Creek. Skirmish at Bogue Sound Block-house. Skirmish at Newport Barracks. Capture of the U. S. steamer Underwriter. 6,1864.Skirmish near Newport Barracks. REPORTS.* No. 1.Capt. Jesse Merrill, U. S. Signal Corps, chief signal officer, Department of Virginia and South Carolina. No. 2-Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer, U. S. Army, commanding District of North Carolina. No. 3.Maj. Gen. John J. Peck, U. S. Army, commanding District of North Carolina. No. 4.Col. Peter J. Claassen4One hundred and thirty-second NewjYork Infantry, commanding outposts, & c. No. 5.Col. James W. Savage, Twelfth New York Cavalry. No. 6.Capt. Ira Winans, Ninety-ninth New York Infantry. No. 7.Capt. Charles G. Smith, One hundred and thirty-second New York In- fantry. No. 8.Col. James Jourdan, One hundred and fifty-eighth New York Infantry, commanding Sub-district of Beaufort. No. 9.Lient. Col. Valentine G. Barney, Ninth Vermont Infantry. No. 1O.Maj. Gen. William H. C. Whiting, C. S. Army, commanding at Wilming- ton, N.C. No. 11.Brig. Gen. James G. Martin, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. No. 12.Maj. Gen. George E. Pickett, C. S. Army, commanding Department of North Carolina. No. 13.Brig. Gen. Robert F. Hoke, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. No. 14.Brig. Gen. Seth M. Barton, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. No. 15.Brig. Gen. Thomas L. Clingman, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. No. 16.Col. John Taylor Wood, C. S. Army. No. 1. Report of Capt. Jesse Merrill, U. S. Signal corps, chief signal offi cer, Department of Virginia and North Carolina. HEADQUARTERS SIGNAL CORPS, Fort Monroe, Va., February 27, 1864. MAJOR: In accordance with a general order from the Signal Ofli- cer of the Army, directing that in every engagement with the enemy in which officers and men of the Signal Corps take part, a report of their operations be made by the chief signal officer to the command-~ ing general of the department or army, I would respectfully submit the following as to the operations of the detachment of the corps in the District of North Carolina in the recent attack npon New Berne. This report is made up from the reports of Lieutenants Thayer, * For reports of Acting Rear Admiral S. P. Lee, Commander Henry K. Daven- port, and other U. S. naval officers, see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 5, 1864 Page 48 48 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. UJaA~ XLV. Knox, Carpenter, and Craft, the first-named being in charge of the detachment. For some time previous to the attack a line of signals, connecting all of the important points on the line of our outposts between the Trent and Washington roads with the headquarters of the officer commanding the outposts at Batchelders Creek, was in operation. Unfortunately on the morning the attack was made a dense fog prevailed and prevented any communication during the first attack on the right of our line from Batchelders Creek to Beech Grove. The disappearance of the fog during the latter part of the morning made it possible to transmit a few important messages, showing what might have been done under more favorable circnmstances. If our line of signals could have been worked during the whole morn- ing itisthought the command at Beech Grove could have been saved, as then timely notice could have been given them of the evacuation of Nense road bridge, and enabled them to reach the point at which the road leading to Neuse road bridge intersects the Washington road before the enemy had pushed his column to this point. Previous to the evacuation of Batchelders Creek, word was sent by signals and signal telegraph (which, by order of Major-General Peck, was in charge of Lieutenant Thayer) to the left of the line of outposts to retire. Colonel Claassen, who commanded the outposts, has since expressed the opinion that this line of communication enabled him to save his entire left wing from capture. After the concentration of our forces within the defenses of New Berne communication, maintained as it had been previously from the headquarters of the commanding general with Fort Anderson on the north side of the Neuse River and Fort Gaston on the south side of the Trent River, was opened with Fort Totten by means of the signal telegraph. Officers and enlisted men, when it was necessary, were stationed on board of the gun-boats and picket-boats in the Neuse and Trent Rivers, and kept continual communication with the general com- manding until the end of the siege. Many important messages were sent over these lines, and valuable service rendered. The officers and men, as far as my reports show, performed their whcde duty, and remained faithfully at their stations, though necessarily much exposed. Three enlisted men were missing, 1 of whom was reported killed, but from information since obtained it is probable he is a prisoner. I would respectfully ask that in future part of my command be allowed to accompany any expedition in or from this department against the enemy. They would probably be able to keep up com- munication between different parts of the force. If this could not be done they could be usefully employed in another and perhaps the most important duty of a signal officer in an active army, that of reconnoitering and finding the position and strength of the enemy. I append to this report a map~ showing the position of our station and our line of communication. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JESSE MERRILL, Capt. and Chief Signal Officer Dept. of Va. and N. C. Maj. R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. * ~4ot found Page 49 0a4P. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 49 No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer, U. ~S. Army, commanding District of North Carolina. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. C., February 1, 18648 p. m. MAJOR At an early hour this morning our outposts at Batchel.. ders Creek were attacked by the enemy, represented by deserters and prisoners as being in force about 15,000, consisting of Hokes brigade (of Earlys division) and Picketts entire division. It being impracticable to make an adequate defense at the point of attack, the small force at the outposts fell back upon the defenses of New Berne in very good order, destroying their camps and abandoning but few stores, and with a loss of from 50 to 100 men and one section of light artillery. One regiment of infantry has been ordered up from Morehead, and our forces are so disposed as to make us confident of s~uccessful resist- ance, although, of course, less so than if our garrison were in strength one-third or one-half that of the enemy. The effective force at my disposal for the defense of this point is about 3,500, and upon this I shall be compelled to rely, as the distanue and my limited means of transportation render it impossible to re-enforce from Plymouth, and the force in the other sub-districts is meager. Almost simultaneously with the attack I have mentioned the enemy advanced upon the south side of the Tr~nt, in what force it is difficult to estimate, and were handsomely repulsed. Up to this time communication has been maintained with More- head, but I have information that the enemy is near the railroad with the probable intention of cutting it. The commanding officer of the Sub-district of Beaufort is fully aware of the situation, and, as a matter of course, no effort or vigilance will be spared to prevent interference with the road. I. remain, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Maj. R. S. DAVIS, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General. Since writing the above information has reached headquarters that the section of artillery supposed to have fallen into the enemys hands is at Beech Grove, and may be preserved, although the enemy is between it and us. NEW BERNE, N. C., February 2, 1864. MAJOR: Since my dispatch of last evening by hand of Lieutenant McYey, aide-de-camp, no material change in the situation has oc- curred. Skirmishing in my front continues, but it is hardly possible to judge confidently of the enemys intentions or of his numbers. Fatigue parties are employed in strengthening my works, and the able-bodied citizens and negroes have been armed. Colonel Jourdan, commanding Sub-district of Beaufort, reports that his lines at Gales Creek and Bogue Sound block-houses are attacked by an unknown force of cavalry and artillery. I have sent some light artillery to 4 R RYOL XXXII Page 50 50 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. his support by the railroad, which is thus far unmolested, and shall endeavor to co-operate with him by every measure consistent with the development of cir~nmstances. Some hours before daybreak this morning the navy gun-boat Un- derwriter, which had been placed, at my suggestion, in an advanced position in the Upper Neuse, was boarded by several armed boats crews, numbering about 200, and after a brief resistance taken pos- session of. So soon as the fact was made known by some of the crew, who swam ashore, all our guns that could be brought to bear opened upon her, and in a short time she was discovered to be aground and in flames, though whether fired by the rebels or by our own shells is unknown. She is totally destroyed, and, without venturing to fix the responsibility for her capture, I may say that it appears to me utterly inexcusable. By her loss we are left with but two inferior navy boats, the Commodore Hull and the Lockwood, although I have endeavored to supply the deficiency in some measure by arming and manning the dispatch-boat Allison and ferry-boat Eagle, placing two guns upon each. I. N. PALMER, Brigadier-General. Maj. R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. NEW BERNE, N. C., February 2, 1864. GENERAL: Yesterday, at 3 a. in., the enemy attacked our outposts in large force, and forced them to retire, with some loss. At the same time an attack all along the line of the railroad from here to Morehead was commenced, and I have just heard of the fall of New- port, and that the enemy is in possession of the railroad. The attack- ing force is large, said to be Picketts division and Hokes brigade of Earlys division, besides a great proportion of cavalry and artillery, in all probably four or five times our force here. Last night the Underwriter was boarded, captured, and burned in the Neuse River, opposite Fort Anderson. I am now cut off from the coast and liable to have batteries established on the river at any hour, and thus cut off altogether. My force here is in good heart and all within the in- trenchments, and we can make a good fight, but we must have all the force I can get without detriment to other portions of the com- mand. If, therefore, you are not fearful of any disaster to your own command you are directed to send me to this place the two regiments of Connecticut troops lately sent to you. and you are directed to request Captain Flusser, or the senior naval officer at Plymouth, to send one or two large gun-boats here to assist in keeping the river open. General Butler has been apprised of all this matter, and I presume he will take some measures to relieve me and to re-estab- lish our old lines. I can hardly think that yon can be disturbed by any large force while the enemy is working here, and I think that a portion of your force can be directed to this point. The furlough- men will be obliged to wait until this present press is over. We are engaged all around the lines all the time. I expect to make a stout resistance and to succeed in thwarting the enemy. If you think it advisable to send me a thousand of the furlough-men in lieu of the two Connecticut regin~ents I will let them go (if I remain i Page 51 Cix~. XLVI EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 51 command) as soon as this siege is raised. Please do not fail to rep- resent this matter to Captain Flusser. I have no idea where Captain Davenport is now. He has been away from here for some time. Very respectfully and hastily, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Brigadier-General WESSELLS, Commanding Sub-district of the Albemarle. [Indorsement.] SUB-DISTRICT OF THE ALBEMARLE, Plymouth, N. C., February 3, 18644 p. m. Respectfully forwarded for the information of department head- quarters. The Southfield and Whitehead left this place last night for New Berne; the Miami at daylight this morning for Washington, at the urgent request of Colonel McChesney, as he feared an attempt to cut him off from below was likely to be made. The Fifteenth C on- necticut Volunteers are now preparing to embark for New Berne. I can learn thus far of no indications to attack this place, but the movements of the enemy are secret, and it is impossible for me to divine their intentions. It will be seen that I am weak, having too few men to cover the lines, and but two small gun-boatsSeymour and Bombshellwithout heavy guns. I have relied on the large gun-boats for their flanking fire on my right and left. I now r~Ay more on the distance from railway and the impoverished condition of the country as a preventive for sending an overwhelming force to this point. A small one I do not fear. H. W. WESSELLS, Brigadier- General Volunteers, c1ommanding. NoTE.The supply of breadstuff is very small here, and should communication with New Berne be interrupted, it must come from Fort Monroe. I can do for ten days yet, but expect to diminish the rations. H. W. W. NEW BERNE, February 2, 18645.15 p. m. MAJOR: I am just informed by telegraph that the post of Newport is attacked, and I think it will fall. The rebels have the railroad now between Newport and Morehead City. The post of Evans Mill is also surrounded, and our little forces at these points will no doubt be defeated, as the opposing numbers are much the largest. Colonel Jourdan still has Morehead City, but he may be forced to evacuate it and retire to Fort Macon. As long as we can keep the river open to its mouth we are well enough off here, but we have no means of keeping the river clear. I must now take to digging more, and hold on and do my best. I think I shall bring two regiments here from Plymouth, and ask the senior naval officer there to come here with one or two large gun-boats. Could not a few of them come here from Fort Monroe? You will perceive that this attack by the enem Page 52 52 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. is made simultaneously along a line of nearly ~0 miles. I write hnrriedly, and I do not wish to detain the steamer, which is now ready to leave. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Maj. R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. MAJOR: By direction of the commanding general I inclose the within statement of the condition of the subsistence department at New Berne; also of Morehead City, Beaufort, and Fort Macon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. JUDSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 1.] JANUARY 31, 1864. Rations on hand at Morehead City, including Forts Macon and Beaufort: Rations. Hard bread 25,000 Beans 10,000 Rice 10,000 Tea 5,000 Sugar 11,000 Vinegar 6,000 Candles 1,000 Molasses 20,000 Potatoes 3,000 JOS. A. GOLDTIIWAIT, Captain and Commissary of Subsistence. [Inclosure No. 2.] FEBRUARY 2, 1864. Rations on hand at New Berne, approximately: Rations. Meats . - - 687,000 Breadstuffs 456,000 Coffee 340,000 Tea 578,000 Sugar 198,000 Beans 40,000 Pease 70,000 Rice 23,000 Mixed vegetables 556,000 Potatoes 213,000 JOS. A. GOLDTHWAIT, Captain and Commissary of Subsistence. NEW BERNE, N. C., February 3, 18648 p. m. MAJOR: My last communication to you concerning the state of af- fairs at this place was addressed to you yesterday at 5p. m. At that hour the communication with Morehead City by telegraph was in- terrupted, and the telegraph operator at Newport reported the rebels on the railroad at that l)lace. I was in communication with the sta- tions Croatan and Havelock until 10 p. m. yesterday, at which time IL ordered the comm~nids ~t those points to this place, as the post a Page 53 CHAP. XLV.) EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW I3ERNF N. C. Evans Mill was about to be attacked; and, if carried, the commands at the stations mentioned would have been jeopardized. The coni- mands came safely. At midnight the rebel force, under the imme- diate command of General Pickett, commenced to retire toward Kin- ston. They had been immediately in front of Fort Totten, appar- ently making preparations for an attack during the day. I only directed firing upon them when they were in plain view. The firing was excellent, and whenever they appeared they were forced to retire immediately. On the south side of Trent River the same thing occurred. I had placed all the forces there under the command of Colonel Amory, of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers. I was not surprised when I discovered they had retired, although I certainly thought with their large force they would make a strong effort to capture this place. I have never had any fears as to my ability to hold the position, and in writing to you of affairs here, I have merely wished to keep the commanding general posted as to the actual condition of affairs; not to request re-enforcements, ex- cept so much as to re-establish our communication with Morehead City, and to keep the river clear in case the rebels commenced to erect batteries on its banks. To-morrow I hope to open the com- munication with the coast. To-day 1 have followed up the retreat- ing force with cavalry on the Neuse road toward Kinston, and on the other side of the Trent River toward Pollocksville. They appear to be making for Kinston, but I am still on the watch for them from a new quarter. The force here is in good shape. I have armed a very respectable force of negroes, and we are in a good situation to stand a siege. At the first attack on our force at the Neuse bridge we lost 1 officer killed and 3 wounded. A few non-commissioned officers and pri- vates were also killed and wounded. At this point the rebels suf- fered considerably, and among the killed was Colonel Shaw, of the Eighth North Carolina Volunteers. I made every effort to relieve the section of artillery repc~ted as lost in my communication of the 1st instant. This sec~on, with two companies as support, was sent to the support of a company of North Carolina loyal troops at Beech Grove, some 9 miles from here. The rebels came down the Neuse road so rapidly that they got in rear of the force at the Grove, and yesterday afternoon they sent two regiments and three pieces of ar- tillery against them and captured them. The most of the North Carolina troops, I am happy to say, escaped. Deserters have been coming in all day, mostly from North Caro- lina regiments, some few from Virginia and Georgia regiments. From them I got the following list of the forces brought against me, all under command of General George E. Pickett: Picketts division, consisting of the three brigades of Kemper, Corse, and Armisteads old brigade; the brigades of Cliugman, Hoke, Ransom, and Barton; sixteen pieces of artillery, formerly under Major Dear- ing, but now under Major Read; two or three regiments of cavalry (one of them Bakers); in all, probably about 15,000. I cannot at this time give any correct account of the losses in the Sub-district of Beaufort, but hope to communicate with Colonet Jour- dan to-morrow, and to send complete reports to your office soon. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Maj. R. S. DAvIS, Brigadier-General. Assist ant Adjutant-General Page 54 54 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. tOHA?. XLV. NEW BERNE, N. C., February 4, 18643.15 p. m. MAJOR: Since my communication of yesterday several gun-boats have arrived, and in case of attempt to erect batteries on the river we have sufficient force, I think, to put a stop to them. I have boen feeling my way down to the coast by the railroad to-day. The rebels have been hovering along the track, but as yet I have heard of but little damage done by them. I have sent a force to Croatan, 10 miles from here, and I hope soon to have communication along the whole line. The force of the rebels on the opposite side of the Neuse River was three regiments of infantry, four pieces of artillery, and 500 cavalry, sent there, as I am informed by some deserters who have come in, for the purpose of capturing the force at Forts Anderson and Chase, in the event of the capture of the post of New Berne. There is a rumor that the enemy is still in large force at IN~ewport, 11 miles from Morehead, but I doubt it. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Brigadier-General. Maj. R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. NEW BERNE, N. C., February 5, 1864. GENERAL: I am directed by Brigadier-General Palmer, command- ing, to express to you his thanks for your prompt and generous com- pliance with his request for re-enforcements from your command. The Fifteenth Connecticut, Colonel Upham, was reported at these headquarters about 9 oclock last evening. Appearances favor the conclusion that the enemy has retired from this vicinity, and should this prove to be the case your troops will be returned so soon as we feel secure. In the mean time information from you will be atten- tively awaited, and the general will hold himself in readiness to re- spond to any demands you may feel cal?ed upon to make. General Butler states that two regiments from eachd ivision of Lees army, in all about 8,000 men, had been sent into North Carolina, and is of the opinion that this constituted the entire force in our front; but our information is posith~e that Picketts entire division from Ten- nessee was also here, the whole force being under Picketts command. We have deserters and prisoners from all Picketts brigades. If Gen- eral Butlers information is accurate the enemy must have been in stronger force than we had believed. We are now reconnoitering the line of the railroad toward Morehead, in which direction there are still traces of the enemy. We have no reliable information that Washington is threatened; should such be the case we may have to spare some of our troops in that direction. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. B. FOSTER, Assistant Adjutant-General. Brigadier-General WESSELLS, Commanding Sub-district of the Albemarle. NEW BERNE, N. C., February 7, 1864. MAJoi~: Since my last communication to you the Spaulding has arrived at Morehead, and the Twenty-first Connecticut are doin Page 55 Ciw~. XLV.) I~XPEDtTION AGAINST NEW BE1I~M~ N. C. good service in the Sub-district of Beaufort. The enemy left the vicinity of New Berne, as II informed you in my last, and scouts, which have been kept busy, report them as apparently returning by the different routes to Kinston. The force of the enemy that attacked Newport are, however, still hovering in that vicinity. II will remark here that the enemy did not succeed in getting any of our artillery at Newport, and am told our losses in men in Colonel Jourdans command will probably be in the vicinity of 50. The enemy left one iron gnu in the neighbor- hood of Newport, which we can make serviceable. Working parties have been very busy in repairing the railroad, and I was very much in hopes of getting it in running order before the departure of the Spaulding; but this morning Colonel Dutton, who is at present in command at Morehead, informs me that there is a considerable force of rebels threatening Newport, and this will cause some delay. Col- onel Jourdan came to consult with me last night, and he will return, if possible, to-day. It is perfectly easy for the enemy to harass our line toward the railroad, for they must have considerable force at rfrenton to keep open their communication via Youngs Cross-Roads, and it would take a larger force than we can spare just now to or~ ganize an expedition for the purpose of taking possession of these points. In any event, Colonel Jourdan considers the position at Morehead perfectly safe. I have, from what I consider good authority, learned the programme of the enemy on this expedition. The object was, of course, to get possession of this place, and the operations were to be as follows: General Pickett was to come im- mediately to New Berne, and, provided all the others came to time in order to make the attacks simultaneously, he hoped to get into the place by Fort Totten. He had about 6,000 men. General Bar- ton had about 5,000 men, and he was to gain possession of the works on south side of Trent River, commencing at Brices Creek. Col- onel Dearing had three regimentsFifteenth and Seventeenth Vir- ginia (of Corses brigade), and Sixty-seventh North Carolina (Whitfords), four pieces of artillery, and some 300 cavalry at a point about 2 miles from Fort Anderson (across the Neuse), and this force was to capture our forces there when this place should fail. General Martin was to attack Sheppardsville (Newport) and the places on the railroad. He had about 4,000 men. General Pickett, although his force was so large, was delayed some ten hours in get- ting from the Neuse bridge, where a stout resistance was made to the front of Fort Totten. General Barton arrived in good time at the front of Colonel Amory, butt he could not cross Brices Creek without bridging it, and although he had his own brigade, a portion of Ransoms and Kempers, with four pieces of artillery and a re- spectable force of cavalry, he was forced to retire without effecting anything. Whitford (or Dearing), of course, remained quiet, and the good preparations made on my line from the Neuse to the Trent made the matter of an assault then absurd. Martin performed his part well; at least, lie broke no communication with the coast, and he is still hovering around. You may, perhaps, see some flaming accounts in Southern papers of the success of the raid, but the com- manding general may rest assured that, with the exc~ption of the section of artillery lost at Beech Grove, the loss is too trifling to be mentioned. I sent out a couple of surgeons, with two ambulances, for the purpose of providing for some poor unfortunate small-pox patients, directing the surgeons to explaiw the humane errand o Page 56 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ECIIAP. XLV. which they were sent. The rebels permitted the sick people to remain ~where they were, and the medical officers were made prison- ers, with the ambnlances. This will probably be magnified into something of ~importance as well as heroic. The deserters and strag- glers are constantly coming in. The nnmber of these will probably exceed the nnmber of onr men lost at the varions points. The following regiments are represented among the deserters and prisoners, the great niass of them being deserters, who appear to be too well satisfied to get in here: Yir~inia regiments: Twenty-fonrth, Fonrteenth, Thirty-eighth, Fifty-third, Ninth, Fifteenth, Twenty- ninth, Eleventh, Seventeenth, Fifty-seventh; total, 10; North Caro- lina regiments: Eighth, Fifty-first, First, Twenty-first, Twenty-fifth, Forty-ninth, Fifty-fonith, Nineteenth, Sixty-eighth, Fifty-nintb, Forty-fourth, Fourth, Sixty-first; total, 13; 0 eorgiaTwenty-first and Second; Striblings battery, Fithler~s* battery, Third North Carolina Battery. * Five sailors of the C. S. Navy were captured at the time of the bnrning of the Underwriter. The boat expedition that came (lown the Neuse was made np of parties from Charleston, Richmond, and Wilmington. It was com- manded by John Taylor Wood, formerly a lieutenant in the U. S. Navy. There were several C. S. Navy officers with him. The night before the Underwriter was captured and burned the expedition came into the river and searched it thoroughly for some naval ves- sels to destroy. It was so foggy that they returned to wait for a better opportunity. This shows a lamentable lack of vigilance, I conceive, on the part of the gun-boats, and I hope the lesson will be a profit- able one. I will remark, however, that at the time of the capture of the Underwriter there were but two or three small gun-boats here, Commander Davenport having gone up the sounds with his own vessel, and I have no idea of the locality of the others. I have requested Commander Davenport to attend to the picketing of the river, and he cheerfully attends to my requests. One of the prisoners informs me that he had been detailed to work on the rebel iron-clad ram, now building at Kinston. He says they are finishing the work on her as fast as possible; that the engine is not yet in her, but it was thought that a few weeks would complete her. She has four embrasures; can carry four heavy guns, and is plated with 4-inch iron and built after the model of the Merrimac. This is a matter for serious consideration. A vessel like the one described, could she get into the harbor, would do incalculable damage. I think there is no doubt of the truth of this statement. Dispatches from Colonel McChesney, from Washington, report everything quiet there, and I hear nothing to cause me to think that the enemy is at Plymouth. I should feel that Morehead was more secure if we had more light- draught gun-boats there now. The Nansemond is doing good serv- ice there, but if we had some gun-boats that could run up the New- port River we could prevent easily the assembling of the enemy on the peninsula north and east of Morehead. I shall direct Colonel Jourdan to direct the Spaulding to proceed to Fort Monroe, on his arrival at Morehead, unless there is some good reason for her delay. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Brigadier-General. Maj. R. S. DAvIS, A8sistant Adjutant-General. * Probably reference is to Ellis battery, Third North Carolina Battalion Page 57 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW I3EENE, N. C. 57 NEW BERNE, N. C., February 9, 1864. MAJOR: Since my communication to you of the 7th nothing of im- portance has occurred in this portion of my command. Our line of outposts is re-established with very little changes. The communi- cation with Morehead City is uninterrupted and the repairs on the railroad will be completed in two or three days. I am, major; very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. R. S. DAVIS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fort ]lfonroe, Va. NEW BERNE, N. C., February 20, 1864. MAJOR: The various communications forwarded to you during and immediately after the recent demonstration of the enemy at this place gave to the commanding general of the department all the facts concerning the affair, but in these reports no statement of the losses either in men or material was given, and I have considered it proper to send with these statements of losses a sort of r6sum~ of the former reports for the records of your office and for future considera- tion. The attack was commenced at about 2.30 a. m. of the 1st instant, at the outposts at the point where the Neuse road crosses Batchelders Creek, about 8 miles from this place. At that point there was a small force of 1 officer (Lieutenant Haring, One hundred and thirty- second New York Volunteers) and 13 men. At the approach of the enemy this force was on the alert, and the passage of the bridge dis- puted gallantly. The little party had taken up the bridge and stationed themselves behind a small breast-work and every attempt of the enemy to cross was handsomely repelled for several hours; in fact they did not succeed in driving the guard away until they had constructed a bridge at another point and taken them in rear. Col- onel Claassen, of the One hundred and thirty-second New York Vol- unteers, was in command of the whole line of outposts, and he was ready. A few prisoners, taken very early in the attack, gave in- formation of the strength of the enemy, their commanding general, & c., and this was communicated to me by telegraph. I immediately ordered out a small force of infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Fel- lows, of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers, with a section of artillery, to harass the advance on the Neuse road as much as possi- ble, and to enable the troops at the outposts to retire in order. One section of artillery, with two companies of infantry, was also sent, at the request of Colonel Claassen, to check any force that might haV~~ been coming on the Washington road. The enemy approaching in this direction was some 5,000, with sixteen pieces of artillery, the whole under General Pickett, and they advanced directly down the Neuse road, our forces retiring slowly. The outposts on the ap- proaches were duly n6tified of what was going on, and they retired with the exception of the command on the Washington road. This little force, together with the section of artillery and the two com- panies of infantry, remained at their posts until the enemy had passed down below the junction of the Nense and the Washington roads, when they were cut off, there being no way of retiring to the city except by cutting their way through the enemy. This was simidy impossible, and they were captured. At about noon th Page 58 58 OPERATIONS IN 7N~ C., VA., W. VA., MTh, A~D PA. [CHAP. kLV. enemy appeared in force on all sides of the town. On the sontli side of the Trent Colonel Amory, of the Seventeenth Massachnsetts Vol- nnteers, had been placed in command. Three brigades, with Bakers cavalry, with a few pieces of artillery, all commanded by General Barton, appeared at Brices Creek in front of Colonel Amory, and commenced the attack there. This force had crossed the Trent River a few miles from Trenton on pontoon bridges. They were opened upon by a field battery of the Third New York Light Artillery, com- manded by Lieutenant Thomas. After a sharp firing, which lasted but a short time, the enemy retired as we supposed to attack at some other point, but they did not make their appearance again. As soon as the enemy appeared in front of the line between the Neuse and the Trent, they were opened upon by the guns from Fort Totten, and the cavalry under Colonel Savage, of the Twelfth New York Cavalry, with two mountain howitzers, remained in front of the line, and not only kept the enemy in check, but by the firing of the how- itzers made us acquainted with the precise locality of the advancing column through the woods. The sun went down without any at- tempt to assault the lines. On the east side of the Neuse Colonel Anderson, commanding Forts Anderson and Chase, was closely watched by three regiments of infantry, four pieces of artillery, and a regiment of cavalry, all under the command of Colonel Dearing. No attack, however, was made there. After dark the rebel bands serenaded us, and not to be outdone in politeness the band from Fort Totten gave some. patriotic airs from the top of the traverse. At about 3 oclock in the morning of the 2d, a force consisting of about 250 men of the rebel navy, commanded by Capt. John Taylor Wood, and in about fifteen small boats, surprised, captured, and burned the U. S. gun-boat Underwriter, lying in the Neuse River. The greater part of the crew of this vessel escaped, but the etficers were all captured; 6 of the attacking party fell into our hands. As 80011 as it was known that the boat was attacked the rifled gun from Fort Stevenson was brought to bear upon her, and the firing from that gun made it impossible for the captors to get the steamer away and she was fired. (Since writing this I have learned that Captain Wester- velt, of the Underwriter, was not carried away. If this be so, he was either drowned or killed and burned up on the steamer.) At midnight the enemy commenced to retire, and at 3 a. m. of the 2d, when I rode along the lines, all was quiet. At daylight some hundred deserters, who had concealed themselves when the retreat commenced, came to our pickets and gave themselves up. The retreating army was closely watched on the road leading to Kinston direct and via Trenton. During the attack on this place the enemy were busy on tile railroad between this place and Morehead City. General J. G. Martin, with about 4,000 men of all arms of the service, was threatening Morehead City and the posts on the railroad. Col- onel Jourdan, commanding the Sub-district of Beaufort, was vigilant and energetic, but his force was too small to enable him to compete with the enemy successfully. The small force at Gales Creek and the Bogue Sound block-house were 5OO~ driven in and tile enemy was soon in front of Newport, garrisoned by a regiment of infantry and a company of the Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery and two companies of cavalry. The report of the operations there are given in the report of Colonel Jourdan, inclosed herewith. The post of Newport was captured, but our forces retired, leaving but little for the enemy. The other posts nearer to this place I the Page 59 ~irxr. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAt~ST NEW B~1~NE, N. C. ordered abandoned, and the garrison to come within the intrench- ments here, which was done withont loss. Hearing of the failnre here, General Martin retired with his forces, captnring 1 gun and leaving 1 of his own, a mnch better piece, that he was unable to get away. He also captnred a few prisoners. The loss, however, on our part was trifling, and the damage to the railroad so little that in a few days everything was repaired. With a few exceptions the con- duct of the officers and men of the command was admirable during the whole affair. The case of Captain Conwell, Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, mentioned in the report* of Colonel Jourdan, will probably be investigated before a court-martial. I ordered his arrest as soon as I found him here, as he could make no satisfactory explana- tion of his presence here. At no time, 1 suspect, during the present war has the utility of the military telegraph and the signal corps been more fully demonstrated than during this late attack. The attack had scarcely commenced at the outposts when the telegraph had not only informed me of all that was going on in front, but the whole line of posts to Morehead was placed on its guard, and during the day the enemy were immedi- ately around the city the signal corps kept us advised of the smallest movement of the enemy at any point of the line. I cannot speak too highly of these two corps. I am sorry to be obliged to state that Lieutenant-Colonel Fellows and 8 other officers and 63 men, of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers,, were captured. The enemy, by crossing Batchelders Creek at points above and below, where they were stationed to check the advance, came upon them in flank and rear in overwhelming force and captured them. I am sorry also to record the death of Lieuten- ant Zenette, of the One hundred and thirty-second NewYork Volun- teers, of Colonel Claassens command, one of the gallant defenders of the Neuse bridge, who was killed at that place. I will also remark here that the citizens turned out nobly and took the place of the provost guard, thus liberating an additional force for duty in the intrenchments. A force of nearly 900 negroes were also quickly armed, and this force I placed under the command of Captain Bartlett, of the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts Volunteers, who organized them into cqmpanies, and they did excellent service. The list of casualties I inclose herewith~ together with the report of Colonel Jourdan and those of some of the regimental commanders. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant I. N. PALMER, Brigadier- General U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. Maj. R. S. DAvIs, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fortress Monroe, Va. [Inclosure.] CASUALTIES. Forces and defenses of New Berne.Killed, officers, 1; men, 8. Wounded, officers, 2; men, 10. Missing, officers, 12; men, 293. Total loss, 326. Sub-district of Beaufort.Killed, men, 4. Wounded, men, 11. Missing, men, 52. Total loss, 67. Grand total, 393 officers and men. I. N. PALMER, Brigadier-General, Commanding. *See p.77 Page 60 60 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. No. 3. Reports of AEaj. Gen. John J. Peek, U. S. Army, commanding Dis trict of North Carolina. STEAMER GENERAL BERRY, Near Roanoke Island, N. .0., February 9, 1864. GENERAL: From all that I can glean the forces under General Pickett were from 15,000 to 17,000. His preparations were ample, and he felt confident of success. A large number of barges and boats were brought from Wilmington, and the iron ram started down with the boats but did not get through the obstructions below Kinston. We may at any moment have the effort renewed upon New Berne, or some other point may be selected. The information which you communicated yesterday respecting the sending of some 4,000 or 5,000 additional troops to North Carolina indicates such a purpose on the part of General Pickett. In view of the great interests at stake in the State, and of the smallness of the force for its protection, I hope one regiment of cav- alry and a brigade of infantry may be sent to me. A large force is much needed and should he sent if it can be spared without jeopard- izing public interests elsewhere. The strong Union feeling all over the State, and the movements for a convention, have already caused Jeff. Davis to relieve the North Carolina troops by regiments from other more disloyal States. He does not intend North Carolina shall leave the Confederacy, and will scourge her people with his armies until the last knell of the revolution shall be sounded. In haste. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, 3/Iajor- General. Major-General BUTLER, Comdg. Department of Virginia and North Carolina. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT o~ NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. 0., Febr~tary 10, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that I arrived this morning, and have been very busy collecting information touching the recent operations of the enemy in this quarter. A telegram just received from Colonel Jourdan, who has been out to find the enemy with a considerable force, states that they have fallen back to Trenton and Jacksonville. Tly~re is hope of the railroad being in order by to- morrow afternooii. Have a gentleman who left Wilmington on Sunday, very reliable and well posted. He states that on Saturday, before the attack, General Martin left with 4,000 men to co-operate with General Pickett, who was reported as about to attack New Berne with twenty-odd thousand. The cars were all pressed in and a force also came from Weldon to Kinston. Boats, barges, & c., were also sent there. General Pickett had advices that only 4,000 men were in New Berne, which was nearly the number. General Pickett advanced on the Neuse road direct with about 6,000. Gen- eral Barton crossed the Trent River near Trenton, and was to attack and carry the works and get possession of the bridges. General Martin was to attack Newport and Morehead, & c. General Barton, with his 5,000, found that Brices Creek was between him and Ne Page 61 CRAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 61 Berne, and he did not get across that deep and broad stream. This failure in the plan doubtless induced Pickett to fall back on Tnesday afternoon. It is stated that another column under Colonel Whit- ford was ordered to storm Fort Anderson, but did not make its ap- pearance. In the morning I purpose going to Batchelders Creek to see if any better line can be found. The rebels crossed on a pon- toon bridge between the railway and the Neuse. On the 7th, Gen- eral Wessells writes that a formidable expedition was preparing near Halifax, with boats, for the opening of the Roanoke. He also states that a naval brigade has been organized in Richmond for the purpose of recovering the sounds and tributary rivers. He asks for 3,000 effective men. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, Maj. R. S. DAVIS, liifajor-General. Assistant Adjutant-General. ADDENDA. GENERAL ORDERS,?. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRIcT OF N. C., No. 15. New Berne, N. U., February 10, 1864. The commanding general, learning of the desperate advance of the rebel hordes upon his lines in quest of bread, meat, clothing, and plunder, gave up his leave of absence and has returned to his command; not so much from doubt of the ability of the troops to hurl back the enemy as to share with them the honors, toils, and privations of the opening campaign. He returns his thanks to Gen- eral Palmer and Colonels Jourdan, Amory, and Claassen, and to all the officers and men of their commands, for the gallant repulse of Major-General Pickett with more than twice their numbers. The moment was seized upon for executing a long and well-prepared plan when many of the troops were on furlough as veterans.. On this occasion the enemy found by bitter experience that all our men were veterans. Those regiments that were with the commanding general during the siege of Suffolk have earned fresh laurels in this late triumph over the troops of Pickett, Armistead, Kemper, and Hoke, their & ld adversaries under Longstreet and Hill. By command of Major-General Peck: BENJ. B. FOSTER, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 4. Report of Got. Peter J. Uiaassen, One hundred and thirty-second New York Infantry, commanding outposts, & c. HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, Batchelders Creek, N. C., February 15, 1864. Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. U.: GENERAL: I have the honor herewith to forward a copy of my report to district headquarters of North Carolina of an attack in force upon these outposts by the enemy, on the morning of Febri Page 62 62 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. ary 1, 1864, together with a list of casualties of the One hundred and thirty-second Regiment New York Infantry. To give the Department all the facts occurring, I have appended copies of reports of the Twelfth New York Cavalry and detachment Ninety-ninth New York Infantry, under my command, as also a copy of report of my general outposts officer of the day, ~ on duty as such at the time of attack. It is perhaps well to say here that the camp and garrison equipage destroyed by my orders were all old and worn out, and were to have been condemned within twenty days; the same was the case with three-fourths of the few horses captured by the enemy. The severest loss was sustained by the men of the One hundred and thirty-second Regiment New York Infantry, who lost everything but what they had on their person at the time of the fight. It strikes me that some compensation should be made to these brave men, who, after having held Picketts divis- ion, with Hokes and Kempers brigades and the First North Caro- lina Battery, for seven hours. thereby savinb New Berne, fell back in good order, passing their camp, which contained their all, and hearing me give the order to set fire to everything (which was done) without even a murmur escaping them, deserve on the part of our generous Governuient some recognition in the shape of an allowance in king or money. Had they broken ranks and gone to camp to save, all would have been captured by the enemy. I ask this in be- half of the enlisted men, although the officers lost as well; still they have the cause sufficient at heart to replace out of their more liberal pay. Any other reports or information your Department may desire will, upon notice, be promptly furnished I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. J. CLAASSEN, Golonel, Gomdg. 132d New York and Outposts. HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, Batchelders Greek, N. 0., February 8, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor herewith to submit my report of the doings of my command on the morning of February 1, 1864. About 2.30 oclock of said morning I was informed that the enemy had attacked my pickets and were preparing to cross Batchelders Creek. I found it so foggy that signals could not be used. I dis- patched Company D, One hundred and thirty-second New York, Capt. Thomas B. Green commanding, double-quick to the Neuse Road bridge. First. Lieut. Abram P. Haring, of the One hundred and thirty-second New York, commanded at the time of attack the reserve at the Neuse bridge, consisting of 11 men, who heroically held that all-important point for over one hour against thousands of the enemy. Captain Green arriving while Lieutenant Haring was firing his last round of ammunition, Company D threw themselves (composed mostly of Indians) promptly behind the breast-works, and did so effectually resist the enemy that they (the enemy) had to bring up artillery. I had at the same time directed my general out- posts officer of the day, Capt. Charles G. Smith, to proceed to the bridge with a cavalry escort to ascertain if possible what force and how strong was attacking us; dispatched also Conipanies E and G, * Capt. Charles U. Smith Page 63 Ca~. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BEENE, N. C. 33 commanded respectively by Capt. Peter S. Geraty and First Lieut. Joseph A. Gearing, to the bridge, and Company K, Capt. Alex. W. Smith commanding, to a new road at the left of my camp to check any flanking party of the enemy, as well as to observe an opportunity to operate against the enemy in flank. At about tI oclock II directed Maj. John B. Honstain t~ proceed to the bridge and assume com- mand of what force was then at the bridge, whose brave conduct is worthy of mention. At about ti. 10 oclock my general outposts officer of the day, Capt. Charles G. Smith, reported to me that the enemy was in great force, upon which I sent General Palmer my first dispatch, dated February 1, 1864, tI. 30 a. in., but having no opportunity to get particulars I sent Lieut. William W. Wells, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volun- ters, my special aide-de-camp, and Capt. Charles G. Smith, with Company F, Capt. Ervin A. Jones commanding, Company C, Capt. George H. Swords, jr., commanding, and Company I, Second Lieut. Abraham J. Yoemans comumuding, up the railroad to get on the enemys right, then and there to get the information needed. Lieu- tenant Wells, aide-de-camp, finding a brigade opposed to him, dis- posed of this force with great coolness, and at such points holding a regular advance of the enemy effectually in check. A.t this time I sent my second telegram to General Palmer, dated February 1, 1864, 6.15 a. m. I was still in the dark as to the force I had to contend with, and owing to a lull on the part of the enemy, I became impressed with the idea that I would finally have the pleas- ure to follow them up effectually, which I indicated in my third telegram to General Palmer, dated February 1, 1864, at 7.05 a. m. The move indicated in my fourth telegram to General Palmer, dated February 1, 1864, 8 ~. in., satisfied me that the enemy were in great force, and knowing that my officers and men were better acquainted with the ground here than any force sent me from New Berne, I withdrew K Company from my left and sent it to the Nevise road, intending to use the infantry called for in my telegram to General Pahuer, dated February 1, 1864, 8.25, on the railroad in my rear, so that, in case the enemy passed down the Neuse road, this infantry to check them at the railroad crossing, having also instructed First Lient. Samuel Leith, One hundred and thirty-second New York, commanding at Beech Grove on my extreme right, by courier, to fall back with his entire force, composed of ~I~ompany F, Second (Union) North Carolina Volunteers, and 14 men of the One hundred and thirty-second New York, on the Washington road, he to throw out pickets on his left and direct front to give him warning of the enemy having crossed the creek; then to retire down the Washing- ton road, when he would meet a section of our artillery with some infantry; then to act as circnmstances required. always remembering to get to New Berne with the entire force. This courier was killed, and this dispatch fell into the hands of a rebel officer, who called Monday night at Mr. Richardsons house, on the Washington road. The capture, or rather the surrender, on the part of Captain Bailey, Ninety-ninth New York (he being the ranking officer), was owing to three cause: First, the fog prevented me signaling to Beech Grove; second, the courier carrying my orders was killed on the route, and the dispatch fell into the enemys hands, giving them (the enemy) all the points; third, Second Lient. Arnold Ze- nette, acting quartermaster, an accomplished horseman and well mounted, was afterward by me sent to see about the distribution o Page 64 64 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. ammunition, and from thence ride to Beech Grove to ascertain why I had not heard from the commanding officer there, and to repeat my instructions to Lieutenant Leith, not supposing that the re-en- forcement of artillery and infantry had gone to Beech Grove; but while Lieutenant Zenette was attending to the first part of my orders he fell, pierced by a bullet through his head. Again my orders failed to reach Beech Grove. I cannot avoid to say here that Lieutenant Leith, commanding at that time at Beech Grove, before re-enforcements of artillery and infantry reached him, should have had himself informed of events occurring on his left (Neuse road), and shaped his course accordingly, ~Thich would have prompted him to look to his retreat; the more so be- cause communication between myself and him had not been estab- lished. By consulting the map it will readily be seen that, had the section of artillery held itself on the Washington road, as my dis- patch calling for it indicated (otherwise I would have said to Beech Grove, instead of toward Beech Grove), and Lieutenant Leiths command fallen back to it, that they would not alone have had a safe retreat, but could, and no doubt would, have rendered efficient service in protecting our forces retreating down the Neuse road. My object in sending for the artillery to diverge on the Washington road was also to prevent the enemy from coming in the rear of our forces fighting at and about the Neuse road bridge, which they could have done by crossing the creek near Richardsons house, striking the Washington road, going down it, and marching up the Neuse road, and our ruin would have been complete. I am also ready to acknowledge that my dispatch about this section of artillery could (and perhaps should) have been more explicit as.to my intended use of it, in order that General Palmer could have instructed the com- manding officer to act accordingly; but I counted on these instruc- tions coming from me through Lieutenant Leith, not doubting that I could get a dispatch to Beech Grove. I feel the loss, and regret it very much, and with its loss I have but one self-reproach to make, and that is, when I found that I had no positive proof that any of my orders had reached Beech Grove I could and should have sent a telegram to General Palmer requesting him to send a fleet conner toward Beech Grove, endeavoring to reach some officer with an order to fall back on New Berne. General Palmer acted in this matter entirely in deference to my judgment and knowledge of ground; hence the misfortune is mine. I had meanwhile sent an order to Colonel Savage, commanding Twelfth New York Cavalry, to get his command all ready to occupy the road toward Deep Gully, and to send me a full troop with one of his howitzers. They arrived late, but the little time they were in action did good service. I respectfully refer to the respective reports of Colonel Savage, commanding Twelfth New York Cavalry, and Capt. Ira Winans, commanding detachment of Ninety-ninth New York Infantry, hereunto annexed, both forces being under my command on my left, explaining what my actions were regard- ing them. A train came up about 8 a. in., by whichwl sent to New Berne some commissary stores and all the ammunition, together with the sick, the non-combatants, such as laundresses, & c., and (lesired Captain Webster, chief assistant quartermaster, who was up here with the first train, to have another one sent up at once. About 9 a. in., a section of artillery with 12~ men of the Seventeent Page 65 Ca& i~. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 65 Massachusetts Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Fellows, arrived and reported to Lient. Col. George H. Hitchcock, of the One hun- dred and thirty-second New York, to whom I, at almost the same time, sent an order for our forces to fall back, but owing to the non- acquaintance of the ground by the officers and men of this re-enforce- ment, and the enemy pushing on three sides, prevented this order being fully conveyed to these forces, and were therefore compelled to act on their own judgment, which caused the capture of several officers and men of the Seventeenth Massachusetts by the enemy. I do not by any means desire to impugn the abilities nor bravery of this re-enforcement. They came too late to enable them to oper- ate against the enemy to any extent, and had they fallen all back (except the artillery) by the road leading to my camp, they would all have got in as well as one company. under Second Lieutenant Cann, of the Seventeenth Massachusetts, did. I now saw the enemy crossing the railroad track some 2 miles in front of me. At this moment the second train arrived. The rail- road monitor, under the able management of First Lieut. John Walker, One hundred and thirty-second New York, was shelling the woods to the right and left of the railroad as well as up the rail- road, thereby enabling me to get all infantry force to my rear to go down the railroad track to New Berne. At this time I ordered Sec- ond Lieutenant Cann, with his command of the Seventeenth Massa- chusetts Infantry, to proceed to my camp and destroy it, and lower my camp colors. The order to lower the colors was the only one which caused a choking sensation in me. I also directed all com- missary stores still left to be destroyed, which was effectually done by setting fire to everything. By this time the enemy got some guns in position beyond the woods to respond to our railroad monitor. They had the range by our signal station, but the woods being very thick they had to resort to plunging shot, and they managed to throw some shells around myself. Second Lieutenant Cann, of the Seventeenth Massachusetts In- fantry, having completed his work of camp destruction, and I seeing a few graybacks bayonets glistening through the woods on the left of my camp, I ordered the monitor and train to fall back, giving them a parting shell. This train reached New Berne in safety, although it was attacked at the Neuse road crossing. Having all my forces to the rear of me, retiring in good order upon New Berne, I fell back myself, sending a telegram to General Pahner, dated Feb- ruary 1, 1864, 9.50 a. m. Seoond Lieutenant Cann, of the Seven- teenth Massachusetts Infantry, with his few men, were my advance guard, Company B, One hundred and thirty-second New York, under Lieutenant Hallenbeck, my rear guard. I was accompanied by Lieut. Col. George H. Hitchcock, Capt. Charles G. Smith, gen- eral outposts officer of the day (whose report is herewith inclosed), and First Lieut. William W. Wells, Fifty-eighth Regiment Penn- sylvania Volunteers, my aide-de-camp. Marching down the railroad we soon heard cannonading, which admonished us that the woods and swamps were the only means of escape toward the Trent road, and if possible to New Berne. After a dangerous and fatiguing march under the protection of my brave rear guard, composed of B Company, One hundred and Thirty-second New York, commanded by Second Lieut. Henry Hal- lenbeck, who had several conflicts with the enemy to euable us to escape, we reached the Trent road at about 1 p. in., at a point 3 5 R RVOL XXXII Page 66 66 OPERATIONS IN N. C~ VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [CHA~ XLV. miles from New Berne. After ascertaining that the enemy were not below me, and finding that the forces from my left had not passed here yet (Twelfth ~ ew York Cavalry and detachment Ninety-ninth New York Infantry), I sent my aide-de-camp up the Trent road, when he soon met Colonel Savages advance guard. When it reached me, I had the pleasure to find that my hostler had got through with my horse, and I mounted with considerable satis- faction. Soon after this, Colonel Savage (an accomplished officer) reported to me with his command, but finding that Captain Winans, of the Ninety-ninth New York, with his command, stationed at the Red House, had not got in yet, I directed Colonel Savage to deploy some of his command on the right and left of the Trent road to pro- tect Captain Wirians on both flanks, when we had soon the satisfac- tion to see all safe, marching toward New Berne. I need not here enlarge upon the fact that owing to the vigilance of my pickets and the stubborn resistance at the Neuse road bridge, prevented an overwhelming force of the enemy to rush upon New Berne before even a warning could be given that garrison. The fact that my men have for months at each and every roll-call turned out under arms, causing them to become habituated to them, has con- tributed largely to the prompt resistance given the enemy. I attach so much importance to this mode of roll-calls that a general order directing it to be done by all the troops would add a great deal to their efficiency. It may appear from this report as~ hazardous to detain the second train as long as I did, thereby running the risk of having it cut off at the Neuse road crossing and the loss of the moiiitor. My reasons were as follows for so doing: First, the monitor enabled me to check the enemy. If I let the train go, I would have had to sacri- fice the monitor for want of power to transport it. Second, I was, nuder the monitors protection, enabled to get the several companies of the One hundred and thirty-second New York to withdraw in good order, which they all did, even paying, by comman~[ of each respective captain, the usual military compliment of bringing their arms to a shoulder~ in passing me. Third, my presence was needed at that point to prevent the men from rushing pell-mell into camp endeavoring to save their~ traps, for it must be remem- bered that all were ordered in action from 2.30 a. m. till time of re- treat, with nothing but light fighting trim; hence all their dress coats, spare pants, knapsacks, blankets, canteens, and haversacks, besides several had their money in their quarters (having been paid recently), all of which formed strong incentives to save, and it required the highest authority present to check any scattering to camp, because each and every one would have been captured who had gone there. I must also add that the respective officers had all their traps in quarters, adding if possible to the incentive to save, but I must also add that the order I gave to destroy camp was heard by them all, but not a murmur even escaped them. They marched by me as if forming for drill. I am well aware of the per- sonal risk I ran, after men, train, and monitor were sent back, but I knew that my men were of more service to New Berne than my- self; hence I deliberately ran the risk of capture, which good for- tune willed otherwise and knowledge of ground facilitated. Of course I cannot state the exact loss of the enemy, but from all reports gathered the enemy has admitted from 300 to 400 being killed and wounded at Batchelders Creek; and their veterans ad Page 67 CH4P. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NJ~W BERNE, N. c. 67 mitted that Batchelders Creek fight was about as hot as they ever had it from the damned Yankees. Private Robert B. Yanderhoef, U. S. military telegraph operator at my headquarters, deserves mention for his promptness and cor- rectness, and who, after sending my last dispatch, cooly took up his instrument and jumped with it onto the last train while it was in motion. I do not deem it necessary to mention more minutely than I have the brave, calm, and implicit obedient conduct of all my officers, and the men seemed actually to enjoy the contest, and any enemy that undertakes to surprise any pickets of the One hundred and thirty-second New York will find his work very difficult. After arriving at New Berne the One hundred and thirty-second New York reported, agreeably to General Palmers orders, on the right of Fort Rowan, where they did their regular duty with the other troops, until the happy order to resume our old position reached me. Report of casualties is appended. I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. J. CLAASSEN Maj. B. B. FOSTER, Colonel, Commanding Outposts. Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure No. 1.] Report of killed, wounded, and missing of the One hundred and thirty-secondRegi- ment New York Infantry Volunteers, at Batehelders creek, N. C., on the morning of February 1, 1864. Killed. Wounded. Missing. command. ni ni In o n ______________ o ~ 0 companyA al 1 6 1 company B 7 companyD bi 1 6 1 r I 9 10 CornpanyE 10 10 companyG 8 8 1 1 12 1 13 companyll.., 1 ci dl 2 2 3 companyl 5 ,..... companyK 1 1 13 15 Non-commissioned staff 1 1 Total 1 4 2 4 1 79 5 86 91 Total ni 5) 0 0 ~ S 7 8 10 10 8 14 5 5 15 1 a Second Lient. Arnold Zenette was killed while gallantly discharging his duty. b First Lient. Joseph A. Gearing severely wounded. c Second Lieut. W. A. C. Ryan severely wounded. et First Lient. Samuel Leith, commanding at Beech Grove, missing in action. P 5. CLAASSEN, Colonel, Commanding 132d New York and Outposts. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, February 1, 18645.30 a. m. General PALMER: The enemy is attacking us at the Neuse road bridge. They have some artillery. Please have a section of artillery come up on the Neuse road, P. J. CLAASSEN, Colonel, Commanding Outposts Page 68 68 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. [Inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, February 1, 18646.15 a. m. General PALMER: Your dispatch received. Of course as soon as I am satisfied that I cannot manage them and drive them back I will fall back. Please have another section march up the Neuse road, to diverge toward Beech Grove by the Washington road. I think at daylight we will have some fun here. Have the railroad engine ready. My signals are befogged. ~ J. CLAASSEN, Colonel, Commanding Outposts. [Inclosure No. 4.] HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, February 1, 18647.05 a. in. General PALMER: I am now trying to flank them; I think they have had about enough, still their lull may be deceptive. I would like four or five compa- nies infantry march up the Neuse road, so that I can follow them up effectually. II have some few wounded. P~ J. CLAASSEN, Colonel, Commanding Outposts. [Inclosure No. 5.] HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, February 1, 18648 a. m. General PALMER: Your last dispatch received. Thank you for the prompt aid. If I cant whip them back with that, I will fall back in order. I expect momentary report of a move which will decide my further action, of which you will be promptly advised. P. J. CLAASSEN, Colonel, Commanding Outposts. [Inclosure No. 6.] HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, February 1, 18648.25 a. in. General PALMER: Picketts whole division is in our front. Let some of the infantry come by train. Send train up at once, s~ that in case we have to re- treat that some of our camp and garrison equipage can be saved. Hokes brigade is here from Lees army. P. J. CLAASSEN Colonel, Commanding Outposts. [Inclosure No. 7.] HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, February 1, 18648.45 a. in. General PALMER: I have 2 prisoners, who report that Picketts division is here with two brigades of Lees army. They say that a gener~l attack will be made. They mean to besiege New Berne. The first chance I have I will send these prisoners to you. Prepare for a severe attack. P. J. CLAASSEN, Colonel, Comnmndin~i Qutposts Page 69 C~p. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. 0. 69 [Inclosure No. 8.] HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, February 1, 18649.20 a. m. General PALMER: They are pnshing us very hard. They are advancing regularly on us on the Neuse road. They are now coming down the railroad. The train sent for by Captain Webster should be sent at once. P. J. CLAASSEN, Colonel, Commanding Outposts. [Inclosure No. 9.] HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, February 1, 18649.50 a. m. General PALMER: We are falling back. P. 1. CLAASSEN, Colonel, Commanding Outposts. ADDENDA. Return of casualties in the Union forces commanded by Col. Peter J. Claassen at Batchelders Creek (outposts of Nen Berne), N. C., 1,1864. [compiled from nominal list of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded, captured or missing. command. ,~ - ,~ ~ a. a a a +~n a u o aa ~ 15 ~5 ____________________ 0 0 0 ~ 17th Massachusetts 3 3 5 5 58 74 2d North carolina (Company F) 57 57 12th New York cavalry 6 ~ 99thNewYork 1 2 60 63 132d 1 4 2 4 1 79 91 3d New York Light Artillery, Battery K 1 33 34 Total 1 8 5 10 9 293 326 No. 5. Report of Cot. James TV. Savage, Twelfth New York Cavalry. HDQRS. TWELFTH NEW YORK VOLUNTEER CAVALRY, Camp Palmer, Februar~i 6, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In reference to the operations of that portion of above regiment under my immediate command on the list instant, I have the honor to make the following report: At 7.45 on the morning of that day I received from Col. P. J. Claassen the following order: HEADQJJARTERS OUTPOSTS, February 1, 18646.35 a. m. Colonel SAVAGE: We are pretty lively attacked on the Neuse bridge. Get your command all ready. Let me have, as soon as possible, a troop (full) with one of your howitzers. Occupy the road toward the Gully. As soon as you can signal or telegraph open communication with me. P. 3. CLAASSEN, C~olonel, Commanding Outposts Page 70 70 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Ci~AP. XLV. In pursuance of tliis order I sent Troop G with a howitzer, under ~the command of Captain Graham, to report at Batchelders Creek, and directed Captain Roche, commanding Troop A, and Lieutenant Hathaway, commanding Troop L, to hold the road from the Deep Gully to Rocky Run. The remainder of my force, consisting of Troops E, H, and M, with one howitzer, I retained at Rocky Run, sending the gun with a small force across the run to retard the ad- vance of any force coming down the Trent. I sent out strong patrols to Tar Landing, Lime Kiln Landing, Bear Grass Landing, and Camp Palmer. The morning was foggy, and signals could not be seen. At about 8.30 a. m. telegraphic communication was open for a short time, and I received from Colonel Claassen a message similar to the one given above, to which I replied. At 9.30 I received from Colonel Claassen the following communication: FEBRUARY 1, 18648.55 a. m. Colonel SAVAGE: The enemy is in very large force. Get yourself informed and keep informed. I think they will attempt to cross the Trent below you. Let me hear from you in reply. CLAASSEN, Colonel. I replied by telegraph that I had the Trent fully patrolled. At about 10 Colonel Claassen directed me to fall back with my entire force, inclusive of the Ninety-ninth, to the line of my camp, leaving vedettes to give me information of an approach. I gave orders to this effect at once, but it was not until 12 oclock that my whole force, with the infantry at Pine Tree, reached my camp. About 11 I received the following: COLONEL: We suppose you have already heard of what is going on in our front. You must look well to the cavalry. Keep your communications open with us, and recollect that the defense of New Berne is to be made at New Berne. I do not know what orders you have received from Colonel Claassen, or whether you are in communication with him. If the troops on your right retire. you will of course be expected to retire also. Of course much has to be left to your good judgment. Send in couriers occasionally to inform us what you find along the lines to report to Major Foster at district headquarters. What we hear from Colonel Claassen is that Colonel [Generall Picketts division is on his front, and are advancing with the intention of besieging New Berne. By command of Brig. Gen. I. N. Palmer: WM. L. WHEATON. Aide-de-Camp. At about 12.30 Lieutenant Linskey, of my regiment, who had been sent with Troop G to Batchelders Creek, reported that the right had been driven into New Berne, and that the enemy were past the cross- ing of the Neuse road and the railroad. My wagons had been already loaded; I set fire to my tents and a small quantity of for- age, and ordered the troops to move. At Camp Palmer we were joined by a portion of the One hundred and thirty-second Regiment, under your command. The column moved forward slowly and was not molested until within sight of Fort Totten, when a few shots were fired from the woods on my left and a line of skirmishers was visible. No regular attack, however, was made, and the enemy retired before a few shots from my how- itzer and one or two from the fort. At this point, learning tl~at Captain Winans, with his detachmen Page 71 Cxw~. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 7i of the Ninety-ninth at the Red House, had not retired by way of the railroad, I sent back a troop to escort them in, and at about 4 oclock entered New Berne and reported to Captain Judson, assistant adjutant-general. The operations of the regiment for the succeeding days were under the direction of General Palmer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES W. SAVAGE, Colonel Twelfth New York Volunteer Cavalry. Lient. A. A. NEAL, Post Adjutant. No. 6. Report of C~apt. Ira Winans, Ninety-ninth New York Infantry. NINETY-NINTH NEW YORK VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, New Berne, N. C., February 5, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I herewith transmit this my report of the opera- tions of the detachments of the Ninety-ninth New York Volunteer Infantry, on outpost duty at Red House and Pine Tree during the late attack of the enemy, and the forcing back and withdrawal of the outposts to the line of the immediate defenses of New Berne, N. C. The detachment was composed of Companies A, D, E, F, and 22 men detached from Companies B, H, and K. There was no officer but myself with Company A; Capt. George L. Elder, with his officers (First Lieut. F. L. Harding and Second Lieut. Michael Mulvaney), commanded Company D (40 men) and the 22 men of Companies B, H, and K at Pine Tree; Second Lient. John B. Mendenhall com- manded Company E, and Second Lieut. Henry Morrison Company F, there being no other officers present than those named. In all there were 6 officers and 190 effective men. There were also at my disposal at Red House 1 corporal and 5 privates of Twelfth New York Cavalry. Just after reveille, February 1, 1864, I was informed that heavy firing had been heard in the direction of our right on Batchelder s Creek, about 2 a. m. The discharges of artillery were heard for about half an hour. There was no unusual occurrence on the front guarded by men from the detachment. I did not make inquiry by telegraph concerning the firing heard, because I thought if it were best for me to know I would be informed at the proper time. Mean time I kept the men well in hand, issued 60 rounds of ammunition to the men, and had all the packing boxes opened that more could be readily procured if necessary. My first direct information was by a courier with dispatches from Colonel Claassen to Colonel Savage, at Rocky Run, at 9 a. m. He said he was instructed to inform inter- mediate posts that the enemy were attacking heavily. At 10 a. m. I received the following: Captain WINANS: We are heavily attacked. Fall back when you receive orders from Colonel Savage. CLAASSEN, Colonel Page 72 72 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. This was signaled. I telegraphed a copy to Captain Elder, at Pine Tree, and ordered him to act accordingly. At 10.30 a. m. the following was signaled from Captain Elder: I have received orders from Colonel Savage to fall back to his camp, as the enemy are in heavy force. At 10.45 a. m. the following was brought to me by an orderly from Captain Roche, Twelfth New York Cavalry: Captain RocHE: You will fall back with your entire force, inclusive of the Ninety-ninth at Red House, to the line of this camp, leaving vedettes to give information of an ap proach. JAS. W. SAVAGE, Colonel. Upon receipt of the foregoing I sent the corporal and 3 of his men (cavalry) to order my guards in on the Tuscarora road, and to retire one-fourth of a mile in their rear until within 1 mile of camp, where he was to stay till ordered to retire, sending 1 man to warn me of the approach of an enemy, and if forced, to fall back as slowly as possible, this to enable those men coming off picket to equip them- selves with their effects. I had all my command under arms await- ing them. I had sent my only means of transportation (one wagon) with Corpl. Thomas Jones, of Company E, acting commissary ser- geant, and Matthew Kirkham, private of Company E, to Batchel- ders Creek to draw rations for first ten days of February. Lieutenant Carpenter, signal officer, and his men passed me at 11 a. in., saying he had been bidden good-by from Pine Tree and could not communicate with Batchelders Creek. Such being the case, I, with him, thought he should retire. The guards all arrived in, and allowed me to start on my retreat at 12.20 p. in., informing the vedettes when we were under way. They, by direction, with me fell back, keeping a proper distance in the rear to warn me of any approach of an enemy. if left 1 sergeant and 4 men to guard the stores, camp and garrison equipage until I endeavored to get transportation from Rocky Run, with orders, if the enemy came, to escape through the woods to the rear. My line of march was along the road to Pine Tree till I came to the road whicb, passing to the rear of Captain Elders camp, meets the Trent road about half a mile this side of Pine Tree. Until arriving in the Trent road I had 3 cavalrymen one-third of a mile in advance; thereafter all the cavalry remained that distance in rear. Upon arriving at Rocky Run, finding every one gone and the camp on fire, I sent back my orderly to the Red House and ordered the men whom I had left as a guard to follow me into New Berne, which same they did, arriving about one and a half hours after the main body. About lj miles this side of Rocky Run I was overtaken by a corporal and 3 men, who had been out by order of Colonel Savage to find me. He wa~ in rear of their camp, and as I passed to the right of it we missed each other. About 2 miles outside I was met by a company, commanded by Captain Myers, Twelfth New York Cavalry,sent out by Colonel Sav- age to escort us in. Up to this time we had not hurried much from the fact that we saw no enemy, but as we were told the enemy had shown himself along the road and there was danger of being cut off, I ordered the men to step out, which act, with the heavy load they had of all their effects, caused the line to lengthen some. I arrived within the works about 4.30 p. m Page 73 CHAI~. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 73 Captain Elder, with the 70 men at Pine Tree, retreated with the Twelfth New York Cavalry. He, just as his pickets were being drawn in, saw half a dozen rebels on the road between Pine Tree and Red House. The only one seen by any of us at the Red House was one at Batchelders Creek on the Tuscarora road, as one of my pick- ets went down to get a drink. They challenged each other, and my picket fell back to his post. All the men of the detachment came inside the works at New Berne unharmed, save Corporal Jones and Private Matthew Kirkham, both of Company E, who were in the wagon. The men under Captain Elder lost all their effects except those on their backs, being ordered by the commanding officer of the Twelfth New York Cavalry to leave their knapsacks in the woods, as they could not retreat fast enough with them on. The camp at Pine Tree was burned. I did not destroy anything at the Red House, as J hoped to be able to save them from the enemy, who seemed to be on the Neuse road only, and what little was there would not avail them much. I understand that William H. Ingram, who came in, was again al- lowed to go out by the general commanding, to communicate if pos- sible with the forces at Beech Grove. He is, I believe, still absent. I saw no vedettes on my way in till near Fort Totten. Considering the number of sick men, all praise is due to officers and men for the good order that prevailed. I understand that the wagon was used by order of the colonel com- manding outposts upon its arrival at Batchelders Creek. I have been unable to hear from it or those who were in it since. The line of outposts guarded by the detachment extended from Pine Tree along the road to Red House, thence along the Tuscarora road to where the road is crossed by Batchelders Creek. Hoping this will be found complete enough, I am, very respect- fully, your obedient servant, IRA WINANS, Capt. Co. A, 99th N. Y. Vol. Infy., lately ~iJomdg. Detach. Lieut. W. W. WELLS, Special Aide-de- Camp to Colonel Claassen. No. 7. Report ~f Capt. Charles G. Smith, One hundred and thirty-second New York infantry. HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, Batchelders Creek, near New Berne, N. C., February 7, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I came on duty as out- posts general officer of the day at 9 a. in., January 31, 1864, and was relieved at New Berne, N. C., on the morning of February 2. The following is a summary of events connected with my tour of duty: On January 31, visited all the posts along our front from the Red House to Beech Grove, and found all quiet and everything satis- factory. On the morning of February 1, at about 2.30 oclock, a cavalry mes- senger from Lieutenant Raring brought word of an attack on our pickets near the Neuse bridge. I proceeded there at once with Lieu- tenant Pittman and 8 men of the Twelfth New York Cavalry, leavin Page 74 74 OPERATIONS TN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. the balance of the cavalry company in camp ready for immediate service. Arriving at the bridge II found that the enemy had made a dash at our pickets on the Neuse road, capturing probably two posts, only 3 men having succeeded in reaching the block-house, but these, with the reserve of ii men, were keeping up a steady fire at the enemy, who, feeling conscious of their strength, had boldly advanced to the edge of the creek in considerable numbers, in front and on the right, and were trying to hit wherever they saw a head or heard a noise. The time of attack was well chosen, for a fog and light drizzling rain covered their advance, besides cutting off all our signal communication. After dismounting 4 cavalrymen, plac- ing them behind the breast-work on the left of the bridge, where there were only 2 of our men, sending men to the right and left to prevent a flank movement, and cautioning Lieutenant Haring not to waste his ammunition, I dispatched a messenger to you, stating the situation and requesting re-enforcements, sending written orders at the same time to Lieutenant Leith, commanding at Beech Grove, to send me 10 men and to advance his pickets toward the Neuse road along the creek At this time a squad of cavalry, under Lieutenant Marshall, reported to me, and leaving messengers at conveniemit points, I posted the rest on the right and left of the bridge, where the enemy appeared in some strength, and on the right especially were yelling like devils, and had just sent up a rocket. The fire at this time ~as severe, as the rebels had opened from four pieces (Napoleons), planted just beyond the ruins of Rigdon Richardsons house, and were firing shell and occasional canister, having the range perfectly, but firing generally too high. Returning from the bridge this time I found that you had antici- pated my request for re-enforcements, and I met Captain Green with his company (D), who at once took position at the breast-works, and deployed along the creek to the left, firing, with great spirit, holding the enemy in check, and apparently doing considerable execution, as the rebel fire slackened for a few minutes. Lieuten- ant Wells, special aide-de-camp, and Major Honstain arrived imme- diately afterward with Companies E and G, and being informed by the major that you desired me to report in person at camp, I imme- diately proceeded to do so, sending one of my orderlies on the way to order back the 10 men from Beech Grove, as an attack might be expected at that point also. After reporting to you and procuring a fresh horse I started, by your direction, with Lieutenant Wells and Companies H and I up the railroad, where Company B had been sent previously to guard the block-house. We took the Mill road leading to the right, and passing the rear of Davis house where Company F was guarding the ford in the creek, Lieutenant Wells requested me to take a few men and cross the ford to see if the enemy were retiring, as their artillery fire had been discontinued for a short time. I crossed here and advanced a short distance toward Rigdon Richardsons house, on the Neuse road, without finding anything, and leaving the men posted, returned, and ~as joined by Lieutenant Wells with Companies F, II, and I. We then advanced through the woods, Company F in the advance, deployed as skirmishers, but had not gone over 150 yards when we came upon the enemy, and retired under a brisk fire across the ford, which Company F was left to guard, and Lieutenant Wells retutning to camp, I went with the other two companies to the old mill, whic Page 75 C~. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW ]3ERNE, N. C. 75 had been held all the morning by the pickets who had fallen back that way when attacked on the front. I here sent 15 men in charge of Sergeant-Major Whitney to the left to keep up communication with Lientenant Hallenbeck at the block-honse on the railroad, and deployed 8 men on the right to establish a line with Company F, at the same ~tijne advancing skirmishers in front of our position and making a barricade of planks and timber at the mill crossing. Jnst as our preparations were completed we received orders from yon to fall back to camp. At the same time the eiiemy appeared, crossing the field with a line of skirmishers and a battalion advanc- ing in line of battle in rear of them. As they were within pistol- shot I left 10 men at the mill to check them, and ordered the rest to retire, sending an orderly to Captain Jones and a messenger to the sergeant-major. The men at the mill fired two volleys, but it did not have the effect of checking them much, for they charged on the barricade, and the force there had barely time to fall back in good order to camp when the rebels appeared on the railroad, and we commenced shelling them from the monitor. At this time they had succeeded in crossing near the Neuse bridge by felling trees across the creek, and were advanc- ing down the Neuse road. A~s I was riding toward their position I met Lieutenant-Colonel Hitchcock, who directed me to go to the Nense road and repeat his order to the artillery to make the best stand they could on that road at a point just above the railroad cross- ing, and also to send all of our forces who were coming in toward camp as soon as possible. I had almost reached the road when I met a portion of the Seven- teenth Massachusetts Infantry, who informed me that the artillery had retreated out of sight. I directed them to deploy as skirmish- ers on the cross-road near camp, and, if necessary, to retreat through the woods to a point on the railroad just below us. As our men were then near the signal station a retreat was ordered, and Company B, under Lieutenant Hallenbeck, which had just retired before the enemys skirmishers on the signal cut, was ordered to act as rear guard. As this is my own company I remained with them. They marched down the railroad in perfect order, although menaced by a force of infantry just behind them, until one-half a mile from the railroad crossing, when we learned that yourself, Lieutenant-Colonel Hitchcock, and a party who had been just ahead of us had been headed off and obliged to take to the woods, but not believing it pos- sible that the enemy could have intercepted us so soon, we went on until within pistol-shot of a large force which appeared on the rail- road crossing. Discovering here that we were cut off, I gave Lieu- tenant Hallenbeck the order to file right and double-quick through the woods on a road which leads to the old Government corral. But as soon as the rebels saw us trying to escape they pursued with cav- alry and infantry, and a brisk skirmish eiisued. Although the woods fairly swarmed with rebels the coolness and steadiness of Lieutenant Hallenbeck and his men carried them through with the loss of 1 corporal and 3 privates taken prisoners. I think they inflicted some damage on the enemy, as our men fired deliberately, and several were seen to fall. We were joined at this place by yourself and escort, and the pursuit being discontinued soon after, the whole party reached the Trent road in safety, and meeting there the rest of the regiment, which had crossed farther up, pro Page 76 OPERATIONS TN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. ceeded to New Berne, arriving at 2.30 p. in., twelve hours from the time of our first attack. I must beg leave before closing my report to mention in my offi- cial capacity such iudividual iustances of coolness and heroism as came uuder my notice. Where the whole regiment, emulating the example of its commanding officer, displayed such, a brave and determined spirit it would seem invidious to particularize, but leav- ing it to Lieutenant-Colonel Hitchcock, who conducted the fight on the Neuse road, and to the commandants of companies engaged, to call your attention to merit which has escaped me, I mention as an act of duty those whom I saw distinguishing themselves. Lieuten- ant Rarings brave defense of the Neuse bridge is worthy of especial mention. In this he was nobly seconded by Capt. Thomas B. Green, Lieutenant Cusick, and Companies D and G, with Lieutenants Gear- ing and Ryan, who were both badly wounded, the respective com- panies losing heavily. It was here that Lieutenant Zenette, act- ing quartermaster, fell while supplying the men with ammunition. He was a brave and accomplished soldier and gentleman, and fell universally regretted. The well-known coolness and good judgment of Lient. W. W. Wells, your special aide-de-camp, contributed largely to our defense and ultimate safe retreat. Capt. E. A. Jones, commanding Company F, maneuvered his men steadily during a brief skirmish with the enemy, and the courageous conduct of Lieutenant Hallenbeck, First Sergt. William L. Ludlum, and the non-commissioned officers and privates of Company B, who formed the rear guard, I need not enlarge upon, as the facts in the case you had ample opportunity of witnessing. The regiment has proved itself to be worthy of New York. From the statement of prisoners it appears that we were opposed, with a handful of men, to thousands of the enemys veteran troops, com- prising the brigades of Kemper, Ransom, and Hoke, with the Twenty- first Georgia and Forty-third North Carolina, and other troops, the whole under the command of Major-General Pickett; that their object was to capture, if possible, our pickets without firing a shot, to take the Neuse bridge by surprise, and advancing on New Berne, to enter the city at 3 a. m. before sufficient preparations could be made for its defense. Of this there can be no doubt. This bold plan has been defeated this time by the vigilance of our pickets and the determined opposition which the enemy met with from our regiment. During the fight on the Neuse road we were re-enforced by a por- tion of the Seventeenth Massachusetts and a section of Captain Angels battery, Third New York Artillery, who all behaved with their accustomed gallantry, but this force only arrived in time to take part in a hopeless encounter with a vastly superior force and in a retreat which was inevitable, after a foothold had once been gained by the enemy on this side of the Neuse bridge. The minuteness with which I have detailed the incidents con- nected with my tour of duty must be my apology for the extreme length of this report, which is very respectfully submitted. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. G. SMITH, Gapt. 132d N. Y. Vols., General Officer of the Day. Col. P. J. CLAASSEN, Commanding Outposts Page 77 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 77 No. 8. Reports of Col. James Jourdan, One hundred and fifty-eighth New York Infantry, commanding Sub-district of Beaufort. HEADQUARTERS SUB-DISTRICT OF BEAUFORT, Morehead City, N. 0., February 10, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to forward, for the information of the major-general commanding, the following report of operations in this sub-district during the recent advance of the enemy: On the 1st instant, in compliance with orders from Brigadier-Gen- eral Palmer, I sent the One hundred and fifty-eighth Regiment New York State Volunteers to New Berne, leaving Morehead garrisoned by Company C, Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, and about 200 unarmed recruits of the One hundred and fifty-eighth New York State Volunteers. I withdrew 100 men from the garrison of Fort Macon, 50 of whom I placed at Beaufort and the balance at More- head City. Captain Fuller, Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, was placed in command of Beaufort. On the night of the 1st instant I received the arms and ammunition asked for, with which every man, both soldier and citizen, was armed for the defense of the place. On the 2d instant my lines were attacked at Gales Creek picket station by a large force of the enemy, consisting of General Martins brigade of infantry, artillery, and cavalry. The rebels were twice repulsed, but their vastly superior numbers compelled the with- drawal of our little force, they falling back on Bogue Sound block- house. The Gales Creek station was then burned by the enemy. Our force was quickly followed up by the rebels to the block-house, where was stationed a company of the Ninth Vermont Volunteers. and after a brisk fight of about half an hour with artillery and in- fantry, the block-house was carried by assault, its garrison falling oack toward Morehead City. The rebels then advanced quickly upon Newport Barracks, throw- ing their right flank across the railroad to prevent a retreat. The Ninth Vermont Volunteers, under command of Captain Kelley, stationed at the barracks, met their advancing columns with volleys of musketry, and continued fighting and gradually retiring toward the barracks. The engagement lasted over an hour, our men hold- ing their position, and it was not until there was great danger of all retreat being cut off that the order to abandon the place was given. All public stores were burned to prevent falling into the enemys hands. The two companies, Mixs new cavalry, did good service and were continually harassing the enemy at different points. Lieutenant Budlong deserves especial mention for his bravery upon several occasions. Company D, Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, garrisoning the fort at Newport Barracks, rendered but little assistance as a com- pany, having failed to properly work their guns; a few, however, joined the Ninth Vermont and manned a gun under Lieutenant Viele, of the Ninth. This probably was owing to the absence of their commanding officer, Captain Conwell, who left his command on the morning of the 2d instant and never returned, and to the inexperience of the lieutenants in charge. The forces at Newport retired about 6 p. m. across the railroa Page 78 78 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. and county bridges toward Newport village. The fort at the vii- lage was garrisoned by a detachment of the Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, under Lieutenant Foley, who, without firing a single shot, spiked his guns and had his company drawn up outside of the fort, before the arrival of Lieutenant-Colonel Barney with the balance of his command. Finding it impossible to hold this position in the presence of such an overwhelming force, Colonel Barney retired under cover of the darkness in the direction of Beaufort. One of the guns in the fort at the barracks was brought away, another stuck in the mud and was abandoned, and the balance were rendered unserviceable. As soon as ii learned of the approach of the enemy in my front, I went to Newport Barracks per train, to give directions in reference to the defense of that place. I immediately withdrew the detach- ment at Kennedys Mill to prevent their capture, and directed that the guns in the two forts should be used as long as possible, and if the abandonment of the fort was compelled, that the guns should be brought out and thrown into Newport River; or if this were im- possible they should be spiked and the wheels and carriages broken. They were to be saved, if at all possible, even should cavalry horses be used to drag them. I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Barney, commanding officer of the post, to fight as~ long as possible, and if driven back to do so slowly, falling back on Morehead City, but if cut off in that direction, to fall back upon Newport village and there make a stand upon opposite bank of the river, destroying the bridges in his front. If driven from there he would retreat to Beaufort. Jtookallthesickandpartofthequartermastersstoresonboard the train to Morehead City, leaving directions that at the last ex- tremity, to prevent falling into the enemys hands, all public stores then remaining should be burnt. As soon as the rebels had appeared in front of my lines I advanced all of the troops from Morehead City, consisting of about 200 recruits, under command of Lieutenants JIsley and Connelly, of my staff, all the line officers being absent with their regiment at New Berne; a detachment of the Second North Carolina Volunteers, under com- mand of Capt. C. H. Foster (they having been withdrawn from Beaufort), and a 12-pounder Wiard and a 24-pounder howitzer, under command of Capt. C. B. Newton, Second Massachusetts Heavy Ar- tillery, to a position about 3 miles above Carolina City, throwing out my pickets in the direction of Bogue Sound block-house and the barracks. I threw up rifle-pits in rear of the large swamp, and blockaded all the different avenues of approach. Finding it would take every man to form a picket-line, and being so vastly outnum- bered by the enemy, my only recourse was to fall back on my in- trenched position, which I did about midnight of the 2d instant. During the night of the 2d instant I was busily engaged in strengthening my position .at Morehead City, and by the morning had it so strongly intrenched as to be secure against attack. All the roads leading to Morehead were well blockaded. A barricade was formed across the railroad track, rifle-pits were thrown up, and with the gun-boat Nansemond, which Commander Dove had kindly, fur- nished, upon our left flank and a boat howitzer on our right, we felt secure. The garrison of Newport arrived at Beaufort on the morn- ing of the 3d instant, and I immediately ordered them to Morehead to man the intrenched line, placing Lieutenant-Colonel Barney in co Page 79 ChAP. XIA.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. mand of the post. My cavalry scouted out during the day, and fouud the enemy at the railroad crossiug, about 6 miles from Morehead. During th~ 4th instant everything remained quiet, the enemy being about 5 miles from Morehead, the body of their troops being at the barracks. A small force of cavalry appeared on my right on Crab Point. Two comparfies were sent to that point to prevent the enemy from taking position there. On the 5th instant Colonel Ripley, Ninth Vermont Volunteers, arrived from Fortress Monroe and took command of his regiment. The Twenty-first Connecticut Volunteers, Colonel Dutton command- ing, also arrived, and I immediately advanced upon Newport Bar- racks with the Twenty-first Connecticut, Ninth Vermont, and one piece of artillery. I arrived at the barracks about 6 p. in., and find- ing no enemy (they having left the barracks about 4.30 p. in.), sent out a reconnaissance under Captain Cummings, Mixs new cavalry, to ascertain the exact position of the enemy. He returned about 2 a. m. of the 6th instant, and reported the discovery of their camp- fires about 11 miles from the barracks. While re-establishing my lines on the 6th instant the enemys cav- alry was reported about 5 miles from the barracks. I immediately started out with about 30 cavalry and two companies of infantry. I discovered a small force about 5 miles from the barracks, and charged upon them with the cavalry. We continued the charge, driving the rebels before us and directly into their camp, in which were about 350 cavalry and a section of artillery, under command of Colonel Jeffords, the rebels escaping by superiority of their horses. The enemy immediately opened on us with small-arms and artillery, and we retired in the direction of the barracks. Having no cavalry fit to operate, and no artillery whatever, I could not give battle to the enemy. In this affair we lost 2 horses captured, the riders being dis- mounted in the charge, and the horses dashing into the enemys camp; one of them belonging to my own orderly, the other being ridden by Lieutenant Ward, of General Palmers staff. About 6 miles from Newport we recaptured 5 of our wounded. On my return to the barracks I immediately established a strong picket-line, covering the barracks and the village, and disposed of the forces in such manner as to render them capable of making a good defense, if attacked. I then informed General Palmer by tele- graph of the state of affairs, and appealed to him for a section of artillery and 100 cavalry to enable me to advance upon the enemy, and was by him directed to come to New Berne to consult upon future operations, and to place Colonel Dutton in command of the sub-dis- trict during my absence, which I did. While in New Bernie, on the morning of the 7th instant, I received a telegram from Colonel Dutton that Colonel Ripley had been driven out of the barracks and retreated toward Morehead. I returned to Morehead per steamer Ella May, bringing with me five companies One hundred and fifty-eighth New York State Volunteers, two 12- pounder howitzers, and one mountain howitzer. On my return to Morehead, on the 8th instant, I found the forces had retaken their former position at the barracks, tbey having retreated therefrom without any apparent cause, and only upon rumors and the reports of the approach of the enemy in that direction. On the 9th instant I made a reconnaissance in force, with portions of the Ninth Vermont, Twenty-first Connecticut, and One hundre Page 80 80 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. and fifty-eighth New York and one section of artillery, and advanced to within a short distance of Cedar Point and other points on the White Oak River, and near Peletiers Mills, ascertaidziing that the rebels had all fallen back to and beyond Youngs Cross-Roads, and that there were none in my front. During the reconnaissance we captured 2 rebel wounded, and retook 1 of our captured horses. The post of Beaufort was, under the direction of Lieutenant Con- nelly, acting aide-de-camp, put in position to repel an attack, by throwing up rifle-pits, felling trees, blockading roads, & c., but no force of the enemy appeared in that direction. The posts of Croatan and Havelock were withdrawn to New Berne, by order of General Palmer, to prevent their capture, it being impossible for them to join the forces at Newport. Our whole loss amounts to 4 killed, 11 wounded, and 62 missing; numbers of the missing known to be wounded. The loss of the rebels must exceed our own in killed and wounded. Since the beginning of operations 7 deserters have come within our lines. Much credit is due Lieut. Col. V. G. Barney, post commander at Newport, and Captain Kelley, commanding Ninth Vermont Volun- teers, for the faithful manner in which they executed my orders, they only being prevented from carrying them out to the letter by the withdrawal of Lieutenant Foley from the fort at Newport vil- lage. I received the most hearty co-operation from Commander Dove, U. S. Navy, who placed at my disposal the gun-boats Nan- semond, Mercedita, and Emma, the officers of which evinced the utmost cheerfulness in the execution of my requests. My thanks are due to Capt. C. H. Foster, Second North Carolina Volunteers, and Capt. C. B. Newton, Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, and their commands, for the valuable services they ren- dered in completing the defenses of Morehead and the cheerful exe- cution of all duties assigned to them. It is with pleasure that I most respectfully recommend to the most favorable consideration of the major-general commanding, Lieut. S. A. Jisley, acting assistant adjutant-gen~ral, Lieut. J. C. Gerard, acting assistant quartermaster, Lieut. T. F. King, jr., acting assist- ant inspector-general, and Lieut. H. M. Connelly, acting aide-de- camp, of my staff, for their indefatigable efforts in assisting me, both as staff and commanding officers, during the operations in my sub- district. All of which is respectfully submitted. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. JOURDAN, Colonel, Commanding. Maj. B. B. FOSTER, Assistant Adjutant- General. MOREHEAD, February 2, 1864. The enemy have taken Gales Creek and Bogue Sound block-house. I have just come from the front. I am confident in my ability to hold the Morehead line about 10 miles above Carolina City. The enemy is in strong force; the infantry is estimated about 2,000, with three pieces of artillery and a strong force of cavalry. Before the capture of the above post we repulsed them several times. * J am * Some illegible words here follow Page 81 CHAP. XLv.I EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 81 afraid they will be captured. I have moved my sick to Morehead from Newport. I will use everything available to repulse them. I am moving all my little force, even convalescents, to the front. I am confident of success. J. JOURDAN. General PALMER. No. 9. Reports of Lient. Got. Valentine G. Barney, Ninth Vermont In fantry. MOREHEAD CITY, N. C., February ~, 1864. SIR: I have to report that on the morning of the 2d February, 1864, the enemy, about 1,700 strong, made an advance on our post- tion at Newport Barracks, first attacking our outposts at Gales Creek and Bogue Sound block-house, where Companies H and B were stationed, and then our force at the barracks. Our force there was small, and was composed nearly of the new recruits you lately sent us, who had received their arms the same morning. Our men fought finely, and, although opposed by four times their number, held the position until nearly dark, when we were obliged to fall back across the bridges amid burn them to prevent capture. We then fell back by way of Beaufort to this place. About 7~5 of our men are now missing, but we expect that nearly half the number will turn np soon, having been cut off from the main body. It is impossible to give you now anything like a cor- rect list of our missing. Lieutenant Bolton, Company C, is wounded through the shoulder (not dangerous); Lieutenant Holman, Com- pany G, is missing (probably captured). I will send you a list fri a day or two of all missing men. Captain Kelley, Company B, was in command of the regiment. I commanded the post, Colonel Ripley being absent at the time. The Twenty-first Connecticut Regiment have just arrived; also Colonel Ripley, and we intend an advance to-day to our old post. I write you in great haste. Respectfully, your obedient servant, V. G. BARNEY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Ninth Vermont. P. T. WASHBURN, Adjutant and Inspector General of Vermont. HEADQUARTERS NINTH VERMONT VOLUNTEERS, Newport Barracks, N. C., February 12, 1864. SIR: I inclose a list ~ of the killed, wounded, and missimig of this regiment in the late engagement at this place. In my report of last week I gave the account as near as possible at that time. Since then we have been almost constantly on the move and perfectly unset- tled. This is the first opportunity I have had to furnish you with ___ S * Official records show 3 men killed, 1 officer and 12 men wounded, and 1 officer and 50 men missing. 6 R RvOL XXXII Page 82 82 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. any additional accounts, and they will vary somewhat from my first. The enemy, wbo advanced upon us at this place, were about 2,500 strong, accompanied by fourteen pieces of artillery and 400 cavalry. They came with the expectation of capturing the whole regiment, and felt very much disappointed at the result and admitted their expedition a failure. You will see by my list that many of our men are missing. It is supposed that the most of them are prisoners. They were mostly new recruits, and on being cut off from the rest and unacquainted with the country were as apt to run into the enemys lines as ours. On our return to this place our dead were found on the field where they fell. Their clothing and everything valuable had been taken off from them. It is possible that more dead may be found through the woods amd swamp, where much fighting was done. The enemy lost in killed and wounded much more heavily then we did. One captain and 2 lieutenants were killed; also 15 of their men, and as many as 30 wounded. We are again at our old post. Our men are in good spirits. They have been since the fight without blankets, and many without over- coats. The weather, though, has been very pleasant, and they have not suffered very severely. We got the A tents to-day; also clothing. The last lot of recruits, 70 in number, arrived here on the 10th in- stant. They found rather a dubious-looking camp, but feel in good spirits, and seem to enjoy the bivouac and hard bread finely. I am assured that the Ninth Vermont has done itself great credit in the late engagement. Respectfully, your obedient servant, V. G. BARNEY, Lieutenctnt- Colonel, Commanding Ninth Vermont. P. T. WASHBURN, Adjutant and Inspector General of Vermont. No. 10. Reports of ]Jfoj. Gen. William H C. Whiting, C. S. Army, com manding at Wilmington, N. C. FEBRUARY 4, 1864. On the 2d instant General Martin, with the Seventeenth and Forty- second North Carolina troops and Colonel Jacksons commaud from Kenansville, broke the railroad at Sheppardsville, driving the enemy from their works at Newport Barracks and across Newport River. Dispatch is dated Newport Barracks. Have not heard a word from Kinston. W. H. C. WHITING, Ailiajor- General. General COOPER. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF CAPE FEAR, Wilmington, February 4, 1864. Mv DEAR GENERAL: I inclose the only dispatch* or information I have received of Picketts movements. They came from Richmond, the main line from Goldsborough being down. I got your dispatches * Not found Page 83 C~. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 83 4 and 5, and congratulate you on your success. So far, provided you hold the communication from Morehead City, you have done all and more than General Lee directed. It might have been well if you could have captured and burned Morehead with the pier there. If you have not moved as directed, or rather suggested, in my dispatch of this morning, I would reiterate the advice therein givento move so as to secure your rear and approach nearer to co- operate with the main attack. All this, of course, subject to your better knowledge of roads and information of the enemys move- ments. From Picketts dispatch to General Cooper I do not know how far his success extends or what he has done toward the main object. He appears, however, to have beaten the enemy. I would keep as bold a front as possible, and whenever you can, destroy culverts and the tanks of the railroad. That was the object of your expedition. I dont think the enemy will re-enforce Morehead from New Berne nor threaten your rear, but they may do so from sea. You must therefore keep a good lookout, and if certain they are re-enforced too heavily for you to manage, move back before them, taking your line either toward Kenansville or by the sound, as most expedient. All this, however, will depend entirely on the information you re- ceive from Pickett and his operations and from the enemy. I am not afraid of their hurting you. Keep me advised. Very truly, yours, W. H. C. WHITING, Brig. Gen. J. G. MARTIN, ilfajor- General. Commanding in Front. HEADQUARTERS, Wilmington, February 6, 1864. GENERAL: I inclose for your information the report* of Lieutenant- Colonel Jeffords, of Fifth South Carolina Cavalry, relative to his portion of the late movements near New Berne. It is addressed to Captain Elliott, assistant adjutant-general to Brigadier-General Martin, who commanded the expedition from this place, and is for- warded by him to me. As I telegraphed you on the 2d instant, General Martin was com- pletely successful, driving the enemy from strong positions fortified, destroying their barracks and the railroad bridge at Newport River, and forcing the enemy with considerable loss to retreat to Beaufort. On the night of the 2d he received a dispatch from General Barton that his expedition had failed and he would join the main attack, followed by another that General Pickett was successful and wished General Martin to act and hold the railroad. This had been already done. Finally, on the 4th, the day of Colonel Jeffords reconnais- sance, General Martin was informed that the troops were withdrawn to Kinston. The report of Lieutenant-Colonel Jeffords is interesting, as show- ing the great demoralization of the enemy. I will send you as soon as recbived General Martins report in detail. He deserves great credit for the skillful and_completely suc * 8ee inc1o~ure No. 16 to Martins report, p. 91 Page 84 84 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. cessful manner in which he performed his work, the desire of Gen- eral Lees confidential note of January 20 to me being thoroughly carried out by himself and his brave troops. Very respectfully, ~. H. ~. WHITING, Major- General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond. No. 11. Report of Brig. Gen. James G. Martin, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. HEADQUARTERS, Wilmington, February 16, 1864. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and inspector General, Richmond: GENERAL: II forward the report of the operations of General Martin against the enemys communications in the recent attempt upon New Berne. General Martin and his force fully accomplished their object and deserve much credit for gallant and skillful conduct. In my opinion he could have prevented re-enforceinents from reach- ing the enemy by the way of the Neuse. Very respectfully, ~. H. ~. WHITING, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS MARTINS BRIGADE, Wilmington, N. C., February 12, 1864. MAJOR: To execute General Lees instructions to Major-General Whiting by letter of January 20 (copy niarked No. 1), and after a short interview with Brigadier-Geueral Hoke at Goldsborough on the subject of this letter, I left this city ou Thursday, January 28, by direction of General Whiting, with parts of the Seventeenth and Forty-second Regiments North Carolina troops. The next day the command was increased by a company of cavalry (Captain Harlans), a battery of six guns under Captain Paris, two companies of the Seventeenth who were on picket at Topsail, and the reniainder of the Forty-second, which had been at work on the fortifications at Virginia Creek. Dispatch (copy marked No. 2) was sent that evening to General Barton. Reached Jacksonville on Saturday; crossed the wagons and artillery over the river in a single fiat during the afternoon and night, and moved next morning to White Oak River. At this point Colonel Jackson, with the remaining four companies of the Seven- teenth, one battery of artillery, and parts of three companies of cav- alry, joined the command. Pickets were sent over White Oak at once to arrest every person moving about, and the same orders given on this side. Couriers were also sent to General Barton. Dispatch marked No. 3 was itceived from him by retnrn courier. Captain Starke, acting brigade inspector, was at once set to work with a strong party to bridge the river. This work required nearly the whole night. Crossed the bridge early next morning and sent dispatc Page 85 ChAP. XLVI EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW I3ERNE, N. C. 85 (copy marked No. 4) to General Barton. Before night marched half- way to Newport Barracks. During the day caught a deserter from the enemy and derived from him valuable information of the posi- tion, strength, and condition of the enemy, on which I acted and all of which was true. I am of opinion this man should be treated differently from the other prisoners. It rained this (Monday) night, and fearing the condition of the roads, the transportation that could be spared was sent back over White Oak. Early next morning, still raining, the command moved in the fol- lowing order: Colonel Jackson commanding the advance, composed of all the cavalry under Lieutenant-Colonel Jeffords; four pieces of artillery, Ellis battery, of Moores battalion, the major also with it; two companies of the Seventeenth and one of the Forty-second, then the Seventeenth, under Lieutenant-Colonel Lamb, the Forty-second, under Colonel Brown, and Paris battery, followed by the train and rear guard. About 12 oclock the advance came on the enemys pickets and immediately charged them over a most dreadful piece of road, kill- ing and capturing, I believe, the whole picket. In this charge Lieu- tenant Muse, of Captain Harris company (cavalry), was killed just as he was in the act of striking his enemy. His blow fell, wounding the enemy, apparently, after he had been himself killed. Moved steadily and quickly forward and soon came to the first block-house, which was hurriedly left by the enemy after a few discharges from our artillery. About 4 miles farther came to the second block- house, at the junction of the main sound road to Morehead City and the road to Newport Barracks (distant about 4 miles). In this block-house was a piece of artillery and the enemy indicated an in- tention to hold it. The artillery of the advance had already opened fire upon it when I came up. A company of the Seventeenth, well instructed as skirmishers, was at once thrown forward under the fire of our artillery, with orders to take it if practicable. Captain Biggs company was designated for this attack. Lieutenant Hassell, acting brigade ordnance officer, belonging to this company, asked and received permission to join it for this service. When within about 200 yards Captain Biggs charged the work with such energy that after a few discharges the enemy fled in disorder. After a short delay moved off on the road to Newport Barracks. Advancing about 2 miles, as we emerged from a thick wood to a prairie and swamp the enemy opened on us with artillery. He had formed line on rising ground, his front without trees, then a swamp, and then another unwooded field. In this second opening the Seventeenth and Forty-second formed line on the right and left of the road, Col- onel Jacksons infantry still farther to the left, and the cavalry in reserve. Two companies from each regiment were thrown for- ward as skirmishers. The artillery was ordered to move forward on the road and use their guns as best they could. As soon as these arrangements were made the whole command advanced and a little later the order was given to charge the enemy. He broke and fled in disorder after a few rounds, and passing by the barracks, firing the store-houses and stables with some horses tied in them, crQssed Newport River, tearing up and setting fire to the county and railroad bridges. The fire on the railroad bridge was extinguished, but later in the evening I judged it best to burn it. It was now too dark to follow the enemy Page 86 86 OPERATIONS IN N. 0., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Cirxp. XLV. In this fight Captain Leith, of the Seventeenth, a brave and effi- cient officer, was mortally wonnded while commanding his company as skirmishers; also ~5 privates killed or mortally wounded and 14 less severely wounded. About 8 oclock the troops were ordered into camp, and to be ready to move at daylight in the morning. As soon as possible General Whiting was informed of our success by dispatch (copy marked No. 5). By the same courier a dispatch (copy marked No. 6) was sent to General Barton. At 2.30 oclock on the morning of the 3d a dispatch (copy marked No. 7) was received from General Barton; two hours later another (copy marked No. 8). In consequence of this last it was determined to hold the railroad where the command was, at the junction of the county roads from Beaufort and Morehead City. A detachment of cavalry, under Colonel Jackson, was sent toward Morehead City early on the morning of the 3d, and another, under Lieutenant-Colonel Jeffords, toward New Berne. Smaller ones were also sent on other roads. Dispatch (copy marked No. 9) was sent to General Barton. On the return of Colonel Jackson he reported the road so blocked u~ with trees as to be impassable to cavalry. An infantry party was then ordered to Morehead City, but before reach- ing it was recalled on account of General Bartons dispatches (copies marked Nos. 10 and 11). Lieutenant-Colonel Jeffords made his reconnaissance to within Lj miles of New Berne with an energy and soundness of judgment worthy of high commendation (see copies of his reports marke dNos. 12 to 16). Copies were sent at the time to Generals Whiting and Barton. The results of this expedition are 4 heavy dirt forts captured, 3 block-houses, with 1 flag, 10 pieces of artillery, 20 barrels of powder, several hundred small-arms, 20() boxes fixed ammunition for artil- lery, a considerable quantity of forage and other stores, 1,000 bar- rels of turpentine belonging to the United States, the quarters, stables, store-houses, called Newport Barracks, for 1,000 infantry, two companies of cavalry, and one of artillery; 3 railroad bridges, some trestle-work, some of the track at Croatan, and 2 large county bridges, all burnt or destroyed except one valuable piece of artillery brought away. About 30 horses and 2 wagons were also brought off and the telegraph wire was cut. The men saved from the burning buildings many overcoats, blankets, and other articles of clothing. My officers report about 20 of the enemy killed and from 40 to 50 wounded. One lieutenant and 73 men were brought to this city prisoners, and 4 men paroled, who were so badly wounded as to be unable to bear the journey; also 6 negroes brought here. During the night of the 2d there was a large fire at Morehead City, since reported to be the burning of the enemys stores at that place. About 8 oclock on the morning of the 4th instant we left Newport Barracks on our return, and the troops reached this city on the 10th. I cannot close this report without expressing my gratification at the gallant behavior of the troops during the fight and their patient endurance on a march of nearly 240 miles over very heavy roads. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. MARTIN, Brigadier-General. Maj. J. H. HILL, Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of Cape Fear Page 87 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 87 [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS, January 20, 1864. [Maj. Gen. W. II. C. WHITING:] GENERAL: An attack on New Berne is contemplated by the forces under command of General Pickett. The time will be between 25th and 30th instant. I request yon will give all the assistance in your power, threatening simultaneously with your troops north of the Cape Fear the enemys positions, so as to prevent their e-enforcing New Berne. General Pickett will telegraph you the day, by which you will know what is meant. Commit nothing to the telegraph on the subject. Keep the matter secret. Very respectfully, your obedient sei v~ ut, R. E. LEE, General. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS MARTINS BRIGADE, Thirty-four miles from Wilmington, Jan. 29, 18644 p. m. General BARTON, Commanding Troops, Kinston, N. C.: GENERAL: My comman(i (two regiments and a battery) will be here to-night and at Jacksonville, 19 miles hence, about noon to-mor- row. Thence I shall move to White Oak (Smiths Mill), where I hope to receive some information or directions as to my further movements, especially as to time. Please let me hear something. Vei~y, respectfully, ~. ~. MARTIN, Brigadier- General. [Inclosure No. 3.] MILL CREEK, 12 MILES FROM NEW BERNE, Jan~tary 31, 1864. [Brig. Gen. J. G. MARTIN:] GENERAL: All goes smoothly with us. You will hear us at work in the morning. I am afraid you will not reach the point designated by P[ickett] at the time we expected; nevertheless, push on and reach there as quickly as possible. I will keep you advised. S.M.B. [Inclosure No. 4.] SMITHS MILL, WHITE OAK CREEK, February 1, 18648 a. m. General BARTON, Mill Creek: GENERAL: My artillery is now crossing the bridge I had made last night. If for any reason you fall back inform me promptly, as my rear is entirely uncovered except by your force. I leave couriers on the road. It is 40 miles hence to Sheppardsville. Please keep me informed. I have not yet heard your guns. Yours, respectfully, J. G. MARTIN, Brigadier-General Page 88 88 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. [Inclosure No. ~.] NEWPORT BARRACKS, N. C., February 2, 18648 p. m. Major-General VVHITING, Commanding, Wilmington: GENERAL: After several slight skirmishes, beginning about 12 oclock to-day, 9 miles from this point, we had quite a serious engage- ment from 4 to 6 oclock. Terminated by driving the enemy over Newport River. They burnt their barracks and most of their stores. Our loss is not very severe, though I am unable to say what it is. Lieutenant Muse, of Captain Harris company of cavalry, was killed, and Captain Leith, of the Seventeenth, supposed to be mortally wounded. We have some prisoners, but most of the enemy escaped. The fort at this place is quite strong. On account of my entire ignorance of the movements about New Berne I felt unwilling to risk the safety of my command, and so ordered the bridge (railroad) to be burnt. The county bridge, at the request of Colonel Jackson, I have left for the present. There are now only a few organized commands on this point of land between Newport River and the sound. I shall send early in the morning to Morehead City and occupy it. I am very much embarrassed to know what to do on ac- count of my entire ignorance of the state of affairs at New Berne. I have heard from General Barton only once, of which I wrote to you before. Lieutenant Fairly has been of very great service to me. I am, general, yours, respectfully, ~-. G. MARTIN, Brigadier-General. Since writing the above the information I have received leads me to believe I ought to fall back unless I hear from General Lee. [Inclosure No. 6.] NEWPORT BARRACKS, N. C.. February 2, 18649.30 p. m. General BARTON, or GENERAL COMMANDING AROUND NEW BERNE: GENERAL: We drove the enemy from this place just at dusk this evening. I am at a loss to know what to do now, as I have heard nothing from you or from New Berne. In this state of my informa- tion I deem it best to burn the railroad bridge. Please ask General Lee or General Pickett to give me some instructions at once. You know my rear is all exposed to an attack from New Berne the moment you leave it open. Please let me hear from you or the general in command of the forces around New Berne. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. MARTIN, Brigadier- General. [Inclosure No. 7.] (Received Newport Barracks, 2.30 a. in., February 3.) [Brig. Gen. J. G. MARTIN:] GENERAL: My part of the expedition has failed; has accomplished very little, and I now leave to join main body. There is, therefore, no force between you and New Berne. I am disappointed in not hearing from you to-day. Will send your other courier from Pol- locksville. Everything has gone well across the Trent. Very respectfully, yours, & c., S. M.B Page 89 Ca& p. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 89 [Inclosure No. 8.] HEADQUARTERS, February 2, 18645 p. m. (Received Newport Barracks, 4.30 a. in., 3d.) Brigadier-General MARTIN: GENERAL: Pickett has had good luck. His dispatch directs that you cut and hold the railroad. Very respectfully, S. M. BARTON, Brigadier-General. [Juclosure No. 9.] NEWPORT BARRACKS, N. C., February 3, 186410.30 a. m General BARTON, or COMMANDING GENERAL IN FRONT OF NEW BERNE: GENERAL: I have received your dispatch of 5 p. m. yesterday, tell- ing me General Pickett wishes me to cut and hold the railroad. I informed you by courier last night that I had taken this place and burnt the railroad bridge. I should have left this morning on my return but for your last dispatch. My situation here is very preca- rious if the enemy should throw re-enforcements into Morehead City. I have sent out scouting parties in every direction this morning. From my information I am hardly able to take Morehead City, and a failure would injure me more than not making the attempt. Please keep me informed at least once a day of the state of affairs. You did not say in this dispatch whether you were still to join the main attack and thus leave my rear exposed. In one received two hours before, without hour, day, or place being named, you had said you were to join the main attack. Yours, respectfully, J. G. MARTIN, Brigadier-General. [Inclosure No. 10.] HEADQUARTERS, Kinston, N. 0., Feb. 3, 18646 a. in. (Received Newport Barracks, 6.30 p. in., 3d.) Brig. Gen. J. G. MARTIN: Fall back. All the troops are withdrawn. I do not know what it means. Very respectfully, S. M. BARTON, Brigadier-General. [Inclosure No. 11.] HEADQUARTERS, February 3, 186410.15 a. in. (Received Newport Barracks, 7 p. in., 3d.) General J. G. MARTIN: Fall back at ouce. The troops have been withdrawn from around New Berne. I do not know what it means. S. M. BARTON, Brigadier-General Page 90 90 OPERATTOINS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. [Inclosure No. 12.] HAVELOCK, February 3, 186412 m. General MARTIN, Commanding: GENERAL: I have reached this point. The fort has been deserted. One brass 6-pounder rifled gun spiked. The fort is now being burned with quarters. The enemy (one company artillery) left this morn- ing in direction of Croatan, where, from best information I can get, the enemy have a redoubt fort with one or two guns. I shall move forward immediately and see whether Croatan is occupied or not. It is 6 miles from this point. I met Hunter this morning (Confed- erate scout, so Dickinson says), and he informed me a terrific fight was going on from day-dawn to about 9 oclock. He also says that a guide was sent General Barton yesterday, and that he is now in between Croatan and New Berne. I shall forward you accurate information if it is possible to be obtained. A gentleman just brought in by my scouts reports Croatan deserted; troops going toward New Berne. He says he saw a dispatch from NeW Berne last night to commanding officer at Croatan, stating unless they could get re-enforcements by this railroad last night they would be obliged to surrender town this morning. I am fully impressed the city is now in our possession. Respectfully, II. ~ JEFFORDS, Lieutenant- (Jolonel Cavalry. [inclosure No. 13.] HEAD OF BRICES CREEK, February 3, 18645 oclock. General MARTIN, Commanding: GENERAL: I dispatched you from Havelock this day at 12 m. I then moved upto Croatan, which was evacuated; gun left in fort spiked. As I could get no definite information there from New Berne, I moved to this point, 5 miles from New Berne, where the Yankees have a block-house on main road from New Berne to Pol- locksville. There is no living person here; all houses are vacant. A fight has occurred at block-house; horses lie dead around and the cannon is out on road. One matter I cannot understand is, that the bridge here is torn up and not put dowm the road is much cut up, and many cavalry at least have gone toward New Berne. The citi- zens inform me two transports passed up this morning about 11 oclock with troops. All has been quiet. I hear no firing, and I am still fully impressed New Berne has fallen. A sunset gun (I suppose) has this instant been fired. I will move cautiously and endeavor to procure accurate information by morning. Very respectfully, R. ~. JEFFORDS, Lieutenant- Colonel Cavalry. ~inc1osure No. 14.] CROATAN, February 3, 186410 p. m. [Brig. Gen. J. G. MARTIN :1 GENERAL: I dispatched you from Evans Mill (head Brices Creek) at 5 p. m. this day, from where I moved forward to within 1~ mile Page 91 CH~w. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 91 of New Berne, passing the outposts of the enemy by a. detour and going within 150 yards of the main picket, from where I sent a file of men and brought a citizen from within their lines, from whom I Obtained following information, which from being confirmed by 3 subsequent citizens I regard pretty accurate, viz: That General Pick- ett had carried Deep Gully, capturing 1,500 troops, 1 light battery, and all the earthworks on that line of defeilse. To-day at 12 oclock our forces were planting their siege guns one- half mile in front of Fort Totten, which stands on outline of city. The Yankees were playing upon them, but the guns were being brought up. The gun-boats or forts on this side of Trent were play- ing on our forces up the Trent on both sides of river. From all I have learned I can hear no information respecting General Barton. I dont think he has attacked forts on this side of Trent. He doubt- less reduced fort at Evans Mill, and I imagine from bridge being up he has fallen back, probably crossing the Trent to support center. At least the three forts on this side of Trent have not been at-~ tacked, so far as I can learn, and their main picket to-night was about two companies from 1 to l~ miles out. Colonel Wood has burnt one of their gun-boats. They now have three there. They covered road with their fire, leading from Shep- pardsville to New Berne, as if apprehensive of an advance this after- noon and evening. They have been re-enforced by two transports, not over 600 to 800 men. Their force, the highest estimate, is 5,000 to 6,000. The greatest alarm is prevailing, and the citizens say 10,000 negroes have gone into New Berne from all this country. As I was unable to procure any forage, I had to fall back to this point to-night to get some. I have strong pickets on both sides of me, and will bivouac for night. I shall move around to-morrow, and endeavor to furnish promptest information. Should you desire otherwise a dispatch sent here can reach me. I am, your most obedient servant, R. J. JEFFORDS, Lieutenant-Colonel. [Inclosure No. 15.] ~CROATAN, [February 4, 1864]9 oclock. [Brig. Gen. J. G. MARTIN:] GENERAL: Your dispatch this moment to hand. As the bridges across Brices and Mill Creeks are torn up I shall return by way of Newport, and move immediately to rejoin you. Respectfully, R. J. JEFFORDS, Lieuteuant-Golonel. [Inclosure No. 16.] HUNTERS CREEK, NEAR WHITE OAK RIVER, February 4, 18649 p. m. Captain ELLIOTT: CAPTAIN: In obedience to your order, I left Croatan (7 or 8 miles from New Berne) at 9 a. m. this day, and reached this point, via Newport. On my route here I destroyed several road bridges, and burned railroad bridge and trestle at Havelock, 7 miles from New- port. The railroad track is also torn up about 100 yards near Croa- tan. Any troops landing at Morehead City must be detained severa Page 92 92 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. days before reaching New Berne. The firing was commenced at New Berne at sunrise this morning, and kept up irregularly until I got out of hearing from wind, at about 11 oclock. I heard from New Berne last night through a party who went in, and he says the forces are not over 3,000, with 600 or 800 re-enforcements landed yesterday a. m. That General Peck had telegraphed General Butler if re-en- forcements were not sent promptly forward he could not hold city, and that Butler replied, hold on, a brigade would reach him between thirty and fifty hours. Up to 11 oclock this morning they had not passed up the Neuse River. That the greatest panic prevails at New B erne. The city is crowded, and no transportation iu way of ship- ping to take them away. The troops are very much demoralized. My movements last night within a mile of city on south side of Trent annoyed them much. I stated I was but the advanced guard to main body, & c. I cannot account why General Barton fell back. The bridge at Evans Mill was torn up by Yankees, as all the planks, are on side next to New Berne. They admit loss of 1,500 men killed, wounded, and captured. I am fully impressed determination south of Trent would have carried the day. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. J. JEFFORDS, Lieutenant- Colonel Fifth South Carolina Cavalry. No. 12. Report of ]ifaj. Gen. George E. Pickett, C. S. Army, commanding Department of North Carolina. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, Petersburg, Va., February 15, 1864. General R. E. LEE, Commanding Army of Northern Virginia: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose a communication, t1~ie copy of which I have forwarded to the Adjutant-General. I have but little doubt that had Barton pi~shed on we might have been successful. I could have only brought four rifled guns into action. Two 10-pounder Parrotts (new guns) were disabled while firing on their iron-dads, the first fire disabling the carriages. I am sorry nothing more was done, but the surprise being over, and no co-operation, ~ it would have been a desperate matter to attempt an attack in front. I hope, general, you will understand my reasons for the with- drawal, and remain, as ever, with high respect, your obedient servant, G. E. PICKETT, lJlqjor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, February 15, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with in- structions received from General Lee under date of January 20, 1864, the expedition left Kinston as follows: General Barton, with his own brigade and that of Kemper, and three regiments of Ransoms, eight rifled pieces, six Napoleons, and * See Lee to Pickett and Cooper, February 15, Correspondence, & c., pp. 1186,1187 Page 93 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 93 600 cavalry, on the morning of the 30th ultimo to cross the Trent and take the works in front of New Berne in reverse, and to prevent the enemy being re-enforced by land or water. Later in the day I sent off the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Virginia to report to Colonel Dearing, on the north side of the Nense River. With this, three pieces of artillery, Whitfords regiment, and 300 cavalry he was to have attacked, if it was practicable, Fort Ander- son, Barringtons Ferry. Commander Wood, of the Navy, with his boat party, left on the 31st ultimo, and I, with Hokes brigade, three regiments of Gorses and i~wo of Clingmans brigade, five rifled pieces, and five Napoleons, and 30 cavalry, started on the evening of the 30th ultimo. The at- tack was to have been made simultaneously by the different parties on Monday morning. Barton with his cavalry was to have cut the railroad and cross Brices Creek, taking the forts on the bank of the Neuse (which opened to the water), and pass across the railroad bridge, effectually, should he only sncceed in the first, cntting off re-enforcements. Dearing, by taking Fort Anderson, would have a direct fire npon the town and enfilading fire on the works in front of it. Commander Wood, having secured the gun-boats, would co-operate, and I, with the party under my command, create a diver- sion, draw off the enemy, and if the chance offered go in the town. Accordingly, on Monday morning at 1 oclock I pushed forward General Hoke, who, upon his arrival at Batchelders Creek, 9 miles from New Berne, was met in strong force by the enemy. Although they were evidently surprised, still the night being dark and the enemy posted in a strong position, and having destroyed the bridge, it was impracticable for General Hoke to force a passage till after daylight. This he did in mdst gallant style. At this time the enemy were re-enforcing heavily by railroad, and trying to rake our lines with the guns on a steam iron-clad. They attempted to turn my right flank with these re-enforcements. I threw Gorse forward to drive them in, which he did handsomely, and Cliugman, with his two regiments, following General Hoke s. After effecting the crossing the enemy were hardly pursued, but having no cavalry, amA the men much worn by the long nights march, and not having been allowed fires, we were unable to press our advantage as we would have done had there been fresh troops in hand; in fact, it was 3 oclock before General Gorse could come to the crossing of the Neuse road with the railroad, some 2-i- miles from the town. There was, unfortunately, no co-operation, the other parties having failed to attack, and I found we were making the fight single-handed. Commander Wood went down the Neuse on the night of the 31st with his party, but did not find the gun-boats. Dearing found Fort Anderson too strong to attack. Bartons cav- alry failed to cut the railroad and telegraph to Morehead City, nor was it ever done by his party. This was afterward done by General Martin, but no communication was received of this fact from Gen- eral Barton till some time after we moved back. General Barton communicated with me by courier on Tuesday morning, saying he found the work laid out for him impracticable. This nQt being satis- factory to me, I sent Captain Bright, my aide-de-camp, across the Trent to communicate with him in person. This was accomplished by Captain Bright at a good deal of risk. General Barton informed him that he had been entirely misinformed as to the strength of the place, and that he pronounced the works as too strong to attack, an Page 94 94 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. that he had made no advance and did not intend to, and that he had sent out twice his cavalry to cut the railroad and they returned with- out having accomplished it. Captain Bright then, by my direction, ordered him to join me. General Barton said he would try to cross at Pollocksville, but would be unable to cross that night (the 2d), and expressed some doubt as to whether he could cross at all at that point. Should he fail, then he would be compelled to go much higher up the river. Thus the earliest possible moment at which he could have joined me would have been the evening of the 3d instant. I could not then have attacked before the 4th instant. General Bar- ton afterward informed me verbally that he could positively have done nothing on his side of the river. General Barton had orders from me, in case he found it impracticable to perform his part of the work, which was the most important, to at once cross to me and let me try a coup de main. I could, however, hear nothing from him for some time, and when I did it was the unsatisfactory note above alluded to. On the night of the 1st instant Commander Wood gallantly at- tacked and took the six-gun steamer Underwriter, but was compelled to burn her, thus losing us her invaluable services. The enemy hav- ing had ample time to re-enforce both by water and railroad, the trains running in constantly night and day from Morehead City, and in fact the whole plan by which the place was to be reduced having failed, I deemed it prudent, after consultation with my offi- cers, to withdraw, which we did at our leisure. The result may be summed up as follows, viz: Killed and wounded, alout 100; captured, 13 officers, 284 privates, 14 negroes, 2 rifled pieces and caissons, 300 stands of small-arms, 4 ambulances, 3 wagons, 103 animals, a quantity of clothing, camp and garrison equipage, and 2 flags. Commander Wood, C. S. Navy, captured anddesroyed U.S. gun-boat Underwriter. Our loss about 45 killed and wounded. A correct list will be forwarded. I found the ground in my front swept by half a dozen forts, one of them mounting seven rifled gnus, with which they fired at pleasure over and into our line of battle. Had I have had the whole force in hand I have but little doubt that we cduld have gone in easily, taking the place by surprise. I would not advise a movement against New Berne or Washington again till the iron-dads are done. In mean time, having received dispatches that the enemy were in force at Suffolk and advancing on Blackwater, I deemed it prudent to send General Clingman back to Petersburg. I have received as yet no written report from General Barton, but am of the opinion that he should have advanced at the same time that I did. Had he have done so, the enemy being fully employed by me, he could have probably carried out this part of the plan. At any rate, it was worth the trial, and I respectfully ask an investiga- tion of his want of co-operation.. From all that I could learn no infantry were over on that side of the town. The present operation I was afraid of from the first, as there were too many contingencies. I should have wished more concentration, but still hope the effect pro- duced by the expedition may prove beneficial. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. E. PICKETT lilicijor-General, Commanding. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General Page 95 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 95 No. 13. Report of Brig. Gen. Robert F. Ho/ce, U. S. Army, commanding - brigade. HEADQUARTERS HoKEs BRIGADE, Kinston, N. 0., February 8, 1864. MAJOR: In obedience to orders, I reported to Major-General Pickett with letters to him from the commanding general on Friday, January 22, at Petersburg, and there awaited the arrival of my command, which was immediately forwarded to Garysburg, near Weldon. I expected to find General Corses at Petersburg, but learned it could not reach there before Wednesday, January 27, Which delayed our movements from this point until Friday, the 29th. In the mean time the artillery was collected and placed upon cars, as if it was to be shipped to Richmond, and every piece supplied with a sufficient quantity of ammunition. The horses were sent to the country to recruit, and after getting several miles in the country were ordered to Wilmington, but were to stop at Wilson, N. C., for further orders. After making all the necessary arrangements at Petersburg I proceeded at once to Kinston, and finding the enemy had made no change returned to Weldon to give the shipment of my troops my personal attention. Saturday (the 30th) being the day for the movement from Kinston, I on Friday forwarded to that point from Goldsborough all of Kem- pers brigade and three regiments of Ransoms brigade from Weldon, together with six rifled pieces and cannoneers, which, with Bartons brigade (600 cavalry and six Napoleons, now at Kinston), composed the column which was to leave that point on Saturday morning and move down the Trent road as if upon New Berne; thence across Trent River and down the south bank across Brices Creek to the rear of New Berne, under the command of Brigadier-General Barton. Two regiments of Corses brigade were also forwarded to Kinston on Friday, which, with Whitfords battalion, now on duty on north bank of Neuse River below Kinston, formed the column, commanded by Colonel Dearing, which wasto make demonstrations against Wash- ington, or if he could surprise Fort Anderson was to go in. The remainder of Corses brigade, two regiments of Cliugmans brigade, the Fifty-sixth North Carolina Regiment, of Ransoms brigad~, and my brigade, with four Napoleons, eight rifled pieces and cannon- eers, arrived at Kinston during Saturday (the horses having been ordered from Wilson so as to arrive there at 12 oclock on Saturday), which, being the column that was to the front of New Berne, moved at once upon the Dover road 5 miles from Kinston. On this night General Barton with his command was 15 miles from Kinston. Dear- ing was progressing finely and General Martin was en route from Wilmington toward Morehead City. Colonel Wood with his party arrived at Kinston Saturday night and proceeded down the river on Sunday. On Sunday morning at 6 oclock I, with my brigade at the head of the column, proceeded on the Dover road, arresting all persons who saw us, and directed the march so as to arrive at Stevens Fork, a point 10 miles from New Berne and 2 miles from the outpost of the enemy, after dark, where we encamped without fires until 1 oclock Monday morning, the 1st instant, at which time I moved forward and captured all the outposts, but not without being hailed and fire Page 96 96 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CH~P. XLV. upon. I moved down the road with all possible speed in order to reach Batchelders Creek before the bridge could be taken np; but upon reaching the point found they had been alarmed by the firing of the pickets and had taken up the bridge. Here I lost a nnmber of men killed and wonnded. The enemy at this point were strongly intrenched, and also had a block-house erected. To avoid the loss of men by storming, I threw some trees across the creek and crossed two regiments over, under command of Colonel Mercer, of the Twenty-first Georgia Regiment, with orders to move upon their flank and rear, while I would repair the bridge and Cross over the remainder of the command. This was soon done and we were not long delayed. The enemy in the mean time had tele- graphed for re-enforcements, who were about 2 miles distant, and ar- rived in time to form in the field in rear of the creek, artillery and infantry, but we soon drove them before us and completely routed them. They made my anticipated move, which was to throw troops by cars across the creek on the railroad, and came in our rear. This was what we wanted, and I moved with all possible speed a distance of 6 miles to strike the railroad and capture the train, but the enemy by telegraphic communications were apprised of our move, and re- turned the train loaded with troops just five minutes before I reached the road. It was my intention, had I gotten the train, to place my men upon it and go into New Berne. At this point my brigade was halted i~o meet any advance of the enemy from the town, while Gen- eral Cliugman was ordered across to the Trent road to prevent the return of the enemy from Deep Gully, and also to take all strag- glers; but not knowing the country he failed to reach the road, which was extremely unfortunate, as during the evening at different times ~500 infantry and 400 cavalry passed into the town panic- stricken, leaving their camps in wild confusion. After General Corse came up to the railroad I moved my brigade within a mile to the front of the town to await the sound of Bar- tons guns from the opposite side of Trent River, when, much to my amazement, I saw two trains come into town from Morehead City, which proved clearly that Barton had not reached the point of destination. We remained in front ofe New Berne all day Tuesday waiting Bartons move, when, much to my disappointment, a dis- patch was received from him stating that it was impossible for him to cross the creek. Being junior officer it does not become me to speak my thoughts of this move. On Wednesday we were ordered to return toward Batchelders Creek, my brigade bringing up the rear. Colonel Wood, on Sunday, found no boats in the river, but on Monday night most gallantly destroyed one of their first-class boats. Our surprise was most complete, and had all parties done their duty our hopes would have been more than realized. We now know the place was within our grasp, which was seen before leaving the front of the town. The enemy were thoroughly routed and demor- alized. I hope, major, the general will not think it was on account of statements made them concerning the position and strength of the enemy, for I assure you I found matters more favorable than I ex- pected. The work could have been done, and still can be accom- plished. I have recruited my brigade somewhat since I have been in the State and am sanguine about increasing it a good deal. My men are in good health and fine spirits. The troops do not loo Page 97 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 97 upon our campaign as a failure, as the real object was not known to them and the capture of several rich camps pleased them wonder- fully. General Pickett has no doubt reported the extent of our. captures. The two 3-inch steel rifled pieces, with horses and equip- ments, was a valuable prize. I have but 95 carpenters and me- chanics and 50 laborers from my command to work on the gun-boat, and they will soon have it completed. The material I have made arrangements to have brought forward, and by the 1st of March I hope to have both of the iron-dads ready for work, with which there can be no doubt of success. In the mean time I will remain here, where I have a]ready made my men comfortable, and push forward the work, and at the same time give the boat protection, whi6h is absolutely necessary. Major Wharton, who has been acting as staff officer, will be able to answer all questions. There is no doubt of success in this undertaking, and we cannot and must not stop. Very respectfully, yours, & c. R. F. HOKE, Major TAYLOR, Brigadier-General. Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 14. Reports of Brig. Gen. Seth 11~L. Barton, U. S. Army, commanding brigade. HEADQUARTERS BARTONS BRIGADE, Maj. THEODORE 0. CHESTNEY, February 21, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General: MAJOR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a report of the part borne by the forces under my command in the recent advance against New Berne, which I wish forwarded to General Lee. The original has been sent to General Pickett, now at Golds- borough, N. C., and I desire to avoid the delay. Common rumor assigns me no eniTiable position in relation to this matter, and I know not how it may affect my superiors. I am anxious to remove as speedily as possible, or as a knowledge of the facts may accom- plish, such unfavorable impression. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. M. BARTON, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS BRIGADE, February 21, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part borne by the forces under my command in the recent advance against New Berne. These were Kempers (Colonel Terry), Ransoms, my own brigade (Colonel Aylett), twelve pieces of artillery, twelve com- panies of cavalry. On the 29th ultimo I detached Colonel Baker, with seven compa- nies of his regiment (Third North Carolina Cavalry) and five com- panies of the Sixty-second Georgia Cavalry (Lieutenant-Colonel Kennedy), to strengthen the picket-line between Neuse and Trent Rivers and to cover all the roads and paths south and east of Kins- 7 R RVOL XXXII Page 98 98 OPERATIONS JN N. C., VA., W. VA., Mi)., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. toll, so as to prevent information reaching the enemy of an~r move- ment likely to create suspicion. At daylight on the 30th, the troops commenced the movement, and bivouacked that night on the Trent after a march of 18 miles. The cavalry were advanced during the night and collected at Trenton. On the 31st, Colonel Baker with his regiment was detached and ordered to move by a circuitous route, so as to reach the railroad at or. near Croatan 10 miles below New Berne, and having destroyed the track and telegraph line, to follow up the railroad and capture the enemys picket at Evans Mill, a station on Brices Creek, 7 miles from New Berne. The artillery and infantry marched 21 miles and bivouacked 12 miles froni New Berne. A dark and rainy night and a broken bridge prevented further progress till the moon rose 1.30 a. m. At this hour the column was again put in motion, but such were the difficulties of the road it was 8 a. m. before coming in sight of the enemys lines. Several citizens of intelligence and known loyalty, who had been brought in during the night and in the morn- ing, assured me that the fortifications on the south of the Trent were of the most formidable character, deemed by the enemy impregna- ble, and to be approached only by a bridge over Brices Creek, a considerable stream, both deep and wide. A reconnaissance made by General Ransom, Colonel Aylett, and myself showed an open plain, varying from 1 mile to 2 miles in breadth, reaching to Brice s Creek; this very deep and about 80 yards wide, with marshy banks, the timber upon which had been cut down, a temporary bridge, on the east bank a block-house and breast-works, behind which a camp; at confluence of creek with Trent River, 1,000 yards distant, a field-work mounting ten guns; 300 lards east another work with eight guns; one-half or three-quarters of a mile east, near railroad bridge, and about 1 mile from Brices Creek bridge, another very large work; south on Neuse River, about 2 miles from Brices Creek bridge, a very large fort for land and river defense; a line of breast- works extending from this west to Brices Creek, and terminating in a field work 1 mile above the bridge, other works of less importance covering the plain and connecting the forts; on north side of Trent, here 700 yards wide, two field-works commanding those on south side. The plan of operations required me to gain the south bank of Trent River, which was thought to be unprotected by fortifications, in order that my guns planted there should take in reverse the enemys works between the rivers. Before starting upon the expe- dition I had made every exertion consistent with secrecy to arrive at accurate information as to this part of the enemys position, having entertained doubts as to its not being fortified. Scouts and spies deemed reliable had been examined and reported that there were no works there. One in particnlar, as surveyor of the county and maker of the sketches and maps of the vicinity, upon which we relied, was sent to ascertain the facts. He returned three days before the movement and reported that his maps were correct; that there were no other fortifications than those abandoned by our troops at the capture of New Berne, and that these were constructed to meet an advance from the east and south. Brices Creek also was represented by him not to exceed 90 feet in breadth. I was therefore unprepared to encounter obstacles so serions, and was forced to the conviction that they were insurmountable by any means at my disposal. Had it even been practicable to carry the fortifications on the south side Qf Trent, the po~es~ioi~ of th~i~ would have been, ijseles~ for th Page 99 Ca& p. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 99 accomplishment of our object. Iu this opinion the brigade coin- mauders fully coincided. It still remained practicable to make a detour by Evans Mill, to cross Brices Creek, but this route would have brought me iu front of the same aud other fortifications. It had beeu determiued in case of a failure in the attack ou the south that my forces should be with- drawu to joiu Geueral Pickett aud assault ou the west. I was already, by the nearest practicable route, 24 miles from General Pick- ett. This detour by Evans, while it added nothing to our chances of success, added also 11 miles to the distance between us. Imme- diately on arriving in front of the works of New Berne I advanced my line of skirmishers close to Brices Creek. The enemy opened and kept up a fire upon them during the whole of the 1st and 2d in- stant from the works and field batteries. The resistance offered to General Picketts advance seemed to be so obstinate, as indicated by the long continuance of~ firing in the same direction, that I deemed it advisable to make a diversion in his favor, and accordingly opened with six rifles upon the block-house and contiguous forts. Having accomplished this object the pieces were withdrawn. The enemy seemed to have suffered much by this fire. He endeavored to throw a force across Brices Creek, but it was driven back by the line of skirmishers. Colonel Baker returned at midday on the 1st, having failed to effect a passage across the swamp, assigning the incompetency of his guide and the difficulties of his route, enhanced by the rain and the darkness of the night, as his reasons therefor. He again made the attempt on the night of th~. 1st, with like results and for the same reasons. On the iiight of the 2d, with a small party dismounted, he succeeded after very great labor in reaching the railroad and tele- graph line, which he broke up. Lieutenant-Colonel Kennedy, on the morning of the 1st, ambus- caded a body of the enemys cavalry; killed 1, wounded several, and took ~i prisoners. On the 2d he drove in the enemys pickets near Evans, killing 1 and taking 1 prisoner. Immediately after reconn~itering the enemys position I dispatched several messengers, scouts, and couriers to General Pickett, inform- ing him of the posture of affairs and asking instructions, and also endeavoring to open comniunication with him by means of signals. I received no communication from him until the evening of the 2d, when he directed me to join him for the purpose of making an assault on his front. I at once proceeded to do so. Having reached Pollocksville, 12 miles on my route, he directed me to fall back to Kinston, which was accordingly done. My casualties amount to 1 killed and 4 wounded, whose names will be forwarded as soon as received. I have been delayed in forwarding this report awaiting those of the brigade commanders, only one of which, herewith inclo~ed, has yet reached me. The press and common rumor have been kept busy in casting cen- sure upon my course. If my superiors entertain similar opinions, I request that a court of inquiry be called to investigate the matter. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, S. M. J3ARTON, Maj. CHARLES PICKETT, Brigadier-General. A& sistard Adjutant-General Page 100 100 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA, MD., AND PA. [CHAP XLV. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF RICHMOND, February 26, 1864.. Respectfully forwarded at the request of Brigadier-General Bartou. ARNOLD ELZEY, Major- General. [Second inclorsement.] HEADQUARTERS, March 3, 1864. I think it due to General Barton that a court of inquiry be granted him. R. E. LEE, General. ADDENDA. CAMP NEAR RICHMOND, February 29, 1864. General S. COOPER, A6~jntant and Inspector General: GENERAL: The report of Major-General Pickett of the recent operations against New Berne contains the most injurious allega- tions against my course in conducting a part -of the movement. Grave charges have also been made in the press and on the street. I have the honor to apply for a court of inquiry to investigate the matter, and that it be called speedily. I desire but few witnesses; they are convenient, not engaged, I believe, in any way to prevent their attendance. The events are recent. It is of incalculable im- portance to me that the imputations under which I am oppressed should be removed. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. M. BARTON, Brigadier-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 54. Richmond, Va., March 5, 1864. * * * * * * * XXIV. At the request of Brig. Gen. S. M. Barton, a court of inquiry is hereby appointed to meet iii this city on the 10th day of March, or as soon thereafter as practicable, for the purpose of in- quiring into the cause of the alleged failure of General Barton to co-operate with General G. E. Pickett in the late attack on New Berne, N. C. The court will report the facts in the case, together with ifs opinion thereon, to this office. Detail of the court: Maj. Gen. Samnel Jones, Maj. Gen. Arnold Elzey, Brig. Gen. J. R. Cooke; Maj. L. R. Page, assistant adjutant- general, judge advocate. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- Genera Page 101 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW BERNE, N. C. 101 No. 15. I?eport of Brig. Gen. Thomas L. Ctingman, C. S. Army, command ing brigade. HDQRS. CLJNGMANS BRIGADE, March 17, 1864. MAJOR: I have been prevented from complying with the order in the circular of the 21st ultimo from the fact that at the time it was received by me one of the regiments (the Eighth) was detached from my command, and it was not until this morning that I was able to obtain the statement of its casualties required. As I was compelled to give a full report of casualties, and state particularly whether I lost any prisoners, I was compelled to delay the report. In obedience to orders received during the previous night, on the morning of the 29th of January last I, with two regiments of my brigade (the Eighth, commanded by Col. H. M. Shaw, and the Fifty-first, by Col. H. McKethan), took the railroad trains for Kinston, N. C., at which place I arrived on the evening of The 30th, and advanced S miles toward New Berne. In obedience to orders from Major-General Pickett, on the next day I followed with my command General Hokes brigade, which was in the advance of the column, and rested for a part of the night about 12 miles this side of New Berne. Having been ordered to follow immediately General Hokes com- mand and support him, on the morning of February 1, I moved forward with my command. Owing to the delay at Batchelders Creek and to the darkness of the night, I, with the front of my com- mand, passed the rear of General Hokes, which was resting on the right side of the road. While in this position, within 200 or 300 yards of the creek, Colonel Shaw, who was with me at the head of his regiment, was instantly killed by one of the enemys shots from the opposite side of the stream. This most unfortunate casualty rendered it necessary that Lieut. Col. J. M. Whitson should assume the command of the regiment. Wheii at a late hour the passage of Batchelders Creek had been effected, my command followed General Hokes closely until we reached the point where the railroad was intersected by the road along which we had been advancing. I then received orders from Major-General Pickett to take the advance and move along the road, to be followed and supported by General Hokes brigade. I was merely instructed to be particularly on my guard against any attack that might be made on my left from the direction of the town of New Berne, and General Hoke, having been previously acquainted with the localities there, was instructed to accompany me. After moving along the road until within nearly a mile of the town, my brigade merged to the right, keeping a direc- tion nearly parallel to the line of the enemys fortifications on the front of the town. The enemy were not encountered until we had advanced to a position within 600 or 800 yards of the Trent road. There they were in position with a regiment of cavalry and some field artillery, supported also by what appeared to be a small infantry force on their rear to the city. Their cavalry dashed forward to charge us, but were repulsed by my skirmishers without getting near enough to receive the volley of the brigade. Their field pieces then opened upon us, chiefly with spherical case-shot, but the men were directed to lie down, and there being a little swell in the ground. in front, little or no injury was sustained by us. Their cavalry started forward several times, but whenever our line rose to its fee Page 102 102 O14~1~ATIOI~S 1N N. CX, VA., W. VA., MTI~., AI~D PA. CHAP. XLV. they halted and retired. Thinking it advisable to attack the enemy and drive them within the fortifications of the town, arid occupy the Trent road, I requested General Hoke to bring up his brigade to my support, it being then nearly a mile to the rear. He returned for that purpose, but after waiting nearly an hour without hearing from him, I sent two of my staff in succession to request that at least a section of artillery should be brought up to my assistance. While in this position the heavy batteries of Fort Totten opened on us. As this fortress, represented to be the strongest in the town of New Berne, and armed with not less than fifteen gnus of large cali- ber, was not more than three-quarters of a mile distant, and had a complete enfilading fire on us, had their practice been good we must have sustained serious injury; in point of fact, however, their fire proved nearly harmless. After retaining this position for two or three hours, I was informed that the artillery could not be brought forward. General Hoke did not come up with his command, and I was soon after ordered 4o retire. As, in addition to the fire of the heavy batteries, we were confront~ed with the enemys cavalry, field artillery, and infantry, I withdrew my command slowly by sections, and occupied successively such positions as would enable us to repel an attack if suddenly niade by the cavalry. It gives me great pleasure to be able to state that, though ex- posed on the flank and front to artillery fire and threatened con- stantly with attack by the enemys cavalry and infantry, the troops under my command performed the movements ordered with as much coolness and precision as I ever saw them when on drill. After retiring, I was instructed to occupy the ground in front of the railroad crossing, within the range of the enemys fire from the forts, and on each night of our bivouacking there I sent forward for the distance of 1 mile strong detachments to guard against any attack that the enemy might make. In obedience to orders, these detachments were withdrawn about 1 oclock on the morning of the 3d, and my brigade returned with the rest of the command to the vicinity of Kinston. The casualties in my brigade were small in number, but the loss of Colonel Shaw is deeply to be deplored. Equally remarkable for his attention to all the duties of his position and for the coolness, self-possession, and courage in the field, I know no one filling a simi- lar statioii whose loss would inflict a greater injury to the service than that sustained in his fall. In conclusion, I have to state that there was not a single instance of desertion or straggling from my command during the expedition, and every officer and private seems to have acted creditably on all occasions. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours, & c., T. L. CLINGMAN, Brigadier-General. Major PICKETT. No. 16. Report of Cot. John Taylor Wood, C. S. Army. RICHMOND, Febrnary 8, 1864. GENERAL: I report to you the result of the late operations near New Berne. Leaving Kinston at noon on the 31st ultimo, we reached Ne Page 103 CHAP. XLV.] ~PEDITION TO tSti~ OV WIGIIT COUNTY, VA. 1o~ Berne at 4 a. in.; passed down and up in front of the town without discovering the ou11-boats. A thick fog shut in everything. At daybreak returned up the river to Batchelder~s Creek, as our forces were crossing. Monday, reconnoitered; only one gun-boat in sight. After dark attacked and captured her. She was moored close in shore in order to rake the approaches on the right of their line. I tried to move her, but failed. Her fires were nearly out, and in attempting to tow her out were subjected to a fire of artillery and infantry. Fired her, bringing off all our boats and men. The next morning all of our forces were ordered back. The water front of the town I found open and unguarded. As far as I could judge, their force was small, say 4,000 men. I will press forward to completion the gun-boats. I think they can be ready for service in a month or six weeks. Respectfully, & c., your obedient servant, J. TAYLOR WOOD. General R. E. LEE, Commanding Army of Northern Virginia. JANUARY 29, 1864.Affair near Gloucester Court-House, Va. Report of Brig. Gen. Isaac J. Wistar, U. S. Army. FORT MONROE, VA., January 29, 18649.30 p. m. (Received 10.30 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I forward the following from General Wistar, for your informa- tion: Captured some 3 prisoners, also sonic horses and arms, near Gloucester Court- House to-day. Hamptons cavalry division, about 8,~~OO strong, with one battery, occupy Fredericksburg and Falmouth aiid scouting down to Gloucester. B. F. BUTLER, iViajor- General. JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 1, 1864.Expedition to Isle of Wight County, Va., skirmishes near Benns Church and at Smithfield, and destruction of the U. S. steamer Smith Briggs. Report of Brig. Gen. Charles K. Graham, U. S. Army, command- ing Naval Brigade. * HEADQUARTERS NAVAL BRIGADE, Norfolk, Va., February 2, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the following as the result of an expedition organized under my command for the purpose of capturing a small force of the enemy which was reported to be sta * For reports of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, Capt. Guert Gansevoort, Lient. Com- mander James H. Gillis, and other U. S. naval officers, see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 5, 1864 Page 104 104 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LOHAP. XLV. tioned on the peninsula formed by Pagan and Chuckatuck Creeks and the Nansemond River. On the afternoon of the 29th January the gun-boat Flora Temple was ordered to proceed to Chuckatuck Creek, to make a thorough reconnaissance at daylight the next morning, and the gun-boat Smith Briggs was sent up the Nansemond; both vessels to return about the same time, anchor at the month of the Nansemond, and await my arrival in the gun-boat General Jesup. On the afternoon of the 30th, I left Norfolk in the gun-boat Gen- eral Jesup, accompanied by the transport Long Branch, having on board a detachment of cavalry, a howitzer squad, and a few infantry, which was subsequently increased by additions from my gun-boats crews to make the detachments number about 90 men, which force was placed under the. command of Captain Lee, of the harbor police. The fog became so dense before reaching the mouth of the Nanse- mond that the gun-boat General Jesup grounded, in consequence of which both vessels were compelledto anchor and remain until morn- ing. At daylight on the 31st, we proceeded up the Nansemond and were joined there by the Flora Temple and Smith Briggs. Lieutenant- Commander Gillis, commanding the U. S. naval gun-boat Commo- dore Morris, which was stationed there, came on board, generously offered his co-operation, and it was gratefully accepted. The gun- boat Smith Briggs, with two launches and their crews from the steamer Foster, and the U. S. naval bun-boat Commodore Morris, all under the command of Lieutenant-Commander Gillis, who had received 50 additional men from the flagship Minnesota, were or- dered to proceed up the Nansemond as far as Holloway Point, at which point they were to land at 2 p. m. and advance to the village of Chuckatuck and join the force which would land at Smithfield under my direction. Everything being in readiness, I sailed with the gun- boats General Jesup and Flora Temple and the transport Long Branch at 10.30 a. m. for Smithfield, on Pagan Creek, and arrived at that point at 1 p. m. At 1.25 oclock the force was landed, the whole under the command of Captain Lee; of the Ninety-ninth New York Volunteers. Captain Lee was ordered to advance to Chucka- tuck village, form a junction with the force landed on the Nanse- mond, engaging the enemy on the way if his passage should be resisted. I remained with the gun-boats General Jesup and Flora Temple, having placed them in position to command the town, stop- ping there two hours to cover the retreat of the force under Captain Lee, should it be compelled to fall back before a superior force of the enemy. At 3 p. m. the Flora Temple was ordered to proceed to Chuckatuck Creek and engage the attention of the enemy, known to be stationed in the neighborhood of Cherry Grove, and prevent its advance against the force landed at Smithfield. At 4 p. in., hav- ing heard no firing, and supposing Captain Lee to have met with no enemy, I sailed with gun-boat General Jesup and transport Long Branch for Holloway Point, on the Nansemond River. Having reached the mouth of Pagan Creek, the gun-boat Flora Temple was discovered to be aground, and it was not until about Sp. m. that she was got off. I then ordered the General Jesup and Long Branch to put on a full head of steam and proceed with the utmost dispatch to Holloway Point. The weather was very inclement, and the fog became so dense toward night that it was almost impossible to proceed. Arriving a Page 105 CEAP. XLV.1 ~XPEDImiN TO ISLI~ OF WIGILT GOU~TY, VA. lOo the mouth of the Nansemoud, the pilot stated that he could not go up, as it would be impossible to keep the channel. Ordering the pilot of the General Jesup to go on board the Long Branch, she being of light draught, I directed him to make the effort to reach Hol- loway Point. Arrived at that place at S p. in., and was informed by Lieutenant-Commander Gillis that Captain McLaughlin, with 40 men, had advanced to Chuckatuck village; remained there until dark and returned, reporting that he had heard heavy firing in the direc- tion of Smithfield, which he supposed to have been occasioned by the enemy resisting our landing at that point. Surprised at the non- arrival of the force which had landed at Smithfield, I ordered a de- tachment of 20 men to lai~d and advance a mile toward Chuckatuck and look out for it, and directed the gun-boat Smith Briggs (taking the remainder of Captain McLaughlins detachment on board the Long Branch) to sail, with orders to the Flora Temple and General Jesup to proceed at daylight to Chuckatuck Creek, reconnoiter thoroughly, and report the result to me in the Nansemond. On the return of the Smith Briggs I dispatched her at 6.30 a. m. with a com- munication to Rear-Admiral Lee, at Newport News, giving the facts as they stood, requesting him to communicate the same to you, and informing him that I should land at daylight with all the force at my disposal and march to Chuckatuck. After delivering the dispatch, Captain Rowe was ordered to proceed at once to Smithfield. I lande~ about 7 a. m. with a detachment of 80 men, 50 of them seamen from the Commodore Morris, kindly furnished to me by Lieutenant-Com- mander Gillis, under command of Captain McLaughlin, and three officers of the Commodore Morris, accompanied by my two aides, and proceeded to Chuckatuck village. Finding no enemy there I ordered an advance a mile beyond, but could gain no tidings of the missing detachment. After remaining there for an hour, without hearing any firing, fearing the detachment had been captured or dispersed, I returned to the river to nicake other dispositions. At this time, about 11.30 a. in., the U. S. naval gun-boat Commo- dore Jones came up with a dispatch from Rear-Admiral Lee to Lieu- tenant-Commander Gillis, stating that EnsigrP Harris had escaped from Smithfield; that Captain Lees detachment was surrounded at that point, and short of ammunition. Rear-Admiral Lee very kindly volunteered to do all in his power to relieve the detachment at Smith- field, and stated that launches with howitzers and ammunition had already been sent. Upon the receipt of this information I imme- diately sailed for Smithfield, ordering the gun-boat General Jesup, which was lying at the mouth of Chuckatuck Creek, to accompany me. On reaching the mouth of Pagan Creek, about 4p. in., the information was communicated to me by an officer of the U. S. naval gun-boat Commodore Barney that the Smith Briggs with the detachment of Captain Lee had been captured, and a few moments afterward a ter- rific explosion occurred, the enemy haviug blown up the Smith Briggs to prevent her recapture. About the same tinie a white flag was dis- covered to be waving on the banks of Pagan Creek, a mile or so dis- tant from its mouth. A boat was ordered from the Jesup to ascer- tain the cause, and returned with Captain Lee and 3 others. The launches furnished by Rear-Admiral Lee, and which were towed into Pagan Creek by the Smith Briggs, were received with such a terrific fire from riflemen that after discharging their howitzers they were compelled to retire, the commanding officer and several of the men having been severely wounded Page 106 106 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LOHAP. ~XLV. For a full statement of the capturing of the force under Captain Lee and the gun-boat Smith Briggs you are respectfully referred to Captain Lees report, which accompanies this. * All the officers and men under my immediate observation acted energetically, and from the reports of the escaped I am satisfied that Captain Lee, Ensign Harris, Lieutenant Harris, of the Jesup, and Sergeant Hyatt de- serve the most honorable mention. Captain Rowe, of the Smith Briggs, although severely wounded through the neck, remained at his post, gallantly fighting his vessel until she was entirely disabled. The men fought most heroically, inflicting terrible loss on the enemy. My obligations are due to Rear-Admiral Lee for the alacrity with which he responded to my application for assistance, and the gener- ous efforts made under his direction to rescue the beleaguered force under Captain Lee; likewise to Lieutenant-Commander Gillis for the essential aid he rendered me in the loan of 50 seaman, and to the officers who commanded them for the cheerfulness with which they obeyed my orders. A list of the killed and wounded, as far as known, also of the missing, will be forwarded as soon as a reliable report can be ob- tained. IL am, general, very respectfully, & c., K. GRAHAM CHARLES Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Gomdg. Department of Virginia and North Carolina. JANUARY 30, 1864.Skirmish at Windsor, N. C. IREPORTS, ETC. No. 1.Congratulatory orders from Maj. Gen. John J. Peck, U. S. Army. No. 2.Col. Joel R. Griffin, Sixty-second Georgia Cavalry. S No.1. Gongratulatory orders from Maj. Gen. John J. Peck, U. S. Army. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY AND DIST. OF N. CAROLINA, No. 20. New Berne, N. C., February 23, 1864. The commanding general announces with satisfaction the success of an expedition sent to Windsor by General H. W. Wessells on the 29th of January, which resulted in breaking up the cantonment of a company of Georgia caval72y. Some prisoners were taken and a large number of dangerous persons secured. Arms, horses, mules, wagons, clothing, and amm unition were captured. Lieutenant-Col- onel Tolles was in command. He had detachments of the One hun- dred and third and One hundred and first Pennsylvania, Eighty- fifth New York, and Fifteenth and Sixteenth Connecticut Volunteers. A small party of the Second North Carolina Volunteers co-operated, as well as Lieutenant-Commander Flusser with 50 sailors and ma- rines. By command of Major-General Peck: BENJ. B. FOSTER, Assistant A~jntant- General. * Not found Page 107 CHAP. XLV.] SCOtTT TO MADI~0N COITRT-IIOUSE, VA. 107 No. 2. Report of 6Yol. Joel II. GritJln, Sixty-second Georgia Cavalry. JACKSON, January 31, 1864. (Received at Richmond, February 1.) Yesterday morning with force of 200 men and mountain rifled piece, after fight of two hours with 1,200 of enemy and three pieces artil- lery, [Yankees] were driven from Windsor, N. C., to their boats.* We lost 6 men; enemy not known. J. R. GRIFFIN, Colonel, Commanding. JANUARY 30, 1864.Scout from Culpeper to Madison Court-House, Va. Report of Col. George H Chapman, Third Indiana Cavalry, com manding brigade. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST Div., CAVALRY CORPS, Near Culpeper Court-House, Va., January 31, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of recon- naissance made by myself yesterday with a force of 200 men, con- sisting of 100 from the Third Indiana Cavalry, under Major Patton, and 100 of the Eighth New York Cavalry, under Captain Moore, acting major: Leaving the school-house on the Waylandsburg road, about 2 a. in., I proceeded to Clarks Ford on the Rapidan River, and find- ing the road obstructed in the vicinity of the ford with felled tim- ber, a crossing was effected below with some difficulty and delay. The enemy had a small picket post at this point, but they had evi- dently heard our approach over the rocky road, and succeeded in making their escape. Having got my command across I pushed on rapidly toward Madison Court-House. At Mount Zion Church my advance came upon the enemy in some force, and a number of shots were exchanged, but before I could so dispose of my main force as to cut off their escape they retreated in the direction of Madison Mills. The morning was cloudy and so dark that nothing could be seen save the flashes of the fire-arms. I afterward learned that the main reserve of the picket-line was stationed at this church, consist- ing of from three to four companies. Without unnecessary delay I proceeded to the point where the road from Humes Ford joins the road I was pursuing, and sent party to the ford, which delayed me an hour or more. In this neighborhood 5 of the enemys pickets were captured and 5 horses, and 1 man and 1 horse killed. From this point to Madison Court-House nothing was seen of the enemy except a few scattered men, most of who~n effected their escape. At Madison Court-House no troops were found, and after halting there an hour to rest my horses and examine the town, I proceeded up the turnpike, intending to go to Mount Carmel Church. My guide * For report of Lient. Commander C. W. Flusser, U. S. Navy, commenting hpon Griffins report, see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 5, 1864 Page 108 108 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [cHAP. XLV. lost the road, however, and we crossed the Robertson at the covered bridge, and after traveling a number of miles over plantation roads, and failing to find the church, I returned to camp by the way of Bethel Church and Whites Shop, having marched fully 50 miles. One regiment, the Sixth Virginia Cavalry, of Lomaxs brigade, variously stated at from 200 to 400 strong, were doing the picket work along the Robertson. The brigade, I was informed, has en- camped near Madison Mills, and it is stated by citizens there is no other cavalry in that immediate vicinity. No troops are encamped between the Robertson and Rapidan Rivers. I brought in 12 prisoners and 11 horses, and killed 1 man in a little skirmish with one of the enemys picket details. Also sent into the lines the family of my guide as refugees from rebeldom. My loss was nothing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [GEO. H. CHAPMAN Colonel, Commanding Brigade.] Capt. T. C. BACON, Assistant Adjutant-General. JANUARY 31, 1864.Reconnaissance to Madison Court-House and Mount Carmel Church, Va. Report of Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt, U. S. Army. CULPEPER, February 1, 18134. The reconnaissance sent out yesterday morning went to Madison Court-House and Mount Carmel Church, out near Criglersville. Lomaxs cavalry brigade is reported to be at Madison Mills. No other troops in that vicinity. Twenty-two prisoners were made and 1 rebel killed in a skirmish with pickets. Sixteen horses and 1 mule and a sutlers wagon were taken. The parties sent out met with no loss. The family of Robinson, whom the general commanding sent to me for help some time since, was also brought away. There is no large force of the enemy on our right front and flank. W. MERRITT, Brigadier-General. Lient. Col. C. R. SMITH, Chief of Staff. FEBRUARY 2, 1864.Skirmish near Strasburg, Va. Report of C~ol. Robert S. Rodgers, Second Eastern Shore Maryland Infantry. MARTINSBURG, VA., February 5, 1864. The party detached by Major Bell passed through Winchester, but were attacked near Strasburg and driven back, losing 7 men. The enemy reported to be 100 on Fishers 1-Jill and 200 at WoQdstock. Have heard nothing from Major Bell. R. S. RODGERS, Colonel, Commanding. Captain BOONE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 109 CHAP. XLV.] CAPTURE OF THE STEAMER LEVI. 109 FEBRUARY 3, 1864.Capture of the steamer Levi, Kanawha River, W. Va. IREPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley, U. S. Army, commanding Department of West Virginia. No. 2.Capt. C. Regnier, commanding steamer Levi. No. 3.Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones, C. S. Army, commanding Department of Western Virginia. No. 4.Maj. James H. Nounnan, Sixteenth Virginia Cavalry. No.1. Reports of Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley, U. S. Army, command ing Department of West Virginta. CUMBERLAND, MD., February 3, 18646 p. m. (Received 11 p. in.) The following telegram, advising me of capture of General Scam- mon and the burning of the steamer Levi just received. Presume it was done. by Fergusons guerrillas. Mulligans and Sullivans forces have formed a junction, and are pursuing the enemy vigor- ously. Sullivans cavalry had a brisk skirmish last night near Rom- ney; captured several prisoners: GALLIPOLIS, OHIo, February 3, 1864. Brigadier-General KELLEY: Brigadier-General Scammon left Point Pleasant last night on steamer Levi for Charleston. The boat was captured by the rebels at Red House. They burned her, and have taken General Scammon, 1 lieutenant of his staff, and Captain Pinckard off prisoners. The boats crew and passengers are released. G. J. STEALEY, Captain, Quartermaster. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. Brigadier-General CULLUM, Chief of Staff. CUMBERLAND, MD., February 4, 1864. (Received 6.10 p. in.) The following telegrams from General Duffi~ are trausrilitted for the information of the General-in-Chief: CHARLESTON, February 3. Brigadier-General KELLEY: Dispatch received at 4 p. m. from Gallipolis informs me that General Scammon,. with Lieutenant Millward, his aide, and 4 privates, were captured at Red House early this morning. The steamer Levi was burned. The boat was captured by 20 rebel cavalry. No resistance was made by the boat. My cavalry is after them. CHARLESTON, Februai-y 3. General KELLEY: The Levi was captured this morning at 5 oclock at the Red House Landing, when all were sleeping on board. To-night I send, under Colonel Hayes, 100 men and two mountain howitzers, on steamer Victress, to proceed as far as possible on the river, as I do not think they have yet recrossed the Guyandotte River. If they have not I will certainly recapture General Scammon. If I do not succeed by thi Page 110 110 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. way my cavalry will recapture him if my o~ders are fully carried out. The officer at Hurricane bridge, who has allowed the enemy to cross the Hurricane Creek, is placed in arrest. I shall again call your attention to my request that a gun-buat should be sent here to protect the river. A. N. DUFFIE, Brigadier-General. B. F. KELLEY Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gem G. W. CULLUM, Chief of Staff. No. 2. Report of Capt. C. Regnier, commanding steamer Levi.. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Charlestown, W. Va., February 10, 1864. Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward by Colonel Jones the report of the captain of the Levi, who was captured by the rebels on the 3d of this month. All my cavalry returned to their quarters without success, after having pursued the enemy for five days. I would respectfully ask that the boats be placed under my con- trol, in order to regulate the hour of their departure, and avoid by this means all kinds of disaster. I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, & c., A. N. DUFFIE, General. [Inclosure.] On Monday evening, February l,~ 1864, I left Gallipolis, Ohio, for Point Pleasant, Va., there to load with lumber, and to proceed up Kanawha River Tuesday morning. After lQading with lumber I was ordered back to Gallipolis that Monday night to await orders. I lay at Gallipolis until Tuesday evening, about 5 oclock; was then ordered to Point Pleasant, Va., there to meet the general [E. P. Scammon]. He came on board about dusk. Soon after coming on board the general asked me if I could run up that night. I told the general it was too dark and stormy a night to run farther than Red House Shoals, there being a dug chute there, and could not run that without it being light enough to see the walls. I insisted upon not leaving that night, as I remarked to him before leaving we could not run the dug chute unless it was light enough to see. The gen- eral thought we could make time by leaving that night. I told him we could leave at 1 or 2 oclock in the morning, and make as good time as we could by leaving that night. Capt. G. J. Stealey, assist- ant quartermaster, also did not wish him to start that night, and tried to persuade him otherwise. The general thought best to go, and so ordered. I left the mouth of the river about 7 p. in.; run to Red House Shoals and tied up at five minutes past 1 oclock. After see- ing the boat tied up I gave instructions to the watchman on the boat to have the pilot called at 2.30 oclock. After giving those instruc- tions to watchman of boat, I went back in the cabin to retire; had some moments conversation with the general. He asked what time I thought of starting from there. I told him just as soon as the pilot could see; if moon would rise and not cloudy we would leav Page 111 CHAP. XLV.1 CAPTURE OF THE STEAMER LEVI. 111 at 2.30 oclock. The pilot was called at that time, and said it was entirely too dark and could not see. While waiting for it to clear up some, so as he could see, the boat was captured. A lientenaut and 13 men came on board with a rush and secured all arms that were in the boat. There were some soldiers aboard; to best of my knowledge, some 16 or 17. No sentinel or picket was placed on shore. At the time of the capture of the boat I had steam up, pilot was at the wheel, the mate on the hurricane deck, engineer at his post. On arriving at Red House that night could learn of no rumor or hear of any rebels. After some little time, with a guard over pilot and engineer, the boat was run over to Winfield side; remained there until about 10 oclock. On landing on that side more of the enemy came on board, making them number 28. Were taken some minutes after 5 a. m. About 10 oclock, with the guard over pilot and engineer, the boat was ordered to run down to mouth of Hurricane Creek, and landed about half mile below at Vintreaux Landing. At twenty minutes after 12 oclock the general and officers were ,taken ashore, and ten minutes notice given to crew and all to get ashore; they were going to burn the boat. The boat was burnt at 12.30 p. m. At that time is the last I saw of the general. After the capture of the boat, and during the morning, the general tried to induce the soldiers to stand and retake the boat, but could not. The above are facts, as I will testify to. C. REGNIER. No. 3. Report of ]IIaj. Gem. Samnet Jones, C. S. Army, commanding De partment of Western Virginia. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WESTERN VIRGINIA, Dublin, February 15, 1864. GENERAL: I inclose with this a copy of a letter received this morn- ing from Major Nounnan, of the Sixteenth Regiment Virginia Cavalry, together with a parole* signed by 23 enlisted men of the U. S. Army~ Lieutenant Vertegans, of the same regiment, of whom the major speaks in complimentary terms, will start to-morrow for Richmond with Brigadier-General Scammon and. the 2 officers of his staffLieutenants Pinckard and Millward. Major Nounnan and his small party, especially Lieutenant Vertegans, have performed their duty in the most creditable manner. I sent Colonel Ferguson with his regiment (the Sixteenth Virginia Cavalry) to the Lower Kanawha late in December last. He has so far conducted the expedition with judgment and discretion; has captured much of the enemys property and a number of prisoners, and diverted the attention of the enemy in that quarter from this pai% of the country to the protection of their own border. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, General S. COOPER, Major-General. Adjt. and insp. Gem. C. S. Army, Richmond, Va. * Qndtted Page 112 112 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND VA. [CHAP. XLV. No. 4. Report of 3faj. James H. Nounnan, Sixteenth Virginia Cavalry. LOGAN COUNTY, VA., February 7, 1864. GENERAL: I left Colonel Ferguson in Wayne County on the 26th ultimo with indefinite orders and discretionary powers, and moved in the direction of the Kanawha River, along which stream I ma- neuvered in the counties of Mason and Putnam until the 3d instant. I entered Winfield (Putnam Court-House) on the morning of the 3d instant at 3 oclock with 40 men, and found a number of Govern- ment officials there, whom I failed to secure, and a Government steamer with a strong guard and a piece of artillery lying upon the opposite side of the river. With great difficulty I secured a small craft, capable only of carrying four men, with which I crossed a small party of 12 men, under Lieut. E. G. Vertegans, who obeyed my instructions as speedily as possible in cutting the telegraph and assaulting the boat, which surrendered without firing a gun, although having moored several yards from the shore. I found a valuable cargo on board, consisting chiefly of medical stores and tarpaulin, a lot of arms, & c., and Brig. Gen. E. P. Scammon, Capt. William G. Pinckard, and Lieut. Frank Millward, of his staff, and Lieut. Will- iam C. Lyons, Twenty-third Ohio Volunteers, and 25 non-commis- sioned officers and privates. I secured about 20 horses and some of the most valuable medicines, demolished the telegraph office, instru- ments, wire, & c., and moved to the niouth of Big Hurricane, where I burned the boat and cargo of over $100,000 worth of medicines, de- stroyed the piece of artillery and a quantity of ammunition, paroled all the non-commissioned officers and privates except one, and de- termined to make my way through with the most valuable prisoners with as much speed as possible. The enemy pressed me heavily at all points in their efforts to recover the prisoners, and compelled me to come to this point. I herewith send you General Scammon, Captain Pinckard, Lieu- tenants Millward and Lyons, and Sergt. Thomas McCormick, who refused to take a parole. I take great pleasure in bringing to your notice the coolness, discretion, and courage displayed by Lieutenant Vertegan s, as well as the good behavior and daring courage and for- titude of my entire force. I shall report to Colonel Ferguson, in Wayne County, as speedily as possible, and send the prisoners through from this point with a mounted guard. I remain, general, with much respect, your obedient servant, JAS. H. NOUNNAN Major, cfomdg. Detachment Sixteenth Virginia G1avalry. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Commanding Department of Western Virginia. P. S.I send General Scammon and Lieutenants Millward and Lyons in charge of Lieutenant Vertegans. The rest will be forwarded so soon as I hear from Colonel Ferguson. Respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. NOUNNAN, 3fajor, ~C Page 113 CRAP. XLV.J DEMONSTRATION ON THE RAPIDAN. 113 FEBRUARY 5, 1864.Skirmish near Aldie, Va. Report of Brig. Gem. Robert 0. Tyler, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS DIVISION, February 6, 18649.30 p. m. I have the honor to report all quiet. The scouting party sent out yesterday returned this afternoon from Aldie and Middleburg. Their rear guard was attacked yesterday noon by 8 of Mosbys men; they were dispersed, and the leader, who proved to be William E. Ormsby, who deserted from Second Massachusetts Cavalry on the night of January 24, was captured, and is now being tried by drum- head court-martial. * Two men of the Second Massachusetts Cavalry and 3 rebels were wounded. Five citizens were arrested under sus- picions circumstances. No evidence was found of any force being ~n the vicinity. R. 0. TYLER. Brigadier-General, C~ommauding. Lieutenant-Colonel TAYLOR, Chief of Staff, Assistant Adjutant- General. FEBRUARY 67, 1864.Demonstration on the Rapidan, including engage ment at Mortons Ford and skirmishes at Barnetts and Culpeper Fords, Va. REPORTS, ETCA No. 1.Itinerary of the First Army Corps. No. 2.Maj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren, U. S.Army, commanding Second Army Corps. No. 3.Brig. Gen. John C. Caidwell, U. S. Army, commanding Second Army Corps and First Division. No. 4.Brig. Gen. Alexander S. Webb, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. No. 5.Col. De Witt C. Baxter, Seventy-second Pennsylvania Infantry, command- ing First Brigade. No. 6.Capt. William H. Fogler, Nineteenth Maine Infantry. No. 7.Capt. Samuel J. Fletcher, Fifteenth Massachusetts Infantry. No. 5.Col. Henry W. Hudson, Eighty-second New York Infantry. No. 9.Lient. Col. George W. Thompson, One hundred and fifty-second New York Infantry. No. 10.Brig. Gen. Alexander Hays, U.S. Army, commanding Third Division. No. 11.Col. Samuel S. Carroll, Eighth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade. No. 12.Col. Charles J. Powers, One hundred and eighth New York Infantry, com- manding Second Brigade. No. 13.Lieut. Col. Samuel A. Moore, Fourteenth Connecticut Infantry. No. 14.Capt. George M. Dewey, Tenth New York Battalion Infantry. No. 15.Brig. Gen. Joshua T. Owen, U.S. Army, commanding Third Brigade. No. 16.Lieut. Col. James G. Hughes, Thirty-ninth New York Infantry. No. 17.Lieut. Col. Isaac M. Lusk, One hundred aud~ ~b~wtXx ~ xkk~& ~v& ~. ~X~.oYIev~in Crandell, One hundred and twenty-fifth New York Infantry. No. 19.Col. James M. Bull, One hundred and twenty-sixth New York Infantry. * Ormsby was executed February 7, 1864. f See also dispatches from Butler, Halleck, and Sedgwick, February 32.5, in Corre- spondence, & c. ,post. 8 R RVOL XXXII Page 114 114 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA~, W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CRAP. XLV. No. 20.Lieut. Col. J. Albert Monroe, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, command- ing Artillery Brigade. No. 21.Itinerary of the Third Army Corps. No. 22.Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, Cav- alry Corps. No.23.Brig. Gen. Judsoa Kilpatrick, U.S. Army, commanding Third Division. No.24.General Robert E. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Northern Vir- ginia. No. 25.Col. Henry C. Cabell, C. S. Artillery, commanding Artillery Battalion. No. 1. Itinerary of the First Army Corps. * February 6.The troops of this corps marched to Raccoon Ford, Rapidan River. Pickets were established, and the troops bivouacked for the night. After dark that night the colonel commanding [First Il3rigade, First Division], with 300 men taken from the several regi- ments, moved to the ford and burned the village located there. Re- turned to camp without loss, but few shots being fired. February 7.Battery B, Fourth U. S. Artillery, L, First New York Artillery, and A, First Maryland Volunteer Artillery, moved toward Raccoon Ford, on the Rapidan, pursuant to orders from corps head- quarters. L and A were detached from the rest of the corps, and took position between Raccoon and Mortons Fords, this side the Rap- idan. The two batteries expended about 60 rounds of ammunition without eliciting a reply from the enemy. The corps received orders at dusk to return to camp. No.2. Report of A(aj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren, U. S. Army, command- ing Second Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, ]JIarch 23, 1864. GENERAL: I respectfully submit the following report of the dem- onstration against the enemy made by this corps on the 6th of February: Proper orders were issued the night before, as soon as received from you, to move the whole corps at daylight. Being very unwell in the morning, which was stormy, and the operations ordered being only by way of demonstration, I allowed the movement to proceed under direction of General CaIdwell. I quote from his report: On riding forward to reconnoiter, I found that the enemy had a picket-line along the river and a force of 30 or more men in rifle-pits directly at the ford. I directed Brigadier-General Hays, commanding Third Division, to send a brigade across the river at the ford and to advance a half a mile beyond. This was done in the most gallant manner, and nearly the whole force at the ford was captured without the loss of a man. This brigade then advanced, with little opposition, to a ridge about three-fourths of a mile from the enemys intrenchments. The enemy making a considerable show of force in front of General Owens brigade, at the request of General Hays the two remaining brigades of his division were sent across the river. Understanding as I did that orders from army headquarters were not to precipitate an engagement, but to draw a large force of the enemy to our front, I determined not to advance farther, but to hold our position. General CaIdwell then disposed our artillery to operate on the right and left flanks of General Hays division, brought General Webbs division as close to the river bank as shelter from the enemys obser * Fron~ monthly return Page 115 CHAP. XLV.] DEMONSTRATION ON THE RAPIDAN. 115 vation would permit, and stationed the First Division a little way back, at the edge of the forest. On learning the above result, I re- paired at once to the front, with instructions from the general com- manding to withdraw our troops across the river if I deemed them in danger of being overwhelmed, or to pnsh our advance farther if it offered prospects of success. I reached the ford about 3 p. m. and carefully reconnoitered the position of the enemy, under fire from his sharpshooters. Mortons Ford is at the middle of a considerable bend in the river, whose convexity is turned toward us. The point of land opposite is about 1 mile along the stream, and rising gradually from the river it is seen and commanded for about half mile by the ground on this side. About I mile from the river a high ridge is found which, en- circling the point at the ford, joins the banks of the river above and below, while at these points the enemy have complete command of the ground on this side of the river. This ridge is also generally wooded and strongly intreriched. In these woods and behind these lines were two camps. He had complete control with his fire over the point of land our troops had gained on his side of the stream. Our troops then were in a kind of cul-de-saca focus of fire. I soon determined, from the appearances above described and the force of the enemy (see General Owens re- port), not to advance farther, and to wait till night before With- drawing my command, as the movement of the troops drew the fire of the enemys artillery upon them whenever attempted. About this time General Newtons command approached the vicinity of Ilaccoon Ford, iu sight upon our right, and commenced with his artillery a demonstration against the enemy posted there. Just at dark the enemy commenced an attack upon our skirmish line, and one of his regiments assailed a house where the right of this line was posted, and took it. Our men, upon being re-enforced, retook the place, and the line was re-established. The enemy continued a very brisk musketry fire at long range from all his line around us, and as the curve of the path of the ball at the distance was greater than the slight undulations of the ground, this latter afforded little or no pro- tection to our men. Holding their position bravely against the con- centrating, plunging, and crossing fire, and replying as best they could to the enemy, mainly well sheltered, our men of General Hays division lost about 210 in killed and wounded. While this was going on, General Webbs division was ordered by me to cross to Gen- eral Hays support. The firing ceased after about one hours duration. General Webb relieved General Hays troops, and they withdrew with their wounded and dead to our side. General Webb withdrew his division about midnight. We remained on the river bank in position all day on the 7th, and returned to our camp in the evening. General Hays, in his report, says: If supported by our whole corps I have not the least doubt that we would have been enabled to capture the whole force of the rebels, including camp and artillery, with less loss than we have suffered. Lest the sanguine opinion from so able and reliable an officer may occasion chagrin that we did not attempt more, I will state that the demonstration was made without any pontoon bridges being with us, and the river was cold and deep, and the ingress and egress from the water difficult, and that, although a foot bridge was immediately begun and pushed with energy, it was not passable till dark. It would have occupied most of the day to cross our troops by wading Page 116 1143 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHA~P. XLV. during which time the enemy would have been concentrating. It would have been easy for him to retire with his artillery if he had not felt confident of resisting our attack. Even if we gained pos- session of the intrench~nents and destroyed the camps, we would have gained but little and been unable to maintain ourselves without much of our army being with us which was not prepared to come. Moreover, a repulse upon that open plain, with our whole corps en- gaged and the river behind us, might have occurred and proved most disastrous. The effec{ of the enemys random firing after dark upon our single division shows how much greater would have been our loss had the whole corps been exposed to it. Had we escaped this night attack our successful demonstration would have been a most gratifying affair. The losses we sustained, however saddening, are greatly alleviated by many most cheering examples of gallantry and good conduct. The thrilling spectacle of a small column march- ing by the flank across a deep stream in the face of the enemy in open day has seldom been witnessed. Its unparalleled audacity destroyed the accuracy of the enemys fire, and paralyzed his flight. Capt. R. S. Seabury, assistant adjutant-general to General Oweh, was the leader of this gallant party, mounted on his horse, and de- serves to be mentioned in general orders. Lient. Col. William H. Baird, of the One hundred aud twenty-sixth New York Volunteers, also attracted notice by his bravery. The Seventh rWest] Virginia Volunteers, commanded by Lient. Col. J. H. Lockwood, though all ready to go on the veteran furlough which had been granted them, chose rather to go to meet the enemy, and they returned with their corn- mander and 10 of his memi wounded. Colonel Carroll, to whose bri- gade the Sevemith Virginia belongs, behaved with his usual gallantry in commanding his brigade, as did also Brigadier-General Owen, ~rhose brigade was the first across the Rapidan. Col. Charles J. Powers commanded the Second Brigade of General Hays division in this trying situation, and his loss was heavier than any other portion of the command. General Hays disregard of danger was again con- - spicuous. His horse was shot, and a bullet passed through his clothes. His aide, Lieutenant Shields, received a frightful bullet wound entirely through his breast. His assistant adjutant-general, Lieut. J. S. Sullivan, had his horse shot under him, and Captain Lynch, of his staff, had his hat torn from his head by a piece of shell. Brigadier-General Webb conducted all the movements of his division with vigor amid promptness. Brigadier-General Caldwell conducted the operations of the corps during my absence in a sue- cessful manner, in accordance with the instructions from headquar- ters Army of Potomac. The Artillery Brigade, under Lieutenant- Colonel Monroe, performed its duties most satisfactorily, moving with promptness and dispatch, though the roads were heavy with mud. Dr. Dougherty and the officers of his department took all the care of the wounded that could ever be done on a battle-field. The pontoon train, under Captain Barlow, U. S. Engineers, arrived in the night closing the 6th of February, but no occasion after called for its use. General Humphreys, chief of staff, Army of the Potomac, was present during the enemys attack at night-fall. Lieut. Col. F. A. Walker, assistant adjutant-general; Captain Miller, aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant Roebling, aide-de-camp, acquitted themselves hand- somely. I accompany this report with a map sketch* of the vicinity of *Seep. 117 Page 117 C z C z \ C sI~L8TaEI OF MORTONS FORD. TO ACCOMPANY REPORT OF MAJ. GEN. WARREN, Comdg 2d Army Gorps, Feb. 6, 1864. Pre~ red by LIFUT. ROEBLING, A. D. C. Scale, 1~ 1 mile Page 118 118 oPi~RATtOIs I~ N. 1, VA., W. VA., MTh, A~P PA. [dHAP. XLX. Mortons Ford, made by Lieutenant Roebling; also a nominal list* of casualties; also copies of the reports of Brigadier-General Cald- well, commanding First Division; Brigadier-General Hays, com- manding Third Division; Brigadier-General Webb, commanding Second Division; Brigadier-General Owen, commanding Third Bri- gade, Third Division; Colonel Carroll, commanding First Brigade, Third Division; Colonel Powers, commanding Second Brigade, Third Division; Lieutenant-Colonel Monroe, commanding Artillery Brigade. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. K. WARREN Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. ADDENDA. Return of casualties in the Second Army Corps at Mortons Ford, February 6 and 7, 1864. [compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. captured or missing. command. - as a a a ~LI 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ -~ 5econd Division: First Brigade: 19th Maine 2 2 Third Division: Statt 1 1 First Brigade: 14th Indiana 2 2 11 15 4th Ohio 17 17 8thOhio 2 2 7th West Virginia 1 10 11 Second Brigade: 14th connecticut o 7 53 1 15 115 1st Delaware 0 4 10 12th New Jersey 11 11 10th New York Battalion 1 2 3 l08thNewYork 1 6 7 Third Brigade: 39th NewYork 1 20 15 36 lllthNew York 3 3 l2OthNew York 1 17 2 21 Artillery Brigade: Pennsylvania Light, Battery F 1 1 Grand total 11 15 189 1 39 255 FEBRUARY 9, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER SECOND Cones: SIR: The major-general commanding directs me to express to you the great satisfaction he has felt at the prompt and handsome man- ner in which the Second Corps executed the duties assigned it in the reconnaissance of the 6th and 7th instant, and to express his regret at the severe loss it met with in the operation. t Very respectfully, & c., A. A. HUMPHREYS, .Zlfajor-General and Chief of Staff. * Embodied in Addenda, following. ~ Complimentary dispatches also sent to conlnlallding officers of the First and Third Army Corps Page 119 OHM.. XLV.] 119 IThMO t~PRATIO. O~ T11A~ IIAPIDA No. 3. Reports of Brig. Gen. John C. Caidwell, U. S. Army, commanding Second Army Corps and First Division. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Stringfellows House at Mortons Ford, Feb. 6, 186412.30 p. m. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I have crossed two bri- gades at Mortons Ford with but little opposition, capturing 26 men and 2 officers, without losing a man: prisoners from Stonewalls old brigade; they report that there are but two brigades within 2 miles. The enemy is firing from three guns. I have not yet replied with my artillery, distance being too great. My skirmish line is within 800 to 1,000 yards of their rifle-pits, which appear to be manned. They are now showing more artillery, probably ten guns. I am now send- ing across another brigade. I do not purpose to advance without further orders or until the arrival of General Warren. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN C. CALDWELL, Brigadier- General, Commanding Corps. General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, Mortons Ford, February 6, 18642.15 p. m. GENERAL: I sent a staff officer to General Newton, to inform him that I had crossed a division and to learn his movements. He in- forms me that General Newton is pntting his men in position 1~ miles from Raccoon Ford, and that he has made no further demonstration and did not intend attempting to ford until he had more accurate in- formation of the force in his front. The enemy is rapidly re-enforcing his line in my front. I have now a division across the river about half a mile from the ford. The ford is very difficult. If it rains it will be necessary either to lay a bridge or to withdraw my troops this side the river. I respectfully ask instructions how to proceed. I have heard no firing except in my front. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN C. CALDWELL, Brigadier.- General of Volunteers. General HUMPHREYS. HDQRS. FIRST DIvISIoN, SECOND ARMY CORPS, March 22, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command on the 6th and 7th of February last: In obedience to orders from headquarters Second Corps, my divis- ion moved toward Mortons Ford at 7 oclock on the morning of the 6th. When within 1 mile of the ford I was informed by Lieutenant- Colonel Walker, assistant adjutant-general of the corps, that Major- General Warren was unable to leave his quarters on account of sick Page 120 120 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. ness, and that the command of the corps devolved upon me. The instructions which lie then showed me directed that the Second Corps should move to Mortons Ford and make a demonstration during the 6th, 7th, and 8th. On riding forward to reconnoiter I found that the enemy had a picket-line along the river, and a force of 30 or more men in rifle-pits directly at the ford. I directed Brigadier- General Hays, commanding Third Division, to send a brigade across the river at the ford and to advance it half a mile beyond. This was done in the most gallant manner, and nearly the whole force at the ford was captured without the loss of a man. This brigade then advanced with little opposition to a ridge about three-quarters of a mile from the river, where it halted about a rifle-shot from the en- emys intrenchments. The enemy making a considerable show of force in front of General Owens brigade, at the request of General Hays the two remaining brigades of the Third Division were sent ~icross the river. Understanding as I did that the orders from army headquarters were not to precipitate an engagement, but to draw a large force of the enemy to our front, I determined not to advance farther, but to hold our position. To accomplish this I made the following dispo- sition The left of the Third Division rested near the river opposite Stringfellows house, but the right was on open ground at some dis- tance from the river. To protect the right, which was much the weakest in infantry, the rifled batteries of Captains Thompson and Arnold were placed in position on the high ground near the river bank, so as to cover completely with their fire any approach of the enemy on our right. A section of Captain Ricketts battery, sup- ported by a regiment of infantry, was placed in position near String- fellows house, so as to enfilade any force advancing against our left. The other four guns of Captain Ricketts were placed behind the crest near Captain Arnolds position, ready to. come into battery at any moment if needed. At the same time the Second Division, Brigadier-General Webb commanding, was advanced to within a short distance of the river, while the First Division was in the edge of the woods. Between 4 and 5 oclock in the afternoon Major-General Warren arrived on the ground and took command of the corps. I resumed command of my division, and by command of General Warren sent the remainder of the First Brigade to the support of the section of artillery at Stringfellows house. During the 7th my division was not engaged, and at sunset we returned to camp. The gallantry of Genei~aI Hays, whose division did all the fighting, was conspicuous. His report will doubtless give you a list of his officers who distinguished themselves. If the object of our move- ment was to make a demonstration merely, and cause the enemy to mass a large force in our front, I am confident it was entirely suc- cessful. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant. JOHN C. CALDWELL, Brig. Gen.., U. S. Volunteer8, Commanding First Division. Lieutenant-Colonel WALKER, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 121 CHAP. XLV.J DEMONSTRATION ON THE RAPIDAN. 121 No. 4. Report of Brig. Gem. Alexander S. Webb, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. HDQRS. SECOND DIvIsIoN, SECOND ARMY CORPS, February 13, 1864. COLONEL: I have the lionor to report that this division left its camp at 8.30 a. m. on the 6th instant, having been ready to march at 7 a. in. Proceeding to Mortons Ford, it was held in reserve, by order of Brigadier-General Caidwell, before and during the engage- ment of the Third Division with the enemy. At about 6 P. in. Major-General Warren directed that on~ brigade of this division should re-enforce Brigadier-General Hays. The First Brigade was detailed for this duty, and was posted on the right of Colonel Car- rolls brigade, by about 6.30 p. in., losing 2 men wounded in crossing the rough bridge built during the day. At 7 p. in. the remainder of the division was ordered over the Rapidan, and by 8 oclock had been reported to Brigadier-General Hays by myself and posted to sup- port his line. My own headquarters was established with General Hays in the house on the left of his line. At about 10 p. in. Major- General Warren ordered that the picket-line should be relieved by this division, and the First Brigade, Colonel Baxter commanding, was directed to deploy to the front for this purpose, and to relieve the entire line. As it was very dark this movement required some two hours, and a part of General Hays line (the pickets of General Owens brIgade) was not relieved by Colonel Baxter, since it was reportdd that the brigade would not cover the whole of the front. In accordance with the directions of the major-general commanding, I directed Colonel Baxter to relieve his whole line, gradually with- drawing his command to the other side of the river, and leaving but 75 men to keep up a semblance of a picket-line. At about 12 oclock I crossed the river. At 1.15 it was reported to me that all were across, since upon relieving the line of pickets the enemy had closed in and forced my semblance of a picket-line to retire in haste. The command returned to this camp on the night of Sunday, the 7th in- stant. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALEX. S. WEBB, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding Divtswn. Lient. Col. FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 5. Report of Gol. De Witt C. Baxter, Seventy-second Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding First Brigade. HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND Dlv., SECOND CORPS, February 8, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to present the following report of the operations of the First Brigade in the late reconnaissance made by the Second Corps: In compliance with orders received on the morning of the 6th in- stant, the brigade moved into position on the right of the divisio Page 122 I2~ OPERATIONS IN ~. C., VA., W. VA., MD.. AND PA. rc~. ~ at 7.30 a. in., and proceeded to Mortons Ford via Stevensburg. The Third Division of the Second Corps having crossed part of its com- mand, the remaining portion was formed in line, in an open field, in full view of the enemy, this brigade forming the second line, also in full view, about 100 paces in the rear, with its left resting on the road leading to the ford. The Third Division having been thrown across the river, this brigade was moved forward npon the gronnd they left. In this position it remained until about 7 oclock in the evening, when it was conducted by the right flank across the river, and joined upon the right of Colonel Carrolls brigade to the Third Division. Detachments from the Eighty-second New York, Nine- teenth Maine, and Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers were imme- diately deployed as skirmishers, connecting with Carrolls line, prolonging it to the right nearly to the river. It was now so dark that objects could not be distinguished at 10 paces. About 10 oclock received orders to relieve all the skirmish- ers belonging to the Third (General Hays) Division. In consequence of the extreme darkness, and an evident error on the part of some of the officers of the Third Division line, much time was lost and great risk was occasioned in executing this order. The Fourth Ohio Volunteers were promptly and properly relieved, they remaining at their posts until relieved, all the others having withdrawn before being relieved, making it necessary to establish a new line, the direc- tion of which could not be correctly ascertained on account of the darkness. Once the line was conducted to within less than 20 paces of the enemys line, and, if it had not have drawn their fire, would in all probability have marched into and beyond their line without discovering the mistake in time to avert serious danger. All the troops having been withdrawn to the north side of the river, none were left but the skirmish line. General Webb being upon the ground, directed the necessary arrangements for fhe with- drawal of these, which was done as nearly as possible as directed, in doing which a detachment of 75 men from the Nineteenth Maine Volunteers, under the command of Captain Nash, was stationed about the house and grounds lately occupied as the headquarters of General Hays. Detachments from the Fifteenth Massachusetts, Nine- teenth Maine, and Eighty-second New York Volunteers, numbering about 150 men, were posted about 100 rods to the south and west of the ford, on the brow of a hill. Those at the house were ordered to remain about two hours and a half, if not molested, and then quietly fall back to within 100 rods of the bridge at the ford, and there remain until daylight ; but if attacked, both detachments were ordered to fall back in good order and cross the bridge, but to make all rea- sonable resistance without risking a capture. To insure the safety of these men another detachment of about 30 men, under command of Captain Spaulding, was posted about 20 rods in front of the bridge, deployed, with instructions to hold the bridge until all the others should cross. Another detachment of about 50 men, under com- mand of Captain Hamilton, of the One hundred and fifty-second New York Volunteers, was posted upon the island aiid along the left bank of the river covering the island, with instructions to act on the defensive, but not to leave their position on the river without orders. The rest of the brigade was now withdrawn as quietly as possible to the north side of the river, and reoccupied the ground they had left in the evening before crossing. This was about 2.30 oclock in the morning (the 7th) Page 123 M0~sThAi~Io~ ON ~VHP t~APrnAN. 123 The enemy, discovering the withdrawal of the line on part of their front, made an advance; but coming in contact with the left of the detachment under Captain Cummings they opened fire, which was instantly returned, and had the effect to check their movements in that direction. Finding them making an effort to turn his flank, Captain Cummings quietly fell back to the bridge and crossed to the island, from which he was ordered to rejoin his regiment. Captain Nash, finding the enemy encroaching and his friends on his right gone, also fell back, and was ordered to his regiment. Captain Spaulding, seeing the last of the other detachments pass the bridge, crossed with his command also. The pickets on the island and left bank of the river remainedthose on the island until daylight. In about a half hour after the last detachment crossed the bridge a mounted soldier approached the bridge to the very abutment, when he was fired on from the island. The shot was thought to have taken effect, as he exclaimed as though wounded, turned to the rear, and left in a few minutes. About a dozen mounted men approached the river, opposite the island, and fired, when those upon the island returned the fire and drove them off. They then sent a strong body of skirmishers and filled the rifle-pits. At this Captain Hamilton withdrew his pickets from the island, but not without exchanging shots with the enemy. Captain Hamilton remained on duty, guard- ing the ford all day. At 6.30 p. m. the brigade was ordered back to camp, where they arrived about 9.30. The total loss in this brigade was 2 woundedSergt. J. N. Rink- ley and Private James F. Chase, both of the Nineteenth Maine Vol- unteers. Nine muskets, abandoned by the enemy in the morning; were placed in charge of Lieutenant West, of the One hundred and twenty-fifth New York Volunteers, with instructions to turn them over to his division commander. With much respect, D. W. ~. BAXTER, Colonel, Commanding First Brigade.. Capt. J. P. WooD, Assistant Ac~jutant- General, Second Division. No. 6. Report of Capt. William H. Fogler, Nineteenth Maine Infantry. HEADQUARTERS NINETEENTH MAINE VOLUNTEERS, Near Stevensburg, Va., February. 8, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this regiment during the 6th and 7th instant: We left our present camp at 7 a. m. February 6, 1864, the third regiment of the brigade in the line of arch. Were moved to a point near Mortons Ford, on the northbank of the Rapidan; ar- rived there about 11 a. m. Remained in line with the rest of the brigade during the passage of the Third Division across the river, and until dark, when we received orders to cross the river at the bridge, which was accomplished. We were placed in position on the left of the Fifteenth Massachusetts Regiment, about half a mile from the river, and some 10 rods to the right of the road, which runs perpendicularly to the river from the bridge. At once receive Page 124 124 OPERATIONS IN N. 0., VA., W. VA., MTh, AM) PA. fOHAP. XLV. orders to place skirmishers 100 yards in our front, which was done, Companies D, Lieutenant Pierce, and F, Captain Starbird, com- manding, being selected for that duty. About 9 p. m. received orders to detail two companies for same duty, who were to be de- ployed on the right of the Eighty-second New Yorks detail of skir- mishers, and to extend from their line to the river at a point about 80 rods above the bridge. Companies B, Captain Parsons, and G, Captain Whitehouse, were detailed for this purpose, and reported to a staff officer of brigade, who conducted them to their position. About 10.30 p. m. I received orders from Colonel Baxter, com- manding brigade, to deploy the remaining six companies as skir- mishers on the left of the Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, which had previously been deployed. Our line was to extend from the large house just in front of the left of the line of the Fifteenth Massachusetts to the house on the hill, to the left of the main road before mentioned, our line running across the open field. This order was executed as soon as practicable. At 1 a. m. of the 7th instant, received orders to fall back, form the regiment, and return to the north bank of the river. I did so with four companies, the other two having been taken by Colonel Baxter for the following duties: Company C, Captain Nash, to remain on the original skirmish line, with instructions to fall back if pressed hard before two hours, and to return at any rate at the expiration of that time to the north bank of the river and rejoin the regiment. Company A, Captain Spaulding, was directed to form a line near the bridge, on the left of the road, to support the skirmishers, and to remain until the skirmish line fell back. At 2 a. m. we were in our first position on the north bank of the river. The companies that were left on the other side rejoined the regiment about 3 a. m. We occupied this line until 7 p. in., when we received orders to return to camp, where we arrived at 10 p. m. Our whole loss was 2 men wounded; none killed or missing. Both men wounded were hit while crossing the bridge by stray bullets. The conduct of both officers and men of the entire regiment was excellent throughout. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. H. FOGLEIk, Captain, Commanding Nineteenth Maine Regiment. Capt. J. E. CURTIss Acting Assistant A0utant- General. No. 7. Report of Capt. Samuel J. Fletcher, Fifteenth Massachusetts In fantry. HDQRS. FIFTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT, February 7, 1864. SIR: I herewith send you a report of the movements of this regi- ment for the last two days: We left camp February 6, at 7 a. in., with field and staff of captain, adjutant, surgeon, and assistant surgeon, and 128 enlisted men with rifles, and 6 musicians, and joined the brigade at brigade headquar- ters. Our place in the brigade was second regiment. We reached the Rapidan about 11, and formed line of battle and stacked arms Page 125 CHAP. XLV.] UEMONSTRATION ON THE RAPIDAN. 125 with the Eighty-secoiid New York on our right and the Nineteenth Maine on our left. About noon we marched toward the enemy in line by echelon, and halted quite near the river, and we, with the brigade, marched by the flank and crossed the river and formed line of battle immediately. I sent out one company as skirmishers to cover the front of the reg- iment. About 10 p. in., whole command, in connection with the remainder of the brigade, was sent to the front to relieve the line of skirmishers formed by the Third Division. The center of my com- mand was in the rear and close to the house and outbuildings, a short distance to the right of the house occupied as General Hays head- quarters. These outbuildings were occupied by the enemy, as we found by recAving occasional shots from them. About 12 p. in., the larger part of the skirmishers were withdrawn and recrossed the river. My whole command, except one company, was now on this side of the river, and we occupied the position held at sundown. About 2 a. m. the company left on the other side of the river was withdrawn and rejoined the regiment. We remained on the ground the remain- der of the night and during the day of February 7. At dark we started on the march to camp, which we reached about 9 p. m. My whole command returned with me, not a man being wounded. My whole command, with the exception of two men who did not cross the river with us, did all that could be expected of officers or men. The men are all in good condition and spirits. I remain, with respect, your obedient servant, SAMUEL J. FLETCHER, Colonel BAXTER, Captain, Commanding Regiment. Commanding First Brigade: No. 8. Report of Cot. Henry IF. Hudson, Eighty-second New York In fantry. HDQRS. 82D REGIMENT NEW YORK STATE VoLs., Camp near Stevensburg, Va., February 8, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders from brigade headquarters, I most re- spectfully submit the following report of the part this regiment has taken in the recent operations on the Rapidan River: On the morning of February 6, 1864, left camp near Stevensburg, in line with First Brigade, Second Division, Second Army Corps, and proceeded to Mortons Ford, arriving in vicinity of the ford about 11 a. in., forming in line of battle on the Raccoon Ford road, then marching en echelon by battalion toward and within 400 yards of the river, where we halted until about 5.30 p. in., when we crossed the river and halted 40 paces in rear of the line of skirmishers of the Third Brigade, Third Division, Second Corps, deploying the right company as skirmishers, connecting the left to the right of the Fourth Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Carrolls brigade, establishing the extreme right of the picket-line. At about 9 p. in. the remaining portion of my command was ordered to relieve the line of pickets in our front, which duty we performed, relieving the Fourth Ohio Volunteers, where we remained until about 112 p. in., when we withdrew the center of the line of pickets and recrossed the river, leaving Compan Page 126 126 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. H, Capt. Thomas Cummings commanding, to hold the right until daybreak, arriving on the ground previously occupied by us about 1.30 p. in., remaining there until 6 p. m. of the 7th, when we took up the line of march for camp, arriving at 9 p. m. No casualties. Very respectfully, H. W. HUDSON, Colonel. Capt. J. E. CURTISS, Acting Assistant Adjntant- General. No. 9. Report of Lieut. Cot. George W. Thompson, One hundred and fifty- second New York Infantry. HEADQUARTERS lti2D NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, Near Stevensbnrg, Va., Febrnary 8, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the an: of this command in the late expedition across the The command left camp at 7 oclock on the morning of the 6th instant, and proceeded via Stevensburg to a point opposite Mortons Ford, on the Rapidan River; formed line of battle on the left of the brigade, remained there about one hour, then moved forward in line about 100 rods, where we remained until about 7 oclock p. in., at ~Thich time we moved by the right flank across the river at the ford, and proceeded in a southwesterly direction about 150 rods, and again formed line of battle, and remained in position until about 12 p. m. The battalion was then deployed as skirmishers, and commenced ad- vancing, when we were ordered to and did reform and return to the north side of the river, leaving Captain Hamilton with 50 men on the island near the ford. The balance of the battalion proceeded to the position last occupied before crossing the river. Captain Ham- ilton and the men left with him remained on and near the island doing picket duty until 3.30 p. m. yesterday, when he was relieved and re- joined the regiment.: Last evening, at 7 oclock, we left this last position and returned to camp, arriving about 9 p. m. Very respectfully, G. W. THOMPSON, Lientenant- Colonel, Commanding. Capt. J. K CURTISS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 10. Report of Brig. Gen. Alexander Hays, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division. HDQRS. THIRD DIvISIoN, SECOND ARMY CORPS, February 13, 1864. COLONEL: In compliance with instructions, I have the honor to report the operations of the division which I had the honor to com- mand on the 6th and 7th instant: In obedience to circular, headquarters Second Army Corps, my division moved from cantonment and proceeded to Mort ns Ford, on the Rapidan. Arriving in view of the river, and the enem Page 127 CHAP. XLV.] DEMONSTRATION ON THE RAPIDAN. 127 giving no evidence of opposition, it was deemed advisable to test his position and strength. U nder instructions from the general com- manding the corps, I directed Brig. Gen. J. T. Owen, commanding the Third Brigade, to select and throw forward as skirmishers 300 of the best veteran troops of his command. A rapid dash brought them across the Rapidan, although the river was cold and deep. The ford was defended by rifle-pits and unfinished abatis. It was, however, carried without the loss of a man and the capture of 30 of the rebels. Advancing to the. ridge beyond, everything was carried for three quarters of a mile to a position giving us a full view of the eiiemys camps and intrenchments. Deeming it necessary to support my advance, I applied for and was re-enforced with the remaining force of my division. The position was held during the remainder of the days light, but as night closed upon us we were spiritedly attacked by the rebels on the right and left flanks. Their attacks were gal- lantly and successfully repulsed, and at 6 p. m. quiet was restored with our occnpatioii of our entire position. I regret to forward such a long list of casualties, but it is solely attributable to the faltering of two regiments of conscripts or snbsti- tutes comprising the Fourteenth Connecticut and Thirty-ninth New York Volunteers. If supported by our whole corps I have not the least doubt that we would have been enabled to capture the whole force of the rebels, including camps and artillery, with less loss than we have suffered. I would respectfully refer you to the accompany- ing reports of subordinate commanders, and can only commend them to the general commanding the army and the War Department, awaiting an opportunity to set forth their particular claims. I inclose a list* of killed, wounded, and missing. None of our dead or wounded were left upon the field. From reliable information obtained I am satisfied a large rebel force concentrated at Mortons Ford to oppose us on the succeeding day. We recrossed the Rapidan on the 6th and returned to our present camps on the 7th instant. I have neglectfully failed to call especial attention and notice to the conduct of the Seventh Regiment West Virginia Volunteers, commanded by Lieut. Col. J. H. Lockwood, of the First Brigade, distinguished always among the first and foremost in battle. They, with their gallant leader, had re-enlisted for three years. The order for their return to their homes had been received and published. With a resolve to assist their old comrades in another days trial they marched with us and returned, bearing with th& in to their homes 1 commissioned officer and 10 enlisted men wounded. I ask recognition of my staff, First Lient. J. S. Sullivan, Fourteenth In- diana Volunteers, acting aide-de-camp and acting assistant adju- tant-general, whose horse was severely wounded; Second Lieut. David Shields, Sixty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, aide-de-camp, severely wounded twice; Capt. J. C. Lynch, One hundred and sixth Peiinsylvania Volunteers, whose hat was blown from his head; Lieut. W. E. Potter, acting judge-advocate, and Lieut. John M. Fogg, acting ordnance officer, rendered efficient aid. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALEX. HAYS, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Comdg. Division. Lient. Col. F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant-General. * J~inbodied in statement, p. 118 Page 128 128 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [OnAP. XLV. No. 11. Report of Cot. Samuel S. Carroll, Eighth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIv., SECOND CORPS, February 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the brigade which I have the honor to command in the late movement across the Rapidan: About 12.30 p. m. on the 6th instant I received orders from Gen- eral Hays, commanding division, to cross the Rapidan at Mortons Ford and support General Owens brigade; accordingly, crossed the river, wading waist deep, and marched toward the Third Brigade. As the head of each regimental column appeared on the hill the enemy opened upon it with artillery, but with no effect. By General Owens direction I massed the brigade behind a hill on the right of the Third Brigade. We remained in this position until after 5 p. in., when the enemy commenced shelling our position, their missiles, however, going over us. At the same time they advanced a line of skirmishers and threw down a column as if to get around our right flank and obtain possession of the road. So soon as I discovered this movement I moved my command by the right flank to check it. While moving we were exposed to quite a severe fire of artillery and infantry, doing us so me damage. Inimediately I got into position to prevent their turning our flank. I moved about 50 yards to the rear, so as to cover the men from fire, and threw out skirmishers, who en- gaged the enemy. The firing was continued until some time after dark, when it entirely ceased. We remained in this position until 10.30 p. in., when I received orders from General Hays to cross the river, leaving my skirmishers out. I did so, and bivouacked in the woods to the right of the house occupied as corw headquarters. Shortly afterward the skirmishers crossed over. e remained in this position until about sunset on the 7th, when we received orders to march back to camp, which we did, arriving there about 8 p. m. I brought off all my killed and wounded to the hospital, estab- lished on this side, before we recrossed the river. The officers and men of my command behaved in their usual cool and gallant man- ner. I am indebted to the members of my staff for their assistance in the field. Captains Butterfield and Gregg, Eighth Ohio Volun- teers, had charge of the skirmish line and managed it well. I append herewith a list of casualties, and inclose the reports of the regimental commanders: Commissioned officers. Enlisted men. Regiments. be 0 ___________________________ __ __ __ __ ~,I. 4th Ohio Volunteers 17 17 8th Ohio Volunteers 2 2 Battalion 7th west Virginia Volunteers 1 10 ii 14th Indiana Volunteers 2 2 ~ Total 5 2 ~ 45 Sir, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. S. CARROLL, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Lient. J. S. SULLIVAN, Acting Assistant Adjwtant-General Page 129 CHAP. XLV.] DEMONSTRATION ON THE RAPIDAK. 129 No. 12. Report of Got. Gharles J. Powers, One hundred and eighth New York infantry, commanding Second Brigade. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD Div., SECOND ARMY CORPS, February 10, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the part taken by my command in the reconnaissance made by the corps to Mortons Ford, on the Rapidan River, the 6th and 7th instant, and in the action across the river on the 6th instant: In compliance with circnlar order received from division head- qnarters at 5.30 a. m. of the 6th instant, the command was formed in line on the Mortons Ford ~road], 1 mile north of the ford, at 8a.m. of that day, the men snpplied with three days rations in haversack and 40 rounds of ammunition, and there awaited the arrival of the division. On its ~rrival its position was taken in rear of the First Biigade, same division, which at once moved down the Mortons Ford road to the ford. After a crossing had been effected, and the Third and First Brigades, Third Division, had gained possession of the sonth bank, nnder direction of the general commanding division, this brigade crossed over by fording the stream at about 1 p. in., and were directed to form in line of battle in rear of a house sitnated on rising ground to the left and southerly from the ford, which was not ac~complished, however, without several casualties, as the enemys artillery ~re struck the column twice during its passage across the exposed gronnd. Behind this house the brigade lay in quiet and safety nntil nearly 5 p. in., when the enemy opened with a full battery from rising ground to the right and front, at a distance of about 1,000 yards, and immediately following with an impetuous attack of his infantry upon the skirmish line occupied by part of the Third Brigade, the right of which line was driven. By direction of the division commander the brigade was immediately advanced to the crest of the hill, the Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteers to retrieve the lost skirmish ground and support the line, the Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers moving to the front but obliquely to the balance of the command, consisting of the One hundred and eighth New York Volunteers, First Delaware Volunteers, and Tenth New York Bat- talion, which lay down along the crest and near the house. The attack of the enemy was very persistent and continued. The Four- teenth Connecticut Volunteers were being pressed hard, and it was found necessary to send still to that point the One hundred and eighth and Tenth New York Volunteers, when they together made a firm advance of a good 500 yards and drove the enemy from a group of small houses and trees. It was now quite dark, and after a con- siderable musketry of half an~hour longer all firing ceased. At 10 p. m. the line was relieved by the Second Division of the corps, and under orders the brigade recrossed the river without molestation, and took position in line fronting the river, about 1,500 yards to the left of the Mortons Ford road, with orders to remain and arrest any attack of the enemy. Here they remained until dark of the 7th, when the corps returned to its camp left on the morning of the 6th, I being ordered to leave a strong force to picket the front and guard the ford until morning. In this duty I detailed the Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteers, consisting of about 250 men under Lieut. 9 R RvOL XXXII Page 130 130 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LOITAP. XLV. Col. S. A. Moore. And now the command is safely in their old camp, in a better condition as to health than before those two days of exposnre in deep streams, inclement weather, and the close en- gagement of a formidable enemy. To distinguish between the conduct of the different officers and men of the command, where all were at their posts, is difficult. The Fourteenth Connecticut, One hundred and eighth New York, and Tenth Battalion deserve great credit for the heavy ~ghting they did, driving a superior force of the enemy and frequently using the bayonet. Lieut. Col. T. H. Davis, Lieut. Col. F. E. Pierce, Lieut. Col. S. A. Moore, Captain Dewey, and Captain Tait, commanding, respectively, the Twelfth New Jersey, One hundred and eighth New York, Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteers, Tenth New York Bat- talion, and First Delaware Battalion, did their whole duty. Capt. W. H. Audrews, acting assistant adjutant-general; Capt. W. H. Hawley, acting assistant inspector-general, and Lieutenants Por- ter and Du Bois, aides-de-camp, on my staff, I desire to mention as having made themselves distinguished by their bearing and coolness before the enemy. A nominal list of casualties, as corrected, accompanies this. It may be summed up in numbers as follows: Killed. Wounded. Missing. Regiments a a a a. 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ l08thNewYork 1 6 14th connecticut Volunteers 6 7 83 1 i8 12th New Jersey Volunteers 11 Battalion 10th New York Volunteers 1 2 1st Delaware Volunteers 6 4 Total 8 108 1 22 Killed, 7; wounded, 116; missing, 23. Aggregate loss, 146. I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES J. POWERS, Colonel 108th New York Vols., Gomdg. Brigade. Lieut. JOHN S. SULLIVAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 13. Report of Lieut. Col. Samuel A. Moore, Fourteenth Connecticut Infantry. HDQRS. FOURTEENTH CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, February 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the action of the 6th near Mortons Ford, on the Rapidan: At about 1 p. m. on Saturday, the 6th, the brigade to which this regiment is attached was ordered to cross the Rapidan at Mortons Ford. This was effected in good order by fording the river, whic Page 131 CHAP. XLV.] DEMONSTRATION ON THE RAPIDAN. 131 at that point is nearly waist deep, and with but little opposition from the enemy. As the regiment, however, moved over the crest of the first hill they opened a shell fire upon us, but without causing us any loss, as their aim was a little too high. About half a mile from the ford the regiment took up its position with the rest of the brigade under the slope of a hill and in rear of a small white house. Here we remained in line of battle, being occasionally shelled by the enemy until about 5 p. in. At this time the rebels made an attack upon our position, and this regiment was ordered out to the support of the skirmish line, commanded by Colonel Baird. The regiment advanced upon the enemy deployed as skirmishers, and drove back their line of battle for upward of half a mile t6 a place where there were about a dozen small houses and out-buildings situated in a grove of trees. Here the enemy made a stand, and the regiment fought them hand to hand, in some cases using the bay~ onet, until the One hundred and eighth New York Volunteers and the battalion of the Tenth New York coming to our aid enabled us to drive them from the buildings. We held this point for upward of an hour until ordered to withdraw to our former position, which we did, leaving a strong picket to keep the enemy from advancing while we were carrying off our dead aild wounded. We brought off all of the dead and wounde4 whom we could find, but owing to the darkness of the night some probably escaped our search. At about 11 p. in. we recrossed the river, taking our dead and wounded with us. Our brigade then took up a position near the ford to check any movement of the enemy in case they should attempt to cross to our side. Here we remained until the night of the 7th. when the troops of the Second Corps returned to their former camping-grounds, leav- ing the Fourteenth to guard the crossing at Mortons Ford during the night. At about 11 a. in. to-day we were relieved and returned to camp. Our casualties in engagement were as follows :* Capt. F. B. Doten, of Company F, while trying to capture a party of rebels in one of the houses, was himself taken prisoner. The officers and men in almost every case behaved themselves in such a manner as to reflect credit upon themselves and upon the command. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. A. MOORE, Lient. (Jot., Corndg. Fourteenth Oonnecticut Volunteers. [Capt. WILLIAM H. ANDREWS, Acting Assistant Ac~jutant- General. ii No. 14. Report of Capt. George if. Dewey, IAnth New York Battalion in fantry. HDQRS. TENTH BATTALION NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS. February 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to forward the following report of the part taken by this command in the action of the 6th instazit: We left camp about 9 oclock on the morning of the 6th instant, taking our position on the left of the brigade line; crossed the * Nominal list (omitted) shows 6 killed, 90 wounded, and 19 missing; total, 115 Page 132 132 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. Rapidan at Mortons Ford in the early part of the afternoon, and took position in line of battle upon a slight eminence about 1 mile from the ford, under a fire from the enemys battery stationed opposite our right. Just before dark the enemy opened npon our line with artillery and musketry. We were advanced about 20 yards, taking position on the crest of the hill upon the left of the One hundred and eighth Regiment New York State Volunteers. Here one of our men was strnck in the knee by a minie-ball; he has since died. Shortly after dark we were ordered to advance with the One hundred and eighth New York Volunteers and capture a honse about 500 yards to our front, and at this time held and occupied by the enemys skirmishers. Captain Everett, of the One hundred and eighth, took command and we silently advanced in line, crossing several ravines and scaling a high fence. Upon arriving at the house we were ordered to fire and charge, and a terrible volley was poured into the house, which was followed by a charge from our line, driving the enemy from the buildings and adjacent ground. After reforming, this command was ordered to the rear and to its position of the afternoon. A few minutes after our arrival at the position in question we were ordered b~ General Owen, and after- ward by General Hays, to convey the wounded from the barn occu- pied as a hospital to the ford. We were occupied at this work until after our division had left the field. Every wounded man was removed from the hospital. No stretchers were sent from this side of the river to the hospital of the Second Brigade, and we were com- pelled to remove the wounded upon extemporized conveyances of blankets, boards, & c. I crossed the river with a remnant of the men of my command about an hour after the last of the division had crossed, and rejoined the brigade early next morning. During the action we lost 3 wQunded; 1 of these has since died, and another suffered amputation of a foot. My command numbered 4 commissioned officers and 65 enlisted men. Thirty of these men were recruits who had not handled a mus- ket until a day or two previous. They were first drilled in loading and firing on the morning of the 6th instant before leaving camp. It is owing to the perseverance and bravery of the commissioned and non-commissioned officers, and some of the older soldiers of the command, that they acquitted themselves so well during the after- noon and morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE M. DEWEY, Gaptain, Commanding Battalion. Capt. W. H. ANDREWS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 15. Report of Brig. Gem. Joshua T. Owen, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., THIRD Div., SECOND ARMY CORPS, February 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to orders from division headquarters I left camp at 7 a. m, on tllQ 6th instant ~n Page 133 CHAP. XLV.] DEMONSTRATION ON THE BAPIDAN. 133 marched in the direction of Mortons Ford, arriving within a half a mile thereof at 9.35 a. m. I halted my troops and massed them in column by regiments, concealed from the enemys pickets, and awaited further orders. At 10.30 a. in., by direction of the general commanding the division, I moved toward the river, under orders to effect a crossing and to skirmish with the enemy if he were so disposed, but not to press him too hard, as it was not desired to bring on an engagenient, but simply to make a demonstration. I threw forward 300 of my best troops, under command of my assistant adjutant-general, Captain Seabury, with directjons to cross the river, drive the enemys skirmishers from their rifle-pits, and advance toward the heights beyond, deployed at such intervals as circum- stances might require. As the head of the advance column ap- proached the p lace of crossing some 80 of the enemys pickets opened a rapid but ill- dii~ected fire upon it. A landing on the other side was effected, and the rifle-pits immediately attacked and carried with slight loss. The enemy retreated in confusion, leaving in our hands as prisoners 28 privates, 2 lieutenants, and a number of small- arms. I immediately followed after with the main column. I advanced toward Mortons houses, located upon high and commanding posi- tions, in the direction of the enemys works, my skirmishers mean- while driving the enemy rapidly before them. Having gained these positions I made my arrangements to hold them and halted the line of skirmishers. Immediately thereafter the enemy advanced a stronger line of skirmishers, and began rapidly to concentrate his troops immediately in my front, and opened a vigorous fire both of infantry and artillery. At 12.30 p. m. I telegraphed across the river that a heavy column of infantry was moving into position toward my left, and requested that another brigade might be sent across. I changed the disposi- tion of my troops so as to counteract the enemys apparent intention to turn my left flank. At 1.15 p. m. Colonel Carroll, commanding the First Brigade, reported to me. His troops were massed under cover from the enemys fire and held in reserve. Judging that the enemy had already assembled about 4,000 troops in my front, and that large bodies of men were still moving from the direction of Clarks Mountain, I requested that another brigade might be sent across the river, and at 2.15 p. m. Colonel Powers, commanding the Second Brigade, reported to me. His troops were deployed in line of battle and placed under cover. At 3.45 p. in., the enemy having extended his lines of battle and skirmishers to the right and left and increased the vigor of his fire, indicated an intention to attack, and at 4.30 p. m. began t9 advance, his main attack being directed against the two houses before mentioned, combining therewith a movement of a heavy column toward our right, with the intention of cutting off our communication with Mortons Ford. The general commanding the division assumed command in person, and led on the troops to repel this attack, and by his direction I took command on the ]eft and repel] ed the attack on that flank. By 6 p. m. the enemy was repulsed at all points without gaining any advantage. At 7.50 p. m. I was directed to recross the river with such of my troops as were not on duty as pickets, and informed that my whole line of pickets would be forthwith relieved by General Webb and follow after me. I left Captain Seabury, my assistant adjutant- general, in charge, with directions to retire by the left flank whe Page 134 134 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAin XLV. relieved. I regret to say the line was not relieved, and my pickets were the last to recross the river, which was accomplished, how- ever, withont loss at 1 a. m. I need hardly say that I am satisfied with the condnct of the -bri- gade. The passage of the river nnder the circnm stances was calcn- lated to pnt to a severe test the bravery and fortitnde of the troops. To have been accomplished with so little loss is especially creditable to them, as indicating the good order and impetnosity with which it was done. I beg to make honorable mention of the following officers: Capt. R. S. Seabnry, my assistant adjutant-general, in command of the ~kirmish~s, for the gallant manner in which he crossed the river, being the first on the other side, and for the good judgment dis- played in condncting the line of skirmishers to the front; Lient. Col. William H. Baird, of the One hnndred and twenty-sixth Regi- ment New York Volnuteers, for gallantly maintaining his gronnd on the skirmish line dnring the whole afternoon; also the officers with the 300 men (for whose names I refer you to the reports of the regimental commanders) for the efficient manner in which they man- aged their commands; Colonel Crandell, of the One hundred and twenty-fifth Regiment; Col. James M. Bnll, of the One hnndred and twenty-sixth; Lientenant-Colonel Lnsk, of the One hnndred and eleventh, and Lientenant-Colonel Hnghes, of the Thirty-ninth, for the promptness with which they execnted orders; Capt. Joseph Hyde, assistant inspector-general on my staff, and Lient. P. C. Rogers, acting aide-de-camp, for the valnable assistance rendered by them. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant~ JOSHUA T. OWEN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Co~nmanding. Lient. JOHN S. SULLIVAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 16. Report of Lieut. Cot. James G. Iluqhes, Thirty-ninth New York Infantry. HDQRS. THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLS., February 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the part this regiment (Thirty- ninth New York Volunteers) took in the reconnaissance of the 6th day of February, 1864: The regiment left camp on the 6th instant at 7 a. in., with 18 offi- cers and 390 men under my command. I detailed Captains Baer and Schwickardi to command all the old soldiers of the regiment (100 in number) as skirmishers to cross the Rapidan River, which they did in gallant style, driving the enemy from their rifle-pits and capturing lli prisoners. The regiment was the second to form line on the opposite side of the river. It marched in line of battle to within gunshot of the enemys skirmishers. About 12 m. I changed front to the right and took position on the Mortons Ford road. About 5 p. m. I was ordered to form line of battle to the right of General Hays headquarters, under a heavy fire of the enemy, whic Page 135 CHAP. XLV.] DEMONSTRATION ON TIt~ t~APiDAN. 135 was done very promptly considering that the men under my com- mand were never under fire before and not two months in service. My loss was 1 enlisted man killed, 17 wounded, and 17 missing. Lient. L. iDerndinger was severely wounded in the left arm while on the skirmish line. I take pleasure in making honorable mention of First Lieut. John McE. Hyde, acting adjutant of the regiment, who rendered me ex- cellent service on the field; also Captains Baer and Schwickardi and Lieutenant Derudinger, for gallantry; also Chief Bugler Anton Rang, for bravery on the skirmish line. I recrossed the Rapidan at 1 a. m. next day. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES G. HUGHES, Lieut. Got., Gomdg. Thirty-ninth New York Volunteers. Capt. R. S. SEABURY, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 17. Report of Lieut. Got. Isaac iLL Lusk, One hnndred and eleventh New York Infantry. HDQRs. 111TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, Dumpling Yfountain, Va., February 9, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the reconnaissance of the 6th instant: At 7 a. in., in obedience to orders from corps headqiziarters, this regiment took up its line of march with the brigade in the direction of Mortons Ford, the vicinity of which was reached between 10 and 11 oclock. Here the colnmn halted while a detachment from the One humidred and twenty-fifth New York Volunteers, led by Capt. R. S. Seabury, assistant adjutant-general Third Brigade, was sent forward to seize the ford and force a passage, which having been accomplished, the column moved forward and effected a crossing with considerable difficulty, owing to the strong current and depth of water (which reached the waists of the men) and the steep and slippery banks. After crossing, the regiment moved forward with the brigade and took possession of an eminence about three-fourths of a mile southeast from the ford, on which were a house and out- buildings. We were ordered, in case of an attack, to occupy and hold this house and out-buildings at all hazards. About 3 p. m. the regiment was ordered to support that portion of the skirmish line held by the Thirty-ninth New York Volunteers on the left of our line. The regiment remained in position as a reserve until about 5 p. in., when the skirmishers of the enemy, having been heavily re-en- forced, moved forward and commenced a rapid firing. The regi- ment immediately deployed and returned the fire with such effect that though the enemy outnumbered us 3 to 1 his advance was stopped, and he was held in check until night put an end to the con- flict. About midnight, in obedience to orders received through Col- onel Crandell, of the One hundred and twenty-fifth New York Vol- unteers, I withdrew the regiment aimd recrossed the Rapidan. Throughout the whole affair the conduct of both officers and men was such as to merit my highest approbation. Though suffering severely from cold, wet, and fatigue they performed every duty an Page 136 136 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. faced danger with a zeal and courage worthy of their past reputa- tion. Although subjected from the commencement to the end of the fight tp an enfilading fire from the right and left, besides a direct fire from the front, our loss was only 1 wounded and 2 missing. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. M. LUSK, Lieutenant-Oolonel, Gomdg. 111th New York Volunteers. Capt. R. .5. SEABURY, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 18. Report of Got. Levin Grandell, One hundred and twenty-fifth New York Infantry. HEADQUARTERS 123T11 NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS February 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the One hundred and twenty-fifth Regiment New York Volunteers, in the reconnaissance made by the Second Corps un the 6th instant: Orders to be in readiness to march at 7 oclock were received on the morning of the 6th instant at about 4.30 oclock. The regiment was in readiness and took up the march promptly at 7 oclock; arrived at the cavalry camp, near Mortons Ford, on the Rapidan, at 10.30 a. m. ; there was ordered to furnish 100 men to lead as skirmishers across the I~ord. One hundred non-commissioned officers and men were furnished, together with the following commissIoned officers, who accompanied the skirmishers, to wit: Capt. John Quay, Lient. E. B. Hul l~Lieut. B. G. Barto, Lient. E. OConnor, Lient. M. B. Miller, and Lient. E. S. P. Clapp. The skirmishers advanced and crossed Mortons Ford at 11 oclock, gallantly led by Capt. R. S. Sea- bury, assistant adjutant-general, who wa~ the first to h-os s the stream. The enemys pickets, to the number of 60 to 80 men, lay intrenched on the opposite bank of the stream, within short range of the ford. They opened a brisk fire on the skirmishers, but effected nothing. Immediately on crossing the ford they captured and took 27 men and 2 commissioned officers prisoners; were then immediately deployed and advanced, skirmishing to the left of the ford, driving the enemy into their intrenchments, and remained in that position, skirmishing briskly at intervals, from that time until 1 o& lock the next morning, when they were ordered to withdraw from the line and recross the ford, which was done in good order. That portion of the regiment not detached as skirmishers was kept in supporting distance of the line until about dusk, the time of the general attack, when it moved forward to the skirmish line and took part in the skirmish. Four were slightly wounded; not so as to disable theni in any way, however. Both officers and men behaved admirably. In not a single instance can any exceptions be taken to fhe conduct of either officers or men. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEVIN CRANDELL, Colonel 125th Regiment New York Volunteers. Capt. R. S. SEABURY, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 137 CHAP. XLV.J DEMONSTRATION ON THE RAPIDAN. 137 No. 19. Report of Col. James AL Bull, One hundred and twenty-siceth New York Infantry. HEADQUARTERS 126TH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, February 9, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that my regiment left camp Saturday morning, the 6th instant, at 7 a. in., and formed in rear of the brigade, and proceeded on the Mortons Ford road to a point about a mile this side of the Rapidan, where the brigade halted and formed in column by battalion under cover of a piece of woods. At this point 100 men were detailed as skirmishers, comprising men of eight companies with their officers, viz, Companies A, B, D, E, F, H, I, and K. This detail, under command of Lient. Col. William H. Baird, with the others from the brigade, marched to and crossed the Rapidan at Mortons Ford and took part in capturing about 30 rebel prisoners at or near the ford. Immediately after fording the river the skirmishers were deployed as such, and advanced and were very soon warmly engaged with those of the enemy. They continued on duty until relieved about 7 oclock in the evening, and recrossed the river under orders about midnight. I accompanied the detail of skirmishers across the river, where, as soon as the residue of the regiment, marching in column, reached me, I placed it, by order of General Owen, on the left of the brigade, in a road running nearly at right angles with the river. There we re- mained until about 6p. in., when we moved out of the road, deployed, and strengthened the skirmish line on the left, where we remained until abont 12 oclock, when we were withdrawn and recrossed the river, joining the portion of the regiment under command of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Baird. Soon after we bivouacked in the woods about a mile from the river. We remained in this locality until nearly dark, when we took up our line of march, arriving in camp before 9 p. ni. It affords me great pleasure to say that the officers and men of my command, both on the march and on the field, behaved in a manner satisfactory to me and creditable to themselves. The casualties are as follows: One killed, 19 wounded (1 of whom has since died), and 2 wounded ~nd missing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES M. BULL Capt. R. ~. SEABURY, ~Jolonel, Commanding Regiment. Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 20. Report of Lient. Col. J. Albert Monroe, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, commanding Artillery Brigade. HDQRS. ARTILLIIeY BRIG., SECOND ARMY CORPS, February 11, 1864. COLONEL: I respectfully forward the following report of opera- tions of the Artillery Brigade the 6th and 7th instant: In accordance with circular dated Febrnary 6, 1864, three batteries of the brigadeArnolds (Battery A, First Rhode Island Light Arti Page 138 1~8 OPERATIONS iN N. C., VA., W. VA., Mm, ANfl PA. tOILAP. XLV. lery), Thompsons (Battery C, Independent Pennsylvania Artillery), Ricketts (Battery F, First Pennsylvania Artillery), temporarily under the command of Lieutenant Spencemoved from camp and joined the column near the headquarters of the Third Division. Upon arriving near Mortons Ford, Arnolds and Thompsons batter- ies were placed in favorable positions on the left bank of the river and above the ford, and one section of Spences battery (the other two sections being held in reserve) sent under the command of Lieuten- ant Mitchell about a mile below, where it was placed in position near Stringfellows house by Lieutenant Roebling, aide-de-camp to the commanding general. About 4.30 p. m. on the evening of the 6th Captain Arnold fired 42 shells into the enemys works, with good effect. On the morning of the 7th I arose at daybreak, and was surprised to find that the infantry had recrossed the river, not having been informed that the movement had taken place. Lieutenant Goddard was at once sent to withdraw the section near Stringfellows house, but just as he arrived there the enemys sharpshooters advanced to the bank, about 250 yards distant on the opposite side of the river, and opened an extremely sharp fire on the section, severely wound- ing 1 man, Private Frederick Batts. Lieutenant Mitchell, being un- aware that the infantry had recrossed the river, mistook the enemy for our own men and allowed them to approach the river without withdrawing his section. At this time the regiment of infantry, which was there for the support of the section, was several hundred yards to the rear and out of supporting distance. Lieutenant Mitchell at once ordered the guns to be limbered to the rear, but the horses attached to one of the limbers becoming unmanageable, ran away, causing some confusion. So sharp was the enemys fire that it was impossible to withdraw the guns at once, but the infantry quickly advanced and the pieces were drawn to the rear under their cover, placed in a favorable position, and a few shells fired with effect. The batteries were not employed through the day, and at night returned to camp. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. ALBERT MONROE, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief of Artillery. Lieut. Col. F. A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 21. itinerary of the Third Army ~Jorps. * February 6.In the evening the First Division (leaving baggage, & c., in camp) marched toward Raccoon Ford, encamping near Pony Mountain for the night. The Second Division marched to the vicin- ity of Mortons Ford on the Rapidan, passing through Stevensburg, to support the Second Corps. No casualties. Returned to camp. At 4 p. m. the Third Division moved off in the direcfion of Culpeper Court-House, where the division arrived at dark and continued the march until 9p. in.; halted and bivouacked for the night about 4 miles south of Culpeper Court-House. * From monthly return Page 139 CHAP. XLV.] DE1VtONSTRATION OX THE RAPIDAN. 139 February 7.The First Division marched about 2 miles nearer the ford, and at about 5 p. m. returned under orders to its winter quarters. The Third Division at 7 a. m. resumed the march in the direction of Mitchells Station, in the vicinity of which the division arrived at 10 a. in. and halted; remained until sunset, when orders came to return to camp, where the division arrived at 11 p. m. No. 22. Reports of Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, Cavalry Qorps. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAvALRY DIVISION, Barneits Ford, February. 7, 1864. Arrived here last evening late. Chapmans brigade last night found but little opposition on approaching ford. I am starting now to feel the enemy. Lomax is here below near Peytons Ford. But little loss yet. There is danger of my return being interfered with by infantry unless ours keeps up demonstration. The roads are in very horrible condition, much worse than I expected. This will be telegraphed from Culpeper. Please communicate. W. MERRITT, Col. C. RosS SMITH, Brigadier- General. Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, February 9, 1864. COLONEL: I submit the following report of the operations or this division during the recent demonstrations: The division moved as ordered on the morning of the 6th, cross- ing thb Robertson River in two columns, at Smoots or Humes Ford and at Aylors Ford, where the enemys cavalry pickets were driven in. These retired before the command, offering but slight resist- ance, to the Rapidan, which river was reached about 4 oclock in the afternoon of the 6th. Owing to the heavy roads and obstructions which had to be cleared away for the passage of the artillery, the Reserve Brigade amid battery did not get np in time to do anything on the 6th. Colonel Chapmans command, consisting of parts of the First and Second Brigades, moved up to the ford with but little opposition, finding only cavalry (Lomaxs brigade of three regiments) on this side. It was driven across the river and the banks were picketed by our troops that night. Early in the morning of the 7th the artillery and a greater portion of the cavalry moved on Barnetts Ford, when brisk skirmishing with small-arms and a lively duel was kept up by the artillery of Gibbs brigade with that of the enemy until after midday. The enemy did not show much infamitry till a movement was niade by us to cross the ford, whemi a brigade, which a deserter reported five regiments strong, moved down to the ford to support the skir- mishers occupying the defenses on the south bank. Another cam Page 140 140 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. of about a brigade, located to our right looking toward the ford, did not display auy troops at all. The enemy appeared to desire to be quiet and made no unnecessary noise or demonstration. It was not until my artillery opened that the other side showed any, but then the enemy fired very rapidly from two positions about a mile apart, the guns in one battery being heavy artillery. The demonstration was kept up until 1 p. m. on the 7th, when receiving orders to re- turn I did so, recrossing the Robertson by Clarks and Aylors Fords. The enemy did not molest us on our return and the com- mand arrived in camp the same evening, without other loss than the killed and wounded, a list of which I inclose. But 5 prisoners were made. The country through which we passed is rich and produc- tive. There seems to be considerable forago yet in shock on the farms between the two rivers. From 12 to 15 head of beef-cattle were brought in by the command. There was not much hard fight- ing, but enough to show that the men and officers of the division had lost none of the spirit of last years campaign. Colonel Chap- mans command pressed forward vigorously, giving Lomax, with his little brigade, no time to rest even in the strongest positions, and Captain Ash, of the Fifth Cavalry, made a spirited charge with his squadron driving more than his number of the enemys infantry out of a peculiarly strong place. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MERRITT, Brigadier-General of Volanteers, Commanding Division. Col. C. Ross SMITH, Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps Headquarters. Return of casualties in First Cavalry Division in reconnaissance to Barnetts Ford. Killed. Wounded. captured or missing. Command. 0 a 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 8th New York Cavalry 3 4 7 1st U.S. Cavalry 2 2 5th U.s. Cavalry 5 6 _____ I ___________ ____________ Total 3 1 11 15 No. 23. Report of Brig. Gen. Jadson Kilpatrick, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY. CORPS, Felirnary 7, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with instructions from headquarters Cavalry Corps, I proceeded, on the morning of the 6th, with a portion of my division (1,360 officers and men and one battery) to Culpeper Ford; crossed at 11 a. m. without opposition. A portion of my people crossed at the same hour at Germanna. above, and Elys Ford, below. Reconnoitering parties were at once sent out toward Chancellorsyille and on the differen Page 141 CHAP. XLV.] DEMONSTRATION ON THE RAPIDAN. 141 roads from the Germanna pike, across the stone pike, over to the plank road from Orange ~I1ourt-House to Fredericksbnrg. A con- siderable force nnder Colonel Alger drove a small body of rebel cav- alry on the ridge road to Robertsons Tavern, and thence across to the plank road. Major Cooke, with his regiment, alsa made a snc- cessfnl reconnaissance np the river above Germanna as far as Jacobs Ford, captnring the picket at that point. This ended operations for the day, and I went into camp near , on the Germanna plank road. From all that I could learn, the enemy occnpy the same position as when onr army crossed in November last. He has no consider- able force this side of Mine Rnn. Hamptons cavalry is at Hamil- tons Crossing. A lax~ge nnmber of his men are without horses or arms; 240 of his men picket the river from Germanna to the United States Ford; only a few of the last detail sent had horses. At 6 a. m. on the 7th I received orders to recross the river and retnrn to camp. At 9 a. m. my entire command had recrossed without moles- tation, and reached camp at 4 p. m. withont loss of a man. A few prisoners were taken and forwarded to the provost-marshal of the corps. Very respectfully, J. KILPATRICK, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. Capt. E. B. PARSONS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 24. Report of General Robert E. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Northern Virginia. ORANGE COURT-HOUSE, February 8, 1864. The forces of the enemy which crossed at Mortons Ford on Satur- day were driven to the river under cover of their guns that even- ing. During the night they recrossed to the north bank, but re- mained in position yesterday. This morning they have disappeared. They left 17 dead and 46 prisoners in our hands. Our loss, 4 killed and 20 wounded.* The guard at the ford (a lieutenant and 25 men), while bravely resisting the passage of the enemy, were captured. The enemys cavalry which appeared at IBarnetts Saturday retired across Robertson River Sunday evening. R. E. LEE, General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. No. 25. Report of Gol. Henry C. Cabell, C. S. Artillery, commanding Artil lery Battalion. FEBRUARY 8, 1864. GENERAL: Saturday morning between 10 and 11 oclock a large force of the enemy drove in our pickets at Mortons Ford. The First * Nominal list shows casualties in Lomaxs brigade to have been 1 killed, 2 wounded, and 5 missing Page 142 142 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. Company of Richmond Howitzers, in Charge of First Lieut. R. M. Anderson, was in position at the breast-works on the iight of the main road leading to the ford. These works are a mile or more from the ford and afford no Command of it, the view being Cut off by the irregularities of the ground and by the Cluster of houses at Dr. Mortons residence, which entirely conceal the road from that point to the ford. The morning was foggy and cloudy. The first intima- tion Lieutenant Anderson had of the crossing of the enemy was from an officer who requested him to fire the signal gun. At that time the Yankee skirmishers had advanced as far as Dr. Mortons residence, about 800 yards distant. They were at first thought to be our pickets falling back. About the same time several Yankee batteries advanced in the plain on the opposite side of the river and took position so as to cover our front and the advance of their infantry. After firing the signal gun Lieutenant Anderson opened upon these batteries. Ascertaining that the skirmishers in front were our enemies, he opened fire with great spirit upon them. This served to halt their advance and was the means of securing the position. Fortunately that morning Steuarts brigade was relieving two regimeiits of Ramseur s and two regiments of Doles brigade. This gave double the usual force. These troops hurried forward to the works and arrived very promptly, considering the distance from their camps. There was, however, a considerable time that the bat- tery was without support. I ordered up Captain Carltons battery. It came up almost simultaneously with the infantry and was put in position on the right of the howitzers. The firing of these two bat- teries served to prevent any farther advance of the enemy at that time. I had sent Lieutenant Powell to give information to Lieu- tenant-General Ewell, and he arrived very promptly. The further dispositions of the artillery were made after his arrival. One of the guns of the howitzer battery was shifted to a position on the left of the road. This gnu (a Napoleon) was in charge of Lieut. John Nimmo. This was beTh o~ done when Lieutenant-General Ewell ar- rived. I afterward ordered up from Raccoon Ford a rifled gun from Captain Manlys battery. Lieutenant Payne brought the gun promptly forward. It was put in position on the left immediately over the river, so as to command the enemys batteries expected te advance on the opposite side of the river. Its position also com- manded in part the approach from Mortons Ford. Later in the day I ordered up from Somerville Ford a Parrott gun of Frasers battery. These two last guns were designed to bear upon the enemys guns, which it was thought would be advanced in case a determined occupation was intended by the enemy. This gun was promptly brought forward by Lieutenant Falligant and placed in position in the w6rks immediately below Raccoomi Ford. I cannot speak in terms too high of the gallantry, promptness, and constancy displayed by the First Company of Richmond Howitzers. Without support, they drove back the enemy and held them in check until the arrival of infantry support. The prompt arrival of Cap- tain Carltons battery enabled that battery also to participate in part in the credit due to checking the advance of the enemy, and thus securing our possession of this line. During the various advances of the enemy and the subsequent successful advance of our skir- mishers, these guns at Mortons Ford were served with great success and efficiency, contributing in no inconsiderable degree to secure the final repulse of the Yanl~ee force and their withdrawal that night Page 143 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 143 I have no doubt that a serious attack was designed by our euemy. It is generally thought that over 4,000 troops came across the river. Their reliance seemed to have beeu iu finding us uuprepared. Lieu.. tenant-General Ewell brought up his whole corps to resist it. The howitzer battery fired 104 rouuds; Captaiu Cantons battery fired 58 rouuds; Captaiu Manlys battery fired 1 rouud; total fired at Mortons Ford, 163 rounds. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. C. CABELL, Colonel, Commanding. Brig. Gen. W. N. PENDLETON. Chief of Artillery, & c. FEBRUARY 68, 1864.Expedition from Yorktown against Richmond, Va., including skirmishes at Bottoms Bridge and near Baltimore Store. IR FCPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Isaac J. Wistar, U. S. Army, commanding expedition. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Eppa Hunton, C. S. Army. No. 1. R~orts of Maj. Gem. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army, command ing Department of Virginia and North Carolina. FORT MONROE, VA., February 8, 1864. (Received 8 p. in.) Our expedition, organized as stated in my dispatch, * left Williams- burg at 10 a. in. on Saturday. Arrived at Bottoms Bridge, within 12 miles of Richmond, at the time indicated, 2.30 a. m. Sunday, but found the enemy there posted in strong force, and continually re- ceiving accessions from Richmond by railroad. Waited till daylight, then found they had three regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and fourbatteries of artillery; the bridge taken up, and the fords effect- ually obstructed. An attempt was made gallantly to charge over one of them by a detachment of First New York Mounted Rifles, under Major Wheelan, with a loss of 9 killed and wounded. At 12 noon the infantry supports arrived within 7 miles, having made a march of 40 miles in twenty-seven hours. General Wistar says that with the infantry he could have forced the position; but as the enemy had received some intimation of the approach of the expedi- tion the delay had defeated the main object, which was a dash at Richmond. Our forces then returned to New Kent Court-House; were followed by the enemy, who made an attack, but were hand- somely repulsed, with loss on their side, by the Third New York Cavalry, nuder Colonel Lewis, assisted by one piece of Belgers bat- tery. Our forces are returning at their leisure, unmolested. The cavalry have arrived at WilliamThurg to-day about 3 p. in. Thus it will be seen that the cavalry in less than fifty hours have marched more than 100 miles. For organization see Wistars report, p. 146 Page 144 144 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. Flag-of-truce boat is just in from Richmond, bringing the Exam- iner of Monday morning, which contains this sentence: Some days since a report was obtained by the authorities here from a Yankee de- serter that the enemy was contemplating a raid in considerable force on Richmond. The report obtained consistency from a number of circumstances, and impressed the authorities to such a degree that a disposition of forces was made to anticipate the supposed designs of the enemy. I will telegraph further after examination of the papers. It will be seen that conveyance of intelligence has been the cause of want of success. Everything else succeeded as well as desired. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Gommanding. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary qf War. FORT MONROE, February 8, 186410.65 p. m. (Received 11 p. in.) I have sent the following telegram to the President, and I dupli- cate to you in order that you may urge my request upon him: Hon. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States: After much preparation I made a raid on Richmond to release our prisoners there. Everything worked precisely as I expected. The troops reached Bottoms Bridge, 10 miles from Richmond, at 2.30 oclock on Sunday morning, but we found a force of the enemy posted there to meet us, evidently informed of our in- tention, none having been there before for two months. They had destroyed the bridge and fallen trees acrOss the road to prevent the passing of the cav~lry. Finding the enemy were informed and prepared, we were obliged to retire. The flag-of-truce boat came down from Richmond to-day, bringing a copy of the Examiner, in which it is said that they were prepared for us from information re- ceived from a Yankee deserter. Who that deserter was that gave the information you will see by a dispatch just received by me from General Wistar. I send it to you that you may see how your clemency has been misplaced. I desire that you will revoke your order suspending executions in this department. Please answer bytelegraph. Dispatch received from General Wistar: FORT MAGRUDER, February 5, 1864. Major-General BUTLER: Private William Boyle, New York Mounted Rifles, under sentence of death for murder of Lieutenant Disosway, was allowed to escape by Private Abraham, of One hundred and thirty-ninth New York, the sentinel over him, four days pre- vious to my movement. It is said he also told him that large numbers of cavalry and infantry were concentrated here to take Richmond. During my absence the commander here has learned that Boyle reached Richmond, and was arrested and placed in Castle Thunder. Boyle would have been hung long ago but for the Presidents order suspending till further orders the execution of capital sentences. Abrams is in close custody. Charges against him went forward a week ago. I. J. WISTAR, Brigadier-General. BENJ. F. BUTLER ]Jfajor- General, Commanding. SECRETARY OF WAR. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Fort Monroe, February 12, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to forward to you with commenda- tion the report* of Brigadier-General Wistar of his brilliantly and * That dated February 9, p. 146 Page 145 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 145 ably executed movement upon Richmond, which failed only from one of those fortuitous circumstances against which no foresight can provide and no execution can overcome. By the corruption and faithlessness of a sentinel, who is now being tried for the offense, a man condemned to death, but reprieved by the President, was allowed to escape within the enemys lines, and there gave them such information as enabled them to meet our ad- vance. This fact is acknowledged in two of the Richmond papers, the Examiner and the Sentinel, published the day after the attack, and is fully confirmed by the testimony before the court-martial, before which is being tried the man who permitted the escape. I beg leave to call your attention to the suggestion of General Wistar in his report, that the effect of the raid will be to hereafter keep as many troops around Richmond for its defense from any future movement of the Army of the Potomac as we have in this neighbor- hood. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General HALLECK, Major-General, Commanding. Commanding the Army. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gem. Isaac J. Wistar, U. S. Army, commanding expedition. FORT MAGRUDER, February 6, 186410 a. m. My infantry and artillery are now passing through Williamsburg, 2 miles from here, with small detachment some distance ahead to scatter enemys infantry pickets, with the impression that they con- stitute the incursive force as usual. Cavalry and myself will start in one hour, passing infantry near Burnt Ordinary. Saw every de- tachment commander personally, and explained fully and distributed maps, spikes, matches, and files. All is well. General Graham here in command.~ If possible, will get news through to you by Monday night. I. J. WISTAR, Major-General BUTLER. Brigadier-General. CAMP AT NEW KENT, February 7, 186410 p. m. My cavalry reached Bottoms Bridge at 2.~50 a. m. to-day and found the enemy in strong force. Owing to the peculiar darkness of the night it was impossible to attack till daylight. Enemy had four batteries artillery and certainly three regiments infantry, besides cavalry, and were all night and this morning receiving accessions by railroad. Bridge taken up, and all the fords effectually obstructed. A charge on the best-looking ford was gallantly but unsuccessfully executed by Major Wheelan with detachment of Onderdonks mounted rifles. Loss, 9 killed and wounded; 10 horses killed. At 12 m. to-day, my infantry having arrived by forced marches within 10 R I~YOL XXXJI Page 146 146 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. 7 miles, I withdrew; could have carried the position with infantry, but not worth while, the main object being defeated. Enemy pur- sued us to near this place; attacked us at Baltimore Store. Were handsomely repulsed with loss by Third New York Cavalry, Col- onel Lewis, and one piece of Belgers battery. Expect an attack to-morrow. ~. J. WISTAR Brigadier- General, Commanding. Major-General BUTLER. FORT MAGRUDER, February 8, 1864. Have just arrived after a 15-mile gallop with staff only from Burnt Ordinary, where I left the infantry and artillery strongly posted, with orders to march here at 6 a. m. The cavalry arrived here some time before me, having been sent forward for the want of forage. I regret your disappointment. It is no greater, I assure you, than mine. More might have been done for ~clat by attacking the bridge; but under the circumstances, distance from base, no available troops in department to re-enforce me, evident preparation by enemy, and, above all, the entire defeat of the real objectin any event it would not have been wise in my jndgment~ Was I right? Have you any orders for the cavalry before it all leaves? I would like to use a little of it in Gloucester., ~. .~-. WISTAR, Brigadier-General. Major-General BUTLER. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Yorktown, February 9, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report the following operations of the forces under my command, undertaken with a view to the sur- prise and capture of Richmond, and incidental results: All the infantry and cavalry placed at my disposal by the general commanding, being about 4,000 of the former and 2,200 of the lat- ter, was suddenly concentrated behind my lines at Williamsburg after dark on the evening of the 5th instant, together with Hunts and Belgers light batteries. The infantry, consisting of three white regiments, brigaded under Col. R. M. West, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery. and three col- ored regiments under Colonel Duncan, Fourth U. S. Colored Troops, moved thence at 9 a. m. on the 6th, carrying on the person six days rations in the knapsack and 70 rounds of cartridges40 in the boxes and 30 in the knapsack. The cavalry, being detachments of five regiments under Col. S. P. Spear, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, moved two hours later. Colonel Spear was directed to arrive at Bottoms Bridge, 12 miles this side of Richmond, by 3 a. in. of the 7th, surprise it, and move on rapidly to Richmond. A picked company under Captain Hill, First New York Mounted Rifles, with selected horses, was placed in advance to ride down the three picketsat New Kent, Baltimore Cross-Roads, and at the bridge. Arrangements had been previousl Page 147 Ca& ~. XLV. EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 14~ made to have the telegraph wire between Meadow Station and Rich- mond cut between dark and midnight of the 6th. By these means it was hoped to surprise the enemys Battery No. 2, on the Bottoms Bridge road near Richmond, and occnpy Capitol Square in that city for at least two or three hours; detachments previously detailed and carefully instructed breaking successively from the main column, on entering, for various specific purposes. Of course the success of the enterprise was based upon the suddejii and noiseless surprise of the strong picket at Bottoms Bridge, without which it would be iinpos- sible for cavalry alone to p ass Battery No. 2. CQlonel Spear failed to capture the pickets at Baltimore Cross-Roads, owing to the exces- sive darkness of the night, which unfortunately proved to be cloudy and rainy. He reached Bottoms Bridge, a distance of 51 miles, ten minutes before the time designated, but found the enemy there in strong force, with infantry, cavalry, and artillery. They had re- ceived notice some sixteen hours previously, as appeared from the testimony of various persons in the vicinity, including women, chil- dren, and negroes, separately examined, of the arrival near Will- iamsburg of accessions to our usual force, and had during that time been vigorously making preparations. The bridge planks had been taken up, the fords both above and below effectually obstructed, ex- tensive earth-works and rifle-pits constructed, and a strong force of troops brought down by the York River Railroad, by which large accessions were still arriving. The darkness prevented an attack till morning, when a detach- ment of the New York Mounted Rifles, under Major Wheelan, made a gallant but unsuccessful charge on the bridge by the only ap- proach~ long causeway flanked on either hand by an impassable marsh. The enemy opened with canister, first checking and then repulsing the charge, with a loss to us of 9 killed and wounded and 10 horses killed. All our men were subsequently brought off, as well as the saddles and equipments. The river was reconnoitered both above and below for some miles, but at every possible crossing the enemy was found in force with newly placed obstructions. Three regiments of infantry were plainly seen, besides other in- fantry, which fired from the woods, where their numbers could not be ascertained. Four batteries of field artillery were counted, and at least one heavy gun was in position, its shot reaching the bluff on this side and falling far in our rear. Our infantry had marched on the 6th 33 miles, arriving at New Kent Court-House at 2 a. m. on the 7th. After a halt of three hours I moved on with them rapidly as possible toward the firing at the bridge, which was plainly audible. At ii a. in., knowing from the continued firing ahead that Colonel Spear had not succeeded in effecting a passage, and that even if now effected our object of sur- prising the city must necessarily be defeated, I sent him orders to retire, but kept pushing on to his support lest his condition might be worse than I[ supposed. The infantry had arrived within 7 miles of the bridge when it met the head of his returning column, and after hearing from him the full state of the case, I reluctantly felt obliged to retire my whole force, not feeling authorized to incur the loss necessary to force the position without any longer an ulterior object to justify it. The cavalry was suffered to pass ahead, except about 300 men of the Third New York Cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis, retained for rear guard. At Baltimore Store the enemy overtook and attacked my rea Page 148 148 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. guard with vigor, but were quickly and handsomely repulsed by it, with the aid of a section of Belgers battery, the two pieces being alternately fired and retired to new positions. The enemy in this affair lost at least one officer and some few men, whom they aban- doned till we had passed on. The command bivouacked at New Kent unmolested, and on the 8th, the cavalry being out of forage, which the country did not af- ford, were sent ahead, arriving at Williamsburg the same evening. The infantry bivouacked in order of battle at Burnt Ordinary, and to-day returned to their former camp, having marched during the four days of their absence 33, 28, 18, and 25 miles, respectively, with alacrity and cheerfulness, and almost without straggling, the colored troops being in this respect, as usual, remarkable. With the excep- tion of a little looseness of discipline in one or two of the cavalry regiments in returning, the conduct of officers and men, both in action and on the march, was everything that could be desired. The whole result of the expedition, in addition to one or two pris- oners captured and a few refugees, escaped Union prisoners, and negroes .picked up and brought in, is the obvious fact that a small force in this vicinity, actively handled, can and should hold a much superior force of the enemy in the immediate vicinity of Richmond inactive except for its defense. I have the honor to be, major, with great respect, your obedient servant, ISAAC J. WISTAR, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Maj. R. S. DAvIS, Assistant A djutant-General. [Indorsement.] HDQR5. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, Fort Monroe, Feliruary 12, 1864. Report approved. The operation was skillfully and brilliantly done. It gives the com- manding general renewed confidence in General Wistar as a com- mander of a division. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. No. 3. Reports of Brig. Gen. Eppa Hunton, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS, Chaffins Farm, February 7, 1864. MAJOR: The enemy reached Bottoms Bridge at 4.15 oclock last night, of which I presume you have been informed by Colonel Shingler, who was directed to report all the enemys movements to you by telegraph. I am anxious about the positions above Bottoms Bridge, lest Colonel Shinglers position should be turned and his command endangered. If the enemy succeed in crossing the Chick- ahominy, I shall move out the rest of my command on the Farina and New Market roads, The artillery from the other side of th Page 149 Ciw.. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 149 James River has not reported. Some firing has been heard this morning in the direction of Bottoms Bridge. I have not heard a word from Major Robertson. Sent him a dispatch a little after light this morning, to know if any enemy menaced his front. Respectfully, & c., EPPA HUNTON, Maj. T. 0. CHESTNEY, Brigadier-General. A& sistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS, ChqfJins Farm, February 7, 186412.10. I have just received a dispatch from Major Robertson, who learned from a Mr. Christian that the enemy at Bottoms Bridge are 10,000 strong, and others advancing on another road (the numbers and road not stated). He also incloses a dispatch from Lieutenant Hay- enner that the enemy is advancing on the Telegraph and Diascond roads (numbers not stated). The Southside Artillery has arrived, and is in position on the Varina road at fortifications, for the present; six splendid Napoleons. I have directed Major Robertson, in case a retirement before the enemy should be unavoidable, to retire on my infantry pickets at New Market. Colonel Shingler will retire toward Richmond. I hope a back step will not be necessary. - Respectfully, & c., EPPA HUNTON, Maj. T. 0. CHESTNEY, Brigadier-General. Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS, Chaffins Farm, February 7, 1864. MAJOR: One of my men (of the Thirty-second Regiment), serving under Lieutenant Hume, has just arrived to give the particulars of the late advance of the enemy. He says he was in 15 yards of the column when it passed. It consisted of one brigade of cavalry, three brigades of infantry, and twelve pieces of artillery. He says that independent of this force there was a large force below, 3 miles be- low the Burnt Ordinary. He could form no accurate idea of this force, as they were below the scouts; judged it was large froni the incessant beating of drums. The cavalry was some distance ahead of the infaiitry and artillery. He thinks the infantry did not come farther than Barhamsville last night; this is 27 miles from Bottoms Bridge. If he is right in this, the infantry and cavalry had not gotten to Bottoms Bridge before the cavalry fell back. He does not know who commanded the expedition. This scout reports that they killed 3 Yankee sergeants on the upward march. A dis- patch just received from Colonel Shingler says his cavalry pursued the enemy to Crumps Cross-Roads, which is about 5 miles. Now, if this report of the forces of the enemy is correct (and I hav& no doubt of it), I am at a loss to understand why the enemy has retired for the small repulse received. Query: Have they aban- doned the object of the expedition? I do not yet feel sure of it Page 150 150 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. They brought very few wagons (not over fifteen or twenty in all), and a rapid raid only seems to have been contemplated. It would not surprise me if they had fallen back to make a better start, proba- bly on some other road. I shall keep up the utmost diligence until I am satisfied. Please inform me if I shall recall the infantry and Major Starks artillery, as soon as Colonel Shingler is satisfied the expedition is abandoned. Please answer this last inquiry to-night. Respectfully, & c., EPPA HUNTON, Brigadier- General. [Maj. T. 0. CHESTNEY, Assistant A~jntant- General.] HEADQUARTERS, 6lhaffins Farm, February 9, 1864. MAJOR: From information deemed reliable and received last night, the enemys force recently threatening my front consisted of the following commands: Cavalry, First District of Columbia, Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania, First New York Mounted Rifles, Fifth Pennsylvania, Third New York, and Fifth U. S. Colored Troops; infantry, three regiments negroes, One hundred and thirty- ninth New York, one Delaware regiment, and fifteen pieces of artil- lery. The enemy, as reported by Colonel Shinglers scouts, passed Slatersville yesterday morning, and he (Colonel Shingler) thinks they are now in Williamsburg. His estimate of their force is 5,000, and Major Robertsons 8,000. I have heard nothing definite of any movement on the other side of the York River, and I presume there is no danger to the wagon train under Captain Smith, sent for pork to King and Queen. This train consists of thirteen of my best teams, and the loss of it would break me. Respectfully, & c., EPPA HUNTON, Brigadier-General. Maj. T. 0. CHESTNEY, Assistant Adjutant-General. FEBRUARY 9, 1864.Reconnaissance toward Swansborough, N. C. Report of Got. James Jourdan, One hundred and fifty-eighth New York Infantry, Commanding Sub-district of Beaufort. HEADQUARTERS SUB-DISTRICT OF BEAUFORT, N. C., ]Iforehead Oily, February 10, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to inform you that I made a reconnais- sance yesterday to within a few miles of Swausborough and in the direction of Youngs Cross-Roads, and to report no enemy between Youngs Cross-Roads, White Oak River, and my lines. I marched from N.ewport at 2 p. m. on the 9th instant with about 800 infantry, 33 cavalry, and two pieces of artillery; returned to Newport, arriv- ing at 2 p. in., after marching about 36 miles; recaptured 1 of ou Page 151 CHAP. XLV.] GILMOR S RAID ON BALTIMORE ANt) 01110 It it ii horses, and found 2 of the enemys wounded at a house, who will be sent to a hospital at once. The enemy is reported to have retired to Jacksonville and Trenton. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. JOURDAN, Colonel, Commandinr/. Maj. B. B. FOSTER, Assistant Adjutant- Gener~ai, New Berene. FEBRUAflY 11, 1864.Gilmots Raid on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroaa. I~IEPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley, U.S. Army. No. 2.Maj. Gen. James E. B. Stuart, C. S. Army. No. 3.Synopsis of testimony as to robbery of the passenger~ No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Be~i~amin F. Kelley, U. S. Army. CUMBERLAND, MD., February 12, 1864. (Received 8.45 p. in.) The express train west last night was thrown off the track near Kearneysville by a band of Gilmors guerrillas, numbering about 25. They did not burn the train or take away any prisoners, but robbed the conductor and passengers of quite a sum of money. Brigadier- General Sullivan reports his cavalry in pursuit. General Duffid re- ports his cavalry had captured a portion of the guerrilla force that took General Scammon, but ,does not say that the general is recapt- ured. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier..Generat. Brigadier-General CtTLLTJM, Chief of Staff. No, 2. Report of Mci. Gen. James E. B. Stuart, C. & Army. HDQRS. CAY. CORPS, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, February 24, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that Maj. H. W. Gilmor, commanding cavalry battalion, has made a successful attack upon the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. On the night of the 11th instant he, with 20 men, penetrated to the railroad at Browns Shop, between Kearneysville and Duffields Depot, attacked the express train from Baltimore, threw it from the track, disabling the engine and damaging the track. He captured nearly 90 prisoners, but owing to the proximity of the enemy was compelled to abandon them, having taken away their arms. He re- turned to Mount Jackson without loss, although pursued, as lie states, as far as Strasburg by four or five regiments. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. B. STUART, Major-General. Col. R. H. CHILTON, Chief of Staff Page 152 152 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. No. 3. Synopsis of testimony as to robbery of the passengers. * HYMAN ROBBERY. The first proof is a letter from Mr. Phil. Williams, of Winches- ter, a very prominent citizen, whom Hyman consulted on his arrival at that place. The letter is to General Early, and is dated February 15, 1864. It contains Hymans version of the robbery. Hyman says that as he passed a brick house on the west side of the road near Woodstock (north of it), he saw 7 Confederate cavalry; that the same 7 men passed him as he was approaching Strasburg, at Fishers Hill. Hyman had two wagons, driven by two sons of Mr. Cross, of Newtown, and there was a young man in one of them named Grove, also of Newtown, who remarked as the men passed, There goes Cherry. (Grove subsequently denied having made the remark.) There was also with Hyman a boy of about seventeen years of age named Ezekiel, from Richmond. The men halted at the foot of the hill near the river, and one of them rode back to the wagons and asked Hyman if he had any papers. He showed his passports, when the man said he wanted his purse. Hyman gave him a small purse with ten gold dollars. and some paper money, when the man said to him that he had a belt on wiLi money in it, which he wanted. Hyman had on two belts, and while he was trying to get off one without showing the other was knocked down and robbed of about $6,000 in gold (chiefly twenty-dollar pieces), a silver watch, a great coat (in- visible green with yellow silk sleeve linings), in the pocket of which was a fur collar and a small Hebrew prayer-book. There was taken from young Ezekiel a ladys gold watch and a belt containing a num- ber of silver coins and medals. It appears from the letter of Colonel Carrington,p rovost-marshal at Richmond, that sQon after the robbery General Winder sent two detectives to the valley to investigate the matter, at the request of the father of Ezekiel. These detectives reported that they were convinced that Cherry and some other men committed the robbery; that they determined to arrest Cherry, and were piloted by a negro 6 miles beyond Strasburg in search of him. Fearing foul play they turned back, but on searching the negro found on him the watch stolen from young Ezekiel, which was subsequently identified by his father. They did not bring off the negro because they said they were afraid to encumber themselves with him. It should be men- tioned that the detectives got Mr. Williams letter from General Early before they went down the valley. On March 9, 1864, a letter was written by a Maj. E. W. Cross from Harrisonburg to Colonel Carrington, in which he charges that the detectives did find out the guilty parties but were bribed to say noth- ing. Cross says that he had examined some of the money said to have been taken at the railroad robbery, but that all was marked in a peculiar manner. (In Mr. Williams letter it was stated that the stolen money was marked.) Crbss further says that the perpetrators were generally known in the vicinity of Harrisonburg. He gives the names of a number of persons who can show some of the money. He also states that Major Gilmor, while under the influence of liquor, * Found in the files of the Army of Northern Virginia. See also Lee to Seddon, March 6, 1864, p. 223 Page 153 CHAP. XLV.] GILMOR S RAID ON BALTIMORE AND OHIO R. R. 153 had boasted that he had arranged the whole affair. He says he can name every man concerned but could not prove the fact, but gives the names of others who can; also states that Gilmor had boasted that he had arranged the matter with the detectives, and could man- age the whole detective force of the Government. The papers above referred to were sent by the department to Gen- eral Imboden, with orders to investigate the whole matter. The proof obtained by General Imboden was as follows: Captain Owings, quartermaster of Gilmors battalion, states that Gilmor gave him $160 in gold to buy a horse with, and told him that most of it was taken from a Jew, and that he had arranged the af- fair, though he did not take the money personally. Gilmor stated that Cherry, Martin, and others were engaged; other names not remembered. The robbery took place below Harrisonburg. The conversation took place soon after Gilmors return from the railroad expedition. Gihuor was in liquor when the conversation occurred. Captain Ross, of Gilmors battalion, testifies that he conversed with several of the men engaged in the railroad robbery, who told him they got no gold. He talked with Martin, and told him that if he had had anything to do with robbing the Jew named Hyman he had bet- ter make a clean breast of it. Martin said that he met Major Gilmor near Fishers Hill with other men not recognized. He did not know Gilmor until the latter hailed him, nor was Gilmor riding his own horse. Gilmor ordered Martin with sonie others to follow a ~vagon then near to a certain place, and take out two boys named Cross and remove them out of sight of the wagon. The wagon contained Jews. Martins share of the gold was about $800. Gilmor acknowledged to Captain Ross that he had arranged the affair of robbing the Jew; had put the men concerned all right, and had stood off and seen the thing well done. Quartermaster-Sergeant Gorsuch, of Gilmors battalion, testifies that the men got but little gold, if any, from the railroad. Private John Bosley, Company C, Gilmors battalion, told Gor- such that he had seen a pile of gold in the possession of Major Gilmor. Private Todd, of Company C, told Bosley that he (Todd) had re- ceived about $800, and also that Major Gilmor, Cherry, Mel. Todd, Martin, and one man in McNeills company were engaged in robbing the Jew. Bosley also stated that Martin had given more than $500 to Cherrys mother, in Staunton. Private Bosley testified substantially as above. Says that M. Todd admitted that he was engaged in the robbery, and gave the names of the others above mentioned. Todd says his share was about $860, and that there were eight persons concerned. Private Harding, Company C, testifies that he stopped all night below Woodstock the day after the railroad affair, and that the iiext morning he met Gilnior, ex-Lieutenant Billings, and Snodgrass, with two or three others, going down the valley, and a man remarked that he would bet the major was on the make now. Lieutenant Kemp testifies that he heard Cherry say that he had placed some money in the hands of Todd; do not know how much. Heard that all the money stolen was gold. Heard Major Gilmor say that he was not there, or that they would not catch him in the affair; does not remember the words. In Major Gilmors report of the attack on the railroad he says Cherry was present, but he was not aware of it until after the affair was over Page 154 154 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., XV. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. RAILROAD ROBBERY. Gihnors report states the reasons why he did not bring off the prisoners taken in the cars. Alleges that the robbery of the pas- sengers was without his knowledge and against his orders. States that he took abont $900 in greenbacks from the mail-bags. Most of the men got money, but would not admit how much. That when the train was first attacked he went to get in the express car to break open the safe, but went into the smoking-car by mistake. The rob- bery took place while he was engaged in the express and smoking car, where one of the passengers attacked him. The report shows that the principal attention was given to plunder. Sergeant Levy, Company B, testifies that Gilmor gave orders the evening before not to molest citizens or ladies. William Gilmor, Company C, testifies to the robbery at the cars, and that he heard Major Gilmor say that if any more citizens were robbed the robber should be shot. More robberies were committed. Quartermaster Sergeant Gorsuch proves that men who were on the expedition admitted that they robbed citizens, except those in the ladies car. Pistols, money, and clothing were taken. Private Bosley testifies to the admissions of men engaged on the railroad that they had robbed passengers. One man took a watch from a lady Private Harding testifies that they were ordered not to take any- thing from the employ6s of the railroad, but understood they might take from citizens. He remonstrated against the proceeding, and told Gilmor there were as good Southern men as himself in the train. One man got $13 in gold and silver. Gilmor told them they might take anything from the conductor or from the express agent. FEBRUARY 14, 1864.Affair near Brentsville, Va. Abstract from Record of Events on return of Second Brigade, Sec- ond Division, C~ava1ry Corps, Army of the Potomac, for Febru- ary, 1864. February 14.An escort from [Thirteenth Pennsylvania] regiment, under Lieut. Patrick S. Early, was attacked by guerrillas concealed in woods near Brentsville, Va. We had 2 men killed and 4 wounded. FEBRUARY 16, 1864.Affair at Fairfield, N. C. Report of Maj. Gen. John J. Peck, U. S. Army. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berue, N. C., February 23, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that General Wessells, com- mafiding sub-district of the Albemarle, dispatched the army gun- boat Foster on the 16th to the Alligator River upon a reconnaissance. Her crew was re-enforced by Lieutenant Helni and 30 men of the One hundred and first Pennsylvania Volunteers. Hearing that th Page 155 CHAP. XLV.] SCOUT FROM WARRENTON, VA. 155 Spencer Rangers were qnartered at Fairfield, Captain McLaughlin proceeded in two lannches, snrprised the outpost, and captured the whole company, consisting of Captain Spencer, 1 lieutenant, and 26 privates. Much property was taken. This enterprise was condhcted in a heavy snow-storm, and entitles all concerned to the highest praise. Another proof is added of the value of our army gnn-boats. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, ]liliajor-General. Maj. R. S. DAvIs, Assistant Adjutant- General. ADDENDA. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY AND DIsT. OF N. CAROLINA, No. 24. New Berne, N. 0., March 2, 1 864. The commanding general is gratified at being enabled to announce another in the series of successful enterprises against the enemy pro- jected by Brigadier-General Wessells, commanding Snb-district of the Albemarle. The army gun-boat Foster, Captain McLaughlin commanding, with a detachment of infantry under Lieutenant Helm, One hundred and first Pennsylvania Volunteers, was sent on the 16th of February on an expedition to Fairfield, N. C., where a band of guerrillas under command of Captain Spencer was qnartered. The camp was sur- prised, the arms and stores secured, and the whole company taken prisoners without loss on our side. The affair was conducted in a severe snow-storm, and reflects much credit upon the officers and men concerned. By command of Major-General Peck: BENJ. B. FOSTER, Assistant Adjutant-General. FEBRUARY 1718, 1864.Scout from Warrenton, and skirmish near Pied- mont, Va. Report of Lieut. Cot. John W. Kester, First New Jersey Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS FIRST NEW JERSEY CAVALRY, February 19, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to instruc- tions, I started from Warrenton with 850 men, comprising the fol- lowing commands: One hundred and fifty First New Jersey; [00, First Pennsylvania; 50, Third Pennsylvania, and 50, First Massachu- setts. It being very cold I marched rapidly, and at Salem I sent Lieutenant Bradbury, Third Pennsylvania, with 50 men of the First Massachusetts, to pass through Upperville and meet the rest of the command at Paris, in Ashbys Gap. I took the main column on to Piedmont. At that point I sent Captain Hart with 150 men of the First New Jersey Cavalry to pass through Piedmont Valley and stop at Paris until I arrived. With 100 men of the First Peunsylvanma, under Captain McGregor, and 50 men of the Third Pennsylvania, under Captain Wetherill, I marched to Markham Station in Man Page 156 156 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. assas Gap. From that point I crossed the mountains by a by-path, and joined the other parties at Paris at 12 oclock on the day of the 18th. The column nuder Lieutenant Bradbury lost their way and came into Paris without passing through Upperville, and captured some horses and arms without seeing any of the enemy. The column under Captain Hart passed through Piedmont Valley, and surprised and captured 15 of Mosbys guerrillas and furloughed sol- diers, and a quantity of arms, equipments, and horses. The other column with myself passed into Manassas Gap to Markham, and from there to Paris, capturing 13 of Mosbys guerrillas and fur- loughed soldiers, and a quantity of arms, equipments, horses, and some medical stores. The latter we destroyed. As we came near Paris about 40 guerrillas charged on my rear guard. I sent a squadron and charged, scattering them. No casualties on our side. Ii stopped one hour at Paris, and started to return at 1 oclock. By this time the guerrillas had collected together in a body, numbering nearly 100 men, who made repeated attempts to capture my rear guard, which they paid dearly for. At one time 1 man was shot from hisdiorse; at another, 2 were knocked over, and another, an officer, was dismounted and wounded, and was rescued by his com- rades, but his horse and trappings fell into our hands. The casualties on our side were: Captain Hart, First New Jersey, slightly wounded, and 2 horses killed. The guide you furnished me was of great assistance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN W. KESTER, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Capt. HENRY C. WEIR, Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Cavalry Division. FEBRUARY 20, 1864.Skirmishes at Upperville and Front Royal, Va. REPOIRTS, ETC. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Jeremiah C. Sullivan, U. S. Army. No. 2.Abstract from Record of Events on return of Cavalry Brigade, Department of West Virginia, for February, 1864. No. 3.Lient. Col. John S. Mosby, Forty-third Virginia Cavalry Battalion. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Jeremiah C. Sullivan, U. S. Army. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., February 20, 1864. The prisoners captured by Major Cole are part of Mosbys men. Mosby to-day received his commission of lieutenant-colonel. His officers were dressed up, celebrating it. Cole caught them with their good clothes on. Our loss 2 killed, 3 wounded, 1 missing. Rebels, 5 killed; wounded unknown. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier-General. General KELLEY Page 157 C~. XLV.] SKIRMISHES AT UPPERVILLE, VA., ETC. 157 No. 2. Abstract from Record of Events on return of Cavalry Brigade, De- partment of West Virginia, for February, 1864. Febrttary 20.Three parties were sent out of 200 men by way of Loudoun, under command of Major Cole, who met Mosbys troops at or near Upperville, and after a severe skirmish lost 1 captain and 1 private killed and several missing; captured 18 rebels. Another party under command of Colonel Taylor went to Front Royal; drove the rebels from there, who took to ~the mountains. We captured 8 prisoners. The third party went to Strasburg without meeting the enemy. Capt. W. L. Morgan, Company A, First New York Veteran Cavalry, was killed in action near Upperville. No. 3. Report of Lieut. Col. John S. Mosby, Forty-third Virginia Cavalry Battalion. FEBRUARY 21, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that about 8 oclock yesterday morning, on being informed that a large body of the enemys cavalry were in Upperville, I took immediate steps to be prepared to meet them. The enemy proceeded some distance along the pike toward Piedmont, when they started back. I did all in my power to retard them by annoying them with a few sharpshooters in order to give my men time to collect. After getting between 50 and 60 together I attacked them about 2 miles beyond Upperville.~ A sharp skirmish ensued, in which we repulsed them in three distinct charges and drove their sharpshooters from a very strong position behind a stone wall. They fled in the direction of Harpers Ferry. We pursued them about 2 miles. They were enabled to cover their retreat by means of their numerous carbineers posted behind stone fences. As my men had nothing but pistols, with only a few exceptions, I was compelled to make flank movements in order to dislodge them, which, of course, checked a vigorous pursuit. Citizens who counted the enemy inform me that they numbered 250 men, under command of Major Cole. They left 6 of their dead on the field, among them 1 captain, 1 lieu- tenant, and 7 men prisoners; also, horses, army equipments, & c. The road over which they retreated was strewn with abandoned hats, haversacks, & c. They impressed wagons to carry off their wounded. While all acted well, with but few exceptions, it isa source of zrreat pride to bring to your notice the names of some whose conspicuous gallantry renders their mention both a duty and a pleasure. They are Captain and Lieutenant Chapman, Lieutenants Fox, Richards, Ser- geants Palmer, Lavender, and Privates Munson, Edmons, Montjoy, Starke, and Cunningham. My loss was 2 wounded. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. S. MOSBY Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Maj. H. B. MCCLELLAN, Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Corps Page 158 158 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, February 28, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. Colonel Mosbys gallantry and skill highly commended, and atten- tion called to the officers and men specially mentioned. J. E. B. STUART, Major- General. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS, March 8, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, concurring in the commendation of Gen- eral Stuart bestowed upon Colonel Mosby, the officers and men of his command. R. K. LEE, General. FEBRUARY 20, 1864.Affair near Hurricane Bridge, W. Va. Abstract from Record of Events on return qf Thiid Brigade, Third Cavalry Division, Department of West Virginia, for February, 1864. A scouting party of 20 men of the Third West Virginia Cavalry, under Lieut. Henry A. Wolf, Company K, sent out from Hurri- cane Bridge, W. Va., had a skirmish with the enemy [February 20], in which Lieutenant Wolf was killed. FEBRUARY 2122, 1864.Scout from New Creek to Moorefleld, W. Va. Report of Col. James A. Mulligan, Twenty-third illinois Infantry. CUMBERLAND, MD., February 22, 1864. (Received 11.30 p. in.) The following telegram from Colonel Mulligan just received. Captain Wallace is the hero of Greenland Gap, where he was capt- ured with his company last May by General Jones, and taken to Richmond by his prisoner, Parker. Captain Knykendall was capt- ured a few days since in Hampshire County. NEW CREEK, W. VA., February 22, 1864. Captain MATHEWS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: Captain Wallace just in from a scout to Moorefield. He captured Lieutenant Parker, 2 privates, and 3 horses. Parker is first lieutenant of Knykendalls com- pany, and the same officer who guarded Wallace to Richmond. JAS. A. MULLIGAN. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. Brigadier-General CULLUM, Chief of Staff Page 159 C~r. XLV.] SKIRMISHES NEAR CJRCLEVILLE, VA., ETC. 159 FEBRUARY 2122,1864.Skirmishes near Circieville and Draneaville, Va. RI{ PORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Robert 0. Tyler, U. S. Army. No. 2.Lieut. Col. John S. Mosby, Forty-third Virginia Cavalry Battalion. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Robert 0. Tyler, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS TYLERS DIVISION, Fairfax Gourt-Ilouse, Va., February 23, 18649 p. m. J have the honor to report that a detachment of 125 men of the Second Massachusetts Cavalry, and 25 men of the Sixteenth New York Cavalry, nnder command of Capt. J. S. Reed, Second Mas- sachusetts Cavalry, enconntered, on the 21st instant, in the vicinity of Circieville Post-Office, 70 of Mosbys men, whom they defeated with severe loss to them. On their return, within 2 miles of Dranes- ville, on the Leesburg turnpike, they were ambuscaded by a force of between 200 and 300 men, under command of Mosby. Captain Reeds command fought well, but were finally driven toward the Potomac, in the vicinity of Muddy Branch. On receipt of the in- telligence, a large force went immediately in pursuit, without, how- ever, overtaking the enemy, who had ten hours the start, and the pursuit beyond Goose Creek was abandoned. Our loss was 10 killed and 7 wounded. Among the former, I regret to say, was Captain Reed, a brave and noble soldier. About 60 of the detachment are yet unaccounted for. A report will be sent by mail to-morrow. R. 0. TYLER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lient. Col. JOSEPH H. TAYLOR Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 2. Report of Lieut. Cot. John S. lliliosby, Forty-third Virginia Cavalry Battalion. FEBRUARY 23, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that about 11 oclock on the 21st instant, having learned that a body of 180 of the enemys cav- alry were on a raiding expedition in the vicinity of Middleburg, I started in pursuit with about 160 men. On reaching Middleburg I found they had gone toward Leesburg via Mountville, and that they had come from Vienna, in Fairfax. Directing Captain Chapman, whom I left in command, to move down Goose Creek near to Balls Mill, I went with a small squad to reconnoiter in person. On reach- ing Leesburg I discovered they had taken the Dranesville pike. After going about 6 miles in this direction they went into camp about 2 oclock at night. In the mean time I had ordered my command to Guilford Station, in order to keep pace with their movements and to be in a position to intercept them. After having ascertained where they had en- camped I moved my command out to the pike about 2 miles from Dranesville, at a point offering fine natural advantages for surpri Page 160 160 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. ing an enemy. Distributing the different companies in positions where I could attack their front, flank, and rear simultaneously, we awaited the approach of the enemy. Soon the concerted signala volley from the carbineers under Montjoyannounced the time for attack. With a terrific yell, Chapman, Hunter, and Williams, with their brave commands, dashed on the unsuspecting Yankees. Sur- prised and confounded, with no time to form, they made but feeble resistance, and were perfectly overwhelmed by the shock of the charge. They fled in every direction in the wildest confusion, leav- ing on the field at least 15 killed and a considerable number wounded, besides 70 prisoners in our hands, with all their horses, arms, and equipments. Among their killed was the captain commanding. A captain and 2 lieutenants are among the prisoners, who belong to the California Battalion. Many of them were also driven into the Potomac. The gallantry of both my officers and men was unsur- passed. My loss was 1 man killed and 4 wounded; none dangerously. My thanks are due Captain Chapman and Lieutenants Williams and Hunter and Adjutant Chapman for their fidelity in executing every order Respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. S. MOSBY, Lientenant- Colonel, Commanding. Maj. H. B. MCCLELLAN, Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Corps. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, February 28, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. This is another of the many brilliant exploits of this gallant leader. His boldness and skill are highly commended, as evidenced by the complete rout of the enemy with so small loss. Attention is invited to the special mention made of certain officers and men. J. E. B. STUART, Major- General. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS, March 8, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, uniting in the commendation bestowed by General Stuart. R. E. LEE, General. FEBRUARY 28, 1864.Scout in Gloucester County, Va. Report of Col. Robert Aif. West, Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry. FEBRUARY 29, 18642.50 p. m. A party of 300 of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Captain Ackerly, of that regiment, sent out early yesterday morn- ing to scout through Gloucester County, returned this morning, bringing in 5 prisoners and their horses. A detailed report will b Page 161 CHAP. XLV.] CUSTERS RAID INTO ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA. 161 duly forwarded. There does not appear to be more than a very small number of the enemy in Gloucester or adjacent counties. They are scattered and difficult to find. ROBT. M. WEST, Maj. R. S. DAVIS, Colonel, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General, Fort Mionroe. FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 1, 1864.Custers raid into Albemarle County, Va. SUMMARY O]3 ThEE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. Feb. 29, 1864.Skirmish at Stanardsville. Skirmish near Charlottesville. Mar. 1, 1864.Skirmish near Stanardsville. Skirmish at Burtons Ford. IRiEPORTS.* No. 1.Brig. Gen. George A. Custer, U. S. Army, commanding expedition. No. 2.-Lieut. George W. Yates, aide-de-camp to Major-General Pleasonton, U. S. Army. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Francis T. Nicholls, C. S. Army. No. 4.Capt. Marcellus N. Moorman, C. S. Artillery, commanding Stuart Horse Artillery. No. 1. Reports of Brig. Gen. George A. G~uster, U. S. Army, commanding expeditwn. HEADQUARTERS, Near 3fadison Court-House, llifareh 1, 18646 p. m. SIR: I have just arrived at this point with my entire command. I will send a full report of my operations. My command is now be- ing fed. I will probably return to Culpeper to-night. My horses are very much worn. I found Charlottesville and the bridge over the Rivanna guarded by four batteries of artillery, two brigades of cav- alry, and a very large force of infantry. This will be sufficient rea- son for my not having destroyed the railroad bridge, but I destroyed. the fine frame bridge over that stream, within 2 miles of the rail- road; captured and destroyed a large camp of the enemy, after driv- ing them from it; captured 6 caissous loaded with ammunition, 2 forges, and harness for both caissons and forges; burnt 3 large fiouring mills filled with grain; captured 1 standard bearing the Virginia State arms; captured about 50() horses, 2 Government wagons, one loaded with bacon, and on my return was cut off by a large force of cavalry and artillery under Generals Stuart and Wick- ham. My command cnt its way through without losing a man, ex- cept a few wounded. The enemy had several killed, a large num- ber wounded, and we captured over 50 prisoners. Since yesterday morning I have marched 100 miles. Very respectfully, G. A. CUSTER, Capt. E. B. PARSONS, Brigadier-General. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. * See also Mc~de~ report, p. 170, I~ ~VQL X~NU Page 162 162 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, Thursday, March 3, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command during the late expedition into Albe~ marie: I left Pony Mountain with my command at 2 p. m. Sunday, the 28th ultimo, and marched to the vicinity of Madison Court-House, where I arrived about 6 p. in., and bivouacked until 2 a. m. the fol- lowing day, at which hour I marched on the road leading to Stan- ardsville. A small picket of the enemy was driven in a few miles north of Banks Ford on the Rapidan. Nothing further was seen of the enemy until we arrived at Stanardsville, where a mounted force of about 20 men was encountered. After the exchange of a few shots they fled in the direction of Orange Court-House. From Stanardsville I took the road leading to Charlottesville. From pris- oners picked up along the route I learned that Fitzhugh Lees divis- ion of cavalry was encamped in the vicinity of Charlottesville, hav- ing been sent there to obtain forage and recruit his command. The pickets of the enemy were met about 6 miles from Charlottesville, and, when forced to retire, fell back in the direction of that place. We succeeded in driving the enemy before us until we reached a point about 2 miles beyond the Rivanna River, and within 3 miles of Charlottesville. Here I discovered a superior force of the enemys cavalry, supported by four batteries of artillery, in position, and a very heavy force of infantry (which I have since learned was Earlys division). To satisfy myself concerning the enemys strength and position I ordered Captain Ash, of the Fifth U. S. Cavalry, with two squadrons of his regiment, to charge the enemys right flank. Captain Ash drove the enemy back very gallantly, and succeeded in capturing 6 caissons filled with ammunition, 2 forges and harness complete, besides destroying the camp of the enemy. Learning the vast superiority of the numbers of the enemy, compared with my own, and the strength of his position, I determined to withdraw my command, which I did deliberately and in good order. After recross- ing the Rivanna I burned the bridge over that stream; I also burned a large flour mill at that point, as well as two other mills at different points on my route. I retired on the road leading to Stanardsville. When 16 miles from Charlottesville I fed my command and biv- ouacked until daylight. Through a misunderstanding, 600 men of my command, under Colonel Stedman, Sixth Ohio Cavalry, marched all night and recrossed the Rapidan before daylight, thus reducing my command to 1,000 cavalry and one section of artillery. At daylight on themorning of the 1st I resumed my march on the road to Stanardsville, at which point a small picket of the enemy was posted. Here I destroyed a quantity of Government stores, consisting of bags, caps, saddles, leather, muskets, flour, and whisky. Taking the road from Stanardsville to Madison, I continued my march without interruption from the enemy until a point was reached at which the road branched in two directions, one branch leading to Burtons Ford on the Rapidan, the other to Banks Ford. Here a brigade of rebel cavalry was drawn up, under command of Generals Stuart and Wickham. My advance guard, composed of one squad- ron of the Fifth U. S. Cavalry, under Captain Leib, was charged by the First and Fifth Virginia Cavalry, led by Stuart in person. At first th~ charge, being unexpected, was partially successful, an Page 163 c~. YIN.] CUSTERS RAID INTO ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA. 163 forced the advance guard back upon the main body, but the entire regiment (Fifth U. S. Cavalry), being sent forward under Captain Arnold, gallantly repelled the charge of the enemy and drove them back in great disorder, capturing over 20 prisoners and recapturing those of our own men who had been taken in the first charge by the enemy. Without giving the enemy time to rally his scattered forces, I hurried forward my entire command, halting only long enough to allow Lieutenant Porter to place his guns in position and fire a few rounds after the retreating enemy. A portion of the enemy took the road to Banks Ford, while the main body took the road leading to Burtons Ford. I pursued this latter force until he was driven across the South River, at a point near to Burtons Ford, on the Rapidan. A portion of my command crossed the South River and drove the enemy to the Rapidan. Here I placed my guns in posi- tion, and made other demonstrations as if determined to cross at Burtons Ford. The enemy, mistaking my real intentions, concen- trated all his forces at this ford, for this purpose withdrawing them entirely from Banks and the upper fords. Before he could detect my movement I faced my command about and moved rapidly to the road leading to Banks Ford, at which point I crossed the river without molestation. The enemy discovered the change in my movements, but too late to profit thereby. A force of 500 cavalry, which had been hurried up from Burtons Ford to intercept us, only arrived in time to see my rear guard safely across the river. My command returned to its camp without having suffered the loss of a man. While on this expedition it marched upwards of 150 miles, destroyed the bridge over the Rivanna River, burned 3 large fiouring mills filled with grain and flour, captured 6 caissons and 2 forges, with harness complete; captured 1 standard bearing the arms of Virginia, over 50 prisoners, and about 500 horses, besides bringing away over 100 contrabands. A large camp of the enemy was also captured and destroyed near Charlottesville. The conduct of the officers and men of my command was all that I could desire. Respectfully submitted. G. A. CUSTER, Brigadier-General, Commanding Expedition. Capt. E. B. PARSONS, Acting Assistant Adjutant. General, Cavalry Corps. ADDENDA. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, kliarch 2, 1864. Brig. Gen. G. A. CUSTER, Commanding Second Brigade, Third Division: GENERAL: The major-general ~commanding desires me to express his entire satisfaction at the result of your expedition, and the grati- fication he has felt at the prompt manner in which the duties as- signed to you have been performed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant E. B. PARSONS, captain and Actina Assistcun5 A~Iutant-General Page 164 164 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. No. 2. Report of Lient. George W. Yates, aide-de-camp to Major-General Pleasonton, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, March 3, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I joined an expedition, composed of 1,500 men and one section of artillery, commanded by Lieutenant Porter, Battery E, First Artillery, the whole commanded by Brig. Gen. George A. Custer, on the night of the 28th of Febru- ary, 1864, at Madison Conrt-House, Va. On the 29th, at 1 a. in., reveille was sonnded, and to horse at 2 a. m. We immediately thereafter took np onr line of march in the direction of the Rapidan River, traveling in a southwesterly direction. Approaching Wolftown we met a small cavalry picket, which fled at onr approach. At daylight we struck the Rapid an River at its south fork, crossing at Banks Mill Ford without oppo- sition, and pnshing forward in the direction of Stanardsville, at which place we arrived at 8.15 a. m. Here we again met a small cav- alry picket, which retired in the direction of Orafige Court-Honse. Passing through Stanardsville we kept a course south by west in the direction of Charlottesville, arriving at the Rivanna River about 3 p. in., crossing its south fork at Naked Run on a large bridge. Here we heard the locomotives of four different trains of cars ap- proaching Charlottesville from the direction of Gordonsville and Orange Court-House. About 1~- miles from the river we met the enemys cavalry pickets, which were driven in toward Charlottesville. We soon, however, met a stout force of cavalry, the enemy having mean time opened fire from three pieces of artillery. We ascertained from prisoners and citizens captured that the enemy were pretty strong, having one battalion of artillery (twenty pieces), one brigade of cavalry, commanded by General Wickham, and one division of infantry. The infantry had evidently just arrived by the trains above men- tioned, and I am satisfied by the reports of prisoners that there was no infantry at Charlottesville an hour before our arriving at Ri- vanna River. Captain Ash, of the Fifth U. S. Cavalry, with 65 men, was sent to the left in the direction of the enemys guns to reconnoiter. He charged the enemys artillery camp, driving them back, and suc- ceeded in capturing 6 caissons and 2 artillery forges, which he destroyed. He then burned their camp and camp equipage, & c. Heavy columns of infantry then appearing, Captain Ash was re- called. He joined the command, having met with no loss, 1 man being slightly wounded. We then recrossed the river, burned the bridge, and also destroyed a large flour mill near the bridge. Dur- ing the day we had captured 500 horses from citizens and the enemy. We found abundance of forage and provisions through the country which we had traveled. At 9 p. m. the command was halted for the purpose of feeding and resting the horses about 8 miles southwest of Stanardsville. About that time a heavy rain set in. The night was intensely dark. After resting about an hour and a half, General Custer issue4 orders to proceed to Stanardsville. Colonel Stedinan, with & 0Q men, led the acWnce~ T~urin~ thQ d~v~ u~s~ hi~ comman Page 165 CHAP. XLV.] CUSTER S RAID INTO ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA. 165 became separated from the main column and we lost our road. A halt was ordered. An aide was sent forward to halt Colonel Sted- man s command, but the aide also lost the road and could not find him. Colonel Stedman in the mean time was on the right road and pushing rapidly forward toward Stauardsville. Several parties were sent out to intercept him, but owing to the darkness all efforts to overtake him failed. At daylight on the morning of the 1st March the main command moved forward again on the right road to Stan- ardsville. On onr arrival there we learned that Colonel Stedman passed throngh the town at midnight, taking the road to Banks Mill Ford. About 2 miles from Stanardsville the advance guard, under the command of Captain Ash, Fifth Cavalry, came np ~ATith a rear guard of the enemys cavalry who were following the rear of Colonel Sted- man s command. As soon as they discovered our approach they charged our advance, supposing we were a small party which had been scouting and left in rear of Colonel Stedmans command. The enemy showed quite a large body of cavalry, charged our advance, drove them in rapidly to the main body. Mean time General Custer had massed his forces in a ravine out of sight of the enemy. Captain Ash fell back as far as the head of the ravine just mentioned, the enemy at the same time pouring out of the woods in large numbers. General Custer having made adequate preparations ordered a charge of his entire force. Officers and men moved forward in magnificent style, charging desperately upon the enemy, driving them back in confusion. We captured about half a dozen prisoners, and learned. from them that we were fighting General Stuart with two brigades of cavalry, one brigade commanded by General Wickham. Our guns were placed in position on a ridge to the right of the ravine from whence we made the charge. Lieutenant Porter, commanding the section, immediately opened fire on the enemy with shell, and they immediately withdrew. The enemy had no artillery. We pressed them rapidly for about 2 miles, when we learned that we were on the wrong road; the road we were on led to Burtons Ford on the Rap- idan, where the enemy had a force of infantry. I would here state that at the point from whence we made the charge the road forked, the one to the right running about due north to Burtons Ford, the one which the enemy had retreated on, while the other to the left running northeast direct to Banks Mill Ford, the one we should have taken at the forks. General Custer, as soon as he ascertained this~ circumstance, ordered his command back to take the Banks Mill road. The enemy followed our rear, but showed no disposition to renew the attack. We destroyed another large mill, containing flour, about 2 miles before reaching Banks Mill Ford. We crossed the ford without further molestation and proceeded toward Madison Court-House. At the ford we destroyed Banks Mill, containing flour aud corn-meal. About 5 miles from Madison Court-House we met Colonel Stedmans command of 500 men, they having arrived at Wolftown about daylight that morning; having heard our guns about 11 a. in., the colonel moved his command in the direction of Burtons Ford, where he saw the cavalry and infantry above men- tioned. Colonel Stedman had a slight skirmish with the enemy on the north side of the river near Burtons Ford, but withdrew his command and proceeded in the direction of Madison Court-House, where we overtook him. The whole command arrived at Madison Court-House before dar Page 166 166 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. on the evening of the 1st of March, having captured 500 horses, be- tween 50 and 60 prisoners (most) however, being citizens). ~We met with no loss with the exception of half a dozen men slightly wounded, and they rode their horses into Madison Court-House. We knew of 3 of the enemy who were killed, and several wounded, the enemy having left them on the field. I am under the impression that if we had a brigade of infantry in light marching order, between Banks Mill Ford and Stanardsville, we could have captured the enemys force sent out to intercept us. All inquiries failed to elicit any information as to the whereabouts of General Kilpatrick. I am satisfied that the forces we met knew nothing of his movements. I left the command at Madison Court-House about 8 oclock in the evening and arrived at these headquarters at 2 a. m. on the morning of the 2d. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. W. YATES, First Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. Major-General PLEASONTON, Commanding Cavalry Corps. No. 3. Reports of Brig. Gen. Francis T. Nicholls, C. S. Army. LYNCHBURG, February 29, 1864. I have just received from Captain Mallory, commanding at Char- lottesville, the following dispatch Enemys cavalry 3 miles from town. Can you send me any assistance? I want infantry. The dispatch is dated February 29, and was received 5.30 p. m. I have telegraphed to Charlottesville that I cannot. I will telegraph you again in a few moments. I have telegraphed to Captain Mallory to know more, and whether what he says is thoroughly reliable. FRANCIS T. NICHOLLS, Brigadier-General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. LYNCHBURG, February 29, 1864. I have just received the following dispatch from Captain Mallory, commanding at Charlottesville: Enemy burned county bridge on road to Earlysville, and last information states they are retreating toward Greene County, from whence they came. They came within 4 miles of town when they were driven across the river at Rio Mills. Force not known; supposed to be 1,000; all cavalry. You need not send any troops until you hear from me again. I have telegraphed Captain Mallory to keep me advised and will transmit to you his dispatches to me. FRANCIS T. NICHOLLS, Brigadier- General. General S. COOPER Page 167 16~ CHAP. XLV.] CUSTER S RAID INTO ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA. LYNCHBURG, February 29, 1864. I transmit dispatch from General Lee: Enemys cavalry are near Charlottesville; prepare to meet them if they come to Lynchburg. I cannot tell whether this dispatch is subsequent to the one from Captain Mallory at 8 p. in., that announced that the enemy had been driven back. I have no force but what I can get here from the citi- zens. I shall telegraph Captain Mallory. FRANCIS T. NICHOLLS, Brigadier-General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. LYNCHBURG, March 1, 1864. I have just received the following dispatch: CHARLOTTESVILLE. Enemy retreated toward Madison; our cavalry in pursuit. FRANCIS T. NICHOLLS, Brigadier-General. General S. COOPER. No. 4. Report of Capt. Marcellus N. liifoorman, C. S. Artillery, command ing Stuart Horse Artillery. MARCH 4, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this command during the recent raid of the enemy into Albemarle County, Va. On Monday, the 29th February, about 12.30 p. in., Lieutenant Cun- ningham, of the First Virginia Cavalry, brought into camp the first intelligence of the approach of the enemy, stating that he had last seen them 2 miles south of Stanardsville, making in this direction. Camp was at once notified and pickets sent forward to Rio Bridge, 1* miles north, but before they arrived the enemy had crossed and held the bridge. At the same time a column was discovered effect- ing a crossing at Cooks Ford, 1~ miles below. Finding it impossi- ble to get out of camp unless some check could be given, I opened fire with a portion of the guns of each battery, while the drivers and remaining cannoneers caught up and hitched the horses, all of which were running loose. As fast as a carriage was horsed it was moved off. Thus were all of the pieces moved out and started to the rear, except four guns, which were opened from the hill com- back thron mai4ding camp. The enemy by this time had pressed gh camp the line of skirmishers (unarmed except a few pistols) which I had deployed in my front. Having, ordered all of my guns back except two sections, I drew up behind each a mounted support, plac- ing the remainder of those mounted, under Captains Chew and Breathed, to guard my flank and maneuver in front, making a show of cavalry, in the execution of which they deserve great credit. Just at the moment when the enemys columns which had crossed at ~ Ford had reached and set fire to our camp, their right, which had crossed at Rio, made a charge just in time to receive an Page 168 168 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. mistake the explosion of one of Captain Chews caissons for the reopening of our guns, for they had just Ceased firing at that point. Each Column mistaking the other for his enemy fired into each other and broke. Captains Chew and Breathed, seeing their mistake, charged with their squadrons and drove the enemy with such precipi- tancy that I presume they have never discovered their mistake, as they never ventured to return, but drew up in line upon the opposite bank waiting the advance of the Horse. They opened upon us two pieces of artillery, to which I made no reply. Much credit is due both to officers and men for their coolness, bravery, and self-sacrifice, leaving clothing, blankets, and all for their guns. The loss sustained was as follows: Moormans battery, 2 men and 2 horses captured; Chews battery, 10 sets harness, 1 limber with canteens, 1 forge, 6 tents, 5 tent-flies, 4 tarpaulins, 60 pounds axle- grease, 15 curry-combs and brushes, 3 public horses, 40 Government bags; Breatheds battery, 9 tents, 2 horses, 3~- sets harness; McGreg- ors battery, 6 sets harness, 3 tent-flies, 12 bridles, 6 saddles and blankets, 4 halters, 2 mules, 4 skillets, 2 camp-kettles, 4 water-buckets. In addition to the losses enumerated I would state that the battalion suffered heavily in private effects, especially Chews and Breatheds batteries. In conclusion, I would inform you that I had been engaged with the enemy an hour or more when I received the accompanying dis- patch* from Major Mason. Respectfully submitted. M. N. MOORMAN, Captain, Commanding Battalion Stuart Horse Artillery. Maj. H. B. MCCLELLAN, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Cay. Corps, Army Northern Virginia. FEBRUARY 28MARCH 4, 1864.-Kilpatricks expedition against Rich mond, Va. SUMMARY 013 TIFLIE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. February 28, 1864.Affair at Elys Ford. 29, 1864.Skirmish at Beaver Dam Station. Skirmish near Taylorsville. March 1, 1864.Skirmish at Ashland. Skirmishes on Brook turnpike, near Richmond. Skirmish near Atlees. 2, 1864.Skirmish near Old Church. Skirmish near Walkerton. REPORTS, ETC. No. 1.Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Potomac. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick, U. S. Army, commanding expedition. No. 3.Capt. Joseph Gloskoski, Twenty-ninth New York Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. No. 4.Brig. Gen. Henry E. Davies, jr., U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, Third Division, Cavalry Corps. * Not found Page 169 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND VA. 169 No. 5.Capt. John F. B. Mitchell, Second New York Cavalry. No. 6.Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army, coniinanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina. No. 7.Col. Samuel P. Spear, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanding Cav- alry Brigade. No. S.Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Division. No. 9.Brig. Gen. Pierce M. B. Young, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. No. 10. Col. William H. Cheek, First North Carolina Cavalry, commanding bri- gade. No. 11.Capt. Edward C. Fox, Fifth Virginia Cavalry, Lomaxs brigade, Fitzhugh Lees division. No. 12.Col. Richard L. T. Beale, Ninth Virginia Cavalry, Chambliss brigade, in- cluding operations January 21 to March 6. No. 13.Lient. James Pollard. Ninth Virginia Cavalry. No. 14.Brig. Gen. Armistead L. Long, C. S. Army, commanding artillery, Sec- ond Corps. No. 15.Col. Walter II. Stevens, C. S. Army, commanding Richmond Defenses. No. 16.Capt. L. B. Anderson, North Anna Home Guards. No. 17.Congratulatory orders. No. 1. Reports of Ala]. Gen. George G. ]Jifeade, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, lllarch 1, 186410 p. m. (Received 11.30 p. in.) No intelligence has been received from Kilpatricks command since yesterday at 2 a. in., at which time he was passing through Spotsylvania Court-House, having captured the picket at Elys Ford on the Rappahannock, consisting of 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, and 15 men. In order to make a diversion in his favor the Sixth Corps, General Sedgwick, moved from its camp on the 27th and occupied Madison Court-House. On the 28th, Brigadier-General Custer, in command of a cavalry force and a section of artillery, left Madison Court-House with instructions to attempt the destruction of the Lynchburg Railroad bridge over the Rivanna, near Charlottesville. General Custer reached the bridge, but found it strongly guarded by infantry, cavalry, and artillery~ He, however, destroyed another bridge ovei~ the Rivanna, within 2 miles of the railroad, drove the enemy from a large camp, destroyed 6 caissons with ammnnition, 2 forges with barness, burnt 3 large flouring mills filled with grain, took 1 standard bearing the Virginia State arms, seized 500 horses and 2 Government wagons loaded with bacon, and on his return cut his way through a large force of cavalry and artillery under Gen- erals Stuart and Wickham, with slight loss to himself, inflicting severe loss on the enemy, and bringing back 50 prisoners, returning to Madison Court-House at 6 p. m. this day, having accomplished since his departure therefrom a march of over 100 miles. The force at Madison will be withdrawn to-morrow. GEO. G. MEADE, Major-General. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief Page 170 170 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 6, 186412 midnight. (Received 12.30 a. in., 7th.) The Richmond Sentinel of March 6 (yesterday) has been received, which announces the capturing at King and Queen of a part of Dahi- grens party, reported 90 men, and that Colonel Dahigren was killed in the skirmish. I fear the account is true. The paper will be sent you to-morrow. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. Maj. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 8, 1864. COLONEL: 11 have the honor to submit herewith the reports of Brigadier-General Kilpatrick and subordinate officers on the recent expedition organized from this army with a view to effect the libera- tion of our prisoners in Richmond: About the middle of February, when in Washington, I was in- formed by the honorable Secretary of War that His Excellency the President was very anxious to have his amnesty proclamation dis- tributed within the enemys lines, and that he had sent for Brigadier- General Kilpatrick to confer with him on the practicability of accom- plishing this object in connection with a cavalry expedition. On my return to camp General Kilpatrick submitted; through the chief of cavalry, his project hereto annexed (marked A). Having ascertained from reliable sources that Richmond was comparatively defenseless, having only about 3,000 local militia with some field batteries and a small force of cavalry, and that Hamptons division of cavalry, numbering not more than 1,500 men, were the only troops of Lees army at Fredericksburg and between there and Richmond, I thought it practicable by a rapid and secret movement that Rich- mond might be carried by a coup de main, and our prisoners released before re-enforcements from either Petersburg or Lees army could reach there. Instructions were accordingly given to General Kilpat- rick (marked B).* At the same time the Sixth Corps, Major-General Sedgwick, was advanced to Madison Court-Howe, and a cavalry command, 1,500 strong, under Brigadier-General Custer, pushed toward Charlottes- ville, in advance of Kilpatricks movement, to distract the enemys attention and prevent the detachment of any force toward Rich- mond. It is believed these plans succeeded perfectly so far as de- ceiving the enemy. General Kilpatrick reached Richmond without opposition, and his approach was unknown till very near the city. Before arriving at that point he had detached Colonel Dahlgren, in command of 500 men, to cross the James River above Richmond, and move down the south bank, and before reaching the vicinity of Richmond he detached Major Hall with 450 men to attack a force of the enemy near Ashland. On reaching the city General Kilpatrick found himself opposed by infantry and artillery, which, in his judgment, rendered any attempt at forcing an entrance extremely hazardous. He accordingly * See also instructions to corps commanders, & c., February 26 and 28, in Corre- spondence, & c., pp. 59~i, 597600, 608 Page 171 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICIIMOND, VA. 171 made no serious attempt to enter, but, after sonic slight and insig- nificant skirmishing, withdrew his command and hurriedly made his way to Williamsburg. Colonel Dahigren, having been deceived by his guide, was unable to cross the James, but, following down the left bank, endeavored to enter Richmond about the time of the withdrawal of Kilpatrick. Dahlgren pushed forward vigorously, but the night overtaking him and hearing nothing from Kilpatrick, whose guns he had heard early in the afternoon, he withdrew and attempted to rejoin the main body. The next day Dahlgren became separated from his command, and being ambushed near King and Queen Court-House himself fell mortally wounded, and the small force with him (some 70 or 80 men) fell into the hands of the enemy. The rest of his detachment, under the command of Captain Mitchell, New York cavalry, after encountering numerous bodies of the enemy, succeeded in rejoining Kilpatricks main force at Tunstalls Station, on the York River Rail- road. Captain Mitchells report is herewith submitted, and attention called to the admirable manner in which he handled his small com- mand. The report of Brigadier-General Custer, whose expedition to the vicinity of Charlottesville was perfectly successful, is also transmitted herewith. ~ On the return of Brigadier-General Kilpatrick, Ii caused a thorough inspection of his command to be made, and submit herewith the re- port of the inspection, showing the number of horses lost and dis- abled, together with the number of lost arms and equipments. I also forward a nominal list of the killed, wounded, and missing in General Kilpatricks command. It is believed the number of killed (2) and wounded (12) will be increased when the missing are finally accounted for. There were no casualties in General Custers command. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. G. MEADE, Major-General, Commanding. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure No. 1.] HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 17, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In obedience to the instruction of the major-general commanding, of this date, I have the honor to state that the plan proposed by Brigadier-General Kilpatrick in the inclosed communi- cation is not feasible at this time. When the Stoneman raid was made last year, General Lees army was closely engaged with the Army of the Potomac at Chancellors- ville, and the country was clear, yet the damage done by that raid was repaired in a few days, while the loss to the Government was over 7,000 horses, besides the equipments and men left on the road. Had this force been retained for the Gettysburg campaign the re- sults would have been more decisive. * See p. 162. Page 172 172 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. General Kilpatrick might succeed in cutting the telegraph from Lees army and from Fredericksburg to Richmond, but the telegraph by the way of Gordonsville and Lynchburg would soon notify the rebels in Richmond that our cavalry was out, and before Kilpatrick could do much damage their vulnerable points would be secured. For the success of such an expedition I would be willing to sacrifice the number of horses required, but in the present state of the roads and the facilities the rebels have, with their army disengaged and distributed for frustrating such an effort, I cannot recommend it. In reference to the Presidents proclamation, I will most willingly undertake to have it freely circulated in any section of Virginia that may be desired. I do not think I am promising too niuch in naming even Richmond. I am in the receipt of information from the James River which is satisfactory to me that the amnesty proclamation is freely circu- lating in Virginia, but that the people are so watched as to prevent much action as yet on their part. As an instance is mentioned a strong Union man at Howardsville, who has $160,OOO in coin secreted, but who has never been able to escape with it. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. PLEASONTON, lIiEajor- General, Commanding. [Sub-inclosure.] A. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, Capt. E. B. PARSONS, February 16, 1864. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Corps: CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders from headquarters Cavalry Corps, I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 12th instant I proceeded to Washington City and reported to the Presi- dent of the United States, as directed in an order dated headquar- ters Cavalry Corps, February 12, 1864. By direction of the President I afterward reported to the honor- able Secretary of War and submitted, at his request, the following plan as, in my opinion, the most practicable to accomplish the double purpose of distributing the Presidents amnesty proclama- tion to the rebel command in our front, and to the inhabitants of Virginia in the various counties about Richmon& as also to destroy, as far as practicable, the enemys communications, and attempt the release of our prisoners at Richmond. Pian.I propose, with a force of not less than 4,000 cavalry and six guns, to cross the Rapidan River at Elys Ford and proceed to Spotsylvania Court-House, from that point to send a sufficient force of cavalry to destroy the Virginia Central Railroad at or near Fredericks Hall, to prevent infantry re-enforcements being sent from Lees army, scouts having been sent to cut the telegraph on crossing the Rapidan River; also to send a force to destroy the Fredericksburg railroad at or near Guineys Station, the telegraph on this road having also been previously destroyed. These parties, and others that it may be found necessary to detach, will scatter the proclamation along the line of march. With the main force I pro- pose to move to Carmel Church and cross the North Anna River near that point, destroy the railroad bridge 3 miles below, and proceed t Page 173 CRAP. XLV.j EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 173 Hanover Junction, unless the force stationed there is found to be too large, in which case I will avoid that point. The force sent to Guineys Station will join me at Carmel Church. The force sent to Fredericks Hall will proceed to Goochland Court-House, destroy the canal, cross the James River, proceed down the south bank, destroy the arsenal at Bellona; also the Danville and Richmond and Petersburg and Richmond Railroads, this force afterward to act as circumstances may require. From Hanover Junction I will pro- ceed down the Brook pike between the two railroads, cross the brook and move on Richmond, and if possible, in conjunction with troops sent from the direction of West Point, make an attempt to release our prisoners. Should this be found impossible the command can return by way of Fredericksburg, or seek temporary safety at West Point. The command will need but five days rations and one of forage; no wagons. From the information I have but lately received, and from my thorough knowledge of the country, I am satisfied that this plan can be safely and successfully carried out. Respectfully submitted. J. KILPATRICK, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, February 17, 1864. This statement of General Kilpatrick is forwarded to Major-Gen- eral Meade, as requested. A. PLEASONTON, Major- General, Commanding. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 17, 1864. Respectfully returned. The major-general commanding desires the views of the com- mander of the cavalry corps respecting the feasibility of the plan; after submitting which, in writing, the commanding general of the army desires to see him. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General, Chief of Staff. [Inclosure No. 2.] B. CONFIDENTIAL.] HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 27, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. KILPATRICK, Commanding Expedition, & c.: The major-general commanding has directed Major-General Pleas- o~nton, commauding Cavalry Corps, to re-enforce your command so that you will have available 4,000 officers and men and a battery of light artillery. With this force you will move with the utmost ex- pedition pos~ible on the shortest route past the cuemys right flank to Richmond, and by this rapid march endeavor to effect an entrance into that city and liberate our pri~ouor~ now hold there and in that inimcdiato vioinity Page 174 114 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA~, W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. To create a diversion in your favor a powerful expedition has been organized and will be in full movement to-morrow, the 28th in- stant, to operate toward the left flank of the enemy in the direction of Charlottesville, which will be extended to the railroad bridge across the Rivanna, in the vicinity of that town, if practicable, and the bridge destroyed. This operation will be followed up by other movements of troops5 and it is expected by these means so to distract the attention of the enemy that every chance for the success of your expedition will be secured that it is practicable to provide for here. If you succeed in liberating the prisoners you will conduct them within our lines at Williamsburg, and then, if, in your judgment, upon the facts known to you as to the disposition of the forces of the enemy and the state of the weather, it be practicable you will return to your former position in this army by way of the crossings of the Rappahannock or Rapidan. The movements intended to create a diversion in your favor will be in full operation on the 28th and 29th instant, and will extend beyond that time. You will there- fore commence your movement on the night of the 28th instant. I am directed by the major-general commanding to say that no detailed instructions are given you, since the plan of your operations has been proposed by yourself, with the sanction of the President and the Secretary of an has been so far adopted by him that he considers success possible with secrecy, good management, and the utmost expedition. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major- General. Chief of Staff. [Inclosure No. 3.] Numerical list of casualties in the Cavalry Corps during expedition of General Kilpatrick to Richmond. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Command. i~ 3 0 0 ~ 0 ~ First Division: 3d Indiana cavalry 1 2 3 4th New York cavalry 2 2 17th Pennsylvania cavalry 1 1 Second Division: 1st Maine cavalry 1 2 48 51 16th Pennsylvania cavalry 1 1 4th Pennsylvania cavalry 4 4 Third Division: 2d New York cavalry 3 2 66 71 5th New York cavalry 2 1 20 23 18th Pennsylvania cavalry 1 2 3 5th Michigan cavalry 2 1 47 50 6th Michigan cavalry 5 5 7th Michigan cavalry 3 41 44 1st Vermont cavalry 1 4 72 77 Total 6 12 310 335 HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, March 30, 1864. D. MoM. GREGG, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Coinmandin.q, Capt. E. B. PARSONS, 4~sistant Adjutant-General Page 175 Ow. XLV.] EXEEDITIOK AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 175 ADDENDA. FEBRUARY 28, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER SECOND CORPS: Please send the following confidential dispatch to General Ku- pat rick. The signal telegraph is just reported out of order. Let me know when Kilpatrick receives it. FEBEUARY 28, 18646.15 p.m. Brigadier-General KILPATRICK: The major-general commanding directs that you move to-night. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 14, 1864. Major-General PLEASONTON, C~ommanding C~avalry Corps: The major-general commanding directs that careful inquiry be made to ascertain whether Colonel Dahigren made or issued such an address to his command as that which has been published in the journals of to-day; and also whether any orders or directions of the character of those contained in the memorandum following the ad- dress were given to his command or to any part of it. Very respectfully, & c., A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 14, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. KILPATRICK, Commanding Third Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that careful inquiries be made to ascertain whether Colonel Dahlgren made or issued such an address to his command as that which has been pub- lished in the journals of the day. Every effort will be made by you to learn the truth of this matter, and the officers and men of his command will be carefully questioned on this point, and the result of the investigation and whatever you may yourself know of the matter will be reported at the earliest practicable moment. The general also desires to know whether any orders or directions of the character of those contained in the memorandum following the address, as printed in the public journals, were given to his com- mand or to any portion of it. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, E. B. PARSONS, Qaptain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 176 176 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [C~. XLV. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, ]iiliarch 16, 1864. Capt. F. C. NEWHALL, Acting Assistant A6~jutant-General, Cavalry Corps: CAPTAIN: In accordance with instructions from headquarters Cay- airy Corps I have carefully examined officers and men who accom- panied Colonel Dahigren on his late expedition. All testify that he published no address whatever to his command, nor did he give any instructions, much less of the character alleged in the rebel journals in the memorandum following his address. Colonel Dahlgren, one hour before we separated at my headquar- ters, handed me an address that he intended to read to his command. That paper was indorsed in red ink, Approved, over my official signature. The alleged address of Colonel Dahigren published in the papers is the same as the one approved by me, save so far as it speaks of exhorting the prisoners to destroy and burn the hateful city and kill the traitor Davis and his cabinet. All this is false and published only as an excuse for the barbarous treatment of the remains of a brave soldier. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. KILPATRICK, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 22, 1864. Major-General PLEASONTON, Commanding Cavalry Corps: DEAR GENERAL: Will you have Captain Mitchell sent to these headquarters to-mQrrow? I refer to the Captain Mitchell who com- manded that part of Colonel Dahigrens force that reached the main body of the expedition under General Kilpatrick. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 23, 1864. Major-General PLEASONTON, Commanding Cavalry Corps: The major-general commanding directs me to inquire whether the instructions for General Kilpatrick, as commander of the late expe- dition against Richmond, sent to ~him from these headquarters through you, were duly received and acknowledged by him. In his report of that expedition General Kilpatrick omits all mention of or reference to these instructions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. HUMPHREYS, ~Ifajor-General and Chief of StciJJ Page 177 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RIChMOND, VA. 177 HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, March 25, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: General Kilpatrick duly receiVed and acknowledged the instructions of the major-geueral commanding ill reference to the late expedition against Richmond. Very respectfully, A. PLEASONTON, Major-General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, Fort Monroe, March 30, 1864. Rear-Admiral DAHLGREN: DEAR SIR: I have received the most positive assurances from Judge Ould upon two points that may interest you. First, that the statements in the Richmond papers of any indignities to the remains of your son are false; that they were decently and properly buried under the direction of an officer of equal rank in the Confederate service. Secondly, I have the most positive assurances from him that you shall receive the remains of your son by next flag-of-truce boat. I beg leave to add my own assurances that the moment Colonel Dahlgrens remains arrive at this point they shall be safely and most speedily forwarded tQ you. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Gommanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 16, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. KILPATRICK: I am directed by the major-general commanding to advise you that he desires you to send him a copy of your letter of March 15 [16], in reference to the instructions given the late Colonel Dahl- gren, at the very earliest rimoment practicable, and that he desires to see you personally upon the subject at these headquarters as soon as the copy of the letter is forwarded. Very respectfully, & c., CHAS. E. PEASE, C~aptain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, April 16, 1864. Assistant Ac~jntant- General, Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: I inclose herewith, for the information of the honorable Secretary of War, a letter and inclosures received from General Robert E. Lee, commanding Army of Northern Virginia, with my reply thereto. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. 12 R RVOL XXXII Page 178 148 OPERATJONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAI. XLV. [inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN YIRGINIA, April 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: Jam instructed to bring to your notice two papers found upon the body of Col. U. Dahigren, who was killed wiule commanding a part of the Federal cavalry during the late expedi- tion of General Kilpatrick. * To enable you to understand the sub- ject fully I have the honor to inclose photographic copies of~ the aersreferred to, one of which is an address to his officers and men, ~ ~th earing e official signature of Colonel Dahlgren, and the other, not signed, contains more detailed explanations of the purpose of the expedition and more specific instructions as to its execution. In the former this passage occurs: We hope to release the prisoners from Belle Island first, and having seen them fairly started, we will cross the James River into Richmond, destroying the bridges after us and exhorting the released prisoners to destroy and burn the hateful city; and do not allow the rebel leader Davis and his traitorous crew to escape. The prisoners must render great assistance, as you cannot leave your ranks too far or become too much scattered, or you will be lost. Among the instructions contained in the second paper are the following: The bridges once secured, and the prisoners loose and over the river, the bridges wrn be secured and the city destroyed. The men must keep together and well in hand, and once in the city it must be destroyed and Jeff. Davis and cabinet killed. Pioneers will go along with combustible material. In obedience to my instructions I beg leave ~espectfully to inquire whether the designs and instructions of Colonel Dahlgren, as set forth in these papers, particularly those contained in the above ex- tracts, were authorized by the United States Government or by his superior officers, and also whether they have the sanction and ap- proval of those authorities. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General. [Sub-inclosure No 1.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvIsION, CAVALRY CORPS, _____________ 1864. Officers and iMien: You have been selected from brigades and regiments as a picked command to attempt a desperate undertakingan undertaking which, if successful, will write your names on the hearts of your countrymen in letters that can never be erased, and which will cause the prayers of our felloW-soldiers now confined in loath- some prisons to follow you and yours wherever you may go. We hope to release the prisoners from Belle Island first, and having seen them fairly started, we will cross the James River into Richmond, destroying the bridges after us and exhorting the released prisoners to destroy and burn the hateful city; and do not allow the rebel leader Davis and his traitorous crew to escape. The prisoners mnst render great assistance, as you cannot leave your ranks too far *See Cooper to Lee, March $0, p.2~& Page 179 Ca& p. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 179 or become too much scattered, or you will be lost. Do not allow any personal gain to lead you off, which would only bring you to an ignominious death at the hands of citizens. Keep well together and obey orders strictly and all will be well; but on no account scatter too far, for in union there is strength. With strict obe- dience to orders and fearlessness in the execution you will be sure to succeed. We will join the main force on the other side of the city, or perhaps meet them inside. Many of you may fall; but if there is any man here not willing to sacrifice his life in such a great and glorious undertaking, or who does not feel capable of meeting the enemy in such a desperate fight as will follow, let him step out, and he may go hence to the arms of his sweetheart and read of the braves who swept through the city of Richmond. We want no man who cannot feel sure of success in such a holy cause. We will have a desperate fight, but stand up to it when it does come and all will be well. Ask the blessing of the Almighty and do not fear the enemy. U. DAHLGREN, Colonel, Comrnanding. [5ub-inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvISION, CAVALRY CORPS, , 1864. Guides, pioneers (with oakum, turpentine, and torpedoes), signal officer, quartermaster, commissary, scouts, and picked men in rebel uniform. Men will remain on the north bank and move down with the force on south bank, not getting ahead of them, and if the com- munication can be kept up without giving an alarm it must be done; but everything depends upon a surprise, and no one must be allowed to pass ahead of the column. Information must be gathered in re- gard to the crossings of the river, so that should we be repulsed on the south side we will know where to recross at the nearest point. All mills must be burned and the canal destroyed; and also every- thing which can be used by the rebels must be destroyed, including the boats on the river. Should a ferry-boat be seized and can be worked, have it moved down. Keep the force on the south side posted of any important movement of the enemy, and in case of danger some of the scouts must swim the river and bring us information. As we approach the city the party must take great care that they do not get ahead of the other party on the south side, and must conceal themselves and watch our movements. We will try and secure the bridge to the city, 1 mile below Belle Island, and release the prison- ers at the same time. If we do not succeed they must then dash down, and we will try and carry the bridge from each side. When necessary, the men must be filed through the woods and along the river bank. The bridges once secured, and the prisoners loose and over the river, the bridges will be secured and the city de- stroyed. The men must keep together and well in hand, and once in the city it must be destroyed and Jeff. Davis and cabinet killed. Pioneers will go along with combustible material. The officer must use his discretion about the time of assisting us. Horses and cattle which .we do not need immediately must be shot rather than left. Everything on the canal and elsewhere of service to the rebels must be destroyed. As General Custer may follow me, be careful not to give a false alarm Page 180 180 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. [Inclosure No. 2.] HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 17, 1864. General ROBERT E. LEE, Comdg. Army of Northern Virginia: GENERAL: I received on the 15th instant, per flag of truCe, your ComnrnuiCatioll of the 1st instant, transmitting photographic Copies of two documents alleged to have been found upon the body of Col. U. Dahigren, and inquirin~ whether the designs and instrUCtions of Colonel Dahigren, as set forth in these papers, particularly those Contained in the above extracts, xver~ authorized by the United States Government or by his snperior officers, and also whether they have the sanction and approval of these authorities. In reply I have to state that neither the United States Government, myself, nor General Kilpatrick anthorized, sanctioned, or approved the burning of the city of Richmond and the killing of Mr. Davis and cabinet, nor any other act not required by military necessity and in accordance with the usages of war. In confirmation of this statement I inclose a letter from General Kilpatrick, and have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obe- dient servant, GLO. G. MEADE, Major- General. [Sub-inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, CA~$ALRY Con~s, April 16, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, A. A. G., Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In accordance with instructions from headquarters Army of the Potomac, I have carefully examined officers and men who accompanied Colonel Dahlgren on his late expedition. All testify that he published no address whatever to his command, nor did he give ai~y instructions, much less of the character as set forth in the photographic copies of two papers alleged to have been found upon the person of Colonel Dahlgren and forwarded by Gen- eral Robert E. Lee, commanding Army of Northern Virginia. Colonel Dahigren, one houi~ before we separated at my headquar- ters, handed me an address that he intended to read to his command. That paper was indorsed in red ink, A pproved, over my official signature. The photographic papers referred to are true copies of the papers approved by me, save so far as they speak of exhorting the prisoners to destroy and burn the hatefnl city and kill the traitor Davis and his cabinet, and in this, that they do not contain the indorsement referred to as having been placed by nie on Colonel Dahigrens papers. Colonel Dahlgren received no orders from me to pillage, burn, or kill, nor were any such instructions given meby my superiors. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. KILPATRICK, Brigadier- General Volunteers. FORT MONROE, VA., April 17, 1864. (Received 5.45 j~. in.) Rear-Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN, Washington, D. C.: Flag-of-trnce boat arrived, Onid assnres Major Mulford that upon going to the grave of Colonel Dahlgreii it was found empty Page 181 C~. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST ETOHMOND, VA. 181 and that the most vigorous and persistent search fails to find it; that the authorities are making every exertion to find the body, which shall be restored if found. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. FORT MONROE, VA., April 20, 1864. Rear-Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN, (Received 11 p. in.) Washington: I have reliable information from Richmond that Colonel Dahl- grens body has been taken possession of by hi~ Union friends, and has been put beyond the reach of the rebel authorities. I propose to take in the matter the course indicated in my last conversation with you. Please advise me if you wish any other. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. FORT MONROE, VA., April 21, 1864. Rear-Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN, (Received 1.45 p. in.) Washington, D. C.: The remains are not so far within my control as to be able to remove them from Richmond, where every effort is bein6 made by the detectives to find them; but they are, I am informed and believe, in the hands of devoted friends of the Union, who have taken possession of them in order that proper respect ay be shown to them at a time which I trust is not far distant. I hardly dare suggest to Ould, when he reports to me, as he will, that he cannot find them, that I can put them into his possession, because ~that will show such a cor- respondence with Richmond as will alarm them, and will redouble their vigilance to detect my sources of information. I am, however, under the direction of the President. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, ~Jommanding. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. Jndson Kilpatricle, U. S. Army, commanding eo~pedition. CAvALRY CORPS, February 29, 1864. Major-General Hu IPLIREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: I have the honor to forward you a copy of a dispatch just received from General Kilpatrick: HDQRS. CAVALRY EXPEDITION, February 29, 18641 a. m. (Via Second Corps Hdqrs.) Lieut. CoL C. Ross 5mm, Chief 6f Staff, Garairy Gorps: COLONEL: My advance captured the picket and reserve of the enemy at Elys Ford, consisting of a captain, lieutenant, and 15 men. It was a complete surprise Page 182 182 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. No alarm has been given. The enemy does not anticipate our movement. My command is crossing in good order. Colonel Dahigren with the advance has reached Chancellorsville. Very respectfully, ~. KILPATRICK, Brigadier-General. A. PLEASONTON, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, March 4, 1864. GENERAL: The following dispatch, in cipher, just r~ceived from General Kilpatrick, dated Fort Magruder, Va., March 3, 1864: HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY EXPEDITION, March 3, 18649 p. m. Maj. Gen. A. PLEASONTON, Commanding Cavalry Corps: I have reached General Butlers lines with my command in good order. I have failed to accomplish the great object of the expedition, but have destroyed the enemys communications at various points on the Virginia Central Railroad; also the canal and mills along the James River, and much other valuable property. Drove the enemy into and through his fortifications to the suburbs of Richmond; made several unsuccessful efforts to return to the Army of the Potomac. I have lost less than 150 men. The entire command is in good order, and needs but a few days rest. I respectfully ask for instructions. J. KILPATRICK, Brigadier-General, Commanding Expedition. In view of the failure of General Kilpatrick to return to this com- mand by land, I respectfully urge that transportation be sent imme- diately from Alexandria to transport it by water, as his command is composed of picked troops from all the divisions of~t~e~ corps, and the organization and effectiveness of the remaining divisions is seri- ously impaired by the absence of so large a number. Very respectfully, A. PLEASONTON, Major- General, Commanding. Major-General HuMPHREYS, Chief of Staff. YORKTOWN, VA., March 6, 1864. I left my camp at Stevensburg with 3,585 men, 6 guns, 8 caissons, 3 wagons, and 6 ambulances. I have now 3,317 men, 3,595 horses, 6 guns, 8 caissons, 3 wagons, and 4 ambulances. Colonel Dahlgren, with about 100 men, has been heard from to-day; he was then near King and Queen Court-House. I shall send some of my men to assist him. General Butler informs me that he has ample transportation for me. Troops can be crossed at Urb~nna only at high tide. Dock destroyed. Can easily cross at Tappahannock. Gun-boats can cover my crossing. J. KILPATRICK, Brigadier- General. Major-General PLEASONTON, Commanding Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac Page 183 CHAP. XLv.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 18~3 YORKTOWN, VA., March 8, 1864. GENERAL,: Twelve men of Dahigrens party have come in. They state that Colonels Dahigren and Cooke, With about 80 men and a large number of negroes, were ambushed at King and Queen Court- House on Thursday evening, 11 p. mi~ The colonel was killed and 7 men wounded. Colonel [Major] Cooke and the remainder were afterward surrounded by the citizens and soldiers on furlough. Colonel [Major] Cooke ordered his men to scatter and make for the river. The negroes were captured and confined in the jail at the court-house. Colonel Dahlgrens servant has also come in. He re- ports seeing the colonels body on the roadside stripped of his cloth- ing and horribly mutilated. I seiit a large force two days since to King and Queen Court-House. It has not returned. J. KILPATRICK, Brigadier- General, & c. Major-General PLEASONTON, Commanding Cavalry Corps. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvIsION, CAVALRY CORPs, March 16, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 26th of February I received the following order, dated CONFIDENTIAL.] HDQRS. CAVALRY Conrs, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 20, 1804. Brigadier-General KILPATRICK, Commanding Third Cavalry Division: GENERAL: Your command, increased to 4,000 men with one battery, will be placed in readiness to move on a raid to Richmond for the purpose of liberating our prisoners at that place. You will start on Sunday evening, the 28th instant, and will proceed by such routes and make such dispositions as from time to time you may find necessary to accomplish the object of the expedition. You will not be confined to any specific instructions in reference to such matters. Cot. Utric Dahigren is authorized to accompany you, and will render valuable assistance from his knowledge of the country and his well-known gallantry, intelligence, and energy. Important diver- sions will be made in your favor, the particulars of which you have been already advised. That these may be more fully and completely carried out you will direct Brigadier-General Custer to report in person to these headquarters until further orders. With my best wishes for a perfect success, and the assurance that every effort will be exerted by the service here to insure it, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. PLEASONTON, Major-General, Commanding. In accordance with the above instructions, I left my camp at Stevensburg at 7 oclock Sunday evening, February 28, with 2,375 men and Captain Ransoms battery U. S. Horse Artillery (six pieces), and detachments from the First and Second Cavalry Divisions, under Majors Hall and Taylor, in all 3,582 strong. My advance, consisting of 460 men, under Colonel Dahlgren, reached Elys Ford at 11 p. in., crossed, surprised, and captured the enemys picket, consisting of 2 officers and 14 men. Colonel Dahl.. gren was then ordered to move rapidly forward, by way of Spotsyl- vania Court-House, to Fredericks Hall, on the Virginia Central Railroad, and thence to a point above Goochland, on the James River, cross the river, move down the opposite bank, and, if possi- ble, be in position to seize the main bridge tltat led to the city of * Wednesday, March 2 Page 184 184 OPET~ATI0NS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. Richmond, at 10 oclock Tuesday, March 1. A small force, under Captain Boice, Fifth New York Cavalry, was sent to destroy the Fredericksburg railroad below Guineys Station, the telegraph hav- ing been destroyed on both roads by scouts during the night. I pressed rapidly forward with the main column, passed Spotsylvania Court-House at daylight, reached and destroyed Beaver Dam Sta- tion at 1 p. ni., and after destroying the road to a considerable ex- tent, moved rapidly forward in the direction of Richmond. and went into camp early in the evening 9 miles from Ground Squirrel Bridge, over the South Anna. I moved at 1 a. m. Tuesday morning, intending to cross the South Anna at Ground Squirrel Bridge, iviove down the Ridge road, and attack Richmond west of the Brook pike. My guide (I think through ignorance), instead of directing the column to the bridge mentioned, led it in the direction of Ashland, where we came upon the infantry pickets of the enemy. From prisoners I learned that a force of 2,000 infantry and six pieces of artillery was stationed near the railroad bridge above Ashland. I directed Major Hall, with 4~0 men of the First Division, to drive in the enemys pickets and make a determined attack in order to cover the movements of the main column. I struck across the coun- try to the South Anna and crossed at a point 3 miles above Ashland at daylight, Tuesday morning. The attack of Major Hall totally deceived the enemy as to the movements of the main column, which passed on, crossed the railroad 7 miles below Ashland, tore up a con- siderable portion of the track, destroyed a culvert, passed on and reached the Brook pike at a point 5 miles from Richmond at 10 a. m. The enemys artillery, engaged with Major Hall, could be dis- tinctly heard in my rear. Rightly supposing that the enemy would send all his available [force] in the immediate vicinity in the direc- tion of the firing, in order to protect the bridge at that point, and learning from citizens and negroes who came from Richmond that morning that no attack was expected upon the city, and that only a small force occupied the works in front on the Brook pike, I moved forward, crossed the brook, surprised and captured the picket and a small force of infantry in the rifle-pits beyond. The enemy now sent forward troops to oppose my further progress, but they were easily driven back until a point was reached about 1 mile from the city. Here a considerable force of infantry with artillery effectually checked my advance. It was now 1 p. m. I ordered up my entire force, and after thoroughly examining the enemys position, deter- mined to attack, believing that if they were citizen soldiers I could enter the city. Brigadier-General Davies had the advance. The [Fifth New York Cavalry was] dismounted and sent forward as skirmishers, and 500 men under [Major Patton] in a body, dismounted, followed closely in rear of the skirmishers to attack and carry if possible a small earth-work on the left of and a barricade that the enemy were then placing in the road. The enemy was finally forced back uiitil a position was gained for the use of my artillery, which was brought up and opened upon the enemy, now occupying a position just out- side the city. I brought up re-enforcements, strengthened and extended my line of skirmishers to the right as tar as the plank road, and was about to order an advance of the whole line, when I discovered that the enemy was rapidly receiving re-enforceinents, not only of infantr Page 185 c~. XLV.] 185 EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. but artillery. Feeling confident that Dahigren had failed to cross the river, and that an attempt to enter the city at that point would but end in a bloody failure, I reluctantly withdrew my command at dark, crossed the Meadow Bridge over the Chickahominy, and, after destroying the bridges on the Virginia Central Railroad, went into camp near Mechanicsviile. Colonel Dahlgren, having failed to cross the James River, moved rapidly down the canal, destroying viaducts and locks, and engaged the enemy at 4 oclock on the plank road a few miles from Richmond, and at dark, when I withdrew my command, had driven the enemy near to the city. He then withdrew with the intention of joining the main force. In the various attacks upon the city, which commenced at 12 m. and continued until dark, we lost upward of 60 men in killed and wounded. The enemy is known to have lost a considerable number in killed and wounded, and we took prisoners upwards of 200. By scouts and spies I ascertained that the entire available force of the enemy in and about the city had been concentrated during the day on the Brook pike and plank road, where the various attacks had been made, and that no force of the enemy was on the road from Mechanicsville to the city. It was now 10 p. m. I at once deter- mined to make another attempt to enter the city. Lieutenant-Col- onel Preston, of the First Vermont, and Major Taylor, of the First Maine, were selected to lead two separate detachments of 500 men in on the road from Mechanicsville, while with the artillery and the remaining.portion of my command I would hold the bridge over the Chickahoininy and cover their retreat with the prisoners if success- ful. These two determined and daring officers had but just coih- menced to move when Colonel Sawyer, commanding Second Brigade, reported that his pickets had been driven in on the road from the directidn of Hanover Court-House. A few moments later he sent me word that the enemy was advancing in force and rapidly driving in his people. I sent orders for him to throw out a strong line of skirmishers, and, if possible, charge the enemy and drive him back, as I intended to make this last effort to release our prisoners. Heavy musketry and carbine firing could now be heard, and a monient later the enemy opened with a battery of artillery. I was forced to recall my troops to resist this attack, which now became serious. The enemy charged and drove back the Seventh Michigan, and consider- able confusion ensued. The night was intensely dark, cold, and stormy. The command was moved out on the road toward Old Church and placed into position, and, after considerable hard fight- mug, with a loss of 2 officers, upwards of 50 men, and 100 horses, re- pulsed the enemy and forced him back on the road toward Hanover Court-House. Not knowing the strength of the enemy, I abandoned all further ideas of releasing our prisoners, .and at 1 a. m. moved to the intersection of the roads from Mechanicsville to Old Church, and from Hanover Court-House to Bottoms Bridge. Here we went into camp. At daylight the enemy attacked my pickets, but were easily re- pulsed. At 8 a. m. the command moved to Old Church, 12 miles from Hanover Court-House, and here took up a good position and remained until 1 p. m. Wednesday, hoping that Dahlgren might come in. The enemy charged my rear guard at this point, but were gallantly charged in return by the First Maine, and driven back a considerable distance, with a loss of many prisoners. This is the las Page 186 186 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. I saw of the enemy. From the prisoners I learned that they belonged to Hamptons division, and that it was he who attacked me the night before; that he had with him a large force of mounted infantry and cavalry and four pieces of artillery, and that he had retired to Han- over Junction, expecting me to move rn that directioii. Taking this fact into consideration, and the condition of my com- mand, I decided to move by the nearest route to General Butlers lines at New Kent Court-House. The command went into came near Tunstalls Station Wednesday evening. Here Captain Mitchel, with upward of 300 officers and men belonging to Colonel Dahlgrens party, joined me. Captain Mitchell reported that Colonel Dahlgren and Major Cooke with about 100 men became separated from the main portion of his command during the night, since which time he had heard nothing of the colonel or hls party. We moved early Thursday morning to New Kent Court-House, where we were met by Colonel Spear and a considerable force of in- fantry and cavalry, sent out by Major-General Butler to assist us. Colonel Dahlgren, after becoming separated from the main portion of his command, crossed the Pamunkey at Hanovertown and the Mat- tapony at Ayletts. Here he defeated a superior force of the enemy, captured nearly as many prisoners as lie had men, and gallantly fought his way to a point within 3 miles of King and Queen Court- House, where he was ambushed, fired upon, and killed, and his little party of brave men, then under command of the gallant Lieutenant- Colonel [Major] Cooke, surrounded by a large force of citizens and regular soldiers, and all save 21 were taken prisoners. These latter abandoned their horses and made their way on foot to Gloucester POint. The outrageous treatment of the remains of Colonel Dahlgren and the cruel and barbarous manner in which his men were hunted down and captu~red by citizens and soldiers with dogs determined me to visit the neighborhood of King and Queen Court-House with a suf- ficient force to punish those who had been engaged in the murder of Colonel Dahigren and the capture of his men. With about 2,000 cavalry, three regiments of infantry, and a battery of artillery, under command of Brigadier-General Wistar, we marched to Ply- mouth, near King and Queen Court-House, from which point Col- onel Onderdonk, of the First New York Mounted Rifles, pushed forward to King and Queen Court-House and Carltons Store, drove the enemy, some 1,200 strong, from his camp, destroyed the camp, and pursued him upward of 10 miles, killing and wounding a large num~ber and capturing 35 prisoners. After destroying a large amount of rebel stores collected at King and Queen Court-House the command returned to camp without loss of a man. It is impossible to estimate the amount of property destroyed and damage done to the enemy during this raid. The Virginia Central Railroad was destroyed to a considerable extent near Fredericks Hall, at Beaver Dam, as well as the depot and stores of all kinds col- lected at this point. Culverts were destroyed and tracks torn up above and below Ashland, and the railroad bridges over the Chicka- hominy. Several viaducts and locks were destroyed on the canal at different points for a distance of 30 miles above Richmond. Eight large mills along the James River were burned, filled with flour and grain belonging to the Confederate Government. Several thousand of the Presidents amnesty proclamations were scattered throughout the entire country, and I am ~satisfied that i Page 187 C~. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 187 Colonel Dahigren had not failed in crossing the river, which he did either through the ignorance or treachery of his guide, or had the enemy at Bottoms Bridge been forced to remain at that point by a threatened attack from the direction of Yorktown, I should have entered the rebel capital and released our prisoners. The expedition failed in its great object, but through no fault of the officers and men accompanying it. All did their duty bravely, promptly, and well, and for which they deserve the highest praise. I will forward at the earliest possible moment a correct statement of my entire loss of men, animals, and equipments, as well as a nominal list of the killed, wounded, and missing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. KILPATRICK, Brigadier-General of Volunteers. Capt. F. C. NEWHALL Acting Assistant A6~jutant-General, Cavalry Corps. ADDENDA. HDQRS. CAVALRY CoRPs, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT INSPECTOR-GENERAL, March 22, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to forward herewith a tabular state- ment showing the losses of the command which accompanied Gen- eral Kilpatrick on his recent expedition. I have the honor to state, in addition, that the inspections made of these troops discovered a large number of horses rendered unserv- iceable from sore backs and overexertion. There are of these, in the First Division, 180; in the Second Division, 200; in the Third Di- vision, 100. All the animals, of course, are much pulled down by the unavoidable fatigues and hardships of such an expedition, and all require recuperation before the renewal of very active duty. The health of the men of the command was not unfavorably affected by this expedition. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. C. NEWIIALL, Acting Assistant Inspector-General. Capt. E. B. PARSONS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure.] Report of officers, men, and horses of the Cavalry Corps returned from General Kilpatricks expedition, with a statement of losses, & c., as required by orders from the major-general commanding Army of the Potomac, dated Washington, March 12, 1864. Division. Strength, loss, & c. Total. First. second. Third. Strength of command that started: Officers 35 17 104 156 Men 676 479 2,284 3,439 Aggregate 711 496 2,388 3,595 Horses 681 482 2,472 3,635 Stren th of command that returned: O~1cers 34 16 97 147 Men 667 377 2,064 3,108 Aggregate 701 393 2,161 3,255 Horses 622 333 2,097 3,05 Page 188 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA ., MIlL, AND PA. Repoi t of officers, men, and horses of Cavalry Gorps, & c.Continued. [CaAP. XLV. Division. Strength, loss, & c. Total. First. Second. Third. Loss: Officers 1 1 7 p Men 9 102 220 331 Aggregate 10 103 227 340 Horses 59 149 375 583 Arms, accouterments, horse equipments, & c., lost: Spencer rifles 90 90 Spencer carbines 59 ~ Sharps carbines 41 ioo 191 338 Bnrnside carbines 107 107 Colt army pistols 43 100 873 516 Cavalry sabers 32 I 85 388 505 Saber belts and plates 18 81 333 432 Pistol holsters 43 92 208 343 Spencer rifle cartridge-boxes and slings 75 75 Sharps carbine cartridge-ho. es and slings 176 176 Buraside carbine cartridge-boxes and swivel 104 104 Pistol cartridge-boxes 94 264 358 Cap-ponches 3 55 58 Saber knots 85 85 Carbine cartridge-boxes 7 98 105 Saddles, complete 32 175 207 Halters and straps 25 206 231 Saddle blankets 222 222 Curb bridles 41 198 239 Spurs and straps 128 128 Horse equipments 128 304 432 Surcingles 25 25 Haversacks 130 130 Canteens 145 145 Great-coats 78 78 Bed blankets 82 82 Ponchos 138 138 Axes and helves 2 2 Bugles 1 1 Carbine slings and swivels 21 94 115 Respectfully Submitted. F. C. NEWHALL, Acting Assistant Inspector-General. AssT. JNSP. GEN.S OFFICE, HDQRS. CAY. CORPS, March 22, 1864. No. 3. Report of capt. Joseph Gloskoski, Twenty-ninth New York in fantry, Acting Signal Qfficer. HDQRS. THIRD DIvISIoN, CAVALRY CORPS, March. 16, 1864. CAPTAIN: Iu obedience to orders I have the honor to make the following report of services performed by me in the late expedition of General Kilpatricks cavalry: In order to give you a correct idea of what was executed by me and Lieutenant Bartley,. it will be necessary to make a brief sketch of that expedition or raid. We (General Kilpatricks comluand) left Stevensburg on the 28th ultimo at 7 p. m. Colonel Dahlgren with some 600 picked men went an hour in advance of the main column. Lieutenant Bartley accom / 18 Page 189 Cn~. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RIdHMOND, VA. 189 panied Colonel Dahigren; I remained with General Kilpatrick. The first night of our march was beautiful. Mlyriads of stars twinkled in heaven, looking at us as if in wonder why should we break the laws of God and wander at night instead of seeking repose arid sleep. The moon threw its silvery light upon Rapidan waters when we forded it, and it seemed as if the Almighty Jndge was look- ing silently upon our doings. We moved as fast as our horses could walk, making halts of fifteen minutes twice every twenty-four hours. Thus we reached Spotsylvania Court-House. There Col- onel Dahigren with his command took direct road toward Fredericks Hall, while we moved to Beaver Dam Station. From this point I was expected and put signaling in motion. This was not easy, for moving fast as we did there was no time to look for a signal flag. To remain behind for that purpose would not be prudent or safe, and even if it were safe it would not be of much avail, for the coun- try through which we moved is flat, low, and wooded. By the tinie we reached Beaver Dam Station it grew dark and rain began to fall. The light, however, that was there might have been seen for many miles. Twenty wooden buildings were at once set on fire, forming one sheet of flame, rising high above the surrounding woods, and the black forms of our soldiers jumping aroun it seemed from a dis- tance like demons on some hellish sport. Here a small force of rebel infantry appeared, but not strong enough to detain us, and we moved on toward South Anna River. Now it stormed in earnest. Sharp wind and sleet forced men to close their eyes. The night was so dark that even the river in front could not be seen and trees on the roadside could not be distinguished. So complete darkness I never saw. IMlen depended entirely on the instinct of their horses, and the whole command on a negro to guide them. Stopping for a short time I sent up by order of General Kilpatrick several rock- ets, but of course received no reply. No rockets could be seen for any distance on such a night as that. Next day, the 1st of March, we were in front of Richmond. No sooner were we in view of the fortifications than the enemys guns opened fire. Here I had time to look for Colonel Dahlgreus signals. None could be seen, however, owing partly to woods, mist, and smoke, and want of knowledge of his whereabouts. He was to join us at this point or in Richmond if we or he had succeeded in taking it by surprise. In my opinion the sound of our and rebel guns were signals loud enough; from that sound he might have judged cor- rectly how far we were from his command. That sound told plainly that Richmond was not to be taken by surprise, and that the weaker detachment ought not to lose time in joining with the main com- malld. When near sunset we moved off toward Chickahominy and encamped for the night. There I barely escaped capture, for riding out on reconnaissance to learn where we were and the roads, I found rebel pickets on each road, and some were trying to cut me off on my return to camp. We were not destined to sleep in that camp, for no sooner were we laid down than the rebels opened fire from two guns on our camps and their cavalry charged on some of our regiments. Dark and rainy as it was not much confu~iou ensued. Ours repulsed the rebel attack and we moved out of that place toward Pamunkey River. Next day the largest portion (400 men) of Colonel Dahlgrens force joined us. I could learn as yet nothing of Lieutenant Bartley. From this point we had no trouble in reaching Yorktown on the 4th. Next day we embarked fo Page 190 190 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. Portsmouth, landed tliere on the 6th, moved toward Suffolk, saw no rebel forces, and returned to Portsmouth the same day, and the next to Yorktown. There we learned of Colonel Dahigrens death and the capture of his party. General Kilpatrick with a portion of his command made an expe- dition to King and Queen County. As this expedition was to be only a mere retaliation for the death and bad treatment of Colonel DahI- gren, I accompanied it only as far as West Point. That is as far as our gun-boats went, and I returned in a gun-boat to Yorktown. On the 12th we embarked for Alexandria; that is, the command began to embark as fast as there was transportation for it. By this time the whole command is perhaps in Alexandria. General Kil- patrick went ahead and left orders for his staff to follow him. Yesterday one brigade of cavalry and General Kilpatricks per- sonal escort had orders to move on. In anticipation that they would move, I ordered my flagmen and wagon to move with the escort and came myself by rail to Brandy Station and thence to these head- quarters; but here I learned that the orders were countermanded by telegraph, and that the cavalry would leave Alexandria to-morrow (Thursday, the 17th). From this statement you will see that there was not much oppor- tunity to use signals, owing partly to our very rapid movements, partly to the inclemency of the weather, and often to the position of the country. I found signal officers at Yorktown, Gloucester, and Portsmouth. I regret to state that Lieutenant Bartley, with his 2 men, full signal equipments, and supply of rockets, were captured. It is known to you that the destination and purpose of that exI~e- dition before its leaving Stevensburg was kept so secret, seeming y, that only the chief commanders were acquainted with it, although for two weeks previous there were loud rumors in camp among soldiers and civilians that we were going to make a raid on Rich- mond. I inclose the code for rocket signals I arranged at the time of our starting. I knew nothing of what was needed at the time I had the interview with you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. GLOSKOSKI,~ Captain and Acting Signal Officer. No. 4. Report of Brig. Gen. Henry E. Davies, Jr., U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, Third Division, Cavalry Corps. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, Stevensburg, Va., April 4, 1864. LIEUTENANT: Pursuant to orders received this a. m. from division headquarters, I have the honor to forward the following report of the operations of my command on the recent raid to Richmond: dn the 28th day of February a detachment of the First Division, Cavalry Corps, commanded by Major Hall, Sixth New York Cav- alry, repOrte(l to me, consisting of detachments from various regi- inents of that division, in all amounting to 34 commissioned officers and 697 enlisted men; a detachment of the Second Division, Cavalr Page 191 OHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, vA. 191 Corps, commanded by Major Taylor, First Maine Cavalry, also reported to me, consisting of detachments from various regiments of that division, in all amounting to 19 commissioned officers and 472 enlisted men. I took on the 28th from my own brigade (First Bri- gade, Third Division) the men who were well mounted, amounting in all to 27 commissioned officers and 568 enlisted men, giving me when we moved a total of 80 commissioned officers and 1,737 enlisted men. From this force, before the movement of the main body of the expedition, I detached the following parties to report to Colonel Dahlgreu: Second New York Cavalry, 100 men; Fifth New York Cavalry, 40 men; detachment Second Division, 150 men; making a total of 290 men. This detachment was under the command of Lieu- tenant-Colonel [Major] Cooke, Second New York Cavalry. My command left their camps at Stevensburg shortly after dark on the evening of February 28, marched to Elys Ford on the Rapidan, and crossed at that point; thence on through Spotsylvania Court- House, on the morning of the 29th of February, and across the Po River. Here a halt of about an hour was made to feed. The brigade then moved forward through Mount Pleasant, New Market, and Chilesburg to the North Anna River. This stream was crossed at Andersons Ford, and I reached Beaver Dam Station between 3 and 4 p. m. Here The railroad depot, water-tanks, store-house, & c., were destroyed, the switches, turn-outs, and track pulled up and burned, the telegraph cut, and the poles taken down for a consider- able distance. Au attempt was made to capture a railroad train that was heard approaching from Richmond, bu a ing alarm from the burning buildings at thestation, it succeeded in backing out of the way before my men could reach it. A slight skirmish occurred here between my advanced guard and some 25 dismounted men of the enemy, who fired a volley and then made their escape in the woods. The command moved from Beaver Dam some 6 miles on the road to Ground Squirrel Bridge, and went into camp about 8 p.m. At 11 p. m. Major Hall, Sixth New York Cavalry, with a detail of 450 men from the First Division detachment, was sent to make an attack on the South Anna railroad bridge, and between 12 p. m. and 1 a. m. of the 1st day of March my command moved out of camp and took the road to Richmond. Before reaching the South Anna my advanced guard met and drove from position a small force of the enemys infantry, who .appeared to be on picket duty. The South Anna River was crossed at daylight at a bridge about 2 miles west of the Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad, and a short halt made to enable the division to close up. I then moved toward Rich- mond, passing Ashland Station about a mile to my left, and crossing the Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad some 2 miles below Ash- land. At this point the telegraph and railroad were destroyed, and a party sent, in charge of Lieutenant Whitaker, aide-de-camp on the staff of the general commanding division, to destroy a bridge on the line of the road, which object I believe was accomplished. The brigade then moved forward to and crossed the Chickahominy, came on to the Brook turnpike road, and advanced on this road toward Richmond. About 2 miles before reaching the brook, a picket-post of 4 mounted men was captured and brought in, and from that time we constantly fell in with small parties of the enemy, apparently sent out for the purpose of observing our movements, several of whom were captured Page 192 192 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. At the bridge on the turnpike, where it crosses the brook, a few of the enemy were met, who immediately retreated on the appearance of my advanced gnard, who made 2 or 3 prisoners, and several who had hidden in the woods came ont and gave themselves np. The first line of works that we met, was on the south side of the brook, commanding the bridge and the ford, bnt were not manned. After crossing the brook my colnmn moved forward on the pike, enconntering no resistance nntil abont 1 p. in., when they came within sight of a line of earth-works, stretching to the right and left of the road 2 miles from the brook, from which the enemy imme- diately opened with artillery. The position that they occnpied was a good one. The conntry for 1,000 yards in front of the works was open and perfectly level, affording no cover or position whence onr artillery conld be nsed to any advantage. The approach by the road was defended by a section of artillery, having a perfect range of the whole gronnd, and also enfiladed by the fire of two guns on onr right and fonr on our left, and it was impracticable from the nature of the ground to manenver cavalry on either side of the road except as skirmishers, the fields being very soft and mnddy, and intersected with wide and deep ditches. I ordered the Fifth New York Cavalry to deploy as skirmishers on the right and left of the road, and to advance as far as practica- ble toward the enemy, and gave directions for the rest of my com- mand to form while I went forward to examine the ground. I con- cluded that the best method of attack would be to send forward a strong party of dismounted men on the left of the road, where they could for some distance be kept out of view by some houses that stood on that side of the road, and when they were well engaged to make an attack down the road covered by our artillery. An attack- ing force of 500 men taken from the different regiments of the com- mand, armed with carbines, was formed and placed under the orders of Major Patton, Third Indiana Cavalry, who was instructed to keep well to the left and make a determiiied attack upon the earth- works on that side, and to gain, if possible, a position where he could bring his fire to bear upon the enemys guns. The rest of the command with the exception of the Fifth New York Cavalry, who were deployed and had been ordered to advance simultaneously with Major Patton, were formed ready to charge as soon as the diversion I had intended conld be effected. Major Patton advanced with his men, and as soon as he got within range the enemy in considerable force opened upon him with inns- ketry. I was soon afterward directed by the general commanding (livision to withdraw my men and take the road to the Meadow Bridges, covering the rear of the division. Major Patton, on com- ing back, reported that the enemy had exhibited a considerable force of infantry when he began his attack, but could not say with any certainty what number he observed. The enemy on the falling back of my command threw out from their works about 200 infantry skirmishers, who were checked by my rear guard and made no further demonstrations. As we were moving on the road to the Meadow Bridges Major Hall, who had been detached the previous night to attack the South Anna railroad bridge, rejoined my command, reporting that he had found the bridges strongly guarded with infantry and artillery, and he could not accomplish the objectcd for which lie was sent. I moved down the road to the Meadow Bridges, setting fire to th Page 193 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RIcIIMOND, VA. 193 railway trestle-won at that place and destroying the road bridges after I had crossed, and went into camp near Mechanicsville, picket- ing in my rear and on both flanks. Th~ enemy during the evening skirmished slightly with my pick- ets, and about 12 p. m. attacked the Second Brigade in force. My command at once mounted and formed, but the Second Brigade, un- assisted, repulsed the attack made on them, and I moved to the vicinity of Old Church, which was reached about 4 a. m. on the morning of the 2d of March. About 8 a. m. I moved my command about 1 mile beyond Old Church, and there took up a position. The enemys cavalry in small force appeared, but were instantly put to flight by a squadron of the First Maine Cavalry, which drove them at the first attack. I then moved on to the vicinity of Tunstalls Station, where the brigade encamped for the night. While on the road this day I was overtaken by Captain Mitchell, Second New York Cavalry, who brought in about 230 of the men who had been sent on the expedition intrusted to Colonel Dahlgren. The next morning, March 3, I moved on the Williamsburg road, meeting a short distance from the station a portion of the command sent up by Major-General Butler to New Kent Court-House. I marched through New Kent Court-House that day as far as the Twelve-Mile Ordinary, where I went into c~mmp for the night. The following day, March 4, I marched through Williamsburg to Yorktown, where I went into camp in the afternoon. On Saturday evening, March 5, pursuant to orders from division headquarters, I ordered Major Hall with 400 men to march to New- port News, there to embark on transports for Portsmouth, Va., while with 400 more mefi of the command I embarked at Yorktown on transports for Portsmouth. The whole command reached Ports- mouth about 11 a. m. on Sunday, March 6, and after moving out from the town it was found that the emergency that required our presence no longer existed. I therefore went into camp near Ports- mouth that evening. The following two days, March 7 and 8, were occupied in shipping the men and horses back to Yorktown, where I returned on the after- noon of the 8th of March. Wednesday, March 9, I received orders to embark my brigade on transports to return to the Army of the Potomac, landing at Alexandria. I reached Alexandria on the morning of March 10, and the same day the Fifth New York Cavalry and Ransoms bat- tery, with detachments from other regiments, arrived there. March 11, the Fifth New York Cavalry started for Stevensburg, which they reached on the evening of the 12th. On the 11th the whole of the Second New York and Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry and a portion of the detachment from the Second Division reached Alexandria. These men, together with the battery, were sent forward to the Army of the Potomac on the 12th of March, under command of Colonel Bryan, Eighteenth Pennsyl- vania Cavalry, and reached their camps on the morning of the 14th. The remainder of the Second Division detachment reached Alexandria on the 12th, and moved out to rejoin their command on the morning of the 13th, and the detachment from the First Division reaching Alex- andria on the 13th moved on the 14th to their former headquarters. I believe that the above will include all the n~ovcmertts of the force under my command on the h~t~ expedition. 13 R RYQL XXXII Page 194 194 OPERATIONS iN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. I have already forwarded to division headquarters nominal and numerical lists of killed, wounded, and missing, as well as of prop- erty, & c., lost and Captured. Respectfully submitted. H. E. DAVIES, JR. Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lieut. E. W. WHITAKER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 5. Report of GYapt. John F. B. Mitchell, Second New York Cavalry. CAMP SECOND NEW YORK VOLUNTEER CAVALRY, Stevensbnrg, Va., March 15, 1864. CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders received from the general com- manding division, I have the honor to make the following report rel- ative to what was done by the expedition commanded by the late Colonel Dahlgren, and also as to the facts connected with the orders and papers alleged to have been found on his person: The command amounted to 500 men, and conslsted of detachments from the First Maine, First Vermont, Fifth Michigan, Fifth and Second New York Volunteer Cavalry. We left division headquar- ters at Stevensburg, Va., at 6 p. m. February 28, 1864; and marched to Elys Ford, which we reached about ii p. in. We crossed the river, and a party of the Fifth New York Cavalry, under Lieu- tenant Merritt, and Hogan, the scout, captured the enemys picket- post, 1 officer and 14 men, belonging to a North Carolina regiment of cavalry. The colonel then pressed on to Spotsylvania Court-House, which he reached at early dawn on the 29th February, marched on in the direction of Fredericks Hall till 8 a. in., when he halted for fifteen minutes to feed the horses; then pressed on again to within three-fourths of a mile of Fredericks Hal Station, which we reached about 11 a. in. On the road we captured 16 artillery soldiers belonging to the Maryland Battalion. They told us that at the station there were three different camps, eight batteries in each, in all about ninety-six guns; that there was a regiment of infantry near at hand and a bat- talion of sharpshooters in each camp. Here we captured also 12 artillery officers on court-martiali colonel, 1 major, and 8 or 9 captains. What information they gave to Colonel Dahlgren I am unable to state, but he determined not to attack the camp and moved around them, cutting the railroad and telegraph about 1 mile south of the station. While we were engaged tearing up the railroad and bending the rails, a train came down from the north, but seeing the smoke of our fires, did not come near enough for us to attack. We now pushed on to the South Anna, which we crossed about 10 oclock on the night of the 29th instant. It was raining and so in- tensely dark that it was ahuost impossible to keep the column closed up, and some 50 men were lost in the darkness, but joined us again in the morning near Goochland Court-House. About 2 a. in. the colonel halted. The name of the place I am unable to state, bnt think it was about 9 miles from Goochlaud Page 195 Ca& p. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 195 At daylight of the morning of the 1st of March we marched on toward the James River and stopped for a few minutes near Hortons house, on the canal, about 21 miles from Richmond. Here Colonel Dahlgren gave me orders to take the detachment (100 men) of the Second New York Cavalry, the ambulances, prisoners, led horses, & c., and proceed down the canal, destroying locks, burning mills, canal-boats, and all the grain I could find; that when I came to Westham Creek I should send the ambulances, prisoners, & c., under guard to Hungary Station, there to join General Kilpatrick and the main column; that I was then to proceed down the river road or the canal, as I might see fit, while he, with the main portion of his com- mand, was to cross the James River at a ford which his guide was to show him, release the prisoners, and enter Richmond by, I believe. the Mayo Bridge. Here I was to join him, if possible; if not, make my way to Hungary Station and join General Kilpatrick. He then divided the torpedoes, giving me one box, some turpentine and oakuni. He then started ahead of me. I struck the canal and moved down along its bank, sending the ambulances, & c., under guard of Lieutenant Randolph and 20 men, on the river road, with order~ to join me at Manakins Bend. Along the canal I destroyed six flourishing grist-mills, filled with grain and flour, one saw-mill, six canal-boats, loaded with grain, the barn (also well filled) on Sec- retary Seddons plantation, coal-works at Manakins Ferry, and Morgans Lock just above. Here I found that there were neither canal-boats, locks, nor mills on the canal till the Three-Mile Lock, ~t. e., 3 miles from Richmond. I could not bring the ambulances on the tow-path, so I took the river road again, reaching which I was surprised to find the tracks of Colonel Dahlgrens party, and farther on the dead body of a negro hanging from a tree on the roadside. It seems that Colonel Dahlgren intended to cross the James River by a ford, to which his guide (this negro) promised to guide him. There was neither ford nor bridge; the gnide had known it, and in his indignation the colonel hung him. Colonel Dahlgren, finding there was no way to cross the James save by a very small scow, abandoned the project and proceeded to the cross-roads, about 8 miles from Richmond, I think near Short Pump. Here I joined him about 3.30 p.m. He now sent off the ambulances, prisoners, led horses, & c., under guard and in charge of the signal officer. That is the last I saw of them. At this place we captured 3 militiamen, splendidly mounted, belonging to Custis Lees City Battalion, who had been sent out to stand picket against us, as they had just heard of our approach. The colonel having seized three wagon loads of corn, ordered the horses fed and coffee made for the men. We halted for an hour and a half, then hearing General Kilpatricks guns, we advanced inside the fortifications, crossing the railroad down the plank road toward Richmond. About 5 miles from the city we were met by a volley from the woods, the Fifth Michigan in the advance. It was now growing dark, but we pushed on. At first there was some wavering. Every now and then a volley was poured into the ranks. It grew rapidly darker and darker; soon you could see nothing but the flash of the enemys muskets. They were dismounted, and the only way we had of advancing was to charge over their line of skirmishers. This was done time and again, taking over 2d0 prisoners, but also losing heavily in killed and wounded. Finally, from the increased fire it appeared that the enemy had received re-enfexeenieuts, an Page 196 196 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. the colonel gave the order to retire after we had driven the enemy 2~ miles. He called for the Second New York and ordered me to take command of the rear guard and keep well closed up with the main column. He proceeded to the point where we first struck the plank road; here the column halted. After some time, becoming anxious as to the reason, I sent forward Lieutenant Mattison, acting adjutant Second New York Cavalry, who reported that the column had become separated; that Colonel Dahlgren and Major Cooke with about 100 men had gone on, and the rest of the column had lost sight of them in the darkness. I sent out scouts in all directions, but could hear nothing of them, and being the senior officer left assumed command. In obedience to orders mentioned above, I tried to go to Hungary Station. After reaching the Brook pike and getting within 1-~ miles of Hungary Station, the advance guard was halted by a picket, who, on finding out whom we were, immediately fell back. We could see camp-fires ahead of us, and could also hear cannonading and the rattle of small-arms. The officers of the command all thought that we had better make a dash through their line, if possible. This we attempted, and were met by a galling fire from a log-house and bushes along the road. Here the scout Kearney and somo others were severely wounded. We were forced to desist, and counter- marched toward Short Pump. Captain Hastings, Fifth Michigan Cavalry, found from some citizens that there was a by-road by means of which we could get to Hungary Station, and we marched to within 1-~ miles of that place. Previous to this, finding it impossible to keep the prisoners up with the column, and being surrounded on all sides, I released those whom we had captured early in the evening, some- what to their disappointuient. Acting on Lieutenant Cunninghams advice, I moved the command into the pine woods about one-quarter of a mile from the road. This was about 2 a. in., March 2. We could hear the rebel cavalry moving on the road, and finally they encamped about one-half a mile away from us. Before dawn we marched out toward Hungary, found that General Kilpatrick was not there, and then took a mountain road, which led to the Louisa Court-House and Richmond turnpike. Crossing this we attempted to go to the plank road leading to Hanover Court- House, but were stopped by a strong line of infantry skirmishers. We then learned that there was a heavy force awaiting us at Ground Squirrel Bridge over the South Anna, so we turned to the right, crossed the Chickahominy at Riles Mills, and found a Union citizen, who put us on the road to Atlees Station. On reaching this place we drove in a picket of 35 men, and our column, more especially the rear guard of the First Vermont Cavalry, was fired on by a number of mounted rebels. We pushed on toward New Castle, making our way to the White House, having learned that General Kilpatrick had gone that way with the main force. Every few minutes the advance guard would have a skirmish with some of the efteiny, till finally, about 8 miles from Tunstalls Station, the enemy seemed to have collected their forces, about200 in number, and opposed our farther passage by well directed volleys from the pine woods in front. We determined to charge through them, Lieutenant Aiidrew, of the First Maine, and Lieutenant Cunningham,of the Second New York, leading the charge and driving the enemy before them. In this charge we lost about 20 men; Captain Hastings, of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, having his h~r~ 4IQt i~nd~ him, AbQ~V ~n LQUI and a half ~ftei~ ~hi~ I joine Page 197 ~IUA~. XLVI EXPEDITION A~AI~S~V I~tCUMo~D, V~. General Kilpatricks main column near Tunstalls Station, about 4 miles from the White House. We reached him about 5.30 p. n~t. with about 260 men. To Captain Hastings, Fifth Michigan Cavalry, Lieutenant An- drew, First Maine, and Lieutenants Mattison and Cunningham, Second New York Cavalry, I am indebted for valuable aid and coun- sel. The prompt obedience and ready co-operation of the officers and men of all detachments in the expedition deserve my greatest thanks. The movements of Colonel Dahlgren and Major Cooke, after our separation, are better known to you than to myself. With regard to the address and memoranda of plans alleged by rebel papers to have -been found on Colonel Dahlgrens person, I would state that no address of any kind was ever published to either officers or men; that none of Colonel Dahlgrens plans, save what I have mentioned in the first part of my report, were ever made known to either officers or men in the expedition, and that I know it was not Colonel Dahlgrens intention to kill Jeff. Davis, in case he could be captured. The following is a list of killed, wounded, and missing as accu- rately as I can get it: One officer killed, 4 officers missing, 194 enlisted men killed, wounded, and missing. Of this number about 60 are believed to be either killed or wounded. Respectfully submitted. JNO. F. B. MITCHELL, Captain Second New York Volunteer Cavalry. Capt. L. G. EsTEs, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 6. Reports of Maj. Gen. Benjamin F~ Butler, U. S. Army, command ing Department of Virginia and North ~Jaroltna. FORT MONROE, VA., March 3, 18648 p. m. (Received 8.40 a. in., 4th.) The following dispatch received from my aide at Fort Magruder, who went out with my forces to New Kent Court-House: Arrived all safe. General Kilpatrick is here, having lost less than 150 men, among whom were Colonels Dahlgren, [Major] Cooke, and Litchfield. Colonels Dahlgren and [Major] Cooke are supposed to be prisoners; Litchfield either wounded or killed. Went within outer line of fortifications; was engaged until dark with the enemy. Colonel Spear will be in to-morrow. B. F. BUTLER, Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Major-General. Secretary of War. FORT MONROE, VA., March 4, 1864. (Received 2.30 a. in., 5th.) I forward the annexed account from General Kilpatrick: YORKTOWN, March 4, 1864. GENERAL: Colonel Dahlgren was directed to make a diversion with 500 men on the James River. He attacked at 4 p. m. Tuesday evening; drove the enemy in on Richmond. The main attack having failed, Colonel Dahlgren attempted to rejoi Page 198 198 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. me near the Meadow Bridge. He and Colonel [Major] Cooke were with the advance guard, some 50 men; became separated from his main force, since which nothing has been heard from him. His main force reached me with slight loss. I have hopes that he may yet come in. J. KILPATRICK, Brigadier-General, commanding Expedition. In addition, a rebel deserter informed one of my aides that a one- legged colonel and about 100 men were taken prisoners. Ii shall hear by flag of truce on Sunday night. Wilt telegraph again. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Jiilajor- General, Commanding. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: HEADQUARTERS, March 4, 1864 (Received 2.15 a. in., 5th.) Upon being notified of the intended movement of General Ku- patrick, I ordered Colonel West to take 2,000 infantry, 1,000 cavalry, and a battery of artillery, and to march to New Kent Court-House, and remain there to render such aid as might be necessary to General Kilpatrick. Colonel West reports to me his return, as follows: We captured going and coming a few guerrillas. Colonel Spear met General Davies at Tunstalls Station, and I met General Kilpatrick about 4 miles beyond New Kent Court-House. My outpost reported heavy musketry firing in the dircc- tion of the York River Railroad, and I was on my way out with cavalry, infantry, and artillery to render such assistance as I could when we met the two columns coming in. My instructions did not authorize me to go beyond New Kent Court- House, but as they were not very definite I thought the circumstances justified, me in exceeding them to the extent I did. Duncans colored brigade performed a march of 42 miles in twenty-two hours, the first part of which was made during a heavy rain-storm. The roads were thus rendered very bad for foot-men. No loss is reported save the slight wounding of 1 colored soldier by a bushwhacker. The cavalry did well. Colonel Spear reports the destruction by him of a large saw-mill, containing new engine and about 20,000 feet of lumber; also a large baggage-car, some trestle-work, and a portion of the railroad track. This at Tunstalls Station, on the York River Railroad, on the 2d instant. ROBT. M. WEST, Colonel, commanding. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. No. 7. Report of Gol. Samuel P. Spear, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanding Cavalry Brigade. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, Near Williamsburg, Va., March 4, 1864. SIR: In accordance to instructions received from the colonel com- manding, I formed my brigade, leaving one squadron at Gloucester Point and one squadron at Lebanon Church and vicinity, also the pickets and a relief, in all about 800 effective men, in front of Fort Magruder, at 11 oclock p. in. on the 1st instant, and proceeded i Page 199 Cni~. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 199 the place in column assigned me to New Kent Court-House, at which point I arrived at 7.30 a. m. on the morning of the 2d instant. Rest- ing till 11 oclock a. in., i proceeded with 300 men to Tunstalls Sta- tion, on the Richmond and West Point Railroad. Here I found the enemys pickets had been drawn in the previous night. I destroyed the railroad track, some cars, the switches, culverts, depot store- houses, a large and valuable saw-mill, & c., all of which were of great value and use to the enemy. Small detachments were also sent out in different directions and continued until the advance of General Kilpatricks command was found, when all returned to New Kent, covering his rear, when found, which was at a point near the White House, on the morning of the 3d instant. My command encamped at New Kent on the nights of the 2d and 3d, and took up the march for Williamsburg on the morning of the 4th, arriving at Fort Magruder and reporting to the commanding officer at 4 p. m. At White House and vicinity 12 prisoners were captured and brought in, and on my return the notorious Robert Corton, a well- known guerrilla, was pursued near Six-Mile Ordinary, and killed in attempting to make his escape. inclosed I forward papers* found upon his person, which are of the most treasonable character. My command will be ready in a day or two for any duty or emergency. I am, sir, with high respect, your obedient servant, SAM., P. SPEAR, 6Yol. Eleventh Pennsylvania Vol. Cavalry, C~omdg. Brigade Col. ROBERT M. WEST, Commanding Fort Magruder. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Yorktown, Va., March 5, 1864. Most respectfully forwarded. I gladly bear testimony to Colonel Spears cheerful and hearty co- operation throughout the recent expedition. He omits the mention in his report of the destruction of a new steam engine in the saw- mill which he destroyed. This alone was a loss to the enemy which he cannot easily replace. ROBT. M. WEST, Colonel, Commanding. No. 8. Reports of Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Dtvision. HEADQUARTERS, March 6, 1864. GENERAL: In advance of the report that I shall make I write to suggest some considerations which have occurred to me. In the first place, my observations convinced me that the enemy could have taken Richmond, and in all probability would have done so but for * Not found Page 200 200 OP1~t~A~ttONS IN ~. C., VA., W. VA., MP., ANI~ PA. td~AP. XLV. the fact that Colonel Johnson intercepted a dispatch from Dahigren to Kilpatrick, asking what hour the latter had fixed for an attack on the city, so that both attacks might be simultaneous. Kilpatrick had said on his retreat that with Butlers force he could and would take the city. I regard the force to defend Richmond inadequate as at present located, and if a determined and concentrated attack is rnade~ grave apprehensions of the result are to be entertained. But if Kilpatrick will not risk another attack there are but two modes of egress from his present position, not, of course, including that by water. He may under cover of a feint from the peninsula endeavor to pass by Hanover Court-House across Littlepages Ferry, and thence to the Rappahannock, or he may cross into Gloucester, go to Urbanna, cross the river there, and escape by the Northern Neck. A judi- cious disposition of a proper force of infantry can defeat either attempt to escape. The Matadequin and the Totopotomoy Creeks with very little work would make most excellent defensive lines, where an enemy can be checked by a small force, and both of these creeks head near the railroad. A force distributed along the line of road from Richmond to Fredericksburg would not only be in position to cut off any advance from the Peninsula, but also to defend the city itself. if a force of infantry was posted at Fredericksburg it could put such works across the Northern Neck that Kilpatrick could not get by without very great assistance from Meade. Perhaps, too, a battery on the Lower Rappahannock might be of great service in preventing transports from approaching Urbanna. I advise that scouts should be sent from my command to obtain reliable informa- tioii of the movement of the enemy at Gloucester and Yorktown. The boats on the Pamunkey and the Mattapony should be removed. While at Tunstalls Station I made a reconnaissance of the positions there and up to Hanover Court-House. The Matadequin Creek can be forded only at two places with artilleryone the lower ford, near Hampstead, Mrs. Webbs place, where the ground is very defensible, and the other at Rowlands Mill, the dam of which is now broken. If this dam is repaired a large inundation would be formed, pre- venting any crossing for some distance up. There is an intermediate ford which can be used only by horsemen, and which I am told can be easily blockaded. I have not availed myself of my leave of absence, as the weather has been so favbrable for the movement of troops, and if my pres- ence here is longer necessary I will cheerfully forego my visit home. I beg you will let me know what disposition, if any. you have made for the l)roposed relief of Butlers brigade, and what orders have been given to General Rosser. I forward General Youngs report as to the recent crossing of the enemy at Elys Ford. From this it appears that no blame can be attached to the officer commanding the pickets, but the line of pickets and couriers seems to have been defective. I shall give such instructions as will guard against the recurrence of a similar unfor- tunate affair. I make the suggestions contained in this letter merely to bring them to your attention, and if you think them of any value you can communicate them to the ge~erat commanding, or can make what- ever use of them you think best. I am, very respectfully, yours, WADE HAMPTON, ]Ilajor- General, Major-General STUART, Commanding Cavalry Page 201 daxp. ~LV.i HEADQUARTERS, 3lilford, March 8, 1864. MAJOR: At 11 a. m. on the 29th ultimo I received a dispatch from one of my scouts conveying inforrnation which I embodied in the following dispatch to Major-General Stuart, dated Milford, 11.30 a. in.: Sergeant Shadhourne reports enemy moving. Gregg moved to front Thursday. Tuesday whole army paid off anc~ prepared to move. Last night Kilpatrick received marching orders; three days rations. Passed Sheppards, near Maddens. Sup- posed to be coming to Elys Ford. Part of Second Corps on same road. Whole army seems in motion. Sutlers and women ordered to rear. Acknowledge receipt of this. At 12.30 I sent the following message to General Stuart: Citizens report to General Young a Yankee cavalry brigade at Mount Pleasant, moving toward Central road. No report from pickets. Not hearing from General Stuart, at 10.30 p. m. I sent this message to him: Enemy were at Beaver Dam at 7 oclock. North Carolina brigade has moved down with artillery. Have ordered Maryland cavalry to join me. Young at Spot- sylvania Court-House. Have received nothing from you. These dispatches gave all the information I had received of the movements of the enemy. As soon as I could learn what direction the enemy had taken I sent all the mounted men from the North Carolina brigade who were present253 from the First North Caro- lina and 53 from the Second-with Harts battery, to Mount Carmel Church. On the morning of the 1st I joined the command and took it to Hanover Court-House. Not hearing of the enemy here, I moved to Hughes Cross-Roads, deeming that an important point, and one at which he would be likely to cross. When the columii arrived here the camp-fires of the erremy could be seen in the direction of Atlees Station, as well as to my right, on the telegraph or the Brook road. I determined to strike at the party near Atlees, and with that view moved down to the station, where we met the pickets of the enemy. I would not allow their fire to be returned, but quietly dismounted 100 men, and supporting them with the cavalry, ordered Colonel Cheek to move steadily on the camp of the enemy, while two guns were opened on them at very short range. The attack was made with great gallantry, the men proving by their conduct that they were fully equal to the most difficult duty of soldiersa night~ attackwhile officers and men behaved in a manner that not only met but surpassed my highest expectations. The enemy, a brigade strong here, with two other brigades imme- diately in their rear; made a stout resistance for a short time, but the advance of my men was iiever checked and they were soon in posses- sion of the entire camp, in which horses, arms, rations, and cloth- ing were scattered about in confusion. Kilpatrick immediately moved his division off at a gallop, leaving one wagon with horses hitched to it and one caisson full of ammunition. These were taken possession of by Col. Bradley Johnson, who came up to that point in the morning from Meadow Bridge and found them abandoned. He also picked up a good many prisoners whose horses had been captured in the night attack and who were cut off from their com- mand. Owing to the extreme darkness of the night (for the attack was made in a snow-storm) I could not push on till daylight, when I found the enemy had rapidly retreated down the Peninsula. W Page 202 2O~ OPE1~ATIONS IX N. C., VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. followed to the vicinity of Old Church, when I was forced to discon- tinue the pursuit on account of the condition of my horses. Under orders from the Secretary of War I took my cavalry, together with some other commands around Richmond, and subsequently moved to Tunstalls Station, in the hope of being able to strike a blow at the enemy, but he retreated to Williamsburg under cover of strong re-enforcements which had been sent to him. My command was then brought back to its old camp, having been in the saddle from Monday night to Sunday evening. As the prisoners captured were sent off in different detachments I cannot give their exact number, though I think it was about 100. Colonel Cheek reports 133 horses and 55 guns, besides side-arms, taken. When it is taken into consideration that the cavalry with which I left camp only numbered 306 men, and that this number was reduced by pickets, scouts, and broken-down horses considera- bly, I hope the commanding general will not regard the services performed by them as inadequate. They drove a picked division of the enemy from his camp, which they occupied from 1 oclock at night till daylight. They forced this part of the enemy to take a road which he did not intend to follow, while the other force under Dahlgren was prevented from forming a junction with Kilpatrick by my troops getting between them, which brought about the pre- cipitate retreat of Dahlgren, resulting in his death and the destruc- tion of his command, and they bore all the hardships of a weeks march with perfect cheerfulness. I beg to express my entire satisfaction at the conduct of both officers and men. Colonel Cheek, who was in command of the detachment, displayed ability, gallantry, and zeal. Major Andrews, of the Second North Carolina, also bore himself well and gave assist- ance. Ii cannot close my report without expressing my appreciation of the conduct of Col. Bradley T. Johnson and his gallant command. With a mere handful of men he met the enemy at Beaver Dam, and he never lost sight of them until they had passed Tunstalls Station, hanging on their rear, striking them constantly, and displaying throughout the very highest qualities of a soldier. He is eminently fitted for the cavalry service, and I trust it will not be deemed an interference on my part to urge as emphatically as I can his pro- motion. My loss was 3 wounded and 2 missing. Captain Lowndes, Lieutenant Hampton, and Dr. Taylor, of my staff, accompanied me and rendered me great assistance. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours, WADE HAMPTON, ~Ii1ajor- General. Major MCCLELLAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 9. Report of Brig. Gen. Pierce Mi. B. Young, C. S. Army, command ing brigade. HDQRS. BUTLERS BRIGADE, Miarch 2, 1864. MAJOR: The enemys cavalry crossed the river at Elys Ford about 11.30 oclock at night of the 29th [ultimo]. As well as can be asce Page 203 CHAP. XLV.1 EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 2O~3 tamed a small body was piloted over the river by a citizen at some point where there was no ford. The river is fordable at any point at this time above United States Ford, where one can get up and down the banks. This body came in the rear of the reserve part of that portion of the line, killing and captnring every officer and man at the post. Elys Ford was the headquarters of the whole line from United States Ford up to Germanna. Captain Yonng, Cobbs Legion Cavalry, was in command. He had 1 officer and abont 10 men with him. The front and rear of this post was attacked abont the same time. Not one escaped to report the facts. The enemy crossed his whole column at this ford, not distnrbing another picket on the whole line. The enemy pushed his advanced column, which consisted of abont 600 or 800 men, on through Spotsylvania Court- House at a trot, not pausing at this place, but pushing rapidly on to Mount Pleasant, which they reached about daybreak. They passed Spotsylvania Court-House about 3 a. m. They advanced without stopping toward Fredericks Hall. The main column, consisting of Ki a ricks division, commanded by him in person, passed Spot- sylvania Court-House about daylight. The lowest estimate that can be put upon his numbers is about 2,500 cavalry and six pieces of artillery. This column went directly to Beaver Dam. The first intimation that I had of the move was about 1.1 a. m. on the 1st by a citizen who had been run from his home by the second column, the first column having passed in the night without waking any one. He would not be positive that they were Yankees, and not hearing a word from my picket-lines, I thought it must be a false alarm. About the same time I received a note from a scout saying that the enemy had cooked rations and were about to move. I did not and could not believe the citizens report, but nevertheless, to be safe, I telegraphed at once to Generals Stuart and Hampton and the provost-marshal at Hanover Junction the information I had received and how I came by it. I at once ordered my brigade under arms and cooked rations for a march. About 12 in. another citizen confirmed the report, saying that he had seen them, and was assured that their intention was to get in my rear and attack me. I imme- diately telegraphed to General Hampton and confirmed the report and asked for orders. He ordered me to be ready to march on short notice. This was about 1 p. m. I had still heard nothing from my pickets. I was in bad plight to move. My effective mounted force was 320, and more than half of this number had already been sent off on scouts in different directions. Having no intimations as yet of the enemys intentions, I prepared to defend my camp. About 2 p. m. a scout reported that the enemy had gone rapidly toward Central Railro ~d, which ho must have reached before that time. At this time J~earned that the telegraph was cut between Beaver Dam and Louisa Court-House. At 11 a. m. I reported to General Hampton and again asked for orders. He told me if I did not fear an attack on my camp that I could pursue the enemy, covering Mil- ford and Hanover Junction. This was at 4 p. m. I reported back that I would march at 5.30 p. in., but that I could not reach the enemy unless he attempted to return, as he was already 40 miles ahead of me. He then ordered me to remain in camp and await orders. Before daylight miext morning he ordered me to leave dismounted men in camp and take the rest to Spotsylvania Court-House to cover my camp. I marched at daylight, leaving Colonel Twiggs in co Page 204 204 OPE~ATION~ IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. XLV. mand of camp. Reached the Court-House at 9.30 a. m. Soon after I received orders from General Hampton saying he would go to Junc- tion, and I should return fo camp if the enemy did not appear by noon. I moved several miles down the road on which the enemy was expected to return, and at 4 p. m. took up the line of march for camp. In conclusion, I can only say that I cannot attach blame to my picket officer, who is now dead or in the hands of the enemy. He was without a doubt, in my opinion, the best picket officer in my bri- gade, and if I had been called upon for the most reliable officer in my command for any duty I should have selected this captaiu. To the treachery of some citizen, whose name I cannot learn, we are in- debted for this move. I have been thus prompt in forwarding this report, fearing blame might be attached to myself or my command. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. M. B. YOUNG, Bri adier-General. Maj. H. B. MCCLELLAN. [Indorsement.] MARCH 3, 1864. Captain Cooke will show this to the commanding general in order that he may know what has transpired on General Youngs line. General Stuart has not had opportunity to make his remarks on it. By order: H. B. McCLELLAN,~ Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 10. Report of Gol. William II. Cheek, First North Carolinq Cavalry, commanding brigade. Report of prisoners and property captured by North Carolina Cavalry Brigade (Harts Battery included) on the recent scout near Richmond, March 1, 1864. Prisoners 87 Horses 133 Guns 55 Pistols 85 Sabers 46 Saddles 45 Bridles 43 Halters 39 Respectfully submitted. W. H. CHEEK, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. MAJOR: The above statement contains the list of captured prop- erty as appeared by an inventory taken several days after the engagement. I would call your attention to the fact of the number of saddles, bridles, and halters being much less than the number of horses. When we know that the horses when -captured were tied. up and unsaddled, I can account for the difference only by the sys- tern of exchanges that we know is always practiced on such occa Page 205 Cn.& i~. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 205 sions. If the number of saddles, bridles, and halters should be made to correspond with the number of horses, I have no doubt the report would much nearer approximate the truth. Very respectfully, W. H. CHEEK, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Maj. THEODORE G. BARKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 11. Reports of Gapt. Edward C. Fox, Fifth Virginia Gavairy, Lomaxs brigade, Fitzhugh Lees divtswn. RICHMOND, March 9, 1864. GENERAL: According to instructions I have the honor to report the facts concerning the little fight we had with the raiding party of the enemy around Richmond on the 5th day of March. I was informed by Lieutenant Pollard, of the Ninth Virginia Cav- alry, that the enemy were advancing through King William County. I immediately ordered my men to report for duty, and succeeded in assembling 28 at King and Queen Court-House. Lieutenant Pol- lard came up in their rear, and engaged their rear guard near Bru- ington Church, skirmishing for several miles. They halted and fed near Mantapike. The portions of the different commands were then collected together and put in ambush to await the advance of the enemy. After an hour or twos rest they moved on slowly. Our fire was reserved until the head of their column rested within a few yards, when they opened fire, which was instantly returned. Colonel Dahlgren fell dead, pierced with five balls. We captured 92 prisoners, 38 negroes, a number of horses, arms, & c. Our force numbered about 150 menLieutenant Pollard, 20 men; Captain McGruder, of the Forty-second Virginia Battalion, 70,; Cap- tain Bagby, home guards, 25; Captain Todd, home guards, 9; King and Queen Cavalry, 28. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. C. FOX,. Captain Company E, Fifth Virginia Cavalry. Maj. Gen. FITZHUGH LEE. [First indorsement.*] General STUART: Pollard has not yet answered your inquiry as to the exact time when Captain Fox arrived and assumed command. You have for- warded Foxs letter in answer to the same question. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS LEES CAVALRY DIvISION, March 10, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. Lieutenant Pollards report of this matter has already been sent on, but as it appears that Captain Fox was in command of various detachments of our forces [sic] resulting in the death of Dahlgren and capture of his troops, I forward this report also. FITZ. LEE. Major-General, commanding. In pencil ~vud withQllt Si~iU~ture Page 206 206 OPERATIONS IN N. 0., VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [CIIAP. XLV. [Third indorsement.] HDQRS. CAY. CORPS, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 13, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. From Lieutenant Pollards report it is apparent that the place of ambush and the dispositions which resulted so successfully in the capture of Dahlgrens party were made by him prior to Captain Foxs arrival. J. E. B. STUART, Major- General. ASHLAND, April 1, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the reception of your communication on yesterday, dated March 19. I received notice through one of the home guard, who had been notified by one of Lieutenant Pollards company, of the advance of the enemy. Immediately sent orders to my lieutenants to assemble my company at King and Queen Court-House, with orders to come up to Dunkirk. I started for Dunkirk immediately. When within one-half mile of the place learned that the Yankees had swam the river at Ayletts, 4 miles below, when I returned and went to the Court-House, having sent a dispatch to Captain Bagby, of the home guards, to keep me advised of the movements of the enemy. On my arrival at the Court-House found about 70 men present from differ- ent commands. I went into ambush just below the Court-House, having received information of the advance. Received information through two members of my company that the enemy had gone intp camp, when I moved up the road. On my arrival at Mantapike hill found some 60 or 70 men in ambush. It was about 9 oclock at night. Captain McGruder, of the Forty-second Virginia Battalion, was present, and Captain Bagby, home guard. I immediately took command of the entire force. I determined, after finding out my strength, to charge the camp. Sent up to Stevensville after Lieuten- ant Pollard (some 2 or 3 miles above), but before his arrival received information that the Yankees were again advancing. The whole force was put in ambush. It was about 12 oclock when the action took place. The enemy then went into Mantapike field, which has a canal running through it that cannot be crossed except at one place, and the river on one side. Knowing that it was impossible for them to make their escape, except by place spoken of in canal above, I took the command below it, barricaded the road, and waited until day, when IL sent in a flag of truce by Lieutenant Nunn, demanding an unconditional surrender. Before his return I saw from the confused condition they were in that they had determined not to fight. When I moved in found no commissioned officer present. They were after- ward captured by Captain Bagby. I cannot say by whom the place of ambush was chosen. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWD. C. FOX~ Captain Company E, Fifth Virginia Cavalry. Maj. H. 13. MOCLELLAN Page 207 C~P. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 207 [Indorsement.] HDQRS. CAY. CORPS, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 4, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. This additional report was called for by me because Captain Foxs former report seemed to throw some doubt as to whom the credit of the ambuscade was due. His Concluding remarks, however, I think, show that this credit was due, as at first supposed, to Lieutenant Pollard, who, according to his report, chose . the ground, stationed the men, and then sent to King and Queen C3urt-House for Captain Fox. J. E. B. STUART, Major- General. No. 12. Reports of Got. Richard L. T. Beale, Ninth Virginia Gavairy, Chambliss~ brigade, including operations January 21 to March 6. MARCH 9, 1864. GENERAL: In obedience to your order of the 7th instant I have the honor to submit the following report of the disposition and movements of my command since January 21: We marched from Albemarle to-this point, near Centre Cross, in four days. Under instructions to render Majors Dade and Waite all the necessary assistance in collecting bacon in the Northern Neck, Companies C, D, K, and I were placed subject to their orders. These companies were recalled before completing collections in Lancaster and Northumberland Counties, upon receipt of an order from Major- General Stuart to relieve General Young, at Hamiltons Crossing. That order received on 6th day of March. Company H and a detachment of 32 men, under Lieutenant Ewell, picketed from West Point to Urbanna, in Middlesex, Lieutenant Ewell being relieved by Lieutenant Neblett so soon as Captain Boll- ing joined me and sent to Lancaster County. One-half of Company A was charged with picketing on Potomac and across to Fredericks- burg. Companies B, E, F, half of A, and G were held in camp and picketed the Rappahannock from Tappahannock down, under orders from General Hampton. With 130 men, under a pressing order from Brigadier-General Young, we made in January a forced march (60 miles in twenty-six hours) to Hamiltons Crossing. In February we made a similar march to Hanover Court-House, under orders from Major-General Hampton. In March we were ordered to Hanover Junction to find orders. This was accomplished with 175 men between 10 oclock on Tuesday and 12 oclock on Wednesday. No orders were left for me. I sought the enemy on the Ash Cake road as far ~s Hanover Court-House and Old Church, marching day and night, and reaching Old Church at daybreak on Thursday morning. Here I was halted and a plan of attack arranged by Colonel Johnson at Tunstalls Station. The enemy had marched an hour before we reached that point. Being informed General Hampton had been recalled to Richmond, I returned to Old Church and wrote him that unlcs~ otherwise ordere Page 208 208 OPERATIONS IN N. c., VA., W. VA., MIX, AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. I should return to camp on Friday. I came slowly back, reaching camp Saturday night. I received at Old Church a dispatch from Lieutenant Pollard, with a note-book and sundry papers taken from the body of Colonel Dahlgren. I forwarded the papers and reported the captures to you at Richmond. The note-book I still have. On the evening of the 6th, Lieutenant INeblett brought in 19 prison- ers (15 white, 4 colored) taken on the tug-boat Titan, in the employ of the United States Government. One was shot in attempting to seize the arms of the guard before reaching camp. He reported the capture as made by a volunteer party of disbanded cavalry in the waters of Accomac County. The tug was brought to Piankatank River, and Lieutenant Rowleth, fearing a rescue from Gloucester Point, sent to Neblett for help. He watched the enemy retreating before him, and after removing a large lot of sugar, coffee, whisky, & c., the tug was burned. * My last order was to relieve General Young. A dispatch from General Stuart, received upon the eve of marching, implicitly revoked that. I replied that I should wait for orders, and sent Captaiu Bollings company to co-operate with Lieu- tenant Pollard in watching for Kilpatrick, holding the rest of my command in readiness to fight him, should he come. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. L. T. BEALE, Colonel, Commanding. Maj. Gen. FITZHUGH LEE. No. 13. Reports of Lieut. James Pollard, Ninth Virginia Cavalry. MARCH 7, 1864. GENERAL: Early on the morning of the 2d I received information from my scouts that the portion of the column which attacked Rich- mond on 1st March were attempting to escape through King William and King and Queen Counties to Gloucester Point. I immediately sent a dispatch to Captain McGruder, Forty-second Battalion, to join me, and started in pursuit with the remainder of my company, about 25 men, having sent the rest to scout [and] picket the numer- ous roads and ferries. I overtook the enemy about 4 p. m. and attacked his rear, skirmishing with him for several miles. I then turned off on a by-road to head him, sending a few men to harass his rear. Was re-enforced by Captain McGruder with about 30 men and a number of the home guard, an(l placed them in line of battle at a point that the enemy was obliged to pass. I then sent for Cap- tain Fox, Fifth Virginia Cavalry, and he joined me with as many of his company as he had been able to collect (about 15 men) just in time to meet the enemy, who advanced upon our position about 11.30 p. m. The colonel commanding (Dahlgren) was killed at the first fire and several wounded. They then retreated in confusion, leaving the roads and taking to the fields. As soon as it was light we dis- covered them scattered about in a field dismounted, when we advanced and found that the whole force had surrendered to a Confederate officer who was a prisoner with them, except the commissioned offi- cers and a few men who had dismounted and fled to the woods. The ~ee ~d~Q reports of Du~~d1 and Fitzhu~h, pp. 2~31 aw Page 209 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICIUVIOND, VA. 209 officers and most of the men have since been captured. The whole number captured will amount to about 17540 negroes and 135 sol- diers. I am indebted fo Captains McGruder and Fox and the home guard for their cordial co-operation, as well as the coolness and bravery of their men in meeting the enemy. I have the honor to be , general, your most obedient servant, JAMES POLLARD, First Lient., Ooindg. Co. II, 9th Va. Oar. (on detached service). Maj. Gen. FITZHUGH LEE. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, lliliarch 9, 1864. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the commanding general. Lieutenant Pollard deserves great credit for his gallantry, and his men and officers who so zealously co-operated with him should share the praise due them. Lieutenant Pollard is first lieutenant of Com- pany H, Ninth Virginia Cavalry, Chanibliss brigade, Lees division, Cavalry Corps. J. E. B. STUART, Major-General. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS, March 11, 1864. Respectfully forwarded for information of the Department, heartily concurring in the commendation of General Stuart. R. E. LEE, General. [Third indorsement.] MARcH 21, 1864. ADJUTANT-GENERAL: A gallant exploit, and one which exhibits what a few resolute men may do to punish the enemy on their marauding raids. J. A. S., Secretary. APRIL 9, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report, in reply to your order of March 19, received to-day, that early on the morning of I got information from my scouts that the enemy were crdssing into King William, moving toward King and Queen. I immediately started with my company to meet him at Dunkirk, the only ferry at which a boat had been left on the river but he secured a wood-boat at Ayletts, several miles lower J ~wn the river, and crossed his men, swimming his horses. I pursued and attacked his rear, skirmishing with him for several miles, when I turned off to get ahead of him at a point which I knew he must pass. On my way to this place I met Captain McGruder, Forty-second Battalion Virginia Cavalry (to whom I had sent in the morning to join me), and some homo 44 l~ T~VOL XXXII Page 210 210 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XIN. guards, who placed their men at my command, and I put them in the position which Ii had chosen about dark. Later in the evening I heard that Captain Fox, Fifth Virginia Cavalry, with some of his men, was at King and Queen Caurt-House and sent for him to join me, which he did, arriving on the ground about 10 or 11 oclock, and a few minutes before the enemy advanced and Colonel Dahlgren was killed. Captain Fox then took command and we remained in posi- tion until daylight, when he ordered me to take my company and find out the position of the enemy, and they surrendered without showing fight. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, JAMES POLLARD, First Lient., Comdg. Company H, Ninth Virginia Cavalry. [Indorsernenti HDQRS. CAY. CORPS, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 13, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. To Lieutenant Pollards skillful (lispositions and to his activity it is mainly owing that Dahlgren wa~ killed and his party captured. J. E. B. STUART, Major- General. No. 14. Reports of Brig. Gem. Armistead L. Long, C. S. Army, commanding artillery, Second Corps. HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY, SECOND CORPS, March 1, 1864. GENERAL: Yesterday about 12 m. the enemy were reported ad- vancing in considerable force upon my position. I immediately placed my artillery in position to resist cavalry. With the assist- ance of 120 sharpshooters I was in hopes of being able to repel any attack that might be made. The enemy, about 1,000 or 1,500 strong, advanced to within half a mile of my advanced~ camp, but finding a force in front of them, changed their direction to the left, taking farm roads toward Bumpass Station. They struck the railroad about 3 miles below me, above Bumpass. They hastily tore up a few rails and passed on in the direction of Cartersville. Their whole movement about me was masked by the thick timber by which we are surrounded, and although they were very close to me, I could ~ot find an opportunity of doing them any damage. Later in the day I received reports that another and larger force was advancing (which I think, from the report of a prisoner taken by my scout, may have been Kilpatrick moving toward Hanover Junction), and as the first force was moving toward my rear, I was induced to ask for ~ re-enforcement of one or two regiments of in- fantry, which force reached me last night. I sent out parties to follow and watch the movements of the enemy. They were pursued as far as the Red House on the mountain road to Richmond. At dark they were moving rapidly in that direction. I regret to inform you that all the members of the court-martial Qf this command, wt~o were j~i se~siou, w~m o4pttired~ A. ya~pi Page 211 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 211 house some distance from camp had been selected for the meet- ing of the court, and the movement of the enemy was so sudden there was not time to notify the court of their approach. The fol- lowing officers were captured: Lieutenant-Colonel Jones, Captains Page, Watson, and Dement, Lieutenants Blair and Deas; probably Lieutenants Lambie and Walthall. Several enlisted men were also captured, bnt were released after being carried some distance. I notified General Elzey and the commanding officer at Hanover Junction yesterday of the enemys movements, and I hope they may be able to intercept them. I greatly felt the want of a few hund red infantry. With these I am sure I could have inflicted a severe chas-. tisement upon them. The nature of the country would have greatly assisted me. My sharpshooters were too few, and I had too much~ at stake to hazard any movement against them. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. L. LONG, Brigadier-General, Commanding. General R. H. CHILTON, Asst. Adjt. and Insp. Gen., Army of Northern Virginia. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY CORPS, llfarch 4, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. This report should have been addressed, it is considered, to the general-in-chief of artillery, he being at hand and in general charge; but although there seems something of official disrespect in violat- ing usage and regulations, as well as Orders, No. 69, from general headquarters, of last series, as is done in this direct communication to general headquarters, it is deemed best for the service, as well as most suitable for myself, to forward it without delay, only directing attention to the irregularity. W. N. PENDLETON, Brigadier-General and Chief of Artillery. HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY, SECOND CORPS, lifarch 2, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the pleasure to announce the escape of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Jones and Captain Watson. They effected their escape night before last between the hours of 9 and 11 oclock. The enemy were then across South Anna River, having crossed at Tur- key Creek Ford. Colonel Jones estimated the column at 1,500. Colonel Dahlgren, commanding, stated he had 2,000. Besides this column another one crossed the railroad at Beaver Dam (where everything was destroyed), numberingbetween 2,000 and 3,000 men, and believed to be under Kilpatrick. It had four pieces of artillery. The column passing here had no artillery. Both columns said their destination was Richmond. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. L. LONG, Lieut. G. W. PETERKIN. Brigadier-General, Commanding, 4ct~. A~t. Ad,jt. Gert., Art~j. CQrp~ Army of N~ V~ Page 212 212 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. No. 15. Report of Cot. Walter II. Stevens, C. S. Army, commanding Rich mond Defenses. HEADQUARTERS RICHMOND DEFENSES, Miarch 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the opera- tions of this command during the recent raid of the enemy against this city On Monday night, February 29, in obedience to instructions from your office, I ordered Lieut. Col. C. E. Lightfoot, commanding the light artillery, to repair to Camp Lee by daylight with Captain Hankins and Captain Rives batteries, and to send one section of Thorntons battery to the vicinity of the new bridge, on the Nine- Mile road, and at the same time ordered the forces of Lieut. Col. James Howard, commanding Second Division (inner line), and of Lient. Col. J. W. Atkinson, commanding First Division (inner line), to be at the intersection of the Brook turnpike and intermediate line by daylight Tuesday morning, Lieutenant-Colonel Howard being ordered at the same time to double his guards posted at the intersec- tion of the Mechanicsville, the Meadow Bridge, the Brook, and Deep Run roads and the intermediate line. On Tuesday morning I proceeded to the intersection of the Brook turnpike and intermediate line, and at 10.30 a. m. ordered Captain Rives to proceed tQ the same place, there being no light artillery at that point, and in obedience to verbal instructions from the major- general commanding returned to your headquarters. While there I received a dispatch from Lieutenant-Colonel Howard, stating that the enemy had appeared in his front and driven in his pickets. I immediately returned to the intersection of the Brook turnpike and intermediate line, and upon my arrival there found out that upon the appearance of the enemy Lieut. Col. James Howard had ordered Captain Rives to push forward one section of his artillery and en- gage. This command Captain Rives executed, being supported by Company D, Tenth Virginia Battalion Heavy Artillery, commanded by Capt. C. S. Harrison. After advancing some 200 yards the enemys skirmishers, closing upon him, fired so rapidly and accu- rately that he was obliged to retire to the shelter of the fortifications, with the loss of 2 men wounded and 8 horses wounded. Lieutenant- Colonel Lightfoot had also with commendable promptitude ordered Hankins battery to the intersection of the intermediate line and the Mordecais Mill road, at the same time sending him an infantry sup- port from Lieutenant-Colonel Howards command. Soon after my arrival the enemy opened upon my position a rapid and tolerably accurate fire from five pieces of artillery, and his skir- mishers advanced under cover of ditches and th~ neighboring houses to within 200 yards of our works and annoyed our artillerists so much that at the suggestion of Lieutenant-Colonel Howard I ordered him and Lieutenant-Colonel Atkinson to detach a portion of their commands and drive them from their shelter. This was handsomely performed on the right by a volunteer force from Lieutenant-Col- onel Howards command, under First Lieut. William M. Chaplain, Company B, Twentieth Virginia Battalion Heavy Artillery, who charged the enemy who were in the house of Mr. J. A. Parker, frQ Page 213 Oa~. XLVI ~XEt~tTIO~ AGAINST IdOIIMOND, VA. 21g which they were immediately driven, and on the left by Company D, Tenth Virginia Battalion Heavy Artillery, Capt. C. S. Harrison com- manding. Lieutenant Chaplains party lost S men in the charge, as per list* of casualties inclosed. A demonstration was made by the enemy against Captain Hankins position on the Mill road, but it was repulsed, and in the artillery duel that ensued Captain Hankins several times drove the gunners of the enemy from their guns. Captain Rives fire caused a large body of the enemy, massed be- tween the Brook turnpike and the Mill road, to seek shelter in the thick wood to the right of the Brook turnpike. The firing lasted about two hours, after which the enemy retreated toward the Meadow Bridge road. Later in the day a small body of the enemys cavalry made its appearance near the residence of Mr. J. P. Ballard, about three-quar- ters of a mile in front of one of my siege batteries, on the inter- mediate hne and Deep Run road, served by a detachment of 20 men of the Twentieth Virginia Battalion, commanded by Second Lieut. B. F. Halstead, of Company B,Twentieth Virginia Battalion. After exchanging ten rounds the enemy withdrew, with no casualties on our side. In closing this report I have the honor to express my gratification at the behavior both of the officers and men of this command. The artillery was handled exceedingly well, and the infantry responded with alacrity to every call made upon them. I had about 500 nien engaged between the Brook pike and Mill road, and six pieces of artillery. The enemy supposed to be between 3,000 and 3,500 men, with five pieces of artillery. Lieutenant Hudgin with four pieces of artillery was ordered to report to General Barton, on the Mechanicsville road, and one sec- tion from Hankins and one from Rives batteries were sent to report to General Lee before the fire of the enemy on niy front had ceased. They having left my command for the time I have not traced their operations, though I have been informed that they were~ iiot else- where engaged. The loss of the enemy is not kiiown, they being able under the cover of a dense fog to carry away their killed and wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. STEVENS, Commanding Richmond Defenses. Maj. T. 0. CHESTNEY, Assistant Adjutant- GeneraL No. 16. Report of Capt. L. B. Anderson, North Anna Home Guards. HEWLETTS STATION, March 4, 1864. DEAR SIR: Returning last Monday from visiting a patient several miles below me, I heard just at night that the vandals were at Beaver Dam Depot. I pushed on home, collecting my men as I went, and * Nominal list (omitted) reports 1 man killed and 1 officer and 6 men wounded Page 214 ~14 O~A~i2IOI~S IN N. ~., VA., AV. VA., MP., AND PA. ~ XtV. at 9 oclock I moved off with 1~ men, 3 of them belonging to the Hanover Troop, and a few belonging to a Maryland company. Our movements (in brief) are as follows: February 29.Ascertaining at 10 oclock at night that the enemy had moved from Beaver Dam, in what direction the pick~ts, who were stationed 4~ miles belQw, could not tell, we moved through woods, plantations, & c., avoiding all roads, though the night was intensely dark and rainy, until we saw the camp-fires of the foes. Leaving the horses and the men, three of us marched on foot through a dense forest and morass and gained a position from which we had a view of the whole line of encampment. We sent a courier to Colonel Johnson, at the Junction, informing him that the enemy were on the Trinity Church road. The signals for preparation and marching having been thrown up, we discovered the whole line in motion. Returning to our horses we rapidly moved across three farms and gained a position on the Fork Church road, leading directly toward South Anna railroad bridge. Two men were placed immediately on the road and the remainder drawn up a few paces in their rear. In five minutes the head of the column reached our position (between 12.30 arid 1.30 o~lock). The men were anxious to fire into the enemy, but were prohibited on the ground that they were marching into a trap from which it was scarcely possible for any to escape. The utmost caution was observed in retiring from our position, in order that the enemy might not know that their movements were observed. We pushed on to Mr. Redds, and sent 3 couriers with a dispatch to Colonel Johnson (and General Elzey, at Richmond, by telegraph from Junction), at the Junction, informing him that the enemy were moving down on Fork Church road, and suggesting that he mass his troops upon that road imme- diately, and that we would guard the fords and bridges on Colonel J[ohnson]s right flank and inform him of any demonstrations in that direction. We then went to the New Market bridge and tore up the planking, and remained until we were assured that the rear of the enemy had passed Fork Church, which was about daybreak. March 1.Surprised at not hearing the attack, which we con- fidently expected would be made upon the enemy at about 4 oclock this morning, we moved on to the Junction, and about 5.30 or 6 oclock heard the report of cannon and small-arms. We reached the position where the enemy were posted after they had retreated, and found to our utter astonishment that they had passed quietly do~vii to and encamped within 200 yards of our batteries near South River bridge, and remained there probably one or more hours without the men at the batteries knowing of their proximity or they being aware of the position of the batteries; and we pre- sumed that the attack made by Colonel Johnson with a small force just before it was light enough to ascertain the position of our batteries saved them and all the bridges in the vicinity. Why the troops were not put in position two hours before (as the dispatch was received at telegraph office, so says the operator, at 2.30 oclock) we know not; but it was our opinion that, caught between the Little and South Rivers with only two bridges accessible, both of which could have been torn up early in the night (a courier, Mr. Samuel Anderson, of Hanover Troop, who offered to act as guide, was sent down about 10 oclock, giving information of their prob- able move to Blunts Bridge) or easily guarded, 1,000 infantry prop- erly posted in the ample time afforded could have almost totall Page 215 i~XPEPITIO~ A(~AP~ST 1~TdIIMO~I3, VA. 0Indicates enemys encampments at batteries, (I.) - - Indicates the enemys route. XOur batteries. F CFork Church road. T CTrinity Church road. B IDBeaver Dam. N MNew Market road. GJunction. TTaylors Mills. N FNegrofoot road. B BBlunts bridge. Mrs. Andersons mill was set on fire by the enemy; her house rifled, and nearly all of her bacon taken, and every horse she had. Private houses, & c., wore burned near Beaver Dam. From Andersons Mill to Beaver Dam is 2 miles; from Beaver Daui to Trinity and Pigeon Hill, where they encamped, is i~ miles; from there to Trinity Church is 5 miles; from there to the bridges and bat- teries 3~ miles. 215 A ROUGH MAP OF THE ENEMYS MARCh FROM BEAVER DAM TO OUR BATTERIES AND BACK TO BLUNTS BRIDGE AND NEGROFOOT ROADS. t~nAp. XLV Page 216 2h1 OPERA11ON~ T~ ~. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ECt~x~. XLV annihilated Kilpatricks command. We ascertained fr6m various sources that he had only eight small regiments, two brigades, twelve small guns, and between 2,000 and 2,500 men. It was a glorious opportunity most unfortunately neglected. We followed the enemy to Independence Meeting-House, and having been in our saddles all night, and now till late in the day, without food for man or beast, we returned home at night, bringing 1 prisoner captured. Marrch 2.Early this morning we went to a point below Ashland and divided, sending a scouting party toward the Old Church and the others moving back toward Negrofoot. The first party, under Sergeant Anderson, encamped near Atlees, the other near Beaver Dam. March 3.Sergeant Anderson went below the Piper Tree and to Mr. Turners, near Tunstalls Station, and returned to headquarters that night just after the other party arrived from above. Hearing from an enrolling officer in Caroline that the enemy were at Chiles- burg, Sergeant Anderson with a party was sent up to that point immediately; and though he had ridden 60 miles that day, he con- tinued to ride until 4 oclock at night, and reported to me early the next morning. March 4.This day we scoured the country above in the neigh- borhood of Beaver Dam, New Market, Chilesburg, & c., to ascertain the foundation of a thousand wild rumors, and returned to-night satisfied that no enem~r is within 40 miles of us. The enemy threw at least a ton of ammunition into the South River, and some of our boys went in and got several hundred car- tridges suited to our Burnside rifles. A citizen has gotten out nearly 1,000 pounds of all kinds, and several hundred of the kind suited to our rifles. Will the Department be so good as to give me a requisi- tion for those, as they are all loose, paying the gentleman a reasona- ble compensation for his trouble? The paper cartridges furnished us are worse than useless; they will not fire once in five times, and never with any accuracy. Pardon me for this long and rough report of the doings of the noble little band which has honored [me] as their commander. L. B. ANDERSON, Capt. North Anna Home Guards, now known as Mounted Rifles. Hon. Secretary SEDDON. No. 17. Congratulatory orders. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OP RICHMOND, No. 10. March 8, 1864. The major-general commanding congratulates the troops upon their completely successful defense of the city of Richmond and its rescue from the ravages of the invader. The enemy was gallantly repulsed on the north side by Colonel Stevens command and on the west by Brig. Gen. G. W. C. Lees troops. Their conduct is entitled to the highest praise and credit. To Col. Bradley T. Johnson and the officers and soldiers under his command the thanks of the major- general are especially due for the prompt and vigorous manner i Page 217 ChAP. XLV.1 EXPEDIIIO~ Ad-AD~St RICHMOM~, \rA. 217 which they pursued the enemy from Beaver Darn to Richmond, and thence to the Pamunkey and down the Peninsula, making repeated charges, capturing many prisoners and horses, and thwarting any attempt of the enemy to charge them. The major-general command- ing begs leave to tender to Major-General Hampton and his com- mand his sincere thanks for their co-operation in following up the enemy and their gallant assault upon his camp at Atlees Station on Tuesday night, in which the enemys entire force was stampeded and completely routed, leaving in the hands of General Hampton many prisoners and horses. Lastly, the conduct of the home guards of King and Queen County, and of Captain McGruders squadron of the Forty-second Battalion Virginia Cavalry, which, in conjunction with small detachments of furloughed men, under Captain Fox and Lieutenant Pollard, of the cavalry of the Army of Northern Vir- ginia, attacked the retreating column of Colonel Dahlgren, killing the leader and capturing nearly 100 prisoners, with negroes and horses, deserves public acknowledgment. By command of Major-General Elzey: T. 0. CHESTNEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. ADDENDA. HDQRS. LEES Div., CAy. CORPS, ARMY OP N. VA., liliarch 4, 1864. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit the inclosed papers, * fonnd upon the body of Col. U. Dahlgren, of the U. S. Army, who was killed by a portion of my command, assisted by a portion of Colonel Robins cavalry battalion and a detachment of the home guards of King and Queen, in that county, upon the night of the 2d. These papers were sent by Lieutenant Pollard, commanding a de- tachment of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry, to Colonel Beale, and by him transmitted direct to me. They need no comment. Colonel Dahlgren commanded a force picked to co-operate with Brigadier- General Kilpatrick in his ridiculous and unsoldierly raid, and lost his life running off negroes after the failure of his insane attempt to destroy Richmond and kill Jeff. Davis and cabinet. The force, of negroes and Yankees captured after his fall amount to about 140. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FJTZ. LEE, Major- General, Gommanding. Hon. J. A. SEDDON, RICHMOND, March 4, 1864~ Secretary of War: DEAR SIR: It has occurred to me that the papers just captured from the enemy are of such an extraordinary and diabolical character that some more formal method should be adopted of riving them to the public than simply sending them to the press. INfy own convic~ tion is for an execution of the prisoners and a publication as justifi~ * See inclosures Lee to 3leade, April 1, p. 178 Page 218 cation; but in any event the publication should go forth with official sanction from the highest authority, calling the attention of our people aud the civilized world to the fiendish and atrocious conduct of our enemies. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BRAXTON BRAGG. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., March 6, 1864. General IR. E. LEE, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: I inclose to you herewith a slip from one of the morn- ing papers containing an account of the disposal of a portion of the enemys force which recently attacked this city, and a copy of the papers* found on the body of Colonel Dahlgren, who was killed. The diabolical character of those papers and of the enterprise they indicate seems to require at our hands something more than a mere informal publication in our newspapers. My owu inclinations are toward the execution of at least a portion of those captured at the time Colonel Dahlgren was killed, and a publication of these papers as its justification. At any rate, a formal publication from the high- est official position should issue, calling the attention of our people and that of the civilized world to the atrocious modes of warfare adopted by our enemies. General Braggs views coincide with my own on this subject. The question of what is best to be done is a grave and important one, and I desire to have the benefit of your views and any suggestions you may make. It is not for the purpose of evading or sharing any responsibility which may attach to the action to be taken that I seek to know your views, but simply that in determining what is best to be done I may have the aid of your wisdom and experience, as well as your judgment of what would be the sentiment of the army on a course of severe but just retribution. You will, of course, appreciate to what consequences such a course may not rightfully, yet not unnaturally, considering the unscrupu- lousness and malignity of our foes, lead, and estimate such results in forming your judgment. Very respectfully, yours, JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. [InclosureFrom Richmond Daily Examiner, March 5.] ANOTHER AFFAIR WITH THE ENEMY AROUND RICHMONDCAPTURE OF IMPORTANT PAPERS AND MEMORANDA OF THE ENEMY, ETC.. The first rumor of the raiders afloat yesterday was that General Stuart, coming down the Louisa mountain road, had intercepted their retreat, captured 1,200 prisoners, and released all the negroes in their hands. This report lacked confirmation, but it was soon followed by a well-authenticated report of a success quite equal in interest, if not in magnitude, to that ascribed to General Stuart. * ~ee inclosures Lee to Meade, April 1, p. 178 Page 219 EXI~IO~ A~AI~ST I~tCHMO~tb, VA. 21~ BRILLIANT AI~FAIR IN KING AND QUEEN C0UNTYC0L0N1~L DAHL-. GREN KILLED. News was brought in during the morning of the brilliant affair of a small body of Confederate cavalry under the command of Lieuten- ant Pollard, who had attacked a body of Yankee cavalry under the command of Colonel Dahlgren, killing their commander, taking 90 prisoners and 35 negroes and 150 horses. The fight occurred at Walkerton on Wednesday night about 11 oclock. The body of cav- alry under Dahlgrens command numbered some 300 or 400, being part of the force which had appeared on the Westham plank road. They had crossed the Mattapony at Ayletts. The wretch who com- manded them was the son of Commodore Dahlgren, of ordnance notoriety. It would have been well if the body of the land pirate had been gibbeted in chains on the spot where he fell. Lieutenant Pollard commands Company H, of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. He was aided by some home guards and a small detachment from Lieutenant-Colonel Robins command. From the courier who came in yesterday we have some interesting particulars of Lieutenant Pollards affair with the enemy. It ap- pears that with his company of cavalry he followed the enemy across the Mattapony during the whole of Wednesday, harassing his rear. At the forks of the road the enemy took that leading to Walkerton, while Lieutenant Pollard, directing a few of his men to follow the enemy on that route and make a pretense of pursuit, rapidly with- drew the larger portion of his force to the other road. He succeeded in making a circuit of the enemy, and about 11 oclock at night appeared on their front, having been joined by some home guards and a few of Robins command. The Yankees attempted to charge through our lines, the charge being headed by Dahlgren himself. He was shot dead before his column came in contact with our lines. A figbt ensued, with the results referred to, to which we may add the fortunate circumstance that not a man of our command was killed. Several Yankees were killed, and the force not captured was dispersed in a wild flight, aided by the cover of the woods and the night. FULL DISCLOSURE OF THE ENEMYS PLANSRICHMOND TO BE DE- STROYEDTHE PRESIDENT AND HIS CABINET TO BE KILLED, ETC. The following papers and memoranda were found on Dahigrens person, and contain the indisputable evidence of the diabolical de- signs of the enemy. The following address to the officers and men of the command was written on a sheet of paper having in printed letters on the upper corner, Headquarters rJlhird Division, Cavalry Corps, , 1864: OFFICERS AND MEN: You have been selected from brigades and regiments as a picked command to attempt a desperate undertakingan undertaking which, if successful, will write your names on the hearts of your countrymen in letters that can never be erased, and which will cause the prayers of our fellow-soldiers now confined in loathsome prisons to follow you and yours wherever you may go. We hope to release the prisoners from Belle Island first, and having seen them fairly started, we will cross the James River into Richmond, destroying the bridges after us and exhorting the released prisoners to destroy and burn the hateful city; and do not allow the rebel leader Davis and his traitorous crew to escape. The prisoners must render great assistance, as you cannot leave your ranks too far or become too much scattered, o Page 220 220 OPThATtO~S IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., A~Th PA. [ChAP. i~tV. you will be lost. Do not allow any personal gain to lead you off, which would only bring you to an ignominious death at the hands of citizens. Keep well together and obey orders strictly and all will be well; but on no account scatter too far, for in union there is strength. With strict obedience to orders and fearlessness in the execution you will be sure to succeed. We will join the main force on the other side of the city, or perhaps meet them inside. Many of you may fall; but if there is any man here not willing to sacrifice his life in such a great and glorious undertaking, or who does not feel capable of meeting the enemy in such a desperate fight as will folloW, let him step out, and he may go hence to the arms of his sweetheart and read of the braves who swept through the city of Richmond. We want no man who cannot feel sure of success in such a holy cause. We will have a desperate fight, but stand up to it when it does come, and all will be well. Ask the blessing of the Almighty, and do not fear the enemy. U. DAHLGREN, Colonel, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS AND INSTRUCTIONS. The following special orders were written on a similar sheet of paper and on detached slips, the whole disclosing the diabolical plans of the leaders of the expedition: Guides.Pioneers (with oakum, turpentine, and torpedoes), signal officer, quarter- master, commissary. Scouts and pickets. Men in rebel uniform. These will remain on the north bank and move down with the force on the south bank, not getting ahead of them, and if the communication can be kept up without giving an alarm it must be done; but everything depends upon a surprise, and no one must be allowed to pass ahead of the column. Information must be gathered in regard to the crossings of the river, so that should we be repulsed on the south side we will know where to recross at the nearest point. All mills must be burned and the canal destroyed, and also everything which can be used by the rebels must be destroyed, including the boats on the river. Should a ferry-boat be seized and can be worked, have it moved down. Keep the force on the south side posted of any important movement of the enemy, and in case of danger some of the scouts must swim the river and bring us information. As we approach the city the party must take great care that they do not get ahead of the other party on the south side, and must conceal them- selves and watch our movements. We will try and secure the bridge to the city, 1 mile below Belle Isle, and release the prisoners at the same time. If we do not succeed they must then dash down, and we will try and carry the brid.ge from each side. When necessary, the men must be filed through the woods and along the river bank. The bridges once secured, and the prisoners loose and over the river, the bridges will be secured and the city destroyed. The men must keep together and well in hand, and once in the city it must be destroyed and Jeff. Davis and cabinet killed. Pioneers will go along with combustible material. The officer must use his discretion about the time of assisting us. Horses and cattle which we do not need immediately niust be shot rather than left. Everything on the canal and elsewhere of service to the rebels must be destroyed. As General Custer may follow me, be careful not to give a false alarm.* The signal officer must be prepared to communicate at night by rockets, and in other things pertaining to his department. The quartermasters and commissaries must be on the lookout for their depart- ments, ~and see that there are no delays on their account. The engineer officer will follow to survey the road as we pass over it, & c. The pioneers must be prepared to construct a bridge or destroy one. They must have plenty of oakum and turpentine for burning, which will be rolled in soaked balls and given to the men to burn when we get in the city. Torpedoes will only be used by the pioneers for destroying the main bridges, & c. They must be pre- pared to destroy railroads. Men will branch off to the right with a few pioneers and destroy the bridges and raifroads south of Richmond, and then join us at the city. They must be well prepared with torpedoes, & c. The line of Falling Creek is probably the best to work along, or as they approach the city Goodes Creek, so that no re-enforcements can come up on any cars. No one must be allowed to pass ahead for fear of communicating news. Rejoin the command with all haste, and * Following paragraphs not found in the photographic copies forwarded by Gen- eral Lee to General Meade Page 221 CHAP. XLV.] EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. 221 if cut off cross the river above Richmond and rejoin us. Men will stop at Bellona Arsenal and totally destroy it, and anything else but hospitals; then follow on and rejoin the command at Richmond with all haste, and if cut off cross the river and rejoin us. As General Custer may follow me, be careful not to give a false alarm. PROGRAMME OF THE ROUTE AND WORK. The following is an exact copy of a paper written in lead-pencil, which appears to have been a private memorandum of the pro- gramme which Dahigren had made to enable him to keep his work clearly in mind: SaturdayLeave camp at dark (6 p. in.). Cross Elys Ford at 10 p. m. Twenty milesCross North Anna at 4 a. m. Sunday. Feed and water one hour. Three milesFrederick Hall Station 6 a. m. Destroy arts 8 a. m. Twenty milesNear James River 2 p. m. Sunday. Feed and water one hour and a half. Thirty miles to RichmondMarch toward Kilpatrick for one hour, and then as soon as dark cross the river, reaching Richmond early in the morning (Monday). One squadron remains on north side and one squadron to cut the railroad bridge at Falling Creek, and join at Richmond; 83 miles. General KilpatrickCross at 1 a. m. Sunday; 10 miles. Pass river 5 a. m. Resistance. ChilesburgFourteen miles; 8 a. m. Resistance at North Anna; 3 miles. Railroad bridges at South Anna; 26 miles; 2 p. m. Destroy bridges, pass the South Anna, and feed until after dark; then signal each other. After dark move down to Richmond and be in front of the city at daybreak. ReturnIn Richmond during the day. Feed and water men outside. Be over the Pamunkey at daybreak. Feed and water and then cross the Rappa- hannock at night (Tuesday night), when they must be on the lookout. Spies should be sent on Friday morning early, and be ready to cut. A GUIDE FURNISHED. The following paper was inclosed in an envelope directed to Col. U. Dahigren, etc., at General Kilpatricks headquarters, and marked Confidential. The letter is not dated: Colonel J~AHLGREN, etc.: DEAR COLONEL: At the last moment I have found the man you want; well ac- quainted with the James River from Richmond up. I send him to you mounted on my own private horse. You will have to furnish him a horse. Question him five minutes, and you will find him the very man you want. Respectfully and truly, yours, JOHN C. BABCOCK. On the margin of this letter is written: ]~Ie crossed at Rapidan last night, and has late information. MURDER OF THEIR NEGRO GUIDE BY THE RAIDERS. There now remains no doubt of the barbarous atrocity of the Yan- kee raiders in the murder of an inoffensive negro who was captured near the Rapidan. The victim of their brutal wrath was a boy named Martin, the property of Mr. David Meems, of Goochlaud. It appears that the negro was impressed as a pilot, and had informed the Yankees that they could cross the river at Judes Ferry, about 2 miles from Dover Mills. The river was, however, fuller than usual, although it is very probable that the negro advised the raiders ac- cording to the best of his information. For no other offense than the imaginary one of misleading the enemy, the negro was hung to a tree, where his dead body w~vs fotUld a few hQurs after life was extinct Page 222 222 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Ci~~ XLV. It is now quite certain that the Yankees intended to cross the river so as to attack the city from the south side and disconcert our defense by the various directions of their attack. They were, however, dis- appointed in their attempts to cross the river, and left no other recourse than to cut their way through to Kilpatrick. The wagon train which accompanied them was loaded with arms and equip- ments, and it is conjectured that these were provided for the prison- ers, whose release from Belle Isle was undoubtedly one object of the excursion. The only damage done to the canal was the destruction of the wooden part of the aqueduct at Dover Mills. A few hundred dollaxs will repair it. THE ENEMY AT TUNSTALLS. We learn that the Yankees destroyed Pearsons saw-mill, near Tunstalls Station. They plundered the neighboring country of all the grain and meat they could lay their hands on. They did no damage to the railroad. HEADQUARTERS, Aliarch 6, 1864. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War, Richmond: SIR: I have just received your letter of the tith instant inclosing a slip from one of the Richmond journals, giving an account of the recent attack upon that city, and a copy of some papers found on the dead body of Colonel Dahlgren, disclosing the plan and purpose of the enterprise. I concur with you in thinking that a formal pub- lication of these papers should be made under official authority, that our people and the world may know the character of the war our enemies wage against us, and the unchristian and atrocious acts they plot and perpetrate. But I cannot recommend the executioii of the prisoners that have fallen into our hands. Assuming that the ad- dress and special orders of Colonel Dahlgren correctly state his designs and intentions, they were not executed, and I believe, even in a legal point of view, acts in addition to intentions are necessary to constitute crime. These papers can only be considered as evidence of his intentions. It does not appear how far his meii were cogni- zant of them, or that his course was sanctioned b~i his Government. It is only known that his plans were frustrated by a merciful Prdvi- deuce, his forces scattered, and he killed. I do not think it right, therefore, to visit upon the captives the guilt of his intentions. I do not pretend to speak the sentiments of the army, which you seem to desire. I presume that the blood boils with indignation in the veins of every officer and man as they read the account of the barbarous and inhuman plot, and under the impulse of the moment many would counsel extreme measures. But I do not think that reason and reflection would justify such a course. I think it better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our consciences and posterity. Nor do I think that under present circumstances policy dictates the execution of these men. It would produce retaliation. How many arid better men have we in the enemys hands than they have in ours? But this consideration ~hov~U ~ ~ weight provided the coi~r~ w~ ii~ itself right, Y~ Page 223 Cn~r. XLV.] 223 EXPEDITION AGAINST RICHMOND, VA. ihistory records instances where such considerations have prevented the execution of marauders and devastators of provinces. It may be pertinent to this subject to refer to the conduct of some of our men in the valley. I have heard that a party of Gilmors battalion, after arresting the progress of a train of cars on the Balti- more and Ohio. Railroad, took from the passengers their purses and watches. As far as I know no military object was accomplished after gaining possession of the cars, and the act appears to have been one of plunder. Such conduct is unauthorized and discreditable. Should any of that battalion be captured the enemy might claim to treat them as highway robbers. What would be our course? I have ordered an investigation of the matter and hope the report may be untrue. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General. RICHMOND, VA., March 30, 1864. General R. E. LEE, Commanding Army of Northern Virginia; GENERAL: I am directed by the President to send you the inclosed papers, which are photographic copies of the originals, and the originals taken from the body of the late Col. U. Dahlgren, U. S. Army, who was killed by a detachnient of our troops whilst he was in command of a p ortion of the Federal cavalry in the late expedi- tion under Genera 1 Kilpatrick. The Government is in possession of ample and incontestable evidence that the papers were taken from the body, which was identified as that of Colonel Dahlgren. In one of th em the plan and object of the expedition are stated. The prisoners being released, it is added, once in the city (Richmond) it must be destroyed, and Jeff. Davis and cabinet killed. The other is an address signed officially by Dahlgren to the officers and men of his command. It contains the following lan- guage: We hope to release the Federal prisoners from Belle Island first, and having seen them fairly started, we will cross the James River into Richmond, destroying the bridges after us, and exhorting the released prisoners to destroy and~ burn the hate- ful city, and to not allow the rebel leader Davis and his traitorous crew to escape. The President directs that you open a correspondence with the general commanding the Federal Army of the Potomac to ascertain if the orders and instructions of Colonel Dahlgren, as contained in these papers, were in conformity to instructions from his Govern- ment or superior officers, and whether the Government of the United States sanctions the sentiments and purposes therein set forth. * The originals of these papers may be retained by you as long as you consider it necessary, and afterward please return them to this office. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. * ~e tQ ~X~1q~ April 1, p. l7 Page 224 224 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. HDQRS. LEES Div., CAY. CORPS, ARMY OF N. VA., .Miarch 31, 1864. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose to you Colonel Dahigrens note~book,* just sent to me by Colonel Beale, commanding Ninth Vir- ginia Cavalry. Had I known of it~ existence it would have been forwarded with~the papers. His name and rank is written on the first page, with the date (probably) of his purchasing it. The book, amongst other memo- randa, contains a rough pencil sketch of his address to his troops, differing somewhat from his pen-and-ink copy. I embrace this occasion to add, the original papers bore no marks of alteration, nor could they have possibly been changed except by the courier who brought them to me, which is in the highest degree improbable, and the publication of them in the Richmond papers were exact copies in every respect of the originals. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FJTZ. LEE, Jifajor- General, Gommanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 3, 1864. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the papers pertaining to Dahlgrens expedition against Richmond, for- warded yesterday. Lieutenant Davis, of General Winders staff, de- livered them in person. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 10, 1864. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: GENERAL: On the receipt of your letter inclosing the documents found on the body of Colonel Dahlgren, in accordance with the in- structions of the Department, I wrote a letter to General Meade upon the subject, under the date of April 1, and sent it to General Stuart, to be forwarded by flag of truce. In consequence, however, of the late heavy rains it has been impossible to cross the Robertson River at the point where flags of truce have usually been received by the Federal commanders, and I fear the same cause will prevent any communication for some time. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General. * Not found Page 225 CHAP. XLV.] SKiRMISHES AT BALLAHOCK AND DEEP CREEK, VA. 225 FEBRUARY 29MARCH 1, l864.Skirmi~hes at Ballaliock, on Bear Quar- ter Road, and at Deep Creek, Va. REPOiRTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Charles A. Heckman, U. S. Army. No. 2.Lient. Col. Martin B. Smith, Eighth Connecticut Infantry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gem. Charles A. Heclcman, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Near Portsmouth, Va., March ~5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 29th February it was reported to me by Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, commanding post at Deep Creek, that the enemy were making demonstrations in his front, the patrol from Ballahock to South Mills having been driven in, and the eiiemys cavalry making its appearance in force. I im- mediately ordered a reconnaissance to be made in the direction of South Mills; at the same time ordered 100 men of the Ninth New Jersey Volunteers and 100 men of the Tenth New Hampshire Vol- unteers, also the One hundred and eighteenth New York Volunteers, to Deep Creek, and proceeded to the front in person. Lieut. Thomas Burnett, Company B, Ninth New Jersey Volun- teers, commanding detachment of Ninth New Jersey Volunteers, while skirmishing with the enemy who were opposing him with about 300 infantry and endeavoring to surround him, brought his men out in good order, with the loss of 1 man killed and 1 wounded, displaying great bravery and coolness. A detachment of the Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanded by Captain Faith, behaved in a very discreditable manner. Upon the enemy firing a few shots into their advance they broke and ran in great disorder, a portion of them falling into the canal, others into the swamp, & c. At daylight on the 2d instant started forward aud found the enemy had retired. having dug ditches across the road, destroyed the bridge, & c., to prevent pursuit. Having repaired the bridge, again followed until dark, driving them across the line into North Carolina in the direction of South Mills. In coming up with the enemy I found them in line of battle, one battery covering the road and their in- fantry in the bushes. Their force being very much larger than mine, and darkness coming on, I did not deem it prudent to attack, and fell back to a strong position at the bridge over the Northwest Canal. I left Colonel Keese, of the One hundred and eighteenth New York, in command, with instructions to hold that position, to picket the different roads, and to patrol those leading to Northivest Landing. During the march I learned of a number of roads of which I had no previous knowledge, all of which are thoroughly guarded, and no approach can now be made without my being informed. The enemys force consisted of four regiments and one battalion of infantry, one regiment of cavalry, and two batteries, commaiidecP by General Ransom. My force consisted of 800 infantry, 150 cay- alrv, and one section of artillery. Our loss was as Nlows: Albert S. Nutt. Ninth New Jersey Vol- unteers, killed; Joel Hulse, Ninth New Jersey Volunteers, wounded; 15 R RvoL Xxxii Page 226 226 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XT~V. 1 officer and 6 men of the Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry missing, with 13 horses. A deserter, Patrick Tenney, Thirty-first North Carolina Volunteers, who came within our lines, has been duly for- warded. Inclosed find copy of report of Lieutenant-Colonel Smith. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. A. HECKMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding~ [Maj. R. S. DAvIs Fort ]Ifouroe.] No. 2. Report of Lieut. Cot. Martin B. Smith, Eighth Connecticut In fantry. HEADQUARTERS, Deep Creek~, Va., March 4, 1864. CAPTAIN: On the 29th February ultimo, at 10 a. in., I received a mmunication from Ballahock Station that my patrol of 8 men (patrolling the road from that station to South Mills) had come in contact with the enemy and were driven back to Ballahock. I im- mediately sent forward Captain Lompe, of the Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry, with 40 men, to Ballahock Station, with orders to report what information he could gain of the enemys movements. At 1 p. m. I received a report from Captain Lompe that about 30 rebel cavalry were seen 4 miles from the Ballahock post, on the road leading to South Mills, and I immediately reported that informa- tion to the general commanding. In reply I was instructed to send my cavalry on a reconnaissance to South Mills, and report any in- formation I might learn to headquarters. On the following morning (March 1) at 4 a. m. Captain Lompe moved forward in the direction of South Mills. At 10 a. in., not hearing anything from that officer, I started for the Ballahock Sta- tion, and had proceeded about 2 miles when I met an orderly coming in on a gallop, who informed me that Captain Lompe was retreating and the enemy in close pursuit. I had proceeded but a short distance farther on when I met Captain Lompe. I immediately ordered him to halt and form in line of battle, which he instantly did, the enemy at that time being about 1 mile distant. By an order from the general, who had just arrived at the scene of action, I ordered forward a detachment of 100 men of the Ninth New Jersey Volunteers, under command of Lient. Thomas Burnett. Shortly before they arrived the enemy began to fall back, when I followed in pursuit,with orders from the general to proceed as far as the Ballahock road, he at the time returning to headquarters. After advancing about 5 miles I found the enemy had halted and formed in line of battle on the Bear Quarter road. Perceiving this I detached 25 men of the Ninth New Jersey, who advanced as skirmishers. We advanced cautiously along the road for about l~ miles, when we were fired upon from a dense thicket on the left of the road. We returned the fire and entered the thicket and perceived the effemy, who numbered about 300, moving toward our rear with the evident intention of cutting us off. To prevent them, we retired by the lef Page 227 CHAP. XLV.] SKIRMISHES AT BALLAHOCK AND DEEP CREEK, VA. 227 flank, continuing the firing, which caused them to relinquish their original design; and here let me add that Lieutenant Burnett, who had charge of the advance, showed himself to be a brave and efficient officer. Owing to the superior force opposed to us I ordered forward from this post two pieces of artillery and 100 men of the Tenth New Hampshire Volunteers, all under command of Captain Simpson. Later in the evening we again advanced and engaged the enemy. Night coming on, and by reason of the extreme darkness which pre- vailed, we retired about 1 mile and bivouacked for the night. About 8 oclock I started to report in person to the general at Deep Creek. At the distance of 1 mile from my command I met Captain Faith with a detachment of 100 men of the Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry. On halting him he stated he was to report to Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, wheu I informed him that I was that officer and ordered him to report to Captain Simpson, whom I left in command On the following morning (March 2) I learne& that Captain Faith, instead of reporting as directed, passed i~nr column until he reached the enemys camp, who, not Felishing his appearance on such a dark night , greeted him with a volley of musketry, which caused him to reverse his column in haste, dismounting several horses and causiiig many with their riders to plunge into the Dismal Swamp Canal, those escaping the water falling back in confusion on Captain Simpsons artillery, which was stationed on the road in their rear, causing sev- eral more to be dismounted; some having their shoulder-blades dis- located, others their legs broken, & c. Captain Simpson finally snc- ceed in forming many of theum in his rear, Captain Faith, at this position of affairs, being satisfied to report to Captain Simpson. Captain Lompe, in his report of Jmis reconnaissance to South Mills, states that his advance guard on reaching the 16-mile stone was con- fronted by a force of between 300 and 400 rebels. Having moved to the front, and satisfying himself of the enemys strength, he ordered Lieutenant Phillips, who was in charge of the advance guard, to be vigilant; that he was going to fall back. He immediately dispatched two orderlies, one to Lieutenant Shaffer, commanding picket Balla- hock, and the other to the undersigned at Deep Creek. Giving Lieutenant Phillips charge of the rear guard, he reversed his column and immediately perceived the enemy charging hi full force, distant about one-third of a mile. He at once ordered a gallop, and fell back in good order over the Northwest Canal bridge, tearing up the planks as soon as he crossed. He then formed his command in line of battle, and at this point he found that Lieutenant Phillips and a portion of his command was missing. Being forced from his position he fell back to Deep Creek, as before stated. There are missing from Captain Lompes command 1 lieutenant and 7 privates, with their equipments, together with 13 horses and their equipments. Lieutenant Burnett, in his report of the engage- mnent at Bear Quarter road, reports 1 private (Albert S. Nutt) killed and 1 (Joel Hulse) wounded, both of the Ninth New Jersey Volun- teers. Total casualties up to March 2, instant, 1 killed, 1 wounded, and 7 missing, with 13 horses. On the morning of that day the general assumed command in person. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. B. SMITH, Lienlenant-Golonel, c1ornnmanding Po8t Deep Greek. Capt. W. H. ABEL, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 228 238 OPERATIONS. IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. FEBRUARY 29MARCH 5, 1864.Expedition to Petersburg and destruc- tion of Saltpeter-Works near Franklin, W. Va. Report of Lieut. Cot. Augustus I. Root, Fifteenth New York Cctv- airy. HDQRS. FIFTEENTH IREOT. NEW YORK VOL CAV., Camp near Burlington, IF. Va., March 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to you. for the information of the colonel commanding, that in obedience to an order received from division headquarters on the 28th day of February, 1864, I moved with my command, 400 strong, at 8 p. in., on the 29th ultimo, toward Pet~rsburg, W. Va., and arrived there at daylight on the 1st instant, meeting with no opposition and finding no enemy there. I strongly picketed all approaches to the place, and camped my command in a ravine about I mile from town. During the day I directed the detached portions of the command that had reported to me to take three days rations in haversacks and two days forage for animals on the horses, and be prepared to ntove at 8 p. m. One of the wagons of my command containing supplies not coming up I could only take two days rations for men and animals for the Fifteenth New York Cavalry. The command that I had been informed would report to me at Petersburg on the 1st instant to take charge of my wagons did not arrive until 8 p. m. Before I could have formed the command, drawn in my pickets, and crossed the river, it would have been 2 oclock, and from the bad condition of the roads it would have been impossible for me to have reached Franklin at daylight qn the 2d instant, and owing to the snow-storm of the previous twenty-four hours my men and animals had been unable to obtain any rest, and upon the suggestion of Cap- tain Pease, of your staff, I decided not to move until the evening of the 2d instant. At 7 p. in., on the 2d, I moved forward and arrived at Franklin a little after daylight on the 3d. Fiiiding no enemy there I moved forward, with one squadron, to the saltpeter-works, 4 miles south of the town, and completely destroyed the buildings and all the mate- rials for carrying ,on the w& vks. Being satisfied from the information that had been. obtained that there was no force of the enemy in the Crab Bottom country, and learning that the enemys forces had been ordered to concentrate on the South Fork, I decided to move directly to Circleville, distant 15 nmiles. I left Franklin at 3 p. in., crossed the North Mountain, and reached Circleville at 7 p. in., and camped. Moved forward at day- light down the North Fork. Near evening I received information from a citizen (Mr. Carr) that a part of the force left in charge of my train at Petersburg had been captured and the balance of it had fallen back. I pushed forward and took up a position at the junc- tion of the Greenland and North Fork roads, arriving there at 3 a. m. of the 5th, having marched 37 miles. In the mean time I had sent Lieutenant Gibson, of the IRiuggold Cavalry, with 10 men to ascertain what force (if any) of the enemy were in my front. I received a report from him at daylight, that he had been into Petersburg and there was no force there. I imme- diately moved forward, arriving there at t2 m. Finding no rations or forage there for my command I decided to move at once to Bur- lington, where ii arrived at 11 p. m Page 229 CHAP. XLV.] 229 SKIRNFISH NEAR PETERSBURG, W. VA. My command has marched, since leaving camp, 172 miles over a very rough road, and for two days with but little subsistence, the country being entirely destitute of anything but hay. My loss in material, from examination, has been 12 horses. The 6-mule wagon that accompanied the command was precipitated down a precipice and destroyed. From 2 prisoners that were captured I received in- formation that on the day of my arrival in Franklin the enrolling officer for the Confederate Government, with a provost guard, was to have arrived there, and the men that had been conscripted were ordered to report there on that day. My arrival was verb oppor- tune, and the destruction of the saltpeter-works must have been a loss to the Confederate Government of $8,000 or $10,000. I desire to express my sincere thanks to Lieutenants McKenzie and Nugent, of the staff of the colonel commanding, and Lieuten- ant Gibson, of the Riuggold Cavalry, for the prompt and efficient manner in which they performed all the duties assigned to them, but I would particularly request that Lieutenant Crago, of the Ring- gold Battalion, will not be again assigned to any command under me. To Captain Pease I am under special obligations for his assistance in the general movements of the command. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. I. ROOT, Lient. Gol., Gomdg. flfteeuth New York Vol. Cavalry. Lient. M. J. RUSSELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. MARCH 3, 1864.Skirmish near Petersburg, W. Va. RepQrt of Col. Daniel D, Johnson, Fourteenth West Virginia infantry, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division; Depart- ment of West Virginia. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, New Greek, W. Va., March 12, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In obedience to an order of the colonel command- ing division, dated February 28, 1864, I directed Captain Work, commanding detachment of the Rimiggold Battalion Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, at Greenland Gap, to move with his entire avail-, abla force on the 1st day of March into Petersburg, W. Va., there to remain as a guard for the supply train of the Fifteenth New York Cavalry. Captain Work arrived at Petersburg on the evening of the 1st instant, with 33 men, and was joined by Lieutenant Denny with 27 men on the evening of the 2d instant. On the 3d instant Captain Work sent Lieutenant Denny and 27 men to scout in the direction of Moorefield. They came in contact with a small force of the enemy about 8 miles from Petersburg and charged upon them, and drove them back a short distance, when the enemy was re- enforced and attacked Lieutenant Denny in overwhelming force, compelling him to retreat. Captain Work reports our loss in this skirmish, 7 men missing and 13 horses and equipments captured. The enemys loss is 2 horses killed and 2 men severely wounded. On the evemming of the 3d instant Captain Work, deeming his position unsafe, fell back toward Greenland Gap, a distance of 5 miles, where he bivouacked for the night. On the morning of the 4th instant he returned to Petersburg, and discovering the enem Page 230 230 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. close to the town he ordered the train to Greenland Gap, and ill the evening fell back again to his camp of the previous night. On the 5th instant the Fifteenth New York Cavalry returned through Petersburg, W. Va., and Captain Work returned to his camp at Greenland Gap. Very respectfully, D. D. JOHNSON, Colonel. Lieut% lvi. J. RUSSELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 45, 1864.Demonstration on Portsmouth, Va. Report of Brig. Gem. Charles A. Heckman, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Near Portsmouth, Va., March 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 4th instant the com- manding officer at the outpostBernards Millsreported the enemy advancing from the village of Suffolk in force, their line of skir- mishers presenting a formidable front for my necessarily small force at that post. I immediately sent the Twenty-third Massachusetts and one sec- tion of 3-inch guns to his support, and went to the front to ascertain fully the state of affairs. I found that they had established a strong line of pickets just without rifle range. Having placed to the best ad- vantage the small force at hand, I asked for the Twenty-seventh Massa- chusetts, which was promptly sent me and made use of. Information received from deserters and others deterred me from attacking, of which you were duly informed. On receiving your telegram; in- forming me that re-enforcements were on the way, I immediately returned to headquarters, leaving the advance in command of Col- onel Elwell, Twenty-third Massachusetts, to make the proper dispo- sitions of the troops as they arrived. Brigadier-General Birney was sent forward to the front with one of his regimentsthe Seventh. Colonel Duncan was assigned to the command at Bowers Hill, one of his regiments, the Fifth, having re-enforced that post, a most im- portant point in case of an attack on our main position. On Sunday morning General Kilpatrick arrived, and finally offered the services of himself and command. Sunday afternoon, received intelligence that the enemy were retiring. I immediately proceeded to the front, and with the Second U. S. Colored Cavalry (Colonel Cole) started in pursuit. From all the information that could be obtained from prisoners and others, I learned that the enemy com- menced retiring about 12 oclock Saturday night, evidently frightened away by the firing from the admirals gun-boats. I followed them about 8 miles beyond Suffolk, toward the Blackwater, thoroughly scouring all the roads for miles, and am satisfied they are beyond the Blackwater. General Ransom was below Sandy Cross at last accounts, making for the Blackwater. As soon as the demonstration was made in front I ordered the Tenth New Hampshire to re-enforce Colonel Roberts in the District of Currituck, who kept his cavalry constantly at work scouring the country, and reports the canal navi- gable, and that it has not been interfered with during the recent visit of the enemy Page 231 CUAP. XLV.] RAII~ ON EASTERN SIIORE OF VIRGINIA. 231 Colonel Roberts is untiring in his efforts to free his district from guerrillas and the enemy, and has matters in much better condition than they have been heretofore. Colonel Keese, of the One hundred and eighteenth New York, commanding outpost near Deep Creek, has also been vigilant and active with his command. The country is thoroughly patrolled, and reconnaissanceS are made frequently. Detachments are now out from both Roberts and Keese s commands. Their reports I will forward as soon as they arrive. Immediately upon my arrival at the front yesterday, and finding the enemy had retired, I at once relieved General Birney and his regiments stationed there, and they have returned. The enemy have disappeared entirely and all is quiet. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HECKMAN, Brigadier-General. Maj. R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjntant-General. MARCH 5, 1864.Raid on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. REPORTS. No. 1.Capt. Robert E. Duvall, Purnell Legion Maryland Cavalry. No. 2.Capt. Thaddeus Fitzhugh, Fifth Virginia Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Capt. Robert E. Duvall, Puruell Legi6n Maryland Cao airy. EASTVILLE, VA., March 7, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor respectfully to report that at daybreak upon the morning of the 5th instant my guard at Cherrystone was attacked by a band of guerrillas, numbering from 40 to 50 men, commanded by Captain Fitzhugh, of the rebel cavalry. The guard, numbering 8 men, in charge of Corporal Ozmon, was overpowered and captured, with the exception of 2, who were on guard over the telegraph box, 1-~ miles distant. The rebels destroyed commissary stores to the amount of about $2,000, the guard-house, the telegraph instrument and apparatus at Cherrystone; killed and wounded 8 horses; seized and bonded the steamer lolas, at that time lying near the Cherrystone wharf, and captured and escaped in the Govern-~ ment steam-tug Titan. As soon as information reached me at Eastville, I proceeded with all possible dispatch to Cherrystone with all the available men at my command, but the guerrillas were just leaving the wharf as I reached there, and having no available boat at my command I was unable to intercept them. From information received I am satisfied that the rebels came from Mathews County, Va., and they have doubtless returned to the neighborhood of Mob Jack Bay. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. DUVALL, Captain, Gommanding Post. Maj. R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Eighteenth Army Corps Page 232 ~32 OPERATIONS IN IN. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. No. 2. Report of Gapt. Thaddeus Fitzhuqh, Fifth Krgirtiu Cavalry. STEAMER TITAN, Pianicatauk River, March 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that I have just returned from an expedition across the Chesapeake Bay to Cherrystone, Northampton County, Va., where I captured the entire guard (cavalry), with their horses, arms, & c., and a large supply of subsistence stores, consist- ing of a large supply of army bread, 600 barrels of pork and bacon, and as many barrels of flour, rice, molasses, beans, sugar, coffee, & c.; also 9 army coats and several army cooking stoves, all of which I had to destroy by burning, not having the force or time sufficient to put on board the following vessels, which I afterward captured, Viz: The steamers Jolas and Titan and a large schooner, with their entire crews. I sunk the schooner, bonded the Tolas, and brought the Titan safely across the bay into this river. I cut the submarine telegraph cable and destroyed the machinery and captured the oper- ator, whom, together with crew of the Jolas, I paroled, not having the force sufficient to guard the prisoners and work the boat across the bay. All this I accomplished with 13 i~nen of my company, as- sisted by Messrs. Maxwell and Burley, acting masters, C. S. Navy, who acted gallantly and were of great value to the success of the expedition. All of my men acted nobly, particularly Sergeant Marchant. T. FITZHUGH, C~apt. C~o. F, Fifth Va. Car., Lomaxs Brig. Major-General LEE. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS LEES CAVALRY DIvISIoN, March 27, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. Captain Fitzhugh deserves credit for this affair, particularly as his men were on furlough at the time of its inception. FITZHUGH LEE, Major- General. [second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, March 30 1 Respectfully forwarded. , 864. Capt. Thad. Fitzhugh deserves great credit for his bold enter- prise, consummate skill, and extraordinary success, his bold fol- lowers demonstrating that the efficiency of the cavalry of this army is not limited to dry laud. A portion of the same regiment aided in the capture of the Satellite, & c., last year at Rappahannock. J. E. B. STUART, iliftijcr-General. [Third indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS, April 1, 1864. Respectfully forwarded for information of War Department. Captain Fitzhugh, the naval officers, and the whole party deserve great credit for the success of their bold expedition. R. E. LEE, General Page 233 CHAP. XLV.] SI(IRMISII AT SNICKERSYILLE, VA. 233 I~ARCH 6, 1864.Skirmish at Snickersville, Va. REPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Charles A. Wells, First New York Veteran Cavalry. No. 2.Capt. John J. Carter, First New York Veteran Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Ma]. Charles A. Wells, First New York Veteran Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS FIRST NEW YORK CAVALRY, Camp Sullivan, Halitown, Va., March 7, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders from General Sullivan to find out whether the enemy were about to cross at the Point of Rocks, I marched to Waterford Saturday afternoon, which place I reached at midnight. At Hillsborough I left one company, Captain Carter, to guard my rear, which was strengthened at daylight by another company, Captain Cooleys (who had been searching houses in the vicinity of Purcellville during the night for furloughed soldiers, securing 1 of Whites battalion, who had been turned over to Captain Leavitt, provost-marshal of Hailtown, and 2 horses), making a force of 90 men at that place. I ordered Captain Carter to send a detachment at daylight to Purcellville to remain there until further orders. I bivouacked at Waterford that night, and in the morning sent a force of 60 men, under Captain Banks, to Leesburg, but was unable to find the enemy in that vicinity, and I then ordered them to pro- ceed down the Leesburg pike to Purceilville, and then cross to Hills- borough, bringing the detachni~nt of 20 men I ordered there with them. I remained at Waterford until 1 p. in., and then marched to Hills- borough, arriving there at 3 p. in. I there learned that the detach- ment sent out by Captain Carter to Puroellville had, by mistake, gone to Snickersville, where they had a fight with about 82 of the enemy, who killed and captured the party, the details of which will be found in the accompanying report of Captain Carter; that he had started out with the balance of his men, had joined Captain Banks company at Purcellville, and gone in pursuit of the enemy. I halted my command until they returned at 8 p. in., sending a party to destroy the distillery as you ordered (a report of which has been forwarded), and then camped for the night, leaving ther~ at 8 oclock this morning. From all information I could gather, there had been no organized force of the enemy in the vicinity of Leesburg for three weeks. I wish to bring before you the fact that only a few of our carbines (Stauns) can be relied upon, as shown in Captain Carters report, and as I have noticed in trying them at target practice, and would respectfully recommend that a change of arm be made to one that can be relied upon and give the men their old confidence. I am, gemmeral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. A. WELLS 4fctjjor First New York Veteran Car., Li~omdg. Detachment. Captain BOONE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 234 234 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. No. 2. Report of Capt. John J. Carter, First New York Veteran Cavalry. HDQRS. FIRST VETERAN CAy., NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, Camp Sullivan, near Ilalltown, Va., ]Jiliarch 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor herewith to report that, in obedience to orders received from headquarters First New York Veteran Cav- alry, I proceeded with 60 men of my company (D), on the afternoon of the 5th instant, on an exl)edition through Loudoun Valley, Va.. said expedition being commanded by you (Major Wells). Reach- ing Hillsborough about 10 p. in. on the night of the 5th instant, I received orders from you to hold the town (Hillsborough) with my command that night, the 5th, and that some time before morn- ing I would be re-enforced by the command of Captain Cooley, who was about to start for Purcellville. I was further ordered by you to send 20 good me~i, under charge of a non-commissioned officer, to Purcellyille on the morning of the 6th instant, say at 8 a. in., said party to picket the town until the command should return from Waterford, where you (Major Wells) was about to start, unless they saw a force of the enemy, when they were to remain until the object of the expedition would be accomplished. In obedience to those orders, I sent 4 corporals and 17 privates, all under the charge of my orderly sergeant, Alfred H. Cain, with the orders as heretofore mentioned, and giving him directions concerning the roads. & c. The party started and all seemed well until about 2 p. in. of the 6th instant, when 3 of my men who had gone with the party in question came to camp and informed me that all the party sent out by you on that morning were either killed or captured except the 3 just returned, and also informed me that this had taken place at Snicker~ville. I immediately resolved to ascertain the truth of the matter, and at once started with 35 of my company for Sriickersville, leaving Captain Cooleys command at Hillsborough to hold it. I had not gone more than 3 to 3~ miles before I met Captain Banks, of this regiment, and a part of your (Major Wells) command, and upon stating to him (Captain Banks) the object of my visit to Snick- ersville, he kindly volunteered with his command to go with me. I proceeded to Snickersville as fast as possible, nothing having trans- pired worthy of comment, and meeting but 2 of the er emy, one of which Alfred Crammer, Conipany B, First New York Veteran Cav- alry, shot, and the other succeeded in making good his escape to the mountains. On reaching Snickersville I found that 4 of my men were shot dead, 2 wounded, and that 10 were taken prisoners, while there were 3 missing Whom I could not receive any account of, as they had taken the Leesburg pike, followed by a party of the enemys cavalry, who at the latest accounts had not succeeded in capturing them. I found the orderly sergeant (he who commanded the party) at one of the houses badly wounded in the left hip and breast. I made such inquiries as was possible of him, and afterwards of the citizens, and all agreed to the following: About 11.30 a. in. a party of cavalry (my men) came into Snick- ersville and immediately threw out pickets on the varion~ approaches leading to the town. Then one-half of the party fed their horses while the rest remained ready to act. After remaining here about one-half hour, the picket in the gap (Snickers) gave the alar Page 235 C~. XLV.] SKIRMISH AT SNJCKERSVILLE, VA. 235 that a party of rebels, about 18 or 20, were coming, upon which information the whole command was drawn up in line to await their coming, taking care that everything was in readiness to give them a good reception. They remained in this manner some ten minutes, when a party (afterward ascertained to number 17 men) came charging down the road from the gap on he men drawn up in line. The sergeant in charge let them come within good carbine shot, when he gave the men orders to fire and immediately ordered a charge with drawn sabers, by which he succeeded in driving the enemy back into the gap; but hardly had he reached the rise of the hill when he found that another party (afterward ascertained to be 6 men) charged his rear, and on finding himself assailed both in front and rear he at once determined to cut his way through those in his rear and, if possible, reach Hillsborough; but on driving the party of 6 men through town the party who first tame from the gap once more charged him, and a third party (afterward ascertained 8 men) came from the right of the town, and all concentrated their fire on the little party, who now became reduced by the loss of 3 killed in thQ first and second charges, but determined to either die or conquer (say the citizens of Snickersville). They fought on with nothing but the saber, while the enemy had 2 to their 1 and each man being armed with two revolvers and many with carbines. Then, to recapitulate, 22 of my men were assailed (according to the best inforniation) by 32 of the enemy armed with two revolvers and a saber each, while to complete their armament quite a number were armed with good carbines, while my men had but two revolvers in the whole command and without a carbine that was good for a~iy- thing. To illustrate, in the first volley out of seventeen carbines that there were in line and tried to be fired only four went off, although they were carefully loaded on the ground while awaiting the attack. The casualties caused by these four shots to the enemy were as follows: Three saddles were emptied and 1 horse shot. My inform- ants (the inhabitants) could or would not tell me whether the men were killed or not who were thus thrown from their saddles, but I afterward ascertained from a negro that 3 men were carried up the mountain, he thought dead. On& was carried into a house badly, if iiot mortally, wounded, thus making a loss to the enemy of 3 (sup- posed to be) killed and 1 wounded, while the loss sustained by my men was 4 killed (1 of whom was said to have been killed after sur- rendering), 2 wounded, 10 prisoners, and 3 missing, making in all 19 men, horses, and equipments complete. Two horses and equipments were afterward picked up by command of Captain Banks and turned over to me, making the total loss of horses and horse equipments 17, 3 of which horses were killed in the streets of Snickersville and 3 or 4 others badly wounded, which were taken off by the enemy. I lost otherwise 19 sabers and belts, 19 carbines complete, and 3 revolv- ers, which my men borrowed before starting out. After gaining all the information possible, and providing for the wounded of my company, I took the bodies of my men who were killed and returned to Hillsborough, where I reported to you (Major Wells) on the night of the 6th instant at 10 p. in., nothing having transpired more than is herein mentioned. To conclude, I would commend to your notice Orderly Sergt. Alfred H. Cain, who, although going contrary to orders (in my opinion no Page 236 23G OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP XLV. intentionally, however, for on reachifig the Leesburg pike he did not find a sufficient collection of houses to warrant him, he says, that that was Purceilville), yet behaved himself~6 well and handled his men with such skill and confidence all thraugh the action, overpowered by nnmbers and badly wounded himself, that he deserves the com- mendation of his commanding officers, and I would respectfully re- quest that he be mentioned in your report as one who acted particu- larly gallant and handled his men with the ability of an officer higher in rank. In short, I would commend all the brave men who so nobly fought and nobly died while in the performance of their duty. The following is the list* of casualties. All of which is respectfully submitted. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant. JOHN J. CARTER, Captain, Commanding Company D. Maj. CHARLES A. WELLS, First New York Veteran Gavairy. [Indorsement.] HDQRS. FIRST Div., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA, lYIIarch 10, 1864. The within report is respectfully forwarded. Attention is called to the facts that the enemy were but little stronger than our own forces; that from reliable information our men were at their meals when first surprised, and that their being at Snickersville was in direct violation of orders. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier- General, ~iJornrn onding. NAUCH 9, 1864.Skirmish near Greenwich, Va. Ji?eport of Maj. George F. McOabe, Thirteenth Pennsylrania Car- airy. HDQRS. DETACHMENT 13TH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY, March 10, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that the party wjho made the attack on the detachment Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry yes- terday, 9th March, 1864, consisted of 40 men, under command of Mosby in person. I came up to him at Buckland Mills about 3.30 p. m. yesterday, and at once charged him. His command broke when I was a pistol-shot from him. I continued after him and ran his party through Thoroughfare Gap and on to his camp at Plains Station on the Manassas Gap road. I found his command encamped at that place in Sibley and shelter tents. He got his whole com- mand in line, dismounted, behind a stone fence at that place, and I (lid not have men enough to attack him in his camp. I drove him so hard yesterday as to compel him to release 2 men he had captured, and they cut off their overcoats and blankets from their saddles so as to be lighter mounted, that they could get away. I do not think that there are more than 100 men in the camp at Plains Station, but I be- * Nominal list (omitted) shows 4 killed, 2 wounded, and 13 missing Page 237 CHAP. XIL-v.] 237 SKIRMISh JNEAR SUFFOLK, VA. lieve he can raise ~00 men in a very short time. There would be no trouble to hem his camp in by parties going from Warrenton and this place. Your obedient servant, G. F. McCABE, Major Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Lieutenant SWAN, Actg. Assi. AcJjt. Gen., Second Dim, Fifth Army Corps. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH CoRPs, March 10, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. This party was sent out to re-enforce one sent from Bristoe, which was being roughly handled. R. B. AYRES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 11, 1864. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the major-general commanding Army of the Potomac. GiEO. SYKES, Major- General, Commanding. ADDENDA.~ March 9, a scout of 40 men, under the command of Lieutenant White, was attacked by the enemy in the vicinity of Greenwich. The party making the attack was composed of the Fourth Virginia Cavalry, Chincapin Rangers, and a (ietachment of Mosbys command. The casualties numbered 9, all taken prisoners; 4 wounded, now in hospital at Washington, D. C. MARCH 9, 1864.Skirmish near Suffolk, Va. T~EI?OT~TS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U.S. Army. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Charles A. Heckinan, U.S. Army. No. 3.Col. George W. Cole, Second U. S. Colored Cavalry. No. 4.Brig. Gen. Matthew W. Ransom, C. S. Army. No. 1. 0 Report of Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army. FORT MONROE, March 12, 1864. (Received 4.10 p. in.) Coles cavalry (Second United States) had a skirmish the day be- tore yesterday with the enemy near Suffolk. While making a reconnaissance they came upon Ransoms brigade, consisting of four ~mjj~ return of Second Brigade, Second Division, C~valry Corps, for Marcli, 1864 Page 238 238 0PERATJON8 IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. regiments of infantry, fonr pieces of artillery, and 300 cavalry. The enemy made a charge with their cavalry upon two squadrons of Coles, and were handsomely repulsed with large loss (with a loss of some 60). The charge bronght the colored soldiers into hand-to-hand fight with the rebels, and the enthusiastic testimony of their officers is that they behaved with the utmost courage, coolness, and daring. I am perfectly satisfied with my negro cavalry. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General. Hon. E. M. STANTON. No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. Charles A. Heekman, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Near Portsmouth, Va., March 12, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 9th instant Colonel Cole, comiandiug Second U. S. Colored Cavalry, made a reconnaissance beyond Suffolk, examining the different roads. A short distance from towii the enemy were met in force and a brisk skirmish ensued. Lieutenant-Colonel Pond, with a portion of the regiment, being ou the Somerset road, Colonel Cole with his command held the enemy in check until Colonel Ponds return, which was only done by most obstinate fighting, the enemy using infantry, artillery, and cavalry. After the return of Colonel Pond, finding the enemy in great force, Colonel Cole retired with his command, which he did in good order. As soon as the attack was made on Colonel Coles command, re-en- forcements were immediately sent forward, expecting the enemy would advance, and resolved to fight them at Bowers Hill, to which point the re-enforcements were sent. The enemy, however, advanced no farther than Bernards Mills, where they either destroyed or carried off the camp and garrison equipage of the three companies of the One hundred and eighteenth New York Volunteers. I think the object of the enemy was to capture Coles cavalry, in which they failed most decidedly. Never did soldiers display more bravery, nor officers more coolness and courage, than that displayed by Colonel Coles command. Almost entirely surrounded by ten times their number, they fought their way out, losing no prisoners or horses except those that were killed. Our loss in the engagement was as follows. * A majority of the missing will doubtless come in, as most of them are men whose horses were shot, and the men ran into the swamp and will find their way in. The loss of the enemy was much greater than ours. The enemy have retired, an(l the outpost again estab- lished at Bernards Mills. The commanding officer ot~ the enemys cavalry was killed by Colonel Cole. He fell dead from his horse. The missing men reported above are coming in constantly. The force of the enemy is reported to be Ransoms brigade (five regi- muents of infantry), two regiments of Cliugmans brigade, two regi- ments of cavalry, and eighteen pieces of artillery. * Nominal list (omitted) reports 5 men killed, 2 officers and 2 men wounded, and 13 men missing Page 239 A CHAP. XLV.] SKIRMISh NEAR SUFFOLK, VA. ~39 Coles cavalry whipped the enemy iii every charge they made, and did not retire until the enemy brought their artillery and infantry into action against him. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. A. HECKMAN, Brigadier-General. Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, Gommanding, & c. No. 3. Report of Cot. George W. Cole, Second U. S. Colored Cavalry. BOWERS HILL, March 14, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the return of all the men who took to the swamps when their horses were shot, except 2, as well as 1 (George Ames, Company K) reported killed.. I saw his horse blown up by a shell, and he under it, as I supposed, killed. He crawled out and took the swamp, hiding his arms, as did two others when too hard pressed. These arms we can recover. The list now stands: Six killed and 1 since dead, 2 (Jacob Parker, Company K, and Amos Nelson, Company A) missing, not yet come in. Killed and missing, 8; wounded, 2 officers and 5 men ;Lieuten.. ant Van Lew since dead From the report of fugitives I am sure I underestimated the rebel loss very much. I am certain that it will exceed 50. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. W. COLE, Colonel Second U. S. Colored Cavalry. Brig. Gen. C. A. HECKMAN, C~ommanding, & c. No. 4. Report of Brig. Gen. 2Vliatthew W. Ransom, C. S. Army. PETERSBURG, ilfarch 10, 1864. The following dispatch just received: HEADQUAnTERS, Suffolk, March 9,1864 (via Weldon, 10th). The eneiuy occupied Suffolk in force on Sunday. We attacked them to-day, and after a short struggle drove them in a rout out of the town, killing a number, captur- ing one piece of artillery and a large quantity of commissary and quartermasters stores. The enemy are flying to Portsmouth, burning bridges and leaving every- thing behind. We pursued beyond Bernards Mills. Kilpatrick, Berry, ~nd Heck- man are at Portsmouth; if they re-enforce and attack me I shall call on Jordan at Ivor if necessary. M. W. RANSOM, Brigadier-General. G. E. PICKETT, Major- General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General Page 240 240 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. MARCH 912, 1864.Expedition into King and Queen County, Va. HEPQIRTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U.S. Army, commanding Department of Vir. ginia and North Carolina. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Isaac J. Wistar, U. S. Army, commanding expedition. No. 3.Col. Benjamin F. Onderdonk, First New York Mounted Rifles. No. 4.Abstract from Record of Events on return of U. S. forces at Yorktown. No. 5.Brig. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick, U.S. Army. No. 6.Col. Richard L. T. Beale, Ninth Virginia Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army, command ing Department of Virginia and North Carolina. FORT MONROE, March 12, 1864. (Received 4.30 p. in.) While waiting for transportation I sent a portion of Kilpatricks cavalry, with a portion of Colonels Onderdonk and Spears cavalry from my own command, up to King and Queen Court-I~Iouse, to deal with those citizens who, claiming to be non-combatants when any force of ours is there. yet turned out and ambushed Dahlgren. Gen- eral Kilpatrick sent forward Colonel Onderdonks command, who report that the Fifth and Ninth Virginia Cavalry, with citizens, amounting to about 1,200 in all, were driven from their camp near Carltons Store, their camp taken, a number killed, and 20 taken prisoners. The enemy were also driven from the Court-Honse, and a large amount of grain and a mill belonging to the Ninth Cavalry, and other store-houses, were burned. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STM4TON. No.2. Report of Brig. Gen. isaac J. Wistar, U. S. Army, commanding expedition. HEADQUARTERS U. S. Fom~c~s, Yorktown, Va., March 13, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report result of expedition to King and Queen Court-House under my command: I moved with Duncans brigade and Colonel Kiddoos Twenty- second~Regiment U. S. Colored Troops, about 2,700 men in all, from Yorktown in transports at 2 p. m. on Wednesday, 9th instant, arriv- ing at Sheppards Landing, after grounding once or twice in York River, at 8.30 p. m. The transports were convoyed and guided by three navy gun-boats, under command of Lieutenant-Commander Babcock, U. S. Navy, who also took positions to cover the landing, and was exceedingly active, careful, and efficient. The wharf was repaired and troops landed immediately, one regiment being pushed out 2 miles to the niain road, which is nearly parallel with the river Page 241 Cii~. XLV.] EXPEDITION INTO KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VA. 241 and the others bivouacked in line of battle, with pickets covering the flanks. Brigadier-General Kilpatrick had been dispatched with about 700 of my cavalry, and as near as I can estimate (for he made me no report) about 400 of his men, with two sections of Hunts and one section of Belgers batteries, from Gloucester Point, at 3 a. m. on the 9th, with orders to move by easy stages, and arrive and commu- nicate with me at daylight on the 10th, and not before, at Sheppards Landing. Major Wetherill with 200 of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, of my command, had returned from near Sheppards on the 8th, and was followed all the way down, their rear annoyed by small bodies of the rebel cavalry. My object in having my infantry in position in the main road twelve hours before the arrival of the cavalry was tQ intercept and capture these parties. General Kil- patrick committed the command of the cavalry force to Lieutenant- Colonel Preston, of his command, and went up himself on the gun- boat. On my arrival at Sheppards I learned that the cavalry under Lieutenant-Colonel Preston had, contrary to my orders, pushed right through and arrived at that point some four or five hours before me, and were then bivouacked on the main road at the point where I had intended my infantry to intercept the rebel cavalry, retiring before his advance. Of course the rebels fell back without difficulty before them, and we captured none. I had no difficulty in divining also that the movement of our cavalry was by this time well known above. Thinking it possible, however, that the rebels might be strong enough to make a stand at King and Queen Court- House, I directed General Kilpatrick to move with all the cavalry before daylight direct to that place, attack any enemy he might find or hear of there or anywhere within reasonable distance, destroy the court-house and public buildings, and particularly the ferry at Fraziers, and rejoin me at the cross-roads, 6 miles below the Court- House, for which latter place I at the same time pushed with the infantry and artillery to support him. On arriving at the cross-roads at about 10 a. in., during a severe rain, I found General Kilpatrick and his cavalry at Plymouth, just beyond where he had halted with all his cavalry, sending forward my own cavalry, under Colonel Onderdonk, to execute my orders. Being disappointed in every way, I directed General Kilpatrick to move at once with his own cavalry direct to New Dragon bridge, and to send orders to Colonel Onderdonk to meet him there, and to find or make a cr@ssing and push right on toward Middlesex, camp- ing 10 miles below Saluda the same evening. Next day, the 11th, he was to explore thoroughly the whole penin- sula by detachments on all the roads, and returniiig rejoin me at Old Dragon bridge, where I would endeavor to have a bridge con- structed. The general accordingly moved forward with his force, I following closely with infantry and artillery. Upon arriving within about a mile of New Dragon I met the general returning, who informed me that the rain had raised that river so as to make crossing it impossible, either by fording or bridging, and that he had therefore bivouacked his command. I also encamped, to make a more thorough examination of the ford, which I did at daylight on the 11th by my own personal escort, and by examining all the citizens and negroes I could find. The river was unfordable, and building a bridge would require half a day at least, besides a long corduroy over the swamp. 16 R RVOL XXXII Page 242 242 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. About daylight on the 11th I received from General Kilpatrick the report on same subject, which I have the honor to insert, as follows: HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY EXPEDITION, March 11, 1864. Brigadier-General WISTAR, Commanding Expedition: GENERAL: Colonel Onderdonk and Lieutenant Whitaker, of my staff, have returned. Lieutenant Whitaker reports having met some 15 of the enemy at King and Queen Court-House yesterday. He drove them from the town and destroyed a large amount of government stores, consisting of grain and arms stored at that place. A company of rebel infantry was found stationed opposite Fraziers Ferry. At 2 p. m. Lieutenant Whitaker joined Colonel Onderdonk, who had been sent to attack the enemy at Cantons Store. The enemy, some 1,200 strong, was found encamped just beyond. The enemy was driven from his camp, his camp destroyed, several of the enemy killed and wounded, and 12 taken prisoners. Colonel Onder- donk pursued the enemy until dark, when orders reached him to return. I had the honor to report to you yesterday the condition of my command, as well as my objections to further operations in the enemys country. It will take the best part of a day to repair the bridge; the stream cannot be forded, and with the roads in their present condition my command cannot make a long march. I am ready to move, and await instructions. Very respectfully, ~. KILPATRICK, Brigadier-General. During the night of the 10th and 11th Colonel Onderdonk re- turned from the Court-House and Cantons Store. He charged and routed a small force at the former place, and destroyed the court- house, jail, and public buildings, but failed to capture the ferry-boat at Fraziers, it having been removed to the other side of the Mat- tapony and guarded by a company of rebel infantry, who were, of course inaccessible. At Carltons Store Colonel Onderdonk found the Forty-second Battalion and Ninth Virginia Cavalry, with a por- tion of the Fifth Virginia and some armed citizens, which force is said by prisoners to be about 1,200 strong. He charged, dispersed, and chased, killing, wounding, and capturing a number, till recalled by an order which there reached him from General Kilpatrick. I have the honor to inclose Colonel Onderdonks report, and also that of Captain Reynolds, commanding detachment of Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry. During the night of the 11th General Kilpatrick sent his aide to me, stating his objections to any further attempts to cross the Dragon, founded on the difficulty of the stream, the jaded state of his horses, the horrible condition of the roads, and the continued rain. I therefore directed him to proceed with the cavalry down to the Old Dragon crossing, and ma e a thorough reconnaissance of the river, I following with the infantry. Three miles above that point I met a party returning with the following dispatch from him: HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY EXPEDITION, March 11, 1864. Brigadier-General WIsTAR: GENERAL: The river cannot be forded. It will take several hours to bridge it. Two bridges will have to be constructed. But little forage here. Very respectfully, ~. KILPATRICK, Brigadier-Genfral, Gommanding Gavairy. * Reynolds report not found Page 243 CaA~. XLV.] EXPEDITION INTO KING ANT) QUEEN COUNTY, VA. 243 Friday the river was rapidly rising. I directed him to proceed directly to Yorktown and followed myself with the infantry, the~ latter arriving, after severe marches through the mud, on the night of the 12th, with one days rations unexpended. I examined care- fully citizens, negroes, and others, and am satisfied the enemy have no force between the Piankatank and the Rappahannock. If, how- ever, it is deemed desirable to visit that section, I respectfully state my judgment that it should be done by landing infantry in boats on the Rappahannock and re-embarking them at the point of the peninsula at a place previously selected for the pnrpose by a naval reconnaissance; at the same time scouring the country hence to Carltons Store with cavalry from Gloucester Point. I can do it at any time when desired. The Dragon is a swampy, muddy, and diffi- cult stream almost all the way to its head. It lies in dense woods, with clayey banks, and all the bridges are destroyed. Little or no forage is to be had for some miles from its banks. My command captnred some 30 odd prisoners, more than half of whom were citizens. The latter were generally turned in on the road by the cavalry nnder General Kilpatrick, without descriptive rolls or statements. The general had departed for Washington be- fore my return, leaving no report for me, and I have no knowledge whatever of the grounds of their detention. I am therefore obliged to forward them without further explanation. I have the honor to be, major, with great respect, your obedient servant, I. J. WISTAR, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Maj. R. S. DAvIs, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 3. Report of Cot. Benjamin F. Onderdonk, First New York Mounted Rifles. HEADQUARTERS MOUNTED RIFLES, Williamsburg, Va., March 12, 1864. CAPTAIN: Pursuant to orders from the brigadiei~-general com- manding, I have the honor to report the part taken by my command in the late expedition: At 5.30 p. m. on the 8th instant, by order of Colonel West, I sent to Yorktown all my available men (five troops), the balance being out scouting. At 6 p. m. received orders from Col. S. P. Spear, commanding Cavalry Brigade, to send the men just returned with one days forage and four days rations, this comprising the whole regiment under my immediate command. I went with them. On reporting at Yorktown to Colonel Spear, commanding Cavalry Bri- gade, he placed me in command of the Eleventh Regiment Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Cavalry and First New York Mounted Rifles, with orders to report at Gloucester Point with my command to the senior officer commanding the P~tomac cavalry. After reporting to him, took up line of march, Mounted Rifles in a(lvauce, at 3 a. m. 9th instant, toward Sheppards warehouse; reached the point at whic Page 244 244 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., ND., AND PA. [efiAP. XLV. the command was ordered to bivouac, within 2 miles of the ware- house, at 5.30 p. in., sending patrols to the river to report the arrival of the gun-boats and tinsports. On the 10th, at 4.30 a. in., ordered by General Kilpatrick to take the advance and move toward King and Queen Court-House (the Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry in advance). Within 3 miles of Plymouth the advance guard met the picket of the enemy (1 man); pursued and captured him. Halted at the cross-roads within 7 miles of the Court-House and Carltons Store, and was directed by General Kilpatrick to attempt the capture of the Forty-second Vir- ginia Battalion Cavalry, encamped near the store; also to burn the court-house, jail, mill, and ferry at King and Queen Court-House. I detailed the Eleventh for the latter duty, with orders to join me at the store. Went myself with the Mounted Rifles to attack the camp; reached the store, captured the mail and a large package of officiil papers, and learned that the Ninth Virginia Cavalry was, in addi- tion to the Forty-second Battalion, with about 150 citizens, in full force in the vicinity awaiting us. I then halted to await the arrival of the Eleventh, deeming it unsafe to advance with my small force. During this time a citizen named Watson, mounted and armed, was captured by my pickets. He was evidently on picket duty. On the arrival of the Eleventh they again moved forward in the advance. As we approached the camp the rebels retired, until about 3 miles from the store they formed in line with a show of resistance, but fled in disorder when charged by a battalion of the Eleventh. We pursued them 2 miles. capturing 5 and wounding 3; the others dis- persed in the woods and formed in our rear at the store. Returning, burned their camp, flue log quarters; moved left in front, met them at the store, from whence they were pursued by the advance guard of the Mounted Rifles about ~ miles toward Salnda, capturing 5 and mortally wounding 1. We would have captured a large number here, their horses being much fatigued, but an aide-de-camp met me at the store, ordering me to move as rapidly as possible on the return route, and I was obliged to recall the charge. The prisoneiis at first reported the enemys force at from 1,000 to 1,200, but afterward said there were not more tlian 500. From information received from contrabands, I have every reason to believe the first statement cor- rect. The store was a tithe depot, and contained about 100 bushels of shelled corn and a large quantity of fodder. After taking what was necessary for my command I set fire to the buildings in which it was stored. Nothing more worthy of note occurred during the return route to Gloucester Point, where we arrived at 6 a. in. on the 12th. I captured during the expedition 20 prisoners. Some of them were turned over to the Potomac cavalry; the balance to the colored infantry. There were no casualties in my command. Captain Reynolds, commanding Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and his officers and men are entitled to the highest praise for their gallant eonduct in the charge. The Mounted Rifles also behaved with their usual bravery. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient serv- ant, B. F. ONDERDONK ~Jolonel, Gommanding. Capt. S. R. REYNOLDS, A& 9i8tanl Adjutant- (ie,wrat Page 245 CI~AP. XLV.] EXPEDITION INTO KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VA. 24~i No. 4. Abstract from Record of Events on return of U S. forces at York town, Va., for March, 1864. March 9.General Kilpatricks cavalry, with detachments from Colonel Spears cavalry brigade and parts of Hunts and Belgers batteries, marched from Gloucester Point toward Kim, and Queen Court-House. The same day the brigade of U. S. colored troops and the Twenty-second Regiment U. S. Colored Troops moved by transports to Sheppards Landing, on the Mattapony River, where they effected a junction with General Kilpatrick, the whole expedition being under command of General Wistar. The next day the cavalry pusbed on to King and Queen Court-House, which was attacked, and a force of rebels, said to be 1,200 strong, routed by 700 of the First New York Mounted Rifles and Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Colonel Onderdonk. The expedition then returned by land. March j2.General Kilpatricks cavalry left the district. No. 3. Report of Brig. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick, U. S. Army. MARCH 12, 18648 a. m. GENERAL: My cavalry has returned. The people about King and Queen Court-House have been well punished for the murder of Colonel Dahlgren. Colonel Onderdonk reports that the Fifth and Ninth Virginia Cav- alry, with citizensabout 1,200 in allwere driven from their camp near Carltons Store, the camp burned, several killed and wounded, and some 20 taken prisoners. The enemy was also driven from the Court-House, a large amount of rebel property destroyed, a mill filled with grain belonging to the Ninth Virginia Cavalry, and other buildings containing grain burned. General Wistar will return on Sunday. J. KILPATRICK, Major-General BUTLER. Brigadier- General of Volunteers. No. 6. Report of Gol. Richard L. T. Beale, Ninth Virginia Gavairy. MARCH 13, 1864. GENERAL: On Wednesday night at 7 oclock I was informed the enemy was advancing upon Centreville, in King and Queen County. Under your order Lieutenant Pollard was in King William, and I was forced to rely upon the pickets from Lieutenant-Colonel Robins command for information of any movements in King and Queen. About 9 oclock on Thursday a courier brought a dispatch saying the enemy was advancing rapidly upon two roads. This command was mounted and moved out in ten minutes time and marched rap- idly into King and Queen. My object was to reach a point on the road occupied by the right column of the enemy in adv~ nce of them Page 246 24~ OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W.. VA., MTh, AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. To do this I found it necessary to leave the road along which I was moving and make a detour ,to my right. After my column had left this road, and before the advance guard of 12 men, under Cap- tain Oliver, had followed me, the enemy charged down the road. Oliver retreated at full speed on the road to camp. Upon gaining a point upon the road in advance of the main body I found a large column had followed the charging squadrons, endangering my camp. I moved rapidly over some 8 miles back to a point on the road over which II had marched, 2 miles out froni camp. The enemy had pursued Oliver to the Dragon Swamp, 1 mile from that point, and retreatc~d. Pursuit was immediately made and kept up at the trot and gallop for 8 miles, then at a walk for 10 miles farther. On reaching Little Plymouth the column was halted and a reconnoiter- ing party thrown out with the view of making a night attack. They reported to me the fact that 2 miles below Plymouth the cav- alry had been joined by several regiments of infantry, and the whole were moving toward a burned bridge over the Dragon. I returned, reaching camp abopt 12 oclock at night, after a march of over 50 miles. Learning the enemy were busily building a bridge at night, I moved Friday morning to Middlesex and remained in front of this point. I learned during the day the enemy had marched at 9 oclock in the morning to the lower or Old Dragon ford, and during the night that he had abandoned his half-built bridge and the ford and retreated toward Gloucester Point. Kilpatrick was at Plymouth Thursday. About 3,000 cavalry came up in King and Queen, and over 1,000 remained with or near the infantry, consisting of five regiments, mostly negroes. A scouting party under Lieut. Cecil Baker was chai~ged and lost 2 wounded and 2 captured; Captain Oliver lost 5; total 9 (3 ser- geants and 6 privates). We captured a sergeant and private, and killed or wounded 5 of the enemy. I will not close this report without noticing the Home Guards of King and Queen, under Captain Todd, which turned out handsomely and remained with me to Plymouth; Several members of the Essex Guard were also out and part of a company from Lieutenant-Col- onel Robins~ command, under Lieutenant Dew. Both to Captain Todd and Lieutenant Dew I am debtor for very valuable assistance as guides in extricating my command from a critical position. I am, general, your obedient servant, R. L. T. BEALE, Colonel, Commanding. Major-General LEE. MARCH 922, 1864.Expedition to the Piankatank and skirmish at Cricket Hill, Va. Reports of Brig. Gen. Charles K. Graham, U. S. Army, command ing Naval Brigade. MATHEWS CoURT-HousE, March 20, 18642 a. m. Everything goes on well. One captain and 10 privates have been captured, a valuable steam saw-mill removed, quite a number o Page 247 CHAr. XLV.~ SKIRMISHES NEAR CHARLESTOWN, W. VA. 247 horses and oxen seized, and about 100 contrabands placed on board transports. The cavalry and section of artillery have returned to Yor.Rtown, but, as I intend going elsewhere, the infantry will probably not retnrn before Monday. CHARLES K. GRAHAM, Brigadier- General. Major-General BUTLER, Fort Monroe. [MARCH 22, 1864110.30 p. m. The Brewster and Jesup have just returned from the Piankatank; saw nothing of General Wistar. Captain McLaughlin lauded with his detachment at Cricket Hill, and had an engagement with a superior force of the enemy. He retired nuder the fire of the gun-boats without sustaining any loss, and inflicting some loss on the enemy. The boats cruised up the Piankatank and the creeks running into it and captured a schooner with a rebel mail and 66 boxes of tobacco; the schooner sunk off York River while being towed. They likewise brought upward of 40 contrabands and 2 prisoners, the crew of the schooner. CHARLES K. GRAHAM, Brigadier-General. Major-General BUTLER, Fort Monroe. MARCH 10, 1864.Skirmishes near Charlestown and at Kabletown, W. Va. I~EPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Jeremiah C. Sullivan, U. S. Army. No. 2.Col. Robert F. Taylor, First New York Veteran Cavalry, commanding bri- gade. No. 3.Lieut. Col. John S. Mosby, Forty-third Virginia Cavalry Battalion, includ- ing operations to May 1 No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen.. Jeremiah C. Snllivan, U. S. Army. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., March 10, 1864. In the pursuit of the rebels this morning I regret to announce to you the death of Major Sullivan, First New York Veteran Cavalry. He gallantly pursued the rebels, and although his force was greatly inferior, he (Irove them to Kabletown, where in a desperate charge he lost his life. My loss to-day will be 4 killed, ~5 wounded, 4 pris- oners. I am glad to be able to announce that the two officers in charge of pickets are prisoners. Written report will be sent by to-morrows mail. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier- General. Brigadier-General KELLEY, Cumberland Page 248 248 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., MT. VA., MD., ANT) PA. rOilAP. XLV. No. 2. Report of Got. Robert F. Taylor, First New York Veteran Cavalry, commanding brigade. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, Halitown, Va., March 11, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that our pickets were attacked between Charlestown, Va., and the river, at the crossing of the Keys Ferry and Kabletown roads, yesterday morning at 6 oclock, by what is snpposed to be a portion of Mosbys command, nnmber- ing from 40 to 80 men. The force passed to the left of the vedette, on the Kabletown road, seen by them, bnt snpposed to be a reserve from Charlestown, they being dressed in onr nniform. The mistake was not discovered nntil the rebels had obtained a position and fired a volley into the reserve at less than 10 rods distant, completely snr- prising them. The loss at the reserve post is 1 killed and 4 wonnded, and 2 lientenants and 11 privates missing. After the attack they retreated with great rapidity by the way of Kabletown, recrossing at Sampsons Ford, abont 3 miles this side of Snickers Ferry, except small parties, which went to the right below Kabletown, crossing near and at Snickers Ferry. Major Snllivan, commanding picket, pnrsned the enemy with 9 men, overtaking them at Kabletown; fonnd them concealed behind an old building, from which they fired a volley, killing Major Snllivan and 2 privates, and severely wonnding Lieutenant Baker, all of the First [New York] Veteran Cavalry. The bahLnce of the reserve, under Lientenant Conway, numbering abont 50 men, came np a few moments after, bnt failed to overtake the enemy. The firing was distinctly heard at this place, and the entire force ordered out. Lientenant Wyckoff, with 15 men, got to the ford jnst as they had succeeded in crossing. Anticipating an attack, I sent Lieutenant Wyckoff to Charlestown on the evening of March 9, informing Major Sullivan of the probability of an attack, ordering him to strengthen his pickets and order them to keep on the alert, which I learn he did. I also informed him that I had 150 men in readiness to re-enforce him at any moment. I learn that there were a number of shots fired by the vedette at the post attacked between the honr of 3 and the time of the attack. I forbear to express an opinion as to where the blame shonld attach until I can fnrther investigate the matter. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, R. F. TAYLOR Golonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. WILLIAM M. BOONE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 3. Report of Lient. Cot. Jo7in S. Mosby, Forty-third Virginia Cavalry Battalion, including operations to May 1. SEPTEMBER 11, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit, for the information of the commanding general, the following brief report of the operations of this command since the 1st day March last: On March 10,~ with a detachment of about 40 men, I defeated a * March 9. See p. 236 Page 249 CflAP. XLV.] SKIRMISHES NEKR CITARLESTOW1~, W. VA. 249 superior force of the enemys cavalry near Greenwich, severely wounding 3, and capturing 9 prisoners, 10 horses, arms, & c. On the same day Lieut. A. E. Richards, with another detachment of about 30 men, surprised an outpost of the enemy near Charlestown, killed the ma.jor commanding and a lieutenant, several privates, and brought off 21 prisoners with their horses, arms, & c. In neither engagement did my command sustain any loss. During the months of March and April but few opportunities were offered for making any successful attacks on the enemy, the con- tinual annoyances to which they had been subjected during the winter causing them t& exert great vigilance in guarding against sur- prises and interruptions of their communications. During most of these months I was myself engaged in scouting in the enemys rear for Major-General Stuart and collecting information, which was regularly transmitted to his headquarters, concerfting the move- ments, numbers, and distribution of the enemys forces both east and west of the Blue Ridge. During this time my ~men were mostly em- ployed in collecting forage froiii the country bordering on the Po- tomac. About April 15 Captain Richards routed a marauding party of the enemys cavalry at Waterford, killing and wounding 5 or 6, and bringing off 6 or 8 prisoners, 15 horses, arms, & c. About April 25 I attacked an outpost near Hunters Mills, in Fair- fax, capturing 5 prisoners and 18 horses. The prisoners and horses were sent back under charge of Lieutenant Hunter, while I went off on a scout in another direction. The enemy pursued and captured the lieutenant and 6 of the horses. * * * * * * * I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sour obedient servant, JNO. S. MOSBY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieutenant-Colonel TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, September 19, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant and Inspector General, for the information of the Department. Attention is invited to the activity and skill of Colonel Mosby, and the intelligence and courage of the officers and men of his command, as displayed in this report. With the loss of little more than 20 men, he has killed, wounded, and captured during the period embraced in the report about 1,200 of the enemy, and taken more than 1,600 horses and mules, 230 beef-cattle, and 85 wagons and ambulances, without counting many smaller operations. The services rendered by Col- onel Mosby and his command in watching and reporting the enemys movements have also been of great value. His operations have been highly creditable to himself and his command. R. IL LEE, General Page 250 250 OPERATIONS IN N. 0., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LOHAP. XLV. MARCH 16, 1864.Affair near Annandale, Va. Reports of Brig. Gem. Robert 0. Tyler, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS DIVISIoN, March 16, 1864. A small party of guerrillas picked up some caValry stragglers from Kilpatricks command below Annandale this morning. They were held by a gnard of 2 men, whom they report that they killed, and have made their escape. R. 0. TYLER, Brigadier-General. Lient. Col. J. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DIVISIoN, March 16, 1864. I have the honor to report all quiet. I sent out a party to the vicinity of Masons Hill to ascertain about the shooting of the 2 guerrillas. One of them was shot by a corporal from F6rt Albany and the other one by our news-agent. The bodies were taken by Lieutenant Shepard, provost-marsbal at Fort Albany, to the fort. Respectfully, R. 0. TYL]iR, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Lient. Col. J. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff, Assistant Adjutant-General. MARCH 1618, 1864.Scout in Cabell and Wayne Counties, W. Va. Report QJ Maj. John J. Hoffman, Second West Virginia Cavalry. HDQRS. SECOND VIRGINIA VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. Camp Toland, W. Va., March 21, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order of March 16, I took six cornpanies of my command (220 men) and marched to the month of Coal River, which I reached late in the evening, and finding that it would require several hours to cross I encamped on this side. The next day, 17th, I reached Barboursville about 3 p. in., and reported to Colonel Brown, Thirteenth Virginia, who ordered me to cross the river at Guyandotte and camp at the first suitable place, and I camped on the Buffington farm, 3 miles below town: Then I was ordered to proceed to Trouts Hill (Wayne Court-House), and at some point on the route would meet Colonel Browns command, which was to cross at the falls of Gnyandotte. At 3 a. m. the 18th instant I received a message from Colonel Brown, stating that he had heard of a squad of 30 or 40 men crossing the river below the falls and traveling toward the Ohio River in the direction of Winfield, and that he would pursue them and not co-op- erate with me. I reached Trouts Hill at 1 p. m. the 18th instant, in the vicinity of which was reported 400 of the Eighth and a part of the Sixteenth Virginia (rebel) Cavalry. There was no force at th Page 251 CFIAP. XLV.) RECONNAISSANGE TOWARI) SNICKER S GAP VA. 251 town, nor had there been any there or in Wayne Conuty since the Sixteenth Virginia was routed by Colonel Gallnp from Lonisa, Ky. I returned that evening to the Bnffin6ton farm, having traveled 40 miles. The force reported nnder Colonel French as marching down Guyandotte was not heard of either by Colonel Brown or myself, and we were both satisfied that there is no organized force in that region. There is in Wayne and Cabell Connties a considerable nnmber of the Eight~i and Sixteenth Virginia Cavalry at home on furlough, but so scattered through the hills that it is almost impos- sible to capture them with a mounted force, bnt can be effected mnch easier with small squads of infantry who are acquainted with the conntry and the residences of the men. There is but little forage or snbsistence from here to Guyandotte, and from there to Tront Hill there is none that I saw. The roads are in very good condition, and we traveled without any difficulty. I brought in 2 horses and 1 mule, neither of mnch value, and took these only to replace broken-down horses. The weather was good, and the men and horses reached camp in very good condition. Very respectfully, yours, J. J. HOFFMAN, Major, Commanding Cavalry. Lient. E. W. CLARK, Jr., Acting Assistant Adjntan -General. MARCH 1618, 1864.Reconnaissance toward Snickers Gap, Va. Report of Maj. Henry Peale, Eighteenth Connecticut Infantry. HDQRS. EIGHTEENTH CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, Harpers Ferry, Va., March 20, 1864. SIR: I have the. honor to represent that on the morning of the 16th instant, in obedience to orders from headqnarters First Divis- ion, Department of West Virginia, 1 started with 3 officers and 150 men of the Eighteenth Conuecticut Volunteer Infantry, with five days rations, for the purpose of reconnoitering the country in the neighborhood of Snickers Gap, and also to arrest, if possible, the rebel conscription which was understood to be in process of enforce- ment in that section by removing the material for such conscription, and lastly to take possession for Government purposes of the cattle of all citizens so seized. I reached the gap on the morning of the 17th instant, and marched on the pike until within a mile of Snickersville, when the main por- tion of the battalion was halted with instructions to avail itself of all advantages of concealment by the windings of the road, & c. In company with the officers above referred to, and with a squad of 10 men, I proceeded on the Alexandria pike to a point 3 miles beyond Snickersville, halting and examining every man on the road as well as citizens at their houses. From the unanimity of their statements I was convinced not only that the conscription parties were not there in the neighborhood, bnt that they had completed their work one week before, and had been ordered back to the main army under Lee. It was ascertained that they were composed of detachments of the Sixth Virginia Infantry, temporarily disbanded for foraging and recruiting purposes Page 252 252 0PET~ATT0NS TN N. C., VA., W. VA., Mm, AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. No armed rebels were visible dunn6 our stay unless one or two suspicions-looking horsemen who appeared at a distance, and who fled on perceiving us, were such. Late in the afternoon I rejoined the battalion and marched on the summit of the Blue Ridge until within 3 miles of Ashbys Gap, but as I found no water, and deem- ing it unsafe to encamp in the valley, I returned on the same even- ing to the gap, and posted the command on a hill to the north of and within a short distance of the pike. During the night two camp- fires were visible to the southwest of the pike, and between 1 and 2 miles distant. Horsemen, one at a time, were also heard at inter- vals on the road. The pickets were doubled, but nothing further of importance occurred. In the morning a party was sent to the town after forage, and learned that a few of Mosbys men had made their appearance a few minutes after our departure the previous afternoon and made many inquiries as to our numbers, & c. During the greater part of the 18th the roads about the gap were traversed by small parties under non-commissioned officers, and the position of affairs at Snickers Ferry ascertained. In the latter part of same day, the rations becoming low, I started on the return, tak- ing the path on the east side of the ridge. The command marched to a point abreast of Purcellville and then crossed to the west side of the mountain and camped at ~ place of one or two houses known as Valley View. Here we found detachment of 2 officers and 23 men of the One hundred and thirty-ninth [?] New York. On the 19th, after impressing from the inhabitants one-half days rations of corn-meal and bacon, I started for this place, reaching here at 9 p. m. The information obtained may be summed up as follows, viz: First, the absence of all conscripting detachments from the sections of country embraced in a radius of 10 miles from Snickers Gap; second, the presence of numerous guerrillas in the region about Up- perville and Paris; third, the poverty of the inhabitants on either side of the ridge as to cattle and the necessaries of life, with the ex- ception of corn-meal and bacon, of which they appear to have an abundance; fourth, the thoroughly rebel character of nine-tenths of such inhabitants. Had the command carried a supply of rations for five days (a matter which will receive strict attention in future), other and more tangible results might have been attained. The command during the four days marched between 70 and 80 miles. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY PEALE, Major, Uomdg. Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers. Capt. WILLIAM M. BOONE, Assistant Adjutant-General. MARCH 1718, 1864.Reconnaissance to Sperryville, Va. Report of Col. Thomas C. Devin, Sixth ~New York Gavairy, com manding brigade. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRsT CAVALRY DIvIsIoN, March 18, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with in- structions from division headquarters to reconnoiter the front, Page 253 Ca& r. XLV.] EXPEDITION FROM YORKTOWN, VA. 253 ordered Lieutenant Cating, of my staff, with an escort of 25 men of Sixth and Ninth New York, tinder command of Captain Goodrich, Ninth New York, to proceed to the vicinity of Woodville and ascer- tain whether any force of the enemy was moving in our front, and if opportunity offered upon his return to beat up some of the bush- whackers in that neighborhood. The party started last night at 1~0 oclock, passed through Wood- ville at 3 a. in., and reached Sperryville before daylight without op- position. Learning that a rebel major who was conscripting in that Vicinity was at his house in the mountains north of Sperryville, Lieutenant Cating impressed a guide, proceeded to and surrounded the house, and captured the officer (Major Swindler, Seventh Vir- ginia Infantry) and 2 men. The rebel cavalry continually harassed the party on their return by skirmishing on their front and flanks, but hdd not time to gather in sufficient force to inflict any damage. The party returned to camp without loss at 11 a. m. this day, having ridden 46 miles. There has been no movement of the enemy in front on this side of the ridge. Imboden and Jones are said to be in the valley some 15 miles from Sperryville. There are about 200 cavalry between this point and Sperryville. The roads are tolerably good. The bridges on the Sperryville pike were torn up to check the party on their return. I have ordered the prisoners to be forwarded to division head- quarters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. C. DEVIN, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. GEORGE P. SANFORD, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. MARCH 1721, 1864.-..--Expedition from Yorktown into Mathews and Mid dlesex Counties, Va. REPORTS. No. t.Col. Samuel A.Duncan, Fourth U. S. Colored Troops, commanding brigade. No. 2.Lieut. Col. George Rogers, Fourth U. S. Colored Troops. No. 1. Report of Samuel A. Duncan, Fourth U. S. Colored Troops, com manding brigade. HEADQUARTERS BRIGADE U. S. COLORED TROOPS, Yorktown, Va., March 31, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to forward herewith the reports made by Colonel Ames,* Sixth U. S. Colored Troops, and Lieutenant- Colonel Rogers, Fourth U. S. Colored Troops, of the part taken by those regiments~ respectively, in the recent expedition to Mathews and Middlesex Counties, Va. * Not found Page 254 254 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. Allow me to call particular attention to the concluding paragraphs of these reports, setting forth the effect upon discipline in those regiments, naturally incident to the execution of orders that neces- sarily divided them into small detachments, under charge of non- commissioned officers, in an enemys country and for purposes that offered peculiar temptationsa demoralization which I feel certain was as much regretted by the commandants of those regiments as they were powerless to prevent it. II trust that it is needless to add that the regret expressed by those officers that it should have been found necessary to employ their regiments on an expedition of such a character is fully ~hared by the colonel commanding the brigade, who, were it not that the soldier should have no choice of his own, would express the hope that the troops nuder his command may, so fai~ as practicable, be employed in the more legitimate methods of warfare. I have the honor to reniaiu, with much respect, your obedient servant, SAML A. DUNCAN, Golonel, Oornrnanding. Capt. STEPHEN R. REYNOLDS, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Yorktown, April 1, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. The remarks made by Colonel Duncan, Colonel Ames, and Lieu- tenant-Colonel Rogers on the demoralizing consequences of general license to plunder private property not contraband of war are pecu- liarly applicable to colored troops, who, according to my observa- tion, especially require to be held with a firm hand in order to get from them the full duty of soldiers. These are all most valuable and judicious officers, and their observations on this subject I think will be understood and appreciated by the major-general comniand- ing. I. J. WISTAR, Brigadier- General. No.2. Report of Lient. Col. George Rogers, Fourth U. S. Colored Troops. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH U. S. COLORED TROOPS, Yorktown, Va., March 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that, by the order of Col. S. A. Duncan, this regiment embarked on board the transport vessel Con- voy, at the wharf at Yorktown, on the afternoon of the 17th instant, and that immediately thereafter we received an order from General Graham to follow his boat wheii it should put out. At 5 p. m. the fleet of transports and gun-boats, of which the Con- voy formed a part, got under way, and at 12 p. in. reached a landing on the Piankatank River 8 miles from Mathews Court-House. I at once disembarked the regiment, formed a line on the beach, threw out a chain of sentinels to cover the battalion, and awaited orders Page 255 CHAP. xLv.] 255 EXPEDITION FROM YORKTOWN, VA. At 3.30 a. m. we received orders from Colonel Ames, Sixth U. S. Colored Troops, to March with all possible dispatch to Mathews Court-louse, occupy the place, de- tail a captain and his company for provost duty, seize all suspicious characters, and take such private property as might be useful to contrabands, and to prevent any plundering by the men. As no officer near could inform me of the direction in which the Court-House lay, nor how far we were from any road, some time was lost in searching for a house at which to procure a guide. A farm- house being finally discovered, I sent a detachment under Captain Wickes to search the premises for a guide. Some time elapsing without hearing from the captain, I sent another party under Major Boerustein to assist in the search and hasten the procuring of a guide. Shortly aft~rward, hearing four shots in the direction of the house, I sent forward a company to re-enforce the party under Major Boerustein, and riding up toward the house I met ~Daptain Wickes returning with a prisoner, a member of the Fifth Virginia Cavalry, whom Major Boernstein had captured in the house. Another per- son in the house at the time, supposed to be a major of the Fifth Virginia Cavalry, succeeded in making his escape. The shots men- tioned above were fired by a party of rebels, who came near the house and called for the prisoners. After discharging their pieces they rode off. No further sign of the enemy appearing, and getting what information was necessary from the prisoner, we immediately started for the Court-House and arrived there at sunrise. I found that a company of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry had occupied the place a couple of hours previous to our arrival. A few members of the Fifth Virginia Cavalry were started, but all managed to effect their escape. At ie ~. m. General Graham arrived, and on reporting to him I was referred to Colonel Ames for orders, and was by him ordered to take the Fourth out on the Gloucester road about 2 miles, to a point where the head of the East River almost touches the road, and to throw a line of sentinels from that point ncross the peninsula to an estuary of the Piankatank, a distance of nearly 3 miles, to pick up any enemy or other person who might attempt to escape the cavalry who were engaged in scouring the country below, to assist in getting to the boats any persons of color or other refugees who might wish to go within our lines, to seize such property as might be useful to contrabands, and prevent plundering by the command. These orders, with the exception of that relating to the prevention of plundering, were executed. Our line being a very long one, and the regiment consequently being greatly dispersed, and the order to search for and seize property necessitating the separation to a con- siderable extent of officers from the men, and, more than all, the fact that the men began to consider the expedition a kind of plun- dering foray, rendered it almost impossible to execute this order while carrying out the letter of the others. At 10 p. m. of the 19th we received orders to be in readiness to march at 12 p. in. At the prescribed hour the regiment assembled on the road leading to the landing, and at 4 a. m. of the 20th, the general having arrived, we started for the boats. Arrived at the boats, we embarked and proceeded up the river to Jones Landing, on the Piankatank, where we again disembarked and marched to New Market, in Middlesex County, a distance of 7 miles, where we arrived at 6 p. m. Several companies were here detailed for picke Page 256 256 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. duty, and in the morning the remaining companies of the regiment were sent off in different directions to search for a~d seize property. By this time the tendency of the expedition to demoralize the men of the regiment had grown so strong that I felt called upon to take extreme measures to arrest it. I accordingly ordered an inspection of the camp and collected all articles which the men had plundered from the citizens. The result was a motley collection of all kinds of fowl (dead and alive), fresh and cured meats, and a promiscuous heap of all of the smaller appliances of the culinary art, together with cloths, linens, ornaments of dress, and little objects of vertu. By this time some companies had returned to camp, and I imme- diately issued an order and published it to officers as fast as they could be found to prevent plundering by the men at all hazards, ~nd to shoot on the spot any enlisted man who disobeyed an order to refrain from or cease plundering. Shortly after Lieutenant ilol- combe, Company E, having occasion to order a man of his company to leave an incfosure where he was engaged in plundering and rejoin his company was disobeyed by the man, whereupon he ordered one of his men to shoot him. The order was promptly obeyed and in the best faith, the ball taking effect in the right shoulder of the man. The wound, however, has not proved fatal. This was a most fortunate occurrence, and went a great way toward restoring the discipline of the regiment. At 4 p. m. we embarked on board of the transports Thomas A. Morgan and Champion, and reached Yorktown at 9 p. m. After arriving in camp it was discovered that Samuel Johnson, Company C, had, while we were at New Market, fallen into the hands of the enemy. I cannot close this report without the remark that whatever the object of the expedition, it was a misfortune that it produced a very demoralizing effect on this command. It is to be regretted that it is one of the effects of such an expedition to destroy in a week that discipline which it is the work of months to establish. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient s~rv- ant, GLO. ROGERS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. MARCELLUS BAILEY, Acting Assistant Ac~jntant- General. MARCH 19, 1864.Scout to Salem and Orleans, Va. Report of Brig. Gen. David McM. Gregg, U. S. Army, command ing Second Division, Cavalry Corps. WAREENTON, March 19, 1864. Scouting parties sent to-day to Salem and Orleans. At Salem found a band of Mosbys; captured a lieutenant. At Orleans capt- ured a sergeant of Gilmors band. No information from the sergeant, save that Rossers command had left the Valley. Command re- turned from Hartwood Church; Mrs. Monroe brought in as a prisoner, and her house burned. No rebels seen. D. McM. GREGG, Brigadier-General. Lient. Col. C. Ross SMITH, Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps Page 257 C~p. XLV.] EXPEIi)ITJON TO BOGUE AND BEAR INtETh, N, C. 257 MARCH 25-26, 1864.Expedition to Dogue and Eear Inlet0, N. C, RE~PORTS. No. 1.Col. James Jourdan, One hundred and fifty-eighth New York Infantry, commanding expedition. No. 2.Congratulatory orders from 1~1aj. Gen. John J. Peck, U, 8. Army, No. 1. Report of Cot. James Jourdan, One hundred and Jiftm-eighth New York Infantry, commanding expedition. MOREREAD CITY, March 26, 1864, I have the honor to report my arrival at this place. Failed to accomplish the entire object of the expedition, in consequence of the non-reliability of gnides and the fearful gale which prevailed, Captured about 20 contrabands and burned one schooner, which recently arrived from Bermuda; captured several horses, but were unable to take them away. In attempting to land at Swausborough were fired upon, and in consequence of low tide could not effect a landing without heavy loss~ ki led and wounded a number of the enemy. Three of my boats swamped in the breakers; men all saved except I man (colored). Will report in full on onday. J. JOUI~DAN, Major-General PECK. ~Jolonel, ~Jommanding, No. 2. Congratulatory orders from Maj. Gen. John J. Peck, U. S. Army. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY AND DIST. OF N. C., No. 57. f New Berne, N. C., April 8, 1864. The commanding general has the satisfaction of announcing another expedition against the enemy, in which both the military and naval forces of North Carolina took part, sharing the honors equally. On the 25th ultimo Col. J. Jourdan, commander of the Sub-district of Beaufort, with 200 men of the One hundred and fifty-eighth New York Volunteer Infantry, embarked on board the U S~ gun~boat Britannia, Lieutenant Huse commanding, and steamed for Boguc and Bear Inlets, for the purpose of capturing two of the enemys vessels, engaged in contraband trade~ and also a body of cavalry reported to be at Swausborough. Nearing the inlets, a portion of the command wastransferred to small boats, and an effort made to effect a landing and move on Swausborough. All night long in the breakers and storm, these little boats, with their patient crews, were tossed about. Several crafts. in the violence of the gale were dashed in pieces, bu~ through the energetic exertions of Colonel Jourdan himself and others no lives were lost, although one officer, Captain David, of the One hundred and fifty-eighth New York Volunteers, was seriously injured. I~n the morning the storm abated, and another attempt was madeA, 17 R RVOL XXXI Page 258 258 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. As the boats moved up, instead of seeing the expected cavalry, they were saluted by heavy volleys of musketry from the river bank. The enemy proving too strong, the party was obliged to return to the vessel. At the same time Lieutenant King, of Colonel Jourdans staff, with a body of men in boats, moved up Bear Inlet. He found and burned one of the vessels sought, together with its cargo of salt and leather. He returned to the gun-boat, bringing with him 43 negro refugees. The whole expedition arrived at Beaufort on the morning of the 26th ultimo, without the loss of a man. Great credit is due Colonel Jourdan and the officers and men of his Command, together with the officers and men of the Navy, for the efficient service performed. The commanding general tenders his thanks especially to Colonel Jourdan, Captain Cuff, and Lieutenant King, of the Army, and to Commodore Dov3 and Lieutenants Huse and Cony, of the Navy. By command of Maj. Gen. John J. Peck: J. A. JUDSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 26, 1864.Skirmish near Black Jack Church, N. C. Con gratulatory order from Ma]. Gen. John J. Peck, U. S. Army. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY AND DIST. OF N. C., No. 49. New Berne, N. 0., April 1, 1864. The commanding general is again called upon to acknowledge the gallantry and efficiency of his troops. On the 26th ultimo Brigadier-General Harland, commanding the Sub-district of the Pamlico, sent Capt. G. W. Graham, commandant of the cavalry troops of the First North Carolina Union Volunteers, upon. a reconnaissance toward Greenville. The movement was exe- cuted with the utmost rapidity and secrecy, and resulted in the com- plete surprise of the eneiqys pickets and reserve at amid near Black Jack Church, with a loss on the part of the enemy of 1 officer and 8 men killed and several wounded, besides prisoners, while our loss was but a few horses woumided. The whole affair was conducted with that dash so characteristic of the true cavalry soldier, and reflects great credit upon that arm of the service and upon the officers and men engaged. By command of i\laj. Gen. John J. Peck: J. A. JUDSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. MARCH 28, 1864.Scout in Gloucester County, Va. Report of Brig. Gen. Isaac J. Wistar, U. & Army. YORKTOWN, March 29, 1864. A reconnaissance sent through Gloucester yesterday to ascertain the truth of alleged rebel designs to capture oyster schooners ha Page 259 CHAP. XLV.] SCOUT TO ALDIE AND MIDDLEBUEG, VA. 259 ~just returned, with 1 prisoner and 2 horses of Fifth Virginia Cav- alry. The reports are not true. The prisoners regiment is ordered to reassemble at Orange Court-House, April 1, and nearly all have gone, IRoads bad, I. J. WISTAR, Rrigaaier-Gen~eral. Major-General BUTLER. MARCH 2829, 1864.Scout to Aldie and Middleburg, Va. Report of Cot. Joseph W. Fisher, Fifth Pennsylvania Reserves. HDQRS. 3D BRIG., PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CORPS, March 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the result of a somewhat extensive scout from which I returned last night, and in making this report I attach no importance to the scout itself beyond information obtained, which I think of some importance to the Army of the Potomac and the Government. I left my headquarters at 10 p. m. of Monday, 28th instant, with 225 men of the Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, under the com- mand of Major McCabe, crossing the Bull Run battle-field, striking the Alexandria and Warrenton turnpike about l~ miles ea~t of Groveton. Passing up the pike to Groveton I took the road to Sud- ley Mills, and from thence direct to Aldie, which place I reached at 5 a. m. of the 29th. I made careful searches of all the houses and other buildings where I thought guerrillas might be concealed. At Aldie I obtained some important information as to the extent of Colonel. Mosbys command, and also to his location. I then pushed rapidly forward to Middleburg. where I had previously learned Mosby had his advance, but before we reached that point the enemy had retired. Not deeming it safe to go farther through Lhose mount- ain passes with niy small command (having learned from undoubted authority that Mosby had nearly three times my number), I returned to Aldie and rested my command for some time. I had not been long at the latter place until my pickets reported the enemy advanc- ing in considerable force and attempting to surround and cut us off. I at once started with one company of cavalry back the turnpike in the direction of Middleburg, driving the enemy before me until they reached a hill 2 miles beyond Aldie, where they were in considerable force. My pickets reported to me at this point that two columns of the enemy were marching down on my right flank, evidently with the intention of getting into my rear. I endeavored to bring those in my front to a fight but failed to do so, except by the exchange of a few shots, none of which took effect so far as I know, and as I advanced they fell back, p~obably trying to lead me into an ambush. I then withdrew, following down the Little River turnpike until I struck the Sudley road, and from thence back to my headquarters, which I reached at 5 p. in. of yesterday after a march of 65 to 75 miles. From all I have learned I have come to the conclusion that we have not sufficient cavalry force attached to the division to drive Mosby out of the country, but that a simultaneous movement from Bristoe or Manassas and Warrenton would effect that object Page 260 260 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. The officers and men of the cavalry, and other officers who accom- panied me, behaved very well and have my thanks for the prompt- ness with which they executed my commands. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servailt, J. W. FISHER, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Lient. WILLIAM A. HOYT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. APRIL 2, 1864.~.Destruction of Cape Lookout Light, N. C. REPORTS. No. 1.Report of Brig. Gen. Montgomery D. gorse, C. S. Army. No. 2.Report of Col. John N. Whitford, Sixty-seventh North Carolina Infantry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Montgomery D. Corse, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTP CAROLINA, April 20, 1864. General S. COOPER, Adjt. and Insp. Gen. C. S. Army, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward report of General Corse concerning the destruction of the Cape Lookout light-houses. The men engaged in it are certainly entitled to great praise, if not reward. I am, general, very respectfully,, your obedient servant, G. E. PICKETT, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Kinslon, N. C., April 12, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to hand the report of the destruction of the light-houses at Cape Lookout. One, the lower, about 90 feet high, was destroyed. The other was badly damaged. That was 160 feet high ,with walls 10 feet thick, and owin~ to the inferior quality of the powder was not entirely destroyed. The walls, however, are much injuredcracked and bulged out. All the oil, & c., was de- stroyed, and the steps for 10 feet. The affair reflects credit upon the parties who participated in it. The inconvenience to the enemy from the temporary loss of so important a landmark on that danger- ous coast must be seriously felt. Very respectfully, M. D. CORSE, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. C. PICKETT, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 261 OHM?. XLV.] APFAI1~ MJAR I3LOtL~tT~ ~ CI~ttK, ~. C. 2431 ~o. ~. Report of Gol. John N Whitford, Sixty-seventh North carolina Infantry. APRIL ii, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that a courier has just arrived, bringing the following dispatch from L. C. Harland, in charge of the secret expedition sent some days since to destroy the light-house on Cape Lookont: SMITHs CREEK, N. C., April 9, 1864. Col. J. N. WHITFORD: DEAR SIR: We have destroyed both light-houses at Cape Lookout (on Sunday night), so that they never can be repaired again. We heard from Beaufort before leaving. They had 200 men in search of us. Two large steamers were on the hook of the cape to guard against Captain Semmes, as they have been expecting him to do the same work for the last two months. I have several trophies for you, and will proceed to camp to-morrow. The boys acted well, but cannot travel much, as their feet are badly bruised. We landed on this side of the river last night at 10 oclock. The Yankees are expectin, our armies to attack New Berne every day. No other news of importance. L. C. HARLAND, In Charge of E pedition. All the men of the expedition were of my command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. N. WHITFOIRD, Capt. P. B. HooE, colonel, commanding Regiment. Assistant A~jutant- General. APRIL 5, 1864.Affair near Blounts Creek, N. C. rn~IoRTS, ETC. No. 1.Abstract from Record of Events on return of Sub-district of the Pamlico, for April, 1864. No. 2.Congratulatory order from Maj. Gen. John J. Peck, U. S. Army. No. 1. Abstract from Record of Events on return of Sub-district of the Pamlico, for April, 1864. April 5.Captain Clay, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Gaptain Stanton, Twenty-first Connecticut Volunteers, with a party of men from the garrison at Hills Point, surprised and captured near Blounts Creek Lieutenant Taylor and 6 men of the Sixty- seventh North Carolina (Whitfords battalion). No. 2. congratulatory order from Aifaj. Gen. John J. Peck, U. S. Army. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRs. ARMY AND DIsT. OF N. C., No. 55. Neu Berne, N. Ce., April 7, 1864. The general commanding the Sub-district of the Pamlico reports that on the 2d [5th] instant Captain Clay, of the Fifty-eighth Penn Page 262 262 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. sylvania Volunteers, with a small party, had a collision with the enemy near Hills Point, with a result very Creditable to the Union arms. Lieutenant Taylor and 5 of Whitfords regiment were taketi prisoners. Captain Stanton, of the Twenty-first Connecticut Volun- teers, is favorably mentioned for his good condnct in this affair. By command of Maj. Gen. John J. Peck: S. A. JUDSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. APRIL 8, 1864.Skirmish at Winchester, Va. Report of Afaj. Hanson W. Hunter, Sixth West Virginia Cavalry. IIDQRS. SIXTH REGIMENT WEsT VIRGINIA CAVALRY, ]lfartinsburg, Va., April 9, 11864. CAPTAIN: I have to report that, in obedience to instructions re- ceived from headquarters Cavalry Division, Department of West Virginia, on the 7th instant, I proceeded to the picket-line and col- lected 107 of the Sixth and Seventh West Virginia Cavalry, just relieved from picket duty, and 44 of the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. I left Gerrardstown at 2.30 p. in., and went via Pugh- town, coming on the Romney pike, 9 miles west of Winchester; thence by Romney pike to the road leading out on Timber Ridge. I went out on Timber Ridge 8 miles, to Shiloh Church, and learned from citizens that there were no rebels miear there; that there were some (about two companies) around and about Capon Springs and Wardensville. Capon River was reported to be too high to be forded. I then started on my return by Romney pike; thence to Winchester. When within 4 miles of Winchester I learned that about 100 rebels had crQssed the Romney pike about a mile west of Winchester, going in the direction of Martinsburg. I afterwards found that they had come round and were in town feeding. I charged into town as they were leaving, my advance following and skirmishing with them for a mile south of town. I found out there were more rebels out on the Strasburg road. I brought my com- mand back through town, leaving the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Captain Crawford, to watch the movements of the rebels at the south end of town. In a half an hour I ordered Captain Crawford to retire and bring all the men out of town. He sent me notice that he thought they were endeavoring to flank us. When Captain Crawfords. rear guard was about the center of town I dis- covered the rebels following him in strong force. I commenced to move my command out to take position; at the same time ordered Captain Crawford to hold the rebel advance in check, but the ad- vance of the rebels was so rapid and spirited that his men could not check them, and his men were forced onto the main body of my command before I could form them. The rebels continued to follow close fo~ about 3 miles. I succeeded in forming my men about 5 miles this side of Winchester, and remained there a short time. I had some apprehensions that they were again trying to flank us. I then fell back slowly. I brought my command into camp about 9 p. m. of the 8th instant. The casualties are as follows: Seventh Regiment West Virgini Page 263 Cn& r. XLV.] SKIRMISh AT WINCHESTER, vA. 26~ Cavalry, 4 taken prisoners; Sixth Regiment West Virginia Cavalry, 18 men and 1 officerLientenant Medera. The Fonrteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry were left on the picket post. IL have not received a list of men missing in that detachment. I am, captain, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, H. W. HUNTER, Major Sixth Regt. IVest Virginia Gay., Gomdg. Detachment. Capt. WILL RUMSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. [First indorsement.] HDQRS. CAvALRY DIvIsIoN, DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA, Martinsburg, April 10, 1864. Respectfnlly forwarded, with inclosed Special Orders, No. 23, and orders to Major Hnnter, which will explain the matter fully. I request that Maj. H. W. Hunter be dishonorably dismissed the service. WM. W. AVERELL, Brigadier-General. [5econd indorsement.] HDQRS. CAvALRY, DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, Cumberland, April 14, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to department headquarters. The inclosed report of Captain Martindale, being made up from what he heard other people say arid not from what he actually knew, does not seem sufficient to warrant the dishonorable dismissal of Major Hunter. It is recommended that charges be preferred, and he (Major Hunter) be brought before general court-martial for trial. JUL. STAHEL, Major- General, Chief of Cavalry. [Third indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, C~umberland, Md., April 20, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General of the Army. Brigadier-General Averell has been instructed to cause charges to be preferred against Major Hunter, preparatory to his trial by gen- eral court-martial. ~ F. SIGEL, Major-General. [Inclosure No. 1.] SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. CAy. DIv., DEPT. OF W. VA., No. 23. Martimsbmrg, TV. Va., April 10, 1864. Ou the 7th instant 107 men of the Sixth and Seventh West Vir- ginia Cavalry and 44 men of the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, in all 151 men, were sent out under the command of Major Hunter, Sixth West Virginia Cavalry, to capture or destroy two companies of rebels, which were prowling about our lines and supposed to be about 100 strong. After a short scout the force under Major Hunter came upon the rebels in the town of Winchester, on the 8th instant, feeding their horses and in promising condition to be surprised. The rebels, how * Major Hunter was discharged upon expiration of service, August 15, 1864 Page 264 264 OPERAttO ~ IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [O1~AP. XLV. ever, escaped, and were followed a mile beyond the town, when the attack was abandoned and our men brought back to the north side of the town, when the commanding officer left them to enter a house, where he remained for some time, without having taken any pre- caution against surprise, except leaving the detachment of the Four- teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry as a rear guard. The enemy, availing himself of the carelessness and utter want of common sense dis- played by the commander of our force, charged upon the rear guard and threw it upon the main body, which, already in disorder, Was qiztickly thrown into confusion, and 27 men were lost in the dis- graceful and dastardly flight of 151 men before less than 100 rebels. The numbers of the enemy, it has been ascertained from various persons who counted them, were less than 100. The Union women who witnessed the affair wept for shame. The brigadier-general commanding entertains the impression that the men who were sent out on the expedition would have done bet- ter without a commanding officer. It is very seldom that so fine an opportunity is offered to our troops to distinguish themselves, but instead of distinction this occasion furnished disgrace and disaster. The brigadier-general commanding firmly believes that the 27 men who were lost to the enemy, had they been properly led by a cool and intrepid officer, could have beaten the enemy. He can find no words to express his shame and mortification. The commanding officer seemed to forget the object of his expedition at the very mo- ment he could have attained it, and then was incompetent to return without additional disgrace. Major Hunter is hereby placed in arrest, and will be recommended for dishonorable dismissal from the service. By command of Brig. Gen. W. W. Averell: WILL RUMSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 2] HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA, Maj. H. W. HUNTER, Martinsburg, April 7, 1864. Sixth West Virginia Cavalry: MAJOR: The general commanding desires you to take 150 men from those at the picket-line and proceed up the Back Creek Valley, striking the Romney road at a point west of the junction with the road which runs down Capon Springs. You will endeavor to sur- prise and capture or disperse a body of the enemy said to be lying near Concord Church, on Timber Ridge. Having accomplished this object you will return down the Rom- ney pike to Winchester, and thence to this place. Any important information you may get will be sent in at once by couriers. You are at liberty to take 50 of your 150 men from the picket which went out this morning. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILL RUMSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. P. S.You will return to-morrow. By order: WILL RUMSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 265 CHAP. XLV.] AFFAIR NEAR GREENWICh, VA. 26~ [Inclosure No. 3.] [Capt. WILL RuMsEY:] MARTINSBURG, April 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: According to orders from General Averell, bearing date of April 8, instant, I left Martinsburg abont 10 oclock in the even- ing, moved leisurely in the direction of Winchester, arriving there about daylight. Sent my advance guards through the town briskly. Finding no enemy, I moved in the direction of Newtown. On the way to Newtown I met a lady from Strasburg; she told me that a party of rebel soldiers, numbering from 90 to 100 men, were en- camped one-half mile this side of Middletown; had come from Win- chester, fetching with them 27 Pederal prisoners. They left Middle- town about 5.30 oclock the next morning. They left Middletown about the time I arrived in Winchester. After arriving at Newtown found all the reports that I had previously heard to be true, and that the enemy had about two and a half hours the start of me. The creeks were so swollen that I could not cross without much trouble, so I returned to Winchester and fed my horses. While in Winchester the Union people were rehearsing the skir- mish that took place the day before. A respectable party of Win- chester told me that they heard the rebel commander say that he did not intend to fight Major Hunters command; only intended to annoy his rear. Several ladies and gentlemen told me that when the enemy were driving Captain Crawford through the streets of Winchester that Major Hunter was talking with some ladies and his command was straggling and lying aboutsome mounted and dismounted men, as twenty responsible parties informed me; that the rebel party that attacked Major Hunter did not exceed 100 men. After feeding my horses I returned to Martinsburg, bringing back all men and horses that I started with. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. F. G. MARTINDALE, Captain, First New York (Lincoln) Cavalry. APRIL 11, 1864.Affair near Greenwich, Va. IREPORTS. No. 1.Capt. James W. Long, Second U. S. Infantry. No. 2.Maj. Gen. James E. B. Stuart, C. S. Army. No. 1. Report of ~Japt. James W. Long, Second U. S. Infantry. HEADQUARTERS SECOND INFANTRY, U. S. ARMY, Catletts Station, Va., April 12, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders from regimental headquarters, I started last evening in command of a detachment composed of Companies C, H, and K, Second Infantry, U. S. Army, to search after Captain McKee, Second Infantry, who had been reported severely wounded by guerrillas. I first proceeded to Greenwich, 7 miles from camp, where I learned that a fight had occurred between Captain McKee Page 266 266 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP, XLV. Lieutenants Lacey, Byrne, and Butler, Second Infantry, and some guerrillas in ambush. Not learning anything of the whereabouts of these officers, ]i then proceeded with my command to the house of the reverend Mr. Balch. There i[ learned that the fight had taken place in the woods near the house, but could not learn positively the whereabouts of any of the officers missing. From there I went to Mr. Marstellers, where I found the body of Captain McKee, who had been killed in the fray. The thieves who killed him had taken his boots, hat, and some papers, besides rifling his pockets of every- thing they contained. The family had seen two officers, whom I recognized from their description as Lieutenants Byrne and Butler, as prisoners, being run off in the direction of the mountains by their captors. Lieutenant Lacey, I understand, escaped. After getting the body of Captain McKee, I returned home. The place where Captain McKee was killed was in a country road, between the houses of Mr. Balch and Mr. Marsteller, the thick pines on each side of the road servii g admirably for an ambush. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES W. LONG, Capt. Second Infantry, U~ S. Army, Comdg. Detachment. [Capt. J. S. CONRAD, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.] [First indorsement.] HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, FIRsT DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, April 12, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. These officers absented themselves from camp in violation of orders. R. B. AYRES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Second indorsement.] HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTH CORPS, April 12, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. Attention directed to General Ayres indorsement. JOS. J. BARTLETT, Brigadier- General, Commanding Diviswn. [Third indorsement] HDQRS. FIFTH ARMY CORPS, April 14, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. If such lessons are necessary to convince officers of the necessity of obeying orders they can scarcely be regretted. From my expe- rience with the people of Virginia in the region we have been so long in possession of I think them entitled to no consideration, and believe our interests imperatively demand a complete clearing out of all the residents for a space of 15 to 20 miles on each side of the rail- road by compelling them to move to another location, all people who have taken the oath of allegiance being compensated for their losses. G. K. WARREN, Major-General of Volunteers Page 267 CHAP. XLV.] AFFAIR NEAR GREENWICH, VA. 267 [Foartli indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 15, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, with the recommendation that First Lients. Francis K Lacey, Thomas Byrne, and James Butler, Second U. S. Infantry, be dismissed the service for having absented them- selves from their camp in violation of orders. GEO. G. MEADE, 11Jiajor- General, Commandiny. [Fifth indorsementi ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, April 19, 1864. Respectfully submitted to Major-General Halleck, Chief of Staff, U. S. Army. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Sixth indorsement.] APRIL 19, 1864. Approved. H. W. HALLECK, lkfajor-General, Chief of Staff. [Seventh indorsement.] APRIL 20, 1864. Approved. * EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. No. 2. Report of Ala]. Gen. James E. B. Stuart, C. S. Army. HDQRS. CAY. CORPS, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 14, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report the following affair (petite guerre) which occurred near Catletts Station on the 11th instant: Privates Richard Lewis and A. A. Marsteller, both of Company H, Fourth Virginia Cavalry, met with a party of 4 officers of the regular army, U. S. Army (a captain and 3 lieutenants). These two gallant scouts attacked the party, Lewis confronting the leading two while Marsteller presented his pistol at the two in rear. One of these (Captain McKee, of the Second U. S. Infantry) offered resistance, but was eventually killed, not, however, until he had fired twice at his assailaut. The captains comrade took advantage of this ren- counter and escaped. Marsteller having dispatched McKee, re-en- * By Special Orders, No. 154, paragraph 49, War Department, Adjutant-Generals Office, April 21, 1864, Lieutenants Lacey, Byrne, and Butler were dismissed the service of the United States, but this dismissal was revoked, by direction of the Presi- dent, in Special Orders, No. 245, paragraph 43, War Department, Adjutant-Generals Office, July 22, 1864 Page 268 2G8 OPI~RATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV~ forced Lewis, when the two remaining officers surrendered. They are First Lieutenants Butler and Burns [Byrne], of the Second U. S. Infantry, evidently veterans promoted for meritorious conduct from the ranks. They have been brought safely through to my head- quarters. This all took place within a short distance of the camp of a portion of the Fifth Corps. The commanding generals attention is respectfully invited to these instances of the exhibition of extraordinary bravery and individual prowess. These officers were all armed and mounted; were veterans of the Regular Armyone says twenty years in the service. Would it be improper to send this report to His Excellency the President? Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. B. STUART, Lient. Col. W. H. TAYLOR, Major-General. Assistant Adjutant- General. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 15, 1864. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the Department, in connection with the report on the same subject transmitted yester- day. R. E~ LEE, General. [Second indoreementj Arn~IL 28, 1864. Respectfully submitted to the President, in compliance with a sug~ gestion of General Stuart. As a bold deed it may instruct and please. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. APRIL 1214, 1864.Expedition from Point Lookout, Md., to Westmoreland County, Va. Report of Brig. Gen. Edward TV. Hinics, U. S. Army, command- ing Saint Marys District. HEADQUARTERS SAINT MARYS DISTRICT, Point Lookout, Md., April 15, 1864, MAJOR: I have the honor to report that on Tuesday evening, the 12th instant, with 300 men of the Thirty-sixth U. S. Colored In- fantry, Colonel Draper, and 50 U. S. cavalry, under Lieutenant Mix, on board the steamer Long Branch, with three gun-boats of the Potomac Flotilla, under command of Captain Eastman, I proceeded from this district to the Virginia shore in search of contraband goods and to break up blockading establishments. On Wednesday morning I effected a landing on the right bank of Lower Machodoc Creek, and sent a boat expedition in charge of Colonel Draper across the creek to scour the peninsula between i Page 269 CHAP. XLV.] AFFAIR NEAR NOKESVIh,LE, VA. 269 and the Nomini River, to search for contraband goods, which re- sulted in seizing 177 boxes of snperior Gravely tobacco, probably worth $40,000 U. S. currency. Mr. Joseph H. Maddox, who claimed to own the tobacco, and to be an emissary of the Federal Government, was taken as a prisoner and brought to this point. Maddox has been arrested once before as a blockade-runner, and says he paid Reverdy Johnson $1,000 to get him clear, which statement is confirmed by a declaration previously made by his brother, who resides in this county. Wednesday evening Captain Lawrence, assistant adjutant-general, with 150 men of the Thirty-sixth Infantry, and Lieutenant Mixs cavalry discovered the presence of a small body of the enemys cavalry upon the right bank of the Macliodoc, and immediately ad- vanced to attack them, when they fell back to a hill about (5 miles from the place of our landing, to which they were pursued, and from which they fled upon the approach of our troops. Not deeming it profitable to pursue them, iii let them go. A couple of buildings from which our troops were fired on by the enemy were burned. The object of the expedition having been accomplished, on Thurs- day evening I refurned to this point with the tobacco seized and about 50 contrabands, and without any loss of men or material. I have directed Mr. Maddox to be sent to your headquarters, and the tobacco to be forwarded to Lieutenant-Colonel Biggs, depart- ment quartermaster. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWD. W. lINKS, Maj. R. S. DAVIS, Brigadier-General. Assistant Adjutant-General. APRIL 13, 1864.Affair near Nokesville, Va. Report, of Capt. James F. Grimes, Seventeenth U. S. Infantry. HDQRs. BATTALION SEVENTEENTH U. S. INFANTRY, Camp near Nokesrille, Va., April 14, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that the outpost of cav- alry, Thirteenth Pennsylvania, thrown out some 500 yards in ad- vance of this camp, was attacked by guerrillas at 6 p. m. last even- ing. W. Flanders, a notorious guerrilla, was shot dead, but iiot before he had succeeded in wounding Private M. Locke, of the cavalry, in the left leg and left arm. Skirmishers were immediately thrown out from the camp and the woods scoured by them and a party of the Thirteenth Pennsylvania, under Major McCabe, but without secur- ing the remainder of the guerrilla gang. I would also respectfully state that the man Flanders was identified by the officers of this regiment as the man who on several occasions accompanied Dr. Edmunds into the camp of the Seventeenth In- fantry, while at Catletts Station. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. F. GRIMES, Captain Seventeenth U. S. Infantry, Commanding. Lient. W. W. SWAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 270 2~7O OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. TA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. APRIL 1315, 1864.Reconnaissance from Portsmouth to the B1ackw~ter, Va. Report of Brig. Gen. Charles A. Heckmart, U. S. Arm~q. HEADQTJARTERS U. S. FORCES, Near Portsmouth, Va., April 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with instruc- tions from headquarters Department of Virginia and North Carolina, a reconnaissance in force was made to the Blackwater. The force consisted of detachments of the Eleventh and Fifth Pennsylvania and Second U. S. Colored Cavalry Regimentsan aggregate of 1,500 men, commanded by Lieut. Col. George Stetzel, Eleventh Pennsyl-. vania Cavalry. The force took up their line of march from Suffolk at 10 p. m. 13th instant, for Zuni, via Deserted Honse, arriving at Andrews C0rners or Cross-Roads at daylight 14th instant. No signs or traces of the enemy were visible along the line of march. The main body of the force being stationed at the cross-roads, scouting, parties were sent out in all directions; four companies were sent to Zuni with instruc- tions to picket the roads leading to Broadwater bridge, Isle of Wight Court-House, and other roads leading to the Blackwater. At Zuni a smaU force of rebels (30 or 40) were seen behind their earth-works. Efforts were made to draw their fire by our men exposing themselves with a view to ascertain if they had artillery, but proved fruitless. No shots were exchanged. Pickets were sent out on the roads leading to Joiner and Blackwater bridges, on the Blackwater River. The road leading to Blackwater bridge from the main road to Joiner Bridge is impassable, being blockaded by a large number of trees felled across the road. No evidence of the enemy at this point. A force was also sent to Windsor to picket the roads in that vicinity. Private Thomas H. Langley, of the Seventh Confederate Cavalry, was here captured, claiming to have left his company at Znni for the purpose of obtaining something to eat. At dusk, on the 14th instant, the pickets on the different roads were drawn in, when the column returned to camp, where they arrived at 2 p. m. on the 15th instant. In addition to the above force, a force commanded by Col. W. H. P. Steere was sent to Suffolk to hold that point during the absence of cavalry. The force was composed of the following regiments and detachments: Eighth Connecticut Volun- teers, Thirteenth New Hampshire Volunteers, Twenty-seventh Mas- sachusetts Volunteers, two companies of the Twenty-fifth Massachu- setts, and a section of the Fourth Wisconsin Battery. In compliance with instructions, a portion of the force was sent to Milnerstown, and scouting parties sent up and down the branch to co-operate with navy cutters. As soon as the navy had finished exploring, the infantry returned to Suffolk. No indications of the enemy were seen. After the return of Colonel Stetzels command the eiitire force returned to camp, leaving the usual pickets at Bernards Mills. Col. S. H. Roberts, commanding District of Cnrrituck, reports the capture of Colonel Whitson, Eighth North Carolina (rebel) In- fantry; he was formerly lieutenant-colonel, and succeeded Colonel Shaw when he was killed. Colonel Whitson was on a visit home, and when an effort was made to capture him he attempted to escape Page 271 C~r. XLV.] EXPEDITION TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, VA. 271 paying no attention when commanded to halt, he was shot and dan- gerously wonnded. I wonid also respectfully report the retnrn of the troops of my command ordered to report to Brigadier-General Graham. I am, general, very respectfnlly, your obedient servant, C. A. HECKMAN, Major-General BUTLER, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Fort lklionroe. APRIL 1315, 1864.Expedition from Norfolk to Isle of Wight County, Va., and skirmishes near Cherry Grove Landing and at Smithfield. RIEPOI~TS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Charles K. Graham, U. S. Army, commanding Naval Brigade. No. 2.Col. Andrew Ewell, Twenty-third Massachusetts Infantry. No. 3.Col. Josiah Pickett, Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Infantry. No. 4.Col. Oliver Keese, jr., One hundred and eighteenth New York Infantry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Charles K. Graham, U. S. Army, command ing Naval Brigade. HEADQUARTERS NAVAL BRIGADE, Norfolk, Va., April 16, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report the following as the resnit of an expedition to Isle of Wight County, nuder the instructions issued by you on the 12th instant: At 7p. m. on the 13th instant the transports Woodis, Tucker, Tracy, Thomas, and Pentz, convoyed by the army gunboats Brewster, Jesup, Reno, a small boat fitted out temporarily called the Emma, and a detachment of I officer and 40 men belonging to the gun-boat Foster, with four launches, left this place at the same time and pro- ceeded as far as the flag-ship Minnesota, off Newport News. At my request Admiral Lee dispatched the naval gun-boat Dela- ware, piloted by Mr. Monroe, of the Jesup, with the launches and de- tachment from the gun-boat Foster, to the Nansemond, the launches to take the place of the pontoons, which I discovered late in the after- noon to have been neglected to be provided for the crossing of the detachment which had concentrated at Sleepy Hole for that purpose. The launches arrived at the point indicated at 12 midnight, and the crossing immediately commenced. It was daylight before it was accomplished. At 12 midnight the gun-boat Brewster convoyed the transport Pentz, with the Twenty-third Massachusetts Volunteers on board, to Berwells Bay and landed it thei~e, the navy gun-boats remaining at that point to cover the detachment, and the gun-boat Brewster returning to the mouth of Pagan Creek, from which point, in connec- tion with the gun-boat Jesup, she was to convoy the transports Tracy and Thomas, having on board the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers, to Smithfield. The Jesup having grounded, the Brew- ster.and steamer Emma, with Lieutenant Bleadenhiser, of the Jesup Page 272 272 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. on board, started to convoy the transports. Great delay was expe- rienced in finding ~he channel of the creek, owing to the changes caused by the recent freshets, and the boats continually grounded. The Brewster was unable to proceed, and the transports were finally convoyed by the naval gun-boat Stepping Stones and the steamer Emma, landing the troops at Smithfield about 12 noon on the 14th instant. At 4 a. m. on the 14th instant I sailed from off Newport News on the flag-ship Chamberlain, followed by the transports Tucker and Woodis, with the Ninth New Jersey Volunteers and two sections of artillery on board, under convoy of the army gun-boat Reno, pro- ceeding up Chuckatuck Creek to Cherry Grove Landing, where the infantry and artillery were landed at 7 a. m. No opposition was made to the landing, and soon after Colonel Keese, with his detachment of the One hundred and eighteenth New York Volunteers, reported, not having arrived as early as wa~s expected in order to cover the lauding of the troops at this point, owing to the delay in crossing the Nansemond River. At this point a .large sloop that had been drawn up on the land was destroyed by detachment from the crew of the gun-boat Reno. At 7.45 a. m. the line of march was taken up for Smithfield. Upon the advance of the skirmishers they were fired on from the woods by a force of about 100 men, and continual skirmishing was kept up for 3 or 4 miles. Owing to the dense thicket on both sides of the road it was impossible to capture the party which annoyed our advance and delayed the column in its march. One of the enemy being wounded fell into our hands, reporting that he belonged to the Sixty-first North Carolina Infantry, our loss being 1 man, slightly wounded. Upon arriving at Beuns Church the column was halted for twenty minutes, when the line of march was again taken up, the One hun- dred and eighteenth New York Volunteers being ordered to remain at that point until 3 p. in., when it would follow to Smithfield. I arrived at Smithfield about 5 p. m. Finding that the force landed at Berwells Bay had not reached that place, as was expected, and the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers, which landed at Smithfield, had taken the road to Isle of Wight Court-House instead of that leading to Beuns Church, I immediately made arrange- ments to hold the town, sent Lieutenant Bullord, of my staff, with a small squad of cavalry, to find the whereabouts of the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers, and dispatched the gun-boat Brewster with a transport to Berwells Bay for the purpose of re-embarking the force lauded there, should they have fallen back to the cover of the gun-boats. The Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers reported1 to me in about an hour, having found the road and ascertained that~ I had reached Smithfield. Not having heard from the force landed~ on Berwells Bay I concluded to remain until morning. - At daylight on the morning of the 15th instant a detachment of the One hundred and eighteenth New York Volunteers was ordered to proceed up Pagan Creek for the purpose of destroying all small boats. They marched about 2 miles, met no force of the enemy, and reported as having destroyed two eight-oared boats, four skiffs, ~and two dug-outs. Lieutenant Margerum likewise ascended the creek for several miles in the gun-boat Emma, seeing no enemy and dis- covering no boats. At 4 a. m. Captain Harris, of the gun-boat BrewsP~r, haying repo~ed tlie sate rc~mbarl~ment of t~he Twenty Page 273 Ca~. XLV.] EXPEDITION TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, VA. 273 third Massachusetts Volunteers, they having fallen back to the cover of the gun-boats (for the cause of such a movement you are respect- fully referred to the report of Colonel Elwell, commanding that regiment), I immediately commenced re-embarking the expedition, which being accomplished, Captain Sampson, of my staff, was or- dered on board the transport John Tucker, with orders to proceed with the transports to Portsmouth. For the minor details of the forces that were not under my imme- diate supervision you are respectfully referred to the reports of the officers in command, which accompany this. Owing to the want of transportation, but little property was brought off, though considerable had been collected. The following is a list of captures furnished by Captain Sampson, quartermaster of the expedition: Ten horses, 3 carriages, lj boxes tobacco, 75 papers smoking tobacco, 17 pairs boots, one-half barrel sugar, 8 augers, 2 stocks and dies, 2 sets harness, 1 skiff, 20 yards cotton cloth, 4 sad- dles. The following is a list* of the casualties during the expedition. Prisoners captured: One signal officer, 5 privates, C. S. Army; also 1 piece of artillery (brass), and quantity of ammunition. Respectfully submitted. CHARLES K. GRAHAM, Brigadier-General. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff to ]iEaj. Gen. B. F. Butler. No. 2. Report of Col. Andrew Elwell, Twenty-thtrd Massachusetts Jnfantrl,. HDQRS. TWENTY-THIRD MASSACHUSETTS VOLS., Near Portsmouth, Va., April 15, 1864. SIR: In compliance with Special Orders, paragraph II, No. 14, headquarters Lees brigade, I proceeded with 16 officers and 398 men of my regiment by rail to Portsmouth, Va., at 5 p. m. on the 13th instant, and then, in compliance with orders from Brigadier-General Graham, embarked on board the steamer John W. D. Pentz and sailed up The James Ri,ver under convoy of the gun-boat Brewster. I landed with my command about 9 miles above Smithfield at 4 oclock on the morning of the 14th instant. I immediately took a line of march toward the town. After marching about 3 miles came upon the enemys pickets and drove them in. Continued on about 2 miles farther, where I came upon the enemy concealed be- hind earthworks. After a short skirmish with them, drove them out with a loss on our side of 2 men (Privates Osborn, Company G, and Symond, Company C) slightly wounded in the leg. I followed them on about half a mile, when they again made a stand on the farther side of a mill-pond at a place called Wrens Mills, and there being but a very narrow place to cross I engaged them for about one hour, when one company charged across, drove them from their po- sition, and captured a signal officer of the C. S. service and 2 privates * Nominal list of casualties (omitted) reports 4 men wounded (1 mortally) and I missing of the Twenty-fhird Massachusetts, 1 wounded of the Ninth New Jersey, and 1 man accidentally drowned of the Thirteenth New York Artillery. 18 R R-VOL XXXII Page 274 274 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CEAP. XLV. of the Seventh C. S. Cavalry. I had one sergeant dangeronsly wonnded throngh the left shonider at this place (Sergeant Porter, Company I). The enemys cavalry having begnn to give some tronble in my rear, and having no means to carry my wonnded along with me, and not knowing the strength or position of the enemy in front, I deemed it proper to fall back to the James River at a point called Fort Boy- kin. I fonnd near this fort a signal station, where I captnred a pri- vate of the Seventh C. S. Cavalry; also a piece of artillery and a qnantity of ammnnition said to have been taken b.y the enemy from the U. S. gnn-boat Barney Smith, near Smithfield. Dnring my march to this point I had a corporal (Corporal Lprd, Company I) serionsly wonnded in the right leg by the enemys cavalry, who fol- lowed onr rear gnard very close. I sent my wonnded men on board the gnn-boat and tnrned over to Captain Fyffe, U. S. Navy, all prisoners captnred, together with the piece of artillery and ammu- nition. I have missing 1 private. (Thomas, Company F), who is probably wonnded and a prisonei% He was sent with my quarter- master to the river to commnnicate with the gnn-boats. I re-em- barked at 8 p. m. and sailed down to Pagan Creek, where we came to anchor for the night to await the arrival of boats from Smithfield. A.t 10 oclock this a. in., in compliance with orders received from Brigadier-General Graham, I proceeded to Portsmonth with my command, from there by rail to my camp at this place, arriving at 3.30 p. m. It was impossible to find out the strength of the enemy or their loss in killed and wounded, bnt should jndge from what I could learn from the prisoners taken that they had at least 100 men, and I have no doubt but what I did them much injury. My loss is, wounded, 4; missing, 1; total, 5. The enemys loss, as far as I am able to tell, is 4 prisoners, one piece of artillery, and a quantity of ammunition. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ANDREW ELWELL, Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Brigadier-General GRAHAM, Commanding Army Gun-boats. No. 3. Report of Cot. Josiah Pickett, Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Infantry. HDQRS. 25TH MASSACHUSETTS VET. VOL. INFANTRY, April 19, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with Special Orders, No. 14, paragraph III, I left my camp on the 13th with 400 men and 19 officers, taking the cars for Portsmouth, and, arriving there at sunset, immediately embarked the right wing on board the steamer C. W. Thomas and the left on the John Tracy. At midnight I received my instructions, a copy of which I inclose. * In running up the river from Newport News our transports, with the convoy gun-boat Jpsup, gronnded; the Jesnp finally remaining immovable we passed on, rnnning ashore again at the mouth of Pagan Creek. The men on board the Thomas were then removed * Not found Page 275 Ciw. XLV.] EXPEDITION TO ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, VA. 275 on board some launches; the steamer worked off, and, piloted by the gun-boat Stepping Stones, we proceeded up the creek, reaching Smithfield at 2 p. m. In accordance with my instructions, I landed my regiment, and immediately pushed on the road indicated in my orders. When some 2 miles from town firing was heard from the gun-boats in our rear; leaving them to take care of the enemy there, I continued to advance. Reaching Scotts Mills, some 6 miles from Smithfield, I obtained information that the co-operating column had passed that point, taking another road for Smithfield. Under these circum- stances I deemed it useless to proceed farther, returned, and reported to General Graham, who directed me to bivouac my men outside the town and throw out my outposts, which I did, strongly picketing all the approaches during the night. At daybreak I was ordered to re- embark with my command, reaching Portsmouth at 2 p. m. and my own camp some two hours thereafter. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. PICKETT, Colonel 25th Massachusetts Veteran Volunteer infantry. Lieut. R. DALE BENSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 4. Report of Gol. Oliver Keese, Jr., One hundred and eighteenth New York infantry. HDQRS. 118TH REGIMENT NEW YORK STATE VOLS., Bowers Hill, Va., April 16, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In obedience to your instructions, I left my cam p at Bowers Hill, Va., on the 13th instant, at 3 p. in., and marchedto Sleepy Hole Landing, on the Nansemond River, arriving there be- tween 6 and 7 p. in., and then waited for the launches until 2 a. m. the 14th instant. I got my command across the river by 4 a. in., landing at Hol- loways Wharf. I immediately sent 100 men, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Nichols, down the river to Barrel Point, and started with the remainder of my command, 300 men, for Cherry Grove, arriving there at 7 a. m. At the village of Chuckatuck I found and destroyed three boats. I found no other boats on the march. I captured at Chuckatuck and on the march to Cherry Grove 10 horses and 4 mules. After halting at Cherry Grove an hour, in obedience to your orders, I followed the line of march of the Ninth New Jersey to Beuns Church, arriving there at 11.20 a. m. I remained there until 2.30 p. in., when hearing artil[ery firing I moved on toward Smithfield, Va,, arriving there at 5 p. m. I captured at Mrs. Norfieets house, about 2 miles from Cherry Grove, a private in the signal corps. The scouts of the en- emy showed themselves at different points along our line of march. On the morning of the 15th, at daylight, 70 men, under command of Captain Parmenter, marched up the Smdthfield Creek 2 miles; they found and destroyed 2 eight-oared launches, 4 skiffs, and 2 dug- outs. The horses and mules that I captured on the route were turned loose for want of transportation at Smithfield. Lieutenant-Colonel Nichols, commandin~ the detachment tha Page 276 276 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. marched to Barrel Point, on the Nansemond, reports that he found no boats on the line of his march, but saw 4 of the enemys scouts about 5 miles down the river. I have the honor to be, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. KEESE, JR., Colonel, Comdg. 118th Regt. New York Volunteers. Lient. R. D. BENSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. APRIL 16, 1864.Affairs near Bristoe Station and Kilford, Va. Report of Col. Will~tm JlifcCandless, Second Pennsylvania Reserves, commanding division. HDQRS. PA. RESERVES, THIRD Div., FIFTH CORPS, Bristoe, April 18, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of to-day with reference to attacks on railroad guard, & c. The only one I have failed to report was that of the 15th instant, when 3 mounted guerrillas passed along the north side of the rail- road outside of the infantry picket above Manassas Junction, fired into and shot 2 men of the Tenth Regiment Infantry, who were attached to a spiad sent out as guard with a wagon to obtain wood. The same squad of guerrillas crossed Broad Run near Milford and surprised the vedettes of the Thirteenth Cavalry, who were posted on the Greenwich road, about 1~ miles from Bristoe. These vedettes (4 in number) behaved shamefully, abandoning one of their com- rades, who was killed, and losing their horses. I have placed theni in arrest and had charges preferred against them for misbehavior before the enemy. Such cases as the above will continue to occur as long as this cavalry is on duty here, they being entirely unfitted for the service required. While the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry were on duty ,here no guerrillas ventured near the railrQad without being either killed or captured. I am, very respectfully, yours, ~ MOCANDLESS, Golonel, Commanding Division. Lieutenant-Colonel LOCKE, Assistant AdjutantGeneral. / APRIL 16, 1864.Affair near Catletts Station, Va. Report of lila]. Gen. James E. B. Stuart, C. S. Army. HDQRS. CAy. CORPS, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 20, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report the following affair (petite guerre), which occurred in the operations within the enemys lines near Catletts Station on the 16th instant: Privates Channing M. Smith, Richard Lewis, and Love, of Coin Page 277 SKIRMISH AT BEAVER CREEK, N. 0. pany H, Fourth Virginia Cavalry, acting as scouts in Fauquier County, met and attacked a party of 5 of tlie enemy, killing 4, the other escaping. This affair reflects great credit on the valor and skill of the gallant scouts who executed it, and too much praise cannot be awarded them. Their operations serve to inspire confidence in our cause and keep our enemies in a state of constant and wholesome terror. The attention of the commanding general is called to these young men, who are continually giving evidence of their gallantry and daring by similar exploits. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. B. STUART, Major-General. Lieut. Col. W. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS, April 20, 1864. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the Department. I have on several previous occasions called the attention of the Secretary of War to the gallantry of Channing M. Smith and other young scouts of this army. R. E. LEE, General. APRIL 17, 1864.Skirmish at Beaver Creek, N. C. Report of Col. James W Savage, Twelfth New York Cavalry. HDQRS. TWELFTH NEW YORK VOLUNTEER CAVALRY, Camp Palmer, April 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that a detachment of 22 men, under Actg. Capt. John W. Horn and Lieut. H. Watkins, left this camp on a reconnaissance at 12 oclock on Saturday last. Captain Horn had general instructions to discover whether there was any force in Trenton and any considerable body of men on the Kinston road. At about 4 p. rn. on Sunday, the 17th, he was attacked by a con- siderable force of cavalry and infantry, numbering in all abont 500. The men seem to have fought with great bravery, and to have held their ground for some time until completely surrounded. All but 4 of the detachment have returned, one of whom, Sergeant Benton, is known to have been wounded. I transmit the report* of Captain Horn to me. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. W. SAVAGE, Colonel Twelfth New York Volunteer 6~avalry. Lieut. WILLIAM L. WHEATON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-qeneral. * Not found Page 278 278 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. APRIL 1720, 1864.Capture of Plymouth, N. C. LRIEPORTS.* No. 1.Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina. No. 2.Maj. Gen. John J. Peck, U. S. Army, commanding District of :North Caro- lina. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Henry W. Wessells, U. S. Army, commanding Sub-district of the Albemarle. No. 4.Lieut. Lucein A. Butts, Eighty-fifth New York Infantry. No. 5.Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer, U. S. Army. No. 6.Abstract from Record of Events on return of the District of North Caro- lina for April, 1864. No. 7.Resolution of thanks by Confederate Congress. No. 1. Reports of Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army, command ing Department of Virginia and North Carolina. FORT MONROE, VA., April 19, 186411 a. m. (Received 12.30 p. in.) SIR: I have received communication that the enemy have attacked Plymouth in considerable force; thus far have been repulsed. Their iron-dads have not yet come into action. I have directed General Peck to make such disposition of the forces in his district as best to repel this movement. I have taken from him a single cavalry regis ment and a light battery. He must have 10,000 men under his com- mand. Shall I do anything more? B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper, Va. (Copy to Secretary of War.) FORT MONROE, VA., April 21, 1864. Dispatches from Beaufort, N. C. Rebel ram came down the Roanoke, passed Plymouth, sunk the Southfield, disabled the Miami, and has gone into the Sound. Flusser is killed. Great consterna- tion there. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. FORT MONROE, VA., April 21, 18648.30 p. m. (Received 10.20 p. in.) Dispatches in from Beaufort. Rebel ram has come down Roanoke River; sunk one gun-boat; disabled another. Commander Flusser, * For reports of naval officers see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 5, 1864 Page 279 CHAP. SIN.] CAPTURE OF PLItMOtJTII, N. C. 279 a very valuable officer, is killed. She has passed Plymouth. My three posts (Plymouth, Washington, and New Berue) are well garri- soned with all the force ]I ought to spare themprovisions, men, rations, and arms. They ought to hold out, and I have every coufi- deuce they will. Perhaps this is intended as a diversion. Any in- structions? B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff. (Copy to General Graut.) FORT MONROE, VA., April 21, 186412 p. m. (Received 3 a. in., 22d.) Have received particulars from the surgeort of the Miami. Ram floated dowu the river in the night. passed the battery at Plymouth; first discovered immediately uuder the bows of the Miami, ifoatiug with the current. The Southfield and Miami were lashed together. Flusser weut forward and sighted his bow guu, loaded with shell, 10- second fuse; the shell struck the iron-clad, rebounded, and killed Flusser instantly at the gun, one piece cutting his heart out. The ram then went into the Southfield, and she sunk in five minutes. The Miami cast loose, and being afraid she would run aground backed down the river firing at the ram, with what damage is not known. When Miami got into the Sound she came to anchor and sent the Whitehead up to see what had become of the iron-clad. The Ceres, gun-boat, took Flussers body to Roanoke Island, and brought away the surgeon, with dispatches for Admiral Lee. In the mean time the eneniy had invested Plymouth and were threatening an assault. Our last report from General Wessells, in command, was that he was holding out, and the enemy were engaged shelling the town. It is reported Plymouth is captured, but not credited. Ram is 125 feet long, draws 8 feet of water, has two independent propel- lers, and makes about 4 knots; has two guns, only 20.pounders. She will have done all the mischief she can do, probably, before our obstructions and your camels could be ready. Admiral Lee has sent down a gun-boat. I have sent three army gun-boats, under Graham, carrying 30-pounder Parrotts, light-draught and very swift, with orders to Graham to run her down. I think we will get a good account of her yet. Will send your telegram to Graham, with in- structions to sink the obstructions if practicable. Surgeon thinks she had not power enough to go up the Roanoke against the current. So far as I can judge, after Flusser was killecr no fight was made. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, Fort ]Vlionroe, Va., April 24, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose the reports of Generals Palmer and Peck * upon the capture of Plymouth. It will be seen * Pecks report of April 22, 2 p.m., p. 286 Page 280 280 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. that Plymouth really fell because the theory of its defenses presup- posed an occupation of the river by our gun-boats, which would cover our flanks. When the naval force was driven out by the rebel ram then her fire flanked our defenses instead of our fire enfilading the enemy. So far as I can learn, there was no fighting except artil- lery firing after the ram got possession of the river, Tuesday morn- ing, up to Wednesday, 3 p. in., when the surrender was made. If the reports are correct, it has cost the enemy in men all it has gained. The commander of the naval forces had expressed the mQst un- bounded confidence in his ability to hold the river, and on this I have no doubt General Wessells relied. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER, lIIajo-r- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff of the Army. No. 2. Reports of iIIaj. Gen. John J. Peck, U. S. Army, commanding Dis trict of North Carolina. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. C., April 14, 1864. GENERAL: General Harland reports no change in his front on the 12th instant. His letter has the following, which I extract: John Wolfenden, who lives about 2 miles from Fort Jack, says that he was up toward Greenville last Sunday and saw Captain Myers, of Whitfords regiment. He says that Myers told him that the ram at Kinston was completed, and that the only delay was in the construction of the small boats to take her over the shoals. He thought everything would be ready in less than a week. I think his account of his conversation with Myers can be relied on. Nothing can be done by the rebels while the weather continues as it has been for many days. They must have enough to do soon in other quarters. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, kliajor-General. Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, Comdg. Department of Virginia and North Carolina. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. C., April 14, 18647.30 p. in. GENERAL: I wrote you briefly this day giving the information sent in by General Harland respecting the iron-clad in the Neuse. I now send a copy of a communication just received from General Wessells, commanding, of which he states he had sent a copy direct to your headquarters. From his letter it seems he expects an attack by land and water. He reports 10,000 to 12,000 at Hamilton, and asks for 5,000 fresh troops and the steamer Commodore Perry. The Perry is not here, but I will suggest to Commodore Davenport to send the Tacony temporarily. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, Major-General. Maj. Gen. B. F~ BUTLER, Commanding, & c Page 281 CHAP. XLV.] CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH, N. C. 281 [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS SUB-DISTRICT OF THE ALBEMARLE, Plymouth, N. C., April 13, 18645 p. m. Captain JUDSON, Assistant Ac~jutant- General, District of North Carolina: CAPTAIN: Information from several disconnected sources has reached me within two days past that a large force of the enemy (stated at 10,000 to 12,000) has assembled near Hamilton, on this river, designing, in conjunction with an iron-clad boat, to make an attack on Plymouth this week; a demonstration to be made toward New Berne at the same time. The persons from whom this report is derived reside in Bertie and Hertford Connties; are all personally known to me, and I feel satisfied that they state what they believe to be true. They do not report from actual knowledge, but from statements made to them by others. Whether their informants are reliable or not, I am unable to judge. At all events, I do not feel disposed to neglect their warnings, and in view of their importance I request a temporary re-enforcement of 5,000 men. The presence of the gnu-boat Commodore Perry, now I believe in James River, would, I think, put a stop to any further threats from the iron-clad above us on this river. It is proper to state further that information of a different character, derived from negroes and others, reaches me from this side of the Roanoke. Like that mentioned above, it is from hearsay, and denies that there is any formidable collection of troops in the locality above named. I am using every means in my power to arrive at the truth, but am compelled to depend upon such reports and through such channels as are accessible to my inform- ants. The condition of the river at this time is~ favorable to operations by water, being unusually high, while the condition of the creeks and swamps is not favorable for the movements of troops. I shouki regret making any report not justified by future events, but must depend upon the best information within my reach, and there is too much at stake to neglect any reasonable warnings. A copy of this letter is sent direct to department headquarters. Respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. WESSELLS, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. C., April 18, 18647 p. m. GENERAL: At 5.30 p. in. I learned of a demonstration near our outposts this morning by General Corse with 2,200 and four pieces of artillery, under orders of General Pickett. The deserters say the force returned to Kinston or in that direction this day, and that General Pickett would attack Little Washington to-in orrow morn- ing. As Plymouth has been threatened, and Ransom and Garland are in the vicinity of Williamston, it is a matter of uncertainty where Pickett will strike. Under the circumstances, I have dis- patched 600 infantry to Little Washington, and Commander Daven- port will send the Tacony this evening. This will add materially to General Harlands strength and enable him to hold the eneniy until more positive information, reaches me. The enemy is doubtless ad Page 282 282 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. EO~. XLV. vised of the withdrawal of troops from North Carolina. Wherever he goes he will get a good fight. Of course I shall advise you of everything of moment at the earliest moment. In haste, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, Major- General. Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, Commanding, & c. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. 0., April 19, 1864. GENERAL: I had the honor to advise you last evening of the in- formation which reached me from deserters respecting the movements of General Pickett on Little Washington, which has been confirmed by others getting in this day. In spite of the denionstration of General Corse and of a rumored move up the sounds from Swans- borough. I dispatched all the aid that seemed proper, and the senior naval officer seut the Tacony. At an early hour this morning I received a dispatch from General Wessells, who writes that he forwarded a duplicate direct to your headquarters, which are practically nearer than mine. Commander Davenport had a dispatch of a similar import from Commander Flusser, U. S. Navy. Neither General Palmer nor Commander Dav- enport thought it prudent to reduce the forces here in view of the situation and I fully concurred, but I have ordered the Farrow up with infantry for Plymouth, and doub1~ not you will send the aid that may be necessary for General Wessells to cope properly with the enemy. The force in North Carolina is very small indeed, there being only about 10,150 present for duty. The sick, I believe, is about 1,400. The steamer is due this afternoon from Little Washington, and I hope to receive something reliable respecting the operations of the enemy. For a number of days scarcely a man has come into our lines with information. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, Major- General. Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, Commanding, & c. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, ATew Berne, N. 0., April 20, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that my command in North Carolina having been threatened by the enemy with a general attack, I found it necessary to call upon a battalion of the Twenty-fifth U. S. Colored Troops, Col. G. A. Scroggs commanding, which yester- day lay at Morehead City awaiting transportation to New Orleans. I had sent away a large number of the troops under Brigadier-General Palmer, comprising the garrison of this place, for the re-enforcement of Plymouth, then besieged, and of Washington, then threatened, and it became absolutely necessary to place all other available troops a Page 283 CHAP. .XLV.] CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH, Th C. 283 this point. With this object in view I telegraphed Colonel Ripley, Ninth Vermont Volunteers, commanding Sub-district of Beanfort, to send up the battalion of the Twenty-fifth U. S. Colored Troops. Transportation was sent at the same time with the expectation the troops would be on their way by daylight. This morning Colonel Ripley communicated my orders to Colonel Scroggs, who, to my surprise, declined to obey; the major of the regiment also refuses to execute the orders. The senior captain of the battalion, however, expressed himself ready to obey orders. I was immediately informed by telegraph of the state of affairs. I then telegraphed to Colonel Ripley, and explained at length the great necessity of having these troops here. I directed him to assure Colonel Scroggs that the delay would be short, probably not more than one or two, perhaps three days, and that at any event my orders would be his protection. Much to my regret, Colonel Scroggs and the major both refused to obey. I immediately ordered the arrest of both of these officers. The regiment shortly after arrived in command of the senior captain. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Major-General, Commanding. Adjntant-General, U. S. Army. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. C., April 20, 186412 m. GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a dis- patch just received. I have just sent the steamer General iRerry with Captain White, Ninety-ninth New York, bearing duplicate of this to you, and also a communication from Commander Davenport, U. S. Navy, to Rear-Admiral Lee, conveying similar information. I send this also for the reason that the Berry may not get through the canal, or even by Roanoke Island. The enemy have appeared in force in front of Plymouth, and attacked the place. The ram has sunk the Southfield, disabled the Miami, and has passed below Plymouth. The sound is probably by this time in possession of the enemy, and Roanoke Island will undoubtedly soon be attacked, if it has not been already. Washington is also threatened. Firing has been heard in that direction all night and this morning. Unless we are immediately and strongly re-enforced, both by land and water, all of Eastern North Carolina is lost to us. Immediate action is imperatively necessary. Captain Flusser, of the Miami, is killed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, Maj. Gen. B. ~. BUTLER, Majom General, Commanding. Comdg. Dept. of Va. and N. C., Fort Monroe. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA; New Berne, N. C., April 20, 1864. GENERAL: I have this morning received this very bad news from Plymouth, and inclose ~a copy of the dispatch for your information. There is no doubt but that Plymouth is lost by this time, and th Page 284 284 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP? XLV. ram will probably come down to Roanoke Island, Washington, and New Berne. Unless we are immediately and heavily re-enforced, both by the army and navy, North Carolina is inevitably lost. The ram is heavy and very formidable, and none of the gun-boats here can stand against its power. The Southileld is snnk, and the rest disabled. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, Major- General. Major-General BUTLER, Commanding, & c. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. C., April 21, 1864. GENERAL: I had the honor to receive late last night your commu- nication of the 17th instant in response to General Wessells letter of the 14th instant, asking for re-enforcements, in which you say as follows: You will have to defend the district with your present force, and you will make such dispositions of them as will in your judgment best subserve this end. It is proper to state for your information that General Wesselis sent this communication direct to your headquarters to save time, expecting that any aid which might be sent would come from Vir- ginia and not from North Carolina. General Wessells sent a duplicate of the communication to me, with a letter expressing the above views in strong terms, knowing the reduced state of the force at my disposal in North Carolina. Notwithstanding this expression of his sentiments, I had a confer- ence with General Palmer and Commander Davenport, U. S. Navy, and the heavy gun-boat Tacony, which is equal to two or three regi- ments, was immediately dispatched to Plymouth. On Monday, the 18th instant, the Tacony arrived back from Ply- mouth with dispatches from General Wessells and Lieutenant-Com- mander Flusser, U. S. Navy. General Wessells wrote that he did not apprehend any attack, and did not think there was a very large force in his front. He further expressed the opinion that there was much doubt as to the iron-clad making its appearance, and believed that she was at Hamilton undergoing repairs or modifications. Commander Davenport read me a communication from Commander Flusser, in which lie expressed the opinion that I had misinterpreted the communication of General Wessells with reference to the re-en- forcements for Plymouth. These two commanders, after a conference, exhibited such confi- dence in their own ability to hold the place against any force the enemy would in any probability bring that they sent back the Tacony. Her arrival on the 18th instant, with the above-mentioned commu- nication, placed me entirely at rest concerning any movements at Plymouth. On Monday afternoon, about 5.30 oclock, I received advice by deserters that General Corse was in front of the outpost at Batchel- ders Creek, and that General Pickett would attack Little Washing- ton with a large force on Tuesday. This information, taken in connection with that from General Wessells of the 16th instan Page 285 CHAP. XLV.] CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH, N. C. 285 respecting the disappearance or diminution of the force in his front, led the authorities here to believe that Little Washington would be attacked immediately. Two steamers loaded with troops, together with the gun-boat Tacony, were at once dispatched to Little Wash- ington. At an early hour on TuQsday morning, the 19th instant, dispatches were received from General Wessells and Commander Flusser an- nouncing an attack by a rebel land force in the afternoon of the 17th instant. This was the first information received from General Wessells subsequent to the 16th instant, when the Tacony was sent back, as above stated. The latest information, received, through a contraband, the servant of Captain Stewart, assistant adjutant-gen- eral, General Wessells staff, is to the effect that early on Tuesday morning the iron-clad had complete control of the Roanoke River, and in conjunction with the floating iron battery, the Cotton Plant, was attacking the town in the rear while the land force was engag- ing our troops in front. From this statement it will be seen that the enemy had complete control of the Roanoke within a few hours after I received General Wessells last dispatch. On the recep- tion of these dispatches, which were very favorable, steamers were dispatched with such available infantry as General Palmer could spare, together with supplies of ammunition for the army and navy at Plymouth. These steamers were detained in the Albemarle Sound by the gun-boats then lying in Edenton Bay, which had escaped from the iron;clad at Plymouth. In my judgment the non-arrival of the infantry at Plymouth is most fortunate, as they, together with the steamers, would beyond a doubt have fallen into the hands of the enemy. A steamer with dispatches was promptly sent to General Harland, commanding at Little Washington, notifying him of the state of affairs at Plymouth. He was also requested to send down such surplus troops as he might have to be used at such points as might seem necessary. I also sent dispatches for the Tacony to proceed at once from Little Washington to Plymouth. Before these dispatches arrived Colonel Dutton, chief of my staff, had procured the sailing of the Tacony for Plymouth, going on board himself. Colonel Dutton also suggested to General Harland that he should send the steamer Pilot Boy with the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers to Plymouth, but General Harland did not feel at liberty to do so in view of his situation. All the information received by both the senior naval officer, Com- mander Davenport, and myself has been promptly sent to your headquarters by both lines of communication. General Wessells was supplied with provisions, forage, ammuni- tion, and other requisites for a long siege. His casualties were very small, notwithstanding some five successive assaults upon his lines. His position was intact up to the appearance of the iron-clad, and he could have held the land forces at bay for weeks. A few days since I communicated the information, entirely reliable, that floats were being prepared to buoy the ram over the principal shoals in the Neuse River between this place and Kinston. It has been the inten- tion from the first to bring the two iron-dads from the Roanoke and Neuse together in an attack upon New Berne. Should this move- ment be delayed it will result solely from the exigencies of the rebel service in~other parts of the Confederacy. I have omitted to say in my last dispatch that Colonel Ripley Page 286 286 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. commanding Sub-district of Beaufort, had advised me of a contem- plated movement upon Fort Macon, down the Banks, and that pon- toons were bein~ made with reference to this object. He further advises that it is currently believed in Onslow County that General Martin has been assigned the same duty as before, to wit, the attack upon Newport Barracks and the railroad. The re-enforcements sent to General Wessells have since been ordered to occupy Roanoke Island. The chief engineer is also there to aid the commander in placing the island in the best state of de- fense. The chief engineer expresses the opinion that the iron-clad will have no difficulty in passing through the Croatan Sound, and his opinion is concurred in by the captains of our transports. It is reported that the iron-clad has an average speed of 7 miles an hour, and in moderate weather can move down the Albemarle Sound. It is also reported by persons who were on board of the Southfield during the engagement that the shots from the 100- pounder rifled Parrott gun, fired when the ram was less than 100 feet from the muzzle, rebounded from her sides, inflicting no apparent injury. In conclusion, I must state that General Palmer, who is immedi- ately responsible for the safety of New Berne and its appendages, is of the opinion that no more troops should be detached from his com- mand. The senior naval officer does not think it his duty to detach any of the force at his disposal here. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, Commanding, & c. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. C., April 22, 1864. GENERAL: I have to invite your careful and early attention to my communication of the 21st, on the fall of Plymouth. I now send you a true copy of an extract from an extract furnished me aAd certified by Brig. Gen. I. N. Palmer, referred to in mine of yesterday. Extract from a letter written by Lieutenant-Commander Flusser, U. S. Navy, to Commander Davenport on or about the 17th of April, 1864: I think General Peek misinterpreted General Wessells letter. We have had no scare here yet, and not even a small one for several days. Please consider this a part of the communication. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, Major- General. Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, C~ommanding, & c. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. C., April 22, 18642 p. m. GENERAL: Refugees who have left Plymouth since its-fall report that it is the iiateution of the enemy to move on, New IBerne immed Page 287 CHAP. XLV.] - CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH, N. C. 287 ately. These refugees were picked up by the U. S. gun-boat White- head, and report that General Wessells loss was about 400, while that of the enemy was not less than 1,500 killed and wounded. General Wessells was safe, as he and his adjntar~t-general, Captain Stewart, were seen together. All the prisoners were sent off, except General Wessells and staff, who were paroled to the extent of the limits of Plymouth. It is reported that a reconnaissance has been made by the enemy of the river above this place. The enemys force was estimated at 12,000. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, Major-General. Major-General BUTLER, Comdg. Dept. of Va. and N. C., Fort Monroe, Va. P. 8.These refugees also report that General Wessells was sev- eral times summoned to surrender. The last time he sent the rebel commander word that he would surrender if the negroes and North Carolina soldiers would be treated as prisoners of war. This was refused. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA New Berne, N. C., April 25, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report upon the loss of Plymouth, which is as full as it can be until General Wessells is able to make his repoi~ts, when I will make a supple- mentary one: On the 20th, at 7 p. in., I received your communication of the 17th in reply to the letter of General Wessells of the 13th, asking for re- enforcements. As this letter must have reached your headquarters in the evening of the 14th or early on the 15th, a reply could have reached me on the 16th in time to have communicated with General Wessells during the evening or night of the 17th. Unfortunately the reply was not written until the 17th, and did not arrive on the 20th until some hours after the fall of Plymouth. You replied, viz: You will have to defend the district with your present force, and you will make such dispositions of them as will in your judgment best subserve this end. General Wessells sent his communication direct to your head- quarters to save time, expecting that any aid which might be sent would come from Virginia and not North Carolina. He sent a duplicate to me with a letter expressing the above views, knowing the reduced state of the force at my disposal. He writes, viz: I have no idea of getting any troops, but have always been anxious to see more troops in North Carolina. Notwithstanding this expression of his sentiments, I had a con- ference with General Palmer and Commander Davenport, U. S. Navy, and the heavy gun-boat Tacony, which is equal to two or three regiments, was immediately dispatched to Plymouth. On the 18th instant the Tacony arrived ba9k from Plymouth, with dispatches from General Wessells ax~d Commander Flusser Page 288 288 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. General Wessels wrote that lie did not apprehend any attack, and did not think there was a largo force in his front. He expressed the opinion that there was donbt as to the iron-clad making its appear- ance, and believed she was at Hamilton undergoing repairs or modi- fications. He wrote on the 16th, viz: I have the honor to report that the gun-boat Tacony arrived here to-day, but as her presence at this time does not seem to be necessary I have so informed her commander, and he proposes to return to New Berne to-morrow. I cannot learn that there is any considerable force of the enemy on the river now, though such is the report from various sources. I very much doubt if there is any design of bringing the thing (iron-clad) down. Still there may be, as they say, when the Neuse ram is ready. I am desirous of seeing more troops in this State, & c. Commander Flusser also wrote to Commander Davenport, senior naval officer, viz: I think General Peck misinterpreted General Wessells letter. We have had no scare here yet, and not even a small one for several days. These able commanders had so much confidence in their ability to hold their position against anything the enemy could bring against them that they sent back the re-enforcements sent them. This action placed me entirely at rest respecting affairs at Plymouth. On Monday (18th) afternoon, about 5.30 oclock, I received advices by deserters that General Corse was in front of the outposts at Batchelders Creek with a large force of all arms, and that General Pickett would attack Little Washington on Tuesday. This infor- mation, taken in connection with that from General Wessells of the 16th instant, respecting the disappearance or diminution of the force in his front, led the authorities here to believe that Little Washing- ton would be attacked immediately. Two steamers loaded with troops, together with the gun-boat Tacony, were at once dispatched to Little Washington. At an early hour on Tuesday morning, the 19th instant, dispatches were received from General Wessells and Commander Flusser, an- nouncing an attack by a rebel land force on the afternoon of the 17th instant. This was the first information received from General Wes- sells subsequent to the 16th instant, when the Tacony was sent back as above stated. The latest information, received through a contra- band, the servant of Captain Stewart, assistant adjutant-general, General Wessells staff, is to the effect that early on Tuesday morn- ing the iron-clad had complete control of the Roanoke River, and in conjunction with the floating iron battery, the Cotton Plant, was attacking the town in the rear, while the land forces were engaging our troops in front. From this statement it will be seen that the enemy had complete control of the Roanoke River within a very few hours of the time I received General Wessells dispatch of Sunday night, the 17th. On the reception of these dispatches, which were very favorable, steamers were dispatched with such available infantry as General Palmer could spare, together with supplies of ammunition for the army and navy at Plymouth. These steamers were detained in the Albemarle Sound by the gun-boats then lying in Edenton Bay, which had escaped from the iron-clad at Plymouth. In my judgment the non-arrival of the infantry at Plymouth is most fortunate, as they, together with the steamers, would beyond a doubt have fallen into the hands of the enemy. A steamer with dispatches was promptly sent to General Harland Page 289 CHAP. XLV.] CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH, N. C. 289 commanding at Little Washington, ~notifying him of the state of affairs at Plymouth. He was also requested to send down such sur- plus troops as he might have to be used at such points as might seem necessary. I also sent dispatches for the Tacony to proceed at once from Little Washington to Plymouth. Before these dispatches arrived Colonel Dutton, chief of my staff, had procured the sailing of the Tacony for Plymouth, going on board himself. Colonel Dutton also suggested to General Harland that he should send the steamer Pilot Boy with the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers to Plymouth, but General Harland did not feel at liberty to do so, in view of his situation. All the information received by both the senior naval officer, Com- mander Davenport, and myself was promptly sent to your head- quarters by both lines of communication. General Wessells was supplied with provisions, forage, ammunition, tools, and other requi- sites for a protracted siege. His command numbered some 2,500 at Plymouth, and the casualties were very small, notwithstanding five assaults on Monday. His position was intact up to the appear- ance of the iron-clad and Cottoii Plant at 3 a. m. the 19th, and but for the loss of the river he could have held the land forces at bay for weeks. General Wessells and his command, and the navy under the late gallant Lieutenant-Commander Flusser, made a heroic fight worthy of our arms. They deserve well of the country, and history will record in glowing terms their honorable conduct. A few days since I communicated the information, entirely relia- ble, that floats were being prepared to buoy the ram over the prin- cipal shoals in the Neuse River, between this place and Kinston. It has been the intention from the first to bring the tw~ iron-dads from the Roanoke and Nense together in an attack upon New Berne. Should this movement be delayed it will result solely from the exi- gencies of rebel service in other parts of the Confederacy. Colonel Ripley, commanding Sub-district of Beaufort, advised me of a contemplated movement upon Fort Macon, down the Banks, and that pontoons were being made with reference to this object. He further advised that it is currently believed in Onslow County that General Martin has been assigned th ~ same duty as before, to wit, the attack upon Ne~rport Barracks and the railroad. The re- enforcements sent to General Wessells have since been ordered to occupy Roanoke Island. The chief engineer has also been there to aid the commander in placing the island in the best state of defense. The chief engineer expresses the opinion that the iron-clad will have no difficulty in passing through the Croatan Sound, and this opinion is concurred in by the captains of our transports. General Palmer, who is immediately responsible for the safety of New Berne and its appendages, was of the opinion that no more troops should be detached from his command. The senior naval officer did not think it his duty to detach any of the force at his disposal here. IRON-CLADS. Since our only disaster in North Carolina has resulted from the introduotion by the rebels of formidable iron-dads in their offensive operations it becomes very important to show what steps have been taken to advise Major-General Butler.and to protect North Carolina from rebel invasions. Soon after my arrival I learned that the iron- 19 R RYOL XXXII Page 290 290 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Onir. XLV. clad was on the stocks at Edwards Ferry, and advised the de p art- ment commander in two comriiunications proposing a raid to burn it. The reply (in September) was: That the forces of the department will not permit of the proposed movement at present. September 10, I asked for a small iron-clad. November 15, 1863, I addressed Major-General Butler as follows, viz: During a recent visit at Plymouth, I found the senior naval officer somewhat nervous in consequence of a report having reached General Wessells of an examina- tion of the Roanoke, with a view to bringing down a ram at Edwards Ferry, some 12 or 15 miles below Halifax. All sorts of reports are put afloat for the purpose of influencing our operations. My latest advices are that she is not yet complete. Since assuming the command in North Carolina, I have kept strict watch over this mat- ter, and frequently advised General Foster respecting the progress of the work on the iron-clad. I suggested the propriety of burning it in August, but the general did not feel very apprehensive, and replied that the troops at our command would not warrant the enterprise. The fortifications at Plymouth have been pushed with great vigor, and I have added materially to the armament. A water battery is in progress for a 200-pounder rifle with a center-pintle carriage, which will complete the river works. While waiting for the 200-pounder I have moved a 100-pounder from Hatteras, which is the only available gun of the kind in North Carolina. I do not feel very appre- hensive unless the ram moves in conjunction with a land force. Doubtless General Foster advised you that he had withdrawn all the best and available troops in North Carolina. There is no reserve force here, nor in any of the sub-districts. In case of an advance upon the lines, the force would be quite too small for a proper defense. December 26, 1863, I wrote Major-General Butler, viz: If Longstreet is well provided for during the inactivity of Grant and Meade and the quiet of General Gilmore, some forces could be collected for rebel enterprises in North Carolina during our destitute condition. After the attack on New Berne, about the 1st of February, I wrote as follows: In view of the great interests at stake in the State, and of the smallness of the force for its protection, I hope one regiment of cavalry and a brigade of infantry may be sent to me. A large force is much needed, and should be sent, if it can be spared without jeopardizing public interests elsewhere. February 13, I wrote, viz: My information is of such a nature as to induce the belief that Jeff. Davis has decided upon recovering New Berne and the sounds, probably as a preliminary step to Lees retrograde movement in the spring. Both rams are expected down the Neuse and Roanoke, in conjunction with land troops. It seems certain that the one at Kinston is intended to come down on the next high water. February 18, I wrote, viz: On receiving most reliable information of. the organization of a naval brigade for opening these sounds with the aid of the rams in Neuse and Roanoke Rivers, I directed the blocking up of the Neuse with old hulks within range of our batteries. This work is now in progress. I then proceeded to Little Washington and perfected similar arrangements in the Tar River, and fully advised all the authorities of the rebel plans, and gave the necessary orders for foiling them to the extent of our means. Since my return I have examined men respecting the ram at Kinston, and their information is positive, reliable, and confirmatory of what I have advised you. The ram is to be sent down on tbe next high water. The engine has been taken from Pughs Mills, and was once in a factory in this city. February 23, I wrote, viz: Your letter of the 20th has just reached me, and I agree with your views except in one particular, viz, I dont believe in the iron-clad. Hitherto it has been a ques- tion of iron and time. A communication from General Wessells of the same dat Page 291 CHAP. XLV.] CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH, i~i. C. 291 as yours settles the matter, in my judgment. His spy has just come in from Hali- fax. He came from Wilmington, and 25,000 pounds of iron was on the same train for this identical gun~boat. The general writes that other parties from near Garysburg, who have not seen the boat, confirm the reports of the shipment of iron. He adds the following: In view of the possibility of such a monster coming down, it would be well, I think, to procure the hulks, if practicable, and cause them to be sunk in suitable places. Every day and hour brings testimony bearing upon the plan of the Confederate authorities for driving us out of the Old North State. It has been substantially communicated by me. The present intention is to attack us so soon as the gun-boat can get down. Mr. Hall visited the ram on Monday this week, and confirms all that has been reported. Her machinery is all in, and she is about ready. Mr. Hall is about fifty-five years of age, of intelligence and extensive acquaintance, and has come back with his family. February 29, I wrote, viz: He is now removing the blockade and obstructions, some 6 miles below Kinston. for the purpose of bringing the ram and boat flotilla to this city. The ram in the Roanoke is expected to be in condition to co-operate; the one at Kinston is virtually completed, and on the first flood will come down. They are so confident of success in the Neuse that General Pickett will not delay for the one at Halifax. March 7, I wrote, viz: Colonel McChesney on the 5th states that all the contrabands agree that there is a large force at Kinston, and also at Greenville, and that the obstructions below Kinston are being removed. March 12, I wrote, viz: He states that some 400 men were put to work on the gun-boat by Pickett on his return, with instructions to complete her as soon as possible, and before the 14th, the anniversary of the fall of New Berne. The boat is virtually done, and two addi- tional guns for her arrived last Tuesday, making four in all. He was at the block- ade, and it has been all removed and the channel staked out. He thinks they have great faith in the ram, and fully intend an attack when there is a freshet. I had hoped a sufficient force might be sent here to enable me to take the offen- sive and give the State a chance to break away from the rotten Confederacy, when the people would rally around the army of deliverance and the Union. This hope is long deferred I fear. March 18, I wrote, viz: A few weeks since I advised you of the return of a man sent out by General Wes- sells to procure information concerning the ram at Halifax. He was on a train that carried some 25,000 pounds of iron from Wilmington to Halifax. Yesterday sev- eral refugees came in from Wilmington. One of them had been in the Colraine foundry at Wilmington since th~ commencement of the war. He is from Indiana. He says several shipments of ii9i have been made to Halifax and Kinston for the gun-boats, and confi~s the report made to General Wessells. Some of the iron has been made near Atlanta, where the Confederates have extensive works. March 29, I wrote, viz: My spy came in from Kinston last evening, having been out seven days. He says the two iron-dads are to act in conjunction, and when the enemy is ready we will be attacked. The water has risen in the river and the iron-clad is afloat at Kins- ton. April 14, I wrote, viz: General Harland reports no change in his front on the 12th instant. His letter has the following, which I extract: John Wolfenden, who lives about 2 miles from Fort Jack, says that he was up toward Greenville last Sunday and saw Captain Myers, of Whitfords regiment. He says that Myers told him that the ram at Kinston was completed, and that the only delay was in the construction of the small boats to take her over the shoals. He thought everything would be ready in less than a week. I think his account of his conversation with Myers can be relied o Page 292 292 OPERATIONS IN N. c., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. General Butler and Admiral Lee examined a courier of General Plcketts, and he was sent to me March 8. He stated: Impression when he left was that New Berne would be attacked when the ram was done. General Hoke said it was a pity they had not waited for the ram, as New Berne might have been taken without trouble. General Hoke placed 300 men at work on the iron-dads. Major-General Butler wrote February 20, in response to this and much more information, viz: I dont believe in the iron-clad. On the 9th March he wrote, viz: I have laid your previous dispatches before General Halleck, and he tells me that he knows of no troops that can be spared for our department, so we must work along as we are. On the 9th March he wrote as follows: With the force you have, we shall expect you to hold North Carolina against all comers. Dont let the army get frightened at the ram. She must have at least 2 feet of water to float in, and with proper vigilance you can take care of her. This command has been depleted from time to time, until on the day of the attack at Plymouth there were only about 10,000 men for duty in the whole district, scattered from the banks below Fort Macon to Plymouth, guarding long lines and many posts. FORTIFICATIONS AND THEIR ARMAMENTS. About the 1st of March there was strong reason to believe that an attack in conjunction with an iron-clad was meditated on New Berne. Works of vital importance were ordered, and a few rifled guns were called for to arm them. To the letter disapproving of these works as not required, I replied March 27, viz: General Fosters plan of defense on my arrival (in August) depended upon the presence of a goodly number of gun-boats, which should command the interior of his flank works, Stevenson, Anderson, and Spinola, and sweep the ground in front of the cr~mailk,re line, and also on the other side of the Trent about Amory and Gaston. Upon calling his attention to the uncertain nature of the naval defenses he assured me that he would send six army gun-boats, and in a measure render the army independent. In ~view of this announcement the naval force was materially reduced, as well as the land force, and the expected army boats did not arrive1 Under these circumstances I proposed a small work (Fort Chase) across the river, the strengthening of Anderson, and the short face on the water side of Spi~iola. General Foster never expected a water attack, much less by an iron-clad (which he attempted to burn at White Hall), or he would~bt have made wooden gun-boats an important element in his defensive system. Consequently. when attack may be looked for by an army and iron-clad, some slight modifications are essential to security. In the latter part of February two iron-dads were near completion, and all in- formation from all quarters indicated a grand combined attack upon New Berne. The senior naval officer had some four gun-boats for this river, which he regarded as mere shells, and only fit for the Coast Survey service. For a few days the Eutaw was here. In the interviews with Commanders Davenport and Blake, both agreed that the shots from the iron-clad at the obstructions would pass through their steamers with the greatest ease. They also conceded that the Whitworth guns had far greater ranges than any at their command. CQmmander Blake assured me that he would take position on the right of the cr~mailh~re line, and let the Eutaw sink if necessary for the security of that flank. Under the circumstances I deem it judicious. in common with officers of rank, to attempt to hold that flank with earthen walls, rather than depend upon wooden ones. The senior engineer traced out a small redoubt, using the old lines, and giving a face upon the river. It was done quickly. A 100-pounder rifle is in the salient, with two 32-pounders sweeping the dead angle in front of the cr~mallh~re line be- tween the line of fire of Rowan and the river. The army and navy appreciate the importance of this work, which I brought to your notice on the 12th instant Page 293 CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH, N. C. C~. XLV.] 293 FORT AMORY. The Trent River is a very weak feature in the defenses of New Berne, compelling two distinct lines dependent for communication upon a bridge, liable to be burned at any moment, and giving the enemy the opportunity of concentrating upon either line. Last summer the river was guarded by one or two gun-boats which afforded a measure of protection to the small works, Amory and Gaston, exposed to assault from their advanced positions. These works are located upon the high ground where the bank is bluff, permitting a flotilla of small boats or a column of infantry to pass with comparative security in dark and stormy weather. Upon an exam- ination with General Palmer and Colonel Dutton, something was deemed essential for the Trent side. This conviction was greatly strengthened by the information that the officers do not like to have their gun-boats in the Trent. The absence of the naval element and the expectation of an early attack, decided that a slight extension of Amory was imperatively demanded. Colonel Dutton, one of the most accomplished engineers in the service and of great experience, has looked after this work. It will command the Trent, and have a cross-fire upon all the approaches to Fort Totten, besides making us independent of gun-boats in that quarter. ORDNANCE. The preceding observations upon the general system of defense apply with equal force to the armament of the fortifications. While no water attack was expected the old ordnance in North Carolina, when I assumed command, would have sufficed. Not so now. Two iron-dads menace us, and may at any moment attempt to recover the command of the sounds, in conjunction with land forces. In view of this sudden revolution in the rebel means of attack, what artillery has this army which can be depended upon to destroy these iron-dada in the absence of Federal iron-dads? It has only seven suitable rifles, six of which were here when no iron boats were dreamed of. A 200-pounder and 100-pounder are at Plymouth. A 100-pounder is at Hatteras, two are at Fort Macon, ~and two at New Berne. In case the iron-clad passes Plymouth, Roanoke Island and Hatteras will be visited. One rifle is needed at Hatteras, to replace the one moved to Plymouth, and one at Macon, t? replace the gun removed to New Berne. Guns are burst and otherwise crippled in active service, and there should be at this depot at least one or two extra for such contingencies. The Southfield burst a 100-pounder in extricating the Bombshell in the Chowan. On the 24th, Commander Flusser was expecting the iron-clad and an attack at Plymouth, and wrote to Commander Davenport urgently for a 100-pounder rifle for the Southfield. Had I an extra gun I could have served our naval friends at a time when it would have been appreciated. If these considerations have any force at all, the number of (seven) guns asked for by the ordnance officer on the 14th instant is quite as small as is proper. What has been done are such modifications as seemed imperatively called for in view of the public interest intrusted to me. Had they not been made, and disaster befallenus, the Gov- ernment, and the major-general commanding the department, would not have ex- cused me for delaying to communicate with the engineer officer at Fort Monroe. Uortclusion.The criticisms in the letter on Fortifications and armaments are based upon principles, and are unanswerable. The views set forth on the 29th March have been verified in the clearest manner by the fall of Plymouth. The defenses on the left of Fort Williams (the central work) consist of open works, and are depend- ent upon the gun-boats. The gun-boats were forced out of the river, the iron-dads attacked these works in rear, and they soon became untenable. The land forces entered the town on that flank. Had all the works been inclosed, the results would have been very different. When we were at Plymouth I called your attention to this feature of the system of defense. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, Major-General. Oomdg. Dept. of Va. and N. C., Fort Monroe, Va Page 294 294 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [C,w. XLV. SYRACUSE, N. V., May 23, 1864. There is much in this report* that the honorable Secretary of War should see, and as I am no longer in the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, I hasten to transmit the same, with the request that General Butler be furnished a copy. On the 4th instant Col. F. Beach, U. S. Army, second in com- mand at Plymouth, reported to me in person that Major-General Hoke informed Genera Wessells and himself that the works I had constructed since Picketts demonstration on New Berne in Febru- ary saved that place from attack at that time. The works referred to are those pronounced unnecessary by General Butler. In my cor- respondence the belief is uniformly expressed that the Confederates would attempt to drive us from Eastern North Carolina. In February Pickett attacked Batchelders Creek, Croatan, Have- lock, Newport, and other places, threatening New Berne. Other plans were interfered with or delayed. The loss of Plymouth and Little Washington was promptly followed by a campaign for New Berne. The following letter is pertinent, and verifies my predic- tions: MAY 3, 1864. General WALKER: GENERAL: I have just learned from Captain Cooke, commanding the iron-clad Albemarle, who writes that he feels satisfied that the boat can stand the sound, and will be with us. I will move at 6 oclock to-morrow morning, and will communi- cate with you at Pollocksville, on the river bank, as soon as I reach that point. I desire you to move at 6 oclock to-morrow morning and iroceed to Pollocksville, and while your column is resting there you will construct a bridge over Mill Creek. You will have 2 miles less to march than my column in going to Pollocksville. Respectfully, yours, R. F. HOKE, Major-General. Hokes forces, estimated at 12,000, left the vicinity of New Berne on the 6th for Richmond, and New Berne is still ours. Major-General Butler did not believe any demonstrations would be made upon my command at any time, and adhered to this theory up to my withdrawal, as will be seen from the following extract: HEADQUARTEh5 EIGHTEENTH ARMY Coups, & c., Fortress Monroe, May 3, 1864. Major-General PECK: GENERAL: Your note of the 24th of April reached my hand to-day, and I hasten to reply. Your being relieved from New Berne by me in no manner implies any censure upon your action or disapproval of your administration, and was deter- mined upon many dayz before the order was actually sent, and before it was known or believed that there would be any demonstration upon your command by the enemy. That order was delayed by the necessities of the service in other move- ments of the department, which are solely subjects of explanation. With sentiments of respect and esteem, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER,, Major-General. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, Major- General.. General L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, U. S. Army. * Preceding Page 295 CRAP. XLV.] CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH, N. C. 295 ADDENDA. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY AND DIsT. OF N. C., No. 66. New Berne, N. 0., April 21, 1864. With feelings of the deepest sorrow the commanding general an- nounces the fall of Plymouth, N. C., and the captnre of the gallant commander, Brig. Gen. H. W. Wessells, and his command. This result, however, did not obtain until after the most gallant and deter- mined resistance had been made. Five times the enemy stormed the lines of the general, and as many times were they handsomely repulsed with great slaughter, and but for the powerful assistance of the rebel iron-clad ram and the floating iron sharpshooter battery, the Cotton Plant, Plymouth would still have been in our hands. For their noble defense the gallant General Wessells and his brave band deserve the warmest thanks of the whole country, while all will sympathize with them in their misfortune. To the officers and men of the navy the commanding general ten- ders his thanks for their hearty co-operation with the army and the bravery, determination, and coolness that marked their part of the unequal contest. With sorrow he records the death of the noble sailor and gallant patriot, Lient. Commander C. W. Flusser, U. S. Navy, who in the heat of battle fell dead on the deck of his ship, with the lanyard of his gun in his hand. The commanding general believes that these misfortunes will tend not to discourage but to nerve the Army of North Carolina to equal deeds of bravery and gallantry hereafter. Until further orders, the headquarters of the Sub-district of the Albemarle will be at Roanoke Island. The command devolves upon Col. D. W. Wardrop, of the Ninety- ninth New York Volunteer Infantry. By command of Maj. Gen. John J. Peck: J. A. JUDSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 3. Reports of Brig. Gen. Henry W. Wessells, U. S. Army, command ing Sub-district of the Albemarle. SUB-DISTRICT OF THE NLBEMARLE, Plymouth, N. 0., April 17, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to inform you that I am attacked by a heavy force of the enemy. Citizens from above state that there are five brigades. I am obliged to send before his plans are fully de- veloped, in order to meet the boat at the canal to-morrow. My line of pickets were forced back at 4 p. m. to-day; an officer and 1 man killed, and ti or 6 taken prisoners. Citizens also report that the iron- clad is as low down as Williamston, but as yet she has not shown herself. A battery of four or six guns has been planted above Fort Gray, and until dark kept up a vigorous fire. The flag-staff was shot away Page 296 296 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. My men are in good spirits, but we have not enough, and I beg leave to refer you to my communication of a few days since, ad- dressed to Major-General Peck. Respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. WESSELLS, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. Maj. R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. The enemys line is within a mile of this position, and I anticipate artillery firing at daylight. The gun-boat Ceres has lost 2 men killed and some wounded by a shell. It is reported that a large force of the enemy is in the neighborhood of Edenton, said to be 1,200. It is not well stated to me, but believed in Edenton. H. W. W. COOPERSTOWN, N. Y., August 18, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that on the 20th of April last I was compelled to surrender the post of Plymouth, N. C., to a superior rebel force, and now report to you the circumstances, as follows: For some months previous to the date above mentioned, I felt sat- isfied, from information derived from various sources, that a vigorous effort on the part of the enemy would be made to wrest the State of North Carolina from our possession. This opinion was expressed to you in frequent communicatiztns, with the hope that the military force would be strengthened, and that at least one iron-clad gun- boat would be added to the naval squadron for the protection of the sounds and rivers. My expectations were fully confirmed by the movement of General Pickett upon New Berne in February, and although this attempt resulted in failure, the enemy still remained in strong force along the line of the Neuse, evidently with further designs. During the month of April conflicting reports were brought as to the movements of the enemy; at one time he was said to be concentrating on the Roanoke, at another on the Tar River, threat- ening both Plymouth and Washington, when, on the 13th, my in- formation was so positive as to the former that I at once requested from department headquarters direct a re-enforcement of 5,000 men, believing they could not be spared from the North Carolina stations. On the 16th the gun-boat Tacony, Lieutenant-Commander Trux- tun, arrived from New Berne, and having in the mean time learned that no considerable force of the enemy was on the Roanoke, but rather threatening Washington from some point on the Tar River, I permitted her to return on the following morning, April 17, and this decision is to be regretted. At 4 oclock of that day the ex- treme mounted patrol on the Washington road was captured by an advanced guard of the enemys cavalry, and the cavalry outpost dispersed and driven in; a re-enforcement, under Lieutenant Russell, Twelfth New York Cavalry, was also compelled to retire, bringing away that 6fficer severely wounded. The infantry outposts were at once strengthened, and the enemy soon began to appear on the Wash- ington road in great force, having made a forced march of near 30 miles in hopes of making a complete surprise. This design failed, as our line of skirmishers remafned steady. Fort Gray, 2 mile Page 297 CHAP. XLV.] CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH, N. C. 297 above and on the river bank, was assailed at the same time, sustain- ing until dark a heavy cannonade. The garrison, composed of detach ments of Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers and Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, Captains Brown and Fiske, though much annoyed by sharpshooters, returned the fire of the enemy with great vigor, and, with the exception of a rew casnalties, no impression was made on the work. The line of defense extended from Fort Gray to the crossing of Coneby Creek, below the town, a distance of 2~- miles, the former being a detached work, separated from the main line by Welchs Creek and its marsh. The garrison was distributed along this line, and composed as follows: Sixteenth Connecticut Volun- teers, Col. Francis Beach, 400 effective men; Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers, Col. E. Fardella, 450; One hundred and first Pennsyl- vania Volunteers Lient. Col. A. W. Taylor, 300; One hundred and third Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. T. F. Lehmann, 400; Twenty- fourth New York Independent Battery, six guns, Captain Cady; detachment from Companies A and F, Twelfth New York Cavalry, Captain Roche, and two companies Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, under Captain Sampson, the latter being distributed in small detachments iii the several earth-works. There were also pres- ent portions of two companies Second North Carolina Volunteers, na- tive troops, under Captains Johnson and Hagg~rd.~ The naval force at that time consisted of the gun-boats Miami, Lieut. Commander Charles W. Flusser, U. S. Navy, one of Kentuckys most noble a~id chivalrous sons; Southfield, Lieutenant French, volunteer service, with the smaller boats, Whitehead and Ceres; the whole under the direction of Captain Flusser. For several months previous it h~d been well understood that iron- plated boats for operations in the sounds were in course of construc- tion near Halifax on the Roanoke, and Kinston on the Neuse, to move down those rivers at the proper time in conjunction with a land force. Work on the former had been so often delayed for want of plates and other causes that its completion at times seemed doubt- ful, but was too well watched for me to obtain positive and reliable information. On the 10th of April, however, it was generally be- lieved that the Albemarle, though not entirely covered with plating, had been floated down as far as the enemys works at Rainbow Banks. It was the design of Captain Flusser to fight this formidable an- tagonist in the river with his own boat lashed to the Southfield, run- ning in at close quarters, whilst the Wliitehead was to use every effort to disable her propeller, and great confidence was felt as to the result of this plan. The line of defense surrounding the town was divided into three nearly equal portions, the right commanded by Colonel Fardella, the center by Colonel Lehmann, the left subdivision being under the direction of Colonel Beach. Eighty-fifth Redoubt, so named from the regiment by which it was constructed, was a small detached work in front of the right, garrisoned by detachments of Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery and Eighty-fifth New York Volun- teers, commanded by Captain Chapin, of the latter regiment. The attacking force, as was subsequently ascertained, consisted of Hokes, Ransoms, and Kempers brigades (the latter commanded by Colonel Mercer), all veteran regiments, mostly from Virginia and North Carolina. This division was accompanied by several formidable field batteries and a suitable force of cavalry. Until dark of th Page 298 298 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. 17th sliarp skirmishing was kept up on the Washington road, ex- tending across the fields nearly to the Acre road, but without any important result, and the night was passed in cornparative quiet. The enemy was too strong to attempt a sortie wit h any hope of success. On the following morning at daylight a severe cannonade was opened against Fort Gray, resulting in some fatal casualties, but the garrison remained firm, replying vigorously to the enemys fire. The 200-pounder in Battery Worth was also brought to bear ill that direc- tion, but without any decided effect. The armed transport Bomb- shell, in communicating with Fort Gray, received several shots below her water-line, being barely able to return to town, when she sank at the wharf. The transport Massasoit made two trips to Roanoke Island, carrying away a large number of women and children, con- trabands, and other non-combatants. The gun-boat Ceres, being above Fort Gray at the time of its investment, passed down the river under a destructive fire and rejoined the squadron, with a loss of 9 men killed and wounded. During the whole of this day incessant skirmishing was maintained along and between the main approaches in front of the town, at a distance of 1,200 yards from the line of defense, but soon after sunset the enemy advanced his batteries, sup- ported by an overwhelming force, and appearances indicated a gen- eral attack. Our line of skirmishers fell back firing and in good order, and the enemy under cover of darkness opened a furious can- nonade upon the town in every direction. This fire was replied to by Captain Sampson from Fort Williams with great coolness and pre- cision, inflicting heavy damage ,and loss upon the enemy. Fin in g our front too well prepared for an assault, the attack was discon- tinned at about 8 oclock, and the attention of the enemy directed to- ward Eighty-fifth Redoubt. This work, after a desperate resistance, was surrendered, and, as I have understood, under a threat of no quarter. Its gallant commander, Captain Chapin, Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers, fell nobly at his post, and Colonel Mercer, com- manding the attacking column, was killed. 1No report has been received in regard to this transaction, and I am therefore unable to detail the circumstances attending either the attack or surrender. A demand was then made for the surrender of the town, which was declined. On the following morning, April 19, at 3 a. in., the enemy again opened upon Fort Gray, and soon after, under cover of night and shadow of the trees on the opposite bank, the iron-plated ram Albe- marle passed down unnoticed and without injury from the 200-pounder in Battery Worth. She was immediately engaged by the Miami and Southfield. I have no particulars in regard to this conflict, but the Southfield was sunk by the collision, and Lieutenant-Commander Flusser fell on his own quarter-deck with a lanyard in his hand. In the death of this accomplished sailor the Navy has lost one of its brightest ornaments, and he will be long remembered by those who knew and loved him for his intellectual worth, his social qualities, and manly bearing. The wooden gun-boats, being unable to contend with an antago- nist so securely mailed, moved down the river, leaving it in full pos- session of the enemy. He was now on every side of the town, and this unlooked-for disaster created among the troops a moral effect of the most discouraging character. Hitherto every hardship and ex- posure had been met with cheerfulness and confidence. A series o Page 299 CHAP. XLVI CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH, N. C. 299 covered excavations had been constructed along the line, affording shelter nnder the heavy fire, cansing my loss to be comparatively slight. Dnring this day the enemy planted a battery near the Eighty-fifth Redonbt, and, partly covered by that work, opened fire npon the town. The Albemarle also opened from below; both were retnrned from Fort Williams and Battery Worth, but withont effect. The enemy was very active, moving in different directions, withdraw- iug most of his force from the vicirdty of Fort Gray, and apparently making a serions demonstration on my right. Skirmishing was . severe in that qnarter, and many casualties occurred on both sides. This state of things continned until dark, when the enemy in strong force succeeded in effecting the crossing of Coneby Creek below the town, and massed his column on my left. This disaster is unex- plained, and placed me in a most critical position. Some changes were made during that night in the disposition of the troops, and arrangements made to repel attack both on the right and left. At daylight of the following day, April 20, while my right and front were seriously threatened, the enemy advanced rapidly against my left, assaulting and carrying the line in that quarter, penetrating the town along the river, and capturing Battery Worth. A line of infantry was formed from the breast-works perpendicularly toward the river, in hopes of staying the advance. This effort succeeded for a time, but the troops seemed disconraged, and finally fell back to the intrenchments. At the request of General Hoke, command- ing the rebel forces, a personal interview was granted, at which a surrender was demanded in consideration of my untenable position, of the impossibility of relief, and that the defense had been highly honorable to all concerned. In failure of this, indiscriminate slaughter was intimated. The bearing of General Hoke during this interview was courteous and soldierlike. His demand was refused, and preparations were made to renew the contest. I was now com- pletely enveloped on every side, Fort Williams, an inclosed work in the center of the line, being my only hope. This was well under- stood by the enemy, and in less than an hour a cannonade of shot and shell was opened up on it from four different directions. This terrible fire had to be endured without reply, as no man could live at the guns. The breast-height was struck by solid shot on every side, fragments of shells sought almost every interior angle of the work, the wholeextent of the parapet was swept by musketry, and men were killed and wounded even on the banquette slope. A cov- ered excavation had been previously constructed, to which the wounded were conveyed, where they received efficient medical atten- tion. This condition of affairs could not be long endured with- out a reckless sacrifice of life; no relief could be expected, and in compliance with the earnest desire of every officer I consented to hoist a white flag, and at 10 a. m. of April 20 I had the mortifica- tion of surrendering my post to the enemy with all it contained. It is to be remarked that during the siege and in the night a consider- able number of North Carolina soldiers (many of them deserters from the enemy, and all of them fearing bad treatment in the event of capture) left their companies without authority, escaping in canoes, being picked up, as I have izinderstood, by our boats in the sound. The foregoing statement is made, after an interval of four months, entirely from memory, not having received a single report from my subordinate officers. Most of them are still in captivity, and the others scattered over the country beyond my control; in fact, the Page 300 300 OPERATJ0NS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. have had no opportunity nntil now to perform this dnty. Myself and officers were plundered of all onr effects except snch as were on our persons; in other respects I was treated, by General Hoke and his officers with kindness and conrtesy. For the reason stated above I am unable to report the losses on either side, bnt I have reason to believe that my own casnalties did not exceed 150 while from information derived by medical officers, who remained in Plymouth, the lowest loss of the enemy in killed and wonnded is given at 850, many believing it to be far greater. With my personal staff I was at once separated from the troops, and on Saturday, the 23d, I was conveyed to Richmond via Weldon and Petersburg, and then confined in Libby prison April 26. The enlisted men, with the regimental officers, were marched to Tar- borongh, and thence by rail to Macon and Andersonville, Ga. On the 7th of May, in company with 850 captive officers, I was conveyed to Danville. Leaving that place on the 12th I was taken to Macon, and there confined until the 10th of June. On that day 50 senior officers, including myself, were ordered to proceed east, and passing through Savannah arrived in Charleston on the 12th. At this place the party was confined in the city nuder the fire of the batteries at Morris Island. No inconvenience, however, was experienced from this unusual proceeding. On the 3d of the present month an ex- change was effected under the direction of Major-General Foster, commanding Department of the South, and with the whole party I arrived in New York on the 9th. It may be proper to state that a few days prior to the completion of this exchange a detachment of officers, prisoners of war, number- ing 600, arrived in Charleston from Macon and were confined in .the city jail and its yard. I visited them in the evening of the 2d, and found them very uncomfortable, being much crowded and poorly sheltered. I was assured, however, by the rebel authorities that this condition was only temporary, and that they should be soon removed to more suitable quarters. As soon as sub-reports are received and examined they will be for- warded as a~ccompaniments to this statement. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. WESSELLS, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers. Maj. Gen. J. J. PECK, Late Commanding District of North Carolina. NoTE.In the foregoing report I have neglected to state that on the morning of the 19th, subsequent to the marine disaster, Capt. H. I. Hodges, assistant quartermaster of volunteers, in endeavoring to communicate with the gun-boats, was accidentally drowned by the upsetting of a canoe; no further information in regard to his fate has ever reached me. I should also add that on the following day, dur- ing the bombardment of Fort Williams, Captain Coats, Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers, acting assistant inspector-general of the sub- district, was severely wounded in the face by a fragment of shell. It is difficult for me at this time without the aid of subordinate re- ports to detail with accuracy all the incidents of the siege, and other important omissions may have been made. H. W. W Page 301 CHAP. XLV.] CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH, N. C. 301 ADDENDA. Return of casualties in the Union forces commanded by Brig. Gen. Henry W. Wessells, at Plymouth, N. 0., April 1720, 1864. ni Commands. ~ 0 ~ Staff 10 10 16th Connecticut. 23 440 463 2d MassachusettsHeavyArtillery;CompaniesGandH..:: 7 262 269 2d North Carolina, Companies B and E 4 162 166 12th New York Cavalry, Companies A and F 3 118 121 85th New York 26 518 544 24th New York Battery 2 120 122 101st Pennsylvania .. 27 382 409 1038 Pennsylvania 24 461 485 Unattached recruits 1 244 245 Total killed, wounded, and missing 127 2,707 2,834 No. 4. Report of Lieut. Lucien A. Butts, Eighty-fifth New York Infantry. ANNAPOLIS, MD., April 5, 1865. Brig. Gen. II. W. WESSELLS, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I inclose to you a report, made from such memoranda as I could make after I reached Macon, of the defense of the re- doubt in which I was captured. I have not yet received the report from Lieutenant Clark I expected to send with this. I arrived here from Richmond the 27th ultimo, having escaped from Charlotte, N. C., and been recaptured at Fayetteville. I am awaiting an order for muster-out on account of expiration of my time of service, the order being very disagreeably delayed some days after the reception by others of theirs applied for at the same time. Very respectfully, your obedient servants L. A. BUTTS, First Lieutenant Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers. ANNAPOLIS, MD., April 1, 1865. GENERAL: I have the honor, at this earliest practicable time after my release from prison, to report the operations at the Eighty-fifth Redoubt, Plymouth, N. C., p recoding the surrender of that work, April 18, 1864, the commandi, by the mortal wounding of Capt. Nel- son Chapin, having fallen upon me as senior officer present. The garrison of the redoubt consisted of 42 enlisted men of Com- pany K, Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers, with its officers, Capt. N. Chapin, I~ieut. L. A. Butts, and Second Lieut. S. S. Peake, and 23 enlisted men of Company H, Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, commanded by Second Theut. H. L. Clark. Its armament was a light 32-pounder on a ship carriage, and an old-pattern iron 6-pounder field piece. Occasional shots were made from our guns as parties of the enemy made their appearance in the vicinity of the Washington road after our pickets were driven in on the evening of the 17th and the morning of tIle 18th. About 10 a. m. of the 18th three rifled guns opened fire from near the Fagan house upon our picket~ nea Page 302 802 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. the redoubt, replying also to our guns. During two hours or more good practice was apparently made by our 32-pounder against these guns. No damage was done to the redoubt, though several shells struck it. Firing was discontinued during the greater part of the afternoon until near night, when a few shells were thrown upon the line of battlc advancing upon our skirmishers between the Wash- in~ton and Long Acre roads. While our attention was drawn in this direction, a battery was brought into position in the field on the southern front of the redoubt, which opened a rapid fire before our large gun could be shifted to bear upon it. The 6-pounder only could be used. it was well served under a close fire, two of the infantry helping to man it at the last in place of the artillery, who failed to como to ~Iie work. Oiie of its earliest discharges exploded a caisson. Under cover of the fire of this battery, and nearly hidden in the obscurity of the night by the ground descending toward the swamp, and by the proximity of the woods, a heavy column of infantry was advanced to assault the redoubt. This column was opened upon by our musketry when about 100 yards distant, but it advanced steadily and soon enveloped the redoubt on every side, pouring in a heavy fire. The abatis was soon penetrated, when hand-grenades were used by us, apparently with great effect, as the attacking force soon retired, to rally again, however, in a short time. This was three or four times repeated, but with little order or success in getting through the a~atis. The enemy finally passed in line toward the town, leaving some stragglers in our vicinity. Twenty-six of these, some of them wounded, but mostly unhurt, surrendered in small squads, and were assisted to scale the walls into the redoubt. Our loss in repelling this assault was 1 killed and 8 wounded (3 mortally). The wounded included the only competent gunners fit for duty. After an interval of about half an hour, several guns opened upon the redoubt from a knoll about 250 yards from the south wall, and two or three guns at a distance of 100 yards, opposite the south- west corner, the fire from the two positions crossing at a right angle. The last-named guns were placed under the bank of the swamp, so that neither of ours could bear upon them. The darkness prevented the enemy from being seen while placing his guns, and an attempt to use our field piece where a movement could be heard was aban- doned after one or two discharges as useless. The enemys sharp- shooters were active while their batteries played upon the redoubt. The small building in the corner of the work, upon which the fire was concentrated, proved a source of great danger. The percussion shells from the enemys guns struck its roof and chimney, exploding and sending deadly missiles to nearly every part of the redoubt. Captain Chapin was struck by a fragment of one of these shells during the second cannonade, about 9.30 oclock. The fire was also very effective upon the walls of the redoubt, penetrating deep and throwing off much earth by the explosions. The sand-bags were broken and thrown off the parapet, so as to destroy the loop-holes on the sides of attack. After the second cannonade had been some time continued, fire was opened in that direction by our gun-boats, but their shells passed over and exploded far beyond the enemys batteries. Some shells from the town seemed to be better elevated and better timed, but were without apparent effect. The last two shells from the gun-boats struck and exploded, one on the parapet, the other upon the traverse covering the door of the magazine, both in perfect range for the magazine. shortly after the firing ceased Page 303 CE.AP. XLV.] CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH, N. C. 303 and demand was made for a surrender. The officers present, includ- ing Captain Chapin, were consulted before replying. A large force was known to be between the redoubt and the town, cutting off communication. The cartridges were nearly expended, only half a dozen grenades were left, our gnnners were disabled, the prisoners were a great embarrassment; there were no means of spiking the guns or of making signals. There appeared in the darkness no hope of efficient help from the gun-boats or from the town batteries, and the fire received from the gun-boats, if repeated, left no safe place in the work. It was unanimously decided to be a useless waste of life to continue the contest longer, and that it was best to surrender. Possession of the work was given about 11 p. m. The total casualties in Company K, Eighty-fifth New York Volun- teers, were Capt. N. Chapin mortally wounded, 1 sergeant killed, and 3 other enlisted men wounded (1 mortally); and of Company H, Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, 6 wounded (2 supposed mortally). I cannot speak too highly of the spirit and conduct of the men of my own company, to whom, in the subordinate position I held dur- ing the greater part of the engagement, my attention was princi- pally confined. No fear of their readiness to fight as long as required was among the considerations leading to the surrender. Wagoner Dana E. Allen and Private Nason F. Chace were especially worthy of praise for their bravery in helping to man the guns when par- tially deserted, the first, after he was himself wounded. For the details of the operations of the artillery of the redoubt, and a report of the conduct of the men of that service, I refer you to the report of Lieutenant Clark. I am able to learn no more of Captain Chapin after he was left in care of the enemy than that he died at some temporary hospital, or on his way to one, before morning. The force making the assault was Kempers brigade and the Twenty-first Georgia Regiment, all led by Colonel Mercer, of the Twenty-first Georgia, who was killed before, the redoubt. We were told that the enemy lost before the redoubt 6Q in killed alone, and a large number of wounded. Appearances in the vicinity, so well as we could judge in the darkness, indicated that they had lost severely. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. A. BUTTS, First Lieutenant Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers. Brig.. Gen. H. W. WEssELLs, Late Commanding District of the Albemarle, N. C. No. 6. Report of Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer, U. S. Army. HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. 0., April 22, 186410 p. m. MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, by Captain Martin, of the communication from the commanding general of the department of yesterday, the 21st instant. As the vessel which carries this dispatch is about to proceed to Roanoke for the purpose of brin6ing back the First U. S. Colored Troops, and as I wish to have her sail as speedily as possible, I will simply state, viz, that it was not until the evening of1 the 20th tha Page 304 304 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. I received a special order directing me to assume command of this district. I presumed that General Peck had been notified of this order, but as during the whole of yesterday, 21st instant, General Peck had not intimated to me any knowledge of the order, I thought it proper to inclose him a copy of it, and in a conversation which I have had with him this day he has declared his readiness to turn over the command. You have probably before this time received General Pecks dis- patch announcing the capture of Plymouth with its garrison on the 20th instant. The rebels will either hGld it or evacuate it. If they attempt to hold it, I shall make no attempt to recapture it at pres- ent, and if they evacuate it, I shall not re-establish a post there at p resent. The mouth of the Roanoke River will be held by our gun- boats, and I am of the opinion that the rebel ram, which has been the principal cause of the fall of Plymouth, will not be able to get out into the sounds. It is my impression that the success of the attack upon Ply mouth will induce the rebels to attack Little Washington. That place has in it a respectable force, and will, I think, be able to resist any attack, although I do not consider the garrison sufficiently large if it be attacked by the force that has captured Plymouth. At present, however, no further re-enforcements can be sent to that place from here. At this place, exclusive of the outposts, the troops for it~ de- fense consist only of the garrisons of the different forts, with five companies of infantry (white) and a portion (250 men) of the Twenty- fifth Regiment U. S. Colored Troops, all the other troops having been sent to re-enforce either Washington, Plymouth, or Roanoke Island. I do not consider that it was necessary to re-enfore Roanoke Island, and I shall therefore withdraw the re-enforceinents that were sent to that place by General Pecks order, and order them again to this place. The rebels are making every preparation to bring the ram, which has been for some time at Kinston, down the river. I am kept con- stantly advised of the progress of the work upon it. She is completed, and a few days since a party was sent by the rebels to sound the chan- nel, coming as low down as the blockade which we have constructed. The work upon this blockade is pushed day and night, and it will be made as effectual as possible. It is under the fire of several heavy guns and carefully watched. The First U. S. Colored Troops will be forwarded to Fortress Mon- roe at the earliest possible moment. The steamers that leave to- night will probably return with that portion of the regiment that went to Roanoke by the morning of the 24th instant. The Twenty- third New York Battery will also be withdrawn from Washington and sent to Fortress Monroe at the earliest possible m~oment. I regret that I can give no particulars of the affair at Plymouth. Colonel Dutton, chief of staff to General Peck, who returned from the mouth of the Roanoke yesterday, informs me that he heard from persons who had escaped that our casualties were small; that the defense was vigorous; that the garrison made prisoners had been sent away, but that General Wessells was on parole in the town. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Brigadier-General. Maj. R. S. DAVIS0 As8t. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina Page 305 CIL4P. XLV.1 CAPTURE OP PLYMOUTH, N. C. 205 No. 6. Abstract from Record of Events on return of the District of North Carolina for April, 1864. April 17.The enemy, with a force estimated from 10,000 to 15,000, under command of Major-General Hoke, advanced on Plymouth, in the Sub-district of the Albemarle, drove in our outposts and pickets, opened a heavy artillery fire on Fort Gray, ai~id made two desperate assaults upon it with infantry and were handsomely re- pulsed each time. April 1~.The enemy attacked Forts Gray and Williams with a much stronger force and were again completely whi~ped. The U. S. gun-boat Bombshell was sunk by a shell from a re el battery. April 19.The iron-clad ram Albemarle came down the Roanoke River, attacked the U. S. Navy flotilla, ran into the gun-boat South- field and sunk her, and drove the other vessels out of the river into the sound. The enemys forces then surrounded the town and made a general assault upon all the forts, the rebel ram co-operating. Our troops being barred from any aid from the navy, and the enemy hav- ing the assistance of the powerful ram, he succeeded in capturing Fort Wessells. At all other points he was repulsed with great loss. April 20.The enemy again attacked Forts Gray and Williams and was partially successful, capturing Fort Gray, but was drivei~t back in great disorder from Fort Williams. Having gained one of our flanks, resting on the river, he succeeded in getting into the town under the protection of his ram and the captured fortifications, and soo~i had entire possession of the place, capturing all the Government stores in it. Fort Williams was then shelled from every direction, and riflemen were placed in the houses to annoy our cannoneers, but not until after a most valiant resistance of more than two hours against the whole rebel force did the brave garrison surrender. This gave the enemy full possession of the defenses of Plymouth. Re-enforcements arrived at the mouth of the Roanoke River for Plymouth, but being informed there by navy officers that the enemy had possession of the town and that the ram had control of the river, they returned to New ]3erne. Upon their arrival there they were immediately dispatched to Roanoke Island, and orders were given for the re-establishment of the headquarters of the sub-district at that place. No. 7. Resolution of thanks by Confederate Congress. [No. 3.1JOINT RESOLUTION of thanks to Major-General Hoke and Commander Cooke, and the officers and men under their command, for the brilliant victory over the enemy at Plymouth, N. C. Resolved by the Congress of the Confederate States of America, That the thanks of Congress and the country are due and are ten- dered to Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke and Commander James W. Cooke, and the officers and men under their command, for the bril- liant victory over the enemy at Plymouth, N. C. Approved May 17, 1864. 20 R RvoL XXXII Page 306 306 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. APRIL 19, 1864.Affair at Leesburg, Va. Report of Cot. Charles R. Lowell, Jr., Second Miassachusetts Cavalry, commanding Cavalry Brigade. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, Vienna, Va., April 20, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report my return to camp. The only rebels in Loudoun County are Mosbys four companies, perhaps two companies of the Bedford Cavalry, an incomplete company organizing in Leesburg, and about 40 attached men of Whites, and the Sixth and Eleventh Virginia Cavalry. When the Potomac rose Mosb~r thought it would be a good time to remove from around Leesburg and Point of Rocks corn which farmers there had been ir~tending to send across the river. He pressed quite a number of teams, sent Company C to Waterford to superintend the business, and has taken away perhaps 250 barrels of corn in the ear; not more, as the farmers are loath to work, and slip off on every opportunity. Meanwhile, he has carefully spread the report below Goose Creek that there was a large force in Loudoun County and several hundred men at least in Leesburg. The only force that has been near Leesburg is his own Company C, and part of a new company raising there, together less than 100 men. He is not sending the corn to Upperville, but to points about the country, some of which we learned. At each of these he has left one or two wagon-loads, whether for his own future use or as a sort of recom- pense to friends whom he had already eaten out does not a;ppear. While the river is so high, without leaving a force permanently there we cannot prevent this. There is very little corn left to move, however. We reached Leesburg Monday evening and returned to Goose Creek Tuesday noon, bringing 11 prisoners and leaving 1 mortally wounded at a farm-house. That night I expected to send a party to Rectortown or Upperville, to return by Hopewell Gap, but we learned that Mosby in person had been reconnoitering our force, and had gone through Aldie that evening, leaving messages of regard for us with the Union families there. It seemed useless, therefore, to attempt any surprise, so I sent 75 dismounted men to Leesburg to try to take part in a wedding party which was to come off there. They readhed the place half an hour too late, but met some of the party on the streets and there was a little smart firing. We lost 1 man killed and 3 wounded, not seriously. Do not know that we did any damage at all. The captain in charge believes his own party, firing without orders in the rear, did at least half the mischief. You will hear from Colonel Grimshaw how he was re- ceived when he reached Goose Creek on Monday. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. R. LOWELL, JR Col. Second Massachusetts Gavalry, C~omdg. Brigade. Capt. W. A. LA MOTTE, Assistant Adjutant-General, Tylers Division Page 307 CHAP. XLV.] DESTRUCTION OF SALT-WORKS. 307 APRIL 19, 1864.Affair at Marlings Bottom, W. Va. Report of Cot. William L. Jackson, Nineteenth Virginia Cavalry. JACKSONs RIVER, April 20, 1864. (Received at Christiansburg, 21st.) Capt. J. W. Marshall, of my command, with his company on yes- terday attacked the enemy125 infantry, 90 cavalryat Marlings Bottom, Pocahontas County, routed them, and is in pursuit toward Beverly. WM. L. JACKSON, Maj. CHARLES S. STRINGFELLOW, Colonel, & e. Assistant Adjutant-General. APRIL 21, 1864.Destruction of Salt-Works at Nasonborough Inlet, N. C. Re~ort of ]Ifaj. Gen. William H. C. Whiting, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF CAPE FEAR, Wilmington, N. C., April 22, 1864. GENERAL: Nine barges of the enemy, piloted by a renegade, landed last night at Masonborough, at the State salt-works, which they destroyed. They carried off a number of conscripts or em- ploy& . I do not much regret the matter, as the State salt-works have always been a nest of traitors, and more than suspected of holding intercourse with the enemy, but I have no doubt at all that the attempt was made in consequence of information transmitted to the enemy of the withdrawal of my movable force. On the 12th instant I had directed General Martin to occupy the belt of sounds opposite Masonborough Inlet, but the recent mdve- ment of troops prevented it. It has always been my custom to guard these points strongly, as of very great importance to the security of the command. The enemy carried off a number Qf willing prisoners. They are capable of giving much information. You will see by the inclo~ed copy of a letter * to the Governor my opinion of the works and thq people engaged on them. The whole affair strongly illustrates the necessity of keeping here at least a brigade at all times. The men carried off were in the habit of daily visiting the city to haul and dispose of salt, are fully aware of the late movements and of every exposed condition, and will no doubt give all the information they have to the enemy. If your operations will not permit you to leave a brigade with me, I beg you will present this to the Department, which has been fully advised of the circunistances of this command. I have not at present sufficient force to perform the heavy garrison duties of the city. Very respectfully, W. H. C. WHITING, General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Major-General. Weldon, N. C. * Not found Page 308 308 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. APRIL 23, 1864.Affair near Hunters Mills, Va. Report of Cot. Charles R. Lowell, jr., Second Massachusetts Cavalry, commanding Cavalry Brigade. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRtGADE, Vienna, Va., April 23, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report ~ll quiet in this vicinity. The pickets near Hunters Mills were attacked about 4 a. m. to-day by a dismounted party, with a loss of 9 horses and 3 men captured and 1 man wounded. No resistance was made by the pickets, only three shots being fired. A party started out about reveille this morning, as soon as the news of the attack reached camp, and after finding the trail started after the p arty in rapid pursuit, came in sio~ht of them about 10 miles of Aldie, and chased them up the pike though the town, the rebels scattering in all directions. Lieut. W. H. Hunter, of Company A, Mosbys battalion, was taken prisoner during the chase and brought to this camp. Two horses were retaken and one shot. One man was wounded slightly. The party consisted of 50 men, under the command of Mosby him- self. They came down to the vicinity of the picket and crossed the creek mounted, where a portion of them dismounted and advanced on foot to the attack. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. R. LOWELL, JR Cot. Second Massachusetts Cavalry, Comdg. Cay. i3rig. Capt. W. A. LA MOTTE, Assistant A6~jjutant-General. APRIL 24, 1864.Skirmish near Middletown, Va. RLEPOT~TS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Max Weber, U. S. Army. No. 2.Maj. Fielding H. Cairnese, Twenty-third Virginia Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Max Weber, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS FIRST SEPARATE BRIGADE, Harpers Ferry, W. Va., April 25, 1864. Colonel Taylor reports that the scout of 100 men sent out to as- certain the strength of the enemy at Front Royal met a force of 250 rebels near Middletown, and were driven back as far as Win- chester, with loss of 1 officer and 8 or 10 men. A force of infantry, cavalry, and mounted infantry have been sent out by Colonel Taylor to intercept the rebels and ascertain their intentions. MAX WEBER, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Capt. T. MELVIN, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 309 CHAP. XLV.) EVACUATION OF WASHINGTOIN, N. C. 309 No.2. Report of Maj. Fielding H. Calme8e, Twenty-third Virginia Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS OUTPOST, April 25, 1864. I have been to Clarke County. Delivered the letter you sent me from General Lee. The Yankees scouted up to Berryville and Sum- mit Point every day in squads of 50 and 75. As I came up yester- day I met Captain Davis in pursuit of the enemy that came as far as Cedar Creek, numbering 100. He charged them at Middletown and pursued them as far as Winchester, capturing the officer in command (Captain Purtrace [?]) and 16 privates, belonging to First New York, Thirteenth Pennsylvania, and Twenty-first New York Regiments. Their force at Martinsburg is small. F. H. CALMESE, General IMBODEN. Major, Commanding. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRICT, April 25, 18642 p. m. Respectfully forwarded for information of General Lee. Captain Davis is on outpost duty and seems to have given this Yankee scout a good lesson. Lieutenant Blue ~yas ~1angerously, perhaps mortally, wounded last Thursday night in an attempt to surprise a Yankee camp at Springfield, in Hampshire. No other casualty on. our side. The attack was unsuccessful. Blues party was 30 strong; enemy about 300. Blue attacked at 6 oclock at night, hoping to stampede the horses. He was brought off the field 4 miles and left at a house. Averell has not returned, but is west of the Alleghanies. Our danger now lies in the direction of Beverly and Kanawha. I have notified General Breckiuridge, and to-day have ordered the Sixty-second Regiment fro#t Franklin to McDowell, and will collect my other forces about Woodstock, to be in readiness to move in either direction. The enemy has been scouting about Sperryville during the last week. J. D. IMBODEN, Brigadier- General. APRIL 2630, 1864.Evacuation of Washington, N. C, REPOI~TS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer, U. S. Army, commanding District of North Carolina. No. 2.Abstract from Record of Events on return of the Sub-district of the Pamlico for April, 1864. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer, U. S. Army, commanding District of North Carolina. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. C., May 31, 1864. GENERAL: My order, No. 5, current series, concerning the out- rages committed~ at Little Washington has been severely commented upon in high places; not by my military superiors, but by Senators of the United States and others. I am so informed, at least. I in Page 310 310 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. close the opinion of a board of officers appointed to investigate the matters treated of in that order. It may not have been good policy to issne that order, but there is no injustice in it. My only feeling in the matter is deep regret that there are men in our army who can perpetrate such outrages. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Brigadier- General. General L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army. [Inclosure No. 1.] GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRs. DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, No. 5. New Berne, N. C., May 3, 1864. While the troops of this command may exult and take just pride in their many victories over the enemy, yet a portion of them have within a few days been guilty of an outrage against humanity, which brings the blush of shame to the cheek of every true man and sol- dier. It is well known that during the late evacuation of Washington, N. C., that town was fired, and nearly, if not entirely, consumed, thus wantonly rendering houseless and homeless hundreds of poor women and children, many of them the families ~f soldiers in our own army, and ~esti~oying the last vestige of the once happy homes of those men who have now given up all to serve their country in her hour of peril. And this was done by men in the military service of the United States. lit is also well known that the army vandals did not even respect the charitable institutions, but bursting open the doors of the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges, pillaged them both, and hawked about the streets the regalia and jewels. And this, too, by United States troops. It is well known, too, that both public and private stores were entered and plundered, and that devastation and destruction ruled the hour. The commanding general had until this time believed it impossi- ble that any troops in his command could have committed so dis- graceful an act as this which now blackens the fair fame of the Army of North Carolina. He finds, however, that he was sadly mistaken, and that the ranks are disgraced by men who are not soldiers, but thieves and scoundrels, dead to all sense of honor and humanity, for whom no punishment can be too severe. The commanding general is well aware what troops were in the town of Washington when the flames first appeared. He knows what troops last left that place; he knows that in the ranks of only two of the regiments in the District of North Carolina the culprits now stand. To save the reputation of the command it is hoped that the guilty parties may be ferreted out by the officers who were in Washington at the time of these occurrences. This order will be read at the head of every regiment and detach- ment in this command at dress parade on the day succeeding its re- ceipt, and at the head of the Seventeenth Massachnsetts Volunteers and the Fifteenth Connecticut Volunteers at dress parade every day for ten consecutive days, or until the guilty parties are found. By command of Brig. Gen. I. N. Palmer: J. A. JUDSON, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 311 Ca& p. XLY.] EVACUATION OF WASHINGTON, N. C. 311 [Inclosure No. 2.] GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, No. 10. New Berne, N. C., ]Jiliay 9, 1864. So much of the last paragraph of General Orders, No. 5, Current series, from these headquarters, relative to the destruction and pil- lage of Washington, N. C., as directs that these orders be read at the head of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers and Fifteenth Connecticut Volunteers at dress parade every day for ten consecu- tive days, is hereby revoked. By command of Brig. Gen. I. N. Palmer: J. A. JUDSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure No. 3.] CIRCULAR ORDERS.] HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, N. C., May 30, 1864. I. Before a board of investigation, of which Col. James W. Sav- age, Twelfth New York Volunteer Cavalry, is p resident, convened at New Berne, N. C., by virtue of Special Orders, No. 16, paragraph I, and Special Orders, No. 26, paragraph II, current series, from these headquarters, were summoned various persons, officers, soldiers, and citizens, bearing testimony relative to the facts and circumstances connected with the burning of certain portions of the town of Wash- ington, N. C., and the pillage of that place, alleged to have been committed by certain men in the military and naval service of the United States during the late evacuation, from whose testimony the Board of Investigation deduce the following, viz: At about 11 p.m. on the 26th of April, 1864, Brigadier-General Harland, in com- mand at Washington, N. C., received orders to evacuate that place, and in pursu- ance of his instructions the post was finally abandoned about 4 p.m. on the 30th. The intended evacuation seems to have become known, or to have been gener- ally suspected, on Wednesday, the 27th of April. During the afternoon of that day there appears to have been instances of theft, and before morning of Thursday pil- laging commenced, at first in the quartermasters store of the First North Caro- lina (Union) Volunteers, which during the day became general. Government stores, sutlers establishments, dwelling-houses, private shops, and stables, suffered alike. Gangs of men patrolled the city, breaking into houses and wantonly destroying such goods as they could not carry away. The occupants and owners were insulted and defied in their feeble endeavors to protect their property. The influence and authority of officers, though sufficient to restrain these excesses when they were personally present, was forgotten or set at naught as soon as they were out of sight, and the sack was checked only by the lack of material to pillage, and ceased only with the final abandonment of the town. It is claimed, and may be true, that some portion of these outrages arose from a general impression that a large amount of stores and property would, upon the abandonment of the place, either be destroyed or left to fall into the hands of the energy, but this is probably not seriously regarded by any one as a justification, or even palliation, of the utterly lawless and wanton character of the plundering. The members of the Board, having summoned and examined all those persons within their reach who it was supposed could give any material testimony on the subject, regret that they have been able to identify so few of the individuals con- cerned in these violations of good order and discipline, but they are of opinion tbat none of the troops in Washington on the 28th of April last can reasonably claim to escape a share of the shame and odium which the history of those few days has justly caused. These were the Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, the Twenty- first Connecticut Volunteers, detachments of the Fifteenth Connecticut Volunteers and the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers, two companies of the Fifth Rhode Island Volunteer Artillery, Ransoms New York battery, two companies of the Twelfth New York Cavalry, and the cavalry company of the First North Carolina (Union) Volunteers. Nor were these alone guilty. Sailors from the gun-boats, hands employed on the transports, negroes, and in some instances citizens, joined in the work of plunder and devastation Page 312 312 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. The Board are glad, however, to be able to record their opinion that the officers present in Washington generally, perhaps without exception, not only discounte- nanced, but used their best endeavors to repress, the disorder and pillage. At 10 oclock on the morning of the 30th, and as the last troops were about em- barking, a fire broke out in some stables, which had for two days been unoccupied. The conflagration extended to adjacent buildings, and spread so rapidly as to defy all attempts to extinguish it. That this fire was designedly caused admits of little question, but the Board are unable to come to any satisfactory conclusion as to the guilty parties. Some four hours later Colonel McChesney, at that time in command of the post, sent by one of his officers a verbal order to Commander Renshaw, of the gun-boat Louisiana, then in the stream, in consequence of which that officer sent a boats crew and set fire to the bridge across the Tar River. This fire also is supposed to have spread through the town. So far as appears in evidence, the fires which caused such serious destruction of property originated at these two points alone. Other fires were kindled, but extinguished in every instance before they had cau~ied any damage. The commander of the post declares that he had no intention whatever of burn- ing the bridge, but whether his instructions were carelessly given, incorrectly trans- mitted, or misapprehended, or willfully disregarded by the commander of the Louisiana, the Board do not deem a matter of great importance. II. The findings of the Board of Investigation in this case are approved, and published for the information of those concerned. III. The Board of Investigation, of which Col. James W. Savage, Twelfth New York Cavalry, is president, is dissolved. By command of Brig. Gen. I. N. Palmer: J. A. JUDSON, Assistant Adjutant- Genera No. 2. Abstract from Record of Events on return of the Sub-district of the Pamlico for April, 1864. April 26.-Instructions received from headquarters District of North Carolina to evacuate Washington, N. C. April 27.The First Regiment North Carolina (Union) Volunteers (white), with their families and baggage, embarked for New Berne, N. C. A rebel force made their appearance in our front; some skir- mishing; loss, 2 of the men of the Seventeenth Massachusetts killed, 1 or 2 wounded; our artillery busy shelling the woods and roads; all contrabands removed to Hills Point. April 28.The rebel force disappeared from our front; several de- serters report the force to be that of General Hoke, from Plymouth, estimated at from 8,000 to 10,000 men. The Fifty-eighth Pennsyl- vania and Twenty-first Connecticut tolunteer Infantry embarked at Washington for Fort Monroe. All the cavalry and light artillery, with quartermasters train, sent overland from Washington to New Berne. April 29.Rebel cavalry drove in our pickets on the south side of the Pamlico River. April 30.All the ordnance and ordnance stores, quartermaster 5 and commissary stores, contrabands and Union people who desired to leave, having been shipped from Washington, N. C., to New Berne, the remainder of the tr6ops embarked for New Berne, leaving the garrison at Hatteras Inlet the only force of United States troops in the Sub-district of the Pamlico. At the time of the evacuation a fire broke out in Washington, which, notwithstanding the exertions of officers and men to extinguish it, destroyed a large portion of the town. Origin of the fire unknown Page 313 Ca& i~. XLV.J SKIRMISH AT TWELVE-MILE ORDINARY, VA. 313 APRIL 2729,1864.Expedition from Williamsburg and skirmish at Twelve- Mile Ordinary, Va. Report of Got. Benjamin F. Onderdonk, First New York Mounted Rifles. HEADQUARTERS FIRST MOUNTED RIFLES, Near Williamsburg, Va., April 29, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report, pursuant to orders of the 27th instant, I marched at an early hour. Nothing of importance occurred until we reached the long woods beyond Twelve-Mile Ordi-- nary, where we were fired on by scouts, one of whom (Davis) we capt- ured. The next picket, near Slatersyille, we charged to New Kent, capturing 3. The most reliable information I could gain was that there is no force at Tunstalls Station, on the Pamunkey. I could get no infoi~mation. At Bottoms Bridg& are 2,000 infantry and artillery, with Holcombes battalion of cavalry. Nine field guns are constantly on duty. All the public fords on the river above Fords Bridge are blockaded and heavily guarded. A large force is stationed at a cen- tral point, from which re-enforcements can be thrown to any point above New Bridge in half an hour. Fifteen thousand can be brought to the defense of Bottoms Bridge in that time. - Fords Bridge Ford, three days since, was only defended by a small picket. There is also a picket at Charles City Court-House. The camp of this force per- forming this duty (supposed to be the Forty-second Battalion) is 6 miles from the court-house, toward Richmond. At the latter place the people are in great excitement. The enemy are strengthening fortifications, and troops are constantly arriving from the direction of Charleston. I believe the Charles ~IJity Court-House road is the least defended. There is no force this side of Bottoms Bridge ex- cept one troop of the Holcombe Cavalry, at Cedar Hill, 2 miles beyond N~w Kent Court-House, to picket the roads, but they retreat at the shortest notice. We reached New Ken Court-House at 12.45; rested an hour and a half; returned to Barhamsville, where we halted two hours to feed and supper. Finding the horses very fresh, I decided to return. In the long woods, 1 mile beyond Twelve-Mile Ordinary, we were attacked at 9 oclock by an ambuscade (supposed to be the Penin- sula Scouts) ; they had scattered torpedoes or shells, with friction fuses, in the road, six of which exploded in my column, the fire of the fuses making. a strong light, of.which the enemy took advan- tage to fire on the men. I wheeled into line, and gave the enemy a volley, which caused them to leave, but they returned again and kept up a continuous fusilade on my entire column as it passed. I did not deem it advisable to follow them into the woods, as I had reason to suppose their infernal machines might do me more injury than the random fire. Although the shells exploded in the midst of the horses and men, strange to say but one man and two horses were slightly wounded with pieces of shell. My men behaved as coolly as on parade, although the uncommon style of warfare was sufficient to destroy the equanimity of the best troops. I should judge the machines to be about 20-pounder shells; they seemed to be charged with canister. Major Hamilton deserves particular notice for his coolness and gallantry through the entire trip. My thanks are due Maj. James N. Wheelan for volunteering to lead a small p arty around from Barhamsville to cut off the picket at New Kent Court-House Page 314 314 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. which oniy failed on account of the bad road, causing him to be half an hour late. I returned to camp 12.30 this morning. Casualties: Corporal Feiling, Troop B, wounded in shoulder by shell (slightly). iii am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. ONDERDONK, Colonel, Commanding Mounted Rifles. Col. ROBERT M. WEST, Commanding Post. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, April 29, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. I further learn from deserters and prisoners (of which latter 4 were captured and sent down this morning) that there is a regiment of infantry (Fifty-third Virginia) at White House; an accession of cavalry near Charles City Court-House; twenty pieces light artil- lery, both of brass and iron, at Bottoms Bridge, & c.; also that a wagon-load of torpedoes came dowufrom Richmond four days since, in charge of Humes Peninsula Scouts, for use on the Peninsula. road. They are not self-acting, but are discharged by cords at- tached, and managed by men concealed in the woads. The com- manding general can infer from the above and the inclosed how far the enemy are expecting our advance by the Peninsula. I. J. WISTAR, Brigadier- General. APRIL 28, 1864.Reconnaissance to Madison Court-House, Va. Report of Col. ~Thomas C. Devin, Sixth New York Cavalry, corn mauding brigade. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, April 28, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that in pursuance of orders from Brigadier-General Torbert, commanding First Cavalry Divis- ion, I left camp with my brigade at 5.30 a. m. this day, and marched to James City. At that point I halted and detached one squadroii Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, with orders to escort signal officer to the summit of Thoroughfare Mountain. I ~narched thence to Rob- ertson River, where I found the ford picketed by about 30 rebel cav- alry. I ordered the advance of Sixth New York Cavalry, Lieutenant- Colonel Crocker commanding, to charge and carry the ford, which was gallantly done, Lieutenant Cating, of brigade staff, leading the charge and the regiment following. The enemy fired some thirty shots, but fortunately injured no one. The Sixth New York Cav- alry was then ordered to drive the rebel pickets through Madison Court-House, and ascertain the presence of any rebel force in that vicinity or at Wolftown. The other two regiments were held in reserve on this side of the river. It was definitely ascertained that no infantry has been stationed at Wolftown; that William H. F. Lees old brigade (now under a Colonel Chambliss) of cavalry is encamped near the fork of Rob- ertson and Rapidan Rivers, and is picketing Robertson River, hay- ing on the 26th instant relieved Wickhams brigade, which wa Page 315 CHAP. XLV.] SCOUT TOWARD UPPERVILLE, VA. 315 ordered to Fredericksburg, and that not over 20 rebel cavalry had lately occupied Madison Court-House. A small force of infantry is said to be between Jacks Shop and Liberty Mills, at which former point an enrolling officer is located. I ordered the post-office at Madison Court-House to be forced, and the mail seized, but found nothing of importance except some late newspapers. The command remained two hours at Madison Court- House, returning to camp at 5 a. in., after stopping one and one-half hours at James City to feed and cook. Two prisoners of Tenth Vir- ginia Cavalry (Fitzhugh Lees brigade) were captured, together with their arms, horses, and equipments. Three conscripts, en route to the enrolling officer, were also captured. One citizen, charged with being found doing picket duty, armed, & c., was also brought in. * Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. C. DEVIN, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. C. MCCLELLAN, Assistant Adjutant-General. APRIL 28NAY 1, 1864.Scout from Vienna toward Upperville, Va. Report of Col. Charles II. Lowell, jr., Second Massachusetts Gavhlry, commanding brigade. HDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22D ARMY CORPS, Washington, D.. C., May 3, 1864. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Hdqrs. of the Army: COLONEL: I have the honor herewith to inclose the report of Col- onel Lowell, Second Massachusetts Cavalry, commanding cavalry brigade at Vienna, of his recent expedition to the vicinity of Upper- yule. This is the third successful operation of Colonel Lowell within the last month, embracing in all a capture of about 50 of Mosbys men~ between 30 and 40 horses and equipments, and a good deal of other property. I desire to commend in strong terms the zeal and ability displayed by Colonel Lowell in these various expeditions. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant C. C. AUGUR, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, Vienna, Va., May 1, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report return of the cavalry scout sent out on Thursday after visiting Leesburg, Upperville, Paris, Bloomfield, Union, and Rectortown. No force but Mosby was found there. We searched most of the houses designated by General Augur, and have brought in quite a number of arms and contraband goods; also 21 of Mosbys men and 2 blockade-runners (besides 1 of Mosbys men and 1 blockade-rlnner turned over by Colonel McMahon), and from 20 to 25 horses. A report in full from the provost-marshal will be forwarded to-morrow. We brought off a portion of the wool in- dicated in the letter to General Augur, and supplied the command * Names of prisoners omitted Page 316 316 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [cHAP. XLV. pretty well with tobacco. It was impossible to get teams to haul the remainder of the wool. The houses where the bulk of the tobacco must have been stored we did not visit, as the direction of some was given erroneously in the letter, and a good deal of time thus lost. Those below Salem must be left for another visit. We lost 1 sergeant killed, 1 prisoner, and 2 wounded of Second Massachusetts Cavalry, 2 privates killed and 3 prisoners Sixteenth New York Cavalry; 1 of the killed and all of these prisoners were straggling away from the command improperly. We killed 1 of Mosbys batt~iion alid 1 of Sixth Virginia Cavalry, serving with Mosby; wounded 2, besides 2 wounded brought in. All has been quiet in this vicinity during the last twenty-four hours. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. R. LOWELL, JR., Cot. Second Mass. Cay., Comdg. Cavalry Brigade. Capt. W. A. LA MOTTE, Assistant Adjutant-Gerteral, Tylers Division. The body mentioned as buried in Upperville was dug up and brought here, and is subject to your orders. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS TYLERS DIvISION, Fairfax Court-House, May 2, 1864. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the commanding general. I have the honor to commend to the favorable attention of the commanding general the activity and excellent conduct by Colonel Lowell and his command in the late scout. Colonel McMahon, who commanded the iftfantry, also deserves much credit. R. 0. TYLER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. & PRIL 2930, ~1864.Expedition from Newport Barracks to Swausborough, N. C. Report of Cot. James Jourdan, One hundred and fifty-eighth New York Infantry. NEWPORT BARRACKS, April 30, 1864. A small expedition under Captain Kelley, of the Ninth Vermont, left Newport last evening for the purpose of capturing rebel troops at Swausborough and destroying a large quantity of fish ready for shipment to Kinston. Expedition returned to-day with 1 lieutenant, 11 soldiers, and 2 home guards, with their arms, and 2 citizens, pris oners. Captured three or four bo and destroyed about 225 barrels of fish, salted. No loss reported. ill re ort particulars as soon as possfble. ~. JOURDAN, Colonel, Commanding. General PALMER Page 317 CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND PENNSYLVANIA, FROM JANUARY 1 TO APRIL 30, 1864. UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. PONY MOUNTAIN, January 1, 18641.20 p. m. Captain NORTON, Chief Signal Officer, Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac: There seems to be less smoke between Raccoon and Mortons Fords. All else about the same. No unusual stir. Heavy smoke back of Raccoon Ford. HALSTED, Signal Officer. CULPEPER, January 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff: There is as yet no signal station on Cedar Mountain. The detach- ment of 100 men to guard it have accordingly not been sent. The cavalry pickets are north of Cedar Mountain, and only one-fourth mile in front of the front brigade at Mitchells Station. I request you to specify when I shall advance the brigade now in rear to Cedar Mountain, because I think such movements should be simultaneous with the new arrangement of the cavalry pickets demanded by such change. JNO. NEWTON, ]lifajor- General. [IndorsemeiL] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 1, 1864. Respectfully referred to Major-General Pleasonton, commanding Cavalry Corps. The major-general commanding directs that the, cavalry pickets be advanced beyond Cedar Mountain and that every precaution be taken to watch the approach to Cedar Mountain from the right and left, and that instructions be given that in the event of any party of the enemy advancing toward it the guard at the signal station of 100 infantry be immediately warned, as well as the commander of the infantry brigade and division at or near Cedar Mountain. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Jlfajor-General, Chief of Staff. (317 Page 318 318 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 1, 1864. Major-General NEWTON: Instructions have been issued to the Commander of the Cavalry Corps to have the cavalry pickets advanced beyond Cedar Mountain, to have every avenue of approach to Cedar Mountain to the right and left carefully watched, and the commander of the guard at the signal station and the commander of the division near Cedar Mount- ain warned immediately of the approach of any party of the enemy. There should be constant communication with the commander of the division near Cedar Mountain and the commander of the cavalry brigade near Cedar Run, and they should arrange between them every detail necessary to the execution of the duties assigned each. By order: A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Chief of Staff. CULPEPER, January 1, 1864. Major-General HUMPUREYS, Chief of Staff: Do you intend all of Robinsons division to occupy Cedar Mount- ain, or one brigade only? JNO. NEWTON, Major- General. [Indorsement.] Major-General NEWTON, Commanding First Corps: The major-general commanding directs me to say that whether one or both brigades of Robinsons division are posted near Cedar Mountain is left to you. It was thought to be your proposition to take both brigades there in the personal interview on Wednesday, because the brigade near Cedar Run had a wet camp-ground as well as the brigade near Mitchells Station. The exact posting of the brigades of the division is left to you, so that they accomplish the objects of the advanced position of the division A. A. HUMPHREYS Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY CORPS, January 1, 1864. Col. PAUL FRANK, Commanding First Division, Second Corps: COLONEL: The major-general commanding the corps directs me to say that he has ordered the supply train of your division, which is now parked near the mill, on the other side of Mountain Run, to be moved to a point designated by Colonel Batchelder, chief quarter- master Second Corps, near the corduroy road leading to Brandy Station. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. G. MITCHELL, Major and Aide-de-Camp Page 319 CHAP. XLV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 319 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General FRENCH January 1, 1864. Commanding Third Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that the direction and termination of the left of the picket-line of the Third Corps should be governed by the right of that of the Second Corps. The general position of the picket-line of the Second Corps would be modified by the manner in which the brigade of the Sec- ond Corps in front of Stevensburg was posted. A communication upon this subject has just been made to the commander of the Sec- ond Corps, who will advance the right of his picket-line so as to throw it in front of the cavalry and infantry brigade and on the road from Stevensburg to Raccoon Ford. The left of the picket- line of the Third Corps should be advanced accordingly and unite with that of the Second Corps at such point near the Raccoon Ford road as may be found most suitable. A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General FRENCH, January 1, 1864. Commanding Third Corps: The major-general commanding considers it to be best that the left of the picket-line of the Third Corps should be thrown forward about half a mile, so as to be outside of the regimental cavalry camps. The pickets of the Second Corps, where they unite with those of the Third, will be thrown forward simultaneously. An understanding should be had between the commamlers of the two corps respecting the union of their picket-lines. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major- General, Chief of Staff. JANUARY 1, 18643.30 a. m. COMMANDING OFFICER CAVALRY CORPS: I transmit you three telegrams just received, two being copies of dispatches from Harpers Ferry. * J understand the general com- mandings dispatch * to mean that the cavalry division will govern their movements when approaching and while in the valley of the Shenandoah by the information now sent. Please return the tele- grams after they are used by you. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Brigadier-General MERRITT, January 1, 1864. Commanding First Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that the pickets be advanced beyond Cedar Mountain, and that every pre * Probably Sullivan to Kelley, Sullivan to Halleck, and Meade to Humplireys, Vol. XXIX, Part II, pp. 591, 594 Page 320 320 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [OHAP. XLV. caution be taken to watch the approach to Cedar Mountain from the right and left, and that instructions be given that in the event of any party of the enemy advancing toward it the guard at the signal station of 100 infantry be immediately warned as well as the commander of the infantry brigade and division at or near Cedar Mountain. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. B. PARSONS, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FAIRFAX COURT-HousE, January 1, 1864. Lient. Col. J. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant- Generral: I have to-day assumed command of division. R. 0. TYLER, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. ALEXANDRIA, January 1, 1864. Lieut. Col. J. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report my arrival at this point with the leading regiment of my brigade. Four more are follow ing. F. WHEATON, Brigadier- General. 4 MARRIOTTSvILLE, January 1, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General: Captain Simpson directs me to proceed to Harpers Ferry. I left Washington 2 p. m. My rear regiment arrived at the same time. Please telegraph instructions to me at some point on the road. Whom shall I report to at Harpers Ferry? Hurry on my trains with camp and garrison equipage. Quartermaster Murray is in charge of them. F. WHEATON, Brigadier-General, Commanding. CUMBERLAND, MD., January 1, 18648 a. m. (Received 11.45 a. in.) Brigadier-General CULLUM, Chief of Staff: The following just received. All the cars I can raise are engaged in moving Averells troops to Martinsbnrg. May I again ask that two or three regiments of infantry be sent to Averell from Balti- more Page 321 CHAP. XLV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 321 MARTINSBURG, W. VA., January 1, 1864. Brigadier-General KELLEY: Enemy drove in our pickets to Bunker Hill this morning at 4 oclock. Firing heard also on Tuscarora road. Cannot re-enforcements be sent here and North Mountain? W. W. AVERELL, Brigadier-General. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, MD., January 1, 18647 p. m. (Received 9.55 p. in.) Brigadier-General CULLUM, Chief of Staff: A telegram just received from General Sullivan reports all quiet below. The scare this morning was caused by a squad of rebel cavalry near Winchester. I am now satisfied there are no rebel troops north of Mount Jackson, except, perhaps, a few scouts. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad is thoroughly protected, and perfectly safe for passengers and freight. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, Cumberland, January 1, 1864. J. W. GARRETT, Esq., Presiderd Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Baltimore: The reports that the enemy were approaching the railroad in large force with the view of again destroying the bridges, capturing trains, is unfounded. The railroad is well guarded and thoroughly protected, and is perfectly safe for both freight and passengers. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. CUMBERLAND, January 1, 18649 a. m. Colonel MULLIGAN, New Greek: Our pickets were driven in near Martinsburg this a. m. Give notice to your command to be on the alert, especially the troops below here on the railroad. It is reported to me that Enrights was seen near Moorefield with his company a day or two since. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIvISIoN, ]Jfartinsburg, January 1, 1864. Brigadier-General KELLEY, Cumberland: I have not much confidence in the pickets of the Twelfth Penusyl- vania, who brought in the report that they captured 4 prisoners 4 miles this side of Winchester at 4 oclock this morning; that the prisoners were subsequently recaptured by 30. rebels, who pursued the scouts of the Twelfth Pennsylvania to Bunker Hill; also that the prisoners had stated that two brigades arrived. ~t Winchester 21 R RvOL XXXII Page 322 322 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. last night. I have sent out Major Gibson to relieve the pickets of the Twelfth and have requested General Sullivan to direct his cav- alry at Charlestown to communicate with mine at Bunker Hill. It seems probable that General Early has been assigned to the com- mand of the Valley Department, with headquarters at Staunton, and it is likely he is determined to establish an outpost at Winchester or to make a raid on this road. I have placed the infantry and battery in position and taken all measures for defense. If the enemy will wait until my brigade is on its feet here he may come. I think it proper, however, to urge that a force of at least 5,000 infantry should be at once established at this point. WM. W. AVERELL, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 1, 186411 a. m. Brigadier-General AVERELL, Martinsburg: I fully concur with you in regard to the Twelfth Pennsylvania. I am glad you have sent Gibson to the front. Genera 1 Sullivan says Captain Bailey, of the First New York, reports Rossers brigade in Winchester last night. If that is all the force there you can whip them with two of your regiments. Keep me fully advised. I have put all the troops along the line of railroad on the alert. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. HEADQUAR~ERS FOURTH DIVISION, ]lliartinsburg, January 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY, Commanding Department of the Cumberland: My own scouts have returned from Winchester and report noth- ing in the place except scouting party of 40 rebels up to dark last night, but that Sixty-second Virginia Infantry, Eighteenth Virginia Cavalry, Whites battalion, and one or two companies of Gilmors battalion were in the vicinity of Winchester. The rebels report my force in the mountains unable to escape; that 1,200 of my command which had been captured passed through Staunton yesterday. I think it is proper that I should assume command of the entire force at this place. I will endeavor to have no more stampedes. Colonel Rodgers command can, however, make their returns to their proper division commander. If this meets your approbation, please direct it. I still think the permanent infantry force should be increased at this point. As soon as I getmy command in order I will clean out Winchester, if the rebels attempt to occupy it. WM. W. AVERELL, Brigadier- General. WASHINGTON, January 1, l864. Major-General HALLECK: GENERAL: Copies of all telegrams relating to movements near Harpers Ferry and Martinsbnrg have been sent to Major-General Meade. Do you wish any sent to Brigadier-General Lockwood? Very respectfully, & c., THOMAS T. ECKERT, Major, & c Page 323 CHAP. XLV.] 323 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. WASHINGTON, January 1, 18641.16 p. m. Major ECKERT: It is not necessary to send telegrams to General Lockwood unless they interest his command. H. W. HALLECK. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., January 1, 186410.30 a. m. (Received 11.46 a. in.) Brigadier-General CULLUM, Chief of Staff: Captain Bailey, of the First New York Cavalry, has returned, re- porting a force of cavalry in Winchester, and he supposed a force of infantry near. It was so dark he could obtain no news that would give him an opportunity to judge of their numbers. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier-General. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., January 1, 18641 p. m. (Received 4.20 p. in.) Brigadier-General CULLUM, Chief of Staff: The scare at Martinsburg was occasioned by a scouting party, who saw but few rebels, yet learned from prisoners that about 1,000 cav- alry were approaching. My forces are distributed as follows: Mar- tinsburg, 3,000; Charlestown, 800; cavalry between Charlestown and Bunker Hill, 800; cavalry, with infantry ready to support, from this place, 800. I am not strong enough in infantry here to attempt to get in their rear. Orders have been given to Martinsbnrg to drive the force below Winchester. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Brigadier-General SULLIVAN, Washington, January 1, 1864. Harpers Ferry, W. Va.: A brigade of infantry will immediately leave here for Harpers Ferry. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., January 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. G. W. CULLUM, (Received 5.20 p. in.) Chief of Staff: I can learn nothing that need cause any apprehension. I believe a scare of pickets only has produced this excitement. Trains run regularly, and nothing can be found of any enemy by my forces from Charlestown. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 324 324 OPERATIONS IN N. cx, VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. MARTINSBURG, W. VA., January 1, 1864. (Received 8.25 P. in.) General CULLUM, Chief of Staff: From information received here I report no enemy certainly this side of Winchester. I occnpy all the important points on the roads as far as Bnnker Hill with cavalry. A citizen from Berryville reports that the force that was at Strasbnrg moved np the valley to-day. I am certain that a scare of the pickets was magnified tQ a great extent, since the heavy firing reported on Tnscarora road turns out to be a salute for the new year. ~ ~ SULLIVAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. MARTINSBURG, W. VA., January 1, 1864. Captain BOONE, Asststant Adjutant-General: My scont, when within 4 miles of Winchester, was attacked at 4 this morning and pursued to Bnnker Hill. My troops are under arms and about being formed. Rebels reported as one brigade. R. S. RODGERS, Colonel, Commanding. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., January 1, 1864. Colonel RODGERS, ]Ifartinsburg, W. Va.: What men have you? Boyd has gone to Bnnker Hill. J. C. SULLiVAN, Brigadier-General. MARTINSBURG, W. VA., January 1, 1864. Captain BOONE, Assistant Adjutant-General: Two sqnadrons of the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, with one regiment of cavalry of General Averells command, all nnder com- mand of Major Gibson, are at Bunker Hill. All qniet in town. R. S. RODGERS, Colonel, Commanding. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., January 1, 1864. Colonel RODGERS, llifartinsburg, W. Va.: Send along railroad. Notify all stations. Put Opequon on its guard. Move out a force strong enough to check the onemy. Let me know where they are. Keep town quiet. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier-General Page 325 CHAP. XLV.] CORRESPONDE1~CE, ETO.UNION. 325 HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., January 1, 1864. Colonel RODGERS, Martinsburg, W. Va.: Should telegraph wire be cut between us use the signal with Mary- land Heights. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier- General. MARTINSBURG, W. VA., January 1, 1864. Captain BOONE, Assistant Adjutant-General: Telegram received; all your orders are being executed. All my cavalry have gone to support the squadron at Bunker Hill. General Averell has sent a strong force toward North Mountain. R. S. RODGERS, Colonel, Commanding. HARPERS FERRY, W, VA., January 1, 1864. Colonel RODGERS, .Martinsburg, W. Va.: Your own forces are for the protection of the road. You are the commandant of the post. General Averells command should cover the town. You keep it quiet. I look to you. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier-General. MARTINSBIJRG, W. VA., January ii, 1864. Captain IBOONE, Assistant Adjutant-General: My cavalry party are still at Bunker Hill. Cavalry have gone to their support. It is believed that two rebel brigades are at Win- chester. R. S. RODGERS, Colonel, Commanding. CAMDEN STATION, BALTIMORE, Mm, January 1, 1864. (Received 10.50 a. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Our agent at Martinsburg telegraphs us at 7.50 this morning that General Averell advises us to move all our power and cars to Har- pers Ferry, or east of that. The pickets were driven, at 4 oclock this a. in., from a point 4 miles north of Winchester. One brigade of the enemy reported as moving toward Martinsburg. The general also reports that the Government pickets were driven in at Bunker Hill and firing heard on the Tuscarora road. These advices appear to be ominous of a heavy movement. Will you require additional trans~. portation, and from what point? 5. W. GARRETT, President Page 326 326 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. CONFIDENTIAL.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 2, 1864. Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War: SIR: The admiral in command of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron is confident that he can land a military force on the open beach to the westward of Fort Caswell, whence the reduction of that important work is easily accomplished by the engineers. The result of such operation is to enable the naval vessel~ to lie inside, as is the case at Charleston, thus closing the port effectually. As this is the only port by which any supplies whatever reach the rebels, and as the armies are mostly going into winter quarters, it seems a fit opportunity to undertake such an operation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 2, 1864. ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY: I have the honor to request that I may be informed whether it is expected that Wheatons brigade, Sixth Corps, recently detached from this army for service in the Shenandoah Valley, will remain absent for some weeks. The brigade numbers about 2,000 men, and its absence will to that extent diminish the number of furloughs that can now be given in this army to soldiers re-enlisting as veteran volunteers. There is a general disposition on the part of those eligi- ble to re-enlist, provided they can at once be granted the furlough of thirty days. The unexpected reduction by 2,000 of the number of furloughs I had calculated upon granting at the present time will, I fear, have an unfavorable effect upon re-enlistments. Very respectfully, & c., GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. PONY MOUNTAIN, January 2, 18645 p. m. Captain NORTON: The smoke reported this p. m. is still visible, but much reduced. Nothing new over the river. A heavy white smoke at signal station on Clarks Mountain about 3 p. m. has disappeared. It seemed like brush burning. PAINE. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC January 2, 1864 Major-General PLEASONTON, Commanding Cavalry Corps: The major-general commanding directs that not less than 100 cav- alry be stationed as guards to the signal office on Cedar Mountain in addition to the 100 infantry ordered from the First Corps. They should be concealed as far as practicable from the view of the enemy Page 327 c~HAP. XLVI OORRI~2SPONDENOE; ETO.--UNION. The major-general commanding desires to have the position of the cavalry pickets, vedettes, guards, & c., designated on one of the printed maps, together with the camps of cavalry brigades, regi- ments, or detachments, and the map or maps forwarded to these headquarters. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. P. S.The number of cavalry on picket duty should likewise be noted on the maps, as well as the roads that are patrolled, the dis- tance out which they are patrolled, & c. A.A.H. WARRENTON, January 2, 1864. Captain PARSONS: I arrived with the brigade at Bealetou at dark yesterday, camped near there, and this morning detached the Third Indiana to camp between Bealeton and Morrisville according to orders. I arrived here at 11 oclock a. m. and relieved the pickets of the brigade on duty. All quiet on my picket-line at 6 p. m. WM. GAMBLE, Colonel, Commanding. MARTINSBURG, W. VA., January 2, 1864. Captain BOONE, Assistant Adjutant-General: Force last night went within 4 miles of Winchester and returned to Bunker Hill. Colonel Boyd returned to Charlestown. The Twelfth Pennsylvania and Gibsons battalion designed going to Winchester this morning. R. S. RODGERS, Colonel, ~3Iommanding. MARTINSBURG, W. VA., January 2, 1864. Captain BOONE, Assistant Adjutant-General: Major Bell, Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, returned from near Winchester, reports that enemy, 1,500 strong, composed of Whites, Gilniors, and Imbodens commands, left Winchester via Romney road at 5 p. m. yesterday. Detachment Twenty-second Pennsyl- vania remained in Winchester during the night. R. S. RODGERS, Colonel, Commanding. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., January 2, 1864. Colonel RODGERS, Martinsbnrg, W. Va.: Telegraph me exactly Major Bells language. How close was he to Winchester? Answer immediately. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier-General Page 328 ~328 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [cHAP. XLV. MARTINSBURG, January 2, 1864. Captain BOONE, Assistant A~jutant-Generc~l: Major Bell reported verbally that he was informed by Colonel Boyd yesterday that he intended to go to Winchester, and that he and Major Gibson, of Averells command, joined him when he marched, falling into the rear of the colnmn. When about 4 miles from Winchester, Colonel Boyd halted and retnrned to Bunker Hill at 8 last night, he going on to Charlestown, Bell and Gibson re- maining at Bnnker Hill. Abont 12 to-day a detachment of Twenty- second Pennsylvania Cavalry and one section artillery arrived at Bnnker Hill, and reported that they had gone to Winchester by the way of Berryville; that the enemy, abont 1,500, consisting of Whites, Gilmors, and Imbodens commands, left Winchester in the direction of Romney at 5 yesterday, as they were informed by citizens. The Twenty-second went into Winchester and remained there all night. R. S. RODGERS, Colonel, Commanding. CUMBERLAND, January 2, 1864. Colonel MULLIGAN, New Creek: General Sullivan reports that his scout from Winchester learned that the enemy had moved toward Romney; that is, Imbodens and Gilmors forces. Order Colonels Campbell and Thoburn to be on the alert. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. FOURTH DIv., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA, llifartinsburg, January 2, 1864. Brigadier-General KELLEY, Commanding Department, Cumberland: From information sent to Colonel Rodgers this morning by Gen- eral Sullivan I think it important that General Wheatons force should arrive here to-day, and as a precantionary measure, there should be a pontoon bridge at Falling Waters or Williamsport. General Sullivan states that Imboden and Early are in the vicin- ity of Winchester with the intention of attacking this place. They will not attempt an attack except with a large force, which could not be very well spared from Lees army. WM. W. AVERELL, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION, ]Jlartinsburg, January 2, 1864. Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY, Cumberland: The following dispatch has jnst been received from Colonel Mc- Caslin~at Sir Johns Rnn: My scouts just in from the south of this county report having received informa- tion from citizens of Winchester that Early and Imboden with 10,000 men were at that place and Rosser with 700 men were at that place, the latter intending to cut the road at Paw Paw or Little Cacapon. M. McCASLIN, Colonel Page 329 CHAP. XLV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~NTO~. 329 At 8 p. m. I directed a scouting party from the First [West] Vir- ginia Cavalry at North Mountain to go via Mills Gap to Bloomery at once. My men and horses are not in good condition. The Eighth and First Virginia and Ewings battery have not arrived. If you, will order General Wheatons command to this point I shall feel secure and will soon be able to assume the offenswe. WM. W. AVERELL, Brigadier- General. CUMBERLAND, January 2, 18645 p. m. Brigadier-General AVERELL, Marfinsburg: General Wheaton with five regiments was ordered from Washing- ton to Harpers Ferry. A portion, I learn, have already arrived. I will go to Martinsburg and the Ferry as soon as I can safely leave here. If Imboden and Gilmor are coming up this way I do snot wish to be far away. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. CUMBERLAND, January 2, 18645 p. m. Brigadier-General AVERELL, llfartinsburg: Send a scout to-morrow morning via Mills Gap, Shanghai, and Ungers Store to Bloomery, and ascertain if there is any truth in the report of Imboden coming up this way. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION, ]I/fartinsburg, January 2, 1864. Brigadier-General KELLEY, Cumberland: I have but very few horses able to go to Winchester. Infantry can move faster than cavalry, ~nd farther during this weather, and I should prefer to send my men on foot, those who have shoes and are able to walk. Fitz. Lees horses must be in miserable condition, as it has taken since Wednesday last to reach Petersburg from Mount Jackson. Cannot the Tenth [West] Virginia, by a forced march over the Seneca route via Franklin, reach the South Fork before Lees return? They should send scouts ahead to ascertain what his route may be. I do not believe that the enemy can move Thoburn if he has enough ammunition. It is impossible, I believe, to cut Lee off from this point with my command in its present con- dition. A movement of infantry to Mount Jackson beyon~l would stand some chance of harassing him. I will send forward my avail- able cavalry force in the morning, but it will necessarily be very small. WM. W. AVERELL, Brigadier-General Page 330 ~3O OPE1~ATJOIt{S IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. CUMBERLAND, January 2, 1864-~--5 p. m. Colonel MOCASLIN, Sir Johns Run: I have ordered General Averell to send a cavalry scout to-morrow across by Shanghai and Ungers Store to Bloomery. Keep your scouts on the a ert. Dont suffer your command to be snrprised. No rebel force in Winchester. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. PONY MOUNTAIN, January 3, 18645 p. m. Captain NORTON, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: I have carefully reconnoitered along the enemys position, and can discover no alteration. PAINE. WATERY MOUNTAIN, January 3, 1864. Captain NORTON: The cavalry have not yet returned. I think it was their smoke seen this ~. m. WILSON, Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS, January 3, 1864. Major-General HUMPHREYS, Chief of Staff; SIR: I inclose herewith sketch* showing position of the Second Di- vision, together with a note* from General Robinson. I received one last night complaining about the non-establishment of the picket-line, as directed by you, and immediately wrote to General Merritt on the subject. Unless the cavalry can be so posted as to give General Robinson adequate notice of a hostile approach, I should respect- fully recommend the withdrawal of the infantry division from Cedar Mountain, as the risk would then counterbalance any advantage to be gained by occupying such position. The cavalry pickets have not advanced beyond Cedar Mountain. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. NEWTON, JtJiajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, January 3, 1864. Major-General HuMPUREYs, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that instructions were yesterday given General Merritt in regard to posting his pickets, as directed. He is ordered to report as soon as the line is established. Not found Page 331 CHAP. XLV.) CORRI~SPOJ~TD]3~NCE, ETO.TITMOTh The printed maps have been furnished both General Kilpatrick and General Merritt, with instructions to have the position of pickets, vedettes, camps of brigades, regiments, & c., noted on the map. The maps will be forwarded to yon with the least possible delay. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. PLEASONTON, ]JEajor- General. WARRENTON, January 3, 18648 p. m. (Received 8.20 p. in.) Major-General PLEASONTON: I have the honor to report that I left Front Royal at 10.30 a. m. this morning; arrived here at 7.30 p. in. this evening. From infor- mation received at Front Royal, General Early, with 10,000 mounted men and eight pieces~f artillery, is between Woodstock and Stras- burg, about starting on a raid for the purpose of striking the Balti- more and Ohio Railroad, by way of Winchester and Martinsburg. Colonel Taylor was not able to ford the river at Front Royal, the river being too deep. Would leave his camp, Front Royal, about 12 oclock this morning, expecting to arrive here by noon to-mor- row. No report of any body of the enemy being on this side of the river. By command of Col. J. P. Taylor, commanding: T. J. GREGG, Aide-de-Camp. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, January 3, 186410.15 p. in. Respectfully forwarded. This report evidently exaggerates the number of mounted men at Strasburg. The whole rebel cavalry does not come up to that force at this time. A. PLEASONTON, lliliajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 3, 186411 p. m. COMMANDING O~FIcER CAVALRY CORPs: Your communication of 10.30 p. m. is received. The major-general commanding~ directs me to say that the return of Colonel Taylor, under the circumstances reported, evinces an en- tire misconstruction of the object of the expedition. He directs that a messenger be dispatched to meet Colonel Taylor and prevent his return to Warrenton, and that that officer be directed to return to the Shenandoah and move up that river until he finds a place where he can cross it, and obtain positive information as to the position and movements of the enemy, actual or intended. Colonel Taylors further operations, after he has obtained this information, must de- pend upon the circumstances in rhich he finds himself placed. If the opportunity offers of harassing or striking the enemy success- fully he will take advantage of it. Very respectfully, A. A. HUMPHREYS, itajor-General and Chief of Staff Page 332 332 OPERATIONS IN N. 0., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. BEALETON, January 3, 1864. Captain PARSONS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General: What duty is the Third Indiana Cavalry, First Division, to per- form? The regiment is simply encamped, not picketing. The pickets of the Second Pennsylvania, near Morrisville, should be re- lieved. Signal officer at Watery Mountain reports having heard guns towards Manassas Gap this p. in.; only two guns. D. MoM. GREGG, Brigadier-General. WATERY MOUNTAIN, January 3, 18642 p. in Captain WEIR, Assistant Adjutant-General: Have heard two guns this p. m. Sound appeared to come from direction and beyond Chester Gap. Could see no smoke from the guns. Some camp smokes have sprung up in the direction of Man- assas Gap, and just beyond the Big Cobbler Mountain. A black smoke, as if from a burning house, seen near Thoroughfare Gap. F. WILSON, Captain and Signal Officer. WATERY MOUNTAiN, January 3, 18643.15 p. in. Captain WEIR, Assistant Adjutant-General: I think the smokes reported are near Markham Station. The guns heard are beyond or in Manassas Gap. Can see no troops and every- thing is quiet now. WILSON, Captain, Signal Qificer.. CUMBERLAND, MD., January 3, 186410 a. m. (Received 12.10 p. in.) Brigadier-General CULLUM, Chief of Staff: I send you, for the information of the General-in-Chief, copy of General Sullivans dispatch. If the enemy comes toward Romney or Moorefield I will be ready for him, and will certainly prevent his safe return. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., January 3, 1864. The following just received: CHARLESTOWN, W. VA., January 2, 1864. I have the honor to report the return of Captain Stearns. fle wenk by way of Bunker Hill. There he met Major Gibson, of General Averells command. They had not sent any party toward Winchester. To-day Captain Stearns went within 3 miles of Winchester, met 3 deserters, and returned. He conversed with some citizens, who said Fitz. Lee and Rosser had gone toward Moorefield yesterday; tha Page 333 CHAP. XLV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 333 Imboden and White were on the Cedar Creek; were about 2 miles from Winchester. These deserters confirm this, and say Early is in command of the whole. Walkers brigade of infantry went with Lee. Winchester certainly is not occupied by any troops, but stragglers are in and out. Imboden has two pieces of artillery (iron). Have some wagons, and forage as they go along. Early has a large wagon train; Imboden but a few. It is Colonel Imboden, not general. The general is in Rich- mond. The deserters say a small force lies between Front Royal and Berryville, and that they heard officers say the design was to attack Martinsburg, and all meet about here. I give the above for what it is worth. The command originally started with six days rations. Rossers brigade crossed the river in a scow at New Market, a few at a time. To find it out our infantry can come up here and occupy this place, which will enable us to take all available cavalry. I send desertersto you. W. II. BOYD, Colonel, Commanding. It is certainly strange that I can get no force to enter Winchester. I sent Colonel Boyd peremptory orders to go to Winchester and find out. The weather is intensely cold, and no signs of moderation. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 3, 18648 p. m. Brigadier-General SULLIVAN, Harpers Ferry: I presnme Averells breach of gentlemanly and officer-[like] bear- ing was cansed probably by an order I gave him last night. He has been importuning me to scold him Wheatons troops to enab]e him to hold the place. I ordered him in case he was assailed in large force to fall back to Harpers Ferry with all the force at Mar- tinsburg. This, I presume, has displeased him. Send your tele- grams to him, keeping copies ~f all. Have you any news to-night? B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 3, 186410 p. m. Brigadier-General SULLIVAN, Harpers Ferry: Imboden and McNeill attacked and captured a wagon train to-day near Williamsport, in Hardy County. I presume the movement down the valley was to cover this operation and to secure their safe return. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., January 3, 1864. Colonel RODGERS, Martinsbnrg, W. Va.: There is but little doubt that Earlys division is this side Strasbnrg. Be on the alert. Notify Gener~d Averell. Deserters say part have gone up Romi~ey road. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier-General Page 334 334 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CRAP. XLV. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., January 3, 1864. Colonel RODGERS, Martinsburg, W. Va.: Major Bells report proves to be untrue. Early and Imboden are yet near Winchester. My troops have not occupied the town or been in it. At 10 a. m. to-morrow start a cavalry force of 100 men to co-operate with a force sent from Charlestown, and give them written orders to procee4 to Winchester and see the force of the enemy stationed there. The prisoners brought in say that Earlys inten- tion was to attack Martinsburg. I advise you to be on the alert. Show this to General Averell. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier-General. MARTINSBURG, W. VA., January 3, 1864. Captain BOONE, Assistant Adjutant- General: I had anticipated yours, and sent 50 cavalry to Bunker Hill at 2 a. m. At 10 a. m. I sent 50 more to join them. They will proceed to Winchester a~ ordered. General Averell learned at 1 a. m. from commanding officer at Sir Johns Run of Early, Imboden, and Rosser being in Winchester last night. This force reported at 10,700. R. S. RODGERS, Colonel, Commanding. MARTINSBURG, W. VA., January 3, 1864. Captain BOONE, Assistant Adjutant-General: My scouts sent out this [day] at 1 approached within a mile of Winchester, driving rebel pickets before them. Learned from citi- zens at that point that Gilmors battalion was guarding town, and Imbodens command was encamped at Union Mills, i~ miles above town. Scouts returned 9 miles until met by the party sent from here at 10 a. in., when both started for Winchester at 2 this p. m. R. S. RODGERS, Colonel, Commanding. HARPERS FERRY, January ~3, 1864. (Received 11.50 p. in.) Brigadier-General CULLUM, Chief c?,f Staff: My cavalry from the Ferry, under Colonel Boyd, entered Win- chester at 3 p. in., capturing a few prisoners. Lees, Rossers, and Walkers brigades of infantry have gone westward. Early has about 5,000 infantry near Middletown, expecting Meade to cross at Front Royal or higher up. One of Imbodens aides read a dispatch to that effect this morning and was overheard. About 800 cavalry are between Winchester and Middletown. My cavalry will attack them. I have a deserter from General Lee who reports the following, which, by permission of General Kelley, I send direct to you: Mosby is in Loudonit lie has, beside8 14s own men, tWO companiesth Page 335 CHAP. XLV.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 335 Black Horse and Little Fork Rangers. Some of Mosbys men told him that abont 6,000 men were coming down the valley. General Lees Army of Northern Virginia numbers about 46,000 men, in- cluding force now in valley. The army is now better clothed than ever before. Large quantities of clothing and boots have been re- ceived from England. I know that Mosby is in Londoun with Hamptons Legion. The man is intelligent. Shall I send him to you? J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 3, 186410 a. in., Brigadier-General AvERELL, Jliliartinsburg: I cannot believe it is the intention of Early to attack yo~i in force. If, however, I should be mistaken, and he approach you in large force, you will retire with all the force at Martinsburg to Harpers Ferry, under the protection of our batteries on Maryland Heights, and where we can unite all of our forces and take the offensive. As for Imboden, Gilmor, Rosser, or Fitzhugh Lee, or even all com- bined, I have no fear but what you can with your command take care of yourself and them too. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. CUMBERLAND, January 3, 186410 p. in. Brigadier-General AvERELL, iiilartinsburg: Imboden and McNeill attacked and captured a wagon train to-day near Williamsport. I.presume the movement of troops down the valley was to cover this operation and to secure their safe return. I unfortunately have not cavalry sufficient to follow them, and I presume it will be impossible for you to cut them off. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. CUMBERLAND, January 3, 186411 p. in. Brigadier-General AvERELL, Jlfartinsburg: Colonel Boyd reports from Winchester at 4 p. in. to-day that Lees and Rossers cavalry had gone to Paw Paw, and would proba- bly come to Cutnberland; that Early was at Middletown, and was expecting a force from Meade to cross at Front Royal. The Eight- eenth Cavalry and White?s battalion were left to watch our move- ments, and were at or near Kerustown. Boyd was going out to meet him. Just received a dispatch from Colonel Mulligan, advising me that Lee and Rosser were besieging Thoburn at Petersburg. Move forward to-morrow morning all of your available cavalry force to Winchester, and assist Boyd. I fear Thoburn is in a tight place. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General Page 336 336 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. CUMBERLAND, January 3, 186411 p. m. Colonel iViIULLIGAN, New Creek: I think it will not be advisable to uncover New Creek. I fear that is the point the enemy is after, or this. Wait until we hear some- thing further. Hold the First Virginia Cavalry in readiness. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 3, 1864. Colonel CAMPBELL, Springfield: It is rumored that Fitz. Lee and Imboden are moving toward Romney. Keep your scouts well out; also direct them to do the same along the railroad below. How is the South Branch? Is it fordable? B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 3, 18649 p. m. Colonel CAMPBELL, Springfield: McNeill has again captured wagon train to-day near Williams- port, and carried off all the horses. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBER~tAND, Jan.uary 3, 186411 p. m. Colonel CAMPBELL, Springfield: A dispatch from General Sullivan just received. Reports that Lees and Rossers cavalry left Winchester for Paw Paw, and in- tended to come to this place. Strengthen your pickets at the bridge and ford. Be on the alert. I depend on you to keep the enemy from here. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., January 4, 18643 p. m. General MEADE: If the present fall of snow should continue it will stop for a time all military movements. General Sullivan has just reported that Early has fallen back to Strasburg. H. ~. HALLECK, General-in-Chief Page 337 CHAP. XLV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 337 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 4, 186410.30 a. m. (Received 12.20 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: An officer from Colonel Smith [Taylor], commanding cavalry division sent into the Shenandoah Valley, arrived at Warrenton last night from Front Royal, reporting the Shenandoah River not fordable, and that Colonel Smith fTaylor] was returning, his com- mand broken down from the severity of the weather and the bad condition of the roads and want of supplies. It was reported at Front Royal that Early was at Strasburg with infantry and cavalry, abont to make a raid on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. I fear it is too late, even if practicable, to intercept this operation from any movement from this army. The Shenandoah cannot be crossed withont a bridge, and it is doubtful whether a bridge train can be transported at the present season and weather. Any force to be of use should be so strong as to overcome the enemy concentrated on his return. With my army weakened by the detachments already made, and the large number of furloughs granted, I feel reluctant to send a large force away, particularly as I doubt the practicability of moving it over the roads we are compelled to use at this season. I would rather suggest sending troops by railroad if they are re- quired for defensive purposes. Please give me your views whether I shall send back the cavalry or a strong force of all arms. GLO. G. MEADE, Major-General. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, January 4, 1864. Maj. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE, Commanding Army of the Potomac: SIR: In reply to your communication of the 2d instant, I am in- structed by the General-in-Chief to inform you that the detachment of Wheatons brigade is only temporary, and that it will return the moment Earlys raid is checked or driven back. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. MITCHELLS STATION, January 4, 1864. Major-General NEWTON, Commanding First Army Corps: Lieutenant-Colonel Allen has just returned from re-establishing the picket-line. My pickets cover the whole front for a distance of 4~- or 5 miles, and are 1 mile from camp. The cavalry connect on the left, but no eava~ry pickets can be found on the right. J. C. ROBINSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 4, 18642.15 p. m. Major-General SYKES, Commanding Fifth Corps: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that the protection of the railroad at Rappahannock Station will probably 22 ~ a-voL NXXIU Page 338 338 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. be left to two divisions of the Fifth Corps, and that you make every preparation to concentrate the First Division quickly, and move it forward to take the place of the Sixth Corps. In the event of the division moving, a small force will be left to guard the bridges at Rap- pahannock Station, until part of one of the other divisions comes up. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 4, 186411.45 a. m. COMMANDING OFFICER SIXTH CORPS: The major-general commanding directs that you hold two divis- ions ready to move at a momenti~ notice, with supply train and two batteries (eight pieces) of artillery. Please report the strength of the two divisions, the number of dais rations on hand, and number of days forage on hand. Arrangements had better be made to put the five days rations in the knapsack, and for driving beef on the hoof. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 4, 18642.15 p. m. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding Sixth Corps: The major-general commanding directs me to say that the whole of the Sixth Corps should be held ready to move, with full supply of rations and forage. A division of the Fifth Corps will be sent to take the place of the Sixth Corps in the event of its moving. Sixty rounds of ammunition, including the 40 rounds in the cartridge- boxes, should be taken. Such part of the ambulance trains as you deem proper should be held ready to move with the troops. Eight pieces of artillery are considered sufficient. All the forage that it is practicable to carry should be taken with the corps. A. A. HUMPIIREYS Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, January 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant A~jntant- General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In conThliance with orders received to-day, II respect- fully submit the following field report of this command present for duty, officers and men: Command. Officers. Men. First Division 250 4,696 Second Division 162 3,008 Third Division 160 3,211 Artillery Brigade 797 The Artillery Brigade has 735 serviceable horses and 46 field pieces. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN SEDGWJCK, Major-General Page 339 CEfAP. XLV.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 339 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Culpeper, Va., January 4, 1864. Capt. E. B. PARSONS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: All quiet on the lines. Four deserters from the Fourth Alabama Infantry came in to-day. Their accounts are rather mixed. They say Heths and Johnsons divisions have gone to Gordonsville and Staunton. W. MERRITT, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Bealeton, January 4, 18645 p. m. Captain PARSONS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: Several of the regiments of the Second Brigade have made winter quarters at Bealeton. One regiment of this brigade is camped on the railroad between Warrenton and Warrenton Junction. Good camps at that point for a brigade. D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 4, 1864. Brigadier-General GREGG: Your division remains at Warrenton until further orders. The orders sent you last night are countermanded. You will please direct Colonel Taylor to send a report by telegraph of the state of the roads and whether it is practicable to send a pontoon train to the Shenan- doah River, and a so the condition of his command, whether able to return to the Shenandoah or not. By order: E. B. PARSONS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Bealeton, January 4, 18645 p. m. Captain PARSONS, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Cavalry Corps: Colonel Taylor has returned to Warrenton. A staff officer just arrived reports for Colonel Taylor that it is utterly impracticable to take pontoons to the Shenandoah. The roads are almost impassable for horsemen. The command is much broken down, and could not move again for a week. The Second Brigade, having left their prop- erty at Bealeton, is much exposed in this storm. D. McM. GREGG, Brigadier-General Page 340 340 OPERATIONS IN N, C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. XLV. HEADQUAETERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, .J3ealetort, January 4, 1864. Captain PARSONS: The following dispatch just received from Colonel Taylor: Arrived at Warrenton 2 p. m. Command worn out. The roads impassable for trains of any kind. Pontoons to reach the Shenandoah could only go from Cul- peper to Chester Gap by way of Sperryville. D. MCM. GREGG, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, lVarrenton, January 4, 1864. Lient. Col. C. R. SMITH: I arrived here with my command at 3 p. m. to-day, and reported at once to General Gregg. J. P. TAYLOR, Colonel, Commanding. WARRENTON, January 4, 18644.30 p. m. General GREGG: The only possible way for pontoons to reach the Shenandoah would be from Culpeper to Chester Gap, by way of Sperryville and Gaines~ Cross-Roads. By order of Col. J. P. Taylor, commanding Second Cavalry Division: T. J. GREGG, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. WARRENTON, January 4t, 1864. Brigadier-General GREGG: In compliance with orders, report as follows: First Brigade, 67 officers and 1,522 enlisted men; Second Brigade, 54 officers and 943 enlisted men. H. C. WEIR, Assistant Adjutant-General. WARRENTON, January 4, 18644.35 p. m. General GREGG: Colonel Taylor arrived here with his command at 2.30 p. m. Re- ports the command worn out and the roads over which he has passed impassable for trains of any kind; has just sent a report by Lieu- tenant Collins. By command of Col. J. P. Taylor, commanding forces: T. J. GREGG, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Elamp Page 341 OnA?. XLV.] CORRI1~SPONIfl~NCI~, tTC4IJMON. 341 HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Colonel TAYLOR, January 4, 18647.15 p. m. Warrenton: The major-general commanding desires to know by what route your command marched from Warrenton to Front Royal, and by what route it returned. Reply desired as soon as possible. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. CUMBERLAND, MD., January 4, 1864. Brigadier-General CULLUM, (Received 5.55 p. in.) Chief of Staff: I send for the information of the General-in-Chief a copy of tele- gram just received from General Averell: MARTINSBITRG, W. VA., January 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY: Two deserters and 2 prisoners report that General Early arrived at Mount Jack- son on Wednesday morning with the commands of Generals Fitz. Lee, Rosser, Archer, Thomas, Jones, and Imboden. It was thought Lee was going to Paw Paw Tunnel; that Walker, with three brigades, was going to Page Valley, and that an attack was intended on Martinsburg. It was said that Ewell was on his way to the valley with 20,000 men. They all tell the same story. Captain Johnson, Twelfth Pennsylvania, came in at midnight, and reports that he went with Colonel Boyd 7 miles beyond Winchester yesterday evening to Newtown, where they encountered the pickets of the enemy. Whites battalion, Eighteenth and Sixty-second, were encamped in that vicinity. The report was circulated that Ewell had arrived at Mount Jackson with 20,000 men. Colonel Boyd said he would return to the Ope- quon last night, and to Charlestown this morning. I have sent a regiment to Win- chester to picket in that direction. It seems to be an imperative necessity that there should be a bridge across the Potomac at Falling Waters or Williamsport as a pre- cautionary measure, as it might be impracticable for me to retire to Harpers Ferry if attacked by a superior force. W. W. AVERELL, Brigadier-General. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. WILLIAM P. SMITH, CUMBERLAND, January 4, 18641 p. m. Camden Station, Baltimore: Please have troop trains pushed through to this place as rapidly as possible. Make all else give way. The safety of the road and property demands it. Answer. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 18647 a. m. Brigadier-General SULLIVAN, Harpers Ferry: Your telegram received. Send me the Twelfth Virginia if you can get cars. Get them off as soon as possible. I have only on Page 342 ~42 OPERATIOINS I1~ N. ~., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ICHAP. XLV. company here. Nothing further from Thoburn. I have confidence he will whip them off. I ordered Averell to send all of his available cavalry force to Winchester this a. m. if the infantry force of Early has retreated up the valley. Send Colonel Boyd with all of your available cavalry to Moorefield by the way of Wardensville for the purpose of cutting off the enemy and relieving Thoburn. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 18641 p. m. Brigadier-General SULLIVAN, Bar~ers Ferry: Push the Twelfth [West Virginia] off as soon as possible. It is important they reach here to-night. Nothing from Thoburn this a. m. I trust he will be all right. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 18644 p. m. Brigadier-General SULLIVAN, Harpers Ferry: Hold Colonel Boyd in readiness, but let him rest his men and horses and await further orders. Averell sent a regiment to Win- chester to-day. Nothing further from Thoburn. If they take him, before they do it somebody will get hurt. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 186411.30 p. m. Brigadier-General SULLIVAN, Harpers Ferry: Lee and Rosser are reported besieging Colonel Thoburn at Peters- burg. I have no force to send to his relief without exposing all of my supplies to be captured at New Creek. I have ordered Averell to move all of his available cavalry to-morrow morning to Winches- ter to support Boyd. Hold your command in readiness to move or fight at a moments notice. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 18649.45 a. m. Colonel CAMPBELL, Springfield: Colonel Thoburn is besieged by the rebels in large force. I tele- graphed you last night, but have, received no answer yet. Be on the alert. Do not suffer yourself to be surprised, and be ready to move at any moment if necessary. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General Page 343 CHAP. XLV.] COREESPONDENCE, ETC.~NIO~. 343 CUMBERLAND, January 4, 186412.30 p. m. Colonel CAMPBELL, Spriagfield: Please send a picket to Frankfort, so as to keep yourself and me advised if the enemy make a movement on this place down Patter- sons Creek. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 18644 p. m. Colonel CAMPBELL, Springfield: Rossers brigade of cavalry is at Burlington, no doubt on its way here. You will immediately move to the mouth of Pattersons Creek and thence up to the railroad bridge at North Branch, and I will either have it planked over or send cars to bring you over. You must move at once. I cannot learn the strength of Rossers com- mand. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 186478.45 p. m. Colonel CAMPBELL, Springfield: You must move at once as ordered, so as to be here by daylight to-morrow morning. We will be attacked here to-morrow unless we are prepared. Dont wait a moment after you receive this. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 18646 a. m. Colonel MULLIGAN, New Creek: Have you any news during the night? The force assailing Tho- burn cannot exceed 2,000 men, with very little artillery, if any. Cant he hold out? How much ammunition has he got? What do you think of the proposition of taking the First Virginia Cavalry and a section of Carlins battery, and by a rapid movement go to the assistance of Thoburn? B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 186411 a. m. Colonel MULLIGAN, New Creek: I only made the suggestion for your consideration. I am still of the opinion it is their intention to come here or go to New Creek. Please send a small cavalry scout via Knobly to the Pattersons Creek road, so we may be advised of any movement on this place. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General Page 344 344 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 1864. Colonel MULLIGAN, New Greek: Please answer my telegram of this morning. Have ordered the Fourth Virginia Cavalry and all the other force Wilkinson can spare to New Creek; also ordered the Eighth Virginia Cavalry to stop there, now on the way from Webster to Martinsburg. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 18648.45 p. m. Colonel MULLIGAN, New Greek: I have ordered Campbell to move to Green Spring to-night. I will send cars for him at 11 p. m. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 186410 p. m. Colonel MULLIGAN, New Greek: As the enemy have not attacked Thoburn I am satisfied that they are not prepared to attack any fortifications, and will not attack you. You will therefore push the Eighth [West Virginia] ~Regi- ment right on to me here on its arrival. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 1864. Colonel MULLIGAN, New Creek: I advised Campbell to be on the alert. Telegraph him in the morning. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 186411 a. m. Captain FARRIs, Oakland: Keep your men about your block-house and ready for any emer- gency. You must protect that bridge at all hazards. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 186410 a. m. COMMANDING OFFICER AT BEVERLY: The enemy are moving on us all along my.lines. Petersburg is now besieged by a large force. Be on the alert. If Keepers battery has not left Beverly, hold it there. Answer. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General Page 345 Ca& x~. XLV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC4ITNION. 345 CUMBERLAND, January 4, 186411 p. m. Colonel OLEY, Piedmont: Your telegram just received, and makes me feel good. Push on your trains as soon as they arrive to this point. Get here before morning if possible. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, .186411.45 p. m. Brigadier-General AvERELL, Martinsburg: I have just received a telegram from Colonel Oley, dated at Pied- mont. His regiment will be here before morning. If Rosser does not reach here before noon to-morrow I will be all right for him. Fitz. Lee had not attacked Thoburn up to 5 a. m. I think this looks like they did not want to fight, but to rob and steal. I am expecting a regiment from Harpers Ferry to-night. Snowing here all day. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, l~641O a. m. Brigadier-General DUFFI~, Commanding, Charleston: The enemy are moving on us all along my lines. Be on the alert and ready for him. Answer. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 4, 18647.30 a. m. Colonel WILKINSON, Clarlcsburg: Send the Fourth Virginia Cavalry and all other forces you can spare to New Creek. Cars will go to Clarksburg this a. m. for you. The enemy are threatening Petersburg in strong force. Let the colonel leave a small camp guard. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CAMDEN STATION, BALTIMORE, January 4, 18646.40 p. m. (Received 7.20 p. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, and Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I fear the information of Saturday was entirely erroneous. We are advised that the enemy in large force are threatening our road as far west as Cumberland and Piedmont, audi that a battle is now progressing near New Creek. It is stated that General Ewell is in the valley with 20,000 men. General Kelley advises that we instruc Page 346 ~46 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. XLV. no trains to go west of Harpers Ferry this p. m. We send one regi- ment from Baltimore at 9 oclock. Your better information will doubtless enable you to judge whether considerable re-enforcements are not required to prevent disasters. J. W. GARRETT, President. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. 0., January 4, 18642.20 p. m. Brigadier-General LocKwooD, Baltimore: Please send any forces you can spare to General Sullivan at Har- pers Ferry. What can you send? Answer. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. BALTIMORE, MD., January 4, 18645.30 p. m. (Received 5.40 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Telegram received. There are no forces here that would be of any service to General Sullivan, except the Tenth Maryland, a most excellent regiment of 700 men, which will be ordered on forthwith. H. H. LOCKWOOD, Brigadier-General. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 5, 186412.30 p. m. Major-General MEADE, 4rmy of the Potomac: It is now reported that Ewells corps is in the Shenandoah Valley. Have you any information to that effect? I think another brigade should be sent here, to report to General Augur for transportation to Harpers Ferry. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Near Brandy Station, Va., January 5, 18641 p. m. (Received 2 p.m.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Our scouts have returned from the talley, and report that Earlys Command, consisting of five brigades of infantry, estimated at 7,000, to- gether with Lees, Rossers, Imbodens, and Jenkins cavalry, and some artillery, passed down the valley about Friday last with the inten- tion of making a raid on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, but the main body moved from Woodstock over to Moorefield, intending to attack and cut the railroad at New Creek; that a detachment of infantryThomas (Georgia) brigadeand some cavalry were sent through Strasburg to threaten Martinsburg, as a diversion. This intelligence is deemed reliable, and seems to be confirmed by the movements reported by General Kelley Page 347 CHAP. XIJV.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.ITNION. 847 The cavalry sent to Front Royal returned yesterday evening com- pletely exhausted, and reported the roads passed over impassable for any trains. At present, with snow on the ground, the only passable road open to a detachment from this army, viz, the Culpeper and Sper- ryville pike, is not practicable, from the balling of the snow in the animals hoofs. J hold the balance of the Sixth Corps, about 10,000 men, a division of cavalry, about 4,000, and some artillery, with a bridge train, in readiness for any movement you may order; but I am still of the opinion that the operations against Early, to be effective, should be from the railroad and defensive, and the character of the season and roads, together with the difficulty of procuring supplies, after exhausting those carried with them, will render nugatory any effort made from this army to cut off Earlys retreat, as he has a road via Franklin to withdraw to Staunton, in addition to the one through Woodstock. Again, to re-enforce Kelley, if necessary, from this army would require a smaller detachment than an independent movement into the valley, thus weakening me proportionately less. Defensive movements also would have roads, and the troops be more readily supplied. Under existing circumstances, I shall await your orders before making any movement. GEO. G. l\IEADE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 5, 18642 p. m. (Received 3 p. in.) Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLEcK, General-in-Chief: Telegram of 12.30 p. m. received. Mine of 1 p. m. is an answer. Ewells corps is not in the valley, but Earlys command as reported. I have male all the arrangements for a brigade to be sent. Shall I send it at once? GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 5, 18643 p. m. (Received 6 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLEcK, General-in-Chief: Up to January 2 the re-enlistments of veteran volunteers amount to 16,189. Of this number there have been sent to their respective States for furloughs and re-organization thirteen regiments, two battalions, and forty-five companies of infantry, two regiments and fifteen companies of cavalry, the whole amounting to 5,000 men. In addition, about 7,000 additional furloughs have been granted, making in all about 12,000 furloughs, and leaving 4,000 to be granted on the return of those now absent. The average furlough is thirty- fi~e days. Should Congress re-allow the bounties to veteran volun- teers, and the exigencies of the service permit of furloughs being given, I am of the opinion many more enlistments will be made. Please communicate the above to the President and Secretary of War. GEO. G. MEADE, Miajor-General Page 348 ~148 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., Mlix, AND PA. [Cxi~. XLV. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OP THE POTOMAC, January 5, 18647 p. m. (Received 7.15 p. in.) Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Shalers brigade of the Sixth Corps, 1,375 enlisted men, will leave this point at 4 a. m. to-morrow. Further examination of scouts subsequent to my telegram of 1 p. m. would lead to the conclusion that the infantry of Earlys com- mand in the lower valley was only two brigades and some detached regiments. GEO. G. MEADE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., January 5, 18644.20 p. m. Major-General MEADE, Army of the Potomac: The brigade ordered up will probably be sufficient to supply Gen- eral Kelleys wants. It will be held here ready for his orders. Last reports from Baltimore and Ohio Railroad indicate no immediate danger. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. JANUARY 5, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER SECOND CORPS: I am instructed by the commanding general to say that at the p resent moment the furloughs granted to veteran volunteers re-en- listed in your corps must be limited to 1,200,* which will be held to include the men individually furloughed by you as well as those ordered home in a body from these headquarters. This restriction is rendered absolutely necessary by the existing condition of affairs, and the men who re-enlist and are not now furloughed will be granted their furloughs when those now absent return, or earlier if the demands of the service will permit: Very respectfully, & c., ~. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS, January 5, 1864. General HUMPUREYS, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I bave the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a tele- gram yesterday directing me to hold the First Division of this co,rps in readiness to occupy the camp of General Sedgwicks troops. The duty required of my command is now of such a nature as gives the men one night in bed out of three in some of the divisions (I have not heard from all), and in consequence sickness is greatly on the * Similar letters to commanding officer of Third Corps, allowing 1~7OO; Fifth corps, 1,700, and Sixth Corps, 3,700 Page 349 349 CH~. XLV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. increase. I have two regiments engaged upon the trains, guards for depot here and there, 25 miles of railroad to watch, besides protecting the approaches from north and south of the railroad; Beverly Ford and a picket-line extending up to Freemans Ford to occupy, be- sides large details that have been exacted to build corduroy roads, & c. I respectfully submit that my troops cannot accomplish all this duty with three depleted divisions. I had determined to call the attention of the commanding general to the case. With two the duty cannot be done properly. If practicable, I respectfully ask that my First Division be relieved from the possibility of moving to the south bank of the Rappahannock. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. SYKES, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, Near Brandy Station, January 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: GENERAL: I desire to report to the general commanding that I can take but five days forage with my transportation. The chief of artillery reports that he cannot take any on his caissons, but will have to lighten them of some ammunition to get along. The roads are not only impracticable, but impassable. My transportation for the last twenty-four hours has not succeeded in bringing up the five days supplies, and this with the loss of several animals. I am, very respectfully, JOHN SEDGWICK,. Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 5, 18646.30 p. m. Major-General SEDGWICK, Commanding Sixth Corps: The major-general commanding directs that the brigade held in readiness to move to Washington by railroad be at Brandy Station in time to embark in the cars which leave at 4 a. m. to-morrow. This arrangement it is expected will give the men some sleep before moving to the depot. Upon reaching Alexandria, General Shaler will report by telegraph to Major-General Augur, commanding De- partment of Washington. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Major-General IPLEASONTON, January 5, 18644 p. m. Commanding Cavalry Corps: General Merritt reported yesterday that four deserters from Fourth Alabama had come in, stating that Heths and Johnsons division Page 350 350 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. had gone to Gordonsville and Stannton. It was and is important that these deserters should be here as soon as practicable, yet they have not yet reached here. I have telegraphed General Merritt direct to learn if the deserters are certain they belong to the Fourth, or if it is the Fonrteenth Alabama, and to what brigade and division they belong. The major-general commanding directs that General Merritts attention be called to the orders reqniring the forwarding of de- serters with all possible dispatch to headquarters, and to report the canse of delay in this instance. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HDQRS. FIRST CAY. Div., ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 5, 1864. Col. C. Ross SMITH, Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps Headquarters: Herewith I send you a map, marked as directed, with positions of camps of brigades, regiments, batteries, and also of vedettes and reserves. The First Brigade, now absent, had established its camp on the Stevensburg and James City road, about lj miles to the front of Wards house. It will resume that position when it returns, if not otherwise ordered. The force on duty as pickef is from 500 to 600. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MERRITT, Brigadier-General of Volunteers. Commanding. CULPEPER, VA., January 5, 1864. Capt. E. B. PARSONS Ac& ng Assistant Adjutant-General: All quiet along my picket-line. Where is Starkes Ford; on what stream or river? Please answer. W. MERRITT, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. FIRST CAY. Div., ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 5, 1864. Col. C. ROSS SMITH, Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps Headquarters: COLONEL: In answer to the inquiry of the major-general com- manding as to why I suspended the execution of a positive order sent me on the 2d instant in reference to posting 100 men as guard to a signal station on Cedar Mountain, I have the honor to reply: The order was given and carried out (as far as possible) on the 2d and also on the 3d instant, details of the force required being sent both days. On the third day it was reported to me that there was no signal station on the mountain, when I authorized the command- ing officer of the Reserve Brigade, who furnished the detail, not to send any more parties to the mountain until the signal party a Page 351 CHAP. XLV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 351 rived, of which he was to keep himself well informed, when the detail would be resumed. This, I took it, would be carrying out the spirit of the order, and saving men and horses for other du~ty. I notified headquarters of the corps of the change in time, if it was ill-advised, that it might be rectified before any change was made, which it was. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MERRITT, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, January 5, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, with report as required. As soon as it was known at these headquarters that General Mer- ritt had suspended the order he was directed to execute it at once. A. PLEASONTON, Major- General, Commanding. Capt. E. B. PARSONS, WARRENTON, January 5, 1864. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: Received dispatch to rejoin my division without delay at 12 oclock m. to-day. I have given notice to the officer here in command of the cavalry of the Second Division to relieve my command now out on picket as soon as possible. It will probably be late this p. m. before all my command will be relieved and ready to march, and with the generals permission would like to start from here at day light to-morrow-morning. WM. GAMBLE, Colonel, Commanding. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 5, 1864. Brigadier-General GREGG: Colonel Gamble with his brigade has been directed to rejoin his division. E. B. PARSONS, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIvISION, Col. P. HUEY, January 5, 1864. Commanding Second Brigade, Second Division: COLONEL: Upon the receipt of this you will encamp your brigade on the railroad from Warrenton Junction to Warrenton. The camps of the regiments will be placed as follows: Two regiments at the tank, two regiments at the bridge below (toward the junction), one regiment near Paynes Mill, and one regiment near Three-Mile St Page 352 352 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LCHAP, XLV. tion. Select the best possible camps, with abundance of wood and water, and as near the railroad as practicable. Let the regiments at once go to work to make shelters for themselves and horses. Send details from each regiment to get the property left in the camps at Bealeton. Do not allow any straggling through the country. The detachment of the First Maine will escort your battery and wagon train. Very respectfully, D. MoM. GREGG, Brigadier- General, Commanding Second Division. WAR DEPARTMENT, OFFICE MIL. DIR. AND SUPT. RAILROADS, U. S., Washington, January 6, 1864. Brigadier-General BENHAM, Washington: GENERAL: Transportation from here to the front was called for to- day by your brigade quartermaster for six pontoons, twenty-six pontoon wagons and eight army wagons, and about one car-load of other freight, and I gave instructions to have cars placed on Mary- land avenue to-morrow morning at 11 oclock to take them. Since then I learn that the army is sadly in want of forage, and every car we have must be used in sending forward a supply. Please consider the arrangement made to supply you with cars as suspended until this supply and forage pressure is over. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. MoCALLUM, Colonel, ]Jfil. Director and Supt. of Railroads, United States. Per W. H. WHITON. [Indorsement.] Lieutenant Livingston will direct that the articles called for from the front will not be sent from our depot until further orders from me. H. W. BENHAM, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., January 6, 186412 p. m. Brigadier-General KELLEY, Cumberland: An infantry regiment left Baltimore for Harpers Ferry last night. Two more will leave here to-day. Do you want any more artillery? Cannot some of General Scammons forces be brought up to your line? H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. CUMBERLAND, MD., January 6, 18649 p. m. (Received 10.60 p. in.) Brigadier-General CULLUM, Chief of Staff: I have ordered General Sullivan to send the two regiments of infantry, now on the way from Washington, to Martinsburg. I do not need any more artillery at present. Cannot withdraw an Page 353 CHAP. XLV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 353 force from General Scammons division with safety. Scouts report Lees and Rossers forces at Romney to-night, on their way toward Winchester. Have ordered Sullivan and Averell to cut them off. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. HDQR5. FOURTH Div., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA, 11Iiartinsburg, January 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY, Gumberland: My scouts report that there has not been over 6,000 of the enemy in the valley, and that Early went westward with Lee. The main object of the rebels was to gather supplies and stores for the winter, and if good opportunity offered to break the railroad, but they did not care to fight much. They sent back two wagon loads of leather from Winchester. WM. W. AVERELL, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. FOURTH Div., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA, lfartinsburg, January 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY, Commanding Department, Gumberland: From the examination of several deserters and prisoners to-day, I am confident that Early was at Middletown yesterday with about 4,500 men and three batteries; my impression is that he will advance this way to-morrow to protect the return of Lee and Rosser. If G6neral Sullivan could advance and attack the force of Early, and either beat it or hold it, and I had an adequate force here, I could move to a point 11 miles west of Winchester and endeavor to inter- cept Lee if he should come that road; but that would require also a sufficient force to be left here in order to check him should he come toward this place instead of Winchester, and also to guard against any efforts of Earlys troops. The aggregate force required here now for the operations indicated is about that for which I have heretofore asked. Not over two-thirds of my own force is here, and of that not half is effectively mounted, owing to the want of shoes for the horses. An infantry force 2,000 strong, with four or six guns, starting from Paw Paw to-night or be- fore morning, could overtake and harass Lee to-morrow sufficiently to make him lose many horses, and perhaps his guns. Axes should be taken along to clear away obstructions. I am ready to undertake anything you may be pleased to direct, but with this force in its present condition I do not feel at liberty to suggest. WM. W. AVERELL, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. FOURTH Div., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA, Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY, Martinsburg, January 5, 1864. Commanding Department of the Cumberland: Several refugees have just arrived from Richmond and Staunton. They left Richmond on 27th ultimo. They give the usual reports 23 R RvoL XXXII Page 354 354 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. with regard to the miserable condition of affairs in the rebel capital. Gold at 22 to 30. They avoided Earlys force in coming here, and passed a portion of it falling back on Sunday near Newtown. They met several wagons returning toward Staunton loaded with leather. Their report confirms those heretofore received and forwarded to you with regard to the force in the valley, except that they heard or saw nothing of Ewell. They state the force at three brigades of infantry and two of~ cavalry, besides Imbodens command. Imboden is not with his command, which is now under C6lonel Smith. WM. W. AVERELL, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 5, 1864. Brigadier-General AvERELL, ]Uiartinsburg: I cannot spare Colonel Oleys regiment from this point just now. It and the First Virginia will be sent you as soon as practicable. I have directed the quartermasters department to issue whatever clothing Colonel Oleys men require. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., January 5, 186411.10 a. m. (Received 11.30 a. in.) General CULLUM, Chief of Staff: Unless you have information from some other source than from this valley, I assure you I have troops enough to hold everything between Martinsburg and here. Early was moving toward Stras. burg from Middletown yesterday. No troops of the enemy have been farther toward the road than Winchester, and that but a small force of cavalry. The report that our pickets have ever been driven in at Bunker Hill is not true. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier-General. MARTINSBURG, W. VA., January 5,1864. Captain BOONE, Assistant Adjutant-General: I have information this morning from Morse that he went up the Romney road 6 miles from Winchester; met Barry, a good Union man, well known here as such, who had gained from Williams, a prominent rebel in Winchester, the information that there were less than 6,000 rebels in the valley; that Lee and Early had gone to Petersburg, and that Imboden had gone up the valley. I believe the information to be reliable. R. S. RODGERS, Colonel, Commanding Page 355 CH~. XLV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 355 Captain BOONE, MARTINSBURG, W. VA., January 5, 1864. Assistant Adjutant-General: Samuel Trenary, from Winchester, with 3 refugees from Staunton, says no rebels in Winchester; rumored that 5,000 men in the valley. Sigmond Bach, from Staunton, came down valley in stage; passed a camp of infantry at New Market, one at Mount Jackson, and one about 2 miles this side Mount JacksonThomas, Rossers, and Walkers commands. Fitz. Lee had gone on Wednesday afternoon. Lewis Kayton left Richmond 27th and Staunton 29th; passed Mount Jackson at night; saw three camps, said to be Lees, Rossers, and iLmbodens. R. S. RODGERS, Colonel, Commanding. CUMBERLAND, January 5, 18648 p. m. Brigadier-General SULLIVAN: Scouts report Lees and Rossers forces encamped to-night at Rom- ney; supposed to be on their way to Winchester. Their horses are badly broken down. They ought not to be permitted to return up the valley in safety. I send a copy of this to Averell. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., January 5, 1864. Colonel RODGERS, Afartinsburg, W. Va.: Send every cavalryman you can spare to-morrow morning to Winchester. Fitz. Lee and Rosser are reported as falling back from Petersburg with horses and men badly used up. Colonel Boyd starts from Charlestown at daylight. J. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. ARMY AND DIsTRIcT o~ NORTH CAROLINA, New Rerne, N. C., January 5, 1864. Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER Comdg. Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina: GENERAL: The rebels are fully impressed with the idea that I have been re-enforced instead of depleted, and hence the ~everal changes in my front which I have brought to your notice during the past month. This deception is very well while it lasts. The Richmond Sentinel of the 1st January, 1864, has the following from the Wilmington Journal, which has been reflected by the papers at Raleigh: At New Berne there is every reason to believe (says the Wilmington Journal) that the enemy is concentrating heavy re-enforcements at New Berne, with what view has not yet appeared, though circumstances would indicate an extension of his lines and a probable advance on Kinston, threatening the Wilmington an Page 356 356 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA.,. W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. Weldon road and, consequently, our line of communication. His lines now ex~tend to Trenton on the west and White Oak River on the south. He probably contem- plates extending them to Kinston on the one hand and New River on the other. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, llilajor-Gerteral. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, January 6, 1864. Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War: SIR: I return herewith the Secretary of the Navys confidential letter of the 2d instant. I am of opinion that all of our available forces not required to hold positions now in our possession should be sent to Louisiana and Texas, where they are now very much needed, and where they can operate with advantage during the winter. The occupation of Texas was not simply a military measure; it was one of State policy, decided upon by the President. General Banks has not a sufficient number of troops to defend Louisiana and the places he now holds in Texas, much less to drive the rebels from the portions of these States still in their possession. Unless the policy already adopted in regard to military operations west of the Mississippi be now abandoned the army there must be largely re-enforced, and if so re-enforced it is hoped that the Texas campaign will be terminated in time for other operations in the spring. It must also be borne in mind that all the armies in the field will be very seriously reduced in numbers during the next two or three months by furloughs given to those who re-enlist. If, in this condition of our forces, we attempt to accomplish too many things at the same time we shall probably fail in all. The reduction of Fort Caswell alone will not secure to us the harbor of Smithville or close to the rebels and blockade-runners access to Wilmington. To accomplish these objects we must also capture the works on Smiths Island and those which command the New Inlet, a task not less difficult or requiring less time, even at a favorable season, than the reduction of Fort Sumter and the works on Morris Island. It is the opinion of officers who have examined this question and are well acquainted with the localities and the obstacles to be over- come that Cape Fear River can be most easily secured by a force land- ing at Shandy Hill Inlet or New River Inlet and marching against Wilmington. This plan was agreed upon last year, but the forces intended for the expedition were diverted to Morris Island to co-oper- ate with the proposed naval attack upon Charleston. Since then the defeusts of Wilmington and Cape Fear River have been greatly strengthened, and it will now require a large force and probably a long time to effect their reduction. To attempt this in the present condition of our armies will involve the suspension of other and more important operations. Under these circumstances I respectfully advise against the pro- posed expedition at the present time. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK ~e?ierat-in-dhiej Page 357 C~IAP. XLV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 357 WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. U., January 6, 18643.20 p. m. Major-General MEADE: If you can spare Major-General Hancock I desire that you will direct him to report to me as soon as convenient with a view to per- forming temporary special duty, but not to interfere with his com- mand in your army. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. JANUARY 6, 1864. ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY: I have the honor herewith to transmit a statement showing the regiments and companies thus far ordered home from this army as veteran volunteers under the orders governing the subject, three- fourths of the same having re-enlisted. It will be seen that these organizations number in the aggregate about 6,000. General Orders, No. 376, of November 21, 1863, from the War De- partment, taken in connection with the circular of December 15, 1863, from the War Department, requires that the volunteers sent home as organized bodies shall report through the governors of the States to the superintendent of the recruiting service; they are con- sequently placed beyond my control and may be kept from my command for an indefinite period, and perhaps transferred from it altogether. In view of the large number of volunteers that have been and may be furloughed in organizatious as veteran volunteers in this army, I respectfully r~quest that the superintendent of the recruiting service may be instructed to give those organizations immediately on reporting the thirty days furlough provided for in General Orders, No. 376, and that on reassembling at the appointed places of rendezvous the regiments and companies be allowed not to exceed three weeks for recruiting and reorganization, and that at the expiration of that term they be sent back to this army. If those regiments and companies are permitted to remain in their States beyond the period indicated, it is probable that many other men who have re-enlisted or may re-enlist as veteran volunteers, with the understanding that they are to receive furloughs this win- ter, may by the absolute necessities of the service be kept with the army. I am clearly of the opinion that it is in every way for the best interests of the service that the regiments and companies that may be sent home as organized bodies be promptly returned to the field very soon after the expiration of their furloughs, and I shall be glad to learn that instructions to that effect have been given. I also ask that the men furloughed by me individually may not be permitted to be kept from the ,ar my after the expiration of their furloughs, by details or otherwise. Very respectfully, & c., GEO. G. MEADE Major- General, Commaniling. [Indorsement.] JANUARY 12, 1864. Unless otherwise directed they will return to their proper com- mands. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief Page 358 358 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. [Inclosure.] Veteran volunteers sent to their respective States to the 5th day of January, 1864, inclusive. 1st Delaware Infantry 8th Illinois Cavalry 1st Maryland Cavalry (seven companies) 3d Michigan Infantry (three companies) 5th Michigan Infantry 7th Michigan Infantry 16th Michigan Infantry 4th New Jersey Infantry 1st New York Artillery 6th New York Cavalry 9th New York Cavalry (eight companies) 40th New York Infantry (eight companies) 43d New Yorkinfantry (four companies) 59th New York Infantry Battalion 61st New York Infantry (seven companies) 63d New York Infantry (two companies) 66th New York Infantry 69th New York Infantry Battalion 86th New York Infantry 93d New York Infantry (seven companies) 1st Pennsylvania Rifles (two companies) 5th Pennsylvania Reserves (one company) 53d Pennsylvania Infantry 57th Pennsylvania Infantry 91st Pennsylvania Infantry 95th Pennsylvania Infantry (two companies) 105th Pennsylvania Infantry 2d U. S. Sharpshooters (eight companies) 5th Vermont Infantry 6th Vermont Infantry (one company) 6th Wisconsin Infantry 7th Wisconsin Infantry A 223 415 169 72 154 164 270 330 44 411 231 346 184 114 51 96 150 84 415 236 33 25 182 165 231 79 278 189 302 27 226 201 Total infantry 4,827 Total cavalry 1,226 Total artillery Aggregate 6,097 PONY MOUNTAIN, January 6, 186411 a. m. Captain NORTON: Can discover no alteration from previous reports of the position across the river. In the direction of Manassas and Thornton Gaps atmosphere too smoky for observation. Have seen no signal flag as yet on Cedar Mountain. PAINE. CULPEPER, VA., January 6, 1864. Capt. E. B. PARSONS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: All quiet on the line of pickets. I have made every possible in- quiry in regard to Starkes Ford. Had before I inquired of head- quarters, but can find out nothing. I will send the force as directed. W. MERRITT, Brigadier-General Page 359 CHAP. XLVi CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.ITNION. 359 SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, TWENTY-SECOND ARMY CoRPS, No. 5. ) January 6, 1864. * * * * * * * IV. In accordance with instructions from the General-in-Chief, Brig. Gen. H. D. Terry will proceed without delay with the First Brigade of his division to Sandusky, Ohio, to act as a guard to the prisoners of war now on Johnsons Island. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Augur: CARROLL H: POTTER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CUMBERLAND, January 6, 1864. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington: The First Separate Brigade, General Averell, has been by my order named the Fourth Division of this department; this by reason of recent addition thereto, and to enable it to have an assistant com- missary of musters. It has been fonnd impracticable to muster properly and promptly veteran volunteers of the command, very many of whom are enlisting. To facilitate, I suggest the name of Capt. Edwin Frey, Twenty-eighth Ohiq, for assistant commissary of musters, Fourth Division. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 6, 18649 a. m. Colonel MULLIGAN, New Ureelc: Yours of last night just received. I had already ordered Sullivan and Averell to be on the alert and cut off Lees return if possible. What was your information last night? Is the enemy at Romney or at Moorefleld Junction, or on the Northwestern pike east of Rom- ney? What is your information from Thoburn? Has the enemy all left his front? Please answer me fully. How long will it take you to get ready to move? Did the Fourth and Sixth arrive? If so, see that they are taken care of. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 6, 18649 p. m. Brigadier-General SULLIVAN, Harpers Ferry: The troops (infantry) sent to Martinsburg will be under your com- mand. I will be down to see you on this and other subjects as soon as possible. Thoburn reports the enemy all gone from his front. It is reported by scouts that Lee and Rosser passed through Blues Gap yesterday afternoon. The railroad agent informs me to-night that 1,400 troops leave Harpers Ferry for the Ohio River. What troops are they? B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General Page 360 360 OPERATIONS IN N. cL, VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLV. CUMBERLAND, January 6, 18646 p. m. Colonel MULLIGAN, New Creek: I have been waiting to get some reliable information in regard to the movements of the enemy before we would make a movement. I learn jnst now by a telegram from Paw Paw that Lee and Rosser passed throngh Blues Gap yesterday evening. It will therefore be useless to send an infantry force after them. Yonr cavalry scout will probably be able to pick np some stragglers and broken-down horses. Sullivan is after them. Will meet them this side of Win chester if they go that way. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. CUMBERLAND, January 6, 18646 p. m. Brigadier-General AVERELL, Martinsburg: Sconts report Lee and Rosser having passed Blues Ga p late yesterday evening. The force in front of Thoburn have all left. What little effective cavalry I have is pnrsning the enemy both from Petersburg and by way of Romney. Send ont every available man you can raise to co-operate with Colonel Boyd, who is at Winchester to-night. I fear they will turn off by way of Cacapon Springs, however, and escape. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, Fort Monroe, Jarvaary 6, 1864. Brig. Geii. G. MARSTON, Commanding District of Saint Marys: GENERAL: Information having beeii received here that a small cavalry force of the enemy is roaming about the counties of West- moreland, Richmond, Northumberland, and Lancaster, Va., collect- ing conscripts, deserters, horses, mules, neat stock, and grain, and sending the same to Richmond and the rebel army, the major- general commanding this department commands that you cross the Potomac with such force as you may deem necessary and as can be spared from other service, and with the aid of the gun-boabs at your command effect a landing in the above-named connties, capture or disperse any hostile force you may find there, seize and fetch away the negroes, live-stock, tobacco, and grain of rebel owners, and also the boats used in carrying men and supplies across the Rappahan- nock. The grain and boats and other property which you cannot fetch away you are authorized to destroy. It is to be hoped that large quantities of wood and cattle for the use of the prisoners may be thus obtained. Respectfully, yours, R; S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 361 CHAP. XLV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 361 SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, ADJUTANT GENERALS OFFICE, No. 8. ) Washington, January 6, 1864. * * * * * * * 2. The fo