TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 37 (Part I) 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 Page C ERRATA. For insertion in Vol. XXXVI, Part II, page 956. The time of receipt of tlie first dispatch on page 956 (from Pickett to Cooper) should read 8.30 p. m. instead of 8.30 a. in., and that of the second dispatch on the same page should be 6.30 p. in. instead of 11.30 a. m Page D Title Page Page R001 G THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. REDFIELD PROCTOR, Secretary of War, BY M~. GEORGE B. DAVIS, U. S. A., MR. LESLIE J. PERRY, MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Board of Publication. SERIES IVOLUME XXXVIIIN TWO PARTS. PART IReports, Correspondence, etc. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1891 Page R002 A% Additions and Corrections Page A001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL RECOIIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. AI)DITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO SERIES IVOLUME XXXVII. (To be inserted in the voinnie. For explanation see General Index voinme, Serial No. 130, page XXVIII.) PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY CHIEF OF THE BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AINSWORTH, RECORD AND PENSION OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, ANI) MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY. 1~Ir. JOHN S. MOODEY, Indexer. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1902 Page A002 2 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. TEXT. PART i. Page i. Second foot-note, erase the words All site/i are designa/ed in Ike Index. Page 62. French to MeCausland, for Headquae/ers Jacksons Cavalry Brigade read Headquar/ers Jenkins Gava/ry Brigade. Page 125. Twenty-eighth line, top, for & read K. Page 230. Twelfth line, top, for s/ar/ing read s/a/ed. Page 280. Cowans report, first and second lines, for Tue si/h [July] arrived in (Vas/zing/on al noon. July 52 marched /0 G;ys/al Spring, read Arrized ~n Washing/on al noon July 52 and marched lo Crys/al Spring. Page 336. Second line, bottom, for London read Loudon. Page 726. Third line, bottom, for Bowen read Browne. Page 727. Nicholls to Cooper, change date to May 7, z8& ~. Page 779. After Swamp Dragoons, Gavalzy, for See WesI Virginia Troops read See Fendle/on Home Guards. Pages 78 i866. Erase foot-note No circuins/anlial reporis on file, wherever it occurs. Page 832. Under Ohio Troops, Ar/illezy, Ligh/, second line, insert Regimen/s before zs/. PART 2. Page 134. Halleck to Grant, address, for ilfaj. Gen. U. S. Gran/ read Lieu/. Gen. U. S. Gran/. Page 158. Grant to Meade, date line, insert (Sen/ s.~o a. in. si/li.). Page 173. Lincoln to Swann and others, last line, for laken read sacked. Page 223. Fifth line, top, for corps read cazalry. Page 331. Comstock to Grant, address, for .71/al. Gen. U. S. Granl read Lieu/. Gen. U. S. Granl. Page 367. Hunter to Halleck, second line, erase [sic] and insert roules. Page 408. Grant to Halleck, second communication, for II.3o~. in. read 55.30 a. in. Page 414. Erase foot-note and insert Omi//ed. Page 433. Seventh line, bottom, insert the word be/ween after broken. Page 509. Grant to Halleck, date line, for s p. in. read so p. in. Grant to Meade, third line, insert the word side after Ibis and before as. Page 603. Seddon to Lee, ninth line, insert * after upon i/ and add foot-note, * See Series I, Vol. 39, Par/ 2, p. ~ Page 6io. For Ha ugh/ons read Hough/ons. INDEX. Insert all words and figures in italics and strike out all in [brackets]. An asterisk (*) following a correction indicates that Additions and Corrections to the text should be consulted. References are to parts of volume. Part Part. Andrews, John !V Crosby, Eben [Lieutenant] 2 Baker [Barker], Charles i, 2 Daber, Frederick, ~jS [Daben Lieutenant, Browne, William H. (C.), 726; nowe:~, Henry 338] S., [7261* Darby, Darius [ ] I C~alligaa [Callighan], John E Fitz Simoas [Simmons], Charles Carr, Griffith TV. [Lieutenant] 2 Fox, Frank G Glarke, RouseR. [Clark, Rome R.] Gaskell [Gaskill]. \Villiam P i 2 Coifran, L. R. [R.L.l Hardia, Mark 17., SS; Hardin, Martin D., Coolidge, Charles A. [H.] 2 Mentioned, [SS] Page A003 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. 2 2 Part. Hart, William H., 163; Hart, James P., [163] Hennisee [Hennissee], Argalus G 2 Hoaghton [Haughton], George C 2 Jones, Daniel N. [A.] Judd. Henry B. Correspondence with Stirling [Sterling], Hugh Kane, George P. [ I Kelley, Benjamin F. Correspondence with Nash, TV [Aihert] H Kessler [Kesler], Joseph II. [K.] Kleiser. Alfred [Aihert] von Laidley, Theodore T. S Laithe [Laishe], Williar.i B Lowell, Charles R., jr. Correspondence with Mickles, Philo D. [H.], jr MeCue, TVillianz A. [Captain] Massie, J. TV. [M.] Meredith, William .11 2 Mickles, Philo D. [H.], jr Middleton, Gahriel, ~z7 [Middleton, George, 417] 2 Nash, Aihert H. Correspondence with [Kelley, Benjamin P., 47~] Nash, TV. H. Correspondence with Benja mm F Kelley, ~f75 Pelonze, Louis H. [A.] 2 Porter, TVilliamn F. [ ] 2 Powell, TV. L Preston, Roh..rt F. [L.] Princeton, TV. Va. Skirmish at, May 6, 1864. Ranson ERansom], Thomas D Part. Shaw, Sidney F. Mentioned, 321,397 [Shaw, Benjamin B., 321, 397] Simison, Samnel A. [I,.] Smith, John H. [A.] Snider, S. [Captain] Stockton, Robert [Richard] F., jr Stuart, JEB. Correspondence with Ranson [Ransom], Thomas D Vanghn, John C. Mentioned, 91, 327, 353, 6& [Vanghn, John P., 91, 327, 353, 684] Wallace, Lew. Correspondence with Stockton, Robert [Richard] F., jr TValsh [Welsh], Michael War Department, C. S. Correspondence with Preston, Rohert F. [L.] Western Virginia, Department oT (C.). Reported movements, etc., oT Union troops in. Communications Trom Ranson [Ransom], Thomas D West Virginia Troops. Cavalry [Companies: Swamp Dragoons, 6oi, 687] Miscellaneons Pendleton Home Guards, 6oi, 687 Wharton, Gabriel C. [John A.] Wing, Malcom [Malcolm] H Wisconsin Troops. Artillery, lightBatteries: [sth, 550] Infant njRegiments. 5th, ~go Witcher, Vincent [Vinson] A Wray, James T. [Captain] 2 2 12 2 2 2 3 2 2 Page A004 Page R003 PREFACE. The work of preparing the records of the war for public use was begun under the resolution of Congress of May 19, 1864, by Adjt. Gen. E. D. Townsend, U. S. Army, who caused copies to be made of reports of battles on file in his office and steps to be taken to col- lect missing records. Under the provisions of joint resolution No. 91, of 1866, Hon. Peter H. Watson was appointed to supervise the preparation and formulate a plan for the publication of the records, but he did no work and drew no pay under this appointment, which expired July 27, 1868, by limitation of the resolution. This resolution also re- pealed the former one and work ceased. The first decisive step taken in this work was the act of June 23, 1874, providing the necessary means to enable the Secretary of War to begin the publication of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and Confederate Armies, and directing him to have copied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, telegrams, and general orders, not heretofore copied or printed, and properly arranged in chronological order. Appropria- tions have been made from time to time for continuing snch prepa- ration. Under this act the preliminary work was resumed by Gen- eral Townsend, who first outlined the plan on which the records are printed, though it appears that originally he contemplated publish- ing to the world only the more important military reports. Subsequently, under meager appropriations, it was prosecuted in a somewhat desultory manner by various subordinates of the War Department until December 14, 1877, when the Secretary of War, perceiving that the undertaking needed the undivided attention of a single head, detailed Lieut. Col. Robert N. Scott, U. S. Army, to take charge of the bureau and devote himself exclusively to the work. The act of June 23, 1874, greatly enlarged upon the first crude scheme of publication. On this more comprehensive basis it was determined that the volumes should include not only the battle reports, but also all official documents that can be obtained by the compiler, and that appear to be of any historical value. Colonel Scott systematized the work and the plan and presented the records II Page R004 Iv PREFACE. in the following order of arrangement, which has been adhered to by his successors: The first series will embrace the formal reports, both Union and Confederate, of the first seizures of United States property in the Southern States, and of all mil- itary operations in the field, with the correspondence, orders, and returns relating specially thereto, and, as proposed, is to be accompanied by an Atlas. In this series the reports will be arranged accordiiig to the campaigns and sev- eral 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 correspondence, & c., not embraced in the reports proper will follow (first Union and next Confederate) in chronological order. The second series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns, Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far as the military au- thorities were concerned) to State or political prisoners. The third series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Union authorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate offi- cials) 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 author- ities. The fourth 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 correspondence between the Union and Confed- erate authorities given in that series. The first volume of the records was issued in the early fall of 1880. The act approved June 16, 1880, provided for the printing and bind- ing, under direction of the Secretary of War, of 10,000 copies of a com- pilation 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 Representatives, 2,000 copies for the use of the Senate, and 1,000 copies for the use of the Executive De- partments. Under this act Colonel Scott proceeded to publish the first five volumes of the records. * * All subsequent volumes have been distributed under the act approved August 7, 1882, which provides that: The volumes of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion shall be distrib- uted as follows: One thousand copies to the Executive Departments, as now prd- 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 such 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 of such sale shall b Page R005 PREFACE. V Col. Robert N. Scott died March ~, 1887, before the completion of the work, which, during a ten years service, he had come to love so dearly. At his death some twenty-six books only had been issued, but he had compiled a large amount of matter for forthcoming vol- umes, consequently his name as compiler was retained in all the books up to Vol. XXXVI, although his successors had added largely to his compilations from new material found after his demise. The Secretary of War, May 7, 1887, assigned Lient. Col. H. M. Lazelle to duty as the successor of Colonel Scott. He had continued in charge about two years, when. iu the act approved March 2, 1889, it was provided That hereafter the preparation and publication of said records shall be conducted, under the Secretary of War, by a board of three persons, one of whom shall be an officer of the Army, and two civilian experts, to be appointed by the Secretary of War, the compensation of said civilian experts to be fixed by the Secretary of War. The Secretary of War thereunder appointed Maj. George B. Davis, judge advocate, U. S. Army, as the military member, and Leslie J. Perry, of Kansas, and Joseph W. Kirkley, of Maryland, as the civilian expert members of said board. The board assumed direc- tion of the publicatiofr at.the commencement of the scal year 1889, its first work beginning with Serial No. 36 of Vol. XXIV. Each volume includes a copious and accurate index, and for the further convenience of investigators there will be, in addition, a general index to the entire set when con~piete in a volume by itself. Nothing is printed in these volumes except duly authenticated contemporaneous records of the war. The scope of the boards work is to decide upon and arrange the matter to be published; to correct and verify the orthography of the papers used, and occasion- ally to add a foot-note of explanation. GEO. B. DAVIS, Major and J. A., U. S. A., LESLIE J. PERRY, Civilian Expert, JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Civilian Expert, Board of Publication. Approved: REDFIELD PROCTOR, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., August 1, 1891. 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 Page R006 Table of Contents Page R007 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XLIX. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsyl- vania. May 1-August 3, 1864 Page. 1770 (VII Page R008 Special Index Page R009 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME I. CHAPTER 1 Page. Operations in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. December 20, 1860April 14, 1861 1817 dHAPTER II. The secession of Georgia. January 3-26, 1861 318825 CHAPTER III. The secession of Alabama and Mississippi. January 4-20,1861 326-330 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 474488 CHAPTER VI. The secession of Louisiana. January 10- February 19,1861 489-501 CHAPTER VII. Operations in Texas and New Mexico. February 1-June 11,1861 502-636 CHAPTER VIII. Operations in Arkansas, the Indian Terri- tory, and Missouri. February 7-May 9, 1861 637691 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 XII. ary 11,1862 566-721 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 Page. CHAPTER XVI. Page. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Operations in West Florida, Southern Al- Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. abama, Southern Mississippi, and Lou. August 21,1861-April 11,1862 1-435 isiana. September 1,1861-May 12,1862. 436-894 VOLUME VII. CHAPTER XVII. Page. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, N. Alabama, and S. W. Virginia. Nov. 19,1861-Mar. 4,1862.. 1-946 (IX Page R010 X CONTENTS OF PRThJ]~DI~G VOLUMI~S. 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 141 Arizona. February 1-September 20, CHAPTER XX 1862 . .. 481-736 Operations in North Carolina. January Il-August 20, 1862 72-480 VOLUME X-IN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXII Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. March 4June 10, 1862. Page. Part I--Reports 1-927 Part IlCorrespondence, etc i-t~ VOLUME XIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIII. The Peninsular Campaign, Virginia. March 17-September 2, 1862. Page. Part [Reports, March 17-June 24 1-1077 Part 11Reports, 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 11Reports, June 26-September 2 1-820 Part 111Correspondence, etc 1-966 VOLUME XIII. CHAPTER XXV. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwcst. April 10-November 20, 1862 1-981 VOLUME XIV. CHAPTER XXVI. Page. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. April 12, 1862-June 11, 1863 1-1025 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 1-113 Page R011 XI CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME XVIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXVIII. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, an~l Southwest Virginia. June 10October 31, 1862. Page. Part IReports 11168 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-1017 VOLUME XVIII.N TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXIX. Operations in West Tennessee and Northern Mississippi. June 10, 1862-January 20, 1863. Page. Part rt5 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 IlReports, September 20November 14; Correspondence, etc., September 3-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 14)97 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-518 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, Arkansns, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest. November 20, 1862-December 31,1863. Page. Part IReports 1926 Part 11Correspondence, etc 1-116 Page R012 XII CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME XXIIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXV. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest VIrginia. Jan uary 21-August 10, 1803. 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 Vickshurg. January 20-August 10. 1863. Page. Part IReports, January 20May 15, including the General Reports for whole period. January 20-August 10 787 Part NIReports, May 16-August 10 1699 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1-1070 VOLUME XXVIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVII. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Januar.y 26-Jnne 3, 1863. Page. Part I- Reports 1-1123 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-862 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 XXVIIIN 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 1-1059 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 IlCorrespondence, etc 1-609 VOLUME XXIXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XLI. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia. Maryland, and Pennsylvania. August 4-De cember 31, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-1018 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-93 Page R013 COINTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. XIII VOLUME XXXIN FOUR PARTS. CHAPTER XLII. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Alabama, and North Georgia. August 11-October 19, 1863. Page. Part NReports 1-1071 Part NIReports 1-821 Part iNNUnion Correspondence, etc 1-lol? Part IVUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-763 VOLUME XXXIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XLIII. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Alabama, and North Georgia. October 20December 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 1-833 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-879 VOLUME XXXIII. CHAPTER XLV. Page. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Jan. nary 1-April 30, 1864 1-1335 VOLUME XXXIVIN FOUR PARTS. CHAPTER XLVI. Operations in Louisiana and the Trans-Mississippi States and Territories. January 1-June 30,1864. Page. Part IReports 1-1038 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-1107 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-835 Part IVUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-701 VOLUME XXXVIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XLVII. Page. Part NReports, and Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-646 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-65 Page R014 XIV CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME XXXVIIN THREE PAR~PS. CHAPTER XLVm. Page. Part IReports 1-1101 Part IlReports, Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-1027 Paut IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-90 Page R015 4 0 1 9, 1 ITJ 0 ~: Sun day. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Monday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Tuesday. ~ ~ Wednesday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~: Thursday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Friday. ~ ~ Saturday. 0 4 C, . 0 CD 0 .~ ~IQ C... ~ ~ ~ Sunday. ~ ~ Monday. ~ ~: Tuesday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~: Wednesday. ~: ~ ~ ~: Thursday. Friday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Saturday. -~ 0 C~. O~ e~ t~ 0 ~. ~-1 0 C~ C~. 0 C~ HL Page R016 1 Page 1 / CHAPTER XLIX. OPERATIONS IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA, WEST VIR GINIA, MARYLAND, AND PENNSYLVANIA.* May 1-August 3, 1864. PART I. SUMMARY OF TIlE PRINCIPAL EVEN TS.t May 1Aug. 3, 1864.Mosbys operations. 2-19, 1864.Expeditions against the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. .,, 1864.Raid on Builtown, W. Va. 5, 1864.Raid on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad between Bloom- ington and Piedmont, W. Va. 8, 1864.Affair at Halitown, W. Va. 913, 1864.Expedition from Louisa, Ky., to, and skirmish at, Rock- House Creek, W. Va.f 10, 1864.Skirmish at Lost River Gap, W. Va. 11-14, 1864.Expedition from Point Lookout, Md., to the Rappahannock River, Va. 12, 1864.Affair at Strasburg, Va~ 13, 1864.Skirmish near New Market, Va. 14, 1864.Skirmishes at Rudes Hill and New Market, Va. 15, 1864.Engagement at New Market, Va. Skirmish near Strasburg, Va. 1530, 1864.Scout from Beverly through Pocahontas, Webster, and Braxton Counties, W. Va. 17, 1864.Skirmish near Waterford, Va. 20, 1864.Skirmish at Greenbrier River, W. Va. 21, 1864.Maj. Gen. David Hunter, U.S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel in command of the Department of West Virginia. Skirmish at Newtown, Va. * For references in General Grants final report to operations in the section of country covered by this volume, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, pp. 23, 24,27-29. t Of some of the minor conflicts noted in this Summary no circumstantial reports are on file. All such are designated in the Index. ~ For reports, see Vol. XXXIX. (1) 1 R RVOL XXXVII, PT Page 2 2 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (OH~P. XLIX. May - 22, 1864.Skirmish at Front Royal, Va. 24, 1864.Skirmish near Charlestown, W. Va. Skirmish near Lewisburg, W. Va. 26-June 29, 1864.The Lynchburg Campaign. 29, 1864.Skirn~sh at Hamlin, W. Va. Skirmish at Middleburg, Va. 2930, 1864.Skirmishes at Newtown, Va. 30-June 20, I864.Morgans raid into Kentucky.* June 6, 1864.Skirmish near Moorefield, W. Va. 9, 1864.Affair in Loudoun County, Va. 10, 1864.Skirmish near Kabletown, W. Va. Affair at Newport, Va. 11, 1864.Skirmish near Midway, Va. 11-21, 1864.Expedition from Point Lookout, Md., to Popes Creek, Va. 12, 1864.Skirmish at Cedar Creek, Va. 16, 1864.Skirmish at Spencer, W. Va. 19, 1864.Affair near Petersburg, W. Va. 2324, 1864.-Skirmishes near Falls Church and Centreville, Va. 23-Aug. 3, l864.Operations in the Shenandoah Valley, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. 26, 1864.Skirmishes at Wire Bridge and Springfield, W. Va. Skirmish at Smithfield, W. Va. 29, 1864.-Skirmishes at Charlestown and Duffields Station, W. Va. July 2, 1864.Skirmish at Bolivar Heights, W. Va. 3, 1864.Brig. Gen. George Crook, U. S. Army, assumes command of all U. S. forces in Department of West Virginia west of the Alleghanies and south of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. 4, 1864.Skirmish at .Frankford, W. Va. 6, 1864.Action at Mount Zion Church, near Aldie, Va. 15, 1864.Affair at Accotink, Va. 1821, l864.Scout from Falls Church, Va. 20, 1864.Skirmish at Philomont, Va. 26, l864.Scout toward Rapidan Station, Va. Skirmish at Muddy Branch, Md. MAY 1AUGUST 3, 1864.Nosbys Operations. - Report of Lieut. (Jot. John S. Mosby, Forty-third Virginia Cavalry - Battalion. - SEPTEMBER -11, 1864. COLONEL:1 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: About May 1, with a party of ten men, I captured 8 of Sigels wagons near Bunker Hill, in the Valley, but was only able to bring off the horses attached (34 in number) and about 20 prisoners. The horses and prisoners were sent back, while with another detachment * For reports, & c., see Vol. XXXIX. t For portion here omitted, see Vol. XXXIII, p. 248 Page 3 CHAP. XLIX.) M6SI3YS OPERATIONS. 3 of twenty men who had joined me I proceeded to Martinsburg, which place we entered that night, while occupied by several hundred Fed- eral troops, and brought off 15 horses and several prisoners. Returning to my command I learned that Grant had crossed the Rapidan. With about forty m~en I moved down the north bank of the Rappahannock to assail his communications wherever opened, and sent two other Uetachments, under Captains Richards and Chapman, to embarrass Sigel as much as possible. Captain Richards had a skirmish near Winchester (then the enemys rear), in which several of them were killed and wounded. Captain Chapman attacked a wagon train which was heavily guarded near Strasburg, capturing about 30 prisoners with an equal number of horses, & c. Near Belle Plain, in King George, I captured an ambulance train and brought off about 75 horses and mules, 40 prisoners, & c. A few days after I made a second attempt near the same place, but discovered that my late attack had caused them to detach such a heavy force to guard their trains and line of communications that another successful attack on them was impracticable. About May 10 I attacked a cavalry outpost in the vicinity of Front Royal, capturing 1 captain and 15 men and 75 horses, and sustained no loss. About May 20, with about 150 men, I moved to the vicinity of Strasburg with the view of capturing the wagon trains of General Hunter, who had then moved up the Valley. When the train ap- peared I discovered that it was guarded by about 600 infantry and 100 cavalry. A slight skirmish ensued between their cavalry and a part of my command, in which their cavalry was routed with a loss of 8 prisoners and horses, besides several killed, but falling back on their infantry my men in turn fell back with a loss of 1 killed. While we did not capture the train, one great object had been accom- plishedthe detachment of a heavy force to guard their communi- cations. After the above affair only one wagon train ever went up to Hunter, which was still more heavily guarded. He then gave up his line of communication. After the withdrawal of the enemys forces from Northern Vir- ginia for several weeks but few opportunities were offered for any successful incursions upon them. Many enterprises on a small scale were, however, undertaken by detachments of the command, of which no note has been taken. About June 20 I moved into Fairfax and routed a body of cavalry near Centreville, killing and wounding 6 or 8 and capturing 31 pris- oners, securing their horses, & c. A few days afterward we took Duffields Depot, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad; secured about 50 prisoners, including 2 lieu- tenants, and a large amount of stores. The train had passed a few minutes before we reached the place. On my way there I had left Lieutenant Nelson, commanding Company A, at Charlestown for the purpose of intercepting and notifying me of any approach in my rear from Harpers Ferry. As I had anticipated, a body of cavalry, largely superior in numbers to his force, moved out from that point. Lieutenant Nelson gallantly charged and routed them, killing and wounding several and taking 19 prisoners and 27 horses. We sustained no loss on this expedition. On July 4, hearing of Genera I Earlys movement down the Valley, I moved with my command east of the Blue Ridge for the purpose of co-operating with him, and crossed the Potomac at Point of Rocks Page 4 4 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., YID., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. driving out tlie garrison (250 men, strongly fortified) and securing several prisoners and horses. As I supposed it to be General Earlys intehtion to invest Maryland Heights, I thought the best service I Could render would be to sever all Communications both by railroad and telegraph between that point and Washington, which I did, keep- ing it suspended for two days. As this was the first occasion on which I had used artillery, the magnitude of the invasion was greatly exaggerated by the fears of the enemy, and panic and alarm spread through their territory. I desire especially to bring to the notice of the commanding general the unsurpassed gallantry displayed by Captain Richards, command- ing First Squadron. Our crossing was opposed by a body of infantry stationed on the Maryland shore. Dismounting a number of sharp- shooters, whom I directed to wade the river above the point held by the enemy, I superintended in person the placing of my piece of artillery in position, at the same time directing Captain Richards, whenever the enemy had been dislodged by the sharpshooters and artillery, to charge across the river in order to effect their capture. The enemy were soon routed and Captain Richards charged over, but before he could overtake them they had retreated across the canal, pu.lling up the bridge in their rear. My order had not, of course, contemplated their pursuit into their fortifications,, but the destruction of the bridge was no obstacle to his impetuous valor, and hastily dismounting and throwing down a few planks on the sills, he charged across under a heavy fire from a redoubt. The enemy fled panic-stricken, leaving in our possession their camps, equipage, & c. Captain Richards has on this, as well as many other occasions, shQwn himself worthy to wear the honor bestowed upon him by the Government when, disregarding the rule of seniority, it promoted him for valor and skill to the position whose duties he so ably dis- charges. ~s On the morning of July 6, while still encamped near the Potomac, information was received that a considerable force of cavalry was at Leesburg. I immediately hastened to meet them. At Leesburg I learned that they had gone toward Aldie, and I accordingly moved on the road to a s Mill in order to intercept them returning to their camp in Fairfax, which I succeeded in doing, meeting them at Mount Zion Church and completely routing them, with a loss of about 80 of their officers and men left dead and severely wounded on the field, besides 57 prisoners. Their loss includes a captain and lieutenant killed, and 1 lieutenant severely wounded; the major commanding and 2 lieutenants prisoners. We also secured all their horses, arms, & c. Mylosswas 1 killed and 6 woundednone dangerously. After this affair the enemy never ventured in two months after the experiment of another raid through that portion of our district. A few days afterward I again crossed the Potomac, in co-operation with General Early, and moved through Poolesville, Md., for the purpose of capturing a body of cavalry encamped near Seneca. They retreated, however, before we reached there, leaving all their camp equipage and a considerable amount of stores. We also cap- tured 30 head of beef-cattle. When General Early fell back from before Washington I recrossed the Potomac near Seneca, moving thence to the Little River pike in order to protect him from any movement up the south side of the river. The enemy moved through Leesburg in pursuit of Genera Page 5 CHAP. XLIX.] GENERAL OPERATIONS. 5 Early and occupied Ashbys and Snickers Gaps. I distributed my command so as most effectually to protect the country. These de- tachmentsunder Captains Richards and Chapman and Lieutenants Glascock, Nelson, and Hatcherwhile they kept the enemy confined to the main thoroughfares and restrained their ravages, killed and captured about 300, securing their horses, & c. My own attention was principally directed to ascertaining the numbers and movements of the enemy and forwarding the information to General Early, who was then in the Valley. At the time of the second invasion of Maryland by General Early I moved my command to the Potomac, crossed over three companies at Cheeks and Nolands Fords, while the remaining portion was kept in reserve on this side with the artillery, which was posted on the south bank to keep open the fords, keeping one company (B), under Lieutenant Williams, near the ford on the north bank. Two were sent under Lieutenant Nelson to Adamstown, on the Baltimore and. Ohio Railroad, for the purpose of intercepting the train from Balti- more, destroying their communications, & c. Apprehending a move- ment up the river from a considerable body of cavalry which I knew to be stationed below, I remained with a portion of the command guarding the fords. Lieutenant Nelson reached the road a few min- utes too late to capture the train, but destrbyed two telegraph lines. On Iris return he met a force of the enemys cavalry near Monocacy, which was charged arid routed by the gallant Lieutenant Hatcher, who took about 15 men and horses, besides killing and wounding several. We recrossed the river in the evening, bringing a bout 75 horses and between 20 and 30 prisoners. Our loss, 2 missing.* I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. S. MOSBY, Lie utena nt-Colonel, Commanding. Lient. Col. W. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Ac~jju taut- General. ( Itinerary of general operations in the Department of West Vir ginia, for May, June, and July, 1864. t DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGLNIA4 MAY. During the month the two divisions under General Sigel moved up the Shenandoah Valley without opposition as far a~.New Market. May 15 was fought the battle of New Market, resulting in the defeat of our forces and their immediate retreat to the north bank of Cedar Creek. Tire loss in the battle was about 1,000 ~nen killed, wounded, and captured, and 7 or 8 pieces of artillery captured. In the mean time the forces under General Crook, proceeding by way of Fayetteville, Raleigh and Princeton, fought the battle and gained the brilliant victory of Cloyds Mountain on the 9th. On the lOtIr burned the important railroad bridge spanning New River, and * For portion of report here omitted, see Vol. XLIII, Part L ~ From monthly returns of the commands indicated. See also itineraries ar- ranged with reports of distinct operations. ~ Commanded by Maj. Gens. Franz Sigel and David Hunter Page 6 6 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [C~. XLIX. ~-then returned to Meadow Bluff for supplies, where he was joined by Brigadier-General Averell with the cavalay that had been previ- ously detached and sent in the direction of Wytheville, at which place they encountered the enemy. May 21.Major-General Huntei~, having arrived at Martinsburg, in obedience to orders from the War Department, assumed command of the department, relieving Major-General Sigel, who was assigned to the command of the troops along the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, comprising the Reserve Division. May 26.Major-General Hunter, having joined the troops at Cedar Creek and completed his preparations, moved up the Valley. May 30.The troops with Brigadier-General Crook at Meadow Bluff, having been supplied, moved from that place toward Staunton, Va. Second Separate Brigade, commanded by Got. Nathan Wilkinson, Sixth West Virginia Infantry. SIXTH WEST VIRGINIA INFANTRY. May 1.Companies A and G arrived at New Creek by rail from Clarksburg, a distance of 100 miles. May 2~.Company L, detachments at Great Cacapon and Rock- wells Run were relieved by the One hundred and fifty-third Ohio National Guards and ordered to Rowlesburg for duty; 121 miles. Company 0, detachments at Little Qacap on and South Branch were relieved by the One hundred and fifty-third Ohio National Guards and ordered to proceed to Fort Pendleton, Md., about twelve miles off the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from Oakland, Md., distant about seventy-six miles from the other stations. May 26.Company K, detachments stationed at Sir Johns Run and Alpine Station, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, were re- heved by the One hundred and fifty-third Ohio National Guards and moved thence by rail to New Creek, about seventy-one miles; twelve men of the company stationed at Youghiogheny bridge, near Oak- land, Md. May 27.Company B moved by rail from Paw Paw, W. Va., and No. 12 Water Station, to Clarksburg, about 150 miles, having been relieved by the One hundred and fifty-third Ohio National Guards. May 28.Fourteen men of Company 0 were ordered to relieve the detachment of Company K stationed at Youghiogheny bridge; squad of Company K to join company at New Creek, W. Va. May 31.Company K Qrdered to move by rail from New Creek to Altamont, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. a distance of twenty- two miles. Company D, detachments in five block-houses near Bridgeport, Clarksburg, and Cherry Camp, on the Northwestern Virginia Railroad; headquarters at Clarksburg. Company H, de- tachments in eleven block-houses situated near Cornwallis, Toll- Gatt~, West Union, and Smithton, on the Northwestern Virginia Railroad; headquarters at Coruwallis. Company E at Cumberland; Company F at Rowlesburg; Company N at Grafton, and Company P at Wheeling, W. Va., guarding the military prison. TENTH WEST VIRGINIA INFANTRY. The regiment has been very actively engaged in scouting through the counties of Randolph, Tucker, Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Braxton, Highland, Pendleton, and Webster, W. Va.; is now in an efficient condition for service Page 7 (JIIAP. XLIX.] 7 43rENERAL OPERATIONS. ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THIRD OHIO NATIONAL GUARDS May iti.Arrived and reported for duty at, Paw Paw. May 23~Col. I. Stough, commanding regiment, was ordered to relievQ the detachments of the ~Sixth West Virginia Infantry, stationed on the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, east of Cumberland, Md., by placing one company at Hancock, Md.; one company at Sir Johns Run; one company at Great Cacapon; one- third company at Rockwells Run; one-third company at No. 12 Water Station; one-third company at Little Cacapon; one company at South Branch; the remaining companies at Paw Paw, W. Va. ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FOURTH OHIO NATIONAL GUARDS. May 27.Company H was ordered from New Creek to Yonghio- gheny bridge, near Oakland, Md., to relieve Company D, Second Maryland Infantry, Potomac Home Brigade. DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA.* JUNE. June 5.The forces under Major-General Hunter met the rebels under General W. E. Jones at Piedmont, defeating them, killing their commander, and capturing about 1,500 prisoners. June 6.The forces under General Hunter entered Staunton with- out oppositions and were there joined by General Crook on the 7th or 8th. After destroying the railroads in the vicinity, supplies for the rebel army, and all the manufacturing establishments in the place, the united forces advanced on Lexington, at which place was destrqyed the Military Institute, with considerable quantities of arms and ammunition; proceeded toward Lynchburg, arriving in the & icinity of that place on the 17th, and immediately engaged the enemy, capturing artillery from him. June 18.An engagement took place in front of Lynchburg, but it being ascertained from prisoners captured that Early had arrived from Richmond with re-enforcements, our forces commenced their retreat on the evening of the same day, harassed by the enemy a considerable part of the way, and after eleven days hard marching ~ea~hed Gauley Bridge, Kanawha Valley, on the 29th. JULY. After the return of our forces from Lynchburg, General Early, having pursued a considerable distance, turned about and advanced down the Shenandoah Valley, arriving at Winchester on the even- ing of the 2d. General Sigel, commanding the Reserve Division, headquarters at Martinsburg, being aPXrised of the fact, made p reparations to evacuate the place an fall back to the strong defensive position of Maryland Heights. July 3.The evacuation commenced and by 2 p. m. the main body of his troops, with the wagon train, was on its way to the Potomac River. That night the troops, with the train, crossed into Maryland, taking up position on the north. bank of the Potomac River to prevent the crossing of the enemy July 4.The whole force moved by way of Pleasant Valley to Maryland Heights, arriving there the same night. General Sigels * Commanded by Maj. Gen. David Hunter Page 8 OPERATIONs IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAX. XLIX. troops remained on the heights several days, skirmishing with the enemy, who made no serious attempt to carry the position. Briga- dier-General Howe, liiaving arrived from Washington, relieved General Sigel [July 8] by order of the War Department and assumed command of the Military District of Harpers Ferry, extending from the Monocacy west to Hancock. Soon after Major- General Hunter with his forces reached Harpers Ferry from the Kanawha Valley, and the rebels having gone round by Frederick, Md., toward Baltimore and Washington, he moved to Monocacy Junction; thence returned to Harpers Ferry; thence the forces, under command of Brigadier-General Sullivan, moved to Hills- borough, at which place General Sullivan was relieved by Brigadier- General Crook, who joined Major-General Wrights command, Sixth and Nineteenth Army Corps, at Purceliville. The united forces then moved to Snickers Gap, where the troops under General Crook engaged the enemy. Major-General Wright, with the Sixth and Nineteenth Army Corps, having returned to Washington, Brigadier- General Crook moved up to Winchester. July 24.L~~Fought the battle of Kernstown, which resulted in his retreat by way of Martinsburg and Shepherdstown to Harpers Ferry. MAY 219, 1864.Expeditions against the Virginia and Tennessee Rail road. SUMIMLARY OF TI{E PRINcIpAL EVENTS. May 2, l864.Expedition under command of Brig. Gen. George Crook, U. S. Army, sets out from the Kanawlia River. 4,1864.Affair at Callaghans Station. 5, l864.Expedition under command of Brig. Gen. William W. Averell, U. S. Army, sets out from Logan Court-House. 6, 1864.Skirmish at Princeton. 8, l864.Skirmish at Jeffersonville. 9, l864.Engagement at Cloyds Mountain, or Cloyds Farm. 10, l864.Engagement at Cove Mountain, or Grassy Lick, near Wytheville. Skirmish at New River Bridge. 11, l864.Skirmish at Blacksburg. 1213, l864.Skirmishes near Newport, at Browns Ferry, Salt Ponds (or Salt Pond Mountain), and Gap Mountain. 15, l864.Averells and Crooks commands unite at Union. 19,1864.The Union forces reach Meadow Bluff. REPORTs, ETC.* No. 1.Brig. Gen. George Crook, U. S. Army, commanding Second Infantry Di- vision, Department of West Virginia, & c. No. 2. Return of Casualties in the Union forces in the engagement at Cloyds Mountain. No. 3. Col. Rutherford B. Hayes, Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain. No. 4. Lieut. Col. James M. Comly, Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain. No. 5.Col. Hiram F. Devol, Thirty-sixth Ohio Infantry, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain. ~$ee also itinerary, p. 5 Page 9 c~. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. 9 No. 6.Col. Carr B. White, Twelfth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain. No. 7.Lieut. Col. Jonathan D. Hines, Twelfth Ohio Infantry, of skirmishes at Princeton and New River Bridge, and engagement at Cloyds Mountain. No. 8.Col. John A. Turley, Ninety-first Ohio Infantry, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain, and skirmish at New River Bridge. No. 9.Col. Isaac H. Duval, Ninth West Virginia Infantry, of engagement. at Cloyds Mountain. No. 10.Col. Daniel D. Johnson, Fourteenth West Virginia Infantry, of engage- ment at Cloyds Mountain. No. 11.Col. Horatio G. Sickel, Third Pennsylvania Reserves, commanding Third Brigade. No. 12.Capt. Robert Johnson, Third Pennsylvania Reserves. No. 18.Lieut. Col. Thomas F. B. Tapper, Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves. No. 14.Col. Daniel Frost, Eleventh West Virginia Infantry. No. 15.Lieut. Col. Thomas Morris, Fifteenth West Virginia Infantry. No. 16.Capt. James R. McMuilin, First Ohio Battery, Chief of Artillery, of en- gagement at Cloyds Mountain, and skirmishes at New River Bridge and Salt Pond Mountain. No. 17.Capt. Daniel W. Glassie, First Kentucky Battery, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain, and skirmishes at New River Bridge and Salt Pond Mountain. No. 18.Lieut. George P. Kirtland, First Ohio Battery, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain, and skirmishes at New River Bridge and Salt Pond Mountain. No. 19.Brig. Gen. William W. Averell, U.S. Army, commanding Cavalry Division. No. 20.Col. John McCausland, Thirty-sixth Virginia Infantry, commanding De- partment of Western Virginia. No. 21.Maj. William E. Fife, Thirty-sixth Virginia Infantry, of operations May 814. No. 22.Col. William H. Browne, Forty-fifth Virginia Infantry, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain. No. 23.Lieut. Col. Henry M. Beckley, Forty-fifth Battalion Virginia Infantry, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain, and skirmish at New River Bridge. No. 24.Col. Beuhring H. Jones, Sixtieth Virginia Infantry, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain. No. 25.Capt. Henry C. Douthat, Botetourt (Virginia) Artillery, of skirmish at New River Bridge. No. 26.Lieut. Giles A. Fowlkes, Bryans (Virginia) Battery, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain. No. 27.Capt. Crispin Dickenson, Ringgold (Virginia) Battery, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain, and skirmish at New River Bridge. No. 28.Col. William H. French, Seventeenth Virginia Cavalry, commanding bri- gade, of operations May 6-16. No. 29.Col. William L. Jackson, Nineteenth Virginia Cavalry, of operations May 513. No. 30.Col. D. Howard Smith. Fifth Kentucky Cavalry, commanding brigade, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain, and skirmish at New River Bridge.- No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. George Grook, TI S. Army, commanding Sec- ond Infantry Division, Department of West Virginia, & c. HDQRS. SECOND INFANTRY DIV., DEPT. OF W. VA., Meadow Bluff, May 23, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with in- structions from the major-general coinma~ding the department, Page 10 I, / 10 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. left the Kanawha River on the 2d instant to operate against the Vii~- ginia and Tennessee Railroad. The withdrawal of so much force from the Kanawha Valley and my instructions to swing around to my left flank would leave my right exposed; consequently I sent Brig. Gen. W. W. Averell, with a mo~inted force of 2,000 picked men, to move via Logan Court-House to Saltville, on the railroad, to take and destroy that place if possible; thence to destroy the railroad to Dublin Depot so as to render that country untenable to the enemy, while I with the main infantry column, consisting of the First Bri- gadeTwenty~third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Thirty- sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and parts of the Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Mounted Infantry, and Fifth and Seventh Virginia Cav- alry (all dismounted)under command of Col. R. B. Hayes; the Sec- ond BrigadeTwelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Ninety-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Ninth Virginia Infantry, and Fourteenth Vir- ginia Infantryunder command of Col. C. B. White; the Third a eThird and Fourth Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps, Eleventh and Fifteenth Virginia Infantryunder the com- mand of Col. H. G. Sickel, and the First Ohio Battery, Capt. J. R. McMullin, and First Kentucky Battery, Capt. D. W. Glassie, the whole numbering 6,155 men, moved by Fayetteville and Princeton. To deceive the enemy as to the route, I sent the Fifth Virginia In- fantry, Col. A. A. Tomlinson commanding, with Lieutenant Blazers scouts, on the Lewisburg road, the colonel carrying out his part so well that the enemy withdrew his guerrillas from the Princeton road, and not a hostile gun was fired at us until we reached the vicinity of Princeton, where we met a small company of cavalry, who, after skirmishing awhile with our advance ,fi ed precipitately toward Rocky Gap. I learned at this place that McCauslands bri- gade had left here the evening previous for Lewisburg. So little did they expect us on this route they had left their tents standing, and the tools they had been erecting fortifications with in their barracks, all of which were destroyed. The next two days was occupied in marching to Shannons Bridge, on the northwestern slope of Walkers or Cloyds Mountain, a dis- tance of forty-five miles. Nothing worthy of note occurred during this march, except the occasional firing of straggling bands that we paid no attention to. At Shannons Bridge we were joined by Col. J. H. Oley, Seventh West Virginia Cavalry, with 400 mounted men, who were to join me at Princeton, via Logan Court-House, but was prevented arriving on time by unforeseen circumstances. Here I understood that the enemy were holding the summit of this mountain, and next morning (the 9th) I took the Second Brigade and two regiments of the Third Brigade and ascended the mountain to the left of the road, but when I reached the summit I discovered the enemy in position on a wooded spur of this mountain some three- fourths of a mile distant, and opposite to and commanding the point where the road debouched from the mountain. From the summit of the mountain I sent the Second Brigade to our left and to turn the enemys right flank, and taking the two regiments of the Third Bri- gade, I joined the remainder of the command, which by this time was descending the slope of the mountain. The enemy during this time kept up a grave-yard whistle with their artillery everywhere we made our appearance. The Second Rrigade, having many sharp and brushy ridges and deep gullies to cross over, were a long time getting into position. I then sent the First Brigade to the left of the road to form in the edge of the woods to support and join on t Page 11 11 Ciu~. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSFJE RAILROAD. the right of the Second I3rigade, and the Third Brigade formed on the right of the First. As soon as the Second Brigade had fairly engaged the enemy, I ordered a charge of the other two brigades across the intervening meadow of from one-fourth to one-half mile wide. These brigades charged across this meadow through a most galling fire of musketry and artillery. A part of the Third Brigade was thrown into confusion for a while but soon rallied and came up in good style; it was then that the gallant Colonel Woolworth felJ. On arriving at the foot of the slope upon which the enemy were posted we encountered a sunken muddy stream waist deep. The men plunged in and crossed to the opposite side, where they were under shelter from the enemys bullets. After taking breath the men com- menced ascending the ridge, which in p laces was at an angle of sixty degrees, under a most galling fire.The ranks wavered a little in spots, but the general line moved steadily on until near the enemys formidable breast-works on the crest of the ridge, a species of cheval- de-frise made of rails inverted, when the men rushed forward with a yell, the enemy remaining behind their works until battered away by our men. Heaps of their dead were lying behind their works, mostly sh6t in the head. Finally the enemy commenced wavering, and the impetuosity with which our men charged them soon made a general rout of their ranks; then ensued a scene of great carnage of the enemy; our men followed them as fast as their tired and worn- out condition would permit. Colonel Oley with his cavalry was ordered up, but his men were the odds and ends of several regi- ments, many with broken-down horses, and were not in a condition for the service that was required of them. Had I but 1,000 effective cavalry none of the enemy could have escaped. The enemy left on the field two pieces of artillery and a great number of small-arms. In some two miles from Dublin we encountered some 500 or 1,000 -of General Morgans men, who had just arrived from Saltville on the cars about ten minutes before. They soon broke and fled precipitately after their comrades. No enemy could be found on our arrival at Dublin but had fled in direction of the New River bridge. During the first part of the engagement our artillery could not be used, but during the pursuit the artillery did good work. From the best information I could get the enemy had some 4,000 to 7,000 men, under comniand of General Jenkins. A very intelli- gent captain of theirs, who was mortally wounded, stated our num- bers very accurately, and declared that their force was greater than ours. The prisoners taken were from fourteen different regiments. Our loss in killed was 107, wounded 508, missing 28. Most of the missing, I think, straggled back to the hospital. We buried over 200 of the enemys dead and captured 230 prisoners besides their wounded. It was impossible for me to ascertain the number of their wounded, but allowing the usual percentage to their killed their wounded must have been at least from 800 to 1,000. General A. G. Jenkins and Lieutenant-Colonel Smith fell into our hands, seriously wounded, who gave their paroles to report at Charleston as soon as their wounds will admit, if not properly ex- changed before that time. I also learned from various sources that hundreds of their men had deserted to the mountains; several came out with us. I regret that from want of transportation I was compelled to leave some 200 of my most seriously wounded cases in hospital near the battle-field. Plenty of supplies and medical attend- ance was left with them Page 12 12 0PERATI0N~ IN N. VA.; W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CaAP. XLIX. During the storming of the enemys works I was with the First Brigade, and can bear testimony to the gallant manner with which both officers and men did their work. Not being personally cogni- zant of the individuals who deserve particular mention I most cheer- fully and heartily indorse those who have been so mentioned by their regimental and brigade commanders, particularly Col. I. H. Duval Ninth Virginia Regiment, with his gallant regiment, who stormed the enemys works without wavering, losing one-third of his regi- ment in killed and wounded. I am much indebted for the success of this battle to the brigade commanders, Cols. H. G. Sickel, C. B. White, and R. B. Hayes, for their personal bravery, their hearty co-operation, and the intelligent manner in which they carried out and anticipated my orders and plans. At Dublin many public stores fell into our hands. There I s~w dispatches from Richmond stating that General Grant had been re~ pulsed and was retreating, which determined me to move to Lewis- burg as rapidly as possible. On the next morning (the 10th) I moved on to New River bridge and found the enemy had evacuated their works, burnt the carriages of their two siege pieces in position, and retreated ti the opposite side of the river, where they were drawn up in line. After an artil- lery duel of a couple of hours, the enemy were compelled to retire, when we destroyed the bridge and other public property in vicinity. Our loss here was 1 killed and 10 wounded. Maj. B. M. Skinner, acting assistant inspector-general, was wounded slightly by the ex- plosion of a shell. Great praise is due to Capt. J. R. McMullin and the artillery under him in this engagement. We then moved down and crossed the river at Peppers Ferry. The next morning 50 prisoners arrived from General Averell and I then learned that he had not succeeded in reaching Saltville but would strike the railroad at Wytheville. Moved to Blacksburg that day. That night heard by courier from General Averell that he met a large force, and could not get to Wytheville, but would be at Dublin that night. I consequently sent him instructions to move toward Lynchburg, destroying the railroad. Next morning I started to Union through a drenching rain. At the junction of the road from the Narrows of New River we met Mudwall Jackson with 1,500 men, who fled precipitately toward the Narrows, leaving knapsacks, camp and garrison equipage, provisions, & c. The roads began to get most impassable. Much of our train could not get in- to camp this night, but wa~ strung out over Salt Pond Mountain. The wagons in many places would go down to their beds in the mud. Many of the teams were giving out, and we had no forage for them, and had Peters Mountain yet to cross before we could get any. I was coni- Velled tQ destroy some of my loads, so as to lighten up my wagons. regard the bringing through our train with so slight a loss as one of the most remarkable features of the expedition, and certainly re- flects great credit on the quartermasters department. A great deal of this transportation was received just on the eve of our departure from Charleston, when it was too a e to get other and certainly better transportation, it being sent to the rear from our large armies every day as being unserviceable. On Peters Mountain some of Jack- sons force had abandoned one piece of artillery and some eight or ten wagons and ambulances. I marched via Uni6n and Alderson s Ferry to this place, arriving here on the 19th. General Averell with his command joined us at Union. We were nine days coming fro Page 13 caap. XLIX.] - VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD., 13 Blacksburg here, which but for the heavy rains would have [been] made in four days. I subsisted on the country the greater part of the way; found but little subsistence in the counties of Monroe and Greenbrier. On arrival here many of our men were barefoot, and we were almost entirely out of provisions, consequently had to send to Gauley after supplies. Brig. Gen. W. W. Averell deserves particular mention for his severe and perilous marches and his encounter with the enemy at the different points. (For particulars see his report.) I cannot close this report without expressing my sincere thanks to the brigade and regimental commanders for their hearty co-oper- ation, cheerful obedience to orders, and preservance of that harmony in their commands which is so essential to the success of any expe- dition. I cannot speak in toq high terms of my personal staff, viz, Maj. B. M. Skinner, Ninth Virginia Volunteers, acting assistant inspec- tor-general; Maj.W. P. Rucker, Thirteenth Virginia Volunteers, act- ing aide-de-camp; Capt. James L. Botsford, assistant adjutant-gen- eral; Capt. James Allen, Second Virginia Cavalry, provost-marshal; First Lieuts. B. H. Moore and J. N. Patton, aides-de-camp; Second Lient. C. S. Roberts, assistant commissary of musters, and G. K. Smith, telegraph operator, for their personal bravery on the battle- field in carrying orders and for assisting in rallying and encourag- ing our men during the action at different points. Capt. John R. Craig, assistant quartermaster, for untiring energy and skill in managing the train; Lieut. Frank M. Slade, Twelfth Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, ordnance officer, for strict attention to his duty; Surg. George M. Kellogg, medical director, for his untiring energy and attention to the wounded and sick. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE CROOK, Brigadier- General. Capt. T. MELVIN, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 2. Return of Casualties in the Union forces in the engagement at Cloyds Mountain.* [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Command. a a 0 0 a ~ a 0 ~ 0 ~ FIR5T BRIGADE. Col. RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 213d Ohio 2 19 2 76~ :34th Ohio (detachment) 4 1 22 36th Ohio . 17 5th West Virginia Cavairyt (detachment) 7th West Virginia Cavairyt (detachment) Total First Brigade 2 27 3 115 25 172 * Also includes losses at Jeffersonville, May 8, and New Eiver bridge, May 10. ~ Dismounted. Captured or missing. 5 a 0 ~ 24 1213 28 2 Page 14 14 OP~RATION$ IN N. VA~, W. VA., MD., AND PA. LC~. XUX. Return of (Yasualties in the Union forces, & c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. S 60 H I) ii __ ___ __ ~ .11 SECOND BRIGADE. Col. CAlUO B. WHITE. Ohio 9 5 63 10 87 1 1 25 3 30 9th WestVirginia. 1 42 3 125 15 186 14th West Virguna 13 6 56 13 88 Total Second Brigade THIRD BRIGADE. Col. HORATIO G. SICEEL. 3d Pennsylvania Reserves 4th Pennsylvania 11th West Virginia 15th West Virginia Total Third Brigade ARTILLERy. Kentucky Light, 1st Battery Ohio Light, 1st Battery Total artillery Capt. J. L. BOTSFORD, Assistant Adjutant- General. 2 65 14 269 41 391 3 6 ~D 1 39 5 5 28 2 41 1 3 11 1 16 1 3 15 2 21 1 10 17 83 6 117 5 5 5~ I _-~ CAVALRY. 7thWestVirginia 1 2 3 Grand total 5 103 34 474 No. 3. Report of col. Rutherford B. Hayes, Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD Div., DEPT. OF W. VA.; Meadow Bluff, May 20, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit herewith the retorts of regimental Commanders of my Command of the part taken y their respective regiments in the battle of Cloyds Mountain. also is s of casualties in that battle. * As the commanding general was present with the brigade during the greater part of the action, it does not seem necessary to add any- thing to the reports of the regimental commanders. I regret to have to report the loss of Capt. A. A. Hunter and First Lieut. George N. Seaman, Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, both of whom fell while gallantly leading their men against the enemys intrenchments. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, & c. R. B. HAYES, Co2onel, commanding. * Embodied in table, p. 13 Page 15 CHAP. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. No. 4. Report of Lieut. Cot. James 31. Comly, Twenty-third Ohio In fantry, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain. HDQRS. TWENTY-THIRD OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Meadow Blu4, May 20, 1864. - SIR: In obedience to orders from brigade headquarters, I respect- fully report: Inclosed herewith is a journal of distances marched by the regi- ment from 29th April to date, inclusive; also a list of casualties during the same time. At the battle of Cloyds Mountain on the 9th of May the Twenty- third Regiment was on the right of the First Brigade. At about noon we were ordered to charge the enemy, who occupied the first crest of the mountain with artillery and infantry, behind rudely constructed breast-works. The hill itself was thickly wooded, steep, and difficult of ascent, and was skirted by a stream of water from two to three feet deep. The approach was through a beautiful meadow 500 or 600 yards in width. As soon as the order was received the regiment advanced at double-quick across the meadow, under a very heavy fire of artillery and musketry, to the foot of the mountain, across the stream. The regiment advanced steadily to this point without returning the enemys fire, and after a short pause a furious assault was made upon the enemys works, carrying them and cap- turing 2 pieces of artillery, which were brought off the field by Lieu- tenant Austin, and are now held subject to order. The enemy fell back to the second crest or ridge of the mountain, when a deter- mined attempt was made to form a line, but, after a short struggle, he was driven from there in full retreat; re-enforcements arriving on the field, attempted a third time to make a stand, unsuccessfully. The struggle at the guns was of the fiercest desc~ription, the ~artil- lerymen attempting to reload when our line was not more than ten paces distant. Lieutenant Stevens shot one of the gunners at that distance. Private Kosht, of Company G, a recruit eighteen years of age, was the first to reach the gulls. He sprang from the ranks, with a boyish shout, and hung his hat over the muzzle of one of the guns. I regret to announce the death of Captain Hunter, Company K, and Lieutenant Seaman, commanding Company D, in this charge. Captain Rice, Company A, was slightly wounded, but rejoined his company before the action was over. Lieutenant Abbott, Company I, a most gallant and enterprising officer, was severely wounded, and left in hospital at Dublin Depot. For further losses, I refer you to the official list of casualties inclosed. * In the engagement at NeW River bridge on the 10th we lost none. I have the proud satisfaction of saying that no man of this com- mand entered a house in an unauthorized manner during the march, and but two men, so far as I can learn, fell out in time of action. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, & c., J. M. COMLY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Capt. RUSSELL HASTINGS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. * Embodied in table, p. 13 Page 16 16 OPERATiONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Cn.~. XLIX. No. 5. Report of Col. Hiram F. Devol, Thirty-sixth Ohio Infantry, of en gagement at Cloyds Mountain. HDQRS. THIRTY-SIXTH REGT. OHIO VOL. INFTY., Meadow Bluff, May 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by my regiment and a detachment of the Thirty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry (attached to the Thirty-sixth under my command) at the late battle of Cloyds Mountain, May 9, 1864, all amounting to about 500 men. I was first ordered to support the Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but, owing to conflicting orders, did not get started until the former regiment had. I then deemed it best (not knowing the exact position of the Twenty-third) to engage the en- emy in the vacant space between the Ninety-first Ohio Volunteer Jnfantry, on the left, and the Twenty-third Regiment. On receiving the fire of the enemy my men moved steadily forward, returning their fire and driving them, which soon became a perfect rout.a few of my command pursuing. Quite a number of prisoners were taken. Both officers and men behaved well. I cannot particularize with- out mentioning the whole. Very respectfully, & c., H. F. DEVOL, Captain HASTINGS Gommanding Regiment. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclorsement.] The only order given by me to Colonel Devol, sent by Lieutenant Wood, acting aide-de-camp, was to advance, supporting the Twenty- third. If any order conificting with this was received it was not with my knowledge. R. B. HAYES, Colonel, Commanding. No. 6. Report of C~oi. C~arr B. White, Twelfth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., DEPT OF W. VA., Meadow Bluff, May 21, 1864. I have the honor herewith to report the part taken by the Second Brigade in the action at Cloyds Mountain on the 9th instant. Guided by a negro of the neighborhood, the brigade made a de- tour to the left from the north entrance of the gap, and crossed the mountain one-half mile below, moved around, and attacked the en- emy on his extreme right. The attack was vigorous and obstinately maintained until the enemy was driven from behind his cover of rail stockades and rifle-pits and completely routed. The well-timed attack of Col. R. B. Hayes, commanding First Brigade, on our right, aided materially in dislodging the enemy from his well-chose Page 17 CHAP. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. and very strong position. The pursuit was continued to Dublin, where the brigade camped for the night. The crossing of the mountain and numerous deep ravines on the south side, which were covered with thick underbrush, made our progress slow and fatiguing to the troops. I am much indebted to Lieut. Col. G. W. Taggart, Fourteenth Virginia Infantry, for the energy with which he conducted the reconnaissance of the enemys position and guided the command to the point of attack. Col. John A. Turley, commanding Ninety-first Ohio Volunteer In- fantry; Col. I. H. Duval, c9mmanding Ninth Virginia Infantry; Col. D. ft Johnson, commanding Fourteenth Virginia Infantry, and Lieut. Col. J. D. Hines, commanding Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, are deserving of notice for personal bravery and the efficient manner in which they handled their respective regiments. The gallantry with which Col. I. H. Duval, Ninth Virginia Infan- try, carried the enemys works on the right under a fire that killed and wounded more than one-third of his command, without an officer or man faltering, capturing 2 guns, 1 regimental flag, and many prisoners, presented one of the most gallant feats of the war. I respectfully recommend that his name be presented for promotion. Capt. L. M. Stephenson. commanding K and B companies, Ninety- first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, deployed in rear of the line of battle to prevent skulkers from leaving their command, rendered good servlce. My personal staff, Capt. G. W. Hicks, acting assistant inspector- general, Lient. W. B. Nesbitt, acting assistant adjutant-general, Lient. J. W. Overturf, aide-do-camp, Lieut. Maurice Watkins, ord- nance officer and provost-marshal, and Lieut. A. F. Kendall, acting commissary of subsistence, were active and discharged their duty on the field with distinguished gallantry. You are referred to the reports of the regimental commanders herewith forwarded for details of their respective operations. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. B. WHITE, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. JAMES L. BOTSFORD, Assistant Adjutant- General. ADDENDA. Itinerary of the Second Brigade, Second Division, commanded by Col. Carr B. White, Twelfth Ohio Infantry. * May 3.The brigade left Fayetteville, W. Va.; moved in the direction of Dublin Depot, on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. May 9.When within four miles of that place we found the enemy posted in a very strong position at Cloyds Mountain, but after a severe engagement he was completely routed, with a loss of 2 guns and many prisoners. May 10.Moved to New River bridge, where we again found the enemy, but after quite an artillery duel with the infantry support the enemy were driven from their works and the bridge, with numerous railroad buildings, burned. May 19.We arrived at Meadow Bluff, having made a successful raid. marching over 200 miles through the enemys country. *From return for May. 2 R Rvob xxxvII, PT Page 18 18 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. No. 7. Report of Lieut. Col. Jonathan D. Hines, Twelfth Ohio Infantry, of skirmishers at Princeton and New River Bridge, and engage- ment at Cloyds Mountain. HDQRS. TWELFTH REGIMENT OHIO VOL. INFANTRY, Meadow Bluff, W. Va., May 20, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the regiment under my command in the several actions and skirmishes during the late expedition under Brigadier- General Crook against the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad: May 6, Companies B and D, under command of Maj. E. M. Carey, had slight skirmish with the enemy at Princeton, driving them from the place. May 9, marched with Second Brigade across Cloyds Mountain, east of the turnpike, to flank enemys iosition. Formed regiment i~i line to the left of the Fourteenth Virginia Volunteer Infantry, as directed by Colonel White, commanding the brigade, and ad- vanced through a thick wood toward the enemy. The broken nature of the ground and dense underbrush rend ered the march very difficult. A fourth to half a mile brought us under fire. Enemy were strongly posted on a hill-side behind breast-works of rails, from which they opened a sharp fire. Our regiment advanced steadily, driving the enemy from his advance works until we came under an enfilading fire from a position to the left, which had not been observed, owing to the thick woods. Under a severe cross-fire the regiment fell into momentary confusion, but were soon rallied behind the Ninth Virginia and Ninety-first Ohio, and again marched to the field. Our loss was considerable, 9 killed, 40 wounded severely, and 29 slightly; total, 78. Of the wounded, 12 are reported mortal; Among the wounded was Capt. A. N. Channell (since reported dead), Capt. R. Williams (severe), Lieut. Abram King (severe), Lieut. James H. Palmer (severe), Lient. John W. White (slight). Besides those killed and wounded, 12 are missing, and Surg. N. F. Graham and 8 others were left in charge of the hospital, on the battle-field. Those reported missing are believed to have straggled from the ranks and remained at the hospital. None were captured. The conduct of all the officers and nearly all the men was so excellent that it seems invidious to particularize. Yet I cannot for- bear mentionin~g the coolness and soldierly bearing of Maj. E. M. Carey, to whose efforts in rallying the regiment we were so much indebted. Also the gallantry and promptness of Lieut. James H. Palmer, acting adjutant, who was severely, perhaps mortally, wounded by a shot through the left lung. The limits of this report forbid the mention of any considerable number of our brave lion-commissioned officers and privates. Yet the fearless bearing of Sergt. Maj. John A. Snyder and Color Sergt. Lemuel H. McMichael demand especial notice. At some future time I shall ask permission to make honorable mention of many others. May 10, supported batteries (luring the heavy shelling at New River bridge, crossed the New River at Peppers Ferry, and moved two miles up the right bank to the railroad, drove off a few cavalry and burned one bridge of two spans (forty feet each), two bridge Page 19 19 CHAP. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. of fifty feet span (each), all the culverts and crossings on four miles of road, one water-tank and pump, from 500 to 1,000 cords of wood, also one large locomotive engine (Henry Davis), and one stationary engine, with wood-saw, & c. Respectfully submitted. J. D. HINES. Lieutenant-Colonel Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Lient. WILLIAM B. NESBITT, A. A. A. G., Second Brig., Third Div., Dept. of West Va. No. 8. Report of Cot. John A. Turley, Ninety-first Ohio Infantry, of en- gagement on Cloyds Mountain, and skirmish at New River Bridge. HDQRS. NINETY-FIRST REGIMENT OHIO VOL. JNi~TY., Meadow Bluff, May 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor most respectfully to make the following re- port of the part taken by the Ninety-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the engagement on the 9th instant near Dublin Depot, on Virginia and Tennessee Railroad: The regiment, composing a part of the Second Brigade, Third Division, Department of West Virginia, left Fayetteville, W. Va., May 3, 1864, and after six days march encamped at Poplar Hill, ten miles north of Dublin Depot, on the evening of the 8th of May. On the morning of the 9th instant the regiment marched over Cloyds Mountain to the left of the road, to get a position on the right and rear of the enemys works. After arriving at the foot of the mountain and crossing a small creek, I received your order to form column of division in mass, in rear of the Twelfth Ohio, which order I obeyed, marching by the flanks of divisions through dense woods a short distance to a small piece of open ground, at which point heavy firing was heard immediately in our front, the Twelfth Ohio having engaged the enemy not 300 yards distant. I immediately changed direction by the flank and deployed my regiment so as to form a second line in rear of that regiment; moving forward to the top of the hill I met that regiment falling back under a murderous fire of grape and canister and musketry. I gave the order to lie down and await the enemy, who were pushing forward with a yell. When at short range the regiment commenced firing and drove the enemy back in disorder to their temporary works. The regiment was then moved by me oii double-quick down to the foot of the hill, at which point I ordered the regiment to fix bayonets, and charging up the hill, the enemy hastily left their works and fled across the field to another work in front of the Ninth Virginia Infantry. Chang- ing the direction to the right, so as to bring the regiment on the brow of the hill, I had a cross-fire upon them in rear of the work, in front of the Ninth Virginia on my right. This work was gal- lantly cleared by the Ninth Virginia, and the enemy were soon run- ning in disorder. I again changed direction to the left and kept steadily moving forward, capturing prisoners and occasionally firing at the retreating foe. The men being very much exhausted from their long and tedious march, were unable to overtake th Page 20 20 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. main force of the enemy, the day being very warm. We moved as hastily as possible in the direction of Dublin Depot, it being the point to which the enemy was retreatin~,, and arriving on the hill, one-half a mile distant, we discovered the enemy hastily leaving in the direction of the railroad bridge across New River. By your order the brigade ei~camped at Dublin that night. Next morning we moved to the bridge, from which the enemy were driven by our artillery, and the bridge destroyed, from which point we marched to this place by way of Blacksburg, Union, Salt [Sulphur Springs], and Blue Sulphur Springs, arriving here on the 19th instant, the command much exhausted from hard marching and short rations, but in good spirits. In the fight at Cloyds Mountain allow me to say that I believe every officer and soldier of the Ninety-first Ohio did his whole duty nobly and gallantly. To Lieutenant-Colonel Coates, Major Cadot, Adjutant Findley, and Lieutenant Crossland, regimental quartermaster, as also my sergeant- major, J. H. Moore, and orderly, William Falwell, who rendered me much aid, I must express my thanks for their hearty co-operation and gallant bearing on the field. In the engagement of the 9th and 10th the regiment lost 1 cap- tain and 1 corporal killed, 2~i wounded, and 2 missing. Before enter- ing the fight Companies B and K were detached by you to act as a guard to prevent straggling, & c. I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant JNO. A. TURLEY Lieut. W. B. NESBITT, Commanding Regiment. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 9. Report of Gol. Isaac H Duval, Ninth West Virginia Infantry, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain. HDQRS. NINTH REGT. VIRGINIA VOL. INFANTRY, MeadolL Bluff, May 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the followiiig report of the Ninth Regiment Virginia Voluiiteer Infantry in the action of Cloyds Mountain on the 9th instant: In compliance with an order from the colonel commanding bri- gade, my position was the right of the second line of battle, in rear of the Fourteenth Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, and after waiting a reasonable length of time for the Fourteemith Regiment to get in position, I filed in and took my position, my right resting near the open groumid on my right. The woods being very dense, I threw forward my skirmishers, who soon engaged those of the enemy, driving them before us. I soon became con- vinced that the Fourteenth Regiment was not in my front, and also that I was separated from time brigade. Halted and sent offi- cer to communicate with colommel commanding. The Fourteenth Virginia Regiment soon came up in my rear, l)assed to the front, and engaged the enemy, my regiment supporting~ some seventy-five yards in rear. The enemy, being strongly posted and well pro Page 21 21 CHAP. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROATh tected by barricades made of rails, poured a murderous fire into the Fourteenth Regiment and compelled them to retire. I then received the order to forward, and, being convinced that nothing short of a desperate charge would carry the works, I ordered my officers to the front and moved forward under a very destructive and murderous fire. Had to advance thus for about 150 yards, and when within a few yards of the works ordered a charge and carried the works. Many of my men were bayoneted in crossing over. We clubbed muskets, and soon dislodged and drove them from their strong- hold. We captured 2 pieces of artillery, many prisoners, and 1 flag. Having exhausted my ammunition, halted for the purpose of col- lecting ammunition from the dead and wounded, the enemy being then in full retreat. Spending but a few minutes in collecting am- munition, joined our brigade and pursued the retreating enemy to Dublin Depot, where we halted for the night. Next morning moved with the command to the railroad bridge across New River, which was soon destroyed by our forces, the artillery only being engaged. I am proud to add that the officers and men of my regiment behaved with great coolness and bravery, and deserve great praise for their gallant conduct. I am truly sorry to add my losses are very great, being 45 killed, 126 wounded; and 15 missing; total, 186. I herewith send complete list of my casualties. * I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. H. DUVAL, Colonel Ninth Regiment Virginia Vol. Infantry. Lieut. W. B. NESBITT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Brigade. No. 10. Report of Cot. Daniel D. Johnson. Fourteenth West Virginia In fantry, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain. HDQRS. FOURTEENTH WEST VIRGINIA VOL. INFTY., Meadow Bluff, May 20, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Fourteenth Virginia Volunteer Infantry in the battle of Cloyds Mountain on the 9th instant: Early on the morning of the 9th the entire division moved from its encampment of the previous night, the Second Brigade in the advance and the Fourteenth Virginia at the head of the column. We had advanced about a mile when the column was halted. I here received orders to turn to the left, proceed up a hollow about a mile, turn to the right, and ascend the mountain. I arrived on the to p of the mountain with the regiment at about 8.30 a. m. and was ha ed until the entire brigade came up. I was then ordered to de- scend the eastern slope of the mountain. Companies A and F, under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Taggart, were pushed forward as an advance guard. Arriving at the foot of the mountain I was again halted, while Lieutenant-Colonel Taggart [advanced] with the two companies deployed as skirmishers to ascertain the position of * Embodied in table, p. 14 Page 22 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XL1X. the enemy. We again moved cautiously forward, crossing Back Creek, turned to the right, and proceeded along a low ridge some 250 yards, filed to the right, and formed line of battle. I then changed front forward on third company and halted in a deep ravine, the Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry forming upon my left and the Ninety-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry forming in the rear of the Twelfth. I then received orders to advai~ce and mbved for- ward through a dense wood and thick underbrush, crossed a fence and a road, both running parallel to our line of battle. I pushed forward about 200 yards, and halted about thirty yards in the rear of the Ninth Virginia Infantry, and c6mmunicated with Col- onel iDuval and learned that I must pass him. I at once ordered an advance past the Ninth, and held the crest of the hill, where Companies A and F were deployed as skirmishers and hotly en- gaging the enemy. As we reached the crest of the hill the entire regiment discharged a volley at the rebels, who were stationed be- hind a rail fence in the ravine before us. The regiment slightly wavered here, but was promptly rallied by its officers. I here received orders to push forward and engage the enemy with the assurance that I would be promptly supported. I at once ordered the regiment forward. The rebels, unable to withstand our fire, fell back rapidly to their main work of defense, which was a line of breast-works constructed of logs and fence rails and situated on the crest of the hill about 175 yards in front of our line and com- manded the entire space between the two lines. The regiment ad- vanced steadily to within twenty yards of the rebel position, where it halted and discharged a continuous and steady fire upon the works which secreted the foe. I could distinctly see a sheet of flames issuing from the rebel works, but could not see a single rebel, so completely were they protected by their defenses. I repeatedly gave the order to charge upon the works but the roar of musketry was so loud that I could not be heard, and being completely exhausted myself by excessive exertions, the major being wounded and the lieutenant-colonel exhausted and so hoarse that he could scarcely speak, from his extreme exertions with the line of skirmishers, I could not communicate my orders along the line. The regiment fought bravely and determinedly in this position for half an hour, when the Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry gave way upon our left and the rebels advancing exposed my left to an enfilading fire, com- pelling me to give the order to retire, which I did very reluctantly. Butbefore I gave this order I looked over the entire field in our rear to see if any efforts were being made to supply the place of the Twelfth or to communicate with me as to what should be done. I saw none and deeply regretted that I was compelled to exercise my own judgment at this critical moment, especially as I was entirely ignorant of the position and strength of the enemy, except imme- diately in my front, and also ignorant of the results of the engage- ment at other points upon the field. I dreaded a retrograde move- ment as the regiment was under fire for the first time. I feared it would retire too precipitately. I gave the order, and as I anticipated the regiment retired rather hastily, falling back behind the crest of the hill where the fighting first began. The officers and men being completely exhausted and very thirsty, it was with considerable difficulty that I succeeded in reforming the regin~eut, when I again moved forward. The rebels had been completely routed and ~were in full retreat toward Dublin. IRe-enforcements reaching th Page 23 23 CHAP. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. rebels they made another stand) and my regiment was ordered to the front in double-quick time, by t before we arrived on the ground the rebels had again retired and offered no further resistance that day. We marched through Dublin and bivouacked for the night. The casualties in this regiment during the engagement are as fol- lows: Killed, 13; wounded, 62; total, 75. * All of which I very respectfully submit. D. D. JOHNSON, Colonel. Lieut. W. B. NESBITT, A. A. A. G., Second Brig., Third Div., Dept. of W. Fa. P. 5.Two or three enlisted men were wounded in a skirmish on the 12th instant. No. 11. Report of (Jot. Horatio G. Sickel, Third Pennsylvania Reserves, commanding Third Brigade. HDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, CROOKS DIvIsIoN, DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, May 20, 1864. CAPTAIN: In accordance with orders from division headquarters of May 19, 1864, I have the honor to report~ The Third Brigade (infantry), composed of the Third and Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves and Eleventh and Fifteenth Regiments West Virginia Volunteers, broke camp at Brownstown, Kanawha County, W. Va., April 30, 1864, and proceeded up the Kanawha River toward the Qreat Falls, making two marches to Montgomerys Ferry, biv- ouacking for the night at Paint Creek; reached the ferry at 3 p. m. May 1. Nothing of note transpired. May 2, in accordance with previous orders, the brigade resumed its march at 7 a. m. on the road leading from Montgomerys Ferry to Fayetteville, in Fayette County, reaching and encamping at the latter place at 3.30 p. m. A heavy rain-storm prevailed during the afternoon, making the roads very muddy, and rendering the march most fatignin g.N othing further of interest transpired. The augmentation of General Crooks infantry here took place to three brigades, the whole taking up the line of march, at 6.30 a. m. on the 3d instant, southward, on the road leading to Raleigh Court- House, in Raleigh County, the Third Brigade, in column, p receded by the Second Brigade (Colonel Whites) and the First Kentucky Battery, Captain Glassie, bivouacking for the night on upper Loup Creek. Nothing of interest took place during the march. May 4, resumed march at 5 a. in., the Third Brigade in the ad- vance; halted thirty minutes for dinner, and went into camp at 3 p. in., on Piney Creek, five miles southwest of Raleigh Court-House. Nothing worthy of interest transpired during this days march. May 5, resumed march at 4.30 a. ni., third Brigade, train and rear guard, posted in the following order: Third and Fonrth Penn- sylvania Reserves in advance of train, Fifteenth Regiment Virginia Infantry distributed at intervals through the train; Eleventh Vir- ginia rear guard. The train parked and the brigade encamped at * But see revised statement, p. 14 Page 24 24 OPEI~ATIoNS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX ~. 30 P. in. on Camp Creek without accident. Some delay, however, was experienced during the march by obstacles in the road, which were promptly removed by the pioneer corps. No other object of note caine to my notice. May 6, resumed march at daylight, advancing on the road toward Princeton Court-House, Mercer County, Third Brigade second in the column, preceded by Colonel Whites brigade and Captain Glas- sies battery. Skirmishing was kept up all day between the advance guard and the enemys pickets, who were driven back upon their works at Princeton Court-House, and subsequently routed by Colonel Whites command. The Third Brigade took no part in the skirmish. Encamped for the night near the enemys works at Princeton. May 7, resumed march at daylight, Third Brigade in advance. Considerable skirmishing was kept up all day between the retiring enemy and our advance guard, without casualty on our side. Col. R. H. Woolworth, by direction of the general commanding, made a detour to the left of Rocky Gap, on Walkers Mountain. flanking the enemy, who was posted on a strong position south of the mount- ain, and commanding the gap. The enemy, however, perceived the movemeiit in time to escape capture by hastily retiring south on the Dublin road. The movement was executed by Colonel Woolworth in good style and without loss. The brigade encamped at 4 p. m. south of Rocky Gap. May 8, Third Brigade, train and rear guard, posted in the follow- ing order: Fifteenth Regiment Virginia in advance of train, Third and Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves distributed along the train, the Eleventh Virginia, with one section of Captain Glassies bat- tery, brought up the rear. Some skirmishing occurred during this days march between bushwhackers concealed in the surrounding hills and our train guard, in which the Third Pennsylvania Re- serves killed a Captain Harman, the commander of a notorious gang of bushwhackers frequenting Walkers and Brush Mountains. His commission, muster and pay rolls, and arms fell into our hands. No casualties on our side. We encamped at 8 p. m. on Back Creek, Brush Mountain, Dublin road. May 9, column put in motion at 5 a. in., Colonel Whites com- mand in the advance, the Third Brigade second in line. Upon reach- ing the base of Cloyds Mountain, the Third Pennsylvania Reserves and Eleventh Virginia Volunteers were temporarily detached from the brigade and directed to cross the mountaiIi left of the Dub- lin road, supporting Colonel Whites brigade, which had advanced in that direction. The Fifteenth Virginia and Fourth Pennsyl- vania Reserves advanced steadily up the mountain on the Dublin road until near the summit, when the advance was met by a shower of musketry from the enemy, who had two corn p anies of infantry posted on an eminence comman(ling the road. I immediately dis- patched Captain Egan, of the Fifteenth Regiment Virginia, with his company to the right, up a small gorge, to gain their rear, while myself with the Fifteenth Virginia climbed a steep bluff to our right, and gained the road on the left of their position. The enemy, perceiving the movement, beat a hasty retreat down the south slope of the mountain and gained their works, situated behind a deep stream passing through the clearing at the base of the mount- ain. By this movement we intercepted a courier riding a very fine horse. whom we made prisoner, and severely ~vounded 2 others. Our loss was 1 man severely wounded Page 25 25~ CHAP. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. Having thns gained the summit, I deployea two companies to the right and left of the road and began onr descent sonthward, after driving in their skirmishers, and proceeded forward to within abont 600 paces of the clearing and base of the monutain. We were here met by a fearful fire of shell and spherical case-shot from the enemys batteries. The column was immediately halted and the troops placed under cover of woods. We were here joined by the commanding general, the Third Pennsylvania Reserves and Eleventh Virginia Regiment, who had accompanied Colonel Whites command up the north slope of the mountain. Some time was occupied in reconnoitering the enemys position and awaiting the arrival of Colonel Whites command on the extreme left. At 11 a. m. the brigade was placed in order of battle as follows: First, Lieutenant-Colonel Morris, with six companies of the Fifteenth Regiment Virginia Infantry on the extreme right, covering a gorge in the mountain and commanding the onily approach to our right and rear; Major Wells, with four companies of the same regiment, on right of the Dublin road, in line, facing south; the Eleventh Virginia Regiment, Col. D. Frost, commanding, on the Dublin road, facing south, with the Third and Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves on his left, directly opposite the enemys works. About 12 m. the brigade was ordered to advance upon the enemys works, which was done in a most satisfactory manner under the most galling artillery and musketry fire I have ever witnessed. Notwithstanding, our line moved steadily on, engaging the enemy in his works, com- pletely routing him, capturing many prisoners, 2 pieces of artillery and a large number of small-arms, together with a considerable amount of ammunition, camp and garrison equipage, & c. For further details I would respectfully refer you to the accom- panying reports of the regimental commanders, which will be found very complete and instructive. In this engagement a number of valuable officers were killed and wounded. Among the number killed is Col. R. H. Woolworth, of the Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves, a brave and accomplished officer, in whose death the country has sustained a serious loss. Among those seriously wounded, are Capt. J. Lenhart, jr., of the Third Penn- sylvania Reserves, at the time commanding the regiment, and Lient. J. H. McLaughlin, adjutant of the Eleventh Virginia Volunteers, acting aide-de-camp on my staff. The annexed table * of casualties exhibits fully the number of killed, wounded, and missing, and nature of their wounds. The brigade was again put in motion and ordered to pursue the retir- ing enemy, who was hastily retreating on the Dublin road southward. The pursuit was kept up with some skirmishing through Dublin and one mile beyond the Tennessee and Virginia Railroad, when it was ascertained that the enemy had left our front, and the brigade was ordered into camp one-half mile north of the village. A large amount of commissary, quartermaster, and ordnance stores here fell into our hands. May 10, marched at 5 a. in., following the railroad southward about two and a half miles, when we took the road toward Peppers Ferry, on New River, Pnlaski County, leaving the railroad to our right. We proceeded in a southeasterly direction about three miles. and filing to the right through a dense woods, came upon New River * Not found; but see tabulation from nominal list, p. 14 Page 26 26 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. rOHAP. XLIX. bridge, where the enemy was found posted behind formidable works of earth. My advance guard, consisting of Captain Meyers company, Eleventh Regiment Virginia Infantry, and Captain Egan~s company, of the Fifteenth Regiment Virginia Infantry, soon drove in their outposts, when our artillery was brought into position. A fierce ar- tillery engagement ensued, our forces driving the enemy at every point. The Third Brigade was posted in the following order: First, Company B of the Eleventh Virginia and Company B of the Fif- teenth Virginia Regiments were thrown forward as skirmishers, who advanced to the bridge and fired it; one company of the Eleventh Virginia and two of the Fifteenth Virginia, supporting a section of McMullins battery west of the railroad, the Fourth Penn- sylvania Reserves, supporting battery east of the railroad, one com- pany of the Eleventh Virginia, and seven companies of the Fifteenth Virginia, with the Third Pennsylvania Reserves, parallel with the river. At 11.30 a. m. the line was ordered to the river bank, which was done in a most satisfactory manner, driving the enemy from his position; two large siege guns, a new caisson, a large amount of ammunition and commissary stores falling into our hands, all of which were destroyed for want of transportation. Our casualties in this engagement consisted of 2 commissioned officers wounded, 3 enlisted men killed, and 10 wounded. At 1 p. m. we marched to Peppers Ferry, crossed New River, and encamped for the night. May 11, march resumed at 5 a. m. on the road toward Blacksburg, Montgomery County, Third Brigade, train and rear guard, encamped at 12 m. at Blacksburg. A drenching rain prevailed all the morning. May 12, resumed march at 5 a. in. toward Newport, in Greenbrier County, and Salt Pond Mountain road, Third Brigade second in column, Colonel Whites brigade in the advance; skirmishing kept up all the morning. In crossing Walkers Mountain, near Newport, a small force of the enemy, commanded by Colonel French, was dis- covered on our left, commanding the road at the base of the mount- ain near the village of Newport. By direction of the general com- manding 1 moved my brigade to the left of the road, passing through a deep ravine, with a view of gaining their right and rear. As we approached their lines, my skirmishers fired one volley on them, when they broke to the rear, retreating on the IN ew River Narrows road. Their knapsacks, blankets, camp and garrison equipage, with a considerable amount of commissary stores, fell into our hands, all of which were destroyed by my troops. The Eleventh Regiment Virginia Volunteers was posted in a strong position on the IN arrows road about a half mile from the village, to guard against any attack on our trains. They remained in that position until the wagons had all passed the junction of the two roads, when they followed as a rear guard to camp on Salt Pond Mountain, where we bivouacked for the night. A heavy rain-storm prevailed the greater part of the day. No casualties. May 13, resumed march at 4.30 a. m. on the road, toward Union, Third Brigade in the advance. At 11 a. in., while ascending the south slope of Peters Mountain, we came upon the enemys provision train, and one brass 12-pounder piece of artillery, guarded by a small escort, which, after a sharp skirmish with our advance guard, retreated, leaving in our hands 1 piece of artillery, 11 wagons and ambulances, some commissary stores, and, a large amount of ammunition, together with a quantity of artificers tools, which were destroyed. I directed Colonel Frost, with the Eleventh Vi Page 27 CHAP. XLIX.1 ~VJRGINIA AND T1~NNESSE1~ 1~AIL1~OATh 27 ginia Regiment, to follow the enemy over the niountain and to hold the road at the north base, which was duly executed by that talented and efficient officer. The brigade encamped at the foot of Peters Mountain, on Salt Sulphur Springs road, at 5.30 p. m. May 14, morning very stormy; march resumed at 12 m. toward Union, bivouacking for the night on Indian Creek. Nothing worthy of note transpired. May iS, resumed march at 5 a. m. on road leading to Union. Nothing of special note transpired during the march. The brigade encamped at ill a. in., one mile southeast of Union, Monroe County. May 16, resumed march at 8 a. m. on road toward Aldersons Ferry, Greenbrier River, crossed Swopes Knob and encamped at 4 p. m. on the south bank of Greenbrier River, near Aldersons Ferry. Owing to the high state of the river and limited means of ferrying the Third Brigade did not reach the north bank of the river until 2 p. in., May 18, when it resumed its march at 3 p. m. toward Meadow Bluff, bivouacking for the night on Muddy Creek, near Palestine, Greenbrier County. Nothing of interest transpired. May 19, resumed march at 6 a. m. on the Blue Sulphur Springs road, the Third Brigade, train and rear guard. Nothing of interest transpired except the loss of a gun carriage of one of the captured pieces, which occurred from carelessness on the part of the driver allowing it to run on the side of a precipice. The brigade encamped at Meadow Bluff at 1 p. in., men and animals much exhausted for want of proper food, and from the excessively muddy condition of the roads, having made a march of 247 miles in twenty days. I am happy to be able to congratulate the commanding general and the country at large upon the unbounded success of the expedi- tion. In no respect, to my knowledge, has he failed to accomplish all the objects for which the expedition was designed and fitted out. We have whipped the enemy at all points, capturing and destroying immense amounts of commissary, quartermaster, and ordnance stores, together with depots, store-houses, and barracks, about seven- teen miles of railroad, several bridges, trestle-works, & c., among the most important of which is the New River railroad bridge, near Central Depot, Montgomery County, Va. The following will exhibit the amount and kind of property cap- tured and taken up by the officers of my staff and properly accounted for by Lieut. Edward F. Brother, acting assistant quartermaster: Horses 30 Mules 4 Total 34 Corn bushels.. 120 Rye do.... 10 Oats do.... 5 Total do.... 135 Hay tons.. 10 Tobacco pounds.. 700 Taken up by Lieutenant Boyer, acting commissary of subsistence: Young beef-cattle head.. 45 Oxen do.... 2 47 Total do... Page 28 28 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. Wheat bushels.. 50 Corn do.... 10 Total do.... 60 Potatoes bushels.. 50 Dried apples do.... 3 Bacon pounds.. 130 Flour barrels.. 3 Tobacco pounds.. 100 Taken up by Capt. Andrew Riddel, provost-marshal of the Third Brigade infantry, the following articles, which have been accounted for: Destroyed: Fire-arms of all kinds 630 Ammunition rounds.. 60,000 Artificers tools chests.. 4 Wagons number.. 14 Harness sets.. 12 Uniform coats 70 Uniform trousers 32 Blankets, various kinds 320 Knapsacks 1,200 Gun carriage 1 Caissons 2 I beg, in conclusion, to present to favorable notice of the general commanding the names of the following officers, who particularly distinguished themselves in the battles by their courage and cool- ness, and to whom my thanks are justly due: First, Col. D. Frost, Eleventh Regiment West Virginia Volunteers; second, Lient. Col. T. F. B. Tapper, Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves; third, William H. Davis, surgeon Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves; fourth, Major Wells, Fifteenth West Virginia Volunteers; fifth, Capt. J. Lenhart, jr., Third Pennsylvania Reserves; sixth, Lient. C. Walter Kirby, acting assistant inspector-general on my staff, who rendered me most valu- able service on the battle-field; Capt. Andrew Riddel, acting provost- marshal for this brigade; and, lastly, but not least, my faithful and efficient acting assistant adjutant-general, Lieut. H. S. Jones, who has stood by my side in many battles, and who displayed upon the present occasion his usual courage and ability on the field. I am happy to be able to say that the conduct of the officers and men of the brigade was unexceptionally good, and deserves the thanks and commendations of the nation. I am, captain, with~ great respect, H. G. SICKEL, Colonel Third Pennsylvania Reserves, Oomdg. Third Brig. Capt. JAMES L. BOTSFORD, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 12. Report of Capt. Robert Johnson, Third Pennsylvania Reserves. HDQRS. THIRD REGT. PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CORPS, Meadow Bluff, Va., May 20, 1864. COLONEL: In compliance with orders from brigade headquarters of May 19, 1864, I most respectfully submit the following report o Page 29 C~. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. 29 the part taken by- the Third Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Volun- teer Corps in the recent marches and battles: We broke camp at Brownstown on the 30th of April at 5 a. in.; marched to Paint Creek. Nothing of importance occurred during the march. On the 1st of May, in accordance with orders, we marched to Mont- gomerys Ferry, arriving at that place about 3 p. in., and encamped for the night. Nothing worthy of note transpired. On the 2d instant we took up the march across Cotton Ridge Mount- ain to Fayetteville. A heavy rain-storm came up in the afternoon which made the marching very hard and fatiguing. On the 3d instant we left Fayetteville and marched to Keltons farm, nothing of interest occurring On the 4th, and in accordance with previous orders, we took the ad. vance, throwing two companies, A and B, forward as skirmishers. Passed through Raleigh 11 a. m. and arrived at Pine Hill about 4.30 p. in., where we encamped for the night. The march was through a continuous wood, crossing two large streams. Nothing of iinpor- tance occurred. On the 5th we were ordered to take the rear as wagon guard. The day was very warm, and from some unknown reason the woods on either side of the road was fired, which at times made it quite suffo- cating and endangered the train. In a narrow pass one of the teams broke a tongue, which caused great delay,~keeping us on the road from 7 a. m. until 12 midnight. The men were very much exhausted from the heat and smoke. We started again on the 6th, at 4 a. in., crossing the Blue Stone River. The day was clear and hot, telling severely on the men, but upon arriving at Princeton the sight of the abandoned rebel fortifi- cations seemed to inspire them with new life. Encamped for the night. On the 7th left Princeton at 4.30 a. in. Companies A and B were thrown in the advance as skirmishers. We skirmished with the enemy more or less all day. No loss of life was sustained by either side. Crossed Black Oak and East River Mountain, also East River. Passed through Rocky Gap unmolested, and encamped on the banks of Wolf Creek about 6 p. m. On Sunday, the 8th, we were again detailed as wagon guard. Crossed Brush Mountain. On the north side of the mountain the train was fired into by a band of guerrillas; my men promptly returned the fire and drove the enemy from his hiding-place. Capt. William N. Harman, a notorious bushwhacker, was killed. The ball entered the right side above the lip and came out of the left breast. The march was very long and tiresome, making twenty-seven miles and arriving in camp about 10 p. m. On Monday, 9th instant, we started again at 5 a. m. Marched but a few miles when the enemy were discovered well posted. My regi- ment was marched by the flank a short distance along the foot of Cloyds Mountain, filed to the right, and ascended the mountain. After gaining the summit we made a right oblique movement to the road, following the road a short distance by the flank, then took the woods again, and on arriving near the south base deployed in line of battle on the left flank of the Fourth Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps. About 11 a. m. we were ordered to advance and engage the enemy. As we emerged from the woods into the open ground we received a terrific volley of canister. The regimen Page 30 30 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ICHAP. XLIX. advanced steadily across the open ground for about 200 yards under a galling fire of grape and canister. My men delivered several volleys, but the distance was too great to be very effect- ive. A ternporary panic occurred, but was checked by the ex- ertions of the officers. The color bearer was shot down, but the colors were picked u~ by one of the men and borne across the field. Seeing it impossi le to advance directly on the front, I ordered a left oblique movement so as to gain the protection of the - hill on the right of the enemys artillery, thus bringing us within rifle range of their works. At the first waver of the enemy I ad- vanced, and my colors were among the first to enter the works of the enemy. Capt. Jacob Lenhart was in command of the regiment, but was severely wounded through the shoulder early in the action, when the command devolved on me. The loss of the regiment in crossing the clearing was S commissioned officers and 32 enlisted men wounded and 2 enlisted men killed. (It may be well to say here that the regiment only numbered about 300 rank and file.) After gaining the works I halted a few moments to collect the men, who were somewhat scattered (as they necessarily must, owing to the ground over which we passed), and then pushed forward, but after marching about two miles I was ordered back by the general com- manding division to take charge of the battle-field. Upon arriving on the field I formed the regiment into squads, under charge of com- missioned officers, to collect the dead and wounded, also the arms; but it is impossible to give with any degree of accuracy the number of either as the friends of those who had fallen were attending to them in person. We were busy until dark and every effort made to discharge the duty faithfully. Two brass piQces of artillery (12- pounder Napoleon guns) and about 300 stand of small-arms were taken from the field and sent forward; five caissons and about 100 stand of small arms were destroyed for want of transportation. At dark the ambulances were loaded with the wounded that could be moved and sent to Dublin Depot. I formed the rear guard, bring- ing with me the 52 prisoners which were turned over to the provost- marshal. We arrived at the depot about midnight and laid over until daylight. On the 10th we started at 5 a. in., marching along the railroad for some miles. Upon arriving near New River we were marched by the flank into the woods on the right of the road, where we received a severe shell fire. The column halted; I brought the regiment to the front to get orders and while absent 1 enlist~d man was killed, 1 commissioned officer and 2 enlisted men were wounded. Lieu- tenant Glenn, acting adjutant, seeing that the fire was enfilading, ordered the regiment to change front forward on first company, which was executed in good order, thus escaping a terrible fire and evidently saving many lives. About ii a. m. I was ordered to take the regiment to the bank of the river on the left of the Fifteenth Virginia Infantry, to drive the sharpshooters from the opposite bank and burn the bridge. Several shots were fired, but we soon accomplished our mission. After the bridge had fallen we took u our march to Peppers Ferry, where we lay all night. On the 11th we crossed the river and marched to Blacksburg; a heavy rain-storm came on which made the marching very bad. After arriving in camp Companies I, C, and H were sent on picket. Captain La Rue, commanding Company I, leariling that a band of guerrillas were in close proximity to his post, deployed his men a Page 31 CHAP. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. 31 skirmishers to drive them from the mountain. In so doing 2 of his men were captured, but by great exertion he recaptured them, together with 9 horses, from the enemy, which were turned over to the proper authority. Thus ended the day without further trouble. 12th, left Blacksburg, passing through Newport. Beyond the town we were marched by the flank on the left of the road and de- ployed in line of battle; passed the camp of a company of guerrillas; passed over a miserable road and through a drenching rain. En- camped on the summit of Salt Pond Mountain. The march was very hard and fatiguing. On the 13th took up line of march again, passing a train of wagons and one piece of artillery that had been abandoned by the enemy. On the 14th started about 12 noon as wagon guard. Crossed Big Stony Creek and Peters and Wisemans Mountains; the roads were very bad. Arrived in camp at dark. On the 15th continued as wagon guard, passing Iodine Springs; arrived at Union at 2 p. m. and encamped beyond the town. 16th, started at 8 a. in.; crossed Little Flat Top Mountain and encamped about one mile from Aldersons Ferry, on the Greenbrier River. 17th, laid in camp all day. 18th, crossed Greenbrier River, marched about four miles and encamped for the night. 19th, was rear guard; crossed Little Sewell Mountain, passing Blue Sulphur Springs, and arrived at this place (Meadow Bluff) about 3 p. m. The day was very hot, many of the men giving out from exhaustion. Herewith you will find a list of casualties in the Third Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps in the battles of the 9th and 10th instant. * Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT JOHNSON, Captain, Commanding Regiment. [Col. H. G. SICKEL, Commanding Third Brigade.] No. 13. Report of Lieut. Col. Thomas F. B. Tapper, Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves. HDQRS. FOURTH REGT. PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CORPS, Meadow Bluff, W. Va., May 20, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to forward you the official report of the part taken by the Fourth Regiment Infantry, Pennsylvania Re- serve Volunteer Corps, during the late raid from the 30th day of April, 1864, to the 19th day of May, 1864: On the 30th day of April, 1864, the Fburth Regiment Infantry, Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps, commanded by Col. R. H. YvToolworth left Camp Piatt, Kauawha County, W. Va., and took up the line of march for active campaign in the western part of Vir * Embodied in table, p. 14 Page 32 OPERATIONS TN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. ginia. After a long and wearisome march of fourteen miles, we arrived at Paint Creek, where we encamped for the night. Noth- ing of interest occurred on the march. May 1, left camp at 7 oclock ahd marched up the river road to the Great Falls, where we encamped for the night at 4.30 p. in.; dis- tance sixteen miles. May 2, left camp at 7 oclock and crossed Cotton Hill, arriving at Fayette at 3 oclock. Nothing of importance occurred. May 3, left camp at 7 oclock and marched fourteen miles, and en- camped at 1 oclock on Keltons farm. May 4, left camp at 6.30 oclock and reached Raleigh about 11 a. in.; crossed Piney Creek at 12 oclock and encamped about 1 oclock; distance seventeen miles. May 5, left camp at 5.30 oclock and passed over Great Flat Mount- ain, and encamped about 6 oclock; distance twenty-two miles. May 6, left camp at 5 oclock and passed over several mountains and Blue Stone River, and encam a Princeton about 2 oclock, the rebels having possession previous to our arrival, but retreated after firing a few rounds on our advance. May 7, left camp at 4.30 oclock and marched within one mile of Rocky Gap, where we halted for dinner. The regiment was ordered to flank Rocky Gap. The order was given to advance after the knapsacks were unslung. After fording Wolf Creek we met the rebel pickets. Company A was deployed as skirmishers and drove the rebel pickets into Rocky Gap. The regiment forded Wolf Creek the second time, the water being knee-deep, and passed the ravine about one mile, and then crossed a small mountain, also a clear field to the foot of Wolf Creek Mountain. The regiment then crossed over Wolf Creek Mountain, #hich was 1,400 feet high, the men and officers displaying great courage in crossing the latter, which was very rugged. The regiment was five hours crossing and reached the opposite side about 6 p. in., where we bivouacked for the night. May 8, left camp at Rocky Gap about 7 oclock, our position for the day being wagon guards; some bushwhacking. Marched twenty- five miles, and encamped for the night at 9 oclock. May 9, left camp at 5 oclock, and as we approached the gap, the rebel skirmishers fired on our advance. The regiment was ordered up the mountain to flank the road, which they did in a satisfactory manner. We passed cautiously along the road about two miles, when the rebels opened an artillery fire upon us, wounding one man. We then marched by the left flank through the woods, and formed in line of battle. The orders were given to advance as soon as we reached the open field. The rebels opened a heavy fire of grape and canister, which threw the regiment into confusion, killing Colonel Woolworth and severely wounding one of the color bearers, which was picked up by Sergt. C. W. Whiteman, of Company G, who was instantly killed, but the colors were again raised triumphantly, pierced with eight shots in the old one, and nine in the new. Lieu- tenant-Colonel Tapper then assumed command, and was ordered by Col. H. G. Sickel, commanding Third Brigade, to advance up the hill on the right to flank the rebels left. In doing so a large num- ber of prisoners were captured, and the enemy put to flight, for which, I think , great praise is due Colonel Sickel, commanding bri- gade, for his good judgment in flanking the enemys left. The regi- ment continued advancing upon Dublin Depot; which we reache Page 33 CHAP. ILiX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. 3~3 about 4 oclock, and then fell back one-half mile and encamped for the night. Meanwhile part of the regiment was ordered back to the battle-field to collect small-arms, arid assist the wounded. May 10, left camp at 6 oclock, the regiment being on the ad- vance; marched down the railroad within a few hundred yards of the river, when the rebels opened a terrific artillery fire upon us, but was soon silenced by our batteries. Lieutenant-Colonel Tapper was ordered by Col. H. G. Sickel, commanding brigade, to support a sec- tion of Sims [McMullins] (Ohio) battery, which was in position on a ~hil1 opposite the bridge. The bridge was burned, the rebels routed, amid a complete victory achieved. The brigade was again put in motion, the Fourth being on the advance, and marched up to Peppers Ferry, where we crossed and encamped for the night on the bank of New River. May 11, left camp at 6 oclock. Marched nine miles, arrived at Blacksburg, and encamped for the night. May, 12, left camp at Blacksburg about 5 oclock; passed through Newport, our brigade making a flank movement; came upon the camp of the Nineteenth Virginia Cavalry (rebel), but they left in a hurry, leaving camp and garrison equipage behind. We then passed over Salt Lake Mountain, and encamped in the wilderness for the night. May 13, left camp and marched fifteen miles, and captured a wagon train of 15 wagons and 1 piece of artillery, and encamped within eight miles of Union. May 14, left camp and marched five milesthe roads were very badand encamped for the night. May 15, left camp at 6 oclock, passed through Salt Sulphur Springs at 10 oclock, and through Union at 11.30 oclock, and encamped at 2 oclock; distance marched, six miles. Regiment guarding wagon train. May 16, left camp at 7 oclock, and marched thirteen miles, and encamped near Greenbrier River. May 17, remained in camp near the river all day. May 18, crossed the Greenbrier River, and marched four miles; encamped for the night. May 19, left camp at 7 oclock, and arrived at Meadow Bluff at 3 oclock; marched fourteen miles; passed through Blue Sulphur Springs. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. F. B. TAPPER, Lieut. Col. Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves, Comdg. Regt. Col. H. G. SICKEL, Commanding Third Brigade. No. 14. Report of Gol. Daniel Frost, Eleventh West Virgim~ia infantry. HDQR5. ELEVENTH WEST VIRGINIA INFTY. VoLs., Meadow Bluff, W. Va., May 20, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of marches and services performed by my regiment: Arrived at Camp Piatt Monday, 24th April, and brigaded with the Third and Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves and Fifteenth West Virginia Volunteers, under command of Cot H. G. Sickel, Thitd Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry. 3 R RVOL XXXVII, PT Page 34 34 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XbIX. Marched for Montgomerys Ferry on Saturday, 30th April, with six companies, to wit, B, C, D, G, I, and K, and camped for the night at Clifton, on the farm of Mrs. Susan Norris. May 1, marched at 7.30 a. in., arriving at Montgomerys Ferry at 4p. m. May 2, marched for Fayetteville, arriving at 2 p. m. May 3, marched to Loup Creek. May 4, marched through Raleigh Court-House to camp on Piney Creek. May 5, marched to Camp Creek, Mercer County, twenty-two miles. May 6, marched to Princeton, Mercer County. May 7, the Third Brigade in advance, and Company G, of the Eleventh Regiment, deployed as skirmishers in the advance guard, marched to Rock Gap, Bland County. May 8, marche to Walkers Creek, Pulaski County, sixteen miles from Dublin Depot. May 9 (Monday), left Walkers Creek, and arriving at Cloyds Mountain our regiment was marched to the left of the road, through the woods, over the mountain. About 9 a. m. the enemy opened upon us from his works at the foot of the mountain with his artil- lery. Formed line of battle in the woods and ordered to advance upon the enemys left center. The regiment emerged from the woods under severe fire of musketry, grape, shell, and canister. We charged across the meadow in front of the enemys works, firing several volleys upon them. Our regiment was the first in the left defenses of the enemy. Upon the retiring of the rebel forces we pursued, and arriving at Dublin Depot encamped for the night. Our losses in this engagement were George W. Prunty, private, Company D, killed, and 9 wounded. Lient. and Adjt. John H. Mc- Laughlin, serving at the time as aide-de-camp on the staff of Col- onel Sickel, commanding brigade, was severely wounded in the left side and shoulder by a shell, and was left in hospital at Cloyds farm. On the 10th marched at 5 a. m. and engaged the enemy at New River bridge, Company B of our reginient deployed as advance skir- mishers. Three companies were left at Dublin Depot as pickets, and Company C ordered to the support of a battery on the right of the railroad. I was ordered to assume command of the Fifteenth Regi- ment and the remaining company of my regiment, with which I advanced to the river below the bridge and fired several volleys into the retreating enemy. Upon retreat of the enemy, Company B, Captain Meyers, of the Eleventh, and Company B, of the Fifteenth, Captain Egan, advanced to the bridge. Lieutenant Parks, Com- pany B, of the Eleventh, took the match from his pocket and handed it to Captain Egan, who fired the bridge. Our casualties in this en- gagement were S wounded. We marched down the river to Peppers Ferry, where we crossed and camped for the night. May 11, left camp at 5 a. m. and marched to Blacksburg, Mont- gomery County. At this point our rations were entirely exhausted. May 12, marched at 4.30 a. in. At Newport we were deployed into line to meet a force of Colonel French that came down a road from New River Narrows. The enemy retreated up that road, and my battalion was placed upon it about a half a mile from the intersec- tion to prevent his attack upon our- train. Filing into the rear of the train, we reached the canip on Salt Pond Mountain, in the midst of a heavy rain, without shelter or food Page 35 CHAP. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. 35 May 13, marched to north foot of Peters Mountain. We were ordered by Colonel Sickel to cross the mountain in advance, and to take a position on the other side to prevent the enemy from taking position there. Company B was deployed as skirmishers, and ascending the mountain, we came upon an abandoned provision train, and one piece of artillery, of which we took possession after a slight skirmish. May 14, marched at 12 m. to Indian Creek, Monroe County. May 15, marched to Union, Monroe County. May 16, left Union and marched to within one mile of Alder~ons Ferry, Greenbrier River, where, the river being high and facilities for crossing limited, we remained until the 18th instant, when we crossed and marched to a point three miles this side the ferry, on Muddy Creek, Greenbrier County. May 19, we marched to this place. This is the first active field service our regiment has experienced, and they have with commend- able endurance and patience made heavy marches, with short, and part of the time no rations, and many of them barefooted. I have no data from which to ascertain correctly, but hear the distance marched by our command estimated at 246 miles. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. FROST, Colonel Eleventh West Virginia Infantry Volunteers. Lieut3. H. S. JONES, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 15. Report of Lieut. Gol. Thomas Morris, Fifteenth West Virginia In fantry. HDQRS. FIFTEENTH REGT. VIRGINIA VOL. INFANTRY, Meadow Bluff, May 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the late expedition commanded by Briga- dier-General Crook: On the evening of the 29th of April, 1864, I received orders to move my command on the morning of the 30th, at 7 oclock, and in accord- ance with said order we moved in the direction of Kanawha Falls, arriving at that point on the morning of the 1st of May, making a distance of twenty-eight miles. On the morning of the 2d instant received orders to move at 5 a. m. Moved in direction of Fayetteville, crossing Cotton Mountain; reached Fayetteville at 3 p. m. and halted for the night. On the morning of 3d took up our line of march in direction of Princeton, Mercer County, W. Va., a distance of seventy-two miles from Fayetteville, which point we reached on the morning of the 6th instant, all of niy command that started with me still being present. On the morning of the 7th started in direction of Cross-Roads, a distance of forty-three miles, where we halted for the night the even- ing of the 8th instant Page 36 36 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. On the morning of the 9th instant started in the direction of Dub- liii Depot. After proceeding a distance of two miles Company E, commanded by Capt. W. M. Paul, of my command, were detailed and sent in advance as skirmishers to feel the whereabouts of the enemy. Before advancing one-half mile they were engaged in a lively skirmish with the enemy, in which 1 man fell mortally wounded. Company B, commanded by Capt. M. Egan, was sent as skir- mishers on the right of Company E, at which time my whole com- mand was ordered forward. After advancing about one-half mile four companies of my command were ordered to the right of the main road (where they were joined by the two companies which had been skirmishing) to feel the strength of the enemy and to ascertain what forces were in that direction, in which position I remained until about 12 m. The remaining four companies, under Maj. M. Wells, advanced along the main road about one-half mile, and there halted until a line of battle was formed, the four companies under Major Wells forming the extreme right of our brigade and also of the division, at which time the six companies, under my own imme- diate command, were held as a reserve and support to the battery on right of the road. About 1 oclock the whole line was ordered to advance, which they did in fine order in the face of a most galling fire from the enemy, the whole loss of my command, after the com- mencement of the regular engagement, being in the four companies commanded by Major Wells. One luau of Company K was killed, Lient. R. M. Haverly was fatally wounded, and Capt. W. J. Nichols severely wounded in the head, and 10 enlisted men severely wounded. These casualties mostly occurred as the four companies were gaining the einin~nce on the right of the road, and in front of battery on the rebels left. I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of both officers and men in this engagement, especially Capt. W. J. Nichols, of Company D, who after receiving two painful wounds in the head still remained with his company, rallying them on to victory. After the battle was over the four companies under Major Wells rejoined my six companies, and we marched triumphantly after our brave leaders into Dublin, having our confidence highly increased in both our brigade and division commanders. Halted for the night, after fighting and marching nine miles, near Dublin, where our boys replenished their haversacks from the commissary supplies furnished by the rebel General Jenkins. On the morning of the 10th Surgeon Walsh, Assistant Surgeon Johnson, with two enlisted men of my command, were detailed to remain behind and attend the wounded that were left behind. I also received orders to move at 6 a. m. We moved up the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad in direction of New River bridge, Company B, of my command, acting as skirmishers and advance guard. After moving about two miles, and while in a brushy wood to right of county road and left of railroad, the enemy opened out his bat- teries, shelling the woods mostly to our rear. The command was ordered to halt and lie down, but 3 ~nen were slightly wounded. After remaining in the woods about one hour we were ordered to advance, which I did until .1 reached the top of the eminence above New River, to the left of the bridge. While advancing 1 man was slightly wounded in the head, making in all 4 wounded during the engagement. Company B of my command set fire t Page 37 37 C~. XLIX.) VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. the bridge and surrounding buildings, accomplishing the deed with- out the loss of a man. After the battle was over we started on our way, in accordance with orders, to the ferry on New River, which point we reached about 3 p. in., and my whole command was over at 6 p. in., making this day a distance of eight miles. On the morning of the 11th we started in the direction of Blacks- burg, my command acting as rear guard, which point we reached about :3 p. m. and halted for the iiight, after marching ten miles. On the morning of the 12th received orders to march at 4.30 a. in., at which hour I moved my command, the weather rainy and the road heavy. After marching a distance of eight miles, skirmishing was heard in the advance. My command was formed in line of battle on the right of our brigade. Company A, of my command, under Capt. James Humes, was sent forward as skirmishers, ad- vancing about one mile. They observed the enemy in full retreat down the New River road in direction of the Narrows. They left behind 2 wagons loaded with supplies and 1 dead man, who was killed by our skirmishers. My command was again thrown to- gether in marching order and proceeded on their way in direction of Salt Pond Mountain, which point they reached about sundown, making a distance of eighteen miles. T On the morning of the 13th instant started in direction of L nion, Monroe County, W. Va., and on same day encountered a small force of rebels, who retreated, leaving behind their wagons, ammunition, and one howitzer, which cheered my command up very much, but, like the Israelites of old, they found food strewn through the wilder- ness, furnished not from heaven, but from the rebels commissary department, which enabled them to move cheerfully on their way. After encamping a few moments in the land of bacon, reached Union on the evening of the 15th, a distance of twenty-three miles, where our commissary was supplied from the surrounding country. On the morning of the 16th started in the direction of Alderson s Ferry, my command acting as train guard, crossed Greenbrier River on the 18th, and halted for the night on Muddy River, a dis- tance of three miles from the ferry and seventeen from Union. On the morning of the 19th moved in direction of Meadow Blnff and reached that, or this, point about 3 p. in., hungry, faint, and weary, making a distance of eleven miles this day. After arriving in camp, Capt. Michael Egan and one enlisted man of his company went out on a foraging expedition and have not as yet returned, but are supposed to be captured or killed by guerrillas. On the 20th one enlisted man died. On this day Lieut. R. M. Haverly died from wounds received at the battle of Cloyds Mount- ain. The total distance marched since leaving Camp Piatt, 251 miles, and the total loss in killed, wounded, and missing of both officers and enlisted men, including Captain Egan and 2 enlisted men at this point, amounts to 26. I have the honor to remain, THOMAS MORRIS, Lieutenant-Colonel Fifteenth West Virginia Volunteers. Lieut. H. S. JONES, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Brigade Page 38 38 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. No. 16. Report of Capt. James R. MeMullin, First Ohio Rattery, Chief of Artillery, of engagement at Cloyds Mioiintain, and skirmishes at New River Bridge and Salt Pond Mountain. HDQRS. OF ARTY., THIRD Div., DEPT. OF W. VA., Meadow Bluff, W. Va., May 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit to you the following report. con- solidated from those of Lieut. G. P. Kirtland, commanding First Independent Ohio Battery, and Capt. Daniel W. Glassie, Command- ing First Kentucky Battery: From these reports I find that the enemy was first engaged on Cloyds Mountain May 9, 1864. Here the enemy had such perfect range of the only possible place to plant artillery, it was deemed best to await the advance of the infantry. The caissons being left under cover, the guns advanced and taking a position, under a heavy fire, remaining in position fifteen minutes, expended 190 rounds of ammunition, when the enemy retired. Two of Captain Glassie s pieces were placed with the advance in hot pursuit. The enemy made another stand, when canister was used, and very superior gallantry upon the part of both officers and men alone saved the pieces. Fifty rounds were fired here. The second engagement of the enemy was May 10, at Central railroad bridge. Here three of Lient. G. P. Kirtlands guns, under command of Lients. C. H. Fee and D. J. Ryan, were placed on the left of the bridge, and as soon as the ball was opened by them the remainder of Lieutenant Kirtlands command, under himself and Lient. I. C. Fair, and Captain Glassies command, were moved into [position] on the heights on the right of the bridge; remained in position, two and one-half hours, expending 750 rounds of ammuni- tion, when the enemy withdrew. May 12, three of Lieutenant Kirtlands guns, under command of Lieutenant Fee, took a position on the southern slope of Salt Lake Mountain to shell a force under Jackson. Ten rounds were fired, but elicited no reply. This force abandoned May 13 one piece on Peters Mountain. I have to report the capture of pieces, 1 man seriously wounded, 4 slightly wounded, and a loss of 17 horses. I can only say that the conduct of both officers and men was com- mendable in a high degree, and in every respect commensurable with all that could have been expected. Respectfully submitted. J. R. McMULLIN, Capt. and Chief of Arty., Third Div., Dept. of W. Va. Capt. JAMES L. BOTSFORD, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 17. Report of Capt. Daniel W. Glassie, First Kentucky Battery, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain, and skirmishes at New River Bridge and Salt Pond Mountain. HEADQUARTERS FIRST KENTUCKY BATTERY, Meadow Bluff, May 20, 1864. CAPTAIN: I would respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by the First Kentucky Battery, under my comman Page 39 Cn~. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. 39 (Capt. Daniel W. Glassie), on the march from Fayetteville, W. Va., to Meadow Bluff, W. Va., via Raleigh road, Princeton, Dublin Depot, New River bridge, Blacksburg, and Union: Agreeable to General Orders, No. 6, from Second Brigade head- quarters, to march on the 3d instant at 7 a. in., the battery moved out the Raleigh road in rear of the advance brigade, alternating with Capt. James R. McMullins First Ohio Battery by easy stages, and no accidents excepting one man run over by a gun carriage, and one horse died, until the morning of the 9th instant. My battery having the advance, moved in rear of the Second Brigade from Pop- lar Hill through Rocky Gap to Cloyds Mountain, under the enemys fire. At this point the guns were moved to the front in column, leaving the caissons nuder cover. Agreeable to instructions from Captain McMullin, chief of artillery, my leading gun was ordered to open fire on the enemys battery, from the road, to fire one shot, and then move forward, with both batteries. This I did, and then drew my battery under cover and awaited the advance of our lines, as there was no artillery position practicable. After reconnoitering the road in front, supported by one company of the Seventh West Virginia Cavalry (dismounted), I moved one piece to the front on the road and opened fire on the enemys right flank, drawing the fire of all the enemys guns. Here I fired twenty rounds of shell, but the enemys fire being so accurate and rapid, I was obliged to retire, after having 3 men wounded slightly, and 1 limber pole broken by shell. When our infantry had deployed across our front my battery was ordered at a double-quick and deployed from the center to the right and left across the road in a meadow skirted by woods, and under the eneniys battery. Here the whole battery opened fire and fired fifteen rounds per gun, with no other loss than 1 trail, hand spike, and hand-spike ring and 1 prolonge carried away by shell. As soon as the enemy had been driven from his position, my battery was ordered at a double-quick, and one section sent in pur- suit, with a detachment of the Seventh Virginia (dismounted) Cavalry, again meeting the eiiemy in the woods near Cloyds mead- ows. The cavalry meeting too heavy a force, my section was ordered to open fire on the enemys advancing lines. The guns were thrown in echelon as well as the nature of the ground would permit, giving me a complete semicircle of fire, with one gun cover- ing the other, and both in short canister range. Both guns fired thirty-five rounds of canister and ten rouiids of shell, emptying both limbers. I had 3 men scratched, 4 horses wounded, an dikilled. The gun carriages were considerably cut up. We then moved forward to Dublin Depot. On the ioth instant we moved from the depot up the railroad to New River bridge, meeting the enemy strongly posted on the left bank of the river. Captain McMullin then ordered my battery into position on the heights on the south side of the railroad bridge near a fort abandoned by the enemy. Here I fired rounds of shell, had 1 man (John Pflurn) seriously wounded, and 2 slightly wounded, 1 splinter [bar] broken by a shell, and 2 horses wounded. After dislodging the enemy, the battery crossed the river at Taylors Ford; marched thence to Blacksburg and thence to Union. At the foot of Salt Pond Mountain 1 four-horse wagon,~ containing 6 pairs of artillery pants, 2 jackets, 1 box of horse medicines, 4 Twelfth Regiment muskets, broke down, and was burned by the rear guard Page 40 40 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ~CHAP. XLIX. At Aldersons Ferry 4 of my prolonges and lunettes were used at the ferry-boat and lost. I have had 2 wheels and 4 poles broken and lost ~5 horses worn ont, 2 wonnded and tnrned in, 2 killed, and 1 died. I have had men slightly wounded, 1 seriously and 1 (R. C. iRieff) left on the road sick. My men have behaved themselves admirably, and in my opinion are deserving of much credit for coolness in action and promptness on duty. My horses are entirely worn out for want of feed. Hoping the above will prove satisfacto fully, your obedient servant, ry, I remain, very respect- DANIEL W. GLASSIE, Captain, Commanding Battery. [Captain MOMULLIN, Chief of Artillery.] No. 18. Report of Lieut. George P. Kirtland, First Ohio Battery, of en- gagement at Cloyds Mountain, and skirmishes at New River Bridge and Salt Pond Mountain. HEADQUARTERS FIRST INDEPENDENT OHIO BATTERY, Meadow Bluff, May 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this command in the different engagements ~during our second raid: During the engagement on the 9th of May on Cloyds Mountain the battery was ordered to take, and took, a position under a very heavy fire on the right of the road, and on the right and in the rear of the Second Brigade. We remained in position fifteen minutes and fired 100 round of shell, when the enemy retired. The part taken in the engagement on the 10th instant is as follows: Two guns, under command of Second Lieut. C. H. Fee, and one piece, under command of Second Lieut. D. J. Ryan, were ordered to take, and took, a position on the left of the Central railroad bridge, and com- menced shelling the enemys works. The remaining three guns were placed in position on the right of the bridge, near the fortifica- tions abandoned by the enemy. The battery remained in position two hours and one-half, and fired 400 rounds, when the enemy re- tired. May 12, sent three guns, under command of Lieutenant Fee, to take a position on the southern slope of Salt Pond Mountain, to shell a force under Jackson; fired ten rounds, but received no reply. Very respectfully, G. P. KIRTLAND,. Lieut., Commanding First Independent Ohio Battery. Capt. JAMES Rb MOMULLIN, Chief of Artillery Page 41 Ca~. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. 41 No. 19. Report of Brig. Gen. William W. Averell, U. S. Army, command- ing Cavalry Division. HDQRS. CAVALRY Div., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA, Ailiay 23, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to snbmit the following report of the operations of my cavalry division from the 1st instant to the present date: Receiving orders from Brigadier-General Crook, at Charleston, W. Va., on the 1st, I proceeded to Camp Piatt, ten miles above, with the brigades of Brigadier-General Dnffi6 and Col. J. M. Schoonmaker, nnmbering in all 2,079 officers and men, and 400 of the Fifth and Seventh Wept Virginia Cavalry, nnder Col. J. H. Oley. During the day and night of the 1st and most of the 2d day the miscellaneous transportation furnished to me was pnt together and loaded with rations and forage, which ~vere intended to supply my command with six days rations of subsistence and fonr of forage after leaving Logan Court-House; but, owing to the miserable con- dition of the teams and wagons fnrnished and the heavy roads, it was fonnd that we had only about four days subsistence and one and a half days forage with which to start from that point on the 5th. Sending back the wagons from Logan, and taking along a detach- ment of the Third Virginia, nuder Major Conger, which had been stationed there, I proceeded toward Wyoming Court-House, meet- ing a scouting party of the enemy on the way. From near Wyoming Court-House, on the 6th, Colonel Oley was sent toward Princeton to form a junction with General Crooks col- umn, while the division found its way over pathless mountains and up tortuous streams to Abbs Valley, in Tazewell County, where it arrived on the evening of the 7th, capturing scouts of the enemy and one company of the Eighth Virginia (rebel) Cavalry on picket. The march was resumed on the 8th, and some Kentucky troops of the enemy driven, with the loss to them of 4 killed and 5 wounded, to Tazewell Court-House, a distance of fifteen miles. It was there ascertained that forces had been assembled at Saltville, under com- mand of Generals John H. Morgan and W. E. Jones, to the num- ber of 4,500, and that the approaches from the north were well defended with earth-works and artillery. Information was also ob- tained from deserters and captured mails that the enemy was fully informed of our strength and intentions. Believing that it would be impracticable to carry the works about Saltville without infantry and artillery, and that a surprise was out of the question, I aban- doned that project and marched to Wytheville, in order to prevent the enemy from concentrating against the column of General Crook, capturing a train of wagons on the way. Arriving near Wytheville on the afternoon of the 10th, I attacked a force stated by rebel newspapers to have numbered 5,000, under Generals Morgan and W. E. Jones, on their way eastward. This force was mostly infantry, with three pieces of artillery, j~nd posted in an admiiable position for defense or attack, impossible to turn with cavalry. The Fourteenth Pennsylvania and First Virginia Cavalry, under Colonel Schoonmaker, opened the battle, while the brigade of General Duffi6 was formed in line of battle; the Second Virginia, under Colonel Powell, on the left, mounted; the Thirty Page 42 42 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, dismounted, on the right, and the Third Virginia Cavalry occupying the extreme left. The enemy pressed upon both flanks and advanced in three lines sheltered by fences in front. The field was maintained four hours, the vigor of the enemy gradually decreasing. At dark there was some prospect of our being able to drive him, but after dark he retire , and I marched to Dublin, where I arrived on the evening of the 11th. Our loss in the battle was about 114 officers and men killed and wounded. (Re orts are inclosed.) We crossed ew River, swollen by recent rains on the morning of the 12th. The baffled columns of Morgan and Jones arrived on the left bank soon after, but the river had become impassable, and they had leisure to observe the ruins of the railroad and bridges,. which all the energies and skill of their superior forces had failed to avert. Had their designs been accomplished in reaching the river before me the success of the expedition might have been varied. Communicating with General Crook, who was then at Blacksburg, I proceeded to Christiansburg, driving away a small force of the enemy and capturing two 3-inch guns, which in their haste they had abandoned. The railroad was destroyed as much as practicable, with depots, shops, & c., to a point four miles east of Christiansburg. Communicating with Salem and Lynchburg by telegraph it was learned that heavy re-enforcements were moving westward along the railroad. As my ammunition was nearly exhausted I deemed it proper to join General Crooks command, which, after a very difficult march, was accomplished on the 15th at Union, having marched 350 miles over a region almost impassable and destitute of supplies. Nearly thirty miles of the journey was made by file on foot over unfre- quented paths. The mountain streams were frequently unfordable, and a few men and horses were lost by drowning. I beg leave to invite the attention of the brigadier-general com - manding to the uncomplaining fortitude with which the officers and men of this division have marched and fought in this most difficult expedition. The gentlemen of my staff, Capt. Will Rumsey, assistant adju- taut-general; Capt. W. H. Brown, assistant quartermaster; Capt. L. A. Myers, provost-marshal; Capt. George T. Castle, commissary of subsistence; Surg. F. Elliott, medical director, were conspicuous during the entire expedition for their untiring industry and great gallantry upon the field. My thanks are due to the brigade commanders and their staffs for their energetic efforts while under my command. Respectfully submitted. W. W. AVERELL Capt. ~ L. BoTSFORD, Brigadier-General, Gomman~ling. As8istant Adjutant-General. ADDENDA. GENERAIJ ORDERS, HDQRS. SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, May 23, 1864. The brigadier-general commanding cavalry division dcsires to ex- press his sincere thanks to the officers and men of this division for the uncomplaining fortitude with which they have endured the te Page 43 XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. 43 rible vicissitudes incident to the recent march, and for the unwaver- ing courage with which they attacked and held a superior force of the enemy near Wytheville on the 10th instant, thereby enabling another column to accomplish its purpose without the opposition of overwhelming numbers. Your country will remember your heroism with gratitude, and the noble sacrifices and sufferings of our fallen comrades will be cherished forever in our memories. The Fourteenth Pennsylvania and First West Virginia Cavalry first received the shock of the battle, while the Second and Third West Virginia Cavalry and Thirty-fourth Ohio Mounted Infantry established a line which the enemy had reason to respect and remember. Great credit is due to the brigade commanders, Brigadier-General Duffi6 and Colonel Schoonmaker, for the energy and skill they (lis- played, while the conduct of all was admirable and deserving of the praise of the brigadier-general commanding. He desires, without making an invidious distinction, to express his high appreciation for the steady and skillful evolutions of the Second Virginia Cavalry under Colonel Powell upon the field. It was a dress parade which continued without disorder under a heavy fire during four hours. The purposes of the enemy were foiled by the engagement; the rail- road was reached and destroyed; New River crossed, and the baffled column of the enemy arrived in time to witness the destruction, which all the energies of their superior force, even with artillery, had failed to prevent. The division commander also wishes to thank those officers and men of the division who have treated the inhabitants of the country with that courtesy, dignity, and magnanimity which is inseparable from true courage and greatness; such conduct cannot fail to awaken in the hearts of the deluded people a respect and love for the Govern- ment we are determined to restore and maintain. While we bring death and destruction to rebels in arms, let our bearing toward the people and peaceful citizens be becoming soldiers of the United States. Those few unworthy persons who have disgraced themselves and us by acts of lawless pillage should receive the scorn and con- tempt of every honorable soldier in this command, and every effort should be made to bring them to the punishment they deserve. By order of Brigadier-General Averell: WILL RUMSEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. THIRD CAVALRY BRIGADE, No. ~. Camp at Bun gers Mills, W. Va., liiliay 20, 1864. It is with sentiments of profound satisfaction that I give to the officers ahd men of this brigade my hearty thanks for their gallant and faithful behavior on the battle-field near Wytheville. Their conduct has been admired not only by me, but by the general com- manding the expedition, and by the troops called to co-operate with us in our hardships. Officers and soldiers of the Third Brigade! You have not deceived my expectations. My hopes and desires as to your conduct have been fully realized; and for this I thank you all Page 44 44 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. My thanks to the Second Virginia Cavalry, who, under the lead- ership of their gallant colonel, while retreating under a galling fire from the enemy, preserved their ranks unbroken as on parade, and by their vigorous return of the enemys fire, saved the left of the division. My thanks to the Thirty-fourth Ohio Mounted Infantry, who, led by the brave Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw, first fought nobly on the left, and when the Second Brigade gave way in some confusion on the right gallantly threw themselves in the breach, held the enemy in check, and gave time for the broken column to be reformed in their rear, thus saving the division from a shameful rout. My thanks to the Third Virginia Cavalry, whb with unwavering lines received the first fire of the enemy, and who preserved most excellent order during the entire engagement. But while you receive my congratulatious, do not forget that there is yet much for us to do. Do not be blind to the fact that our duty is yet only partly performed. We have much yet to suffer; many labors to undergo. The whole army of our country is actively en- gaged to destroy an active and determined foe. Let us see that our part is performed without disgrace, and without murmur. In a word, do as you have already done. Let every man be at his post, and dis- charge his duty as a patriot and a soldier. A. N. DUFFIIt, General, Commanding Cavalry. No. 20. Reports of Col. John MeCausland, Thirty-sixth Virginia. Infantry, commanding Department of Western Virginia. HEADQUARTERS, New River Bridge, May 9, 1864. The forces under General Jenkins engaged the enemy near Dub- liii to-day. We were defeated. General Jenkins was severely wounded Lieutenant-Colonel Hammond and Major Taylor, Sixtieth Regiment, killed; Lieut. Col. Thomas Smith, Thirty-sixth, wounded. Many other officers killed and wounded. 1 assumed command, be- ing the senior officer, and collected the troops at this place. The enemy have twelve regiments; may drive me away to-morrow. Our loss is heavy in killed and wounded. I have saved the stores at Dublin. I suggest that General Breckinridge be ordered back with Echols and Whartons brigades. JOHN MoCAUSLAND Colonel, G~ommanding. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WESTERN VIRGINIA, Christiansburg, May 15, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following synopsis of the movements of the troops under my command. I regret that the reports of subordinate officers have not been received to enable me to make it more complete: O~ the 7th of May I reached Dublin on my way to Staunton with my brigade. Orders were there received from Brig. Gen. A. G Page 45 45 CHAP. XLIX:] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. Jenkins, then commanding Department of Western Virginia, to post- pone my departure, and on the next day my command was moved to Cloyds farm, about five miles from Dublin, to meet a large force of the enemy then approaching. We to6k position there and fought the enemy for several hours. General Jenkins was severely wbftnded and carried from the field. Our lines were broken and I saw the day was lost. I could not find General Jenkins, whom I wa~ flilally informed had been wounded. I rallied as many men as I could, formed them into a rear guard, and caused the regiments to be reformed as we retreated. The en- emy charged repeatedly with cavalry, but were repulsed with con- siderable loss. AsI approached Dublin I met Col. D. H. Smith with 500 dismounted men of General Morgans command, that had just reached the Depot from Saltville, and were then moving out to the field. I placed them in position to cover the retreat, and moved the remaining troops through Dublin to the New River bridge. Colonel Smith and his men behaved with great gallantry, and repulsed every charge made by the enemys cavalry upon our rear. We reached New River aiid passed to the east side about sunset. Meanwhile the ~trains and artillery had gone by the macadamized road and crossed at Englishs Bridge. The artillery was placed in position during the night, the infantry was formed and posted, and at daylight we awaited the approach of the enemy, sharpshooters having been posted along the river-bank. The position on the west side of the river was entirely untenable, and an attempt to hold it would have resulted in the discomfiture and capture of my command. In the artillery fight made for the de- fense of the bridge Bryans, Donthats~ and Dickensons batteries took part, and the engagement lasted about four hours. Our am- munition became exhausted, many horses were killed, and nearly every piece driven off by the superior artillery of the enemy, and I found that they were also crossing a large infantry force at Peppers Ferry, seven miles below me, when I gave the order to withdraw. The troops retired in good order, passed through Christiansburg, and moved east to Big Hill, seven miles west of Salem, where they were posted to meet the enemy, who had crossed at Pep p ers Ferry and moved out to Blacksburg. We reached Big Hill the 11th and re- mained there the 12th. During the night of the 12th I received information that Colonels French and Jackson (in accordance with my orders) had moved upon the rear of the enemy at Blacksburg, and that Averell had occupied Christiansburg with a portion of his force. Early in the morning, finding that General Cro~k had retreated from Blacksburg and moved north toward the Salt Pond Mountain, the direction from which French and Jackson would approach, I at once moved the troops then with me by a country road to intercept Averell at Blacksburg, but finding on reaching that point that he had passed, I pushed on. Meanwhile General Crook had driven French and Jackson back toward Giles Court-House, and had gone toward Monroe. As soon as Colonels French and Jackson discovered this they moved on his rear and occupied the pass in Gap Mountain, intercepted Averells command, and scattered it in the mountaii~s. Owing to the darkness and the swollen streams no farther pursuit was made with the in- fantry, but the small cavalry force I had was sent on and has not been heard I~rom since. My own brigade was moved back to th Page 46 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CUAP. XLIX. vicinity of Christiansburg for supplies and rest. French has been sent to occupy the Narrows, and Jackson has passed into Monroe to observe and report the future movements of the enemy. I submit this brief statement for the information of the Depart- ment, and will forward a more accurate and extended report when the reports of subordinate officers are received. 1 take this occasion to thank the officers and men for their gal- lantry, the patience with which all hardships have been endured, and the support they have given me during these operations. The battle of Cloyds farm was fought on our part with three regiments and one battalion of infantry and two batteries. The enemy had twelve regiments and ten pieces of artillery. In conclusion, I can only say that the enemy has accomplished but little; nothing commensurate with their preparations. They have destroyed New River bridge and some smaller ones, and stolen some negroes and other property. I cannot now conjecture what will be their next movements, but whatever they are prompt steps will be taken to meet them, and the earliest inform~ttion sent to the Depart- ment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. McCAUSLAND, General S. COOPER Colonel, Commanding. Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. [First indorsement.] MAY 31, 1864. This clear and unpretending report is respectfully submitted to the President for his information. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary. [Second indorsement.] Returned to Secretary of War. Satisfactory. J.D. - HEADQUARTERS, Christiansburg, J~a., iMiay 26, 1864. I have the honor to submit the following report of the battle of Cloyds farm on the 9th instant and the operations subsequent thereto: On the 8th instant I received orders from Brig. Gen. A. G. Jen- kins to move my brigade, then encamped near Dublin awaiting transportation to the east, out on the road to Giles Court-House to meet the enemy, advancing toward Dublin, under Brig. Gen. George Crook, and estimated at 6,000 men. I moved at once and took posi- tion near the base of Cloyds Mountain and on Cloyds farm. The position was not a good one, but the best we could get for the force under my command. The troops were placed in line on the 8th and remained until the morning of the 9th, when the enemy engaged us. The Forty-fifth Regiment arrived early on the 9th and was placed on our right by Brigadier-General Jenkins in person, who also at the same time changed the position of the Sixtieth Regiment and Forty-fifth Battalion. I can only say that I did not approve these dispositions, and so expressed myself to General Jenkins in the presence of his staff, an Page 47 C~. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. 47 urged him to conform to my original line. He declined doing so, and the battle was joined on our right. The enemy threw two bri- gades upon that part of our line, and was forcing it back, when I brought up two pieces of artillery and opened upon them. This seemed to check them, when General Jenkins ordered up the Thirty- sixth Regiment from the left. It came up ha~ndsomely to the right, when General Jenkins ordered the Forty-fifth Battalion to charge, which they did, driving the enemy some distance. The Thirty- sixth Regiment was also ordered to charge, when an officer rode up, informing me that the enemy had turned our left. The Thirty~ sixth Regiment was then ordered back to its original position. Meanwhile the Sixtieth Regiment had repulsed a charge made by the Pennsylvania brigade upon our center, and General Jenkins had been wounded; and during this time there had been a fierce artillery duel between our battery and those of the enemy coming into posi- tion in front of our center. After the Forty-fifthBattalion charged, the enemy charged in return and broke that part of our lines, and at the same time the Sixtieth and Forty-fifth Regiments were driven from their positions, when the whole line gave way. As soon as I learned that General Jenkins had been wounded I assumed command and began to make a new disposition of our forces. The troops were formed about 200 yards in rear and upon the line I had originally suggested. Meanwhile the enemy had moved upon our left and occupied a good position before the Thirty-sixth Regiment could reach their position to prevent it. The fight was maintained here for some time. I attempted to make a new disposition in rear of our second position, when the enemy charged our whole line and forced it back. It was now apparent that our third line could not be held, when I ordered the troops to be moved to the rear, and taking charge of the Thirty-sixth Regiment covered the retreat. The enemy soon formed upon our last position and charged our rear with his cavalry, when another position was taken about one mile from the battle-field, and the charge repulsed. I then moved on toward Dublin, frequently checking the enemy, until the arrival of Col. D. H. Smith, with about 500 dismounted men of Morgans command. They joined me about a mile from Dublin and were placed in position to check a cav- alry charge that was made by the enemy at that time. They did it well and covered the rear until we reached New River bridge. I found the wc~ks at this place incomplete and untenable, and moved the infantry across the New River and encampe(l for the night. The wagon trains and artillery had, meanwhile, passed the river on a bridge three miles above, and the artillery had joined me at the rail- road biidge. The enemy halted at Dublin fQr the night and moved on the bridge early next morning. I stationed sharpshooters along the river-bank and placed -all }ny artillery in position to command all the approaches to the bridge. The enemy opened with artillery, and we replied for seven hours, and until our ammunition was exhausted. Many horses were killed, and the guns could be worked no longer. I then withdrew them, and finding that the bulk of the enemys forces was crossing at Peppers Ferry, below the bridge, and moving out toward Blacks- l)urg, I withdrew in the direction of Christiansburg and moved east to Big Hill, near Salem, where we ocdnpie(i a position to contest the farther advance of the enemy toward the east, and also protected the bridges across the Roanoke River Page 48 48 OPEJ~ATI0NS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Ciw~. XLIX. While at Christi~n~burg I sent an order to Colonels French and Jackson, then at the Narrows of New River, to move toward Chris- tiansburg via Blacksbnrg, and, if possible, unite their forces with mine; and if they found the enemy in Blacksburg to attack, and thereby accomplish what I proposed to accomplish by the first order. During this time Averell had been defeated by Morgan near Wythe.. ville, and had escaped from him and come to Christiansburg to nnite with the niain body under Crook, thereby throwing their whole force in front of me. The movement of French and Jackson cansed Crook to evacuate Blacksburg and move toward Newport and Salt Pond Mountain. I moved from Big Hill upon the enemy at Blacks- burg by a country road, but found upon my arrival there, which was delayed several hours by the bad roads and swollen streams, that Crook had gone, and that Averell had passed from Christiansburg. French and Jackson met Crook near Newport, and were forced back toward Giles Court-House, and this enabled him to pass over to Ihe Salt Pond. As soon as lie passed on they moved in behind him and oc- cupied the position at Gap Mountain, intercepting Averells command, which soon came up and attacked their position. He was driven back, his command scattered in the mountains, but the bulk of it afterward crossed the mountains of Craig and into Monroe by a bridle path. I reached Gap Mountain with a small cavalry force about the close of the fight, and just in time to see Averell pass into the woods. I then rode up to our lines and over the ground the enemy occupied a few moments before. My infantry marched twenty-seven miles that day, and was halted a short distance from Blacksburg after the enemy had escaped. Heavy rains fell during our marches; the roads were bad and streams much swollen. Col- onel Jackson was ordered to follow the enemy into Monroe, and in- tercepted Averell again at Greenbrier River, capturing some prison- ers, a few horses, and driving a portion of his command into the river. Colonel French moved into Monroe via the Narrows. The staff officers of the department reported to me near Dublin, and have been faithful in the discharge of their duties. I have endeavored to give a simple narrative of facts as they oc- curred. The reports of subordinate commanders are hereby sub- mitted, with a tabular statemQnt of our losses. We have to mourn the loss of many brave officers and men. In conclusion, I can only ~tate that the movement was a great fail- ure on the part of the enemy, and that they have a~ccomplished nothing commensurate with their preparations. Their entire force aggregated 9,000 men of all arms, and we never had 3,000 men iii all. I submit this report for the consideration of the Department, with the firm conviction that for the means employed no better results have been accomplished during the war. The enemy lost 600 in killed and wounded at Cloyds, and we have taken nearly 200 prisoners from them, and their loss in all will not fall short of 1,000 men. Our loss will be found on the tabular state- ment. I return to all the staff officers, and also those who volunteered for the emergency as aides, scouts, or vedettes, my thanks. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. McCAUSLAND, General S. COOPER, Colonel, Comrnandinq. Adjutant and Inspector General Page 49 C~. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. 49 [Inclosure.] List of Casualties in the Ixittle of Cloyds Farm, May 9, 1864, and subsequent operations. Killed. Wounded. Captured. Missing. Loss. Command. 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ E~ bC 36th VirginiaInfantry 18 3 55 30 5 108 111 60th Virginia Infantry 4 16 9 59 1 64 139 153 45th Battalion Virginia Infantry 4 2 9 15 28 30 45th Virginia Infantry 5 21 7 89 46 6 162 174 Bryans battery 3 1 3 6 Ringgold Battery 4 1 2 6 7 Botetourt Artillery 1 1 1 17th Virginia Cavalry 2 Morgans dismounted men, un- 1 4 18 30 52 53 der Col. D. H. Smith. Total 10 66 22 240 1 76 1 122 504 538 JAS. FRANCIS, Lieut., Acig. Asst. Adjt. Gem., 4th Brig., Army of W. Va. No. 21. Report of Mc~j. William E. Fife, Thirty-sixth Virginia Infantry, of operations May 814. HDQRS. THIRTY-SIXTH REGT. VIRGINIA INFTY., Near Christiansburg, Va., May 20, 1864. MAJOR: In accordance with instructions received from head- quarters Department of Western Virginia, May 19, 1864, 1 herewith submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the action of the 9th instant at Cloyds farm, and its subsequent movements up to this time: On Sunday, the 8th instant, the regiment moved from the vicinity of Dublin Depot to Cloyds farm to meet the enemy, who was re- ported advancing. We reached that place about 10 a. m. and were put in position on the extreme left and supporting Bryans battery, which was posted on an eminence in our immediate front. We lay quiet all day. In the evening there were two lieutenants (Ferrell and Shannon) and forty men sent out to skirmish with the enemy as he advanced up the mountain. I am happy to say they did their duty well. On Monday, the 9th, about 9 a. in., the pickets and skirmishers commenced firing, which continued for about half an hour, when the enemy made his appearance on the mountain. About 10.30 oclock, the enemy having made his dispositions, he advanced to the at- tack; our troops met him with coolness and determination. Our line being hard pressed on the right, this regiment was ordered to their support. The regiment moved promptly and with dis- patch, being double-quicked the whole distance, which was con- siderable. When the regiment came up to the point where our services were needed, the men were much scattered by moving so rapidly. The regiment was formed in two lines (the left wing in rear of the right) for the purpose of charging the enemy. The order 4 R RVOL XXXvII, PT Page 50 50 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XLIX. to charge was given; our first line (the right wing) moved promptly to the front to the edge of the woods, when the order was given to halt and form into line of battle, which was done under a very severe fire of musketry. It was at this point Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, our gallant commander, was wounded and borne from the field, a fact of which I was ignorant until the regiment had left the field. The men were formed on the crest of a hill about 200 yards in our rear, which position it maintained until the enemy had flanked us both to the right and left, when they were forced back in considerable disorder, and could not be rallied under such a heavy fire. It was at this point that the most of our casualties occurred. After getting beyond the fire of the enemy, through the exertions of the company officers, the men were again formed. We continued the retreat in the direction of Dublin Depot, near which place I re- ceived an order from the colonel commanding to move in the direc- tion of New River bridge, which place we reached between 6 and 7 p.m. I Was ordered to take up position in a small redoubt west of New River, and north of the Yirginia and Tennessee Railroad, where we remained until about dark, when I was ordered to cross the river on the railroad bridge, and bivouac on the other side (east). The next morning, Tuesday, 10th, about 10 a. in., I received an order to get the regiment under arms and move into position in rear of the artillery some 200 yards, and to shelter the men as well as the nature of the ground would admit. Here we remained for about two or three hours, subjected to heavy fire of shell and shrapnel from the enemys guns posted on the west side of the river. Fortunately from the formation of the ground the men were not much exposed. There was only one man slightly wounded at this place. About 1 p. m. I received an order to move in the direction of the turnpike road lead- ing to Christiansburg, this regiment bringing up the rear. We reached Christiansburg, the distance of twelve miles, about sunset and bivouacked. About 7 p. m. I was ordered to move in the direc- tion of Salem. We~ marched to Shawsville, about ten or twelve miles, and stopped for the remainder of the night. The next morning, Wednesday, 11th, we continued the march in the order as above stated (this regiment in the rear, with one com- p any and a piece of artillery as rear guard), and stopped at a place known as Big Hill, seven miles west of Salem, where we remained until Friday, 13th instant, when I received an order to march in the direc- tion of Christiansburg. The regiment moved about 8 a. in. After marching on the turnpike road for about eighteen miles we turned to the right and marched in the direction of Blacksburg, Montgom- ery County, which place we reached about 7p. in., a short time after the enemy, under General Averell, had left it. Having no order to stop I continued tIme march some four miles farther in the direc- tion of Newport, Giles County, when I received orders to bivouac at Blacksburg. Owing to the negligence of the courier this order was not received until we had marched past the place where we were ordered to stop. I countermarched the regiment and marched back about two miles and halted for the night On Saturday, the 14th instant, I moved the regiment to this place, a distance of about ten miles, and emicamped, at which place we have been stationed up to this date. Company A, of this regiment, was detached on the morning of the 9th instant and put imi position between and in advance of Bryans find Dicken~on~ batteries, which place they maint~iued ~intil ~ll th Page 51 51 CRAP. XLIX.1 VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. guns that could be saved were taken off the field, when they were ordered off by Col. John McCausland, who remained with them and covered the retreat, repulsing the enemys cavalry several times, thereby saving many of our men from capture. Too much praise cannot be awarded Captain Burford and his men for their coolness and gallant conduct. I herewith append a report of the killed and wounded of the regi- mentas will be seen is very heavy, taking into consideration the time it was under fire. Lieutenant-Colonel Smith was wounded early in the action on the 9th, and as I had no information of the fact for some time after, the men were without orders for some time. In bringing this report to a close I would call attention to the dis- tance marched, the endurance and cheerfulness of the men, who were without blankets or clothing, some of them entirely bare- footed. On the 13th instant we marched over thirty miles on mis- erable roads, and were expecting to meet the enemy in force. Yet these men kept up and bore all without a murmur, showing a devo- tion worthy of the cause in which we are engaged. I would, in conclusion, mention the valuabhe services rendered the wounded on the field by Asst. Surg. A. H. Stearns, who was exposed to a very severe fire while attending to their wants; also, Lieut. Thomas G. Jarrell, Company B, of this regiment, for gallant and distinguished conduct, bringing off the colors when the color bearer and guard were all shot down. It would make this already lengthy report too long to mention all. I will state, with few exceptions, officers and men did their whole duty. I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. E. FIFE, Major, Commanding, & c. Maj. C. S. STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant-General. List of the killed and wounded in the Thirty-sixth Virginia Regiment in the battle of Cloyds Farm, May 9, 1864. Killed, wounded. companies. o o ~ 0 ~ Aa B 1 13 c 2 5 E 8 F 3 11 G 3 2 H 1 4 i 4 1 3 K 1 2 Totaib 18 2 55 a One of this company was wounded at New River bridge. b Lieutenant.colonel Smith not included in this report. WM. E. FIFE, Major, & c. CAMP NEAR CHRISTIANSBURG, May 20, 1864 Page 52 52 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LOHAP. XLII. No. 22. Report of (Jol. William H. Browne, Forty-fifth Virginia Infantry, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain. HDQRS. FORTY-FIFTH VIRGINIA REGIMENT. New River Bridge, Va., May 21, 1864. SIR: In obedience to instructions received on yesterday, I submit the following statement in regard to the action of this regiment in the engagement with the enemy which took place on the 9th instant on Cloyds farm: My regiment left Saltville at dark on the 8th, and reached the bat- tle-field about 9 a. m. on the 9th instant. By my direction Lieuten- ant-Colonel Harman preceded the command in order to ascertain the ground to be occupied by the regiment in the line of battJe by tlie time of its arrival on the field. The position of the regiment was designated by Brig. Gen. A. G. Jenkins, and my regiment was laced on the right of the Confederate line of battle, my left wing fying on a ridge running perpendicular to the turn p ike leading from Dublin to Pearisburg, and my right wing on a ridge perpendicular to that on which my left rested. I changed the position of my right wing by placing two companies on a straight line with my left, and ~acin~ the three other companies to the right and rear of my main utervals between each of from 100 to 200 yards. This was done to occupy as much of the ground as possible, believing that the enemy would endeavor to flank my position on the right. Skirmish- ers were thrown forward to the front from each company. Barri- cades of rails were made all along my main line, and by the detached companies in front of their positions. The enemy advanced under cover of the woods along the whole line of my regiment, driving in the skirmishers and making their appearance first in front of my extreme right flank. Their main force was thrown against my right of center almost perpendicular to my line of battle. Lieutenant-Colonel Harman seeing that the right of center was not sufficiently supported, withdrew the left cen- ter company from the left wing to the right, and deeming the sup- port still insufficient, requested Colonel Jones, through Major Davis, to send him some additional force from the Sixtieth Virginia Regi- ment (whose position was on my left), when two companies were promptly and kindly sent under charge of the gallant Major Taylor, of the Sixtieth. These two companies were conducted to their posi- tion byLientenant-Colonel Harman, who was ever among the fore- most in the thickest of the fight, and placed behind the barricade occupied by the two companies on the right of center. Here Lieu- tenant-Colonel Harman fell mortally wounded, and Major Taylor was killed on the field. At the time that the heaviest assault was being made on that part of my line the Forty-fifth Virginia Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Beckley commanding, was brought up to re-enforce my right, but the enemy having already flanked my main line on the right of center and occupied the crest of the ridge on which my main line rested, they could not support it without charging Mirough the open woods to drive the enemy from his position. Th~ battalion, with two of my companies next the two on my right of esuter, did charge the enemy fear essly and gallantly and drove him from his position, but on reaching the crest of the hill they found the enemys massed lines in a few paces of them under the brow of the hill, who poure Page 53 CItAP. XLT~1 VIRGINIA ANt) ~ ~NESSEE lIATLIIOAD. 53 upon them a terrific volley of musketry, and they were forced to fall back, pursued by the enemy to their position behind the barri- cade. As they fell back, passing my right of center, the enemy pressed forward and drove back the two companies on my right of center, as well as the two companies sent me by the Sixtieth. When my left center company (K) had been withdrawn from my left, Major Davis closed the line on the left of my center by moving the companies toward it, at the same time throwing forward two com- panies from his extreme left to a point about 100 yards in front of my line of battle and perpendicular thereto, to meet and resist a large force of the enemy advancing through a meadow in front of the left, thereby successfully checking their advance and creating confusion in their ranks. The enemy continuing to press heavily upon the center and right, the two compaiiies thrown forward by Major Davis were withdrawn to the original line of battle. My center was the highest point of the ridge, running parallel with the mountain, and descending to the right and left of the cen- ter. The right being repulsed, the enemy occupied this high point and gave an enfilading fire to the left, which being also hotly as- sailed in front was driven back. My regiment fell back about 200 yards and rallied on the left of the Thirty-sixth Virginia Regiment, which had been brought from the extreme left to that point, the Sixtieth immediately rallying on my left. We maintained our posi- tion here under a very heavy fire for about fifteen minutes, when the enemy appeared in force on a hill on the left of the road, within 160 yards of the left of the Sixtieth Regiment. The whole line then moved back in tolerable order, and on arriving at the skirt of wood in rear of this last position made another stand for a short time and then contiiiued to retreat. Some confusion ensued in consequence of the commands becoming intermingled. My loss in this battle was 26 killed, 96 wounded, 46 captured, and 6 missing; total, 174. Among the killed and mortally wounded we have to mourn the death of Lieut. Col. E. H. Harman, Capt. Robert R. Crockett, Com- pany F; Lieut. John R. Brown, Company B; Lieuts. C. N. Porter and H. H. Lockett, Company D. More gallant and fearless officers than they it is difficult to imagine. Being among the first to vol- unteer their services in the Confederate Army, they have ever proved themselves skillful and bold in action, prompt, faithful, and efficient in the discharge of their every duty. The loss in commis- sioned officers was especially heavy. Besides those mentioned as dead, seven others were more or less severely wounded. Of the non-commissioned officers and privates who were killed there were many valuable soldiers whose places it would be difficult to supply. I am under obligations to Major Davis for his valuable services in directing the movements of the left wing of the regiment, and it gives me pleasure to bear testimony to the gallantry exhibited by him throughout the engagement. The conduct of the officers gen- erally was praiseworthy and commendable, and they rendered me much assistance during the battle and retreat. Respectfully submitted. WM. H. BROWNE, Colonel, Commanding Forty-fifth Virginia Regiment. Maj. CHARLES S. STRINGFELLOW As.~i8tant Adjutant-General Page 54 54 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA.. MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. No. 23. Report o~[ Lieut. Col. Henry 111. Beckley, Forty-fifth Battalion Vi. - ginia infantry, of engagement at 010 yd8 Mountain, and slcirrnish at New River Bridge. HDQRS. 45TH VIRGINIA BATTALION JNFTY., Camp near Chri8tiansburg, Va., May 19, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the recent battle at Cloyds farm, and of their operations subsequent to that time: Early on the morning of May 9 .1 was ordered to move with my command to the extreme right of our lines and occupy the crest of a ridge running parallel with our line of battle and a little in rear of the position occupied by the rest of the troops. I found two com- panies of the Forty-fifth Virginia Regiment immediately in my front, protected by some straw stacks and hastily-constructed breast- works of rails, & c. The skirmishers from these two companies were at this time hotly engaged with those of the enemy in the woods immediately in my front, and I soon ascertained from the firing were being rapidly pressed back. I had scarcely taken posi- tion at this point and taken some observations on my front of the ground, when General A. G. Jenkins rode up and ordered me to move by the left flank across the crest of the hill and down the slope to the edge ot the timber, and then extend my line to the left until I joined the Forty-fifth Virginia Regiment. This was done at a double-quick. The enemy by this time had driven our skirmishers out of the woods, and by the time I reached the timber his advanc- ing line of battle was in plain view, not more than seventy-five yards in our front. We immediately opened upon him a well- directed fire, which in fifteen minutes caused him to fall back in some confusion. The firing had become general along our lines, and the incessant rattle of musketry told me that our whole force was hotly engaged. The rapid firing of the two companies of the Forty-fifth Virginia Regiment, now on my right, also warned me of what I feared, that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank. About this time it was evident that the enemy were staggered and thrown into confusion by the rapidity and precision of our fire. General Jenkins rode up in person and ordered me to charge with my battalion, and, although less than one-half of them were pro- vided with bayonets, they rushed forward with a yell. The enemy fell back rapidly over a little ridge they occupied, and when we reached the top of this ridge we found the enemy in good line just over the crest. They met us with a deadly volley. We held the top of the ridge a short time, fighting at a distanc& not greater than fifteen or twenty paces. At this point some prisoners were taken. I now found out that it was only those in our immediate front who were thrown into temporary confusion and forced back, and that the right and left of the brigade opposing us were steadily ad- vancing, and that we would very shortly be placed in a position from which it would be difficult, if not impossible, to extricate my command. Under these circumstances I ordered my command to fall back to their original position. The enemy now came forward rapidly, and by the time we regained the edge of the timber they were pressing us closely. On arriving at our original position I found our lines were giving way. Stragglers in considerable num- bers were going to the rear. The panic spread among the troops Page 55 dHA?. XtIX.) VIRGINIA AND TEt~{NES~I~E RAILROAD. and soon the whole were retreating in considerable confusion. Upon reaching the brow of the main hill I partially succeeded in rallying my men, formed them as best I could under a very heavy fire, and with a portion of the Thirty-sixth Virginia Regiment made a stand and temporarily checked the advance of the enemy. As soon as our slightly wounded could be gotten off the field the whole fell back. I with my command took the road running parallel to the main road to Dublin, and struck the railroad one mile below the De- pot. Here I received orders from Colonel McCausland, command- ing Fourth Brigade, to take my command to the railroad bridge over New River. The whole command soon reached this point, where we encamped for the night. During the night our artillery was placed in position on the hills on the south side of the river, so as t& command the approaches to the bridge, and early next morn- ing I was ordered to place my command immediately in rear of our batteries. In a short time the enemy appeared on the hills on the opposite side of the river, and opened a furious cannonade upon our position. They were promptly replied to by our batteries, an~ for three hours the cannonading was furious and incessant, although comparatively harmless as far as we were concerned. Myposition was such as to enable me to observe the cQnduct of our artillerists, and I take great pleasure in bearing testimony to their gallantry and general good bearing in this action. Their guns were worked with great rapidity, and I think told with effect upon the enemy. About 12 oclock it was deemed advisable by our commanding officer to withdraw our forces, and the whole were withdrawn in good order to the road leading to Christiansburg. That night we went into camp near Christiansburg, but later, hearing that the enemy were crossing New River at Peppers Ferry, whence they could easily get below us, we took up the line of march and fell back in the direction of Salem. I deem it unnecessary to make further report of the operations of my command than to add that the conduct of my men throughout, both in battle and upon the march, has been all that I could have wished or expected. This is their first campaign, and their conduct upon the battle-field 1 have rarely seen excelled by new troops. In the eight days preceding our arrival at this point we marched 150 miles, part of the time going nearly or quite forty-eight hours with- out rations, and many of them entirely barefooted. The whole has been done without a murmur or complaint. I carried into the fight of May 9 183 men and officers. My loss was 34 killed, wounded, and missing. I desire to mention the names of Lieutenants Acord and Gunnoc as having acted with conspicuous gallantry upon the field. Both of them were wounded. Sergeant Blankinship, of Company D; Corporal Whitman, of Company E; Private Nathaniel Woods, of Company E; and Cor- poral Augustus Francisco, of Company B, attracted my attention by their soldiery bearing and brave conduct. Both of the latter were wounded. H. M. BECKLEY, Lieut. Cot. Forty-Fifth Battalion Virginia Infantry. Maj. CHARLES S. STRINGFELLOW, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of We stern Virginia Page 56 56 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. No. 24. Report of Gol. Beuhring H Jones, Sixtieth Virginia Infantry, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain. HDQRS. SIXTIETH REGIMENT VIRGINIA INFANTRY, Gamp near Christiansburg, Va., May 19, 1864. MAJOR: In obedience to the order of the colonel commanding, I respectfully submit the following report of the operations of the Sixtieth Regiment Virginia Infantry in the battle of Cloyds farm, May 9: About 8 oclock on the morning of the 9th instant the regiment, by order of Brig. Gen. A. G. Jenkins, was moved about 300 yards in advance of the ~osition in which it had been placed the day previous by Colone McCausland, commanding the brigade, and placed in the dense wood on the, bluff overlooking the meadow through which runs Back Creek. The left of the regiment now rested on the right of a 12-pounder Napoleon gun belonging to Stamps battery. Shortly afterward the regiment was ordered by the commanding general to move by the flank, so that its left should rest on the main turn p ike road and its right on the battery. A com- pany of Montgomery home guards, Qapt. White G. Ryan, being dis- lacedb this movement, was put in position (by whose order I y now not) on the right of the Sixtieth Regiment and to the left of the Forty-fifth Virginia Regiment, commanded by Colonel Browne. The ground now occupied by the regiment was highly favorable, it being a bluff with an unobstructed front for at least 400 yards. Here the regiment, by my order, soon constructed of fence rails a safe protection from musketry. The action began on the right, in front of the Forty-fifth Regiment, Colonel Browne, and Forty-fifth Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Beckley. I had been ordered by the commanding general to support these troops if necessary. The fight had progressed about twenty-five minutes, the musketry being very heavy, when I received a dispatch froni Colonel Browne stating that he was pressed heavily. I immediately ordered Compa- nies K (Capt. W. A. Gilliam) andG (Capt. A. G. Ingraham), both commanded by Lient. Col. George W. Hammond, to his support. I should have re-enforced Colonel B~owne more heavily, but the en- emy had begun to make some demonstration in my immediate front. The remainder of the regiment was now moved by the right flank and filled the gap in the line occasioned by detaching the above- named companies. The regiment had hardly taken this position when two or three regiments of the enemy emerged from the woods in front and advanced in line of battle directly upon us, one of their objects most probably being to capture the 12-pounder Napoleon, which had annoyed them greatly in the earlier part of the engage- ment. No sooner had they advanced within fair range than the command fire was given, and some four or five rapid and deadly volleys were poured into their line, breaking and scattering it in every direction; nor could it be reformed, notwithstandiiig the most strenuous and persevering efforts of their officers. Some fled directly back to the hills, some down the creek, and others in the direction of the residence of Mr. James Cloyd. The meadow in front of my line was thickly strewn with their killed and wounded, and two stand of colors were left lying on the ground; a third stand was precipitately carried back to the mountains. I am satisfied that no less than si Page 57 CHAP. XLIX.1 VI1~GINIA AND TENNESSEE 1~AIL~OAD. 57 color bearers were shot down by my men. The space in front of the regiment had been completely cleared of the enemy; not one could be seen, except such as were fleeing from the field, and the men, re- garding the day a~ our own, were cheering enthusiastically, when suddenly the dense column of the enemy that had crept up under cover of the hilldriving back the skirmishers to within twenty yards of the ground occupied b~ the home guards, and, perhaps, a portion of my right companymade a sudden onset in overwhelming force. Our brave men after delivering one fire had not time to reload before they were upon them. The extreme right of our line of bat- tle had just given way under a like pressure. The enemy poured over the breast-works, flanking the Sixtieth on the right, necessitat- ing a backward movement. At this critical juncture I recollected having seen a few moments before some of our troops in line of battle in the open field somewhat to my right, and I ordered the regiment to fall back through the woods and rally on the ridge, thus continuing the line of battle to the left. In getting back to this position the men were exposed to a very heavy fire, and of course considerable disorder ensued. How- ever, about 200 men were rallied on the line indicated and the enemy checkedin fact, driven entirely out of sight, beyond the original line of battle; but it was too late to retrieve the fortunes of the day, and seeing the other troops leaving the field, and being exposed to a raking fire from a detachment of the enemy that had gained a posi- tion on a high point on the left of the road, I gave the order to retire. I am satisfied that the men of the Sixtieth who rallied on the ridge were the last Confederate troops that left the battle-field. In making this statement I would not be understood as reflecting on the conduct of any other portion of the army, for, so far as I know, all behaved gallantly and yielded at last only to overwhelm- ing odds. It affords me much pleasure to bear testimony to the good conduct of the regiment, both officers and men, during the engagement. I did not witness a single instance of cowardice. Until flanked every one acted with the utmost coolness and deliberation, and all appeared confident of victory. The chief loss sustained by the regiment was on the open-field ridge, where a part of the command rallied. The regiment mourns the loss of Lient. Col. George W. Hammond, Maj. Jacob N. Taylor, and Capt. Moses McClintic; also a number of brave non-commissioned officers and privates. They all fell at the post of duty. The following commissioned officers were wounded: Capt. R. A. Hale, Company H, severely; Capt. S. S. Dews, Company C, slightly; First Lieut. Isaac H, Larew, Company E, severely; Second Lieut. J. D. Bell, supposed mortally; Lieutenants Austin and Bailey, Company H, slightly; Lieutenant Stevenson, Company I, slightly; Lieut. J. C. Cabell, Company F, slightly. Capt. W. A. Gilham, Company K, is missing and is thought to be a prisoner in the hands of the enemy. Maj. Thomas L. Brown, post quartermaster at Dub- liii, acting as my volunteer aide, was severely wounded about the close of the action. It is thought he will recover. He is a gallant man, and his conduct is worthy of emulation. Mr. Coleman Yellott, clerk to the military court for this department, came to the field with his musket, entered my regiment, and fought gallantly. He escaped unhurt Page 58 58 OPERATIONS IN ~. VA~ W. ~A., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. ICLIX. The regiment fell back that evening with the main army to New River bridge, where the whole encamped. On the morning of the 10th the Sixtieth was ordered to Englishs Bridge. My instructions were to fire the same on the approach of the enemy and defend the crossing. Abont 10 a. ni. I received an order from Colonel McCansland, commanding our forces (General Jenkins having been wounded), to fire the bridge. I did so, and it was destroyed. About 3 p. m. I received an order to fall back in the direction of Christiansburg and effect a junction with the main body of our forces. I did so, and the regiment has been with the main body ever since. The following is a list of the killed, wonnded, and missing; it approximates closely to correctness: Killed, 20; wounded, 68; miss- ing, 64; total, 152. The missing are coming in daily. Many of the wounded are slightly hurt and will soon be ready for duty in the field. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. H. JONES, Colonel, Commanding Sixtieth Virginia Infantry. Maj. C. S. STRINGFELLOW, A~sistant Adjutant-General. No. 25. Report of Capt. Henry U Douthat, Botetourt (Virgtnia) Artillery, of skirmish at New River Bridge. HEADQUARTERS BOTETOURT ARTILLERY, Narrows, JIIay 21, 1864. MAJOR: In reply to your communication of the 18th instant, directing me to submit at once a report of the part taken by my battery in the affair of May 10 at New River bridge, the operations subsequent thereto, & c., I would state that I remained with my battery, consisting of eight pieces (two 12-pounder guns, two 6- pounder smooth-bore, two 12-pounder howitzers, and two 3-inch rifles), in position on the west bank of the river until Colonel McCausland had crossed with his forces to the east side of the river. I then received orders to cross my pieces, except the two 12-pounder guns, which I was ordered to destroy. At 7 p. m. I commenced crossing, and only having one boat was occupied until 12 oclock that night. We were ordered into position with Bryans and Dickensons batteries the morning of the 10th, and awaited the approach of the enemy, who made his appearance about 10 oclock, when we were ordered to open upon him. Some time after my ammunition was expended I was ordered off the field. In this action I had 3 horses killed, and 1 man injured by being thrown from his horse and the limber of the gnu passing over him. I fired in all 125 rounds, and brought off all my guns. I am, major, very respectfully, & c., H. C. DOUTHAT, Captain Botetourt Artillery. Maj. CHARLES S. STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 59 59 CHAP. XLIX.3 VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE I~AILROAD. No. 26. Report of Lieut. Giles A. Fowllces, Bryans (Virginia) Battery, of engagement at Cloyds ]IEauntain. HEADQUARTERS BRYANS BATTERY, ]Iiliay 19, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that on the day previous to the battle of Cloyds farm, Bryans (Virginia) battery af light artil- lery was placed in position on the left, supported by the Thirty- sixth Regiment Virginia Infantry On the day of the battle (May 9) the long-range guns opened upon the enemys lines as soon as they were observed on the side of the mountain, and shelled them slowly until the enemy attempted to plant his artillery on a projecting ridge in our front, when the entire battery opened upon the artillery and entirely prevented it from getting into position until the latter part of the engagement. About the time the battle commenced with the infantry on the right one piece (6-pounder gun) was sent to the extreme right and was employed in shelling the enemys infantry. After the fire of musketry had continued for some time on the right, the infantry support of the battery moved to the right, and one piece (12-pounder howitzer) was sent with them, and in coming into action its limber pole was accidentally broken and was replaced by that of the cais- son, and afterward, when the battery retired, the caisson was abandoned for want of a limber and pole. Sometime after the engagement became general on the right, the enemy succeeded in getting his artillery in position, and the battery was then engaged by the batteries of the enemy for a few minutes; but shortly after the enemys artillery was planted, a heavy column of infantry emerged from the timber and came ilito opeii view in front of our left, and the battery turned its fire upon this column with great effect. By this time the infantry on the right was re- tiring hurriedly from the field, and the battery moved to the right, and some pieces fired upon the enemy, while the rest retired from action. The whole battery then moved in the direction of Dublin Depot. In this engagement Bryans battery lost 1 private killed, 1 mor- tally wounded (since died), and 1 severely shocked by the concussion of a shell. The battery was then ordered to New River bridge, whither it proceeded with as little delay as possible by way of the macadamized road and Englishs Bridge, and took position on the north side of the river, on the left of Stamps and Douthats batteries. The po- sition occupied was on the crest of a hill on the prolongation of the railroad bridge. About 9 a. m. a few Federals were observed on a hill on the oppo- site side of the river and were shelled and soon disappeared. How- ever, the enemy soon succeeded in planting a piece of artillery which opened upon us. The reply of all the gnus immediately silenced the enemy; but he then placed all his guns in position on two hills on the opposite side of the river, and a heavy cannonade ensued, which lasted about two hours, when some of our guns ran out of ammuni- tion, and the enemys infantry were reported crossing the river below us. All the guns were then taken from the field in safety Page 60 60 OP1~ATtONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LOHAP. XLIX. The loss of Bryans battery in this engagement was 2 privates killed and 3 wonnded; 3 horses killed and 3 wounded. Capt. T. A. Bryan. who was commanding all the artillery eng had a horse killed under him, and was disabled by the fall, aged, I am, major, respectfully, & c., G. A. FOWLKES, Lieutenant, Commanding Bryans Battery. Major STRINGFELLOW, Asst. .Adjt. Gem, Army of Western Virginia. No. 27. Report of Capt. Crispin Dickenson, Ringgold (Virginia) Battery, of engagement at Cloyds Mountain, and skirmish at New River Bridge. CAMP OF RINGGOLD BATTERY, Gast Mill, near Salem, Va., May 20, 1864. MAJOR: In obedience to orders from the colonel commanding, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my battery in the action of the 9th instant at Cloyds farm, five miles north of Dublin Depot, and its subsequent operations The first section, composed of two 12-pounder Napoleon gunsthe first in charge of Lient. William P. Robinson, the second in chargt~ of Lieut. A. B. Whitewas placed in position on the right of. the road leading from Dublin to Pearisburg, and near it, and 1,200 or 1,500 yards from the foot of Cloyds Mountain, commanding said road for that distance. The second section, composed of one 3-inch rifled gun (iron) and one 12-pounder Napoleon, was put in position as follows: The rifled gun on a line with the two former, and imme- diately between the guns of the second section of Captain Bryan~~ battery, and to the left of the above-named road. The fourth gun was put in position on the extreme right of our line of artillery, and between 300 and 400 yards to its front, and on a line with our infan- try. This gun, from its peculiar location, was necessarily exposed to both the infantry and artillery fire of the enemy from the com- mencement of the fight, and had no way of retiring except by a small road running through the woods for 300 yards parallel to our line of infantry, and not more than forty yards from it at any point. The rifled gun was under my own supervision, and the fourth, or 12- pounder Napoleon, in charge of Lient. A. W. Hoge, my company numbering about 130 men present for duty. Twenty-nine muskets were placed in the hands of a like number of men, in charge of Lieut. William H. Lipscomb, who took position on a line with the fourth gnu and to its left. The artillery fire commenced about 9 a. in., none of my guns par- ticipating in the fire except those of the second section, which only fired an occasional shot, their position being in plain view of the enemy as they advanced down the mountain. About 10 oclock our infantry on the right became engaged, and in fifteen or twenty minutes commenced giving way, when one gun of the first section was ordered to the right for their relief. Lient. William P. Robinson was in charge of the gun, and moved as rap- idly as possible, and took position in an open field, about seventy- five yards in rear of our line of infantry, and fired ~s rapidly as pos.. sible seven spherical case-shot into the ranks of the enemy, who were a~dvancing through the woods. The gun then ceased firing fo Page 61 CHAP. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. 61 a short interval, for fear of killing our own men (who were still retiring), until all had passed the gun, when a charge of canister was thrown into the enemys line, doing considerable execution. The gun was then limbered up, and moved off the field slowly, one of the wheel-horses legs being broken. The second gun, in charge of Lieut. A. B. White, commenced fir- ing about the time Lieutenant Robinson moved his piece to the right at a column of the enemy advancing on our left. For twenty or thirty minutes the fire was kept up with great rapidity, doing good work. The ammunition of the limber being exhausted, the limber of the caisson was ordered to take the place of the limber of the gun, and the latter to take its place, by Lieut. A. B. White. The caisson limber not being forthcoming, in a few moments Lieutenant White went in person to see after it, and found two of the drivers (J. J. Young and William E. Barksdale) refusing to drive their horses up to the gun. About this time the Forty-fifth Regiment, who had rallied in front of this gun, gave way, and left it too much exposed to attempt its removal. Accordingly, the gun was aban- doned, the cannoneers bringing off all the equipments. The third gun, in my own charge, was fired rapidly for the last thirty or forty minutes of the fight at both the enemys infantry and artillery on our left, doing some execution, their ranks being broken at almost every fire, and I believe that one of the enemys teams was disabled by a shell from this gun. This was the last gun to leave the field, and when limbered up the enemy were not more than sev- enty-five yards from the gun, and no infantry support. The fourth gun was no doubt handled with great deliberation, and inflicted a heavy blow upon the enemy, they being within 300 yards of the gun in an open field. Our line of infantry giving way upon our right left this gun flanked by the enemy, and no way to withdraw except by the road described heretofore; consequently it was abandoned, the men escaping the best way they could. The loss in this action was Lieut. A. W. Hoge, Privates M. J. loge and Samuel H. Jones missing; Privates C. A. Dalton and Fred. C. Davis wounded badly and 2 others struck by fragments of shell. The loss in horses was ~i killed at the third gun, 1 badly wounded at the first gun, and 16 horses killed and captured at the fourth gun. Two 12-pounder Napoleon guns and 2 caissons and 10 sets of artillery harness left upon the field. All the men acted with a great deal of coolness, except the two before mentioned, the latter of whom redeemed himself on the 10th instant at New River ~bridge, when he acted with a great deal of bravery in driving his horses through a shower of shell. On the 10th instant my two guns occu- pied the center of our line of artillery. The firing commenced about 9 a. in., and was kept up until about 12 in., doing but little damage I fear to the enemy, the position being a bad one on our side. The casualties in my battery in this action were 2 men slightly wounded by fragments of shell. My guns, with one of Captain Bryans, were the last to leave the field in this action. Hoping that my battery may soon be replenished with guns, and that I may have a better opportunity of using them with effect against our enemies, I have the honor to be, very truly, your obedient servant, CRISPIN DICKENSON, Captain, Commanding Ring gold Battery. JVlaj. C. S. STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 62 62 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA.. MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. No. 28. Reports of Col. William H French, Seventeenth Virginia Cavalry, commanding brigade, of operations May 6-16. HEADQUARTERS, Narrows New River, Monday Morning, May 10, 1864. GENERAL: Col. W. L. Jackson arrived here last night at 12 oclock. His command was 1,000 strong, not yet arrived, one company of which, monnted, will arive here this morning; the remainder of his force, unmounted, will arrive this evening and to-morrow. He has two pieces of artillery, one rifled piece, which will arrive this evening. The other (howitzer) will arrive to-morrow. Your orders for defense of this place have been obeyed. No force yet heard of moving directly on this point. The enemy is reported 500 or 600 strong at Lewisburg, and a force also at Meadow Bluff. I have had no intelligence from you since Snnday night. Conner left here to return to you yesterday morning. Lientenant Craig, of the Seventeenth, who has been closely watching the enemys movements in the direction of Dublin, sent me information last night that the enemys train had passed the top of Cloyds Mountain, and established a picket on the eastern slope of the mountain near the top. Lieu- tenant Craig will continue close on the enemy, and report to me their movements. Colonel Jacksons horses, being poor and tired, were left in Monroe County. Keep me posted as to what I shall do. I think it safest to send my courier across the river at Browns Ferry and up the other side, to recross at Major Kents. I am, general, very respectfully, & c., WM. H. FRENCH, Colonel, Commanding Fifth Brigade. Brig. Gen. A. G. JENKINS. The above is a copy sent by courier, Farley, up New River, and for fear he may be cut off, I send this via Blacksbnrg to New River bridge. I have had no intelligence from you since the 8th, 6 p. m. WM. H. FRENCH, Colonel, Commanding. Colqnel Jackson says that the enemy in Greenbrier were not ad- vancing yesterday. Only 500 at Lewisbnrg. HEADQUARTER~ JACKSONS CAVALRY BRIGADE, Narrows, May 16, 1864. COLONEL: The latest information received of the enemy was by dispatch from Major Eakle to-day, which was forwarded to General W. E. Jones at Dublin with request that he would send it forward to you. Major Eakle reports that the enemy encamped last night at Oli- ver Brians place, two miles beyond Union. I have ordered a detach- ment of the Sixteenth Regiment, Jenkins brigade, to co-operate with Major Eakle in Monroe in watching the enemy. The detach- ment left here this evening under Lieutenant-Colonel Graham, and numbers 1~50 men Page 63 ~1IAP. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AN]) TENNESSEE RAILROAD. 63 I will thank you to order Captain Minor, brigade ordnance officer, to report without delay to me, as his services are very much needed. I do not know where he is at present. I do not know what has become of the saddles sent to Seventeenth Regiment. I snppose they were removed from Dublin with other stores. This command is very much in need of ammunition, which fact I will thank you to communicate to Captain Minor, if he is with you. We especially need caliber .54 cartridges, and artillery ammunition. One hun- dred new bridles and halters sent here by Captaiii Minor for the Seventeenth Regiment have been taken and appropriated by the detachment of the Fourteenth, under Major Eakl e, during my absence from this place. Will you order Captain Minor to secure a new supply for me and send them on at once, and a supply of sad- dles, about 150, McClellan tree, if they can be obtained. 1 am busily engaged in removing the stores to this side. Col. H. S. Bowen, Twenty-second Virginia Regiment, arrived here to-day with his regiment and a part of the Sixteenth Regiment, under orders from General W. E. Jones to picket and guard the front line and the line of this department to Pound Gap. The Twenty-second Regiment was attached to this brigade by order of General Breckinridge, and was ordered to report to Brigadier- General Jenkins. I desire to know whether General Jones or your- self is in command of this department. If he is not, I respectfully ask that you take the necessary steps to have the Twenty-second Regiment returned to this command, and that you also have that part of the Sixteenth Regiment at present in Tazewell County, under Major Nounnan, ordered to the brigade. General Jones ordered Colonel Bowen to report to me at this place, accompanied with the additional orders above. I took the responsibility of re- taining the detachment of the Sixteenth sent in with Colonel Bowen, and ordered it to Monroe to co-operate with Major Eakle. The boats are now at Browns Ferry. I have ordered Captain De LIsle to send them to the bridge without delay. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. H. FRENCH, Colonel, Commanding, & c. Col. JOHN MCCAUSLAND, Commanding, & c. HEADQUARTERS, Narrows, May 17, 1864. MAJOR: In obedience to orders received from General A. G. Jen- kins on the 5th instant, I removed my command from the Red Sulphur Springs, in Monroe County, Va., on the day following to the Narrows of New River, where I arrived about 4 p. m. the same day. On the 7th instant I assumed command of all the troops at this place. On the 9th instant I received an order from General Jenkins, com- manding Department of Western Virginia, to remove all the Gov- ernment stores to the north side of the river. Before, however, I had time to carry out that order I received another from Col. John McCausland (who had succeeded to the command in consequence of the fall of General Jenkins) to move with all dispatch by way of J3lacksburg to join him, wherever he might be, with all the force Page 64 64 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [cHAP. XLIX. then with me. This last-mentioned order was dated at Christians- burg, May 10, 1864, and was received at 8 a. m. on the next day. I immediately prepared to move with a force composed of Col. Will- iam L. Jacksons brigade, numbering about 800 men; the Seven- teenth Virginia Cavalry Regiment; two independent companies, under the command of Capts. William D. and P. J. Thurmond, respectively; a company of reserves from Pulaski County, under Captain Poageamounting in all to about 1,425 men, 80 of whom were mountedtogether with four pieces of artillery, under coin- mand of Lieutenant Jackson, and marched fifteen miles. Consider- able delay was occasioned by having to cross New River twice. On the day following (12th), learning that General Crook had crossed New River below New River bridge and was moving toward Blacksburg, I pushed forward to gain the top of the Gap Mountain. When my advance had reached within two miles of that point I as- certained through my scouts that the enemy had taken possession of the gap. I then determined to attempt to hold him in check until my transportation could reach the Salt Pond road, so as to be able to fall back on that road; but owing to his greatly superior numbers my skirmishers were driven back, and I was compelled to fall back toward Browns Ferry on the road on which I had advanced. The enemy having taken the Salt Pond road, I sent about 350 picked meii, under Colonel Kesler, of Colonel Jacksons command, to harass him in every conceivable manner. On his march (the enemys) over the Salt Pond road he was compelled to abandon a number of wagons, horses, cattle, and other property, which are being collected by Capt. V. G. De LIsle, post quartermaster, who informs me that the loss sustained by the enemy amouiits to more than $1,000,000. On the morning of the 13th instant I again moved my command toward Blacksburg for the purpose of joining Colonel McCausland, then in the vicinity of the Montgomery White Sulphur Springs, when I received intelligence of the approach of two brigades of the enemy s cavalry, under General Averell, by way of Blacksburg. The com- mand pressed forward, and on arriving at the top of Ga p Mountain I observed the enemy on Brush Mountain. I immediate y sent for- ward two companies, under Lieutenant-Colonel Tavenner, of the Seventeenth Virginia Cavalry, as skirmishers and prepared for bat- tle. The enemy endeavored to force their way through the gap by turning our left, but failing in this precipitately retreated by the road on which he had advanced. Loss slight on both sides. Colonel McCausland having arrived on the field before night, ordered me to return to the Narrows, for the purpose of taking charge of the Gov- ernment stores and sending a force to watch the movements of the enemy in the county of Monroe. I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of the officers and men when facing General Crook on the 12th, and General Averell on the 13th. I derived much aid from the counsels of Col. William L. Jackson, and take pleasure in expressiiig my confidence in his courage and ability. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant WM. IL FRENCh, (Jolohel, Maj. CHARLES S. STRINGFELLOW, A8sistant Adjutant- General Page 65 CHAP. XLIX.] VIRGINIA. AND TENNFSSEE RAILROAD. 65 No. 29. Report of Cot. William L. Jackson, Nineteenth Virginia Cavalry, of operations May 513. HEADQUARTERS, Newport, Giles County, Va., May 14, 1864. MAJOR: On the morning of the 5th instant that portion of my command station~l at Jackson River Depot was ordered to Calla- ghans, in compliance with a command from General Echols. Mak- ing every preparation for the concentration of my command and for the close observation of my right and front, I reached Callaghans in person on the morning of the 6th instant. On the 7th instant I received an order from General A. G. Jenkins to move my command (except a force to watch my old front, guards on the Virginia Central Railroad, and a force to defend the Cow Pasture River railroad bridge) to a point six miles east of Union, Monroe County, Va. On the 9th instant before reaching the above point I received an order from General Jenkins, through Col. William H. French to proceed immediately and with dispatch to the Narrows of New River and co-operate with Colonel French. On that night I arrived in person at the Narrows, and the advance of my command reached there the next day at 2 p. m. At 8 a. in. of the 11th instant Colonel French received an order from Col. John MeCausland, commanding Department of Western Virginia, directing his and my command to join him, if possible, at Christiansburg, taking the route through Blacksburg. Crossing New River twice, which occasione(l some delay, and learning the advance of the enemy nuder General Crook, we made a push to obtain possession of Gap Mountain, but on the morning of the 12th instant we found that in possession of the enQmy. Arriving near Newport we endeavored to resist the advance of the enemy, but were compelled to fall back before the overwhelming force endeavor- ing to surround us on all sides, and after considerable skirmishing we retired toward Browns Ferry. Ascertaining that the enemy was passing over Salt Pond Mountain, and that two brigades of cavalry, under Generals Averell and Duffi~, were yet behind, in con- nection with Colonel French 325 men were detached from our con- joint commands and sent by a near way to harass the enemy going over Salt Pond, and the residue of our force was pushed rapidly to Gap Mountain. This position we reached at 9 a. m. of the 13th instant. In half an hour afterward Averell and Duffi~ attacked the position and endeavored to cut their way through, but failed, and at 2.30 p. mu. they rapidly retreated in confusion by way of the Catawba route. The commands of Colonel French and mine not being mounted, could not pursue any distance. The loss on either side was inconsiderable. Of my command I know of but 2 wounded. That of the enemy is not ascertained. Several horses were found dead on the field. At 7 p. m. Col. John McCausland, commanding the department. arrived on the field, and by his order I am now en route to Monroe County to harass the enemy. The reason why my men were without their horses on this march is known to the colonel commanding the department and need not here be explained. The officers and mcii all acquitted themselves well. S R RVOL XXXVII, PT Page 66 66 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. The weather has been very inclement during the whole march and the roads in a terrible condition. The Twentieth Virginia Cavalry, under command of Col. William W. Arnebt, stationed at Hightown, made a remarkable march and joined me on the evening of the 11th instant. The officers and men of that regiment deserve to be complimented. In closing this report, and now that my co-operation with Col. William H. French ceases, I desire to ekpress m~ thanks to him for his courtesy, and to say that during the time I have been under his command I have heartily approved of all his plans and movements. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. L. JACKSON, Maj. CHARLES S. STRINdFELLOW, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of Western Virqinia. No. 30. Report of Gol. D. Howard Smith, Fifth Kentucky Cavalry, corn- inanding brigade, of engagement at Cloyds llifountain, and skir- mish at New River Bridge. HDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, MORGANS CAVALRY, Mieyters Gap, Russell County, Va., Hay 23, 1864. MAJOR: 1~ have the honor to submit, in obedience to your request, the following report of the operations of the command under me on the 9th and .10th instant at Dublin and New River bridge: On the evening of the 8th instant I received orders from Brig. Gen. John H. Morgan to proceed with my entire command, number- ing about 750 men (then at Saltville, in Smyth County, Va.), to Dub- lin to re-enforce Brig. Gen. A. G. Jenkins, who was threatened with a large body of the enemy, reported to be advancing on him. As soon as transportation could be furnished me for my troops, which was not until near 12 oclock that night, I proceeded by rail in the direction of the point of my destination; but in consequence of the~ locomotive running off the track and tb e insufficiency of the trans- portation furnished me, I did not reach Dublin until about 1 oclock the next day, and with scarcely 400 of my men, the residue having been left at Glade Spring. When I reached Dublin I found you waiting my arrival, and from you I learned that our forces under Brigadier-General Jenkins had been engaged for several hours in quite a severe contest with the enemy near Cloyds farm, and the former were being quite hard pressed by the latter, especially on their extreme right, and that General Jenkins had been severely wounded and compelled to leave the field, and Colonel McCauslaud, the rank- ing officer, had assumed chief command. With as little delay as possible I formed my command and moved for the scene of action at quick time. I had, however, proceeded but a short distance before it became apparent that our forces under Colonel McCausland had been thoroughly routed and many of them demaralized and strag- gling. My command, however (it is but just that I should say of them), moved steadily forward through the heterogeneous mass that impeded their progress until they met the enemy, who were cl~e in pi~rsuit (with their cavalry) of our receding forces Page 67 CHAP. XLIX.] VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. 67 As soon as I reached Colonel MeCausland, who was in the rear of his column gallantly and spiritedly trying to rally his shattered command, I reported to him in person for orders. He directed me to form my men on the left of theroad in the timber and resist the farther advance of the enemy and cover his retreat, promising me snch support as might be in his power. This was prom ptly obeyed, and in a very few minutes engaged the advancing column of the enemy, pouring a most destructive fire into him and driving him back some several hundred yards. I continued to engage him for more than an hour, driving him back at every point until I found myself likely to be flanked by his overpowering numbers, who were rapidly and steadily closing in upon me, when I slowly and in good orderfell back to Dublin, which I found had already been evacuated by the forces under Colonel McCausland. From thence I proceeded to New River bridge uiider the guidance of a citizen, who informed me that Colonel McCausland with his forces had gone there. I reached that point with my command a short time before sunset, and crossed the river under orders and encamped for the night. About 8 oclock the next morning I was directed by the colonel commanding to take one of my companies and place it along the bank of the river above the bridge to act as sharpshooters, to pre- vent the firing of the bridge by the enemy, and the balance of my command I was to place in the rear of my sharpshooters, under the cover of a ridge, to act as skirmishers in an emergency. This dis- position of niy forces was speedily made as directed. In a short time the enemy appeared in considerable force on the other side of the river, when an artillery duel followed, which lasted several hours, when o~ir forces fell back under orders to Christiansburg, and from thence to Roanoke County. In this last days operations no portion of my command was act- ively engaged except those deployed to act as sharpshooters, although the whole of them were constantly exposed to the shells of our own guns as well as those of the enemy, especially when they were ordered to fall back. For more than half a mile on our retreat we were in direct range and in plain view of the enemys guns, who opened a terrific fire upon us, but strange to say there was but one man injured, and he only slightly, by the explosion of a shell. I feel that too munch praise cannot be bestowed upon the men who served under me on these tWo several occasions, especially on the first.named day. I never saw men fight wjth more coolness, spirit, and resolution. Indeed, it would have been difficult for nien to have acted better than they did under the circumstances. Officers and enlisted men seemed to vie with each other in the enthusiastic dis- charge of their duties on this trying occasion. Where all acted so well it would seem invidious to personate any, but a stern sense of duty compels me to speak of the gallant and heroic conduct of Lieut. Col. Robert M. Martin and Capt. William Campbell, commanding the First Battalion, and Maj. George R. Diamond and Capt. James G. Bedford, commanding the Second Battalion of my command. They were everywhere present encour- aging their men, and almost reckless in the exposure of their per- sons and lives in the discharge of their duties. To Capt. H. Rees, my adjutant, and Mr. 0. 0. West, acting on my staff as aide, I am also greatly indebte4 for their a~ctive and effi- cmeht conduct on the battle-field Page 68 68 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. My loss in the first days operations was 4 killed, 18 wounded, and 30 missing, and on the second day 1 killed and Captain Bedford slightly injured. Among the killed I regret to be compelled to mention Capt. C. S. Cleburne (brother of Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cle- burne, of the Army of Tennessee), one of the most gallant and promising young officers in the Confederate service. He fell while gallantly leading his men in a charge on the enemy mortally wounded, from which he shortly afterward died. It having been ascertained on the morning of the 13th instant that the enemy had retired in the direction of Salt Pond Mountain, per- mission was given me by the colonel commanding to return with my command. I immediately took up the line of march and reached Saltville on the morning of the 18th instant. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. HOWARD SMITH Golonel, Comdg. Morgans Dismounted Cavalry. Maj. CHARLES S. STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant- General. MAY 3, 1864.Raid on Bulitown, W. Va. Repo?t of Got. Nathan Wilkinson, Sixth West Virginia Infantry. NEW CREEK, May 5, 1864. Captains Spriggs and Chewings occupied Bulltown, burnt the for- tifications, and have left, in what direction is unknoivn. Four com- panies only of the Eleventh Virginia remained in Parkersburg. The wires were cut this morning before instructions could be sent them. Will order one company to Wirt County, and hold the others in reserve. N. WILKINSON, Colonel, Commanding. Maj. Gen. F. SIGEL. MAY 5, 1864.Raid on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad between Bloom- ington and Piedmont, W. Va. IREPOIR~LS, ETC. No. 1. Abstract from Itinerary of Wilkinsons brigade, Department of West Vir- ginia. No. 2. Capt. John H. McNeil, Virginia Partisan Rangers. No. 1. Abstract from Itinerary of Wilkinsons brigade. Department of West Virginia.* May 5.Lient. Charles Bagley, ~ with one gun, supported by a de- tachment of seventy-five infantry, under commnand of Lieutenant * From return for May. t Battery L, First Illinois Light Artillery Page 69 CHAP. XLIX.] AFFAIR AT HALLTOWN, W. VA. 69 Brown, Twenty-third Illinois Infantry, was ordered to Piedmont, W. Ya., to intercept the rebel raider, McNeill, who was making a raid upon the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Marched to Piedmont, a distance of five miles, and found the enemy had left a short time previous; followed and came up with them at Bloomington, W. Va., and immediately opened fire upon them, dispersing them in con- fusion; returned to New Creek, W. Va., same evening. No. 2. Report of Capt. John H. McNeill, Virginia Partisan Rangers. MOOREFIELD, HARDY COUNTY, lliliay 7, 1864. I left this place with sixty men on the night of the 3d instant. Reached Bloomington, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, on the morning of the 5th at daydawn. Captured a freight train; put some of my men on board. Went one and a half miles below to Piedmont, my cavalry following on behind. We captured that place with a small garrison, whjch surrendered without resistance. We burned some seven large buildings filled with the finest machinery, engines, and railroad cars; burned nine railroad engines, some sev- enty-five or eighty burthen cars, two trains of cars heavily laden with commissary stores, and sent six engines with full head of steam toward New Creek. Captured the niail and mail train and 104 pris- oners on the train, and burned the railroad bridge across the North Branch of the Potomac leading to Cumberland. JOHN H. McNEILL, Captain, Commanding Company Partisan Rangers. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. MAY 8, 1864.Affair at Hailtown, W. Va. Report of Brig. Gen. Max Weber, U. S. Army. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., May 10, 1864. On the night of the 8th instant our pickets at Halltown were at- tacked by about fifty rebels, their object being to outflank our forces. They were unsuccessftil from the fact that each night the position of the guard is changed. I have seen Colonel Rodgers myself, and the necessary orders have been issued regarding papers. He cannot strengthen his police and picket guards as his whole force, 200 in- fantry and 70 cavalry, are now all on duty. MAX WEBER, Brigadier- General. Brig. Gen. B. F. KELLEY, Comdg. U. S. Forces on Baltimore and Ohio R. E Page 70 70 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ECRAP. XLtX. MAY 10, 1864.Skirmish at Lost River Gap, W. Va. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley, U. S. Army. No. 2.Col. Jacob Higgins, Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry. No. 3.Lieut. Joseph G. Isenberg, Adjutant Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry. No. 4.Brig. Gen. John D. Imboden, C. S. Army. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley, U. S. Army. CUMBEELAND, MD., May 11, 1864. Major Myers, of the Ringgold Cavalry, has just arrived here, and reports that yesterday morning about daylight they were attacked at the junction of Winchester and Moorefield pike with the Lost River road from Brocks Gap by Generals Rosser and Imboden, with an overwhelming force; were driven back via the Grassy Lick road, through Romney and Springfield, to Green Spring, where they crossed the river, and are now at Old Town. Rosser and Imboden are re- ported in Ronrney this a. m. with a force of cavalry, mounted in- fantry, and aitillery, estimated at from 2,000 to 3,000 men. Col- onel Higgins is out of ammunition and forage. I cannot send it to him by train for fear of capture. Have sent to New Creek for am- munition for hini, and have suggested to him to move up here at once, when I can supply his wants and get hini ready to recross the river again. I fear Rosser and Imboden intend to attack this place and New Creek, or perhaps move round me and go into West Vir- ginia west of the mountains. Although assigned to this command by order of Secretary of War, it is my understanding that my com- ~mand is not an independent one, but is embraced still in your depart- ment. I shall so act unless otherwise ordered. Colonel Strother can explain to you the exact position of the place where the attack was made. Major Myers says they lost their train, but thinks the loss not severe in men, probably not over 50 in killed, wounded, and missing. B. F. KELLEY, Major-General SIGEL. . Brigadier-General. No. 2. Report of. Gol. Jacob Higgins, Twenty-second Pennsylvania Gay- airy. CUMBERLAND, May 12, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I fell back to Cuinber- laud by direction of General Kelley, for ammunition, rations, and forage. I am getting my horses shod, and it will take a few days before my command will be able to move. I burnt the wagons but saved the horses. I have about 40 men missing in all. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAC. HIGGINS, Colonel, Commanding Scouting Party. Major-General. SIGEL Page 71 CHAP. XLIX.] EXPEDITION TO RAPPAITANNOCK RIVER, VA. 71 No.3. Report of Lient. Joseph G. Isenberg, Adjuta~at Twenty-second Penn sylvania Cavalry. GREEN SPRING RUN, May 10, 1864. GENERAL: Our scouting party attacked [by] an overwhelming force of the enemy at Lost River Gap to-day. They captured our train, and up to this lime I have no evidence that more escaped than the quartermaster and myself to get here with a small squad. Since we arrived here I have learned that Colonel Higgins has rallied his men on the plains at Romney. The enemys force consists of Imbo- dens a~id McNeills cavalry, together with a regiment of mounted riflemen. I will await orders. J. G. ISENBERG, AdJidant Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry. Major-General SIGEL. No. 4. Report of Brig. Gen. John D. Imboden, C. S. Army. MOUNT JACKSON, May 11, 18649 p. m. GENERAL: I have this moment arrived in position after a contin- uous ride of eighty miles. I thrashed part of three regiments cav- alry in Hardy yesterday, ran them twenty-four miles, killed 5, wounded a number, captured only 13, as they fled to the mountains; captured their train12 new wagons, and 1 ambnlance, 20-odd horses. They killed a great many horses to prevent our getting them. My cavalry is much jaded, and camped to-night on the head of Lost River. They will be here by 4 p. m. to-morrow. J. D. IMBODEN, Brigadier-General. Maj. Gen. J. C. BRECKINRIDGE, Staunton. MAY 1114, 1864.Expedition from Point Lookout, Md., to the Rappa- hannock River, Va. Report of Col. Alonzo G. Draper, Thirty-sixth U. S. Colored In- fantry, commanding expedition. HEADQUARTERS SAINT MARYS DISTRICT, Point Lookout, May 15, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that in accordance with in- structions from department headquarters, telegraphed May 11, 1864, I embarked the same evening with 300 men of the Thirty-sixth U. S. Colored Troois, and 13 cavalry on board the transport steamer Star and the gun-boat Yankee, to accompany Captain Hooker. of the Potomac flotilla, in an expedition to the mouth of the Rappa- hannock for the purpose of destroying torpedoes, & c. The expedi- tion returned to this post on the evening of the 14th, having been completely successful Page 72 72 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. We landed on the morning cf the 12th at Mill Creek, expldded three torpedoes and raised two. Marched about two miles and burnt the mill of Mr. Henry Barrack, an accomplice of the men who placed the torpedoes thence we marched across the peninsula, in- closed between the Rappahannock and Piankatank Rivers, divided into two detachments, and marched down two roads leading toward Stingray Poiut. About three miles farther down, at the point where these two roads unite, our detachments united. At this point we discovered four new torpedoes concealed in the woods, con- structed with tin cases, each containing about fifty pounds of pow- der. Suspecting the presence of some small armed parties on the point, I threw out a line of skirmishers extending coiupletely~across the peninsula, a (listance of about three miles, placed a reserve of infantry and the cavalry in the road, and ordered the skirmish line to advance to the extreme point. The ground being covered i~i most places with thick woods and underbrush, and intersected with creeks and swamps, it was almost impossible to maintain an unbroken line, and the progress of the skirmishers was necessarily difficult and slow. After advancing in this manner some two or three miles a small portion of the skirmishers on the right center, five or six in number, encountered a party of nine men, consisting of cavalry and marines, nuder command of B. G. Burley and John Maxwell, acting masters, C. S. Navy, and although the colored infantry were entirely separated from their officers, they immediately attacked them. A brisk skirmish ensued. The blacks soon received a small re-enforce- inent and succeeded in killing or capturing the entire party except one. Acting Master Maxwell and 4 others were killed. Acting Master Burley and a sergeant and corporal of cavalry were captn red. Our loss was 1 man killed, and 2 seriously amid 1 slightly wounded. The wounded will probably all recover. This little affair was conducted wholly by the black men as no officers arrived until after the fight was over. The colored soldiers would have killed all the prisoners had they imot been restrained by Sergeant Price, who is also colored. Acting Masters Burley aiid Maxwell were in command of the party which captured the steamer Titan at Cherry Stone. Maxwell was formerly an officer in the U. S. Navy. I inclose the letter of instructions from the rebel Secretary of Navy under which these officers acted,also Burleys British protection and a pass from the rebel Secretary of War, dated March 30, 1864, for B. G. Burley, a citizen of Great Britain, to pass beyond the limits of the Confederate States, which documents appear to rae to furnish evi- dence that Burley was expected to act as a spy. I also inclose sundry other documents to show the character and purposes of these parties. We passed the night of the 12th on the banks of Fishing Bay, re- embarked in the morning, crossed the Piankatank to Milford Haven where we lauded and marched to Mathews Court-House, where we captnred 1 rebel sergeant amid 1 private, also 33 head of cattle and 22 serviceable horses and mules, with some wagons for the use of our contraband farm on the Patuxeut. We passed the night of tIme 13th at Milford Haven. On the 14th re-embarked with our captn to Point Lookout. red property and returiied The expedition accomplished the destruction or capture of 9 tor- pedoes, burnt 1 mill, killed 5 of the enemy, captured 5, including 2 actiugmasters in the rebel navy, captured 33 head of cattle, 22 horse Page 73 CHAP. XLIX.3 flUDE S HILL AND NEW MA1~RET, VA. 73 aud mules, and quite a number of vehicles of various descriptions. Our total loss was 1 man killed, 2 seriously and 1 slightly wounded. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. G. DRAPER, Cot. Thirty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops, Commanding. Maj. R. S. DAvIs. Assistant Adjutant- General, Fort Monroe, Va. MAY 12, 1864.Affair at Strasburg, Va. Report of Col. Robert S. Rodgers, Second Maryland Eastern Shore Infantry. MARTINSBURG, W. VA., May 13, 1864. The train going out was attacked at Strasburg yesterday by twenty-five or thirty of Mosbys men. Two of the guards, Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, were killed and 4 taken prisoners. The train lost a few horses. Your order is received. We will move whenever relieved. R. S. RODGERS, Colonel, & c. COMMANDING OFFICER, Harpers Ferry. MAY 13, 1864Skirmish near New Market, Va. Report of Brig. Gen. John D. imboden, C. S. Army. NEW MARKET, VA., May 13, 1864. Colonel Boyd, of the First New York Cavalry, with detachments from the Fifteenth New York and Coles (Maryland) battalion, came upon me from Luray about sunset. We pitched into him, cut him off from the roads, and drove him into the Massanutten Mountain. Numbers have beeii captured, together with about half of all their horses. They are wandering in the mountain to-night cut off. When day breaks I think I will get nearly all of theirs. Colonel Boyd was wounded. We have his horse, and he is in the brush. J. D. IMBODEN, Brigadier-General. Maj. Geii. J. C: BRECKINRIDGE Harrisonburg, Va. MAY 14, 1864.Skirmishes at Rudes Hill and New Market, Va. Report of Maj. Timothy Qninn, First New York Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS FIRST NEW YORK CAVALRY, Camp in the Field, near Strasbnrg, 17a., May 17, 1864. SIR I have the honor to report for the information of the general commanding that, in obedience to orders, I proceeded from Wood- stock to Mount Jackson on the 13th instant, in command of fifty men. I was informed at the headquarters of Colonel Taylor, then i Page 74 74 OPERATIONs ix N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. XLIX. command of the cavalry division, that an additional force of 250 men, who had already gone in that direction, wonld report to me there. Wheii I arrived at Mount Jackson it was nearly dark, and the force mentioned as having gone to the place indicated was not there, having retnrned by another route. On approaching Mount Jackson, and when within two miles of the place, I heard the report of guns to the left of New Market. I went about two and a half miles beyond Mount Jackson pith my fifty men, and as I could not accomplish the object for which I was sent (to communicate with Colonel Boyd), I returned, in accordance with orders from Geiieral Stahel, to Edenburg. On my way back I met the force who were to report to me at Mount Jackson, and we en- camped for the night. On the morning of the 14th an additional force of 300~cavalry was sent me, with the accompanying written instructions. After organ- izing them properly I proceeded again in the direction of Mount Jackson, leaving sufficient guards at the bridges and culverts in my rear and on my right flank, my left being protected by the river. I advanced from Mount Jackson toward New Market. When I ar- rived at the bridge over the Sheuandoah beyond Mount Jackson I found the planks torn up and removed to the other side. I also saw a force of the enemy at Rudes Hill, in sight of said bridge. I masked my main force behind the hill in rear of the bridge, and after repairing it sent a party of fifty men, under the command of Lieutenant Cameron, of the Fifteenth New York Cavalry, toward Rudes Hill. The enemy showed a force of at least that number on the top of the lull, and, supposing that the whole of General Im- bodens command was posted behind the hill (with artillery), I di- rected the lieutenant to move cautiously, throwing out skirmishers on the left of the road of nea~1y half his force. This was to prevent the enemy from getting his guns to bear on the whole force on the road. The lieutenants party moVed up steadily, driving in the enemys picket, who was posted a half mile north of the hill. I then ordered another party of sixty men, under the command of Captain Whitley, of the First New York Veterans, to the assistance of Lieu- tenant Cameron, with instructions that, should both succeed in forc- ing back the enemy from the hill, they should occupy it until I came up with the balance of my command. This they did very hand- somely. I then moved up the balance of my command and formed them in columns of squadrons on each side of the road, this side of Rudes Hill, and again pushed forward my advance and deployed skirmishers on each side of the road. After moving up, say 800 yards, the enemy with a force of about 100 cavalry, charged upon my advance. When I saw them commence the charge I rallied my skirmishers on their reserve, and with the support of Captain Dolles party, which I held in hand close by, I met their charg- ing line and drove them nearly two miles, until they fell in with heavy supports. I then made. proper disposition of my men. In the meaft time I did not show the balance of my command, but kept them masked as stated. I began again to press them until I forced them from point to point into New Market, where they opened on my advance with artillery which was planted at the en- trance to the north end of the town. I still forced them back and through the town. At S p. m. Colonel Wynkoop, of the Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry, who had just come up, sent an officer, I think, and directed me to fall back on the cavalry, infantiy, and artillery Page 75 CHAP. XLIX.] ENGAGEMENT AT NEW MAILKET, VA. 75 which were then close behind. I then withdrew my command slowly and in good order until I met the colonePs party, and he as- sumed command. The charge mentioned as made by the enemy took place at 1 p. in., and I kept driving them steadily until 5 p. in. The nnmber of cavalry under my command was said to be 550, bnt I left at least 100 of those who had jaded horses along the road to guard the bridges and secure my retreat. General Imboden, with his whole command, consisting, as I am informed, of about 2,000 men, cavalry and infantry, with six pieces of artillery, was opposed to my less than 450 green and jaded cavalry. I desire to make special inentiofi of the gallantry and skill dis- played by Captain Martindale, of niy regiment, and of Capt. F. Dolles, Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and Lieutenant Cameron, of the Fifteenth New York Cavalry. I have also to recur with pleasure to the undaunted bravery of Dr. Douglass, of th~ First New York Cavalry, who, by request and permission, led and urged on the troops. The men, too, behaved splendidly and cannot be praised too highly. In the charge I captured 3 prisoners. The casualties in my com- mand were 1 man of the Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry killed, and 3 of the Fifteenth New York Cavalry slightly wounded. The casualties on the side of the enemy I cannot state, as they had an opportunity of sending their dead and wounded to the rear, but several were seeii to fall from their horses. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TIMOTHY QUINN, 3lc4jor First New York Cavalry, Comdg. Detachment. Lient. Col. CHARLES G. HALPINE, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST NEW YORK CAVALRY, Camp near Woodstock, lliliay 14, 18641 a. m. Maj. T. QUINN, At Edenburg, Va.: MAJOR: Immediately upon arrival of 300 mounted men, detailed from this division to report to you at Edenburg, you will proceed toward Mount Jackson, throwing scouts on your right, and will endeavor to ascertain the position and strength of the enemy. Any inform~ition you may gain will be forwarded promptly to these headquarters. It is desirable you should press the enemy back as far as possible, yet without endangering the force under your coni- mand. You wi llbe supported by infantry and artillery, which will be sent to Edenburg. By order of Col. R. F. Taylor: JESSE F. WYCKOFF, Lieutenant and Acty. Asst. Adjt. Gen. MAY 15, 1864.Engagement at New Market, Va. REPORTS, ETC. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, U. S. Army, commanding Department of West Virginia. No. 2.Composition of the Union forces Page 76 76 OPERATIONS IN Il~. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. No. 3.Capt. Franklin E. Town, Chief Signal Officer, of operations in month of May. No. 4.Surg. James V. Z. Blaney, U.S. Army. No. 5.Col. Augustus Moor, Twenty-eighth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, First Infantry Division, of operations May 1417. No. 6.Maj. Henry Peale, Eighteenth Connecticut Infantry. No. 7.CoL George D. Wells, Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry, Second Bri- gade. No. 8.Col. Jacob M. Campbell, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 9.Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge, C. S. Army. No. 10.Lient. Col. Scott Shipp, Virginia Military Institute, including operations May 11-June 25. No. 1. Reports of ]Jfaj. Gen. Franz Sigel, U. S. Army, commandii.g De part~nent of West Vtrgtni,a. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, Jlfay 15, 18648 p. m. A severe battle was fought to-day at New Market between our forces and those of Echols and Jinboden, under Breckinridge. Our troops were overpowered by superior numbers. I, therefore, withdrew them gradually from the battle-field, and recrossed the Shenandoah at about 7 p. m. Under the circumstances prevailing I find it neces- sary to retire to Cedar Creek. The battle was fought on our side by 5,500 in all against 8,000 to 9,000 of the enemy. We lost about 600 in killed and wounded, and 50 prisoners. F. SIGEL, Miajor- General. ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, Near Strasburg, Allay 16, 1864. After the battle of yesterday I retired gradually to Strasburg and Cedar Creek, bringing all my trains and all the wounded that could be transported from the battle-field with me. In consequence of the long line and the trains which had to be guarded I could not bring more than six regiments into the fight, besides the artillery and the - cavalry. The enemy have about 7,000 infantry, besides the other arms. Our losses are about 600 killed and wounded, and 50 prisoners. Five pieces of artillery had to be left on the field after being disa- bled or the horses shot. The retrograde movement to Strasburg was effected in perfect order, without any loss of material or men. The troops are in very good spirits, and will fight another battle if the enemy - should advance against us. I will forward the full report, with list of casualties, by letter. F. SIGEL, Jllajor-General. ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY Page 77 CHAP. XLIX.] ENGAGEMENT AT NEW MARKET, VA. 77 No.2. Composition of the Union forces, Maj. Gem. Franz Siget, U. S. Army, commanding, at New Market, Va., May 1~, 1864. FIRST INFANTRY DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JEREMIAH C. SULLIVAN. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. AUGUSTUS MooR. Col. JOSEPH THOBURN. 18th Connecticut, Maj. Henry Peale. 1st West Virginia, Licut. Col. Jacob 28th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Gottfried Becker. Weddle. 116th Ohio, Col. James Washburn. 12th West Virginia, Col. William B. 123d Ohio, Maj. Horace Kellogg. Curtis. 34th Massachusetts, Col. George D. Wells. 54th Pennsylvania, Col. Jacob M. Camp- bell. FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION. Maj. Gen. JULIUS STAHEL. First Brigade. Gel. WILLIAM B. TIBBITS. 1st New York (Veteran), Col. Robert F. Taylor. 1st New York (Lincoln), Lieut. Col. Alonzo W. Adams. 1st Maryland Potomac Home Brigade (detachment), Maj. J. Townsend Daniel. .21st New York, Maj. Charles G. Otis. 14th Pennsylvania (detachment), Capt. Ashbell F. Duncan, Lieut. Col. William Blakely. Second Brigade. Col. JOHN E. WYNKOOP. Detachments 15th New York, 20th Pennsylvania, and 22d Pennsylvania. * ARTILLERY. Maryland Light, Battery B, Capt. Alonzo Snow. New York Light, 30th Battery, Capt. Albert v~n Kleiser. 1st West Virginia Ligl~t, Battery D, Capt. John Carlin. 1st West Virginia Light, Battery G, Capt. Chatham T. Ewing. 5th United States, Battery B, Capt. Henry A. Du Pont. No. 3. Report of Capt. Franklin E. Town, Chief Signal QfJicer, of operations in month of illay. t HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, In the Field, Lexington, Va., June 12, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to communicate to you a partial re- port of the operations of the signal detachment with this department. On the 1st day of May the commanding general of department,, Major-General Sigel, directed all desks and papers sent to the rear, preparatory to a movement of the troops, in consequence of which it has been impossible to make regular returns a~id reports. The not of record. t See also Towns report, p. 106 Page 78 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MI)., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. - forces under command of General Sigel moved up the Shenandoah Valley to New Market, at which place the enemy engaged us, and compelled us to fall back to Cedar Creek, near Strasburg. On the 21st of May the command of the department passed into the hands of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter, who immediately ordercd an advance. On the 5th of June, at New Hope, we met and defeated the enemy, and advanced to Staunton, at which point we were joined by the column under command of Brigadier-General Crook. The force then advanced in-four columns to this point, reaching here last even- ing. A large portion of our way the enemy resisted our advance, but have been steadily pushed backward. During all these movements the signal corps has been used to ad- vantage. The officers are improving in efficiency, and the men also. By the receipt to-day of sixty horses I have been enabled to mount my entire party. Officers have b~en kept with all detached parties, and at the advance of columns, to communicate with headquarters during marches; and stations of observation have been established during marches and at halts; and thus far all our operations have met the approval of the commanding general. At the battle of New Market the field was too limited to admit of the use of signals, but they were used at New Hope. I regret to be compelled to inform you of the probable capture by the enemy of 2 officers and 5 men. On the 14th of May Lieu- tenant Smith, then stationed at Round Hill, near Strasburg, left his station with two men to search for a party of three men, who had that morning gone out by my order to learn the whereabouts of a party sent the night before on a reconnaissance. Neither Lieuten- ant Smiths party nor the preceding one has since been heard from; but as I afterward learned that a party of Mosbys men were in the neighborhood of Round Hill that day, I can only infer that the sig- nal parties were captured. Lieutenant Caswell was ordered to Martinsburg by the surgeon for medical treatment on the 23d of May. A wagon train coming to our column was attacked. and part of it captured, and some officers and soldiers with it were captured at Newtown about the 1st of June; and as Lieutenant Caswell had informed me that he should come out on the first train, and I have been unable to hear anything from him since, I am forced to believe that he started on that train and was captured. As soon as we return to camp, or communication is again opened, - I shall forward to your office a detailed report of our operations. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANKLIN E. TOWN, Capt. and Chief Signal Officer, Dept. of We~st Vii~ginza. Capt. H. S. TAFFT, Signal Gorps, U. S. Army, Washington, D. 0. No. 4. Report of Surg. James V. Z. Blaney, U. S. Army. MARTINSBURG, VA., May 17, 1864. General Sigel had an engagement near Mount Jackson on the 15th; about 6Q0 kil1~d and wounded, All dead and most of badly wounde Page 79 CHAP. XLIX.] ENGAGEMENT AT NEW MARKET, VA. left in hands of enemy. Lieutenant-Colonel Lincoln, Thirty-fourth Massachusetts, wounded in the shoulder and captured. One hundred and seventy-one brought back to Middletown, four miles this side of Strasburg, and will probably arrive here to-morrow. A number of wounded left at Mount Jackson, in charge of Assistant Surgeon Al- len, Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, with supplies, liar p ers Ferry bridge gone. Supplies here, at Cumberland, and in field, sufficient until bridge is repai\red. Will be ready for wounded on arrival here. JAS. V. Z. BLANEY, Surgeon, U. S. Army. Col. JOSEPH K. BARNES, Acting Surgeon- General. No. 5. Report of Col. Augustus Moor, Twenty-eighth Ohio Infantry, com- manding First Brigade, First Infantry Division, of operations May 1417. HDQRS. 1ST BRIG,, 1ST INFTY. Div., DEPT. OF W. VA., Camp near Cedar Creek, Va., May 21, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith the following report of the part the forces under my command took in the campaign up the Valley: In compliance with orders from Brigadier-General Sullivan, in the forenoon of the 14th instant, and instructions from Major-General Stahel to take command of three regiments of infantry, 1,000 cav- alry, and six pieces of artillery, and march to Mount Jackson to as- certain and feel the position and strength of the rebels under Im- boden, reported to be on Rudes Hill, I left camp near Woodstock at 11 a. m. with the First Virginia and Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Regiments of Infantry, and two sections of Battery B, Maryland Artillery. Colonel Wynkoop soon after coming up with 300 cavalry and one section of horse artillery, I ordered the colonel to move for- ward to Mount Jackson, informing him that Major Quinn, First New York, with 600 cavalry, was already in his front, to take a good position and to reconnoiter until the infantry arrived. At Edenburg I added the One hundred and twenty-third Ohio Regi- ment to my command. At 3 oclock p. in. Colonel Wynkoop re- ported heavy firing in his front; at the same time occasional cannon shots could be heard. I ordered Colonel Wynkoop forward to the support of Major Quinn, who was up with the rebels, the infantry and artillery moving close up with the cavalry, Major Quinn driving the enemys skirmishers steadily. Colonel Wynkoops command re- lieved a portion of the forces under Major Quinn as directed, our skirmishers occupying a part of the town of New Market, and the infantry column being now up I selected a position and ordered the artillery to open. Imboden soon answered furiously with his battery. This engagement discovered to me the location of the rebel forces. After dark I turned my line of battle more to the front through Ini- bodens evacuated cam p near the Shenandoah River, across to Smiths Creek, on my left. The command was ordered to rest in perfect order of battle without fires. At about 8 p. m. a line of rebels ap- proached across an open field on my right front with the eviden Page 80 80 OPERATIONS IN N. VA~ W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX.. purpose to turn the position I had occupied before sunset. I in- structed Major Stepheiis, commanding First West Virginia Regi- ment, to allow the rebels to come near enough and give them a vol- ley, which order was well executed. About two hours later my whole front was attacked and for a few minutes the firing became general. The rebels, however, had to retreat in confusion, losing 5 killed and many more wounded. No further annoyance occurred that night. At 3 oclock in the morning the word attention was passed along the lines. Scouts and patrols sent forward, who soon reported that Imboden had retreated about midnight. I sent a cavalry force forward on both roads to reconnoiter and ascertain the direction the rebels had taken. The officer in command of one party returned a little after 7 oclock, and reported that he met the rebels four miles south of New Market advancing again, Breckinridge having joined Imboden, which report was corroborated by the citizens and by pickets stationed on the hill-tops, and not long after by their long lines d p~1oying about two miles to my right and front. A heavy column of rebels moving directly for my position, then about one mile distant, I ordered Lieutenant Gerry, Battery B, Maryland Artillery, to open on them. A few well-directed shots checked the advance of that column. Major-General Stahel, having now arrived with his cavalry, assumed the command. After some maneuvering, Major-General Sigel arrived also. I was now ordered to fall back some 800 yards to the rear of my first position, and to form the One hundred and twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Eighteenth Connecticut on the right of a ~battery. The Eighteenth Connecticut was hardly in line when the rebels heralded their advance by their peculiar yell, and advanced in two strong lines, by far overlapping our own. Our skirmishers were diiven in, and after a short but resolute struggle this line was forced to the rear, which created some confusion in the Eighteenth Connecticut Regiment, owing to knee-deep mud, fences, out-houses, and stables close to their rear, and the insufficient number of officers to control the move- ments. I was ordered to bring up the two other regiments of my bri gade to the support of a battery on the left in the rear, forming a third line. After some inquiry where these regiments could be found, I learned that five companies of the Twenty-eighth and the One hundred and sixteenth Regiments Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Colonel Washburn, were in charge of the train, and did not leave Woodstock until 8 a. m. They had been - halted at Mount Jackson, six miles in our rear. I sent my staff officers to order them up double-quick. They reported to me about 4 oclock, Colonel Washburn stating that he had ordered bayonets to be fixed to clear his way on the pike up to the battle-field through disgraceful fleeing masses of cavalry and straggling infantry. Directed by Brigadier-General Sullivan, I formed these troops on the right amid left of a battery on the pike, covering the retreat of the line of the Second Brigade. The battle beimmg now gradually broken off, the withdrawn troops were ordered to march to Mount Jackson and take position on the bamiks across the bridge. Colonel Washburn, with five companies of the One hundred and sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, one section of artillery, and some cavalry, brought up the rear in good order with little molestation from the enemy. At 9 oclock I received orders to move my brigade to Eden- burg. The brigade was marched to a point three miles north o Page 81 CK& P. XLIX.] ENGAGEMENT AT NEW MARKET, VA. 81 Edenburg, marching until 4 oclock next morning. The manner in wliich this chaotic mass of wagons, horsemen, artillery, and strag- glers moved on (sometimes two or three wagons abreast), was ex- ceedingly fatiguing to the infantry, especially to those regiments that marched out with me on the 14th, they having been continually. on their legs for two days and nights without a cup of coffee or even meat rations, numbers of them barefooted. At 11 a. m. on the 16th I was ordered to march with my brigade to the rear. Arrived and encamped at 9 p. m. on the heights south of Cedar Creek. On the 17th I was ordered to move with my brigade to the north side of the creek. With few exceptions, both officers and men strove to do their duty, and bore up well against the many hardships and the inclemency of the, weather during these days of active operations. Inclosed please find list of casualties* First Brigade, First Infantry Division, Department of West Virginia, during the engagements up the Valley. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, A. MOOR, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. WILLIAM M. BOONE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 6. Report of Maj. Henry Peale, Eighteenth Connecticut Infantry. IHDQRS. EIGHTEENTH CONNECTICUT VOL. INFTY., Camp near Strasburg, Va., May 21, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to represent that at 3 oclock in the morn- ing of May 15 the Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers, then on picket one mile south of Edenburg, Va., and six miles in advance of the main army, under Sigel, received orders to proceed without delay to New Market, Va., at which place a cavalry fight had oc- curred the previous day, and which was then held by our cavalry and a small body of infantry, who were seriously threatened by the enemy. The regiment consisted of seven companies (Companies F, I, and H having been detailed under Capt. J. H. Morrison, Com- pany I at signal station), marched without breakfast and in a drenching storm, reaching our advance force about 11 a. m. The distance thus traveled was fifteen miles. At the moment of our arrival the artillery designed to discover the position and designs of the enemy commenced operations. The regiment was ordered to assist in the stipport of Kleisers battery. The position of our forces was on a hill northwest of New Market, and distant from the town half a mile. The enemy soon replied to our batteries from a wooded eminence three-fourths of a mile south and slightly commanding our position. After an hours cannonading, the regiment was ordered to advance and, with the One hundred and twenty-third Ohio Vol- unteers and First Virginia Regiment in support of Snowy s mounted * Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 officer and 7 men killed, and 6 officers and 14Q men wounded; total, 154. 6 R RVOL XXXvII, PT Page 82 82 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., ~W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. battery, formed line immediately upoh the brow of th5 hill, the Eight- eenth constituting the right. We here awaited the approach of the enemy, whose skirmishers, in double line, could be seen issuing from the woods covering his position. The artillery duel still continued with considerable vigor, and the enemy shelled our line with great accuracy, although without the infliction of any considerable dam- age. Companies A and B were immediately deployed and descended the hill. Severe skirmishing shortly ensued, our companies retiring very slowly. At this time Capt. William L. Spalding, Company B, was mortally wounded in abdomen and carried to rear. The enemy in three strong lines now issued from the woods and charged down the hill at double-quick, his skirmishers also increasing their speed, and driving ours more rapidly. It was at this time decided that a small knoll some 200 yards to the rear would afford a better position,. thereby inflicting greater damage upon the enemy, who would be forced to pass over an eighth of a mile of nearly level ground before reaching our lines. The line accordingly marched in retreat. The new position of the regiment was most unfortunate for its efficiency, being in a l~ue backed by barns and two rows of fences. A continu- ous rain of five days had rendered traveling on other than the roads extremely difficult, and the men stood knee-deep in mud. As the lane was entered by the flank, so nothing but a flank movement could extricate the regiment in order. Companies A and B were now strengthened by Company D, leaving only four companies in line, in all somewhat less than 200 men. The skirmishers of the enemy now appeared on the brow of the hill and rapid firing ensued, in which Captain Mathewson, Com- pany D, was wo~inded, as also several of his company. As our skirmishers retired around our flank the line fired several volleys, when, it being apparent that the line of the eneniy greatly outnum- bered our own, and that farther stay in that position was worse than useless, the commander of regiment on left of the brigade gave the order to retreat, which movement was followed by the Eighteenth. The regiment marched by the flank at double-quick. On emergiiig from the lane found itself some distance in rear of the retreating line, and was thereby thrown into some confusion, but with some exceptions the men were rallied, and were reformed with the rest of the first line in rear of the second line, which now awaited the shock. The cannonading was at this time extremely rapid, the rebels shelling our position with great accuracy, while the batteries of our first and second lines poured grape and canister into their infantry, which came on in splendid line. As they drew near our second line fired and charged, partially checking their advance, but having suffered severely was forced to retire. For the same reason the eneniy contented himself with sending forward strong lines of skirmishers to harass our now retreating force, himself advancing very slowly. Desultory fighting was continued for three hours by our first and second lines alternately, when, two fresh regiments arriving, the broken forces were assembled in rear of them and marched on the pike to the north bank of the Shenandoah from whence it continued its march until within two miles of Woodstock, where it halted at 5 a. in., having marched nearly thirty miles in twenty-six hours, in addition to that incidental to its participation in the action. The whole number engaged in the aetiou wa~ ~ wb~it less than 350 Page 83 CHAP. XLIX.] ENGAGEMENT AT NEW MARKET, VA. 83 I am happy to bear testimony to the good conduct of the few offi- cers of the regiment present with it, and to the efficient aid rendered by them throughout the action. The death of Captain Spalding is sincerely mourned by us all. He was a good officer, and died while in the brave performance of duty. I have the honor to be, yery servant, Major, Corndg. Eighteenth Conrtecticitt Volunteers. Brig. Gen. HORACE J. MORSE, Adjutant-General of Connecticut. No. 7. Report of Cot. George D. Wells, Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Infan try, Second Brigade. HEADQUARTERS ADVANCE FORCES, In front of Strasburg, May 21, 1864. Saturday r May 14] we broke camp in rear of Woodstock and marched to New Market, a distance of twenty-one miles, in seven hours, and with but ten minutes halt. Our force consisted of a small amount of cavalry, artillery, and infantry, under Colonel Moor. We had a small artillery fight at New Market, and after dark laid down in the woods occupied by the enemy. After some skirmishing the enemy evacuated, and by morning had withdrawn entirely from our front. By 9 oclock, however, they began an advance in force. Three companies of the Thirty-fourth, under Captain Potter, were sent far forward upon a commanding hill, and by skillful deployment led the enemy to believe our whole force was there. He massed heavy columns on the right, and with three lines of battle, and with much yelling, advanced upon the hill only to find it empty. This maneuvering gave us two or three hours time, in which General Sigel, with a part of the remainder of the army, arrived on the field. After considerable maneuvering our line was formed about where it was the night beforethe artil- lery on the right, on rising ground, resting on the river; the Thirty- fourth in line, its right on the battery, its left touching a dirt~ road; other regiments on our left, and one in column in our rear. In front was rolling ground, on the other slope of which were two regi- ments of infantry, with infantry and cavalry skirmishers. The rebels advanced in three lines of battle each, I think, as heavy as ours, with masses on the right and left. The ground was perfectly open, not a tree or shrub to obstruct the view. Nothing could be finer than their advance. Their yelling grew steadily nearer; our skirmishers and infantry in front came back on the double-quick, some of them running through and over my lines. The air was filled w:ith bullets and bursting shells, and my men began to fall. I was ordered to deploy one company across my front as skirmishers, and Captain Leach, with Company G, went forward, and his groups halted and deployed in the tumult about 200 yards in ~dvance, each man taking his exact interval aud dressing to the righ Page 84 84 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CaXP. XLIX. as steadily as on drill. The officers in the line were giving their orders in low tones, and every man stood, his gun at the ready, his finger on the trigger, waiting to see the face of his foe. It was a marvel to me then and is now how men who almost never before had heard the rebel yell and the terrible din of the battle-field could be so entirely calm and self-possessed. Soon our men in front were, by the confusion, cleared away, the rebel lines were plainly seen, and the battle began. Our front fire was heaty, and the artillery had an enfilading fire, under which their first line went down. They stag- gered, went back, and their whole advance halted. Their fire ceased to be effective. A cheer ran along our line, and the first success was ours. I gave the order to cease firing. Just ther~ Colonel Tho- burn, brigade commander, rode along the lines telling the men to prepare to charge. He rode by me shouting some order I could not catch, and went to the regiment on my left, which immediately charged. I supposed this to be his order to me, and I commanded to fix bayonets and charge. The men fairly sprang forward. As we neared the crest of the hill we met the entire rebel force advancing and firing. The regiment on my left, which first met the fire, turned and went back, leaving the Thirty-fourth rushing alone into the en- emys line. I shouted to them to halt but could not make a single man hear or heed me, and it was not until they had climbed an inter- vening fence, and were rushing ahead on the other side, that I was able to run along the lines, and, seizing the color bearer by the shoul- der, hold him fast as the only way of stopping the regiment. The wings surged ahead, but. losing sight of the colors, halted. The alignment rectified, we faced about and marched back to our position in common time. I could hear the officers saying to the men, and the men to each other, Dont run !Keep your line !Com- mon time! & c. On reaching our position the regiment was halted, faced about, and resumed its fire. The path of the regiment between our line and the fence was sadly strewn with our fallen. Just as we halted Lieutei~ant-Colonel Lincoln fell. The loss of his invaluable services, and the impossibility of making my voice heard in the din, rendered it necessary for me to go along the whole line to make the men understand what was wanted. The alignment perfected and the men well at work, I was able to look about the field, and saw, to my surprise, that the artillery had limbered up and was moving off the field, and that the infantry had gone, save one regiment, which was gallantly holding its ground far to the left. The rebel line ad- vanced until I could see, above the smoke, two battle-flags on the hill in front of the position where the artillery had been posted. I ordered a retreat, but they either could not hear or would not heed the order. I was finally obliged to take hold of the color bearer, face him about, and tell him to follow me, in order to get the regiment off the field. They fell back slowly, firing in retreat, and encourag- ing each other not to run. But the rebels were coming on at the double-quick and concentrating their whole fire upon us. I told the men to run and get out of fire as quickly as possible, and rally be- hind the first cavalry line found to the rear. The colors were halted several times by different officers in positions where it was impossi- ble to make a stand, and would only start again at my direct order. I felt much relieved on receiving an order from General Sullivan, who was conspicuous on the field, that the line would be formed on the ridge and no stand made before it was reached, I directed th Page 85 Ciiw. XLIX.] ENGAGEMENT AT NEW MARKET, VA. 85 color bearer to march directly there without halting, and, after get- ting out of fire, rode to the rear and went round into the pike and toward the front looking for stragglers. I saw none, and, meeting the colors, found most of the regiment with them. The new line was formed under the personal supervision of Generals Sigel, Stahel, and Sullivan. The pursuit of the enemy was checked and the com- mand was gallantly withdrawn along the single road and across the narrow bridge into Mount Jackson in the most admirable order and without a single casualty. That night we stood in line until along about 9 oclock; marched behind the wagon train till 6 oclock the next morning, and reached Strasburg ab~it tip. m. of Monday, hav- ing been fifty-five hours almost continuously marching or under arms in a constant and pouring storm. The march in that time ias fifty-two miles. I can only say for the regiment that the coolness and gallantry of the officers filled me with admirati~n, and I cannot recall, without deep emotion, the cheerful endurance by the men of the extraordi- nary hardships of the march, and the spontaneous and hearty devo- tion with which they offered their lives to their country. The same willing and cheerful obedience which has always characterized them in camp distinguished them in the field, while they added to it a fire and heroism which cannot be excelled. I cannot particularize where all did so well. Conspicuous only perhaps from their more exposed position were Color-Sergt. John E. Calligan; Corporal Pepper, bearer of the State flag, hit four times and struck to the ground; Corporal Wishart, who took the colors from his hands and bore them the remainder of the day, and Captain Bacon, of the color company, who fell directly behind his colors while keeping his ranks steady as on parade. I am under deep obligations to Lieutenant-Colonel Lincoln and Adjt. A. C. Walker for their efficient services and great gallantry on the field. As many of the officers were absent on detailed service, I subjoin a list of those on the field: Col. George D. Wells, Lieutenant-Col- onel Lincoln (wounded and a prisoner), Surg. R. R. Clark, Adjt. A. C. Walker, Assistant Surgeon Smith, Assistant Surgeon Allen (left in care of wounded at Mount Jackson), Captains Potter, Thompson, Fox (killed),* Soley, Willard (wounded), Bacon. (killed), Leach, Lovell, Chauncey (prisoner); First Lieutenants Goodrich (wounded), Elwell, Ripley; Second Lients. R. W. Walker (killed), * Ammidown (prisoner), Dempsey, M. E. Walker, Belser, Murdock ~ wounded), Kennicutt (wounded), and Major Pratt, on General tahels staff; Lieutenant Bacon, on Colonel Thoburns staff, and Lieutenant Macomber, in division pioneer corps. Company C was sent off to skirmish on the right of the line, and lost half its numbers prisoners, together with its two officers. I be- lieve these are the only men left unwonnded in the enemys, hands. The detaching of this company with other details left me about 450 muskets in line. Of these the casualties foot up over 200 killed and wounded. Five out of every six who went in have the marks of bullets somewhere. Dr. Clark has sent Dr. Dale a list of casualties as near as can be ascertained. Our wounded left behind are very comfortable and well treated. I have to regret the loss of some of the most noble and gallant spirits of my command. General Sigel was on his hQrse on the right * Error. .Fox was mustered out May 18, 1865, and Walker November 4, 1864 Page 86 86 OPERATIONS TN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CHAP. XLIX. of our line during most of the engagement, and in the l~iottest of the fire. How he escaped is a mystery to me. He ha~ done the regi- ment the honor to compliment it in very high terms. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. D. WELLS, Colonel Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry. Hon. JOHN A. ANDREW, Governor of Massachusetts. No. 8. Report of Col. Jacob M. Campbell, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania In.. fantry. HDQRS. FIFTY-FOURTH REGT. PENNSYLVANIA VOLS., Camp near Cedar Creek, Va., May 18, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Fifty-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers in the recent engagement near New Market on the L5th instant: The regiment having marched in the morning from Woodstock, had just gone into camp at Mount Jackson, when I received orders to march rapidly toward New Market. Forming hastily, we at once marched as directed, and in obedience to renewed orders to that effect hastened our steps, and without halting or rest arrived much fatigued on the field. According to your orders we at once deployed into column by division to the left and rear of the Twelfth Virginia, which regiment shortly afterward moved toward the right, un- masking us, and about the same time my regiment was deployed and took position on the left of the First Virginia and on the extreme left of the line of battle. We remained in this position, partly shielded from the fire of the enemy by the crest of a hill in front, until, observing the regiment on my right making a charge in the absence of orders, presuming it proper to imitate their example, I ordered the Fifty-fourth also to charge, which was done with alacrity and spirit. Advancing beyond the crest of the hill, a rapid, vigorous, and, as I believe, effective fire was for some time kept up on the enemy, and every effort made by them to advance on the front occupied by my regiment was firmly and resolutely resisted and proved abortive, although we sustained a galling and destruc- tive fire, in which many of my men were killed and wounded. The enemy, however, pressed forward his right, which extended some distance beyond oui~ left, and was rapidly flanking me in that direc- tion despite the most determined resistance, when my attention was called to the fact that the regiment on my right (owing to the over- whelu~ing numbers brought again~st it) had given way, and the en- emy was advancing at ahnost right angle with my line arid extend- ing beyond the rear and right of my regiment. A few minutes only would be required to completely surround my regiment, and in the absence of any appearance of advancing support I was reluctantly compelled to order my command to retire. This was done in as good order as the circumstances would allow, two stands being made by a portion of the command before passing beyond musket-range, and the whole of it finally rallying and forming at a point indicated by the colonel commanding brigade Page 87 CHAP. XLIX.1 ENGAGEMENT AT NEW MARKET~ VA. 87 Lieut. Col. John P. Linton was wounded, but remained upon the field rallying and encouraging the men until the final close of the action, rendering most valuable and efficient service. Captain Graham, of Company E, was killed* early in the engage- ment, and Second Lieutenant Anderson, of the same company, fell afterward, leaving the company in command of the second sergeant, the first sergeant beiiig also severely wounded. Captain Geissinger, of Company H, fell mortally wounded, and about the same time Lieutenant Killpatrick, of the same company, was seriously injured and brought oif the field. Lieutenant Colborn, of Company B, fell just as the command com- menced to fall back. He was brought to a house in the rear of our line, but finally fell into the hands of the enemy in a dying condi- tion. Capt. William B. Bonacker fell mortally wounded, * I believe, as we were in the act of falling back, gallantly encouraging his men. His conduct thrciughout the whole engagement was most cheering and encouraging to his men, and his loss is deeply to be regretted. Indeed, the conduct of officers and men throughout was all that I could ask or desire, and entitles theni to the highest praise. The number of officers and men of my regiment in the engage- ment was 566. Our loss is 5 commissioned officers killed or mortally wounded, and 2 wounded and brought off the field. Of the non- commissioned officers and privates, 27 are known to be killed, and 42 wounded, all of whom fell into the enemys hands. We brought off the field 98 of our wounded. This number does not include some 30 who were so slightly wounded as not to be thought necessary to report. The inclosed report of casualties will show the rank, name, and company of all the killed and seriously wounded, amounting in the aggregate to 174. t I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JACOB M. CAMPBELL, Colonel Fifty-fourth Regt. Pennsylvania Volunteers. Col. JOSEPH THOBURN, Gomdg. Second Brig., First Infty. Div., Dept. of W. Va. No. 9. Report of Maj. Gen. John C. Breckin ridge, C. S. Army. NEW MARKET, May 15, 18647 p. m. This morning, two miles above New Market, my command met the enemy, under General Sigel, advancing up the Valley, and de- feated him with heavy loss. The action has just closed at Shenan- doah River. Enemy fled across North Fork of the Shenandoah, burning the bridge behind him. JNO. C. BRECKINRIDGE, General S. COOPER, Major-General. Adjutant and Inspector General. *Error. Graham was mustered out March 12, 1865, and Bonacker October 10, 1864. t Nominal list omitted Page 88 88 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. No. 10. Report of Lieut. Gol. Scott Shipp, Virginia Military Institute, in. cluding operations May 11June 25. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFIcE, January 13, 1865. His Exceliency Governor SMITH: GOVERNOR: I transmit a ver~T interesting report in regard to the Virginia Military Institute, an , as t e Legislature has now under its consideration important matters connected with it, respectfully suggest that it be communicated at your earliest convenience. Very respectfully, WM. H. RICHARDSON. Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE, Richmond Almshouse, January 11, 1865. GENERAL: I have the honor to present herewith the official report of Lient. Col. S. Shipp, commandant of Cadets, embracing an account of the part borne by the Corps of Cadets under his command in the battle of New Market, May 15, 1864, with a list of the casualties and of the subsequent services of the Cadets to June 27, 1864. This re- port, so honorable to the command, will form an interesting histor- ical memorial. I submit also a list of the casualties among the pro- fessors and assistant professors of the institution since April 20, 1861, which presents in a conspicuous light the part borne by them in our great struggle. KILLED. Lient. Gen. T. J. Jackson, professor of natural and experimental philosophy, battle of Chancellorsville. Maj. Gen. R. E. Rodes, professor of applied mechanics, battle of Winchester. Capt. W. H. Morgan, assistant professor of languages, battle of Cedar Mountain. Lient. C. D. Crittenden, assistant professor of languages, battle of Richmond. WOUNDED. Brig. Gen. J. McCatisland, assistant professor of mathematics, battle of Monocacy. Col. S. Crutchfield, adjunct professor of mathematics, battle of Chancellorsville. Lient. Col. J. D. H. Ross, assistant professor of mathematics, battle of Cross Keys. Lient. Col. S. Shipp, commandant of Cadets, battle of New Market. Maj. M. B. Hardin, adjunct professor of chemistry, battle of Fort Ilarrison. Maj. W. E. Cutshaw, assistant commandant of Cadets, battle of Winchester Page 89 CHAP. XLIX.] 89 ENGAGEMENT AT NEW MARRET, VA. Capt. 0. C. Henderson, assistant professor of French; battle of Cedar Mountain. Capt. A. G. Hill, assistant professor of French, battle of New Market. Lieut. C. Y. Steptoe, assistant professor of French, battle of Fredericksburg. Lieut. Col. J. M. Massie, adjunct professor of mathematics, was permanently disabled in consequence of severe exposure at the battle of Fort Donelson. Capt. F. Preston lost an arm at the battle of Winchester just be- fore his a pp ointment as an assistant professor of Latin. Lient. C ol. J. W. Lyell has been recently appointed an assistant professor of mathematics, having received five wounds in battle, and retired from military service in consequence of the loss of an arm. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS H. SMITH, Superintendent. Maj. Gen. W. H. RICHARDSON, Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS CORPS OF CADETS, July 4, 1864. GENERAL: In obedience to General Orders, No. , headquarters Virginia Military Institute, June 27, 1861, I have the honor to sub- mit the following report of the opei~ations of the Corps of Cadets nuder my command in the field from May 11 to June 25, iiiclusive: In obedience to orders from Major-General Breckinridge, com- municated through you, at 7 a. m. on the morning of May 11 the Corps of Cadets, consisting of a battalion of four companies of in- fantry and a section of 3-inch rifled guns, took up the line of march for Staunton. The march to Staunton was accomplished in two days. I preceded the column on the second day some hours for the purpose of reporting to General Breckiuridge, and was ordered by him to put the Cadets in camp one mile south of Staunton. v On the morning of the 13th I received orders to march at daylight on the road to Harrisonburg, taking positAon in the column in rear of lEchols brigade. We marched eighteen miles and encamped; \ moved at daylight on the 14th; marched sixteen miles and en- camped. At 12 oclock on the night of the 14th received orders to prepare to march immediately, without beat of drum and as noiselessly as possible. We moved from camp at 1.30 oclock, taking position in the general column in rear of Echols brigade, being followed by the column of artillery under the command of Major McLaughlin. Having accomplished a distance of six miles and approached the position of the enemy, as indicated by occasional skirmishing with his pickets in front, a halt was called, and we remained on the side of the road two or three hours in the midst of a heavy fall of rain. The general having determined to receive the attack of the enemy, made his dispositions for battle, posting the corps in reserve. He informed me that he did not wish to put the Cadets in if he could avoid it, but that should occasion require it, he would use them very freely. He was also pleased to express his confidence in them, and Page 90 90 OPERATIONS Th N. VA., W. VA~, Mi)., Ant) PA. tOHAP. XL1X~ am happy to believe that his expectations were not disappointed, for when the tug of battle came they bore themselves gallantly and well. The ehemy not making the attack as was anticipated, or not ad- vancing as rapidly as was desired, the line was deployed into column and the advance resumed. Here I was informed by one of General Breckinridges aids that my battalion, together with the battalion of Col. G. M. Edgar, would constitute the reserve, and was instructed to keep the section of artillery with the column, and to take position, after the deployments should have been made, 250 or 300 yards in rear of the front line of battle, and to maintain that distance. Having begun a flank movement to the left, about two miles south of New Market, the nature of the ground was such as to render it impossible that the artillery should continue with the infantry column. I ordered Lieutenant Minge to join the general artillery column in the main road and to report to Major McLaughlin. After that I did not see the section of artillery until near the close of the engagement. Major McLaughlin, under whose command they served, was pleased to speak of the section in such complimentary terms that I was satisfied they had done their duty. Continuing the advance on the ground to the left of the main road and south of New Market, at 12.30 p. m. we came under the fire of the enemys batteries. Having advanced a quarter of a mile under the fire we were halted and the column was deployed, the march up to this time having been by flank in column. The ground in front was open, with skirts of woods on the left. Here General Breckinridge sent for me and gave me in person my instructions. The generals plans seem to have undergone some modification. In- stead of one line, with a reserve, he formed his infantry in two, artillery in rear and to the right, the cavalry deployed and guarding the right flank, left flank resting on a stream. Whartons brigade of infantry constituted the first line; Echols brigade the second. The battalion of Cadets, brigaded with Echols, was the last battal- ion but one from the left of the second line, Edgars battalion being on the left. The lines having been adjusted the order to advance was passed. Whartons line advanced; Echols followed at 250 paces in rear. As Whartons line ascended a knoll it came in full view of the enemys batteries, which opened a heavy fire, but not having gotten the range, did but little damage. By the time the second line reached the same ground the Yankee gunners had gotten the exact range, and their fire began to tell on our line with fearful ac~ curacy. It was here that Captain Hill and others fell. Great gaps were made through the ranks, but the cadet, true to his discipline, would close in to the center to fill the interval and push steadily for- ward. The alignment of the battalion under this terrible fire, which strewed the ground with killed and wounded for more than a mile on open ground, would have been creditable even on a field day. The advance was thus continued until having passed Bushongs house, a mile or more beyond New Market, and still to the left of the main road, the enemys batteries, at 250 or 300 yards, opened upon us with canister and case-shot, and their long lines of infantry were put into action at the same time. The fire was withering. It seemed impossible that any living creature could escape;. and here we sus- tamed our heaviest loss, a great many being wounded and numbers knocked down, stunned, and temporarily disabled~ I was here di Page 91 CHAP. XLIX.1 Et~GAGEMENT AT NEW MA1~KET, VA. abled for a time, and the command devolved npon Captain H. A. Wise, Company A. He gallantly pressed onward. We had before this gotten into the front line. Our hue took a position behind a line of fence. A brisk fusillade ensued; a shout, a rush, and the day was .won. The enemy fled in confusion, leaving killed, wounded, artil- lery, and prisoners in our hands. Our men pursued in hot haste until it became necessary to halt, draw ammunition, and re-establish the lines for the purpose of driving them from their last position on Rudes Hill, which they held with cavalry and artillery to cover the passage of the river, about a mile in their rear. Our troops charged and took the position without loss. The enem.y withdrew, crossed the river, and burnt the bridge. The engagement closed at 6.30 p. m. The Cadets did their duty, as the long list of casualties will attest. Numerous instances of gallantry might be mentioned, but I have thought it better to refrain from specifying individual cases for fear of making invidious dis- tinctions, or from want of information, withholding praise where it may have been justly merited. It had rained almost incessantly during the battle, and at its termination the Cadets were well-nigh exhausted. Wet, hungry, and many of them shoelessfor they had N4 lost their shoes and socks in the deep mud through which it was necessary to marchthey bore their hardships with that uncomplain- ing resignation which characterizes the true soldier. The 16th and 17th were devoted to caring for the wounded and the burial of the dead. On the 17th I received an order from General Breckinridge to re- port to General Imboden, with the request upon the part of General Breckinridge that the corps be relieved from further duty at that time and be ordered back to the Institute. The circumstances of General Imbodens situation were such as to render our detention for a time necessary. We were finally ordered by him to proceed to ~ Staunton without delay, for the purpose of proceeding by rail to Richmond, in obedience to a call of the Secretary of War. Return- ing, the corps marched into Staunton on the 21st; took the cars on ~the 22d; reached Richmond on the 23d; were stationed at Camp Lee until the 28th; were then ordered to report to Major-General Ran- som; ordered by him to encamp on intermediate line. On the 28th left Camp Lee; took up camp on Carters farm, on intermediate line, midway between Brook and Meadow Bridge roads; continued in this camp until June 6. On the 6th received orders to return to Lexington; reached Lexington on the 9th; Yankees approached on 10th; drove us out on the 11th; we fell back, taking Lynchburg road~ marched to mouth of the North River and went into camp. Next day (Sunday, the 11th) remained in camp until 12 in.; scouts reported enemy advancing; fell back two miles and took a position at a strong pass in the mountains to await the enemy. No enemy came. We were then ordered to Lynchburg; went there; ordered to report to General Vaughn; ordered back to Lexington; reached Lexington on the 25th. Corps furloughed on June 27. * I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. SHIPP, Lieutenant- Colonel and Commandant. Maj. Gen. F. H. SMITH, Superintendent. * Nominal list of casualties (omitted) shows 8 killed and 44 wounded Page 92 92 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (C~w. XLIX~ NAY 1630, 186~.Scout from Beverly through Pocahontas, Webster, ~nd Braxton Counties, W. Va. Report of Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley, U. S. Army. CUMBERLAND, MD., lIIay 30, 1864. A force sent out by Colonel Harris from Beverly on the 15th in- stant, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hall, Tenth West Virginia Infautry, returned to-day after a successful scout through Pocahontas, Webster, and Braxton Counties. Lieutenant-Colonel Hall captured 36 pI~isoners, 85 horses, and 40 head of cattle, which he has brought into camp. It is reported that the notorious Major Triplett is among the prisoners. This expedition reflects great credit on Colonel Harris, commanding the post, and Lieutenant-Colonel Hall and his gallau~ mountaineers. B. F. KELLEY, Governor BOREMAN, Brigadier-General. Wheeling, W. Va. NAY 17, 1864.-Skirmish near Waterford, Va. Report of Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley, U. S. Army. HARPERS FERRY, May 17, 18648.30 p. m. (Received 9.30 p. in.) A company of independent cavalry, raised in Loudoun County, Va., were attacked this a. m. -near Waterford, in said county, by a detachment of Mosbys men, numbering about 100. Our men were driveu in here, losing 2 killed and 7 captured. B. F. KELLEY, Major-General HALLECK, Brigadier- General. Chief of Staff, Washington. NAY 24, 1864.Skirmish near Charlestown, W. Va. Report of Brig. Gen. Max Weber, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS, Harpers Ferry, W. Va., May 24, 1864. One of my scouting parties had a fight with some of Mosbys men this afternoon near Charlestown. A scouting party from Duffields pursued about eleven of Mosbys men near Kabletown. The num- ber of Mosbys men is reported to be between 200 and 300. MAX WEBER, Major MEYSENBURG, Brigadier- General. Assistant Adjutant-General, artinsburg, W. Va Page 93 CHAP. XLIX.J THE LYNCIIBURG CAMPAIGN. 93 MAY 26JUNE 29, 1864.The Lynohburg Campaign. SUI~EMARY OF TIFLE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. May 26,1864.Advance of the Union forces from Cedar Creek, under corn- mand of Maj. Gen. David Hunter. 30,1864.Brig. Gen. George Crooks command sets out from Meadow Bluff, W. Va. June 2,1864.Affair at Covington, Va. 3,1864.Brig. Gen. William W.Averells command sets out from Bungers Mills, Greenbrier County, W. Va. 4,1864.Affair at Port Republic, Va. Affair at Harrisonburg, Va. Skirmish at Panther Gap, W. Va. 5,1864.Skirmish near Piedmont, Va. Engagement at Piedmont, Va. 6,1864.Occupation of Staunton, Va. 10,1864.Skirmish at Middlebrook, Va. Skirmish at Brownsburg, Va. Skirmish at Waynesborough, Va. 11, 1864.Skirmish at Lexington, Va. Raid on Arringtons Depot, Va. 12,1864.Skirmish at Piney River, near Amherst Court-House, Va. 13,1864.Skirmish near Buchanan, Va. 1315,1864.Scout from Lexington around Lynchburg, Va. 14,1864.Affair at New Glasgow, Va. 16,1864.Skirmish on Otter Creek, near Liberty, Va. Skirmish at New London, Va. 17,1864.Skirmish at Diamond Hill, near Lynchburg, Va. 17~18, 1864.Engagement at Lynchburg, Va. 19-29,1864.Retreat of the Union forces to Meadow Bluff, W. Va. (includ- ing skirmishes at Liberty, Va. (19th); Bufords Gap, Va. (20th); at and near Salem, and at Catawba Mountain, Va. (21st); New Castle, Va., Sweet Sulphur Springs, W. Va., and Cove Gap, W. Va. (23d). REPORTS, ETC. No. 1.Maj. Gen. David Hunter, U. S. Army, commanding Department of West Virginia, including operations June 2-July 14. No. 2.Composition and losses of the Union forces June 10-23. No. 3.Capt. Franklin E. Town, Chief Signal Officer, including operations March 1September 2. No. 4.Col. William G. Ely, Eighteenth Connecticut Infantry, First Brigade, First Infantry Division, of engagement at Piedmont. No. 5.Col. Jacob M. Campbell, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry, Second Bri- gade, of engagement at Piedmont. No. 6.Brig. Gen. George Crook, U. S. Army, commanding Second Infantry Di- vision. No. 7.Col. Rutherford B. Hayes, Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade. No. 8.Col. Abia A. Tomlinson, Fifth West Virginia Infantry, of engagement~at Lynchburg. No. 9.Col. William R. Brown, Thirteenth West Virginia,Infantry Page 94 94 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W, VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. No., 10.Col. Carr B. White, Twelfth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of engagement at Lynchburg. No. 11.Lieut. Col. Jonathan D. Hines, Twelfth Ohio Infantry, of engagement at Lynchburg. No. 12.Lieut. Col. Benjamin F. Coates, Ninety-first Ohio Infantry, of engage- ment at Lynchburg. No. 13.Col. Isaac H. Duval, Ninth West Virginia~Infantry, of engagement at Lynchburg. No. 14.Col. Daniel D. Johnson, Fourteenth West Virginia Infantry, of engage- ment at Lynchburg. No. 15.Col. Jacob M. Campbell, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. No. 16.Maj. Enoch D. Yutzy, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 17.Col. Daniel Frost, Eleventh West Virginia Infantry. No. 18.Lieut. Col. Thomas Morris, Fifteenth West Virginia Infantry. No. 19.Capt. Daniel W. Glassie, First Kentucky Battery. No. 20.Lieut. George P. Kirtland, First Ohio Battery. No. 21.Brig. Gen. Alfred N. Duffi~, U. S. Army, commanding First Cavalry Division. No. 22.Brig. Gen. William W. Averell, U. S. Army, commanding Second Cav- alry Division. No. 23.Brig. Gen. John C. Vaughn, C. S. Army, of engagement at Piedmont. No. 24.Col. Edwin G. Lee, Thirty-third Virginia Infantry, of operations June 4iS. No. 25.Brig. Gen. John McCausland, C. S. Army, of operations June 11-15. No. 26.Brig. Gen. John D. Imboden, C. S. Army, of operations June 11-17. No. 27.Lieut. Gen. Jubal A. Early, C. S. Army, of engagement at ~Lynchburg, and pursuit of the Union forces. No. 1. Re orts of Maj. Gem. David Hunter, U. S. Army, commanding Department of West Virginia, including operations June 2-July 14. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, Camp near Staunton, Va., June 8, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on my arrival at Har- risonburg, on the afternoon of the 2d instant, I found the enemy occupying a strong intrenched position at Mount Crawford, on the North River, where it is crossed by the Valley turnpike, his right at Rockland Mills, and his left at Bridgewater. I spent the following day in ascertaining the enemys force a.nd position, and early on the morning of the 4th, after sending a force of cavalry to amuse him, I moved my column by a side road and crossed the Shenandoah at Port Republic. This movement was so little expected that we found a large supply train of the enemy at this place, and our advance cavalry captnred a part of it, with sup- plies and horses. I encamped about one mile south of Port Republic, and on the morning of the 5th, at an early hour, advanced on the Staunton road. At 6 a. m. my advanced cavalry met that of the enemy, and after a sharp skirmish drove them, with a loss of 75 men killed, wounded, and missing. At the village of Piedmont, seven miles southwest of Port Republic, I found the enemy in force advan- tageously posted. The battle opened with artillery at 9 a. um, Page 95 CHAP. XLIX.] THE LYKORBUEG CAMPAIGN. 95 the enemy using several guns of long range and heavy caliber. At 10 oclock the First Brigade of Infantry, under Colonel Moor, ad- vanced on our right and drove the enemy from his advanced posi- tion in a wood behind his line of defenses constructed of fallen tim- ber and fence rails. Colonel Thoburn, with the Second Brigade of Infantry, took position on elevated ground on our left, supporting the batteries and ready for action where most needed. At 11.30 the fine practice of our artillery had silenced the enemys batteries, and the cavalry, under Major-General Stahel, was massed in rear~ of the infantry on our right. At 1 oclock the First Brigade attacked the enemys line in front, but failed to carry it, and fell back after a spirited contest. At 1.30 the enemy was observed to be massing his force on our right, opposite the First Brigade, and orders were immediately sent to Colonel Thoburn to move his brigade across the open valley between, and attack the enemys po~ition in flank? At 2 p. m. the enemy made a determined attack on the First Brigade, which gallantly sustained itself, assisted by Von Kleisers battery and a cross-fire from Mortons and Carlins batteries on our left. Meanwhile Thoburns brigade, having crossed the valley, fell upon the enemys exposed flank with decisive effect, crushing his whole line and driving a portion of his force over the steep bank into the river, which covered his left. Simultaneously Colonel Moors bri- gade rushed over the works in front, and a brigade of cavalry, under Colonel Wynkoop, charged upon his right flank and rear. The enemy fled in confusion, leaving over 1,000 prisoners in our hands including 60 officers. The killed and wounded are esti- mated at 600 m~. Brig. Gen. William E. Jones, commanding forces, was killed on the field and his body fell into our hands. From papers found upon his person it is ascertained that the enemys force was between 6,000 and 7,000 men, and 16 guns, among them two 20-pounder Parrotts, and one 24-pounder howitzer. In addition to his loss upon the field, the enemy in his precipitate retreat lost an equal number at least by straggling and desertion. General Vaughn, upon whom the command devolved, fell back upon Waynesborough with the wreck of his army. On the next day, June 6, I occupied Staunton without opposition, capturing 400 sick and wounded, who were paroled, and large quan- tities of commissary and ordnance stores, which were destroyed or distributed among the troops. All the railroad bridges and depots, and public workshops and factories in the town and vicinity, were also destroyed. A rebel force under General McCausland and Col. William L. Jackson, stationed at Buffalo Gap, to oppose the advance of General Crook, on hearing of our occupation of Staunton, fell back precipitately and escaped southward. General Crook, with his whole command in fine condition, joined me to-day, having brushed away the enemys corps of observation and destroyed the Virginia Central Railroad west of this place. These results have been accomplished with a loss to this command of less than 500 men in killed and wounded. On the march and in action the troops have behaved admirably. The combined force, now in fine spirits and condition, will move day after to-morrow to the accomplishment of its mission. I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, D. HUNTER, Atiajor-General. ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY Page 96 96 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, Harpers Ferry, August 8, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations in this department since my last, of date June 8, for- warded from Staunton, Va.: On the day after the defeat of Jones at Piedmont, I marched on Staunton (June 6) and occupied the town without opposition, the enemy, with the shattered remnant of his army, having retreated to ~Waynesborongh and Rockfish Gap, in the Blue Ridge, ready to fall back on Charlottesville and Gordonsville if pursued. At Staun- ton I destroyed a large amount of public stores, consisting of shoes, saddles, harness, and clothing, 3 cannon and about 1,000 stand of small-arms, also several extensive establishments for the manufac- ture of army clothing and equipments. I also had the Virginia Central Railroad entirely destroyed for several miles east and west of the town, burning all the depot buildings, shops, and warehouses belonging to the road. About ~0O prisoners (for the most part wounded and invalids) fell into our hands here. On the 8th I was joined by the forces under Generals Crook and Averell, about 10,000 men, with two batteries. This command, re~ turning from a successful raid on the Virginia and Tennessee Rail- road and moving to join me at Staunton, had struck the line of the Virginia Central at Goshen and had totally destroyed this road as they marched to the point of junction, making in all a total destruc- tion of the road for a distance of fifty miles. From this point I sent back by way of Buffalo Gap and Beverly a convoy of wagons, prisoners, and refugees, guarded by 800 men wh~s e term of enlist- ment had expired, the whole under the commandi of Col. A. Moor, of the Twenty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Having rested and reorganized the combined forces under my command I started on the 10th toward Lexington, moving up the Valley in four columns by roads nearly parallel. The infantry division under General Crook, and the cavalry division under Gen- eral Averell, moving on the right-hand road, were opposed by Mc- Causland, with about 2,000 mounted men and a battery. He was easily driven, ho.wever, and on the 11th took refuge in the town of Lexington, behind the North River, a tributary of the James. Generals Crook and Averell arriving about midday on the 11th, found the bridge across this stream burnt, and the crossing disputed by sharpshooters and artillery. The infantry division un- der General Sullivan, which moved on the road to the left, and which I accompanied in person, had met with no enemy thus far, but at the sound of Crooks guns moved rapidly forward and took position in front of the town. I found the enemys sharpshooters posted among the rocks and thickets of the opposite cliffs and in some store-houses at the bridge, and also ~occupying the buildings of the Virginia Military Institute, which stood near the river. Their artillery was screened behind the buildings of the town, and on some heights just beyond it the whole position was completely commanded by my artillery (thirty guns). This unsoldierly and inhuman attempt of General McCausland to defend an indefensible position against an overwhelming force by screening himself behind the private dwellings of women and children, might have brought justifiable destruction upon the whole town, but as this was not rendered im- perative by any military necessity, I preferred to ~pare private prop- erty and an unarmed population. Instead of cri~44ng th Page 97 CHAP. XLIX.] THE LYNCHBURG CAMPAIGN. with my artillery, I sent General Averell with a brigade of cavalry to cross the river some distance, and fall upon the enemys flank and rear. Before this movement was completed, the enemy perceived it and hastily retired on the road toward Buchanan. The battalion of Cadets, about 250 muskets, took part in the defense and retired by the Balcony Falls road toward Lynchburg. I was told that Colonel Smith, principal of the Institute, and commanding the Cadets, pro- tested against the attempted defense as entirely futile, purposeless, and unnecessarily exposing the town and its helpless inhabitants to danger and destruction. In occupying this place a few prisoners were taken, 5 pieces of cannon, with numerous caissons and gun carriages, some small-arms, and a quantity of ammunition fell into our hands and were destroyed; 6 barges laden with commissary stores, artillery ammunition, and 6 pieces of cannon were captured and destroyed on the James River Canal near the town. A number of extensive iron-works in the vicinity were burned. On the 12th I also burned the Virginia Military Institute and all the buildings connected with it. I found here a violent and inflam- matory proclamation from John Letcher, lately Governor of Vir- ginia, inciting the population of The country to rise and wage a guerrilla warfare on my troops, and ascertaining that after having advised his fellow-citizens to this course the ex-Goveruor had him- self ignominiously taken to flight, I ordered his property to be burned under my order, published May 24, against persons practic- ing or abetting such unlawful and uncivilized warfare. Having had information that a train of 200 wagons, loaded with supplies and guarded by two regiments of infantry, was en route following our march, I delayed one day in Lexington to allow it time to overtake us. I had also begun to feel anxious in regard to Duffi~, from whom I had not definitely heard for two days. While awaiting news from Duffi6, on the 13th I sent Averell forward to Buchanan with orders to drive McCausland out of the way and, if possible, secure the bridge over the James River at that place. Before starting General Averell detached a party of 200 picked men, with orders to ride around Lynchburg, cutting the rail- road communication and obtaining all possible information of the enemy. On the afternoon of the 13th General Duffi6 arrived and made a report of his operations in person. On the 10th he had moved from Staunton simultaneously with the other columns. A regiment sent to demonstrate toward Waynesborough drove the enemy through that place and then followed the division by the road running south- ward along the western base of the Blue Ridge. Driving a small force from Whites Gap, General Duffi6 crossed the ridge and caine upon the Charlottesville and Lynchburg railroad, menacing Lynch- burg from the vicinity of Amherst Court-House, and breaking the road at Arrington Station. He was followed from Waynesborough by a large mounted force under Imboden, who, however, never hazarded a general attack, and who was signally defeated in every attempt to harass or impede the movements of our troops. In addi- tion to the damage done to the railroad, General Dufih~ captured 100 prisoners, about 500 horses, and destroyed large quantities of stores and a considerable portion of Imbodens train. He returned by Tye River Gap, without serious loss. 7 R RVOL xxxvii, PT Page 98 98 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX~ On this day I received positive information from a scout that Breckinridge was in command of the rebel forces at Rockfish Gap, while from prisoners and others we had rumors that a formidable rebel force was hastening toward the Valley from Richmond, and that Sheridan had met with a reverse near Louisa Court-House. At the same time IL had assurance that there was no considerable force of the enemy in or near Lynchburg. On the morning of the 14th I moved with my whole command to- ward Buchanan, and on arriving there found it occupied by Averell. He had driven McCausland sharply from the place, capturing some prisoners and a number of canal barges laden with stores, but had not succeeded in saving the bridge. As there was a convenient and accessible ford at hand the advance of the army was not retarded by its loss. In view of this fact and of the danger incurred to private property the inhabitants Qf the village protested against the burning or the bridge, but McCausland, with his characteristic recklessness, persisted in the needless destruction, involving eleven private dwellings in the conflagration. The farther progress of this needless devastation was stopped by the friendly efforts of our troops, who extinguished the flai,~es. On the 15th I moved from Buchanan, crossing the Blue Ridge by the Peaks of Otter road. This road was blockaded by felled trees, and our advance feebly contested by some light parties of the enemy. It was, however, easily cleared, and on the evening of the same day my cavalry occupied Liberty, the county town of Bedford, on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, twenty-four miles from Lynchburg. At this point the detachment of picked men (200), which had been sent out by General Averell from Lexington to make the circuit of Lynchburg, reported, having accomplished their perilous undertaking with trifling loss. Moving eastward from Lexington they crossed the Blue Ridge and struck the Charlottes , yille railroad near Amherst Court-House, tearing up the track for a short distance. Thence moving southeastward they crossed the James River below Lynchburg, destroying the South Side Railroad for a short distance, and burning two trains at Concordia Station; from thence making a circuit within a few miles of Lynchburg they turned westward, meeting the advance of the main army at Liberty. Neither from this scouting party nor from other sources could we obtain any clear or reliable information in regard to the enemy. Through rebel channels we had exaggerated rumors of disasters to our armies both under Sherman and Grant. Some reported that Sheridan had been defeated near Louisa Court-House, while others said that he was already in Lynchburg. Negro refugees just from the town represented that it was occupied only by a few thousand armed invalids and militia, and that its inhabitants in the greatest panic were fleeing with their movable property by every available route. At the same time, from other sources equally worthy of re- spect, we were assured that all the rebel forces of West Virginia were concentrated there under Breckinridge, and that Ewells. corps of veteran troops, 20,000 strong, had already re-enforced them. To develop the truth I determined to advance on Lynchburg immediately. Early on the 16th General Duffi6 moved with his cavalry on the Forestville road, sending a strong recounaissance toward Balcony Falls to ascertain the truth of a report which located a considerable force of the enemy at that point. General Crooks division of infantry moved by the railroad, destroying i Page 99 99 CHAP. XLIX.] THE LYNCHBURG CAMPAIGN. effectually as they marched. General Averell led the advance on the Bedford turnpike, followed by Sullivans infantry, the reserve artillery, and the baggage train. General Averell continued to drive McCausland before him, but in the afternoon reported that the enemy had been re-enforced, and was becoming stubborn. En- camped at night near the Bedford turnpike, seven miles east of ~ Liberty, my cavalry advance near the Great Otter River. From this point I sent back the supply train of 200 wagons which had overtaken us at Lexington. Colonel Putnam, with his regiment of Ohio 100-days volunteers, was detailed to guard it, and the train put under the direction of Captain McCaiin, assistant quartermaster. This train was accompanied by a large number of loyal refugees, both whites and negroes, and the route proposed for its return to our lines was by way of New Castle, Sweet Springs, Lewisburg, and Charleston, Kanawha. During the night received information from General Averell that he had had a sharp contest with the enemy at New London and had driven him, but that he had evidently been re-enforced and was becoming aggressive. Early in the morning of the 17th orders were given for the troops to move, but the march was delayed for several hours at the Great Otter River, owing to the difficulty in crossing the artillery, and in consequence we did not overtake the enemy until 4 oclock in the afternoon. At that hour Averells advance came upon the enemy, strongly posted and intrenched at Diamond Hill, five miles from Lynchburg. He immediately attacked, and a sharp contest ensued. Crooks infantry arriving at the same time, made a brilliant advance upon the enemy, drove him from his works back upon the town, killing and wounding a number and capturing 70 men and 1 gun. It being too late to follow up this success, we encamped upon the battle-field. The best information to be obtained at this point of the enemys forces and plans indicated that all the rebel forces heretofore operating in the valley and West Virginia were concentrated in Lynchburg, under the command of General Breck- inridge. This force was variously estimated at from 10,000 to 15,000 men, well supplied with artillery, and protected by strong works. During the night the trains on the different railroads were heard running without intermission, while repeated cheers and the beat- ing of drums indicated the arrival of large bodies of troops in the town, yet up to the morning of the 18th I had no positive informa- tion as to whether General Lee had detached any considerable force for the relief of Lynchburg. To settle the question on this morn- ing, I advanced my skirmishers as far as the toll-gate on the Bedford road, two miles from the town, and a brisk fire was opened between them and the enemy behind their works. This skirmishing with musketry, occasionally assisted by the artillery, was kept up during the whole of the forenoon. Their works consisted of strong redoubts on each of the main roads entering the town about three miles apart, flanked on either side by rifle-pits protected by abatis. On these lines the enemy could be seen working diligently as if to ex- tend and strengthen them.- I massed my two divisions of infantry in front of the works on the Bedford road ready to move to the right or left as required, the artillery in commanding positions, and Averells cavalry division in reserve. Duffi~ was ordered to attack resolutely on the Forestville road, our extreme left, while Averell sent two squadrons of cavalry to demonstrate against the Campbell Court-House road on our extreme right. This detachment was sub Page 100 100 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. sequently strengthened by a brigade. Meanwhile I reconnoitered the lines, hoping to find a weak interval through which I might push with my infantry, passing between the main redoubts, which appeared too strong for a direct assault. While the guns were sounding on the two flanks, the enemy, no doubt, supposing my cen- ter weakened by too great extension of my lines, and hoping to cut us in two, suddenly advanced in great force from his works, and commenced a most determined attack on my position on the Bedford turnpike. Although his movement was so unexpected and rapid as almost to amount to a surprise, yet it was promptly and gal antly met by Sullivans division, which held the enemy in check until Crook was enabled to get his troops up. After a fierce contest of half an hours duration, the enemys direct attack was repulsed, but he persistently renewed the fight, making repeated attempts to flank us on the left and to push between my main body and Duffi6s divis. ion. In this effort he was completely foiled, and at the end of an hour and twenty minutes was routed and driven back into his works in disorder and with heavy loss. lEn the eagerness of pursuit, one regiment (One hundred and sixteenth Ohio) entered the works on the heels of the flying enemy, but being unsupported, fell back with trifling loss. Our whole loss in this action was comparatively light. The infantry~behaved with the greatest steadiness, and the artillery, which materially assisted in repelling the attack, was served with remarkable rapidity and efficiency. This affair closed about 2 p. m. Froni prisoners captured we obtained positive information that a portion of Ewells corps was engaged in the action, and that the whole corps, 20,000 strong, under the command of Lieutenant-Gen- eral Early, was either already in Lynchburg or near at hand. The detachment sent by General Averell to operate on our right had re- turned, reporting that they had encountered a large body of rebel cavalry in that quarter, while Duffi~, although holding his position, sent word that he was pressed by a superior force. It had now be- come sufficiently evident that the enemy had concentrated a force of at least double the numerical strength of mine, and what added to the gravity of the situation was the fact that my troops had scarcely enough of ammunition left to sustain another well contested battle. I immediately ordered all the baggage and supply trains to retire by the Bedford turnpike, and made preparations to withdraw the army as soon as it should become sufficiently dark to conceal the move- ment from the enemy. Meanwhile, as there still remained five hours of daylight, they were ordered to niaintain a firm front, and with skirmishers to press the enemys lines at all points. I have since learned that Earlys whole force was up in time to have made a gen- eral attack on the same afternoon (l8th)an attack which under the circumstances would probably have been fatal to us, but rendered cautious by the bloody repulse of Breckinridge, and deceived by the firm attitude of my command, he devoted the afternoon to re- freshment and repose, expecting to strike a decisive blow on the fol- lowing moriiing. As soon as it became dark I quietly withdrew my whole force, leaving a line of pickets close to the enemy, with orders to remain until 12 oclock (midnight), and then follow the main body. This was successfully accomplished without loss of men or material, excepting only a few wounded who were left in a temporary hospital by mistake. We bivouacked that night at a point seven mih~s east of Liberty, and the following day, 19th, at our leisure, moved toward Bufords Gap, occupying the town of Liberty until late iii the afternoo Page 101 C~p. XLIX.] THE LYNCHBUR(~T CAMPAIGN. 101 unmolested by the enemy, who in all probability had not sus- pected the movement until daylight. Abont 4 p. m. the rear guard under Averell was attacked by the enemys advance of cavalry and mounted men and driven, after a spirited action, through the town and back on my maui body. The infantry prepared to receive the enemy in position about one mile west of Liberty, but no attack was made. About midnight we resumed, our march and next morning, 20th, entered Bufords Gap. General Duffi6, who had gone forward to take possession of this passage through the Blue Ridge, found it disputed by a small body of the enemy, which he swept out of his way with little difficulty. The march was continued to Bonsacks Station, on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, destroying bridges, water- tanks, and depot buildings on that road as we moved. The enemy coming up to our rear guard on the afternoon of this day made some feeble demonstration, but was easily repulsed. During the night our march was continued to Salem, destroying all the bridges, contents, and depot buildings on the railroad. We arrived at Salem about sunrise on the 21st. About 9 a. m. the enemy a made a demonstration against our rear guard. While opposing his advance in that direction our baggage train and reserve artillery were sent off by the New Castle road, and through some inadvertence the proper gYard did not accompany the artillery. While our atten- tion was directed to the rear of the column a detachment of the enemys cavalry fell upon the artillery en route and got possession of two batteries, spiking the guns, disabling the carriages, and carry- ing off the horses. They were presently driven off by our cavalry, losing some 30 men, killed, wounded, and prisoners, and the guns were recaptured. Owing to the loss of horses and the breaking of the carriages we were obliged ~o abandon S pieces with their lim- bers and caissons, after burning all their carriages. From Salem the enemys cavalry followed us to Catawba Valley, where we rested that night. ~~On the following morning his advance was ambuscaded and roughly handled, and from that date the army pursued its course unmolested. On the night of the 22d we rested at New Castle. At this place I was informed that Early was concentrating his forces at S~.lem. Our scouts also brought reports that the enemy in large force was moving between us and the White Sulphur Springs. Cavalry reconnaissances toward Fincastle, Covington, and Sweet Springs failed to discover any trace of an enemy in force or any grounds for the report. On the 23d moved from New Castle to the Sweet Springs. On ac- count of the difficulties of the road and the intense heat of the day we lost a good many horses on this march. At the Sweet Springs I ascertained that the supply train and convoy under Colonel Put- nam had been attacked by guerrillas, led by one Thurmond, and that it had turned aside from the Le~isburg route and had taken the road to Beverly. From this point it was suggested that we should move northward by the Warm Springs and the Valley of the South Branch of Potomac, a route lying west of and running parallel to the Valley of the Shenandoah. By this route the army would have reached the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at New Creek and Cum- berland. It was objected that by this road the troops would find it impossible to collect necessary supplies and run risks of being cut off by the enemy coming in by way of Staunton and Harrisonburg. In favor of the route via Lewisburg to Charleston, Kanawha, it wa Page 102 102 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., Mfl., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. urged that the road was clear and practicable, and that while the country would furnish little or nothing in the way of supplies, yet we had ample stores at Meadow Bluff and Gauley River. As the question of supplies was one that involved the existence of the army the Kanawha route was decided upon. and messengers immediately sent forward to have supplies sent out from these points to meet the troops. On the night of the 24th we rested at the Greenbrier White Sul- phur Springs. From this point I ordered a regiment of cavalry to follow the supply train going toward Beverly, and assist Colonel Putnam in its defense if necessary. On the 25th passed through Lewisburg and halted in the evening near Meadow Bluff. I ascertained that the officer left in command at this post with 400 men had become alarmed at some demonstra- tions by guerrillas, and had, with baggage and supplies, fallen back to Gauley Bridge. On the 27th, between Meadow Bluff and Gauley, met the supply train with 70,000 rations for the troops; they arrived in good time to prevent suffering, and their appearance was greeted by hearty cheers. Halted for the night near Gauley Bridge. Remained here on the 28th and 29th, allowing time for stragglers to come up and to refresh and organize the command. \, Arrived at Charleston, Kanawha, on the 30th June, and remained until July 3, reorganizing and refitting the troops, and gathering np steamers to transport the army by water to Parkersbnrg. Feeling assured that the enemy would take advantage of the absence of these troops to make some demonstrations in the Valley, every nerve was strained to hasten their movement. But the obstacles were for a time insurmountable. After their recent fatigues neither men nor animals were in any condition for a farther march, and the excessive heat of the weather would have rendered such an attempt ruinous to the army. Transportation by water, if practicable, would save time, and rest the men and horses. X~et, on account of the long drought, the Ohio River was reported to be so low as to be impassable to the smallest boats; nevertheless, all the light-draught boats that could be found were seized and the troops embarked. Arriving at Parkersburg on the afternoon of July 4, I received in- formation that the enemy had appeared in force in the Valley, had driven Sigel out of Martinsbnrg, and were demonstrating against our railroad guards at several points west. The movement of the troops by the river route was pressed forward with the utmost dil- igence and zeal, yet the difficulties were even greater than at first appeared. The men had to be disembarked at the Shallows and marched around ; at other points the boats could not pass, even when thus lightened, and small boats above the bars received and traiis- ported the men to other points, where they were in their turn obliged to stop. In this way the troops got in slowly, but withal sooner and in better condition than if they had attempted to march by land. The baggage trains and cavalry came to Parkersburg by the land route. At this place I remained until July 8 superintending and hastening the transportation of the troops by rail to New Creek and Cumberland. On the night of the 8th took the cars for Cumberland and arrived there on the morning of the 9th at 10 a. ni. Reports from various sources indicated that the enemy was in Maryland with the greater part of his force moving toward the Monocacy. Imbodens attempts on the railroad at Sir Johns and at South Branch and Patterson~ Page 103 XLIX.] THE LYNCHEIJEG CAMPAIGN. 1O~ Creek had been repulsed, and Sullivan, occupying lledgesville with infantry and cavalry, reported no enemy visible in the Shenandoah Valleys On the 10th Sullivan occupied Martinsburg with his cavalry. Remained in Cumberland until the 14th of July pressing forward the troops, who continued to arrive slowly from the West. On the 14th took cars on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad~ reach- ing Martinsburg about midday. At this place General Sigel re- ported in person with a detailed account of his operatiofls and the military situation. Reached Harpers Ferry on lior~eback the same night. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient serv~ ant, D. HUNTER, 3fajor-Genercd~ ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY. ADDENDA. - WAR DEPARTMENT, June 14, 186410 a. m. Major-General HUNTER, Comdg. the Army of the Shenandoah, via Beverly, Va.: This Department has received with great satisfaction your official dispatch announcing the recent brilliant victory won by your army, and their occupation of the city of Staunton. These brilliant achievements wipe out the antecedent disasters to our arms in former campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley, and induce strong hope that, led on by the courage and guided by the experienced skill of its commander, the army of the Shenandoah will rival our other gallant armies in the successful blows against the rebels. To your- self, and the brave officers and soldiers of your command, the thanks of the President and of this Department are tendered. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. No. 2. Composition and losses of the Union Forces June 1023. [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c. 1 Wounded. Captured or missing. ~ I ,~ cS Killed. Command. I IC IC FIR5T INFANTRY DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JEREMIAH C. SULLIVAN. First Brigade. (Jol. GEORGE D. WELLS. 34th Massachusetts, Capt. George W. Thompson 5 1 41 47 5th New York Heavy Artillery (Companies A 4 4 B, C, and D), Lient. Col. Edward Murray. 116th Ohio, Col. James Washburn 5 1 29 35 123d Ohio, Col. William T. Wilson 3 14 Total First Brigade 13 2j88 ii 10 Page 104 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. CCsias. XLTX~ Composition and losses of the Union Forces June 10-23Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. a H I~ a 0 ~ Q ~ ~ Second Brigade. Col. JOSEPH THOBURN. 18th Connecticut, Col. William G. Ely 1st West Virginia, Lient. Col. Jacob Weddle 4th West Virginia, Col. James H. Dayton 12th West Virginia, Col. William B. Curtis Total Second Brigade Unassigned. 2d Maryland, Eastern Shore, Col. Robert S. Rodgers. 2d Maryland, Potomac Home Brigade, Lieut. Col. G. Ellis Porter. Total unassigned Total First Infantry Division . 5ECOND INFANTRY DIVIsION. Brig. Gen. GEORGE CROOK. First Brigade. Col. RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 23d Ohio, Lieut. Col. James M. Comly 36th Ohio, Col. Hiram F. Devol 5th West Virginia, Col. Abia A. Tomlinson 13th West Virginia, Col. William H. Brown Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. CARR B. WHITE. 12th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Jonathan D. Hines 91st Ohio, CoL John A. Turley; Lieut. Col. Ben. iRwin F. Coates. 9th West Virginia, Col. Isaac H. Duval 14th West Virginia, Col. Daniel D. Johnson Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. JACOB M. CAMPBELL. 3d and 4th Pennsylvania Reserves (battalion), Capt. Abel T. Sweet. 54th Pennsylvania, Maj. Enoch D. Yutzy 11th West Virginia (six companies), Col. Daniel Frost. 15th West Virginia, Lieut. Col. Thomas Morris.... Dismounted cavalry Total Third Brigade Artillery. Capt. JAMES R. MCMtTLLIN. Kentucky Light, 1st Battery,* Capt. Daniel W. Glassie. Ohio Light, 1st Battery, Lient; George P. Kirt- land. Total artillery 1 i 2 2 8 16 1 15 11 9 30 1 17 3 3 40 11 57 I 5 10 16 2 14 6 22 3 19 16 38 19 5 147 28. 199 3 6 9 3 1 10 3 17 1 8 1 26 6 42 . 8 1 9 1 11 2 47 16 77 7 11 1 19 i 8 3 21 33 15 3 18 1 11 ...... 4 16 1 16 3 58 8 86 11 1 36 14 62 1 5 20 6 .3~ 6 54 21 81 6 23 1 30 1 28 1 133 42 205 5 1 4 ~ ... .. .~9 10 Total Second Infantry Division 3 1 56 6 I 247 * Detachment 3d and 4th Pennsylvania Reserves, attaci~ed. 5 5 66, 378 10 Page 105 THE LYNCHBURG CAMPAIGN. 105 Composition and losses of the Union Forces, June 1O23---Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. IS S be Command. I) a a I) z o ~ FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ALFRED N. DUFFI~. First Brigade. Col. ROBERT F. TAYLOR. 1st Maryland, Potomac Home Brigade 1st New York (Veteran) 15th New York 21st New York Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. Josn~ B. WYNKOOP. 1st New York (Lincoln) 20th Pennsylvania 22d PennsylVania Total Second Brigade - Artillery. 1st West Virginia Light, Battery B (section) Total First CaValry Division 5ECOND CAVALRY DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM W. AVERELL. First Brigade. Col. JAMES Ill. SCHOONMAKER. 8th Ohio 14th Pennsylvania Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. JOHN H. OLEY. 34th Ohio (mounted infantry) 3d West Virginia* 5th West Virginia 7th West Virginia Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. WILLIAM H. POWELL. 1st West Virginia 2d West Virginia Total Third Brigade Total Second Cavalry Division ARTILLERY. Capt. HENRY A. Du PONT. Maryland Light, Battery B New York Light, 30th Battery 5th United States, Battery B lsthWest Virginia Light, Battery D Total artillery 1~ 2 1 3 2 2 5 14 3 i 23 5 2 7 40 13 6 3 24 29 62 2 1 3 . 1 8 66 75 1 2 2 5 2 12 69 83 1 1 2 9 3 37 98 147 8 4 54 1 15 82 18 9 27 8 4 72 1 24 109 I 4 5 1 2 3 2 13 8 23 3 18 .... 10 31 1 1 1 3 3 13 16 1 4 14 19 1 15 4 104 1 34 159 1 1 3 1 2 2 5 10 24 26 3 3 j~ 23 41 55 * Served with Second Infantry Division, and its losses are embraced with the dis- mounted cavalry. CHAP. XLIX. Page 106 106 OPERATIOI~S IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. Cornpositi?n and losses of the Union Forces, June 10-23Continued. RECAPITULATION. Killed Wounded Captured or missing. ~ Command ~ ~ o ~ I First Infantry Division 19 5 147 28 199 Second Infantry Division 3 56 6 247 66 378 First Cavalry Division 9 8 37 98 147 Second Cavalry Division 1 15 4 104 1 34 159 Artillery 1 10 3 41 55 Grandtotal ..~.. 4 19 ~ 4 267 *~s~ No.3. Report of Capt. Franklin F. Town, Chief Signal Officer, including operations March 1September 2. WASHINGTON, D. C., September 4, 1864. SIGNAL OFFICER OF THE ARMY, Washington City, D. C.: COLONEL: I have the honor to transmit herewith report of the operations of the signal detachment of West Virginia during the period I commanded it, from March 1, 1864, to September 2, 1864, together with maps exhibiting the stations opened and the lines of communication established. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANKLIN E. TOWN, Captain, Signal Corps. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of the signal detachment of the Department of West Vir- ginia in the field during the campaigns of the spring and summer of 1864: On the 1st day of March, 1864, in obedience to an order from the Adjutant-Generals Office, Washington, directing me to take com- mand of the signal detachment of the Department of West Virginia, I proceeded to the headquarters of the department, at Cumberland, Md. My arrival there being just at the time that General Sigel was expected to relieve General Kelley in command of the department, but little could be done until the arrival of General Sigel on the 12th of March. In the intermediate time I got my men into camp and es- tablished drills. & c., and continued the station at Martinsburg in com- munication with station of observation at Mills Gap. Immediately on General Sigels assuming command, I waited upon him with a report of the condition of my party and a statement of its needs. He approved my requisition for all things necessary for its equipment, and a communication addressed by me to the Bureau of the Signal Corps asking permission to request a detail of officers having been approved by the Signal Officer of tile Arlny alid forwarded to Gen- eral Sigel, he directed me to select the most suitable officers to. be * Two men of the signal detachment were captured, making an aggregate loss of 940 Page 107 CHAP. XLIX.] 107 THE LYNCHBITRG CAMPAIGN. detailed. Nine officers were thus detailed in all; the first one on the 3d of April, the last on the 25tl~. They reported as follows: April 5,1; 14th, 1; 15th, 3; 17th, 2; 21st, 1; 25th, 1; total, 9. Immedi- ately on reporting the obligation to secrecy was taken by each officer and he was furnished with the code and his instruction commenced. On my arrival in the department I inspected the detachment, and found it to consist of 4 officers and 14 enlisted men, and in addition, 30 enlisted men accompanied me from Washington. On the 22d of April 54 enlisted men arrived from the Signal Camp of Instruction at Georgetown, D. C., and on the 23d, 63 enlisted men arrived from the Department of the Susquehanna. There were also 8 men de- tailed for temporary duty from the Fourteenth Regiment Pennsyl- vania Cavalry. Thus the aggregate force consisted of 13 officers and 169 enlisted men. When I was ordered to take the field with my [command], aside from the 4 whom I found there, the officers had had study as follows: One twenty-three days, 1 fourteeu days, 3 thirteen days, 2 eleven days, 1 eight days, 1 three days. The enlisted men may be classified as follows: Experienced men, 14; together with those from Signal Camp of Instruction who ac- companied me, 30, making 44 well taught. Recruits from Signal Camp of Instruction, 54, indifferently taught; recruits from the Department of the Susquehanna, 63, untaught; temporary de- tail, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, 8, untaught; total, 169. There were about 80 men mounted and armed; the others were not mounted for want of horses, and not armed by reason of the inability of the Ordnance Department to fill my requistion for arms. Thus it will be seen that I had in my party 5 officers and 44 enlisted men capable of doing efficient signal duty; the others had to be taught, and even many of them equipped, during the exigencies of an active campaign. I represented to General Sigel how insufficiently the officers and men were instructed and provided, and urged the pro- priety, rather, I thought, necessity, that all not ready for efficient signal duty should be left in camp to complete their instruction aiA equipment, that they might not disappoiiit his expectation of them, but lie decided that they were needed in the field, and directed me to take them as they were, and do the best I could with them. The following is an outline of the campaign in West Virginia in 1834, in which this detaclunent participated: The Shenandoah col- umn, under. Sullivan, and the West Virginia column, under Crook, were to meet at Staunton, and proceed thence together toward Lynch- burg, all under command of Sigel, who would move to Staunton with Sullivans column. With this view the troops of Sullivans col- umn concentrated at Martinsburg, W. Va., toward, the end of April, where Sigel joined them, and on the 30th of April the march corn- menced. The command moved slowly, halting at Winchester till the 9th of May; from the 9th to the 11th, at Cedar Creek; from the 11th to the 15th, at Woodstock, when we marched to New Market, where, after a severe action, we were repulsed and fell back to Cedar Creek, arriving there on th~ afternoon of the 16th, and remained there (General Sigel being relieved by General Hunter on the 21st) till the 26th, when the march recommenced under Hun- ter. We proceeded to Harrisonburg, thence to Port Republic, thence to Piedmont, where, June 5, we met and~ defeated the en- emy, and June 6 entered Staunton, where, on the 8th, we wer Page 108 108 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XL1X~ joined by Crook, and marched to Lexington in four columns. From Lexington Averells cavalry was sent in advance to Buchanan, the main force following next day on two parallel roads. From Buch- anan we marched toward Lynchburg, crossing the Blue Ridge at the Peaks of Otter. We skirmished continually with the enemy after passing Staunton, and on the 17th of June pushed him into his works at Lynchburg, where darkness ended the days fighting, and during the night he was heavily re-enforced, and on the 18th we fought to gain possession of their works and the city, but failed to do so, and at night on the 18th commenced to fall back, recrossing the Blue Ridge at Bufords Gap (the enemy pursuing and harassing our rear till clear of the mountains), and marched by way of New Castle, Sweet Springs, Meadow Bluff, and Gauley Bridge, to Lou p Creek, where we took water transportation in part, and part marc lied to Parkers- burg. There we learned that the enemys force, released from the Valley by our forced retreat westward, were invading Maryland, and Hunter hastened forward his troops toward Martinsburg. Sullivans division was made the advance, and after recovering Martinsburg, he proceeded to Harpers Ferry, and on the arrival of General Hun- ter and staff the troops were disposed about the foot of the Valley. General Wright. moving from Washington by way of Poolesville, crossed the Potomac at Edwards Ferry into Virginia. The enemy having fallen back, again advanced and retook Martinsburg, but were again driven out. Wrights command having rejoined Hunter, the whole force was moved toward Frederick City, July 30, and en- camped about Frederick City till the 6th of August, when we re- turned to Harpers Ferry, and shortly after General Sheridan was placed in command. The operations of the signal detachment during these movements were in detail as follows: On the 29th of April I received, at Cumberland, telegraphic orders from General Sigel, who was at Martinsburg, to go there with my whole party (sending the mounted men by the turnpike and bring- ing the others by rail), and on the morning of the 30th I left Cum- berland in obedience to that order. The mounted men I placed under the command of Lieutenant Jones, assisted by Lieutenants Fortney and Brault, and with the dismounted men reached Martins- burg that evening, where I was advised by Captain Melvin, assistant adjutant-general, to remain until I heard from General Sigel, w~iio was at or near Winchester. I remained there, re-arranging the party as well as possible the next day. On the 2d of May I determined to go out and find General Sigel and get some orders; so taking a small detail of mounted men from the party previously at Martinsburg and a part of the dismounted men, I went out and reported to General Sigel at his headquarters, about two miles beyond Winchester. The next morning (3d) I went into Martinsburg, and met the mounted party, who had ar- rived from Cumberland the evening before, and took them out to Winchester. On the 4th I opened a station of observation at Round Hill, about three miles west of Winchester, and surveyed route for a line of stations to Strasburg. On the 5th I opened a line to Martinsburg, the intermediate sta- tions being at Green Spring and Mills Gap. On the 8th, by direction of General Sigel, all stations were discon- tinued and officers and men called in Page 109 CHAP. XLIX.] THE LYNCHBURG CAMPAIGN. 109 On the 9th the march up the Valley commence~ we halted that afternoon at Cedar Creek. On the evening of the 9th I sent Lieu- tenants Ellis and Smith with scouting party to Round Top, a low mountain about three miles beyond Strasburg. They returned on the 10th, having been on the mountain, but smoky atmosphere pre- vented their making any observations or communicating with head- quarters. On the 11th we marched to Woodstock. On the march I left Lieutenants Ellis and Smith at Round Top with a guard of cavalry and infantry. This evening fixed station at headquarters to com- municate with Round Top, and also with the road in front of our advance, where I posted parties of observation. On the 12th I opened a new station at the front and advanced the one posted before. This evening, by direction of General Sigel, I sent a party toward the rear, arranged and instructed as follows: Sergeant Landon, with ten men, to halt at Cedar Creek, and Sergeant Knapp, with ten men, to go on to near Newtown, and, remaining con- cealed, send scouts carefully toward Winchester, to go through Winchester, if possible, to observe any movements of the enemy on our rear, and report any observations by a prearranged code of rockets. Sergeant Landon and the station at Round Top to repeat any rockets seen. Later in the night I sent a party down the road half way to Round Top to repeat any rocket signals from the rear, as it was so misty I feared Round Top might not be seen from headquarters. On the 13th Sergeant Knapp returned, arriving at noon, but in the morning, having been unable to hear anything of him, I directed Lieutenant Ellis to send three or four men cautiously to look for Knapps party. He sent two signal men and three cavalrymen and they not returning, Lieutenant Smith, with three men, went out on his own responsibility. Neither of these parties were ever heard of after- ward, and it is probable they were captured at or near Fishers Hill. On the evening of the 14th I sent another to the same place with the same instructions, under Sergeant Curry. He sent four men to Winchester, but they were never heard from afterward, and from later information gained of parties of bushwhackers being at Kerns- town, it is probable these four men were captured there. On the 15th we marched to New Market, where we were repulsed by the enemy. During the march I kept headquarters in communi- cation with the advance, rear, and flanks. The field of battle was too limited for signals to be of any use, but the officers did what duty could be done in observing the enemy from every accessible point, and some were permitted to act as aides to the general on the field. When the retreat began (which was at first a panic) I used all my force to stop and rally fuoitives and to get them off the field in order. Indeed, for a time the signal detachment and the headquarters es- cort (a squadron) were all General Sigel had to depend on to restore order among the fugitives, and notwithstanding the men were mostly recruits, not one flinched under fire. During the night of the 15th and 16th we fell back to Cedar Creek, where we halted, and I posted stations of observation between us and the enemy. On the 17th I opened the following stations of observation At Round Hill, on the right one and one-half miles beyond picket- line, and on the left outside of the pickets to watch Luray Valley and Manassas Gap, and all to communicate direct to headquarters. I also sent Lieutenants Merritt and Brault, with twenty men, t Page 110 110 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. Newtown to open station of observation, and if possible, to find a place visible from headquarters, otherwise to report by courier, and in certain events to use a preconcerted rocket code, to go beyond Newtown at7 night, keep concealed, and send scouts to Winchester, to fall back to Middletown at daylight. On the 18th I opened an additional station at Round Top (beyond Strasburg), sending Lieutenants Jones and Fortney with a guard of two companies of infantry to watch the Valley and to communicate with headquarters through Round Top. On the 19th General Sigel directed Round Top station to be dis- continued to-night and resumed in the morning. I procured fifty axes for the infantry to clear the hill, and on the 20th at daylight the station was resumed. This night (20th) General Sigel again ordered the station discontinued, the party to faIl back to Fishers Hill and return in the morning. I presume General Sigel considered the guard too weak to leave so far out in the night, and could not spare more troops for the duty. He gave no reason for the order. On the 20th I also placed additional stations at Cedar Creek on our right, and at Front Royal, left front. During all the time we lay at Cedar Creek, from the 16th to the 26th, I used every opportunity for drilling officers and men, and the actual signal service they had to perform was of benefit in their in- struction. Under Major-General Hunter, preparations were com- menced for our march on the 22d. On the 23d we sent to Martins- burg all baggage, surplus transportation, and sick, but did not march till the 26th. On the 26th we marched to Pugs Creek. During the march I kept communication between hea quarters and a cavalry column on a parallel road to the right, also with advance and rear guard. I left a station at Round Top with a guard of two companies of in- fantry, and after halting placed stations of observation at extreme front on right and left. We remained at Woodstock till the 29th when we marched to Rudes Hill, and after halting opened a line t~ the front beyond New Market. We remained here until June 2, when we marched to Harrisonburg. This march was made on three parallel roads, and all the columns and our advance and rear were kept in communication with head- quarters during the march. We skirmished with the enemy during most of this march. After halting I established stations outside of our pickets in front. We remained at .Harrisonburg during the 3d. On the 4th the main column marched by a direct road to Port Republic, while a feint was made on the enemys front on the Valley pike by a cavalry force. During this day communication was kept open between headquarters and the column on the pike, and with our front, rear, and flanks, and from several points of observation. We bivouacked after passing the town, and I made stations on right and left front. On the 5th, marching in the presence of the enemy, I kept out signal parties as far as possible in front and on our flanks. We commenced skirmishing early in the morning) amid (Irove the enemy to a point near Piedmont, where he had a line of defense. This we took, driving him back to second line, where he stood. After much fighting and unsuccessful attacks from each side alternately, the day was decided by an attack of our infantry reserve on the enemys right flank, where he had massed in front of us. The enemy gave way, and the attack being followed by the charge of a brigade o Page 111 C~. XLIX.] TIlE LYNCHBURG CAMPAIGN. 111 cavalry, he broke, and was routed with heavy loss. During the fight the signal detachment was kept actively employed on the flanks and in every position from which the enemy or the roads could be seen. General Hunter spoke in warmest terms of commen- dation of the service rendered by it. At evening I sent Lieutenant Muhleman, escorted by a squadron of cavalry, to reconnoiter the enemys position and report by signal, if practicable. He returned, having been nearly at Staunton, finding no indications of the enemy. On the 6th we marched to Staunton, and I established stations of observation on the hills in rear of and flanking the city, and believ- ing the enemy to be between us and Waynesborough I established a station to overlook the roads in that direction. It being reported y that General Averell was at Buffalo Gap, I sent Lieutenants Merritt, 1 Ellis, and Muhleman, escorted by 200 cavalry, to meet him and open signal communication with him. On the 7th we marched on the Buffalo Gap road, and, when two miles out, we met the party returning from the gap. They had been through it and ten miles beyond, above it. Averell had not been there, but rumor placed him at Goshen. The party had passed through the camp of a brigade of cavalry, which had been aban- doned on their approach, they being undoubtedly mistaken by the enemy for the advance of our main army. Qn this report General Hunter decided to return to Staunton, and, having returned, I estab- lished stations as before. On the 8th General Crooks column joived us. On the 9th, at evening, in view of our march in the morning, I detailed Lieutenants Merritt and Butcher, with fifteen men, to report to General Averell, and Lieutenants Muhleman and Fortney, with fifteen men, to reporf to General Crook, it being arranged that the column should march on four roads. On the 10th we marched, and at night headquarters halted at Mid- way. During the march the country was so broken that no points of communication between the columns could be found. On the 11th we marched to Lexington. During this march com- munication was opened with General Crook, who first found the enemy. There was some fighting in front of the town, but the enemy was speedily driven out. Crook remained south of the river, and stations were opened to the front and to General Crooks head- quarters. We remained at Lexington till the 14th. On the 12th General Averell was sent to Buchanan, Lieutenants Merritt and Butcher going with him. On the 14th the main force was marched to Buchanan on two par- allel roads. Communication was very much interrupted between the columns during th6 march, owing to the ruggedness of the country. - About three miles before reaching Buchanan communication was established between all the separate commands. On the 15th we marched toward Liberty and halted beyond the Peaks of Otter. I had a station of observation on the peak during the day, which was opened as soon after daylight as our skirmishers could clear the peak of the enemy, and this station I kept open dur- ing the night and until the last of the rear guard had passed. On the 16th we marched toward Lynchburg, and at night halted at Big Otter Creek. There was much skirmishing to-day, and sta- tions were established from every point of observation during the ~naxch and at the front at night Page 112 112 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Ciur. XLI2~ On the 17th we marched toward Lynchburg, neeting the enemy in some force and having severe skirmishing all day, and at last lines of battle were formed and a brisk action resulted in driving the enemy to his works, within two miles of Lynchburg, when darkness ended the days fighting and we bivouacked in line. Dur- ing the day signals were extensively used on the march, and many points of observation were taken and reported from by the officers, and at night stations were established at right, left, front, and rear. On the 18th skirmishing opened at daylight and continued more or less severe, with occasional demonstrations in force, till 1 p. in., when we found the enemy in strong force, having been f~eavily re- enforced during the night of the 17th, and occupying strong works, extending from the James River to an almost impassable ravine, each bank strengthened by redoubts. Crook reconnoitered the enemys right, without finding any practicable point of attack. Lieutenant Ellis was sent with General Duffi~, who was detached to make a feint around the enemys right on the city. Lieutenaiit Ellis kept headquarters constantly advised of his movements and prog- ress during his march through an intermediate station upon a house on our left. At 1 oclock we repulsed an attack in force and made afterward two unsuccessful efforts to take their works. At dark we fell back toward Liberty. Signals were used during the fight- ing on portions of the field, but principally between headquarters and the detachment. During the 19th and 20th we fell badk, the enemy pursuing and pushing us hard and passed Bufords Gap, where we halted. I threw out parties of observation on all the mountains surrounding and to overlook the rear. The party on the left, under Lieutenant Muhleman, were attacked and compelled to fall back, losing Pri- vates Best and Cunningham captured, having straggled from camp. We continued our march all the night of the 20th, and at ~5 a. m. of the 21st reached Salem. Our march was continued on the 21st after a short halt at Salem. This day commuiiication was kept between General Duffi~ in Catawba Valley and General Averell in the Fort Lewis Valley by means of a station on Catawba Mountain under Lieuteiiant Merritt. After Averells passage, I directed Lieutenants Butcher and Muhle- man to remain on Catawba Mountain to observe the enemy on roads in our rear. Later I withdrew Lieutenant Butcher and sent him with Lieutenant Merritt with General Averell, and sent Lieutenant Ellis with General Duffi~ on reconnaissances, and arranged a rocket code to be used if needed. On the 22d we marched to New Castle. I left Lieutenants Muhle- man and Fortney to observe the enemy from Craigs Creek Mount- ain until the rear guard had passed, keeping headquarters advised of movements. Once after passage of the rear guard, before this station was recalled, it was driven in by the eneniy, but a cavalry detachment being sent to its aid it was re-established. On the 23d we marched to Sweet Springs. During the passage of troops and trains communication was maintained from Potts to Peters Mountain and thence to Sweet Springs. During the 24th and 25th we marched to Meadow Bluff by way of White Sulphur Springs and Lewisburg. At White Sulphur Springs Sullivan with Duffi~ diverged toward Beverly, while Crook with Averell marched toward Charleston. I sent Lieutenant Fortney with Sullivan and Ellis with Duffi~ Page 113 Cur. XLIX.] , TII1~ LYNCHBURG CAMPAIGN. On the 26th General Hunter with his staff, having passed Meadow Bluff and the enemy having ceased pursuit, rode on in advance with the escort (a squadron of cavalry) and the reserve signal detach- ment, halting at night at Widow Jones house On the 27th headquarters reached Loup Creek by way of Gauley Bridge, where we encamped to await the arrival of troops. The men and horses had suffCred greatly from want of supplies, which had been ordered to be sent from Gauley to them, and a great deal of disorganization was the result. There I encamped what men and officers I had and remained till the 3Oth,when we marched to Camp Piatt on the Kanawha, and thence took a steamer to Charleston. By General Hunters order I directed the signal detachment to remain at Camp Piatt till morning and then march to Charleston, at which place the party arrived July 1. On the 3dof July, after starting the detachment under charge of Lieutenant Merritt to march to Parkersburg, I accompanied Gen- eral Hunter and staff by steamer to Parkersburg, where we arrived July 4, where General Hunter learned of the enemys invasion of Maryland and made disposition to hasten forward troops. On the 5th I opened communication with Blennerhassett Landing~ having neither officers nor equipments, and but one man who was able to read fairly, but he an dlkept open communication with ap- paratus improvised, ur~til the detachment arrived on the 6th. On the 7th General Hunter directed me to open a line to Buffing- ton Bar. I took Lieutenants Ellis and Jones and Merritt and Ser- geants Price and Burkhardt and opened the line, stationing them in the following order, viz, Fortney, Price, Burkhardt, Merritt, Ellis. On the 9th I returned to Parkersburg and found that General Hunter had gone to Cumberland and sent telegraphic orders to me to call in all officers and men and follow. Accordingly I sent a steame~ d6wn toward Buffington for the parties and on the 10th forwarded what men and horses were at Parkersburg, and on the lltlm followed with the balance, overtaking the first train at Cum- berland at 10.20 p. in., where I reported to General Hunter and he directed me to proceed with my party to Martinsburg and report to General Sullivan. I started at 12 oclock midnight, the first train having been sent on earlier, and o~ the morning of the 12th arrived at Cherry Run, and thence marched to Martinsburg and reported to~ General Sullivan. Private Mateer, who had been captured and paroled, informed me that Sergeant Brown and 1 or 2 other men h ad been captured. General Sullivan started at 3 p. in. on the 13th for Harpers Ferry. At 1 oclock I had sent Lieutenants Merritt and Brault to Maryland Heights, but they were bushwhacked and driven back, but meeting the escort of Generals Sigel and Stahel they drove the enemy and got through and opened communication. At 3 a. m. on the 14th I marched with my p arty to Harpers Ferry, arriving there at 9.30 a. m. There I found Lieutenants ha er and Kennedy, from Department of the Susquehanna, for temporary duty. I sent Lieutenant Merritt to Stone Fort, on Maryland Heights, Lieu- tenant Jones to Bolivar Heights, Lieutenant Butcher to Point of Rocks, Lieuteiiants Ellis and Brault to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Lieu- tenant Kennedy, who had been on Sugar Loaf Mountain, came in and reported a rebel wagon train heavily guarded crossing to Yir ginia at Whites Ferry. ~ R RVOL XXXVII, PT Page 114 114 0P]~a~AT1~NS IN N. VA., W. VA., MI)., AND PA. [CILAP. XLIX. On the 15th General Hunter arrived at Harpers Ferry, and he made a new disposition of troops to guard the Valley. General Sullivan was sent toward Leesburg, and I sent Sergeant Strong to him to communicate by way of Maryland Heights, having no officer to send. Having heard that General Wright was at Poolesville, I reported it to General Hunter, and suggested the practicability of opening communication with him. General Hunter desired me to do so, and at 3.30 p. m. I started with Lieutenant Fortney and twenty men, and reached Poolesville at 12.30 a. m. and opened communica- tion by way of Sugar Loaf Mountain, Point of Rocks, and Maryland Heights. On the morning of the 16th Geiieral Wright requested me to carry some dispatches and some verbal information to General Hunter; so leaving Lieutenant Fortney at Poolesville, with orders to remain till Wrights corps had passed, and then when he could to communicati3~ with Wright to return to department headquarters, I retum~ned to Harper~s Ferry. General Crook having relieved Sullivan, occupied Hillsborough, and we were in communication with him through the Maryland Heights. On the 17th Lient. A. W. Bariteau, Fifth New York Artillery, having beeii detailed by General Howe, I had the order confirmed by General Hunter. General Wright having crossed the Catoctin Mountain communicated direct with Maryland Heights, and I d~s- continued the stations at Poolesvilh~ and Sugar Loaf. - Having had no communication with Wright during the 18th and 19th, General Hunter directed me to go with a party and learn his movements if possible. Accordingly I started, and that night (19th) bivouacked at Whites Ferry. On the 20th I learned that he had gone through Snickers Gap, and no communication could be had with him, SO 1 returned on the 21st. That day I sent Lieutenants Jones and Butcher to General Crook, and Muhleman to Averell. On the 22d I went to Martinsburg and got some stores, and that evening returned to Harpers Ferry. Having got news of the death of a friend making my presence necessary, I obtained leave of ab- sence for four days (from the 23d). On the 28th I reached headquarters on my return, h~ving been delayed at Baltimore by trains moving irregularly in consequence of rebel raids on the railroad. On arrival I found that the enemy had driven our forces out of Martinsburg. All the signal detach- ment but Lieutenant Muhleman was at headquarters, under Lieu- tenant Thayer, who had them in good condition. I got all in readi- ness to march, drew stores, and rearranged the working parties and the i~eserve. General Wrights troops had moved in and halted at Halltown. On the 30th General I-muters whole command, which now included Wrights troops, was put on march toward Frederick City. At Weverton, on his suggestion, I sent Lieutenant Thayer with Lieu- tenant Jones and twenty men to Frederick, thence to go to the Ca- toctin Mountain and get any news of the enemy. If no enemy wa~ found this side of the Catoctin, to go along the range in the morn- ing in the direction of Gettysburg and report often, by signal when practicable, and at other times by courier. To-night headquarters halted at Knoxville. On the 31st we reached Frederick, and the troops were encamped in front and rear of city. Thayer reported from Frederick while on the march that no enemy was there, and he would go on towar Page 115 THE LYNORBUEG CAMPAIGN. 115 V Emmitsburg. I sent Lieutenant Ellis out from Frederick to try to communicate with Thayer, and sent word to Thayer to go toward. Chambersburg and report often. General Crook having diverged by way of Middletown, I sent Lieutenant Merritt to Middletown to report to General Crook, and Lieutenant Fortney to Catoctin Mount- ain, near the road, to communicate with Merritt and headquarters at Frederick. This line kept General Crook in communication with headquarters during his march toward Emmitsburg. The enemy being reported at Nolands Ferry, General Hunter desired a station at Sugar Loaf and directed General Emory to furnish a guard for it. Accordingly I sent Lieutenant Brault, with twelve men, with orders to keep very vigilant watch, and also to send out scouts and report often. Lieutenant Thayer sent report that a detachment of 500 rebel cavalry have gone east from Chambersburg and cut the railroad. Lieutenant Ellis reported from High Rock that Chain- bersburg was burned yesterday; Couch gone to Carlisle; Averell has been at Greencastle and gone toward Gettysburg. On the 1st of August, General Crook having moved out of sight of Fortneys station, he moved three miles north on the range and re- open ed with him. Lieutenaiit Brault came in to-night, having left the mountain when a force of 250 cavalry (rebel) had reached its foot (Sugar Loaf). On the 2d headquarters were removed to Monocacy. Lieutenant Ellis returned from Emmitsburg, and I called in Fortney from Catoctin. On the 3d I sent Lieutenant Merritt to Point of Rocks to open station of observation and to c6mmunicate with Sugar Loaf, which station I had re-established. I sent Lieutenant Brault with three sergeants and twenty-four men to patrol the river from Nolands to Edwards Ferry, to divide the distance into three beats and assign a sergeant with eight men i o each beat, to report everything seen to Sugar Loaf. I also sent Lieutenant Fortney to Maryland Heights and Lieutenant Ellis to McClellan lookout, to start at 4 oclock to-morrow morning, to report anything seen or learned of the enemy. If Averell was within reach Ellis was to direct Lieutenant Muhle- man to take McClellan station and proceed himself to Fairview. On the 4th these parties started out, and the line was opened and worked admirably to McClellan lookout. The following messages were received: POINT OF RocKa. Citizens report Imboden at Leesburg with 1,500 men and four pieces of artillery. Conscripting. No other force east of Blue Ridge. Mosby gone into the Yalley. MARYLAND HEIGHTS. Column of the enemy approaching Charlestown. McCLELLAN4 p. m. Enemy approaching Harpers Ferry from Shepherdstown in force; four brigades of cavalry and infantry; large wagon train. I signaled Ellis to estimate enemys force and report frequently. McCLELLAN4.25 p. m. Small party rebel cavalry in Sharpsburg. Enemy still move toward Charlestown. I must leave; enemy very close to me. Note.Ellis had but six men and no guards. MOCLELLAN5.20 p. m. MOCLELLAN5.40 \ / Cn~. XUL Page 116 116 OPERATIoNS IN N. V4., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CH~. XLIX. I signaled Ellis to get a guard and remain. At 6 oclock Maryland Heiglits reported Ellis gone. I signaled immediately to Mary- land Heights to tell Ellis.we have a cavalry force at Antietam Fur- nace, to get a guard from it, and return at once. At 11.30 p. m. I~llis, having resumed his station at McClellan lookout, reported: Large fire in Shepherdstown. Camp fires in the Valley. On the 5th: MARYLAND HEIGHTS8.30 a. m. Large body of infantry and cavalry, with ammunition train, north from Shep- lierdstown. Colonel Vernon, commanding cavalry detachment, reports: MCCLELLAN9 15 p. m. I attacked the enemy and drove him to Antietam Ford. He was re-enforced and drove me into Lookout mountains. One wagon train moving toward Hagerstown; another from Antietam Ford. A prisoner captured says Breckinridge is on this road. The station at McClellan lookout was abandoned to-night, by reason of the enemy getting between it and our lines. On the 6th our forces marched to Harpers Ferry. General Sheri- dan assumed command of the military division, of which this de- partment was a portion. General Hunters staff was ordered to Cumberland. On the 9th General Crook, commanding Department of West Vir- ginia, ordered me, in the absence of any orders from General Sheri- dan, to have my efficient officers and men report to him, and with the others go to Cumberland and drill them, and when well in- structed join him with them. Lieutenant Thayer was directed with his party to return to the Department of the Susquehanna. And with those officers and men requiring instruction I marched to Cumberland, reaching thei~e on the 12th. On arrival at Cumber- land, I placed Lieut. Eugene Clyde in arrest, and preferred charges against him for absence without leave, fraud, & c. On the 13th I encamped my party at Cumberland, and remained there drilling officers and men until the 27th. On the 24th, having received orders to report to General Sheridan with my party (by telegraph from Washington), I made all haste, and marched on the 27th by way of Williamsport, and reached Harpers Ferry on the evening of the 29th. I rested the party till daylight, and on the morning of the 30th marched to Charlestowii, and reported to General Sheridan. OntheistofSeptemberireceived telegraphic orders to report at headquarters Army of the Potomac, and on the 2d of September left Department of West Virginia. The officers and men of the detachment all did remarkably well in the field considering the disadvantages under which they labored in regard to want of instruction and want of proper equipment before starting, excepting Lieutenant Merritt. who was very inefficient and, I think, of doubtful habits, and Lieutenant Clyde, who absented himself very much from his proper post of duty, and was guilty of gross frauds against the Government. Lieutenant Ellis especially deserved mention for his zeal and ability. My officers and myself were uniformly treated with consideration by all the general officers under whom we served, and though wit Page 117 CHAP. XLII.] THE LYNCIIBUEG CAMPAIGN. 117 better opportunities for preparation we might perhaps have done more service, yet they spoke in commendatory terms of what we did do, particularly Genera I Hunter. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANKLIN E. TOWN, Captain, Si gnat Corps, U. S. Army, C1K.f Signal Officer, Department of West Virginia. CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER OF THE ARMY. No. 4. Report of Cot. William G. Ely, Eighteenth ~iYonnecticat Infantry, First Brigade, First Division, of engagement at Piedmont. HDQR5. EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT CONNECTICUT VoLs., Staunton, Va., June 7, 1864. SIR: On the morning of the 5th instant the Eighteenth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers was formed on the-right of General Hunters line of battle, aud immediately began to feel of tl4e enemy with a strong line of skirmishers. Advancing over the open field, we drove the rebels into the woods on the crest of the hill in front. Here, the Eighteenth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers .on the extreme right, and the Fifth New York Heavy Artillery on our left, we dressed our line of battle under cover of the rising ground, to charge. Ad- vancing with a yell, we drove the enemy from the woods to their breast-works of rail pens in the rear. In the charge we lost our adjutant, E. B. Culver, and about a dozen men. Here the soldiers fought desperately~ and at some disadvantage, being entirely in the open field. Seeing an excellent opportunity to use cannon I dis- patched an orderly with a request for two howitzers, which came promptly and did excellent service, in knocking the rail pens in splinters amid great slaughter. All of this time my soldiers were fighting obstinately and effectively, and many were falling under the hot fire. At noon my horse was killed under me. In the after- noon when I received orders from you that Colonel Thoburns forces were flanking the enemy we, together with the other regiments of your line, made the final charge on the fortifications, capturing a large number of prisoners, and putting the others to rout. Oar losses, as you will see by inclosed list,* are 120 men and 2 officers. Our colors were riddled by three cannon shot and thirteen bullets, and all of the color guard but one killed or wounded. All of the officers and men behaved most gallantly, obeying orders with alacrity even in the hottest of the fight. Respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. G. ELY, Colonel, Commanding Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers. ACTG. AssT. ADJT. GEN., FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION. * Nominal list (omitted) shows 2 officers and 17 men killed; 3 officers and 100 men wounded. - Page 118 Ii~ OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA.~ (Caip. XLIX. No.ti. Report of Col. Jacob 31. Gampbell, Fifty-fourth Penn8ylvania In.. fantry, Second Brigade, of engagement at Piedmont. HDQRS. FIFTY-FOURTH REGT. PENNSYLVANIA VOL. JNFTY., Staunton, Va., June 8, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor o submit the following report of the part taken by the Fifty-f6urth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers in the engagement at Piedmont, Va., on the fith instant: From the time my regimeirt arrived on the field, about 10 a. in., it was engaged, under .your direction, in~ reconnoitering the position of the enemy until about 11 a. in., when we were drawn up in line of battle on the extreme left of the line, in the woods, and concealed from the view of the enemy. Shortly after gaining this position, and before any order to advance was received, it was discovered that to move forwardas our line was then formedwould expose our left flank to a strongly intrenched position of the enemy. I immediately dispatched a messenger to you informing you of the fact. After a personal inspection of the position by yourself, we were ordered to fall back a few hundred feet farther into the woods, keeping well out our line of skirmishers, and to await further orders. Nothing occurred while we remained in this position, other than the wounding of two of my men by the shells from the enemys batteries, which continued to shell the woods all the time we occu- pied it. About 11.30 a. m. I received orders to fall back (leaving my line of skirmishers, Companies B and G, t9 watch the movements of the enemy in that direction), which we did, and remained in the rear of the battery on the elevated ground beyond the white house. While here I received orders to mar& h to the front to assault the position of the enemy on aur right, and to take my position on the left of the line. While advancing, however, this order was changed, placing the Thirty-fourth Massachusetts on my left. In this man- ner we advanced up to the brow of the hill, where my regiment lay down on the ground, discharging a volley into the enemy, and im- mediately charged into the woods on the right flank and rear of the enemys intrenched position. Here for a short time a most desper- ate struggle took place, bayonets and clubbed guns were used on both sides, and many hand-to-hand encounters took place. So sud- den and apparently so unexpected to the enemy was our movement on their flank that they were soon compelled to give way in great confusion, despite all the efforts of their officers to rally them. About 100 yards from the front of the woods was a fence running from the left of the line, and parallel with it, extending along the front of the regiment on my left. Along this fence to protect their flank the enemy had a strong force posted. This appeared to be the key to their position, and they held it most obstinately for some time, partially checking the advance of the regiment in front of them. It was here that Brigadier-General Jones commanded in per- son, and was killed while encouraging and rallying his troops. See- ing the importance of carrying this position as quickly as possible, I hastily detached three companies from the left of my regiment and threw them into line with the Thirty-fourth Massachusetts to aid them in dislodging the enemyleaving Maj. E. D. Yutzy for the time in command of the right of my regiment. This was soon done, for upon the fall of their chief commander they gave way in utter con- fusion. Those who were not captured were driven through thi Page 119 woods and down a steep bank into th~ river. By detacliing the three companies on the left of my regiment, my command was somewhat scattered when they arrived on the bluff at the river-bailk, but were soon reformed in good order. Lient. R. P. Robison, of Company C, captured Colonel Browne, who commanded a Virginia brigade. Lieut. G. W. Camp, of Coin- pany I, captured Colonel Jones, who cdmmanded a Tennessee bri- gade*, placing him in: charge of Private Harry Spencer, of Coin- pany\ G, of the Twelfth Virginia, to take him to the rear. Two colonels of regiments, with other field, staff, and line officers, too numerous to mention, were captured by different members of my regiment. Private Thomas Evans, of Company D, wrested the colors from the color bearer of a Tennessee regiment, sending the color bearer to the rear. So numerous were the captures made of~ the enemy, that I was compelled to stop taking them to the rear, and simply disarm them and turn them out over the barricade to be taken charge of by the cavalry, who were in the open field on our right and rear. The casualties in my regiment were, under the circumstances, sur- prisingly small, which I attribute to the impetuosity of their charge upon the enemy, who were not given time to rally with anything like order or concert of action in their own defense. The number of nien of my command in the engagement was 394, Companies B ~and G having been left in rear of the batteries to keep up the skirmish line on the left and guard against surprise from that direction. The only commissioned officer wounded was my adjutant, W. II. Rose, who received a painful but not dangerous wound in the left thigh, while gallantly cheering on the men in front of the position held by Brigadier-General Jones. Only2 men of my regiment were killed and 27 wounded, a listt of whom accompanies this report. This does not include some 40 whose wounds are so- slight that they have n9t been reported to the hospital. It would be invidious to mention officers or men by Paine, conspic- uous for acts of bravery upon the field. All behaved most gallantly, each did all that could be expected of brave men, and all are eqaally entitled to the thanks and gratitude of their commanding officers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. CAMPBELL, - Colonel Fifty-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Vols. [Col. JOSEPH THOBURN, Commanding Second Brigade.] No. 6. Report of Brig. Gen. George Crook, U. S. Army, commanding Second Infantry Division. HDQRS. SECOND Div. OF INFTY., DEPT. OF W. VA., Charleston, Va., July 7, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that on my arrival at Meadow Bluff, May 19, from the New River expedition, I received * Jones commanded the Sixti~h Virginia Infantry. t Omitted Page 120 120 OPEUATIONS IN N. VA., W. ~tA., MD., AND PA. (Ca& p~ XLIX. a dispatch from Major-General Sigel, then commanding the depart- ment, to make a demonstration on Staunton as soon as possible. Being out oJ~ provisions and many of my men barefoot, I was com- pelled to lay over here until such supplies could be brought up from Gauley Bridge, but owing to the miserable transportation fur- nished by the quartermasters department (many of the animals thus being not two~~~rs old), I was compelled to lie here eleven days of five, an en I was compelled to leave on the 30th [31st], with many of my men barefoot and scantily supplied with rations. I marched via Callaghans, Warm Springs, Goshen DepGt, Pond Gap, and Middlebrook to Staunton, arriving at the latter place on the morning of the 8th of June. During the march we kept up al- most a continued skirmish with the enemys scouts, guerrillas, a~id found Millborough Depot, with McCauslands and Jenkins brigades, who would occupy the strong positions in my advance in order to im- pede my march, but without avail. My loss in killed, wounded, and missing w~is very slight, inflicting a much heavier loss on the enemy. We burned Calf Pasture bridge, besides some lesser bridges and cul- verts, and tore up some three or four miles of the track on the Vir- ginia Central Railroad. General Averell left the vicinity of Lewis- burg some two days after me. (For particulars see his r~port.) At Staunton we were fortunate enough to get shoes for our barefoot men. Colonel Campbell reported to me on the 9th with the Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned the command of the Third Brigade. I marched on the morning of the 10th, per instructions from the major-general commanding, on the Lexington road via Middlebrook; met McCauslands brigade, some 1,~00 strong, a couple of miles from Staunton. By skirmishing with my advance and occupying strong positions along the road a head of me, he endeaWored to retard my march, but his loss of killed and wounded that fell into my hands was more than double mine. We marched twenty-four miles and encamped at Brownsburg. General Averell encaniped some - miles to my right. two On my approach to Lexington next morning the enemy fled across the river, burned the bridges, and occupied the cliff on the opposite bank of the river and in the edge of Lexington, opening on me with artillery and musketry. I occupied their attention in front while I sent the Second Brigade, Colonel White commanding, to ford the river about two miles above. General Averell had also crossed the river several miles above town, and on the approach of General Averells and Colonel Whites commands, the enemy fled toward Buchanan. Tile advance guard of the First Brigade entered town on the heels of the enemy and were first in town. Lay at Lexington two days. Marched to Buchanan the 14th, a distance of twenty-six miles. Next day crossed the mountains by Peaks of Otter, and hearing that General Breckinridge was at Balcony Falls, on my left flank and rear, I halte& at Fancy Farm aiid requested General Averell also to await until the remainder of the command came up. Next morning moved to Liberty, ~seven miles. My division thor- oughly destroyed the railroad from Liberty to Big Otter Creek by tearing up the track, burning the ties, and bending the rails. En- camped near Big Otter on the Forest road Page 121 CHAP. XLIX.] TILE LYNCIIBLTRG CAMPAIGN. 121 Received dispatch from the major-general commanding just be- fore daylight next morning to march across to the main road at New Londonthat General Averell reported the enemy in force there. Arrived on this road, eight miles from Lynchburg, next morning at 10 oclock, marching eleven miles. Learning that the enemy had retreated toward Lynchburg, halted here until 4 p. m. for General Sullivans division, when we moved on the main road to Lynchburg, my division in front. General Averells division moved on a road t~5 the right, which intersected the main road some four miles from Lynchburg, which caused the enemy to fall back beyond the inter- section of these roads. When I arrived at these cross-roads Gen- eral Averell had already passed and was engaging the enemy at the church on the hill beyond. Upon my arrival at the church the enemy began to show themselves in considerable force and were pressing back our skirmish line. At General Averells request I sent a brigade of infantry to support his line; also sent the Third Brigade, Colonel Campbell commanding, to our left to clear a skirt of woo(ls of the enemy. The Second Brigade of ~ny division that I had sent to the right to support General Averell, soon checked the enemys advance and started them in the opposite direction and drove them over a mile, capturing 4 pieces of artillery, but by mistake only 1 piece was brought off the field. Part of this bri- gade had already turned the enemys works, but by this time it had become so dark and not knowing the ground the pursuit was dis- continued. General Sullivan soon came up with his division and relieved mine, when I fell back, replenished my cartridge-boxes, and went into camp for the night. Next morning I was sent to the right with my division to make a reconnaissance for the purpose of turning the enemys left. Found it impracticable after marching some three or four miles, and just re- turned with my division and got it in position to support General Sullivans division when the enemy made an attack on our lines. On the retreat this evening my division brought up the rear. Wke~T~ reached Liberty I found General Averell had gone into camp in the edge of town; the infantry ~were going into camp some mile and a half farther on. Just as my division was passing through town the enemy were reported on the Lynchburg road. General Averell desired me to leave part of my division to support his cavalry, but as my men had marched all night and day, with scarcely any rest, I was anxious te2ut them in camp as soon as possible, and also being well satisfied that nothing but the enemys cavalry could have had time to reach Liberty, and also that our cavalry was superior in numbers to theirs, I declined unless. the enemy should develop a sufficient force to warrant the harassing of my tired men. The enemy, however, only developed some 1,500 or 2,000 cavalry, and had an engagement with General Averells cavalry. Left camp at 2 oclock next morning; arrived at Bufords Gap at about 1 p. m. Earlys corps reached the gap about 3 or 4 p. m. and endeavored to flank us out of the gap, but failed. We resumed the march at 9 p. m. I have no evidence that the enemys infantry fol- lowed us farther than to this point. Their cavalry, however, ~- lowed us to the eastern slope of the Catawba Mountain. From here on to the Kanawha Valley no enemy made his appearance except an occasional bushwhacker. The division became a little strait- ened for provisions, but came in in good shape Page 122 122 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Csw.. XLIX. I cannot speak too highly of both officers and men of the division for their uniform good behavior and cheerful and prompt obedience to orders, and the uncomplaining fortitude with which they endured the hardships and privations incident to the march. My losses during the whole expedition are as follows, viz: Command. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. First Brigade 11 49 16 76 Second Brigade 17 58 4 79 Third Brigade 29 134 27 190 Total*... 241 47 845 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient sePvant, GEO. CROOK Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lieut. Col. CHARLES G. HALPINE, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 7. Report of Col. Rutherfora B. Hayes, Twenty-third Ohio infantry, commanding First Brigade. HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, ARMY OF THE KANAWHA, Camp Orook, W. Va., July 4, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit a brief report of the part taken by the Fi~rst Brigade, Second Infantry Division, Department of West Virginia, in the late campaign against Staunton and Lynch- burg. The brigade left Meadow Bluff May 31 with 2,433 men and offi- cers, viz: Twenty-third Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, under Lieut. Col. J. M. Comly, 534; Thirty-sixth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, Col. H. F. Devol, 553; Fifth West Virginia Volunteer In- fantry, Col. A. A. Tomlinson, 572; ThiLteenth West Virginia Vol. unteer Infantry, Col. William R. Brown, 774; total, 2,433. We reached Staunton June 8 without loss, the enemy frequently appearing in our front and making several ineffectual efforts to delay or stop our progress. At Stauiiton 9 officers and 160 men of Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, whose term of service had expired, were sent to Ohio to be mustered out of service. On the 10th day of June we started via Lexington and Buchanan toward Lynchburg. reaching the vicinity of that city June 17, after a march of about 100 miles and a delay of two days at Lexington. On this march the First Brigade led the column on the day we reached Lexington and the greater part of the day before, and dur- ing both days was engaged in several brisk skirmishes with the enemy. On the day before reaching Lexington, June 10, an advance guard, composed of four companies of the Fifth West Virginia In- fantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Enochs, engaged the enemy twice, di*ing them rapidly, with some loss. In one of these skirmishes at Newport Lieutenant Miller, Fifth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, was killed at the head of his command. On the 11th, during the attack oii Lexington, the Thirty-sixth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Devol, led the * But see revised table, p. 104 Page 123 CHAP. XLIX.] THE LYNCHBURG CAMPAIGN. column, and pushing rapidly up to the enemys position near the town, occupied their attention until a part of our forces crossing the river above town compelled its evacuation. In this advancef and attack Lieut. J. M. Hamlin, Thirty-sixth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, was severely wounded, and of the same regiment 3 men were killed and 7 wounded. At Lynchburg, on the 18th, the brigade was formed to repel what was deemed at the time an assault of our position by the enemy in force. A line was formed with the greatest promptness, the .Fifth West Virginia Infantry having formed in a part of the line, when the enemy, after a sudden approach, hastily withdrew. Pursued the retreating rebels and drove them from their rifle-pits to the pro- tection of their main works. The works being too strong to be car- ried by the force there before them, the regiment retired in some disorder, but was promptly reformed before reachiiig our own lines. I regret to state that in this charge Lieut. D. J. Thomas fell mortally wounded. After leaving Lynchburg the officers and men of the First Brigade sustained themselves through the hardships and privations of the retreat like good soldiers. No words of praise could do more than justice to their good conduct throughout the campaign. We reached Charleston July 1, after a march from Meadow Bluff of almost 500 miles. Our loss was as follows: command. Killed. Wounded. Missing. TotaL 23d Ohio Veteran volunteer Infantry 3 6 9 36th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry 3 ii 3 17 5th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry 8 27 6 41 13th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry 8 1 9 Total5 ii 49 16 76 I herewith transmit copies .of the reports of regimental com- manders. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. HAYES, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. J. L. BOTSFORD, Assistcint Adjutant-General, Army of the Kail~awha. No. 8. Report of Cot. Abia A. Tomlinson, Fifth West Virginia Infantry, of engagement at Lynchburg. HDQRS. FIFTH REGT. VIRGINIA VOL. INFANTRY, Camp near Charleston, July 2, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the part taken by the Fifth Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry in the fight near Lynchburg on the 18th ultimo: Between the hours of 1 and 2 p. in., in obedience to order& from the brigade commander, the regiment left its position in the woods on the right of the road, three miles from the city, and moved across the road to another wood, where the enemy was making a vigorous assault on the Second Infantry Division. A line of battle was *But see revised table, p. 104 Page 124 OPERATIONS Iii N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [O~..& P. XLIX. 124 formed and the regiment ordered forward. Just at that moment the general commanding the First Infantry Division rode up and directed that if the enemy gave way to pursue him closely and charge his fortifications. The regiment was moved rapidly forward directly on the enemys works. The ground was rough and rocky, but the line of battle was kept well formed and the men moved steadily forward. The fire from the enemy was pretty sharp while we were advancing through the woods, but no line of battle was app~rent, the enemy being scattered and firing from behind trees and fences. After moving forward nearly half a mile from the p lace we entered the woods, crossing a deep ravine and ascending to brow of the hill, we found our line within a few yards of a strong fortification, from which the enemy opened a very severe fire upon us, when we were compelled to retire. The men were soon rallied, supplied with ammunition, and ready for another engagement. The loss of the regiment was 8 killed, 27 wounded (Lient. D. J. Thomas mortally), and 6 missing. Others who left the battle-field with the regiment are since missing, having become exhausted on the march, and there being no transportation for them were neces- sarily left behind, ai~d probably fell into the hands of the enemy. The number is not known, as some are still coming in. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A.. A. TOMLINSON, Colonel Fifth Regiment Virginia Vol. Infantry. Capt. R. HAsTINGS, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1~iirst Brigade, Second Division. Recap itmlation.Left Meadow Bluff, May 31, with 567 men. Killed at Belle Valley, Lient. A. W. Miller; killed at Lynchburg, 8; wounded at Lynchburg, 27; missing in action at Lynchburg, 6. Distance marched from 31st May Lo 1st July, 467 miles. No. 9. Report of (Jot. William R. Brown, Thirteenth West Virginia In fantry. HDQRS. 13TH REGT. WEST VIRGINIA VOL. JNFTY., Camp near Charleston, W. Va., July 2, 1864. SIR: In compliance with orders received July 1 instant, r.equiring a full report of the action taken by your regiment since leaving Meadow Bluff, embracing the number of men at your departure, loss in killed, wounded, and missing, I have the honor to submit the following report: On Monday, May 30, orders were received to march at 8 a. m. the 31st in the following order: Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Thirteenth Virginia, Thirty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Fifth Virginia. At the time of departure this regiment numbered 720 men. Passed through Lewisburg, W. Va., June 1, at 8 a. m. Crossed the main Alleghanies June 2. Passed the Hot Springs June 4, at 6.30 a. m. Part of this regi- ment was deployed as skirmishers at Warm Springs Mountain, at which place the rebels appeared in some force on the top of the mountain. Camped at Goshen, on the Virginia Central Railroad, in the evening of June 5 Page 125 CHAP. XLIX.} TllI~ LYNCHBUEG CAMPAIGN. 125 June 6 was devoted to destroying the railroad. June 7, after crosgng the mo~intain at Pond Gap, part of this regiment was deployed as skirmishers; past the village of Middle- brook to a rebel camp, which was found deserted. Arrived at Staunton June 8. June 10, Privates William L. Harris and Taylor N. Hogg, of Company B, were wounded near the village of Newport, on the Staunton and Lexington road. June 11, this regiment was present at the battle of Lexington, and entered the town at 6 p. m. by the burnt bridge. Crossed the James River at Buchanan at 6 p. m. June 14. Crossed the Blue Ridge and passed near the foot of the Peaks of Otter June 15. Arrived at Liberty, county seat of Bedford, at 9 a. m. June 16. The remaining part of the day was devoted to destroying the Vir- ginia and Tennessee Railroad. June 17, at 10 p. m. this regiment was assigned its place in line of battle for the following day before Lynchburg. June 18, at sunrise the enemy opened heavily with artillery. During the morning this regiment was deployed to the right of the town; at noon the force was concentrated at the center. This regiment was deployed in line of battle in front of brigade at 1 p. in., and slowly advanced under a heavy artillery and musketry fire toward the enemys works, and remained before the works until 8 p. in., when this regiment received orders to march one mile beyond the village of New London. Loss in wounded in this days battle: Company D, 2, F. Ohlinger and L. C. Johnson; G, 3, M. W. Maybee, W. J. Dillon, and S. H. Clendenen; G, 1, A. J. Harper (missing in action); total, 6. Juiie 20, reached Bufords Gap at 2 p. in., at which place this regi- ment was deployed as skirmishers until sunset. Philip Wintz, Company A, wounded severely. Recrossed the Alleghany Mountains in the evening of June 24. Camped at Meadow Bluff June 25. ~ Crossed Gauley River at 11.:30 a. m. June 28. Encamped below Elk River at 1 p. m. July 1. Distance marched since May 30, 480 miles. Loss in wounded, 8; missing in action, 1; total, 9. Respectfully, WM. R. BROWN, Colonel Thirteenth Regt. West Virginia Vol. Infty. Capt. R. HASTINGS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 10. Report of Cot. Carr B. White, Twelfth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of engagement at Lynchburg. CAMP PIATT, W. VA., Jane 30, 1864. SIR: The following is the part taken in the engagement at Lynch- burg, Va., June 17 and 18 instant, by the Second Brigade: On the evening of the 17th formed line of battle to the right of the stone church, the left resting on the pike, and advanced in two line Page 126 126 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Ca& p. XLIX. to meet the force that was driving Colonel Oleys brigade of cavalry, Col. John A. Turley, Ninety-first Ohio Volunteers, and Lient. Col. J. D. Hines, Twelfth Ohio Volunteers, in advan~e, Col. I. H. Duval, Ninth Virginia Infantry, and D. D. Johnson, colonel commanding Fourteenth Virginia Infantry, supporting. The advance was main- tained under a heavy fire of musketry and artillery until the enemy had been driven from one-half to three-quarters of a mile. Dark coming on and the two advanced regiments having exhausted their ammunition, pursuit was discontinued. Col. John A. Turley was severely wounded while charging with his regiment a battery, part of which he captured. Lieutenant-Colonel Hines charged and carried a rail stockade on the right, taking some 20 or 30 prisoners, one of whom was a captain. On the 18th the brigade was held in reserve, and did not engage the enemy. It gives me pleasure to refer again to the gallantry of Col. John A. Turley, Ninety-first Ohio Volunteers; Col. I. H. Duval, Ninth Virginia Infantry; Col. D. D. Johnson, Fourteenth Virginia Infan- try; Lient. Col. J. D. Hines, commanding Twelfth Ohio Volunteers, and Lient. Col. B. F. Coates, who succeeded Colonel Turley in com- mand of Ninety-first Ohio Volunteers. For details you are referred to the reports of regimental commanders. My personal staff, Capt. G. W: Hicks, acting inspector-general; Lient. W. B. Nesbitt, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. J. W. Overturf, acting aide-de-camp; Lieut. H. L. Sherwood, acting assistant quartermaster; Lient. A. F. Kendall, acting commissary of subsiste~nce; Lieut. Maurice Watkins, acting ordnance officer, were on the field and rendered valuable assistance. The loss in killed numbers 17, wounded, 58; missing, 4; total, 79~* I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, C. B. WHITE, Capt. JAMES L. BoTSFoRD, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Assistant Adjutant- General. ADDENDA. Itinerary of the Second Brigade, Second Division, commanded by Cot. 6Yarr B. White, Twelfth Ohio Infantry. t May 31.The brigade marched from Meadow Bluff, Greenbrier County, W. Va., to Staunton and Lexington; crossed James River at Buchanan; crossed over the Blue Ridge to Liberty; thence to Lynchburg, where there was some fighting, in which the brigade did excellent service, driving the enemy one mile or more, capturing a nnmber of prisoners and 2 pieces of artillery. Returning fram Lynchburg we passed through Liberty, Salem, New Castle, Sweet Springs, White Sulphur Springs, Lewisburg, & c., arriving at Camp Piatt June 29. Total distance marched, about 450 miles. During the march a large portion of the Virginia Central Railroad Was de- stroyed, and all the bridges for sixty miles burned on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, besides the destruction of many miles of track. Passing through the best part of Virginia, the loss to the enemy in stores and means of transportation was heavy. The fight at Lynchburg on the 17th and 18th instant was quite severe. * But see revised table, p. 104. t From return for Juxie Page 127 CHAP. XLIX.] THE LYNCHBURG CAMPAIGN. No. 11. Report of Lieut. Cot. Jonathan D. Hines, Twelfth Ohio Infantry, of engagement at Lynchburg. HDQRS. TWELFTH REGIMENT OHIO VOL. INFANTRY, Camp Piatt, W. Va., June 30, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the part taken by the regiment under my command in the action at Lynchburg, Va., on the 17th and 18th instant: The regiment being the advance of the Second Infantry Brigade came under the fire of the enemys artillery when near a stone church ~kno wn as the Quaker Church) about three miles from Lynchburg. yorder of Colonel White I filed the regiment to the right of the road and formed line of battle on the extreme right behind a thick wood. Moving forward through the brush a few hundred yards, we met our cavalry skirmishers falling slowly back, disputing the ground with the advancing enemy. I ordered bayonets to be fixed, and advanced rapidly. The enemy retreated to a line of rail pens from which a heavy fire of musketry was opened at the same time that we were severely shelled from the hill in front. The pens were carried, and the enemy driven in confusion for over half a mile. Our loss in this charge was 7 killed, 9 woundedthat of the enemy greater. We captured 21 prisoners. On the morning of the 18th, the regiment being held in reserve, had 2 men wounded during a heavy shelling. The conduct of the officers and men of the regiment engaged in the spirited action of the 17th is above all praise. Respectfully submitted. J. D. HINES, Lientenant-Cotanel, Commanding the Regiment. Lieut. W. B. NESBITT A. A. A. G., Second Brig., Second Infty. Div. No. 12. Report of Lient. Cot. Benjamin F. 6~oates, Ninety-first Ohio In fantry, of engagement at Lynchburg. HDQRS. NINETY-FIRST REGT. OHIO VOL. INFANTRY, Camp Piatt, W. Va., June 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by the Ninety-first Ohio Regiment in the battle of Lynchburg, Va., on the 17th and 18th instant. The regiment commanded by Col. J. A. Turley, being in the ad- vanced brigade, was drawn up in line of battle under cover of a dense woods, forming the left of the front line of the brigade, our left resting on the road, and moved directly forward through the woods to the open ground, where the enemy was found strongly posted under cover of a ridge and rail pens beyond a deep ravine, with several pieces of artillery. After delivering one volley the regiment advanced, exposed to a heavy fire of musketry and artillery, driving the enemy from his position. While crossing the ravine Colonel Turley fell severely wounded in the thigh, and the command of the regiment devolved uDon me. Advancing farther it was found that the enemy had taken~a new position over a quarter of a mile distant Page 128 128 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [C~p. XLIX. an open field in front. The regiment charging upon this position, drove the enemy precipitately from the field and captured 2 pieces of artillery. Advancing into the ravine beyond, the regiment was halted by order of Colonel White, commanding brigade. The loss of the regiment was 1 officer and 8 men killed and 3 offi- cers and 19 men wounded. The conduct of the officers and men of the regiment merits the highest praise; it is sufficient to say that all did their whole duty. To Major Cadot, I am much indebted for hi~ valuable assistance and gallant conduct on the field. The temporary loss of Colonel Turley, who fell in the hottest of the fight while gallantly leading his regiment, is severely felt by the whole command, and it is to be hoped that this brave and accom- plished officer will soon be able to resume his duties in the field. During the 18th, the regiment being held in reserve, had 2 men wounded. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. COATES, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Lient. W. B. NESBITT, A. A. A. G., Second Brig., Second Div., Dept. of W. Va. No. 13. Report of ~Jol. Isaac H. Duval, Ninth West Virginia Infantry, of engagement at Lynchburg. HDQRS. NINTH REGT. WEST VIRGINIA VOL. INFTY., Camp Piatt, W. Va., June 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to-make the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the engagements near Lynchburg, Va., on the 17th and 18th days of June, 1864: My position in line on the 17th instant was the left of the second line of battle, my left resting on the main road immediately in rear of and supporting the Ninety-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infan- try. The line being formed the brigade was ordered forward. Our first line soon met Colonel Oleys brigade of dismounted cavalry, which was giving way before the enemy. After the cavalry had passed to the rear of the brigade our first line engaged and checked the enemy. Our lines then advanced in gallant style, driving the enemy from his sever~tl positions and forcing him to abandon one piece of artillery. Darkness having set in and there being no sup- port at hand the colonel commanding ordered a halt. The enemy havingbeen routed, we went into camp for the night. On the morning of the 18th I occupied the position assigned me in the brigade. Moved and maneuvered with it during the day with- out becoming engaged. The officers and men of the regiment are deserving great praise for their coolness and gallantry during the engagements. My casualties amount to only 1~ enlisted men wounded. I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant, I. H. DUVAL Lient. W. B. NESBITT, Colonel, Comman~1ing. A. A. A. G., Second Brig., Second Div., Dept. of W. Va Page 129 129 Ca& p. XLIX.] THE LYNCHBURG CAMPAIGN. No. 14., l?eport of Gol. Daniel D. Johnson, Fourteenth West Virginia In- fantry, of engagement at Lynchburg. HDQRS. FOURTEENTH WEST VIRGINIA VOL. INFTY., Camp Piatt, W Va., July 3, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that in the engagement of the 17th and 18th days of June, 1864, near Lynchburg, Va., the officers and men almost without exception displayed great courage and heroism. The Fourteenth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry formed the right of the second line of battle of the Second Brigade and advanced in good order and with a great deal of enthusiasm in snpport of the first line of battle, each officer performing his duty with great credit, with the single exception of First Lient. William H. Gillespie, adjutant of the regiment. On the 17th day of June as we were advancing, when the first line opened fire upon the en- emy, Lieutenant Gillespie exhibited great cowardice, by dodging behind trees, stumps. & c. The regiment had advanced but a few hundred yards when Lieutenant Gillespie fell entirely behind and did not rejoin the regiment until after dark, when the firing had ceased. On the 18th when the rebel batteries opened npon our bri- gade he again abandoned his regiment, went to the rear, and did not rejoin his command until the next morning, several miles from the battle-field. Summary dismissal, I think, would be an adequate punishment for this offense. The loss of the regiment during the two days fighting and on the retreat which followed is as follows : Killed, 1 ; wounded, 8; miss- ing during the retreat, 4; total in killed, wounded, and missing, 13. Very respectfully, & c., D. D. JOHNSON, Colonel. Lient. WILLIAM B. NESBITT, A. A. A. G., Second Brig., Second Div., Dept. of W. Va. No. 15. Report of (Jol. Jacob 31. Campbell, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania In- fantry, commanding Third Brigade. HDQRS. 3D BRIG., 2D INFTY. DIV., DEPT. OF W. VA., Camp Pialt, W. Va., July 2, 1864. CAPTAIN: I would most respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by the Third Brigade in the recent operations of the division on the march from Staunton to Lynchburg, and from Lynchburg to this place: On the 9th day of June I was ordered to the command of the bri- gade, and on the following morning the command left Staunton, by way of Middlebrook and Brownsburg, for Lexington, skirmishing with the enemy the greater part of the way. We arrived in the immediate vicinity of Lexington on the 11th about noon, where the enemy made a stand, but Were soon driven from the town, which was immediately occupied by our troops. 9 R RVOL XXXVII, PT Page 130 130 OPI~RATI0NS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. We remained in camp at Lexington until the morning of the 14th, when we left that place for Liberty, Bedford County, by way of Buchanan and Peaks of Otter, occasionally encountering the en- emys skirmishers. We arrived at Liberty at 9 a. in. on the 16th and immediately proceeded to destroy the shops and tear up the track of the Virginia an(l East Tennessee Railroad as far as the South Fork of Otter River about eight miles east from Liberty. On the 17th we left the South Fork of Otter River and marched in the direction of Lynchburg and arrived within four miles of that p lace at 5.30 p. in., where we encountered the enemy in force. My brigade was soon ordered to the front and formed in line of battle on the left of, and at right angle with, the turnpike. After forming we advanced upon the enemy, driving theni into their intrench- ments, distant about one mileand a half from where we first en- countered their line. Darkness having overtaken us, we ceased to press the enemy farther and merely maintained the position we had gained. We were relieved about 9 p. m. by the First Brigade, of the First Division, and fell back about 400 yards, where we remained for the night. On the morning of the 18th we were ordered to move to the right for the purpose of flanking the enemys position, but this being found impracticable we were ordered to return to the fi out. Before we were able properly to form in line of battle the division in our front, which was then engaged with the enemy, was somewhat broken and retiring in some confusion, the enemy advancing against it. In accordance with the generals instructions, we advanced as quickly as possible for the purpose of checking the enemy before they should gain the crest of the hill, which would enable them to get a clear view of our position. In doing so we were for some time exposed to the enemys batteries, which were well served with grape and canister. We succeeded, however, in driving the enemy down the hill and across a deep ravine, and from there to their intrench- ments on the elevated ground beyond, at the same time gaining a position for ourselves comparatively sheltered from the enemy. My line having become somewhat broken by passing through the thick underbrush and in crossing a deep ditch at the bottom of the ravine, I halted my command. I reforuted it and again advanced upon the enemy, pressing close upon their works, but were met with such a storm of grape and canister that we were compelled to fall back to the spot where I had reformed my command. We remained in this position, keeping the enemy in their intrench- ments, with occasional firing between sharpshooters and skirmishers, until 8.30 p. in., when we were ordered to withdraw, which was done in good order, and we took up our line of march for Liberty, by way of New London, which latter place we passed through at day- break on the morning of the 19th. Continuing our march, we ar- rived at Liberty at 6 p. in., where we encamped for the night. On the morning of the 20th we left Liberty, taking the road to Salem, by way of Bufords Gap and Coiners Springs. At Bufords Gap we halted for a few hours, during which time we had con~id- erable skirmishing with the enemy. Leaving the gap at 8 p. in., we arrived at Salem on the morning of the 21st. Here we had some skirmishing with the enemy, but met with no serious resistance. After a few hours halt, we left Salem about 11 ~. in. and arrived a Page 131 CHAP. XLIX.] THE LYINCHI3IJRG CAMPAIGN. 131 Catawba Mountain about 4 p. in., where we remained until 9 p. m. Here we had some skirmishing with the enemy, and marched to Craigs Creek and encamped for the night. On the 22d we resumed our march by way of New Castle, Red Sweet Springs, and White Sulphur Springs, and passed through Lewisburg on the 25th and encamped for the night at Meadow Bluff. On the 26th we left Meadow Bluff for Camp Piatt, where we ar- rived on the 29th, having traveled a distance of 322 miles from~ the time of leaving Staunton on the 10th instant. A list of the casualties in my brigade accompanies this report, the aggregate of which is: Killed, 29; wounded, 134; missing, 27; total, 190, and is distributed among the different organizations in the bri- gade as follows: command. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.* 11th West virginia volunteer Infantry 6 20 6 32 15th West virginia volunteer Infantry 6 54 13 73 54th Pennsylvania volunteer Infantry 11 37 7 55 Dismounted cavalry 6 23 1 30 29 134 27 190 The conduct of the officers and men before the enemy and during the long and tiresome march was all that could be expected of brave and gallant men. Many of the men are somewhat broken down and .foot-sore, and some few have suffered for the want of proper food, which could not be obtained in the country through which we passed during the last few days of our march, but all are in ex- cellent spirits, and will be ready for action again in a short time. I have as yet received no official report from the battalion of the Third and Fourth Regiments Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps, but am informed by Captain Sweet, commanding, that no casualties occurred in that command. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. CAMPBELL, Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade. Capt. JAMES L. BOTSFORD, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Infty. Div., Dept. of West Va. No. 16. Report of ]Ifaj. Enoch D. Yntzy, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania In fantry. HDQRS. FIFTY-FOURTH PENNSYLVANIA VOL. JNFTY., Camp Piatt, W. Va., July 2, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry in the late raid through Virginia since joining your brigade at Staun- ton, Va., on the 9th ultinio, including the engagements near Lynch- burg, Va., on the 17th and 18th of Jnn~, 1864: The regiment was annexed to the Third Brigade, Second Infantry Division, on the 9th of June, 1864, by Special Orders, No. 112, head- quarters Department of West Virginia, and left Staunton, Va., on * But see revised table, p. 104 Page 132 132 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. trhe lOtn ultimo, at 4 oclock in the morning, in company with the rest of the brigade and division, and arrived at Lexington about noon next day, a distance of thirty-six. miles. Encamped until the morning of the 14th, when we marched to Buchanan, arriving at 6 p. m. ; distance of twenty-four miles. Left Buchanan on the morning of the 15th; crossed the Blue Ridge, my regimelit leading the advance and skirmishing with the enemy, losing 1 man wounded. Passed through Liberty on the 16th, at 11 a. in., and encamped on Otter Creek, eight miles from Liberty, until the morning of the 17th, 5 oclock (marching thirty miles on the 15th and 16th), when we marched within about three miles of Lynchburg, where we were confronted by the enemy in force. BATTLE OF LYNCHBURG. Immediately upon the arrival of the regiment in front of the enemy, within three miles of Lynchburg, and after a march of eleven miles without rest, I was ordered to form the regiment on the left of, and at right angle with, time tarupike road leading to Lynch- burg, the regiment occupying the extreme left of the brigade, Coni- pany B, of the regiment, being deployed as skirmishers on our left. We advanced in this order until we gained the crest of the hill, the first line of the enemys barricade, a distance of about half a mile. Here, by your direction, I took a position with the regiment still farther to the left to cover the left flank of the line, and again ad- vanced down over the hill through the woods, steadily driving the enemy before us, until we reached the foot of the hill. Night over- taking us, the advance w~s discontinued, and the action closed for the day, the reginient resting in line for about an hour, when our brigade was relieved by a brigade of the First Infantry Division, and we took a position, by your direction, about one-quarter of a mile to the rear of the line, and rested upon our arms until daylight next morning, when we accompanied the brigade in a reconnaissance of the enemys extreme left, n~arching a distance of about four miles. We returned at about ii a. in. aimd formed in liile near the ground on which we rested the previous night, my regiment occupying the extreme left, doubled by wing. Immediately upon the formation of the lihe I received your order to move forward, and we advanced over the crest of the hill (some 300 yards to the left of our line of direction the evening before) and down through an open field, time regiment being exposed to a heavy artillery fire of shell, grape, and canister, for a distance of abont 800 yards. At tIme foot of the hill I found the enemy strongly posted in a deep ditch, concealed by thick weeds and underbrush, lining both banks~ Upon this discov- ery, we immediately charged the enemy and drove him in confusion from his position. Having now gained a line somewhat sheltered from the enemys fire by the rising ground in our front, in order to reform the line, which had become somewhat broken in consequence of crossing a deep ditch running diagonally through the field, over which we had clmarged, as well as to give the men a monments rest before making the final assault, I halted the regiment for about three minutes, after which I ordered another charge upon the emmemy, who had taken shelter behind a stone wall, rail breast-works, and an old dwelling-house, stable, and ice-house, about 200 yards in our front. Simultaneously with the order, botim the officers and men gallantly rushed forward with a shout, and drove the enemy from their shelter in utter confusion. HQrQ we reQeived the hottest m Page 133 CHAP. XLIX.] THE LYNCUBURO CAMPAIGN. 133 ketry fire of the day, and it was here that most of our comrades fell. Both officers and men behaved with their usual gallantry and bravery. No hesitating or faltering in the face of the enemys fire; all dis- charged their duty faithfully and cheerfully. I took 420 men into the engagement. Previous battles, sickness, hard marching, and exposure had materially reduced the strength of the regiment. Capt. John Cole, Company B, was the only officer severely wounded. The regiment lost 11 killed, 37 wounded, and 7 missing; total, 55. This does not include about 30 slightly wounded who were not sent to the hospital, among them 3 officers. The entire line having come to a halt, we held our position until we were ordered to reform on the ground from which we had made the last charge, and rested there unmolested, except by an occasional shot from the enemys sharpshooters, until about 9 p. in., when we were ordered to withdraw, and by 10 oclock took up the line of march with the entire column, aiid continued a long and fatiguing march for ten days, passing through Liberty, Salem, Rocky Gap, New Castle, Sweet Sulphur Springs, White Sulphur Springs, Meadow Bluff, Lewisburg, Hawks Nest, Loup Creek, and Gauley Bridge, arriving here in the afternoon of the 28th, having marched a dis- tance of 215 miles since leaving Lynchburg. Depending entirely upon the country over which we marched for supplies, a great portion of our line of march being but sparsely settled and supplies scarce, and what little they had, shipped to the mountains on hearing of our approach; in consequence of which, to our suffering from hard, fatiguing marches, loss of sleep, and a burn- ing sun, was added a fair prospect of starvation. During the last four or five days many of my best men dropped out of the ranks, completely exhausted by hunger and fatigue; but supplies having been sent out to meet them, the most of them have since come into camp. Notwithstanding the many hardships endured and the terri- ble suffering of the men, there is a general expression of satisfac-, tion of the work that was performed during this important expedi- tion. Since going into camp much sickness prevails among both officers and men, the sanitary condition of the regiment being worse now thami I ever knew it to be since entering the service, more than one- quarter of the regiment being unfit for duty. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. D. YUTZY, Aliajor, Comdg. Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Vol. Infty. Col. J. M. CAMPBELL, Commanding Third Brigade, Second Division. No. 17. Report of Gol. Daniel Frost, Eleventh West Virginia Infantry. HDQRS. ELEVENTH WEST VIRGINIA JNF~NTRY VOLS., Camp Piatt, W. Va., July 2, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the following as the part taken by six companies of my regiment in the recent expedition of the forces of this department to Lynchburg: Left Bungers Mills. near. Lewisburg, June 1, at 6.30 a. in., and, passing through Lewisbur~ and ac ross Greenbrier River, encamped near White Sulphur Spruigs Page 134 134 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [C~& r.. XLIX. June 2, marched to near Callaghans Station, Alleghany County. June 3, marched across Jackson River to near Hot Springs, Bath County. June 4, marched over Warm Springs Mountain to camp near Bath Alum Springs. June 5, passed through Panther Gap, where the enemy were posted in some force. A flank movement caused the place to be evacuated, with slight skirmishing, when we moved to Goshen Station, Virginia Central Railroad, and camped. June 6, our forces were engaged in destroying the Virginia Central Railroad from Miliborough to Craigsville and Pond Gap, which gap was passed June 7, into the Shenandoah Valley, and camped near Middlebrook, within five miles of Waynesborough and eight miles of Staunton. June 8, marched to Staunton, where we met the divisions of Gen- erals Sullivan and Stahel, under General Hunter. Here this brigade was reorganized, and Colonel Campbe1l~, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, assumed command. June 10, marched from Staunton via the Lexington road. Met the enemy under General McCausland, near Staunton. The Eleventh Regiment was ordered to deploy to the right of the road, and throw- ing forward a line of skirmishers, marched on the right of the road, skirmishing the entire distance to Middlebrook, when we were relieved, and marched in column to Brownsburg, Rockbridge County. June 11, left camp at 5 a. m. and marched to within one mile of Lexington, where we engaged the enemy, who, after some resist- ance, evacuated the place, when our forces took possession. Sunday, June 12, the Military Institute, professors buildings, and Governor Letchers house were burned. June 14, marched from Lexington to Buchanan, twenty-four miles, which place we found occupied by General Averells division. The bridge across James River had been destroyed by McCausland in his retreat. A large portion of the village was destroyed by taking fire from the burning bridge, and would probably all have been de- stroyed but for the efforts of our soldiers in siuibduing the flames. June 15, marched by the Peaks of Otter to Fancy Farm, Bedford County, and camped near Liberty, Virginia and Tennessee Rail- road. June 16, marched through Liberty, filed along the railroad, com- pletely destroying it, by burning ties and bridges and bending rails, to Big Otter Creek, where we encamped. June 17, marched to within three miles~ of Lynchburg, where we engaged the enemy, driving him from his position, and at dark held our advanced position near the principal works of the enemy. Com- panies B and G of my regiment were thrown forward as skirmishers and advanced past a battery of rebel artillery, the enemy retreating. Finding that our main column had halted, our skirmishers retired with a loss of 3 wounded and 2 missing. Our regiment and bri- gade held the advance line for an hour, when we were relieved by a brigade of the First Infantry Division; fell back a few rods and slept on our arms until morning. June 18, marched three miles to the right, and in the afternoon were ordered again to the front of the enemys works and were after- ward formed in line on our left under a heavy fire of artillery. Our brigade charged the enemy and drove him to his rifle-pits. Here th Page 135 CHAP. XLIX.] 135 THE LYNCUBUEG CAMPAIGN. right giving way, and our brigade being exposed to a cross-fire of musketry, grape, and canister, we were obliged to retire about thirty paces to a new line of battle, which was held until orders were re- ceived to fall back. Marched all that night and reached Liberty about 3 p. m. of the 19th. Our losses in the second days engagement were Lieut. James Barr, Company D, and 5 enlisted men killed, 16 wounded, and 10 missing. At Liberty our forces were formed in order of battle, with cavalry fighting in the rear. Moved at 2 a. m. on the 20th and marched night and day, the men suffering severely from heat, hunger, and fatigue, but bearing all without complaint, through Salem, New Castle, Sweet Springs, White Sulphur Springs, Lewisburg, Meadow Bluff, Gauley Bridge, to this place, where we arrived on the 29th ultimo, having marched a distance of 412 miles, in the heart of the enemys country, over roads rendered dusty by three weeks of drought, without rations much of the time, and with an enemy constantly in our front and rear. The endurance of the men is wonderful, and the spirit of devotion to their cause, which enabled them to bear all the hardships they have seen, is worthy of favorable comment. Herewith please find a list of casualties * of my command. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. FROST, Colonel Eleventh West Virginia Infantry Volunteers. Lieut. C. W. KIRBY Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 18 Report of Lieut. Col. Thomas Morris, Fifteenth West Virginia Infantry. HDQRS. FIFTEENTH WEST VIRGINIA VOLUNTEERS, Camp Piatt, W. Va., July 1, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of my com- mand during the late expedition, from June 1 until the 29th: On the 1st of June left Bungers Mills, Greenbrier County, W. Va., and arrived at Staunton, Augusta County, Va.; on the 8th, had considerable skirmishing with the enemy, but met with no loss, marching a distance of 105 miles On the 10th left Staunton and pro6eededto Lexington, via Middle- brook, where we skirmished with the enemy, lost 1 man killed and 1 severely wounded. Distance from Staunton thirty-six miles. Left Lexington on the morning of the 14th and arrived at Libertj~~ on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, on the morning of the 16t a distance of forty-five miles. Occupied the day in destroying the railroad for a distance of eight miles. On the morning of the 17th moved in direction of Lynchburg, a listance of sixteen miles, engaged the enemy, my regiment forming the right of the Third Brigade, Second Infantry Division; had 1 commissioned officer slightly wounded and 1 private severely ~rounded * Embodied in table, p. 104 Page 136 136 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD.. AND PA, [Crn~p. XLIX. On the 18th, after some maneuvering, engaged the enemy about 1 p. in., and after a severe engagement was withdrawn from the field with a loss of 5 killed and 68 wounded. Commenced retreating on the evening of the 18th and arrived at Lewisburg, Greenbrier County, W. Va., on the evening of the 26th, a distance of 148 miles. Same evening left and arrived at this camp on the evening of the 29th, a distance of ninety miles. Whole distance marched 448 miles. Loss in killed, wounded, and missing, 70. The men are much wearied and exhansted, not one-half of my ~ command being able for effective duty at the present time. I am, yours, very respectfully, THOMAS MORRIS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Lient. C. W. KIRBY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gener~al. No. 19. Report of Capt. Daniel W. Glassie, First Kentucky Battery. HDQRS. FIRST INDEPENDENT KENTUCKY BATTERY, Camp Piatt, W. 17a., July 6, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the marching done and part taken by the First Independent Kentucky Battery under my (Capt. D. W. Glassie) command during the month of June, 1864, on the raid to Lynchburg and return~ Agreeable to instructions from (livision headquarters received on the 30th day of May to move at 7 a. m. the next morning, after mustering out forty-nine men the command moved with men enough to drive the teams, arriving at Bungers Mills that (lay, where I was joined by nine men detailed by the surgeon of the Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry from men who were unable to march. Moving from thence through Lewisburg to White Sulphur Springs, thence to Callaghans Statioii, where I was again joined by twenty-seven infantrymen unused to artillery service or the use of horses, an(l again the next morning after starting was joined by thirty-two more men from Third and Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Reseive Corps, making a total of 155. From thence we moved through I-lot and Warm Springs across the Alleghany to Middlebrook, thence to Staunton, arriving on the 8th instant without firing a shot. Here we lay by for two days for rest, and again on the 10th instant recei x~ed an order to march, as also to report one section of gnns to General Averell. (I sent the third section under Lieutenant Hattersley, a trustworthy officer.) Moving out the Lexington pike for Lexington, Va., after about ten mil~s from Staunton one section was ordered to the front, and marched in rear of the advance guard all day, arriving at Lexington, Va., a little town on the North Branch of the Janies River, at 10 oclock on the 11th instant, where the enemy had artillery in position which they opened on our column. About 12 m. my (First Kentucky) battery was ordered to take a position on the right of the road to cover the crossing of tbe Second Brigade, commanded by Col- onel White. Here we fired a few rounds and crossed the river a Page 137 CHAP. XLIX.] THE LYKOILBUEG CAMPAIGN. 137 what is known as the lower ford and camped in Lexington, Va.; there we remained two days resting the men and recruiting the stock. Moved again on the 14th instant on the Bnchanan pike, arriving at and camping in Buchanan the same evening. On the 15th crossed the Blue Ridge at Otter Mountain Pass, camp- ing at Fancy Farm, distance sixteen miles; thence through Liberty, Va., crossing the railroad to Welshs farm; thence to Lynchburg, Va., arriving on the battle-field at 3p. m. on the 17th instant. Here the section under Lieutenant Hattersicy reported from General Aver- eli with empty ammunition chests, having had several skirmishes. As our lines advanced toward Lynchburg, Va., the enemy opened his batteries. Four of my guns were then thrown forward on the left of the artillery line. At the same time the left section, under Lieutenant Hattersley, was thrown forward about 600 yards, forming the new artillery line of fire. My remaining four guns were brought forward on the new line, where I received an order from Captain McMullin to send one section still farther to the front. Mistaking the order, I moved Yny whole battery forward into and on the pike until I was obliged to open on the enemys infantry to save my men, throwing two guns forward in an orchard to the right of the road and in ad- vance of the works abandoned by the enemy. placing the other four guns in position to the left and rear about fifty yards, opening the six guns, two with canister and four with shell. Two men tempo- rarily disabled, 1 horse killed and 2 wounded, 1 seriously; darkness compelled us to cease firing. I then moved my four guns forward into park and camped for the night; no grain or feed for the horses for two days. On the 18th instant, at 3 a. in., I was ready to move, but seeing the enemy in position ordered niy caissons to the rear under cover, th~ same time calling the attention of Captain McMullin, chief of artil- lery, to the fact, and asked for orders. He ordered me to remain till he could see the general, in the mean time moving the First Ohio Battery, which had parked on my right. Deeming the position a poor oiie, I limbered to the rear, and moved b ack a bout twenty yards. As soon as I had taken my new position the enemy opened on my battery with his artillery. As soon as possible we returned the fire, and succeeded in silencing their battery. I was then ordered to retire, and again to report to Captain Da Pont, chief of artillery, who placed inc in position to cover the center and operate with a flank movement on the enemys left. Again changing my position he ordered me to the extreme left of the line to draw the fire from Cap- tain Snows (First Maryland) battery, supported by the Eighteenth Connecticut Infantry. I moved under cover of a hill about 500 yards to the left of the position occupied by Captain Snow, in a plowed field, where my guns were well covered until I was ready to open. Moving up in line throngh an orchard, I ran my guns up by hand and opened directly on the enemys flank, surprising and driving them from their guns. ~Again I was ordered back to the center, where I fired a few shots; from thence to the right, taking position on the right of Battery B, Fifth United States, where we remained until dark. During the engagement on the left, I had 2 wheels disabled and 1 axle-tree splintered, and while on the right 3 wheels disabled and 1 trail hand-spike shot away; 1 horse killed, and 5 wounded during the day. Marched all night, and camped for breakfast. Continued the march through Liberty, Va., where wo halted and remained for th Page 138 138 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., w: VA., MD., AND PA. R~iw. XLIX. night in harness. Lost during the night 5 wounded horses, 3 sets of artillery harness, the horses having been abandoned, and no means of transportation. On the evening of the 19th one section of guns ordered to report to General Duffi~, the other four guns lying in column in the road till 3 a. rn. Marched all day and night, halted for a rest at Bufords Gap, lay in position, fired a few shots, broke camp, marched out at dark, marched all night, artiving at Salem, Va., for breakfast, thence through to Greenbrier, via New Castle and Sweet Springs; rested one day at Sweet Springs. From Greenbrier, via Lewisburg, Meadow Bluff, Sewell Mountain, Gauley Bridge, to Camp Piatt, W. Va., arriving June 30, 1864. My men behaved nobly, both on the battle-field and on the march, exerting themselves to the utmost to keep the stock on their feet, working many hours in the night when others were resting, grazing~ and grooming their horses. The men of the Third and Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Reserve Corps have behaved themselves like veteran artillerists. My losses are as follows: John Smith, run over, wounded in the head and hand; William Overbeck, slightly in abdomen; Lieut. R. C. Steen, slightly; 2 horses killed and 7 wounded; S wheels disa- bled, and ishot to pieces; 1 trail hand-spike and ring shot away, and 1 axle split; 3 sets of artillery harness, 2 sets of transportation harness, and 9 wounded horses, 2 of which were wounded at Salem, Va., abandoned on road; 16 horses worn out and abandoned. Ammunition expended on the round trip, 700 rounds. Hoping the above will prove satisfactory, I have the honor to remain, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANL. W. GLASSIE, Ctpt., Comdg. Glassies (First Independent Kentucky) Batty. Capt. JAMES L. BOTSFORD, A. A. G., Army of the Kanawha, Charleston, TV. Va. No. 20. Report of Lieut. George P. Kirtland, First Ohio Battery. HDQRS. FIRST INDEPENDENT OHIO BATTERY, Camp Piatt, TV Va., July 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this command in the recent raid: In obedience to orders left camp Mill Creek on tbe morning of the 1st June, and by easy stages reached Staunton on the 8th. At 11 a. m. on the 11th instant was ordered in position to engage the enemys battery that was posted on the south side of North River at Lexington, and after being engaged three hours succeeded in driving tnem from their position. Our loss in this engagement was 1 man killed, Private George W. Tank. On the evening .of the 17th, in obedience to orders, took a position and engaged the enemy near Lynchburg, fought till dark, advanced our line one mile, and encamped for the night. At 11 a. m. on the morning of the 18th became hotly engaged with the enemys guns, posted in strong earth-works. This engage- ment lasted forty-five minutes, and the fire very severe. Casualties, 4 slightly wounded Page 139 CHAP. XLIX.] 139 THE LYNCHBURG CAMPAIGN. On the morning of the ~1st left one piece in position on a hill, under command of Lieut. C. H. Fee, one and one-half miles east of Salem, to check a heavy line of the enemys skirmishers that were advancing on our right flank; remained in positioiv thirty minutes, using canister until the battery had passed and overtaken support. I have the honor to report a loss of 6 artillery wheels, 14 horses, and 1 set of lead harness. By order of Capt. James R. McMullin, acting chief of artillery, 528 rounds of ammunition (fixed) and 12 tarpaulins were destroyed at Meadow Bluff on the 26th instant. Twenty-six artillery horses have been transferred to the post act- ing quartermaster at Charleston as unserviceable since reaching this place. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient serv- ant, G. P. KIRTLAND, Lieutenant, Commanding. Capt. JAMES L. BOTSFORD, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 21. Report of Brig. Gen. Alfred N. Duffi6, U. S Army, commanding First Cavalry Division. HDQRS. FIRST CAY. Div., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA, July 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper- ations of this division from the 10th day of June, 1864, up to the present time: Pursuant to paragraph 20, Special Orders, No. 112, headquarters Department of West Virginia, dated June 9, 1864, I took command of the First Cavalry Division, at Staunton, Va., June 9, 1864, relieving Maj. Gen. Julius Stahel. In accordance with orders from depart- ment headquarters of same date as above, I moved my division at 3 a. m. of June 10, 1864, on the Waynesborough pike toward Tye River Gap. I sent Lieutenant-Colonel Root, Fifteenth New York Cavalry, with ~wo squadrons of that regiment to make a demonstration against Waynesborough. He found their pickets six miles from the town, attacked and drove them into the p lace, where he found the enemy in force; drew the fire of their artillery, and aroused their whole camp. From prisoners subsequently captured, I ascertained that the whole rebel force at Waynesborough lay in line of battle for four hours, expecting a general attack from our army. Lieuten- ant-Colonel Root and his command manifested great gallantry in the execution of this movement. His losses were 1 killed and I missing. While Colonel Root was making the demonstration upon Waynesborough, I moved my command by a road to the right of the town, toward the Tye River Gap. My advance at about noon encountered the rear guard of Jacksons cavalry, capturing 1 prisoner. From him I learned that Jacksons command had just passed on the way to join Imboden at Waynesborough. Marching twenty-five miles this day, I encamped near the mountain in whic Page 140 140 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [CRAm XLIX Tye River has its source. Lieutenant-Colonel Root joined me with his force near this place. Near this came I caused to be burned an extensive furnace for the manufacture of pig-iron which had just been refitted to be used for the benefit of the rebel Government. From this camp I sent a communication to department headquar- ters at Midway, twenty-two miles distant. I also sent out two small parties across the mountains toward the railroad with orders to burn bridges and tear up the track. These parties, however, were unable to accomplish the object, the country being infested by the enemy. On the morning of June 11, having awaited for some time to re- ceive orders from department headquarters, I moved forward my command over the mountains and through Tye River Gap into the valley of the Tye River, leaving one regiment to picket the gap. From this point I again sent an officer, with an escort of fifteen men, bearing a commumiication to the major-general commanding the de- partment. On the, morning of this day having ascertained from a dispatch which was captured that a rebel wagon train, on its way from Staunton to Lynchburg, ~xvas moving some twelve miles ahead of my column, I sent forward a squadron, under Major Daniel, of Second Maryland Cavalry [First Maryland Potomac Home Brigade Cavalry] to capture the train. He succeeded in overtaking the train, driving back the guards, and capturing a considerable number of wagons; also in capturing about 40 prisoners, including 7 com- missioned officers, 3 of whom were rebel quartermasters. Major Daniel brought off some six or seven wagons, loaded with hams, flour, and other stores, but was obliged to destroy the remainder of the train, the horses having been taken off and the harness cut to pieces. From th& quartermasters captured, I learned that property of very great value was destroyed in the train. About ~800 in specie was destroyed in one wagon. Hundreds of thousands of Confeder- ate money and bonds were burned, and all the books and papers belonging to the several quartermasters. One quartermaster re- marked that the damage could only be estimated by millions. A considerable number of horses were also captured. On the after- noon of this day I sent a party of ten men and one sergeant from Captain Rennison s pioneers to destroy the railroad at Arrington. During the night they returned, having burned Arrington Depot, containing a large quantity of boots, shoes, and other quartermaster stores; also destroying four small bridges and tearing up the rail- road for a distance of thre~ or four miles. This work was very brilliantly executed by the sergeant in charge. Failino to receive any communication from department headquar- ters or to ascertain the whereabouts of General I-Innter~s command, I moved forward my whole command on the morning of the 12th in the direction of Amherst Court-House, intending to strike the railroad near that place, destroy bridges and the track, and push a force across to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, east of Lynchburg, with the purpose of destroying the railroad bridge over the James River about eight miles from Lynchburg. At about 10 a. in., when my column was five miles from the Court-House, I re- ceived General Hunters communication, dated Lexington, June 11, and ordering me to report with my command at Lexington, with as little delay as possible. I immediately changed the direction of my column toward Whites Gap. Arriving near the point where the road crosses Piney River, my advance encountered a force of the enemys cavalry, numbering some 300. I supported the advanc Page 141 CHAP. XLIX.] THE LYNCHBUIW CAMPAIGN. 141 with two squadrons of the Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry, of Wynkoops brigade, who ~harged the enemy, driving them back in confusion and capturing some 40 prisoners, among whom were 10 commissioned officers. Having driven the enemy beyond Piney River, and within three miles of Amherst Court-House ,J moved up Piney River. From prisoners captured I ascertained that Imboden was near that place with his command, having moved from Rockfish Gap during the preceding night, on his way to Lynchburg. I pro- ceeded up Piney River, thence via Buffalo Springs to Whites Gap, which I occupied that night. When a few miles beyond Buffalo Springs I sent forward a squadron of cavalry to capture a train of refugee wagons. They succeeded in capturing a few wagons, but the horses had been cut loose from the wagons and the harness de- stroyed. The wagons were loaded with stores of provisions and forage, which was secured for my command. I occupied the gap at midnight, having marched thirty-five miles that day. On the 13th I proceeded to Lexington, a distance of fifteen miles. The road over the mountain ~nd th r~ough Whites Gap is steep, rocky, and very difficult for artillery or a train. It was with great labor that I succeeded in taking my train through. Some seven miles from Lexington, near Whites Gap, I destroyed about 2,000 cords of wood, which had been cut for manufacture into charcoal. I also burned an extensive furnace for the manufacture of pig-iron. On the 14th I moved my division, according to orders from depart- ment headquarters, in rear of the whole army and train at 6 a. m. During the 15th and 16th I marched in rear of the train. The march was very laborious. No opportunity was offered to obtain supplies from the country, and my command suffered greatly for want of forage. Very little opportunity for rest occurred, as our march for the most part was made during The night. On the i7tl~ of June, in accordance with orders from General Hunter, delivered to me by Brigadier-General Crook, I moved my command from the pike, by the road to the left, to the Forestville road. Proceeding a short distance on this road, I met the enemy at 1.30 p. in., strongly posted in the woods. I immediately engaged him, with my men dismounted in the woods. The road was narrow, and the woods so dense as to forbid the use of cavalry. The engage- ment of my division lasted about two hours, during which we drove the enemy a short distance. Mean time the infantry immediately on my right became engaged, and the firing was heavy along the whole line. The enemy fell back slowly. I followed with my com- mand~halting for the night at Clays Mills, about five miles from Lynchburg. I have not ascertained the exact loss of the division in the engagement of this day. My division lay at Clays Mills in line of battle during this night. On the morning of the 18th I moved my command slowly forward on the Forestville road, skirmishing with the enemy. I had sent several messengers during the night of the 17th to communicate with the major-general commanding, but had failed to receive any orders as to what I should do. At 9 a. m. I encountered the enemy at a bridge crossing the railroad some four miles from Lynchburg, and after a brisk encounter succeeded in dislodging them and driv- ing them back. They partially destroyed the bridge before we drove them back. At 10.30 a. m. I received a communication from Brig- adier-General Aveiell, stating that it was the desire of the coni- manding general that I should immediately move forward my divi~ir Page 142 142 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. and attack the enemy vigorously. I proceeded at once, moving my command in three columns, Colonel Taylors brigade marching on the right of the road, Lieutenant Atkinsons section of horse artillery, supported by one regiment of cavalry, on the road, and Colonel Wynkoops brigade on the left. A line of skirmishers was kept up on the front and flanks of the column. Upon moving forward my skirmishers encountered the enemy, drove them out of their tempo- rary protection of rail barricades and pressed them back for two miles, until they sought refuge in their fortifications, beyond Black- water bridge and within two miles of the city. Arriving at this place, my whole command was disposed in order of battle, and moved up to within less than half a mile of their fortifications, when my skirmishers came to the banks of the Blackwater, a deep and narrow stream with precipitous banks and swampy approaches. There was but one road by which a force could cross the stream, and this road was commanded by two of their strongest fortifications. The enemy were strongly posted on the opposite bank of the Black- water, while they opened a heavy artillery fire upon my cavalry from their fortifications. I immediately ordered Lieutenant Atkin- son to place his section of artillery in position. This he did, and poured such a destructive fire into the enemys works commanding the bridge over the river as to silence their guns twice in succession. Simultaneously with this, I ordered a general advance of the line of skirmishers. The First New York (Lincoln) Cavalry, on the left of the line, was ordered to move briskly forward and drive back the enemy, which they did, crossing the stream; at the same time two squadrons of the Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry were ordered to charge the bridge. Attempting this, they were repulsed by a heavy fire from the enemys infantry, which lay concealed~ beyond the bridge, while the enemys guns again opened from all their works. On this night the Fifteenth New York Cavalry was ordered to make a demonstration upon the rebel works, but were repulsed by a large force of rebel infantry which lay coiicealed in the woods. These seVeral demonstrations against the enemy by my right, left, and center developed the fact that the enemy were strongly posted, and in numbers much superior to my own. At the same time a heavy cloud of dust was observed on the left of my position, and careful observations discovered a considerable force of rebel cavalry moving in this direction. Colonel Wynkoop was ordered to send two squad- rons from his command to hold them in check. This was success- ful, and the rebel cavalry were soon seen retreating toward the town. Subsequently, finding the enemy lapping around my right, I threw one regiment of cavalry from Taylor~s brigade to the right to drive them back. This was accomplished. During the whole afternoon my whole line was constantly and warmly engaged with the enemy. At about 5. p. m. [hel opened along his whole line with artillery and small-arms, compelling my skirmishers to retire to the other bank of the river. From my position on the field I could see numerous re-enforcements marching down the hill from the city, and could hear the whistle of the cars as they came in amid the play- ing of bands of music. This led me to the belief that large bodies of re-emiforcements were arriving and being thrown into my front. About 7 p. m. an officer of General Averells staff came to me upon the field and directed me to make a general advance of my hue, stating that a brigade from General Crooks infantry division would come to my assistance on the right. A few moments afterward a Page 143 CHAP. XLIX.] 143 THE LYNCHBURG CAMPATG~. officer of Major-General Hunters staff came to me, stating that the whole army was falling back, and that orders would be sent to me at what hour to fall back. I would here state that had I obeyed the orders brought by General Averells aide, my loss must have been very great, if not my whole command sacrificed, as all my amiun- nition was exhausted and the enemys forces massed in my front. Having held my position until 10 p. in., I took upon myself the re- sponsibility of falling back. This was effected in perfect order, my forces being withdrawn in the same order in which I advanced in the morning. Falling back for three miles, I re-established my line of battle, in order to ascertain if the eiiemy were following. At the same time I sent Captain Ricker, of my staff, to the headquarters of General Hunter. He returned two hours later, informing me that he could not find General Hunters headquarters, and that the whole army had left the field. I then fell back on the Forest road, cross- ing to the main pike at the village of New Lond,on. Some tinie later I overtook the rear of our retreating army, about daylight, after having fought about ten hours and marched all night. At a dis- tance of four miles from Liberty Court-House I reported to the major-general commanding the army in person. I was then ordered to move to the advance of the main column and select camping- grounds for the several divisions composing the army. I encamped my division for two or three hours four miles beyond Liberty, when I received orders to move forward immediately aiid occupy Bufords Gap, some sixteeii miles from Liberty Court-House. My advance, under Colonel Wynkoop, occupied the gap 1 a. m. of the 20th of June. My whole division reached this point and en- camped at daybreak. At this point I employed my whole force in tearing up and destroying the railroad. I destroyed the railroad, burning all the depots and bridges for a distance of ten miles. From Bufords Gap I received orders to proceed to Salem via Bon- sacks. At this place I caused the depot to be burned and an ex- tensive woolen factory which was engaged in the manufacture of clothing for the Confederate Government. I reached Salem at 2 a. m. of June 21. On the morning of the 21st I was ordered by the major-general commanding the army to proceed to Catawba Mountain Gap, which was reported to be held by the enemy and strongly blockaded. My orders were to clear out this gap and take the train through. This I did; I found about four miles of blockade, which was promptly removed and a small force of the enemy driven from the gap. Hav- ing passed the train over the mountain I received a signal dispatch from Captain Carhin, stating that the artillery was attacked and was without support. Though without any orders to support or picket the a4illery I immediately sent one regiment back to the top of the mountain to assist the artillery, but the distance was too great for them to arrive in time to render any assistance. At 7 p. m. of the 21st I was ordered to proceed, by way of New Castle Court-House, to the junction of the Fincastle and Sweet Springs roads, and there remain while the main army should p ass. This I did, arriving at the point five miles beyond New Castle at daybreak of the 22d. With the First Brigade I placed strong pickets on all the roads to Fincastle and sent out scouting parties, whilst the Second Brigade was held in line of battle all of that day and the succeeding night Page 144 144 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD. AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. On the morning of the 23d I was ordered to proceed, via New Cas- tle, in rear of the train and in rear of the rest of the army. From that time np to the arrival of my division at Lonp Creek it has marched in the rear. No opportnnity has been offered to obtain forage er snbsistence for the men, everything having been taken by the troops marching in my front. As a conseqnence many of the men of my command have perished by the roadside from hnnger and fatigne, whilst their horses fell by the way from the same cause. I would also respectfully call attention to the fact that my marching has been done principally during the night-time, thus affording very little opportnnity for rest or sleep. I neglected to mention above that whilst passing through Whites Gap, on my way to Lexington, I sent ont one sqnadron to Irish Gap, which succeeded in capturing a large train loaded with supplies which was being escorted by a small rebel force. The train was burned and a few pi~isoners taken. I would sum up as the operations of my division, in addition to the fights and skirmishes, the capture of 3 wagon trains and the destruction of property of immense value, with which they were loaded; the burning of 2 iron and 1 woolen factory; the capture of some 400 horses; the destruction of Arrington, Bonsacks, and Big Lick Depots; the destruction of the Orange aiid Alexandria Railroad for four miles; the tearing up of the Virginia and Tennes- see Railroad for ten miles, together with the destruction of 17 rail- road bridges; the capture of about 100 prisoners, iucluding 17 com- missioned officers. My division marched about 425 uliles and. sub- sisted off the country. The following is a summary of the killed, wounded, and missing in the several engagements of my command: First Brigade, Col. R. F. Taylor commanding: Killed, enlisted nien,. 5; wounded, commissioned officers, 3; enlisted men, 18; miss- ing, enlisted men, 29. * Second Brigade, Col. John E. Wynkoop commanding: Killed, enlisted men, 2; wounded, enlisted men, 12; missing, enlisted men, 65. * Section Battery B, First Virginia Light Artillery (horse), Lieuten- ant Atkinson commanding: One enlisted man killed and 1 seriously wounded. Of the commissioned officers captured, 5 were paroled by my orders on account of wounds. I forward herewith a histf of their names, with rank, & c. I am pleased to testify to the gallantry, efficiency, and fortitude of the troops composing my command. Duriiig all the marches, pri- vations, and fatigues, no murmurs have been heard. In every action the greatest bravery has been manifested. All this would show that the troops had the true spirit of the contest in which we are engaged. Where every one did his duty so well, it would be invidious to point out individuals. My thanks are especially due to my brigade com- manders, Colonels Taylor and Wynkoop, and to all the niembers of my staff who were present, as follows: Capt. A. H. Ricker, Second Regiment Virginia Cavalry, acting assistant inspector-general; Capt. E. W. Clark, jr., assistant adjutant-general of volunteers; Capt. R. E. Hedden, acting commissary of subsistence; Capt. Frank E. Moores, Eighth Regiment Ohio Cavalry, division provost-mar *But see revised table, p. 105, t Not found Page 145 CHAP. XLIX.] 145 THE LYNCHBURG CAMPAIGN. slial; Capt. S. J. Steves, Fifteenth Regiment New York Cavalry, di- vision ordnance officer; First Lieut. Benjamin J. Ricker, jr., Thirty- fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Mounted Infantry, aide-de-camp; Surg. J. H. Ayers, Thirty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Mounted Infantry, division medical director. Lieutenant Atkinson, First Virginia Light Artillery, commanding section of Battery B, de- serves mention for bravery and efficiency. I would also add Lient. Thomas H. Wellsted, aide-de-camp to General Stahel, who served voluntarily upon my staff during the entire expedition, rendering efficient service. A full list of the killed, wounded, and missing of this division will be forwarded as soon as practicable. Respectfully, yours, A. N. DUFFIE, Commanding First Cavalry Division. Lient. Col. CHARLES G. HALPINE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of West Virginia. No. 22. Report of Brig. Gen. William W. Averell, U. S. Army, commanding Second Cavalry Division. HDQR5. SECOND CAy. Div., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA, Charleston, W. Va., July 1, 1864. CoLoNEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the cavalry under my command since the 1st ultimo: On the 1st of June my division, consisting of the brigades of Brigadier-General Duffi~, Colonel Schoonmaker, and Col. J. H. Oley, was encamped at Bungers Mills, Greenbrier County, waiting for supplies from Charleston of horses, shoes, clothing, & c. Crooks division crossed the river on that day, leaving me to bring up my detachments and s~upplies, which did not arrive. On the 2d Mr. David Creigh, a citizen of Lewisburg, was tried by a military commission and found guilty of murdering a Union soldier in November last. The proceedings were subsequently approved and Mr. Creigh was hanged at Belleview on Friday, the 10th of June. The detachments and supplies for which we had so long waited failing to arrive, I followed Crooks division on the 3d to White Sulphur Springs with 3,200 mounted and 1,200 dismounted men; 600 men were without shoes, and many other articles of clothing were much needed. From the 18th of May until this day we had waited near Lewisburg upon half rations, most of the time for necessary supplies of horse- shoes, nails, and clothing; but owing to the miserable, inadequate, and insufficient transportation furnished from the Kanawlia we were obliged to set out again almost as destitute as when we arrived. The march from Sulphur Springs to Staunton was made in five days via Morris Hill, Warm Springs, Goshen, and, Middlebrook. My barefooted men suffered tetribly, but without complaint on this march. At Staunton the much needed supplies were received. On the 9th Brigadier-General Duffi~ was placed in command of ~he First Cavalry Division and my own was reorganized as follows, 10 it RYOL XXXVII, PT Page 146 146 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. viz: First Brigade, Colonel SchoonmakerFourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Eighth Ohio; Second Brigade, Colonel OleySeventh West Virginia Cavalry, Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Mounted Infantry, Third West Virginia Cavalry, Fifth West Virgi~iia Cav- alry; Third Brigade, Colonel PowellFirst West Virginia Cavalry, Second West Virginia Cavalry. The Third West Virginia Cavalry was assigned temporarily to the division of Crook and has remained with it since. At the request of the major-general commanding the department, on the 9th I snbmitted a plan of operations the purpose of which was the capture of Lynchburg and the destruction of railroads run- ning from that place in five days. The plan proposed the movement of Sullivans, Crooks, and my own division by different roads up the Valley, while the division of DuIW, after threatening the position of the enemy at Rockfish Gap, was to pass southward along the western base of the Blue Ridge, making demonstrations at the various gaps, sending scouting parties to destroy the Orange and Alexandria Rail- road and to arrive at Buena Vista Furnace, on Jackson River, at the close of the second day. On the third day he was to move through Whites Gap to Amherst Court-House, destroying the railroad, seiid- ing a detachment of his division toward Lynchburg for that purpose, while he proceeded with his main body across the James River below Lynchburg and destroyed the South Side Railroad east of the city, his entire division forming a junction with the corps of Major-General Hunter south of Lynchburg. The plan was approved and adopted, and orders were issued covering the operation for the first day. By direction of the major-general commanding I gave to Brigadier- General DuffiS complete and comprehensive verbal instructions with regard to the route he was to take and the services his division was to render. He was also furnished with memoranda to assist his memory. On the 10th my division marched via Summerdean to Belleview, on Hays Creek, with little opposition, communicating with Crook at Brownsburg, two and one-half miles to the east. Efforts were made to cut off the rebel force of McCausland, which had attempted to m~ke a stand against Crook on the Brownsburg pike. Taking the route via Cedar Grove, on the 11th my division crossed North River at the Rockbridge Bath and endeavored again to cut off MeCausland, who had burned the llridge at Lexington, and was opposing the crossing of Crook. The enemy, however, avoided~ the daiiger by a hasty flight and the town of Lexington fell into tho 1 hands of my uivision with little or no resistance. No communication having been received from General Duffi6, I sent scouts to find him during the evening of the 11th and the ensu- ing day, which time was wasted in waiting to hear from him. Fear- ing he might fail in the execution of the most important part of his work, I dispatched 200 men, under Lieutenant Grim, First West Virginia Cavalry, and Lieutenant Kerr, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, on the evening of the 12th,. from Lexington through Whites Gap, via Amherst Court-House and around Lynchburg, to destroy the railroad. The perilous duty assigned to these officers was most gallantly performed, and they rejoine~l their regiments on the 13th. The report of Lieutenant Grim is inclosed. * ~Not found Page 147 CHAP. XL1X.] 147 THE LYINCHBURG CAMPAIGN. At 2 a. m. on the 13th my division moved toward Buchanan, driving McCausland in disdrder across the James River. He was pursued the last eight miles to Buchanan at a gallop, my advance endeavoring to save the bridge at that place, but the flying forces of McCausland set it on fire before he himself had crossed, obliging him to ford the river to escape capture. Two brigades were imme- diately thrown across to a fruitless pursuit. Several bateaux, loaded with provisions and stores, were captured near this town. Two of my scouts who had been sent to Duffi6 the day previous re- turned, having fallen in with a reconnoitering party of the enemy ten miles from Lexington, from the commanding officer of which they received a dispatch to bear to Breckinridge. a copy of which is inclosed. * A spy from the enemy who came into my camp soon after my arrival was killed by my order. I soon received a notifica- tion from the major-general commanding that he should remain that day at Lexington, and instructions to wait for his arrival at Buchanan. The 14th was occupied in destroying some important iron furnaces in the neighborhood of Fincastle. On the 15th my division followed Crooks over the Blue Rid go between the Peaks of Otter to Fancy Farm, where General Crook, having received information that Breckinridge was at Balcony Falls, desired me to wait tutil the arrival of the main body, as our left flank would be too much exposed. The brigade of Colonel Powell was sent forward to Liberty, and the country in that direction was most thoroughly scouted by him that evening. Scouts were sent to Lynchburg and every other direction. The following morning my command pushed on through Liberty, rebuilt the bridge over Little Otter River, forded Big Otter, and attacked McCausland at New London about dark. He had been re- enforced by Imboden with 400 men and two guns, but relinquished his position after a short action, in which he lost about a dozen men. At sunrise on the 17th my command uLoved by the old road to- ward Lynchburg, some two miles to the right of Crook, who moved on the direct road from New London. The enemy resisted our ad- vance at every step after arriving within eight miles of the city, but it was not until we came in sight of the stone church, four miles from Lynchburg, that he se& med determined to give battle. I constantly advised General Crook of my progress, and after a brief reconnais- sance of the position, opened the attack. The ground was difficult for cavalry, and its peculiar formation made the tollowing disposition necessary: Schooninakers brigade furnished a strong skirmish line, mounted, across the open ground, supported by squadrons with in- tervals in columns of fours, open order, ready to charge or dismount to fight; Oleys brigade on the right in column, Powells on the left, in the same order. The enemy retired as the attack was developed, with very little skirmishing, but as it approached the crest of the hill upon which the church stands a rapid artillery fire was opened upon us and their small-arms became unmasked. Schoonmakers and Oleys brigades dismounted and ran to the front; the section of artil- lery with my division galloped up to the church, supported by Powell, and opened its fire. The enemy signally failed in his ruse to draw us into a position from which lie expected to drive us. Atter a short but sharp contest he was driven nearly a mile toward Lynchburg. Not found Page 148 148 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD~) AND PA. [CH4P. XLIX. Crook brought up two brigades, which were soon deployed and advanced to the support of my line, ~nd two of his batteries also arrived at the front. The enemy, driven to his field-works, received re-enforcements. and confidently advanced to charge my line. Had the infantry support been in position, to have carried on our success, then we might have achieved some important advantages. As it was my line had a hard struggle to maintain its position until the infantry arrived, but with it came the dusk of evening, and although the boldness of the enemy was severqly punished, our attack was delayed until the morning. During the night, by the direction of the major-general command- ing, efforts were made to communicate with Duffi~, who had lost him- self on the extreme left. Scouting parties were also sent to obtain information from the city. iRe-enforcements continually arrived to the enemy. On the following morning Duffi~ was found and ordered to attack on the Forest road. Two hundred men under Captain Dun- can, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, were sent to the enemys ex- treme left to harass him, and, if possible, destroy the railroad. Later Powells brigade was sent to attack the enemy at the Campbell Court-House road. The enemy busied himself with throwing up earth-works during the night of the 17th and the day of the 18th, until 4 p. in., when he advanced from his works, making an attack, which was quickly re- pulsed. Schoonmakers brigade was placed in position during the action, but was not called upon to enter it. Oley was looking out for the rear and left. It was evident that too many lives must be expended to carry the enemys position. The morrow would find him in a condition to assume the offensive, if not already so. The delay at Lexington, rendered necessary by the deviation of the First Cav- alry Division from the course ordered for it, and the change of place made by ordering it to join the main body, instead of going around Lynchburg, had proved fatal to the successful execution of the Origi- nal project. The orders of the major-general commanding to withdraw west- ward along the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad left me as rear guard of the column, which position was maintained until our arrival at Liberty. Between the Big and Little Otter Rivers I received orders from the major-general commanding to make a movement upon the Danyille railroad, which were suspended soon after at Liberty. Upon the arrival of the army at the latter place it halted to rest west of the town. I had requested that a brigade of infan- try be left to support me, anticipating an attack from the indica- tions in rear; but my request was not granted, and unaided my division stood the brunt of a severe attack for two hours. Schoon- makers brigade especially distinguished itself by its obstinate resistance. My ammunition failing, the division was withdrawn behind Crooks, which had been formed in line of battle a mile in the rear. My loss in this severe engagement was 122. At 3 a. m. the 20th the march was resumed in the direction of Bufords Gap. Scouts had informed us that a heavy force of cavalry had passed the night before to the northward in the direction of the Peaks of Otter. Arrived west of the gap, my division was placed in position in connection with Crooks to enable the troops to rest and refresh themselves. At sundown the column was again in motion toward Salem, Duffi(s division in advance of the trains, rind my own in rear, with th~ exception of Powells brigade, which was left wit Page 149 CHAP. XLIX.] TIlE LYNOHI3IJRG CAMPAIGX. 149 General Crook in rear. Staff officers were sent forward to direct General Duffid to picket strongly all the side roads until the column had passed. At Bonsacks Station no picket was found on the road to Fincastle, and scouts sent by me upon that road reported a cavalry force of the enemy moving in the direction of Salem. An officer was dispatched to General Duffi~ with directions to take a strong position near that place, and patrol a distance of four miles upon every road leading to it. I received during the night an order from the major-general com- manding to send the train on at once from Salem upon the road to New Castle, but not feeling assured that the road indicated had been properly patroled, I postponed the execution of the order until my arrival at Salem, to which place I hastened, finding the division of Duffi6 asleep among the wagons at daylight, with one brigade in the village and pickets only just outside. Without leaving my saddle I roused one of his regiments and sent it at once upon the New Castle road, with orders to attain the summit of Catawba Mountain, seven miles from Salem, and await further orders. Immediately after it I sent one of his brigades to support it. I directed the two brigades of my division with me to be posted opposite the Fincastle road to await the attack of the approaching enemy. It was soon reported from Duffi& s advance .that the New Castle road was blockaded. I directed him to take his entire division present and pr6ceed to clean out the gap an~ hold it until the column had passed, placing a regi- inent upon the summit of Catawba Mountain to hold that position. The wagon train followed him. The cavalry of the enemy at this time attacked my brigades on the Fincastle road, but were repulsed. The action could have been made much more decisive in our favor had General Sullivan granted assistance, for which he was vainly impor- tuned, although he had a brigade within a few hundred yards of the scene. Meeting the major-general commanding upon my return from the flank, I represented to him the necessity for resting and re- freshing the troops, explaining to him the arrangements which liad been made and th~ positions taken, all of which he approved, direct- ing provisions to be cooked in the town, and the artillery and troops to bivonack. Shortly after it was reported that the enemy had attacked our trains in the gap, and later that he had captured some pieces of artillery. Who had started the artillery upon the road or who knew f5hat it was not in camp as had been directed, I am unable to say. With the brigades of Colonel Schoonmaker and Oley the enemy was soon routed in a brilliant manner, the guns retaken and ~everal of the enemy killed and captured. It was found upon pro.. ceeding through the gap that General Duffi6 had neglected to ob- serve any of the instructions he had received. Not a single precau- tion had been taken by him to prevent the attack which had occurred, and not a regiment nor a man had been left by him upon the summit of Catawba Mountain, but pushing northward he was only halted by a staff officer sent by me. During the night of the 21st my division followed the First to New Castle, guarding the roads leading to the east and west until the main body had passed. The march thence to this place via Sweet Springs, White Sulphur Springs, and Lewisburg was made without incident. The officers and men suffered greatly from hunger, but no complaint was heard to overtake and accompany a train to Beverly which had left us on the lGth at Liberty Page 150 150 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., Mt)., AND PA. [C~. XLIX. I beg leave to commend for enterprise and activity, for an intelli- gent and faithful execution of orders, Lieutenant Grim, First West Virginia Cavalry, and Lieutenant Kerr, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Captain Winger, Eighth Ohio Cavalry, elicited the ad- miration and encoiniums of his comrades by his daring gallantry in the attack in front of Lynchburg. Colonels Schoonmaker and Moore in front of Liberty behaved with great credit. Colonel Powell proved himself at all times a capable brigade commander. WM. W. AVERELL. Lieut. Col. CHARLES G. HALPINE. Asst. A~jt. Gen., Department of West Virgtwia. No. 23. Reports of Brig. Gem. John C. Vaughn, C. S. Army, of engage- ment at Piedmont. - JUNE 6, 1864. Hon. J. A. SEDDON Secretary of War: Mr. SECRETARY: The rumor you hear is too painfully true, as you will perceive from the inclosed dispatches sent to me this morning, a little after midnight, by the President. There is no force to send, except fr~om General Lee, and as the position is in his command, all was left to his better judgment, especially as he has directed al] the movements of Breckinridge, Jones, and Imboden, down to this time. I offered him my services to facilitate the ~uovements he might de- sire. Very respectfully and truly, yours, BRAXTON BRAGG. [Inclosure.*] STAUNTON, June 5, 1864. Fought the enemy to-day eleven miles from Staunton. Near New Hope now. Have been driven back. I will try to protect Staunton, but unless re-enforcements come at once I cannot do it. May have to fall back by way of Waynesborough. General W. E. Jones killed. J. C. VAUGHN, Brigadier-General. General R. E. LEE, Commanding Army of Northern Virginia. HEADQUARTERS, Fishersville, June 5, 186410 p. m. (Via Waynesborough.) I have retired to this point. Artillery and wagon trains safe. My command is much scattered. The enemy is pursuing. I fear I will be forced to leave the Valley. Staunton cannot be held. Crook is *See also E. G. Lee to R. E. Lee, p. 151 Page 151 CHA. XLIX.] THE LYNCHBURG CAMPATGX. 151 said to be advancing from the west, some twenty miles distant. The battle was fought to-day at Piedmont. The enemys strength not less than 9,000 or 10,000 infantry, heavy force of cavalry, and thirty pieces of artillery. ~-. C. VAUGHN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Hon. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. WAYNESBOROUGH, Jane 6, 1864. Went in the fight yesterday with an aggregate of 5,600. I have not over 3,000 effective men, including Imbodens cavalry, 800. I dont know where General Elzey is; think he has gone toward Char- lottesville. Enemy occupied Staunton this morning. Crook will form junction to-night or to-morrow with Hunter. Crooks force re- ported at 10,000. McCausland and Jackson are falling back upon this place. Hunter has, I think, 10,000 men, with twenty-four pieces of artillery; Crook has thirty. ~. C. VAUGHN, Brigadier- Ge2eral, Commanding. General B. BRAGG. BLUE RIDGE TUNNEL, June 7, 1864. No movement of the enemy from Staunton to-day that I am in- formed of. I have information from the battle-field. We have there 60 wounded. The enemys loss in killed and wounded, 1,500. They have 1,000 prisoners. .~. C. VAUGHN, Brigadier-General. General BRAXTON BRAGG. No. 24. Reports of Cot. Edwin G. Lee, Thirty-third Virginia Infantry, of operations June 4iS. STAUNTON, June 5, 1864. We have been pretty badly whipped. General W. E. Jones killed. General Vaughn in command. Falling back toward Fishersville. He asks that you hurry the re-enforcements promptly. I fear Staun- ton will go. E. G. LEE, Colonel. General R. E. LEE, Commanding Army of Northern Virgtnm. HEADQUARTERS POST, Staunton, June 15, 18642.30 p. m. MAJOR: Your note of the 13th reached me yesterday by return courier. It states McNeill and Gilmor are in the Valley below. Major Gilmor has just showed me your note of the 12th requestin Page 152 152 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [chAp. XLIX. him to join the major-general commanding with all his force, and directing him to order similar forces likewiseMcNeill and Mosby, I suppose, If the intention of yours of the 13th to me was to super,- sede that of the 12th to Gilmor, I would respectfully call attention to the fact that there is now only McNeills sixty men between me and the Potomac, and he will, under Major Gilmors order, be re- moved. If consistent with the exigencies of the case, would it not be well to permit Gilmor and McNeill to remain below? If both, or either, are kept there, I ask that they be instructed to keep me ad- vised of the enemys movements, and especially of all that threatens this point. I will have the telegraph ready for work to-morrow. There are 200 wounded Yankees here at the hospital and forty nurses. I had no guard when I got here and did not know when the enemy might get back; so I went to work and paroled the whole of them. I send a copy of the parole. It is the same that they gave our hospital men, except the clause regarding escape, which I added because I had no guard, and because I did not know whether the paroles were binding anyhow. Is the parole they gave our men in in n ow? Is mine binding to them unless we keep the men and deliver them at a point of exchange? Is there not some special agreement between the two Governments about hospital paroles? Cannot these fellows be returned to their own lines as fast as conva- lescent by mutual consent of Generals Breckinridge and Hunter, instead of sending them to Richmond? I have not yet delivered to the surgeon in charge of them a copy of the parole or the list. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. G. LEE, Maj. J. STODDARD JOHNSTON, Colonel, Commanding Post. Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure.] STAUNTON, VA., June 12, 1864. We, the undersigned, do solemnly swear that we will not bear arms against the Government of the Confederate States, or in any way aid or assist the enemies of the Confederate States, or attempt to escape from the custody of the same, until regularly exchanged as prisoners of war. HEADQUARTERS, Staunton, 17a., Jitne 17, 1864. GENERAL: Pursuant to your telegram of the 3d instant, I took command of this post on the 4th. A few hours after doing so I heard that the enemy were moving on General Jones flank, toward Port Republic, and fearing a cavalry dash, took the responsibility of getting the heavy stores and official papers here in readiness for moving. I received no orders and no information leading me to think the place in danger until Sunday afternoon, Jane 5, at S p. in., when a note addressed to a gentleman here was handed me. It stated that General Jones was killed, and the army broken and routed, and General Vaughn retreating toward Fishersville. I immediately strained every nerve to get all stores and supplies away, but time was so limited, and for lack of any warning whatever th Page 153 C~. XLIX.J THE LYNCHBUI~G CAMPAIGN. 153 means were so limited also, that it was utterly impossible to remove everything. Another disadvantage was that, having been in com- mand of the post so brief a time, I did not know what was here, and had no time for inquiries. Nearly all the wagons of the post quar- termaster had been taken for the new~y arrived troops, wh& came unfurnished with transportation. The precautionary measures of Saturday enabled us to get off 900 sacks of salt, a large lot of leather, & c. All the ammunition was saved, all the bacon, and most of the quartermasters stores. At 11 p. m. June 5 I got an order from Brigadier-General Vaughn, in reply to a communication of mine, urging me to get everything away, & c.; that he was at Fishersville, r~tiring to Waynesborough. This is the only order of any descrip- tion, the only warning or notice I received from any one. I inclose a report, which is as accurate as I am able to make, of what was left here. I did not destroy what was left, because I could not do so without destroying th~ buildings, unless I moved the things out, for which I had no time, but the enemy carried nothing off; they destroyed all. I gave a trusty gentleman of the town authority to give to citizens, before the enemy got in, what they wanted. He distributed all the commissary and some of the quar- termasters stores,~and saved, by claiming it as his own, about a hogs- hc~ad of sugar. The depot, woolen factory, Government stables, steam-mill, wagon shops, and store-houses for tax in kind, were burnQd. The quartermasters, commissary, and ordnance buildings were not burned, being private propertST. The railroad was effect- ually destroyed for three miles, and partially for three more. The bridge at Christians Creek, about fifty feet long, was burned. The telegraph destroyed for six miles; that I have repaired. The hands are slowly at work on the railroad. At the rate they are nioving it will tal~e a month or more to repair it. I would respectfully sug- gest that the railroad company be requested to employ C. R. Mason, of this place, as the most suitable person to undertake the repairs of this road. Having no instructions, I had to use my own judgment about the time of leaving, and the direction the trains should be sent. Such things as could be gotten on the cars was sent to Lynchburg; the commissary supplies I sent to General Vaughn, and all the other wagon trains across the Blue Ridge, at Tye River Gap, into Nelson County, not wishing to encumber the army with a train it could not use. I regarded that as a point safe from every attack, at least until the quartermaster could receive orders from the brigadier-gen- eral commanding. With these I sent the surplus hQspital train, the convalescents, negroes, & c. I left at daylight on Monday morning, after everything was gone. The enemy on the 10th captured a small portion of the quarter- masters train, which unfortunately had with it the quartermaster and commissary official papers, all of which were burned. Our sick and wounded at the hospital, with attendants, were paroled by the enemy. They left 300 wounded and forty nurses here of their own, with one assistant surgeon. Upon arriving on the 12th I had no guard, and did not know whether we would hold the place or not, so to be at least even with the Yankees I paroled all of them. I inclose a copy of the parole,* the last clause added because being entirely alone here, I wished to keep those who were able to do so from run- *Seep 152 Page 154 154 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. fling off before I could get a guard. I have only a provost guard now. I have not yet given a copy of the parole to the surgeon, and if shall not do so until I hear from Judge Ould, to whom I have written for instructions. I obeyed that part of your order in reference to organizing a local force, and doing all in my power to aid in the defense of the Valley. Before it was received over 700 reserves, and 800 others, convales- cents, detailed men, furloughed soldiers, & c., had been collected and sent to the field, where they still are. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, E.G. LEE, General ~. COOPER, Colonel, Commanding Post. Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond. [Inclosure.] Memoranchim, of property abandoned upon evacuation of post at Staunton, Va., on 6th June, 1864. Commissary stores: Twenty barrels flour (mostly broken), 10 bar- rels corn meal (niostly broken), 600 sacks salt, 2 hogsheads sugar (1 of these saved by a citizen), 5,000 empty sacks (in bad order), 5 bales cotton cloth (to be exchanged for supplies), 8 bales cotton yarn (to be exchanged for supplies), and tables, desks, safe, & c. Ordnance stores: 1,000 dainaged small-arms, 150 pairs spurs and straps (common), 200 pounds horseshoes, 20 condemned saddles, 150 new saddles of Richmond Arsenal, one 12-pounder Napoleon, dis- mounted, which had been captured from the enemy; 2 howitzers, iron (32-pounders), of which they only broke the trunnions~ itzer, iron (12-pounder), in same co~idition. 1 how- Quartermasters stores: 1,000 wooden buck~ts, 8 or 10 boxes de- ceased soldiers clothing, 2 or 3 boxes new clothing, 40 or 50 good wagons, large number of picks and shovels, small lot of harness (not much value), and sundry other things of no great value or impor- tance, together with office furniture. Iu addition to the foregoing, there was a considerable quantity of provisions belonging to or intended for the Ordnance Department in Richmond. The agent in charge of them estimates their value at $400,000. This report is only approximate, the loss of official papers by capture preventing an accurate one. All these stores were destroyed by the enemy, save what were , given to citizens during a brief period of the morning of the 6th instant. ~E. G. LEE, Colonel, Commanding Post. No. 25. Reports of Brig. Gen. John ]JfcCausland, C. S. Army, of operations June 1115. NEAR NATURAL BRIDGE, June 13, 1864. (Via Liberty.) The enemy drove my cavalry brigade from Lexington on the 11th. They now occupy the town. Scouts report the force to be Hunter Page 155 155 OFlAP. XLIX.] THE LYNCHBURC~ CAMPAIGN. Crooks, and Averells. They have destroyed the Military Institute. I have driven their cavalry back several times. They are now ad- vancing on the Buchanan road. JNO. MCCAUSLAND, Brigadier-General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. Six MILES FROM LIBERTY, June 15, 18646 p. m. The enemy now occupy Liberty ; the depot is burning. A brigade of cavalry, nine regiments of infantry, and twelve pieces of artillery are now near the town. A large camp can also be seen on the Peaks of Otter road all. , supposed to be Hunters force. They have 15,000 in JNO. MCCAUSLAND, Brigadier-General. General F. T. NICHOLLS. No. 26. Reports of Brig. Gen. John D. Iihboden, C. S. Army, of operations June 1117. MOUNT TORRY FURNACE, June 11, 18648 a. m. GENERAL: The enemys cavalry (one brigade, 2,000 strong, and a battery) burnt this furnace last night, and camped in the gorge above. Attack, except upon his rear guard, was impossible. He is now moving over an almost impracticable road from this furnace to the head of Back Creek, and thence to the head of Tye River. He is making for the railroad between Lynchburg and Charlottesville. I am cutting out the blockade at Howardsville Gap, and will be across the mountain by 3 p. m. I have sent messengers to the peo- ple on Rockfish and Tye Rivers to blockade all the roads in front of the enemy to-night, and inform me on what road he moves. If McCausland fell back to Tye River Gap last night, he, too, will get in front of this detachment. I have made this important move with- out waiting to hear from you, as time is very precious, and, under- standing your views as expressed yesterday, have no doubt it is the proper movement. Your communications with Lynchburg depend upon my success in heading off this force. My men are in fine spirits and move with a will. You can send a courier to me to-night via Greenfield, in Nelson, where he will get information of my route. The enemy will be much jaded by climbing over the mountain to-day. We had a skirmish with his rear, and captured several Yankees and negroes this morning. Colonel OFerrall is still har- assing him. In haste, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. IMBODEN, Brigadier- General. Major-General BRECKINRIDGE Page 156 156 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CEIAP. XLIX. NEAR NEW GLASGOW, June 12, 18646.30 p. m. GENERAL: It has not been possible for me to inflict any damage upon the enemy. I marched and worked all day yesterday, and all night last night to get within striking distance this morning. A continuous march of 40 miles, on a little grass, has thoroughly used up my artillery horses. The enemy was ahead of me, and it has been utterly impracticable for me to get around him. His force is so much superior to mine that he divides and holds positions where he chooses. I am effectually cut off from the gaps west of me. The enemy reached Lexington, and whipped McCausland yesterday, and he is retreating on Lynchburg. So say citizens. My couriers to him have never returned. Lynchbnrg, I fear, will fall to-morrow. The enemy now holds Amherst Court-House, and I am cut off from Lynchburg, except by the south side. Supposing it probable that you will. need either the bridge at Hardwicksville or Bent Creek, I will seize them early to-morrow, fortify and hold them with a small force, and will throw the bulk of my force into Lynch- burg to assist in its defense till you come to its relief. If you aban- don pursuit, and seek to gain Hunters front, the best and I think only safe route is from Fairfield to New Market, and thence across the James by one of the bridges I have named. About half the Thirty-sixth Battalion was lost to-day in a fight at I~ose Mills. Yours, very respectfully, J. D. IMBODEN, Brigadier-General. Major-General BRECKINRIDGE. LYNCHBURG, June 14, 1864S.38 a. m. I am here with 2,000 cavalry. Enemys main column, about 15,000 strong. General Duffl6, with 4,000 men, is in Amherst. I am arrang- ing to attack him to-day. McCausland is retreating this way from Buchanan. Breckinridge was moving up the Valley toward Lexing- ton day before yesterday. Not heard from him since. A marauding party, not over 300, forded James River eight miles below here last night, and burnt Concord Depot, on South Side Railroad, and went on to Campbell Court-House. I have sent detachment in pursuit. I am apprehensive they are making for Staunton River .bridge, on Danville railroad. If not overtaken or bridge guarded, it may be destroyed to-night. General Nicholls has, all told, not over 1,300 effective men. J. D. IMBODEN. General BRAXTON BRAGG. LYNCHBURG, June 14, 18649 a. m. GENERAL: The enemy drove McCausland out of Buchanan yes- terday. His main column reached that point last evening, under Hunter, Averell, and Crook. I have got between ~uffi6 and Lynch- burg, and expect to attack him to-day. A party of 300 marauders passed through farms last night, forded the river eight miles belo Page 157 CHAP. XLIX.] THE LYNCHBURG CAMPAIGN. 157 Lynchburg, and burnt Concord Depot, on South Side Railroad, and pushed on before daylight to Campbell Court-House. I have sent an adequate force to try and overhaul them. They are believed to be making for the Danville railroad to destroy bridges. I have telegraphed O~eneral Bragg to notify him of the danger to that road; have also apprised him of your whereabouts and the state of affairs here. Your speedy arrival here is of vast importance. There is nothing in the way of your coming by the most direct route except the force of cavalry under Duffi~, which I hope we can break up. As soon as it is ascertained positively that Hunter is moving upon this place from Buchanan I will dispatch other couriers to you. My men and horses are much jaded, but I hope will be able to do good service to-day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. IMBODEN, Brigadier-General. Maj. Gen. J. C. BREcKINRIDGE Commanding, & c. JUNE 14, 186412 m. Your dispatch, by Captain McCue, is just received. I will move with all haste to cut off enemy in Amherst from escape to the Valley. If you advance directly this way we will catch the whole force in Amherst. I telegraph McCausland to move to Waughs Ferry and the Cadets to hold the rope ferry. This will force him out to the east. J. D. IMBODEN, Brigadier-General. General BRECKINRIDGE. LYNCHBURG, June 14, 186412.40 p. m. Dispatch just received from General Breckinridge. He is now between Lovingston and this place, advancing rapidly. I have or- dered troops to every ford and mountain pass from Amherst, and hope to cut olf retreat of entire force in that county. General Breckinridge will reach here by to-morrow morning. J. D. IMBODEN, Brigadier- General. General B. BRAGG. JuNE 16, 18646.30 a. m. Your order of 9 p. m. June 15 was received at 3 a. m. I will move forward this morning as directed, and join McCausland. I send orders for several detachments, numbering over 600 men, to join me. I sent Colonel Imboden to Lynchburg yesterday to collect the detachments that have been sent to capture the raiders in Camp- bell. There is not a Yankee in Amherst or Rockbridge. Scouts report Hunters entire army moving vi~ Peaks of Otter. The last of his forces left Buchanan yesterday evening. I have sent your order to Colonel Shipp, of tho CadQts. My horses ~re playing QV~ Page 158 158 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. fast. As far as I can ascertain about 200 have given ont and been sent to the rear. I have directed all whose horses break down to repair to Lynchbnrg, where the men can be made available. Lieut. Col. H. A. Edmundson and Lieutenant-Colonel Beall commanded the detachments sent to Campbell. I will make the inquiry you order at the earliest moment, and carry out your directions. The horses of McClanahans battery left to rest at Lynchburg are, I suppose, recuperated. I should like to have that battery sent for- ward to me, and let me return to Lynchburg Major Leydens, whose horses are breaking down. I will move forward via Trinity Church and Forest Depot this morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. IMBODEN, Brigadier- General. Major-General BRECKINRIDGE, Commanding, & c., Lynchburg, Va. IN THE FIELD New London. June 16, l864--sunset. GENERAL: Your orders of this date, directing me to picket strongly all the roads from enemys present locality to fords and ferries above Lynchburg, have just been received. These orders require the picketing of all the roads leading to the north or northwest from this place to the Peaks of Otter, and there are a great many of them, as my observation in coming here proved to me. The enemy occu- pies the road from this place to Libertyperhaps beyond. General McCausland fell back here this afternoon from Otter after burning the bridge. The enemy followed him, and we have been skirmish- ing for over an hour with his cavalry. General McCausland in- forms me that the advance brigade of cavalry is immediately fol- lowed by about 7,000 infantry, and that it has been impossible for him to engage the cavalry, as they merely skirmish in front till the infantry can be deployed. Averell is marching in rear of the entire column, and is probably this evening about Liberty. My opinion is that he designs just such a raid as you anticipate. Above Lynchbnrg the James is fordable at several places. I forded it at Bethel last night. To all these fords there are country roads leading. I, therefore, respectfully suggest that instead of attempting the almost impossible task of putting pickets on all these by-roads, from which they will be driven to-morrow, the same thing can be accomplished by my sending to-night up the tow-path 100 men to each ford and ferry, to cross to the north side and fortify their positions aiid defend the fords. This will cover all the roads better than the attempt to picket so far in the open country, where every farm has its road. I will make the details for this at once, and as my horses must graze a few hours, I will not start them off till I hear from you in reply. If you deem the road picketing better than ford guards I will endeavor to cover all the roads to-night. All was quiet up to 4 p. m. on the Forest road six miles above the depot. Since I commenced writing this the enemy has retired from my front, and I presume will encamp within a mile and a half of me. My position is not good for a fight, as the hills for his artillery co Page 159 Cxii. XLIX.] THE LYNCHBURO CAMPAIGN. 159 mand mine. I have but four rifles and three small howitzers. The courier returning to-night will find me on the roadside, where my horses will be grazing. I have ventured, general, to suggest this modification of your order simply because of my personal knowledge of the localities acquired in the last three days marching and countermarching, and I hope you will pardon the presumption. I ordered Major Lady to-day. Yours, very respecuy, ~. D. IMBODEN, Brigadier-General. Maj. Gen. J. C. BRECKINRIDGE Commanding, & c., Lynchburg. P. 5.Enemys batteries have just opened upon my position pretty lively. JUNE 16, 1864iL 45 p. m. GENERAL: After writing you this evening the enemy renewed his attack upon me. General MeCausland, occupying the left, just after dark reported the massing of a heavy force in his front to charge his position. A few moments later it was discovered that a double line of infantry was formed in front of and overlapping my right. Find- ing our position very critical and involving the almost certain loss of all our horses (the men being on foot and the horses tied) if the enemy succeeded in either driving our lines back or turning a flank, I quietly withdrew and have encamped at the first creek this side of New London, on the pike, where we shall have a fight early to-mor- row. You may expect the whole Yankee army up to-morrow. I can probably delay its march 50 far as to prevent an attack on you till next day. General McCausland will go to see you to-night and give you full and accurate information. Hunter and staff staid last night at the hotel near the Peaks of Otter. I do iiot know whether he was to the front this evening. Crooks division is in the advance. I am perfectly satisfied that the force now within a days march of Lynchburg is over 15,000 men, with forty-two pieces of artillery, some of them, I learn, heavy guns. So far as I can ascertain the whole column is moving on this road. My apology for not reporting earlier in the day is that I under- stood General McCausland had reported to General Nicholls early this morning the information he had. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. IMBODEN, Briqadier-General. Maj. Gen. J. C. BRECKINRIDGE, Gommanding, Lynchbnrg. JUNE 17, 18642.45 p. m. GENERAL: On receiving Lieutenant Murphys report I sent Mc- Causlands brigade and a section of artillery to the Forest road to oppose enemys advance, intending to support him if necessary. General McCausland has just sent me word that no enemy has bee Page 160 160 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Ou~p. XLIX. on that road to-day, except the party that burnt Forest Depot. He will make a reconnaissance up that road with his brigade as far as, or beyond, the depot. I am moving a brigade up this road toward New London to see what the enemy is about. He attempted to drive in my picket this morning at 9 a. in., but the party was re- ~ pulsed and driven back, and pursued some distance. I have heard nothing from the detachment j~ sent out early this morning toward Campbell Court-House to watch enemys movements in direction of Danville railroad. Very respectfully, J. D. IMBODEN, Major-General BRECKINRIDGE. Brigadier-General. No. 27. Reports of Lieut. Gen. Jabal A. Early, C. S. Army, of engagement at Lynchburg, and pursuit of the Union forces. NEW LONDON, June 19, 1864f. 30 a. m. GENERAL: Last evening the enemy assaulted my lines in front of Lynchburg and was repulsed by the part of my command which was up. On the arrival of the rest of the command I made arrange- ments to attack this morning at light, but it was discovered that the enemy were retreating, and I am now pursuing. The enemy is re- treating in confusion, and if the cavalry does its duty we will de- stroy him. J. A. EARLY, Lieutenant- General. General R. E. LEE (Care of General Bragg). ROANOKE, June 22, 1864. The enemy passed through Salem on yesterday and took the route toward Lewisburg by New Castle. McCausland with his cavalry struck the enemy north of Salem, at the Hanging Rock, and captured 4 pieces of artillery and disabled 6 others so that they had to be left, and the carriages were destroyed by the enemy. The guns, however, are secured, making 10 in all. The enemy moved so rap- idly that I could not attack him before he got into the mountains, though I marched over twenty miles a day. I have rested to-day, and to-morrow will move in accordance with original instructions, watching, however, the movements of Hunter. The enemy did a great deal of damage to citizens in Bedford and Campbell, but not so much in Roanoke, as they were too closely pursued. All bridges and depots on the railroad were burnt at Salem, bnt little other damage was done to the road. J. A. EARLY, General R. E. LEE Lieutenant- General~ (C~ of Gci}er~d ~rag~) Page 161 CH~. XLIX.] SKIRMISHES AT NEWTOWN, VA. 161 MAY 2930, 1864.Skirmishes at Newtown, Va. Report of Lieut. Cot. Augustus I. Root, Fifteenth N~w York Cav alry. HDQRS. DETACH. 15TH AND 21sT NEW YORK CAVALRY, Alartinsburg, Va., May 31, 1864. CoLONEL: I have the honor to make the following report: In accordance with Special Orders, No. 74, I took the command of all the available men of my command, amounting to eighty-three men, and proceeded with wagon train consisting of sixteen wagons, to report to the department headquarters in the field. I proceeded without seeing or hearing of the enemy until my arrival at New- town, where my rear was attacked by 150 rebels, led by Major Gil- mor in person. Immediately wheeled about my command and fought them until they had flanked me on both sides. Seeing there was great danger of losing my whole command, I fell back, with the following loss: Capt. R. H. Brett, of the First New York Veteran Cavalry, who fell mortally wounded, since died; 9 enlisted men wounded, and 9 missing; also the loss of the wagon train. Assistant Surgeon Wall, of the Fifteenth New York Cavalry, is missing. I had proceeded about a mile on the road when I met Colonel Reasoner, of the One hundred and sixtieth Ohio Infantry, with 600 men and sixty wagons, on the march to this post. I im- mediately returned, supported by Colonel Reasoner, in hopes of recapturing the train, but found that the enemy, knowing of the near approach of the infantry, had fired all the wagons except four, which they had taken with them. A small part of the medical stores, forage, and one wagon was saved. It now being dark, the command went into camp for the night. The following morning the enemy attacked the pickets, killing 2 enlisted men of the Twenty-first New York Cavalry, and capturing 1 sergeant and 1 corporal of the Fifteenth New York Cavalry. Upon the order of Colonel Reasoner, I returned to this post with my command. I cannot speak in too high terms of the courage and bravery, of Captain Brett. Although having no command he took his place in the ranks and fought like a hero. To my officers and men too much praise cannot be given them. The engagement was mostly hand to hand, a number of the men receiving saber cuts, and, in my opinion, nothing but the overpower- ing numbers defeated them. All of which I respectfully submit. A. I. ROOT, Lient. Cot. Fifteenth New York Cay., Comdg. Detach. Col. WILLIAM P. MAULSBY, Commanding Post, Martinsburg, W. Va. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS RESERVE DIVISION, Martinsburg, Va., June 2, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to department headquarters. This report was called for immediately on the return of Lieuten- ant-Colonel Root, Fifteenth New York avalry, but was handed in too late to be acted upon before his going to the army in the field. F. SIGEL, Major- General, Commanding. 11 R RVOL XXXVII, PT Page 162 162 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Oiiii~. XLIX. JUNE 6 and 26, 1864.Skirmishes near Noorefleld (6th) and at Springfield (26th), W. Va. Itinerary of the Reserve Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Ben jamin F. Kelley. * June 6.A scout, consisting of eighty men of the Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanded by Captain Hart, was attacked by 200 rebel cavalry and infantry near Moorefield, in Hardy County, but succeeded in repulsing and driving back the enemy in confusion. Captain Hart lost 4 men killed and 6 wounded. June 26.A picket of 100 men of the Sixth West Virginia Cav- alry, commanded by Captain Law, was surprised by the rebel Mc- Neill. About 60 of their number and 100 horses and equipments were captured and carried off by the enemy. JUNE 9, 1864.Affair in Loudoun County, Va. Report of Brig. Gen. Max Weber, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS, Harpers Ferry, W. Va., June 10, 1864. I received information yesterday that Mosbys men were pillaging in Loudoun. I sent out a scouting party of Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry. They met the guerrillas about sixteen miles out, scattered the party, took 8 men prisoners and 7 horses, and returned without any loss. MAX WEBER, Maj. T. A. MEYSENBURG, Brigadier-General. Assistant Adjutant-General. JUNE 10, 1864.Skirmish near Kabletown, W. Va. Report of Brig. Gen. Max Weber, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS, Harpers Ferry, W. Va., June 10, 1864. Information has just been received from Colonel Thompson, com- manding the scouting party just sent to Duffields, that a detachment of cavalry from Duffields encountered some of Gilmors men five miles above Snickers Ferry; had a skirmish and captured 2 of his men, and left Gilmor there at 2.30 p. m. to-day. Major Gilmor lay in a grove about a mile from Duffiel ds last night. MAX WEBER, Maj. T. A. MEYSENBURG, Brigadier-General. Assistant Adjutant-General, Martinsburg, W. Va. * From return for June Page 163 (Y1iAP. XLIX.] EXPEDITION TO POPES CREEK, VA. 163 JUNE 1121, 1864.Expedition from Point Lookout, Md., to Popes Creek, Va. Report of Cot. Alouzo G. Draper, Thirty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SAINT MARYS, Point Lookout, Mid., June 22, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the evening of the 11th instant I embarked on the steam transports Georgia, Charleston, Long Branch, and Favorite with 475 men of the Thirty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops and 49 men of the Second and Fifth U. S. Cav- alry, nnder command of First Lient. J. C. Denney, Fifth U. S. Cavalry, and proceeded to Popes Creek, Va., on the Potomac River, for the purpose of procuring horses for the qnartermasters depart- inent, and farming implements, transportation, & c., for the contra- band settlement on the Patnxent River. We tonched at Saint Marys River, Md., to communicate with the gun-boats which had been designated by the fleet captain, Eastman, to accompany the expedi- tion. At Saint Marys the gun-boat Resolute ran into the transport steam ~r Long Branch, inflicting injuries which rendered it necessary to send her back for repairs. The troops on the Long Branch were therefore transferred to the Georgia On the morning of the 12th we landed at Popes Creek and divided into two detachments, 300 men, nnder Captain Hart, of the Thirty- Sixth, taking the road running by a northerly conrse to Smiths Wharf, and thence along the Rappahannock to Warsaw, where all detachments were to nnite on the evening of the 13th. The remaining infantry, under my own bommand, accompanied by 100 sailors under Captain Street, of the gun-boat Fuchsia, took the road to Montross. From this column I detached seventy-five men to canvass the road to Currioman Bay and rejoin me at Montross. From both columns detachments were thrown off on all the cross-roads leading to Warsaw to collect horses and cattle and to drive all scat- tering parties of the enemy toward Wind-Mill Point, where we hoped to meet and destroy them. One company was sent forward to hold Durrettsville, at the forks of the road nine miles above Warsaw. Both columns reached Warsaw at the appointed time without any remark- able incidents except occasional gnerrilla firing, which did no dam- age. On the evening of the 12th I rode with a cavalry escort to the Rap- pahannock, opposite the town of Tappahannock, where I communi- cated with the gun-boats Jacob Bell and Freeborn. The officers of these boats informed me that horses were abundant at Occupacia Creek and Laytons Wharf, on the south side of the Rappahannock. Finding horses scarce and poor on the Northern Neck, between the Potomac and Rappahannock, I resolved to transfer the field of oper- ations to the south bank of the Rappahannock. Accordingly, after directing the troops to march the next day to Durrettsville, I rode the same night, the 13th, to Machodoc Creek, on the Potomac, and communicated my intention to Lieutenant Hooker, commanding, of the flotilla, with the request that he should convoy the transports to Union Wharf, on the Rappahannock. From Machodoc Creek two transports were dispatched to Point Lookout, loaded with captured property, with orders to report at Union Wharf. I returned on the morning of the 14th to Durrettsville, where I found the troops concentrated, except a company under Captain Hat- linger, who had mistaken the route, but who rejoined us in th~ evening Page 164 164 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CIL4I. XLIX. We passed the night of the 14th at Durrettsville, and marched on the morning of the 15th to Union Wharf, where we were soon joined by the gun-boats and transports. About a day and a half was spent in rebuilding the wharf. which was burned by General Kilpatrick. On the 16th Second Lieutenant OBrien permitted three men of his company to leave the battalion and go to a house about a mile dis- tant, notwithstanding my orders that no man should be allowed to leave the column. In all other respects Lieutenant OBrien per- formed his duties in a very acceptable manner. Of these three men from OBriens company one only returned, of the other two one was murdered by the rebel cavalry and the other wounded and probably killed, as he crawled into the woods and could not afterward be found. Hearing the firing on the afternoon of the 16th, I rode out with about forty of the cavalry to ascertain the cause. Emerging from the woods about a mile from Union Wharf, we perceived a body of rebel cavalry about a mile ahead, at a point of woods where the road forks. Sending forward three men as an advance guard, we advanced upon them. The advance guard reported 200 cavalry in the rebel column; but subsequent information showed their force to be much smaller. At a suitable distance I ordered a charge, directly after which the enemy opened fire upon us. After riding to within sixty yards of the rebel position, I found myself almost alone, only my assistant adjutant-general and a few faithful orderlies remaining by me. I turned and ordered the cavalry to close up; whereupon the rebels set up their customary yell, and my escort turned their horses heads to the rear and ran for their lives, seeing which the rebels immediately charged upon us. I tried in vain to rally my men, calling upon them a dozen times to halt and face the enemy. In this attempt I was seconded by Captain Gibbs, of the Fourth Rhode Island ~/olunteers, my acting assistant adjutant-general, and by a few men among the cavalry who repeated my orders to halt. I re- mained on the ground until my orderly and one other man had been captured by my side, and another dismounted man had had time to run to the rear, get over the fence, and escape. Finally, finding my- self enveloped in the dust of the rebel pursuit and entirely alone, I followed the crowd. The rebels after pursuing 200 or 300 yards turned back, evidently astonished at their success. On this occasion Lieutenant Denney was absent, being afflicted with a disease which prevented his riding. When I left the wharf, I had ordered a de- tachment of about 130 men, under Captain Hatlinger, to follow the cavalry as a support, leaving the remainder of the battalion to com- plete the wharf. Captain Hatlinger, who is an inefficient officer, was very slow to execute this order; but when he did arrive, I posted one-half of his men on the edge of the woods, and dismounting, took seventy-five men and made a detour through the skirt of the wood, hoping to get in rear of the rebels and cancel the account. The an- nexed diagram* will show the position. From my base of oper- ations at the point where the road from Union Wharf emerges from the woods, I could see, as I thought, a complete circuit of woods, by which I could keep constantly under cover while marching to the enemys rear. I found upon trial that the open plain made numer- ous bays into the woods, increasing the circuit to about seven miles of close thorny underbrush. By dark we were within 600 or 700 * Not found Page 165 CHAP. XLIX.] EXPEDITION TO POPES CliEEK, VA. 165 yards of the rebels, who had lighted their camp-fires and prepared to bivouac. At this juncture the accidental explosion of a J)erdus- sion cap gave the notice of our approach, whereupon they immedi- ately removed to safer quarters. We soon emerged in rear of their camp-fires, which we found deserted. After marching about a mile in pursuit, we returned to Union Wharf. On the morning of the 17th of June, the anniversary of Bunker Hill, I thought it proper to make one more attempt to wipe out the disgrace which the cavalry had brought upon the expedition. Leav- ing about 300 men to load the transports, I marched with 200 men of the Thirty-sixth, and 36 of the cavalry, under Sergeant Cain, to the point where the road bends (marked B on the diagram), which point is about 1,000 yards from the rebel position (at D), where we again found them, this time in force, numbering, according to the best in- formation, 150 men of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry, and 450 infantry, who were mostly home guards; the whole under command of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Lewis, of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. I posted the cavalry at the bend (B), with fifty of the infantry concealed in the woods behind them, in such a position as to rake the roads in case our cavalry should again be repulsed. I gave Sergeant Cain instruc- tions to charge whenever my bugler should sound the order. I then moved the remainder of the colored infantry, 150 in number, through the edge of the woods to the point marked C, within 500 yards of the rebel position (D), and formed line of battle in the edge of the woods, with a ditch directly in front, posting twenty men in rear as a reserve. During this time the rebels worked like ants, completing a barricade across the road on which their cavalry stood, facing ours. The enemy reserved his fire, evidently expecting a combined charge from our infantry and cavalry, and intending to open upon us at short range. I ordered my men to fix their sights for 500 yards, and di- rected the company commanders to pass along the line and see that every sight was properly raised. I then cautioned them to aim stead- ily, and fire at the bottom of the fence. Riding out of the woods by the right flank of the battalion, where I could observe the effect of our fire, I ordered the firing to commence by rank; desiring to re- serve a portion of my fire until I could determine the strength and purposes of the enemy, and ascertain whether he had any flanking force in the woods where we lay. Our first volley had a marked effect, evidently taking the enemy by surprise, as he expected a charge. At the first fire several of the enemy were seen to fall, and heard to scream. They immediately returned our fire, apparently every man for himself. We poured in our volleys in rapid succes- sion, and soon threw the rebels into great confusion; at every dis- charge crowds of them took to the woods in their rear, and their officers could be distinctly heard shouting frantically for them to come out of the woods, and cursing them for their cowardice. Perceiving that the end was near, I sent a mounted officer to show the cavalry where they could pass through the fence, and thus avoid the enemys stockade in their charge. Sergeant Cain had the assurance to ask if in the charge they were to have infantry support on the flank. At about the fifth volley the rebels disappeared. I immedi- ately fired another volley and sounded the charge for the cavalry, at the same time moving the infantry forward into the open field and forming an assaulting and supporting line. The cavalry advanced at a slow trot, and afterward at a walk, the infantry being obliged to halt for them to come up. We then moved upon the rebel pos Page 166 166 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [ChAP. XLIX. tion, which was entirely abandoned. I sent forward a portion of the cavalry to reconnoiter, but no enemy could be found for miles. At the fork of the road several pools marked the spot where the rebels fell, but all their wounded and deadif they had anywere carried off into the woods. Captain Street, of the navy, who again landed at Union Wharf on the 20th, was informed by Captain Braxtons overseer that the rebel loss was only 2 wonnded, but a e dilored woman reported that she saw 4 corpses, besides 1 covered up in a cart, and that the chief captain was wounded. In this affair at Piersons farm not one of my men received a scratch, the rebels firing too high, their balls in most cases passing directly over the head of the mounted officers. The gallantry of the colored troops on this occasion could not be excelled. They were as steady under fire and as accurate in their movements as if they were on drill. After giving nine rousing cheers on the rebel ground we recalled the cavalry and marched to Union Wharf, where we assisted in em- barking the captured property. A little after dusk a long cloud of dust announced the enemy on a road skirting the edge of the wood three-quarters of a mile from the wharf. I immediately recalled a portion of the troops who had commenced embarking, and made preparations for defense. The rebels for a long time remained sta- tionary, and for a time disappeared. I, therefore, resumed the em- barkation and notified Lieutenant-Commander Hooker of the direc- tion in which the enemy had been seen, whereupon he opened upon them with his 100-pounder Parrott and his 9-inch Dahlgren guns. We completed the embarkation without molestation, taking in all 4 prisoners of war from the Northern Neck. rom Union Wharf we sent two more steamer loads of captured property to Point Lookout, with orders to return to the Rappahan- noc k. We then steamed to Laytons Wharf, opposite Leedstown, where we were informed that two rebel regimentsthe Fifty-ninth Virginia Infantry, numbering 680, and the Seventh Virginia Cavalry, numbering 440had the night before crossed the Rappahannock three miles above Laytons, for the purpose of helping to chastise our party. We landed on the 18th and marched to Loyds, seven or eight miles, besides sending the cavalry out three miles on the Layton road. Four miles from Laytons we found a large grist-mill, belong- ing to Robert M. T. Hunter, which had been turning out flour for the rebel army ever since the beginning of the war. This we burned to the ground. In this section we found an abundance of fine horses, mules, and beef-cattle. At Loyds we received information from so many different sources that we were forced to believe it reliable, that General Sheridan, after passing up the country on a raid with 8,000 men, had the night before passed through Newtown and crossed the Mattapony at Dunkirk bridge, and that Hamptons cavalry division was in full pursuit. Our informant stated that Hamptons pickets were within five miles of Loyds. Throughout the day small parties of rebel cavalry were watching our movements. I, therefore, deemed it prudent to return to Laytons Wharf, where we arrived in the evening. Spent the night in em- barking horses, mules, and cattle, and sailed on the morning of the 19th for Tappahannock, where we landed and resumed our labor. Here we heard that the rebels were assembling and moving up the country in the expectation of meeting us above at Tappahannock Page 167 167 CHAP. XLIX.] SKIRMISHES NEAR FALLS CHURCH, ETC., VA. the infantry were posted in line, and the cavalry sent out six miles on each road to collect horses and give notice of the approach of any considerable force of the enemy. Late in the afternoon our sconts were driven in and sharp picket-firing was heard, at the same time a cloud of dnst was seen coming down the road. The colored troops immediately took arms and sang John Brown for ten minntes in expectation of an attack. It soon appeared that the dust was raised by our own cavalry, who had made a detour, and, after a brief skir- mish with the enemy, were coming into camp. We spent another night in loading the two transports and the gun-boats, and re-embarked on the morning of the 20th. Passing down the river we sent boats ashore at Union Wharf, Urbanna, and Carters Creek for information, but failed to learn anything of imp ortance. At the mouth of the river we met the two returning transports, which relieved the gun-boats of their load, when the expedition returned to Point Lookout, arriving early in the morning of the 21st instant. We brought in 375 head of cattle, 160 horses and mules, about 600 contrabands, including between 60 and 70 recruits for the army and navy, and a large number of plows, har- rows, cultivators, wheat drills, corn-shellers, harness, carts, and carriages, & c., for the use of the contraband settlement on the Patuxent. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALONZO G. DRAPER, Colonel Thirty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops, Comdg. Dist. Maj. R. S. DAVIS, Asst. Adjt Gem., Dept. of Virginia and North ~ZYarolina. JUNE 19, 1864.Affair near Petersburg, W. Va. Report of Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, U. S. Army. MARTINSBURG, June 20, 1864. (Received 10 p. in.) General Kelley reports from CumberJand that Captain Boggs, with a detachment of the Pendleton Home Guard of about thirty men, returning from New Creek with supplies, was attacked near Petersburg yesterday, June 19, by about sixty of McNeills men, under command of Lieutenant Dolen. They drove the guard to the woods, captured several horses, and burnt one wagon. Captain Boggs rallied his men and recaptured the train, killing Lieutenant Dolen and several of his men. F. SIGEL, Major- Gener~d. ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Washington. JUNE 2324, 1864.Skirmishes near Falls Church and Centreville, Va. Reports of Col. Charles R. Lowell, ,jr., Second Massachusetts Cav- alry, commanding Cavalry Brigade. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, Near Falls Church, Va., June 24, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that a patrol from the camp of the Sixteenth New York Cavalry, consisting of four men, wa Page 168 168 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., Me., AND PA. [C~. XLIX. fired upon last evening between the pike and the railroad by a party of about ten men, and two of the patrol captured; the other two brought word to Annandale, and Co oneji Lazelle sent out a party of forty men, under command of Lieutenant Tuck, Sixteenth New York Cavalry, in search of the attacking party. After having scouted through the country directed Lieutenant Tuck halted his party about one and a half miles beyond Centreville to feed. While the horses were feeding a party of rebels, reported to number about sixty, dashed in upon them. Our party made 110 stand, and Lieu- tenant Tuck reports his men as appearing demoralized and panic- stricken, scattering in all directions. Lieutenant Tuck is the only one of the party who has as yet (6 p. in.) reached camp, the re- mainder being either wounded, prisoners, or straggling. After Lientenant Tuck had been sent out, a citizen reported to Colonel Lazelle that he had been stopped by Mosby last evening near Centreville, and detained under a small guard till morning, and that small parties had been seen by him along the roadside for a mile or more, appearing to number in all about 100 men. On receipt of this intelligence Colonel Lazelle sent out 150 men, under Major Nicholson, to support Lieutenant Tuck. This party started at 8 a. in.; at 2 p. m. Lieutenant Tuck himself returned, reporting attack as above at 11 a. m. He was at once started out by Colonel Lazelle with a party of fifteen men to overtake the party of 150, and put them on the trail and follow them as far as Aldie. Major Nichol- son is still out. A party of 100 men, under Major Forbes, with am- bulances, has been sent out from here this evening to the p lace of the surprise, to pick up stragglers and horses and any wounded men that may be there, and to support Major Nicholson if Mosby is re- ported by the citizens of Centreville to have had more than the sixty men. Some of our men will probably straggle in during the night. I have considered it useless to start in direct pursuit of Mosby, who had fourteen miles and at least six hours start of any party from here. The roads are so dusty that a pursuing party would be seen for miles and miles, and time given to hide or to escape. Lieutenant Tucks written report of the affair will be forwarded as soon as received. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. R. LOWELL, JR., Colonel Second Jiifassachusetts Cavalry, Corndg. Brig. Lieut. Col. J. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of Washington. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, Near Falls Church, Va., June 25, 186411 a. m. COLONEL Major Forbes has just returned from Centreville, and I am able to send a clearer account of Lieutenant Tucks affair. It seems that Mosby came down on Thursday evening to near Union Mills with about 200 men and an iron gun drawn by~six horses. Thursday p. m. a small squad of Kincheloes men took two of Colonel Lazelles patrol, as reported last night. When Mosby with a few men came down to spy out the land, he learned this, and concluded that there would be too much stir for him to carry out his plan, whatever it was. He returned, therefore, to Union Mills Frida Page 169 C~r. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 169 morning and marched his column back through Centreville about 10.30 a. m. Half an hour previously Lieutenant Tuck with his forty men had passed through Centreville going toward Little River pike, and had stopped about one and a half miles north in a field of newly cut hay, to feed. Citizens report that the horses were unbitted, some of the men in cherry trees on the other side of the road, some asleep; there was one man on picket sitting on the fence, but in a very poorly chosen position. Mosby, learning about Mr. Tuck in Centreville, sent part of his men rapidly on, who dashed into the field, shooting the man on post and making such a panic that no resistance was at- tempted. It is said that a couple of men who had gone to a neigh- boring house for breakfast and saw Mosbys men going past did the only firing that was done on our part. Three wounded men (two dangerously) were brought in by Major Forbes and five men are reported to have returned to camp on foot. All the horses and the rest of the men and arms are believed to have been captured. Mosby lost no time, but went right across to the Little River pike and up toward Aldie. He was on the pike near the double toll-gate at noon. The strength of Mosbys column was estimated by Dr. Hart and Mr. Mellen (good Union men), both of whom saw it pass; and another citizen says Lieut. Frank Fox told him as he passed they had about 200. Major Nicholson with his 150 men returned with Major Forbes, and reached Centreville yesterday p. m. Got the impression that Mosby was from 400 to 900 strong and remained there, sending party to camp to report what he had learned. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. R. LOWELL, JR., Colonel Second Massachusetts Cay., Comdg. Brigade. Lient. Col. J. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General. JUNE 23AUGUST 3, 1864.Operations in the Shenandoah Valley, Mary land, and Pennsylvania; STYMJNIARY OY TIlE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. June 23-July 2,1864.Earlys command advances from Lynchburg to Winchester, Va. July 3, 1864.Skirmish at Leetown, W. Va. Skirmish at Darkesville, W. Va. Skirmish at Martinsburg, W. Va. Skirmish at North Mountain, W. Va. Skirmish at North River Mills, W. Va. Skirmish at Buckton, Va. 4, 1864.Skirmish at South Branch Bridge, W. Va. Skirmish at Pattersons Creek Bridge, W. Va. 47, 1864.Operations about Harpers Ferry, W. Va. 5, 1864.Call made upon New York and Pennsylvania for 24,000 militia. Affair at Keedysville, Md. Affair at Nolands Ferry, Md. Skirmish at Point of Rocks, Md. Affair at Solomons Gap, Md Page 170 170 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLiX. July 6, 1864.Skirmish at Sir Johns Run, W. Va. Skirmish at Big Cacapon Bridge, W. Va. Affair at the Antietam, Md. Capture of Hagerstown, Md. 7, 1864.Skirmish at Middletown, Md. Affair at Brownsville, Md. Affair at Hagers (or Catoctin) Mountain, Md. Affair at Solomons Gap, Md. Skirmish at Frederick, Md. 78, 1864.The Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, arrives at Baltimore, Md. 8, 1864.Brig. Gen. Albion P. Howe, U. S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel in command at Harpers Ferry. Skirmish at Antietam Bridge, Md. Skirmish at Frederick, Md. Skirmish at Sandy Hook, Md. 9, 1864.Battle of the Monocacy, Md. Skirmish at Urbana, Md. 10, 1864.Skirmish near Monocacy, Md. Skirmish at Rockville, Md. Burning of the Gunpowder Bridge, Md. 11, 1864.District of Columbia militia called into service of the United States. Maj. Gen. Edward 0. C. Ord, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the Eighth Army Corps and of the troops in the Middle De- partment. Maj. Gen. Quincy A. Gillmore, U. S. Army, assigned to command of detachment.of the Nineteenth Army Corps in the Depart- ment of Washington. Skirmish at Frederick, Md. Skirmish near Fort Stevens, D. C. Capture of trains at Magnolia, Md. 11-12, 1864.The First and Second Divisions, Sixth Army Corps, and advanced detachment of Nineteenth Army Corps, arrive at Washington, D.C. 12, 1864.The Governor of New Jersey calls out volunteers. Action near Fort Stevens and skirmishes along the northern de- fenses of Washington, D. C. 13, 1864.Maj. Gen. Horatio G. Wright, U. S. Army, assigned to command of all the forces moving against the enemy in retreat from Washington. Brig. Gen.William H. Emory, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the detachment of Nineteenth Army Corps. Affair at Rockville, Md. 14, 1864.Maj. Gen. Lewis Wallace, U. S. Army, resumes command of the Eighth Army Corps. Affair at Poolesville, Md. 1516, 1864.Skirmishes near Hillshorough, Va. 16, 1864.Capture of Confederate wagon train near Purcellville, Va. Skirmish at Wood Grove, Va. 1718, 1864.Engagement at Snickers Ferry, or Parkers Ford, Va. 18, 1864.President Lincoln calls for 500,000 volunteers. Affair at Kabletown, W. Va. 19, 1864.-Skirmish at Ashbys Gap, Va. Engagement at Berrys Ford, Va Page 171 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 171 July 19, 1864.Skirmish at Darkesville, W. Va. Skirmish at Bunker Hill, W. Va. Skirmish at Charlestown, W. Va. Skirmish at Kabletown, W. Va. 20, 1864.Engagement at Stephensons Depot, Va. 22, 1864.Skirmish at Newtown, Va. Skirmish near Berryville, Va. 23, 1864.Skirmish near Kernstown, Va. 24, 1864.Engagement at Kernstown, or battle of Winchester, Va. Skirmish at Falling Waters, W. Va. 25, 1864.Skirmish at Bunker lull, W. Va. Skirmish at Martinsburg, W. Va. Skirmish at Williamsport, Md. 26, 1864.Skirmish at Falling Waters, W. Va. 27, 1864.Maj. Gen. Henry W. Halleck, Chief of Staff, U. S. Army, assigned to command over the Middle Department, and the Departments of Washington, West Virginia, and the Susque- hanna. Skirmish at Back Creek Bridge, W. Va. 28, 1864.Maj. Gen. Lewis Wallace, U. S. Army, reassigned to command of the Middle Department and Eighth Army Corps. Maj. Gen. Edward 0. C. Ord, U.S. Army, assigned to command of the Eighteenth Army Corps. 29, 1864.Skirmish at Clear Spring, Md. Skirmish at Hagerstown, Md. Skirmish at Mercersburg, Pa. 30, 1864.Affair at Emmitsburg, Md. Burning of Chambersburg, Pa. Skirmish at McConnellsburg, Pa. Skirmish at Monocacy Junction, Md. Skirmish near Shepherdstown, W. Va. 31, 1864.Skirmish at Hancock, Md. Aug. 1, 1864.Attack on Cumberland, Md. Affair at Flintstone Creek, Md. 2, 1864.Skirmish at Green Spring Run, W. Va. Skirmish at Hancock, Md. Skirmish at Old Town, Md. REPORTS, ETC. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, U. S. Army, commanding Reserve Division, .De- partment of West Virginia, of operations July 2-8. No. 2.Lieut. Amos M. Thayer, One hundred and twelfth New York Infantry, Acting Signal Officer, of operations about Harpers Ferry July 3-14. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Max Weber, U. S. Army, of operations about Harpers Ferry. No. 4.Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley, U. S. Army, commanding at Cumberland, Md., of operations July 4-6 and July 27-August 3. No. 5.Abstract from Itinerary of the Reserve Division, Department of West Vir- ginia, commanded by Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley. No. 6.Maj. Gen. Lewis Wallace, U. S. Army, commanding Middle Department, of operations July 110, including battle of the Monocacy. No. 7.Composition and losses of the Union forces in battle of the Monocacy. No. 8.Surg. George K. Johnson, Medical Inspector, U. S. Army. No. 9.Itinerary of the Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, Brig. Gen. James B. Ricketts, U. S. Army, commanding, July 1-17 Page 172 172 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. No. 1O.Col. William Emerson, One hundred and fifty-first New York Infantry, of the operations of the First Brigade at battle of the Monocacy. No. 11.Col. J. Warren Keifer, One hundred and tenth Ohio Infantry, commani ing Second Brigade, of battle of the Monocacy. No. 12.Lient. Col. Otho H. Binkley, One hundred and tenth Ohio Infantry, of bat- tie of the Monocacy. No. 13.Lieut. Charles J. Gibson, One hundred and twenty-second Ohio In- fantry, of battle of tho Monocacy. No. 14.Lieut. Col. Aaron W. Ebright, One hundred and twenty-sixth Ohio In- fantry, of battle of the Monocacy. No. 15.Col. Matthew R. McClennan, One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, of battle of the Monocacy. No. 16.Brig. Gen. Erastus B. Tyler, U.S. Army, commanding First Separate Bri- gade, Eighth Army Corps, of operations July 7-10, including battle of the Monocacy. No. 17.Capt. Charles J. Brown, First Maryland Infantry, Potomac Home Brigade, of battle of the Monocacy. No. 18.Col. Allison H. Brown, One hundred and forty-ninth Ohio Infantry, of battle of the Monocacy. No. 19.Lieut. Col. David R. Clendenin, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, of operations July 410, including battle of the Monocacy. No. 20.Capt. Edward H. Leib, Fifth U. S. Cavalry, commanding Mounted In- fantry, of operations July 610, including battle of the Monocacy. No. 21.Capt. Frederic W. Alexander, Baltimore (Maryland) Battery, of skirmish at Frederick and battle of the Monocacy. No. 22.Maj. Henry B. Judd, U.S. Army, commanding at Wilmington, Del., of operations July 916. No. 23.Lieut. Robert Price, One hundred and fifty-ninth Ohio Infantry, of the burmug of Gunpowder Bridge, Maryland. No. 24.Maj. Gen. Alexander McD. McCook, U. S. Army, commanding northern defenses of Washington, of operations July 1013. No. 25.Col. Norton P. Chipman, Additional Aide-de-Camp, U.S. Army, of status of the Union forces July 12. No. 26.Brig. Gen. Martin D. Hardin, U. S. Army, commanding division of Twenty-second Army Corps, of the defense of Washington. No. 27.Capt. John Norris, Second Provisional Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, of the defense of Washington. No. 28.Col. James M. Warner, First Vermont Heavy Artillery, commanding First Brigade, of the defense of Washington. No. 29.Col. John M. C. Marble, One hundred and fifty-first Ohio Infantry, of the defense of Washington. No. 80.Lieut. Col. Joseph A. Haskin, Additional Aide-de-Cainp, U, S. Army, com- manding Second Brigade, of the defense of Washington. No. 31.Col. William H. Hayward, One hundred and fiftieth Ohio Infantry, of the defense of Washington. No. 82.Lieut. Col. John N. Frazee, One hundred and fiftieth Ohio Infantry, of the defense of Washington. No. 33.Capt. Joseph N. Abbey, Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, of the de- fense of Washington. No. 34.Capt. A. Levi Wells, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, of operatious July 910. No. 35.Maj. William H. Fry, Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanding Pro- visional Cavalry Regiment, of operations July 9-23. No. 36.Col. Charles R. Lowell, jr., Second Massachusetts Cavalry, of the pursuit of the Confederate forces July 1214 Page 173 CK& 1. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 173 No. 37.Statement of Artificer Nelson A. Fitts, Company B, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, of the Confederate strength, & c. No. 38.Brig. Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, com- manding Provisional Division, of the defense of Washington. No. 39.Capt. James J. Dana, Assistant Quartermaster, U. S. Army, of the defense of Washington. No. 40.Lieut. Col. Elias M. Greene, Chief Quartermaster Twenty-Second Army Corps, of the defense of Washington. No. 41.Lieut. Col. William 0. Drew, Second District of Columbia Infantry, of the defense of Washington. No. 42.Maj. Gen. Horatio G. Wright, U. S. Army, commanding Sixth Army Corps, & c., of operations July 1128. No. 43.Itinerary of the Sixth Army Corps, July 1August 3. No. 44.Brig. Gen. Frank Wheaton, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, Second Division, of operations July 1112. No. 45.Maj. Thomas McLaughlin, One hundred and second Pennsylvania Infan- try, of operations July 11August 21. No. 46.Capt. Elisha H. Rhodes, Second Rhode Island Infantry, of action near Fort Stevens,D. C. No. 47.Capt. Greenleaf T. Stevens, Fifth Maine Battery, of operations July 1331. No. 48.Capt. Andrew Cowan, First New York Battery, of operations July 11-30. No. 49.Lient. Jacob H. Lamb, Battery C, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, of operations July 1230. No. 50.Capt. George W. Adams, Battery G, First Rhode Island Light Artillery of operations July 12-30. No. 51.Itinerary of the First Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, July 131. No. 52.Itinerary of the Second Division, Brig. Gen. Cuvier Grover, commanding, July 1-31. No. 53.Itinerary of Kenlys brigade, Nineteenth Army Corps, Brig. Gen. John R. Kenly commanding, July 143-31. No. 54.Bvt. Maj. Gen. George Crook, U. S. Army, commanding forces in the field, Department of West Virginia, of operations July 1626, includ- ing engagements at Snickers Ferry, Berrys Ford, and Kernstown. No. 55.Return of Casualties in the Union forces at Kernstown or Winchester, Va., and retreat to the Potomac, July 2425. No. 56.Col. Joseph Thoburn, First West Virginia Infantry, commanding First Infantry Division, of engagement at Snickers Ferry and Kernstown, with itinerary of the division, July 124. No. 57.Col. George D. Wells, Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of engagement at Kernstown. No. 58.Capt. Herman L. Emmons, jr., Fifth New York Heavy Artillery, of oper- ations May 25-July 29. No. 59.Col. William G. Ely, Eighteenth Connecticut Infantry, commanding regi- ment and Second Brigade, of engagements at Snickers Ferry and Kerns- town. No. 60.Col. Jacob M. Campbell, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations July 2526. No. 61.Capt. James J. Fitzgerald, Twenty-third Illinois Infantry, of operations July 23-25. No. 62.Maj. Enoch D. Yutzy, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry, of engagement at Kernstown. No, 63.Maj. Henry H. Withers, Tenth West Virginia Infantry, of operations July 2320 Page 174 174 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAI. XLIX. No. 64.Capt. James W. Myers, Eleventh West Virginia Infantry, of engagement at Kernstown. No. 65.Maj. Milton Wells, Fifteenth West Virginia Infantry, of engagement at Kernstown. No. 66.Col. Isaac H. Duval, Ninth West Virginia Infantry, commanding Second Infantry Division, of operations July 2325. No. 67.Col. Rutherford B. Hayes, Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations July 2325. No. 68.Col. Daniel D. Johnson, Fourteenth West Virginia Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations July 2425. No. 69.Lieut. Col. John W. Shaw, Thirty-fourth Ohio Infantry, of engagement at Stephensons Depot. No. 70.Lient. Col. Benjamin F. Coates, Ninety-first Ohio Infantry, of engagements at Stephensons Depot and Kernstown. No. 71.Col. Thomas M. Harris, Tenth West Virginia Infantry, commanding First Brigade, Third Division, of engagement at Kernstown. ~ No. 72.Brig. Gen. Alfred N. Duffi~, U. S. Army, commanding First Cavalry Di- vision, of operations July 1427. No. 73.Brig. Gen. William W. Averell, U. S. Army, commanding Second Cavalry Division, of operations July 8August 3, with itinerary of the division July 2-31. ~ No. 74.Maj. Gen. Darius N. Couch, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Susquehanna, of the burning of Chambersburg, & c. No. 75.Itinerary of the Department of the Susquehanna July 3August 1. No. 76.Lieut. Hancock T. McLean, Sixth U. S. Cavalry, of operations July 510 and July 26-August 3. No. 77.Capt. R. M. Evans, Philadelphia City Scouts, of affair at Emmitsburg. No. 78.Col. George W. Gile. commanding First Brigade, U. S. Veteran Reserve Corps, of the defense of Washington. No. 79.General Robert E. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Northern Vir- ginia, of Earlys operations June 23-July 26. No. 80.Lient. Gen. Jubal A. Early, C. S. Army, of operations July 8-14, including battle of the Monocacy and operations against Washington, D. C. No. 81.Maj. Harry W. Gilmor, Second Maryland Battalion Cavalry (Confederate), of operations July 3. No. 82.Maj. Gen. John B. Gordon, C. S. Army, of the battle of the Monocacy. No. 83.Maj. Gen. Robert E. Rodes, C. S. Army, of engagement at Stephenson~s Depot. No. 84.Col. William L. Jackson, Nineteenth Virginia Cavalry, commanding bri- gade, of skirmish near Shepherdstown, W. Va. No. 85.Brig. Gen. Bradley T. Johnson, C. S. Army, of operations July 28-Au- gust 3. No. 1. Reports of Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, U. S. Army, commanding Re- serve Division, Department qf West Virginia, of operations July 28. MARTINSBURG, W. VA., July 2, 1864. (Received 12 p. in.) There are strong indications of a movement of the enemy in force down the Valley. Our cavalry met those of the enemy to-day at Winchester, and a number of refugees have arrived here who fle Page 175 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 175 from that place, and say that Early with three divisions was moving toward Strasburg last night. Although this report is not fully re- liable, I have ordered all the stoi~es which can be transported to be removed from here to Harpers Ferry. Nearly all our cavalry and our scouts are out to gain more information, which will be tele- graphed to Washington as soon as received. With this dispatch I will send an additional in cipher in regard to a dispatch received from General Hunter. Please acknowledge. F. SIGEL, ]Ilajor- General. ADJUTANT-GENERAL. OF THE ARMY. MARTINSBURG, W. VA., July 2, 1864. (Received 10 a. m. 3d.) General Hunter informed me to-day that General Sullivans divis- ion is ordered here, but that it could not arrive before five or six days. I have here two regiments of Ohio guards and one bat- tery. At Leetown there are two 01(1 regiments of infantry and five pieces of artillery, and about 1,000 dismounted cavalry (armed). Here our mounted cavalry consists of detachments to the number of 1,800 men. The cavalry is in front, with t e exception of a reserve near Martinsburg. I have taken comman~ of all these troops, and will concentrate them at a proper point in case of emergency, in view of the expected movement of Sullivan. I will defend Martins- burg with all our power in case of an attack, and hold communica- tion with Cumberland if you do not wish me to hold communication with Harpers Ferry. In this case I must evacuate Martinsburg and concentrate our forces at Charlestown. Please answer immedi- ately. F. SIGEL, Major-General. ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY. MARTINSBURG, W. VA., July 2, 1864. (Received 12 p. in.) The following just received from General Kelley: Refugees just arrived at Beverly report Imbodens, Earlys, Breckinridges, and Jacksons commands twenty miles from Staunton, en route for this place, on Mon- day last. F. SIGEL, Major-General. ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY. HEADQUARTERS, Shepherdstown, W. Va., July 3, 1864. (Received 6.30 a. m. July 4.) At 6 oclock this morning the enemy attacked our forces at Lee- town and Darkesville, on the Winchester p ike. Major-General Ran- som led the force attacking Colonel Mulligan at Leetown. Rehel cavalry made an assault on our cavalry at Darkesville, and 1,10 Page 176 176 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [C1Lu~. XLIX. cavalry went into our rear at North Mountain and on the Williams- port road. Colonel Mulligan, with his small force, fought the enemy stubbornly the whole day. In order to enable me to concentrate our forces, I ordered Colonel Mulligan to retire, if forced, as slowly as pos- sible to Kearneysville and Shepherdstown. All stores were sent off on cars, and the remainder loaded on wagons. The train was sent to Shepherdstown to cross the river, and subsequently I withdrew the troops from Martinsburg, when Colonel Mulligan was compelled to retire toward Kearneysville all my troops, consisting of two old and two regiments Ohio National Guard, infantry, 1,000 dismounted cav- alry, 2 pieces of artillery, and 1,500 cavalry. Colonel Mulligan fought Major-Generals Ransom and Early, unaided, on to Martinsburg. The exact strength of the enemy I have not been able to ascertain. His cavalry is 2,600 strong. If our troops can cross the Potomac to-night I will march to Harpers Ferry to join General Webers forces, and to operate from that place. The railroad being inter- rupted by the enemy, I could not communicate with General Hunter and General Kelley since about 10 a. in.. to-day. F. SIGEL, ADJUTANT-GENERAL ~. ~. ~ Major-General. HEADQUARTERS RESERVE DIVISION, Alaryland Heights, July 5, 18646 a. m. (Via Frederick, Md. Received 3.25 p. in.) Before my troops arrived at Harpers Ferry, General Weber at 6.30 p. m. yesterday evacuated Harpers Ferry to occupy Maryland H eights. My troops arrived at Sandy Hook at 8 p. in., and took position on Maryland Heights, the cavalry remaining at or near. Weverton. It was ordered toward Point of Rocks to operate against the enemy that crossed there. The enemy that attacked Harpers Ferry was of Ewells corps, so reported by General Weber; the strength not developed. About 7,000 of the enemy occupied Mar- tinsburg after our evacuation, and a force of rebel cavalry crossed at Williamsport yesterday. I have sent the train from Martins- burg to Frederick, as it could be of no use to us nearer to Harpers Ferry after its evacuation. No stores of any kind were lost at Harpers Ferry. We have sufficient subsistence stores and ammu- nitionthe former for twenty days. Further information will be promptly forwarded. F. SIGEL, ADJUTANT-GENERAL ~. ~. ARMY. Major-General. HEADQUARTERS RESERVE DIVISION, Maryland Heights, July 5, 186411 p. m. (Received 10.15 a. m. July 6.) A part of the enemys cavalry is this evening at Boonsborough and on this side of Antietam Creek, on the Sharpsburg road. I expect an attack of the enemy in front and rear to-morrow. F. SIGEL, Major- General. ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY Page 177 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS iN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 177 MARYLAND HEIGHTS, July 5, 186411 p. m. GENERAL: Since my dispatch* of this a. rn. affairs have not changed much. I am occupying Maryland Heights with two old and three Ohio National Guard regiments, and two battalions of Fifth New York Heavy Artillery. The cavalry is in Pleasant Valley, hav- ing just returned from the direction of Berlin, where the rebels cut the road and wires yesterday. The enemy shows no large force in Harpers Ferry, although they move backward and forward in squads constantly; their line of sharpshooters occupy Harpers Ferry along the river. The enemys cavalry is this evening re- ported to be at Boonsborough and south of Antietam Creek, partly dismounted, picking up horses. The bridges on the railroad are probably destroyed from Duffields Station to Cherry Run. To the latter place the troops from the west can probably come by rail. From what we see the enemy has left his main infantry force near Harpers Ferry and has sent his cavalry to our rear. The enemy is reported this evening as having brought a battery on Loudoun Heights. My train brought from Martinsburg I had ordered to Frederick. On the approach of the enemy by the Boonshorough road the commanding officer at Frederick had ordered the train toward Hanover. F. SIGEL, ]Ilajor- General. Major-General HUNTER, Parkersburg. ~SANDY HOOK, VA., July 6, 1864. (Received 1.15 p. in.) The main force, which is variously reported from 20,000 to 30,000 men, is crossing at Antietam Ford and Shepherdstown. There is no doubt about its being a large force. The cavalry is now attacking our advance, which is three miles from here, on the Sharpsburg road. My troops are preparing for action. It may be that the prin- cipal force of the enemy are striking for the interior, but I do not think it to be the case. The enemy crossed continually for forty hours. F. SIGEL, Major- General. ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY. MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MD., July 6, 186412 p. m. (Received 10 a. m. 7th.) I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Secretary of Wars dispatch . t On leaving Martinsburg all stores not brought off were ordered to be burned, which, to the best of my knowlege, has been promptly done. This includes some private baggage stored at Martinsburg. The entire stores might have been brought off if the * None to Hunter found, but see dispatch of that hour to Adjutant-General, p. 176. ~ Calling for report. See, of same date, in Correspondence, & c.. Part II. 12 R RvoL xxxvII, PT Page 178 1~8 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. rollino~-stock had been near enough to enable the railroad ~ b to send the Cars, and have them off in twelve hours. The force here consists of two old regiments infantry, four of Ohio National Guard, about 2,500 dismounted cavalry, two battalions of heavy artillery, and twenty-six field guns. In Pleasant Valley there are the cavalry under General Stahel, about 1,000 effective, the two companies of artillery, acting as infantry, and one four-gun bat- tery. General Stahel is ordered to make a demonstration on the enemys rearthat is, in my immediate fronttoward Sharpsburg. From a reconnaissance made to-day, and from their force dis- played and observed from the mountains, the enemy numbers about 6,000 between here and Antietam Creek. They have shown a dis- position to attack to-night or to-morrow, for which I am fully pre- pared, although the infantry is, with exception of two regiments and the heavy artillery, not very reliable. The enemy has a pon- toon bridge near Antietam Ford over the Potomac River, as re- ported by scouts sent on the mountain. F. SIGEL, ilfajor- General. ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY. HEADQUARTERS RESERVE DIVISION, July 6, 186412 p. m. GENERAL: Your dispatch* of this p. m. received. General Stahels cavalry has been used to operate against the forces of the enemy that attempted a crossing of the Potomac below here. The prisoners taken report as belonging to Ewells old, now Earlys, corps. There seems to be no doubt that Major-General Gordon, Brig- adier-Generals Bradley T. Johnson, McCausland, and Imboden are in command. I have ordered General Stahel to make a reconnaissance to-morrow and shall report promptly. The enemy in my front to- ward Sharpsburg is variously reported from 4,000 to 7,000 infantry, with cavalry and artillery. I am expecting an attack to-night or early to-morrow from indications obtained by a reconnaissance to- day. F. SJGEL, Mc~jor- General. Major-General HUNTER, Parkersburg, W. Va. MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MD., July 7, 18646 a. m. (Received 12.20 p. in.) Yesterday the enemy advanced closely to our lines on the north, and intended an attack with one brigade of infantry against our left, where our lines were the weakest. His attack was frustrated by a counter attack from our right. The enemy showed an extensive line from the Potomac to Elk Ridge Mountain. Besides his skir- mishers no large columns were visible. There were about 3,000 infantry in our front. Five thousand more Were reported moving * Not found Page 179 O~. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 179 against us from Antietam Creek. During yesterday 600 of General Stahels cavalry advanced against the enemy from Pleasant Valley, through Solomons Gap, and met the enemy on the west side of Elk Ridge Mountain, about five miles from here. For to-day I ordered General Stahel with his whole cavalry, and with the 200 artillery armed as infantry, and four pieces of artillery from Pleasant Valley, to move to Rohrersville. Our lines on the north of our position are engaging the enemy now. An immense train of the rebels was yes- terday in sight near Shepherdstown. Prisoners taken were of the Twelfth Georgia Regiment. F. SIGEL, Major- General. ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY. MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MD., July 7, 18642 p. m. (Received 6 p. in.) The following information received I deem reliable: Early com- mands the raiding force, composed of four divisionsGordons di- vision, Rodes, and Ramseurs. The cavalry is commanded by Major-General Ransom, composed of McCauslands mounted in- fantry, Jones and Jenkins cavalry. Two divisions infantry are in my immediate front toward Sharpsburg. Four divisions are on opposite side of Potomac River. Prisoners taken belong to Evans, formerly Hays, brigade, in Earlys old division. There is no doubt about the enemy concentrating against us. A prisoner saw Early, Breckinridge, and Gordon together yesterday. All disposable troops should be sent here, my troops consisting of over two-thirds of 100-days men. F. SIGEL, ]lIajor- General. ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY. HARPERS FERRY, July 8, 1864. (Received 3 p. in.) The following report from my advance just received: ANTIETAM BRIDGE, MD., Five Miles from Maryland Heights, July 8, 186411.30 a. m. Major-General SIGEL: I engaged the enemys rear guard of cavalry at this place, and we command the bridge. The enemys main force took the Boonsborough road leading to the right of John Browns school-house. I have only forty cavalry at this place, and cannot advance, as the enemy seems to be in force. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. FREY, Captain. F. SIGEL, Major- General. ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY Page 180 180 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. MARYLAND HEIGHTS, JUy 8, 1864. (Received 12.45 p. in.) The enemys forces who were in our front at Harp& i?s Ferry have withdrawn during the night. Their rear guard is in sight of one of our brigades, which is following them toward Sharpsburg. It seems that the main force of the enemy are taking the road to Boonsborough. Our cavalry from this place is now at Antietam Cree~k. Yesterday the enemy made preparations for a general attack on our northern line, and tried to bring his artillery in position. Was unable to do so on account of field batteries and heavy pieces in the forts, which shelled their artillery, infantry, and trains for a distance of four miles. General Stahel has orders to follow the enemys movements from Pleasant Valley toward Boonsborough. He is now engaged with them. We have taken possession of Harpers Ferry. Prisoners captured confirm the report heretofore sent as to the number of the the enemy. F. SIGEL, ADJUTANT-GENERAL ~ ~. ARMy. lilajor-Genercd. MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MD., July 8, 18641 p. m. (Received 3 p. in.) The following just received from General Stahel, in Pleasant Val- ley: The enemy is advancing in strong force, said to be a whole corps, in the Middletown Valley. A few minutes ago I sent a re- port from Harpers Ferry stating that our advance from Maryland Heights is at Antietam Creek. According to all information which has been received it seems~ certain that the enemy with his whole force is marching for Frederick. Prisoners from the enemy agree in the statement in regard to the composition of the rebel army as previously reported. F. SIGEL, AI~JUTANT-GENERAL ~ ~. ARMY. llifajor-General. No. 2. Report of Lieut. Amos ILL Thayer, One hundred and twelfth New York Infantry, Acting Signal Officer, of operations about Harpers Ferry July 314. HEADQUARTERS SIGNAL DETACHMENT, ]Ilaryland Heights, July , 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make you the following report of the operations ot this detachment during the recent investment of this place and the raid through Maryland: The detachment with which I reported here during the latter part of June consisted of fifty-eight enlisted men and two officers, includ- ing myself. These men, with an exception, were recruits who had seen no active service and were of necessity inexperienced in every- thing pertaining to the operations of a signal party in the field Page 181 CHAP. XLJX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 181 I had taken particular care while in Camp of Instruction to give the whole party careful instructions in all the different codes, and I felt great confidence in our ability to perform efficient service. The only consideration which tended to weaken this confidence was the small number of officers. I could not but be aware that in case our operations extended over a large field the party from no fault of its own would prove inefficient. The first intimation we had of the approach of an enemy was on Sunday morning, July 3. Firing began in the direction of Martins- burg at 4 a. in., and continued without intermission until 9 a. m. I immediately telegraphed to General Sigels adjutant-general, inform- ing him of the presence of the signal corps at this place, and offered to open communication between Maryland Heights and Martinsburg in case the lines were cut, as there was every probability they would be. I received a telegram in reply thanking me for the offer, but stating that it would be unnecessary, as Martinsburg was being evac- uated and our army on the retreat to Shepherdstown. Our stations this day connected General Webers headquarters with Maryland Heights and Fort Duncan, the headquarters of Major Mer- riam, commanding on the Maryland side. All communication be- tween these points passed through our hands. I took charge of the station at Fort Duncan, as it was the nifost difficult one, and com- manded a fine view of each of the other stations. Lieutenant Ken- nedy, on Maryland Heights, was instructed to report all movements of troops in this direction, and also the progress of our army on the retreat to Shepherdstown. This comprised our operation~for the day. On the morning of the 4th, at 4 a.- in., having been notified by Lieutenant Kennedy of the arrival of our army at Shepherdstown, I again suggested the plan of connecting General Sigels and General Webers headquarters by signals. The offer as before was declined, our army being again on the retreat to Harpers Ferry. At 8 a. in. I signaled to General Weber the approach ~of a large force from Charlestown toward Harpers Ferry. This information was the first given, and preceded the attack by at least an hour. Our pickets on the Virginia side were immediately notified, but notwithstanding the time given for preparation, retreated disgracefully into the Ferry, leaving Bolivar Heights in possession of the enemy. This retreat left the station at General Webers headquarters only a few yards behind the skirmish line, but notwithstanding this, Act- ing Sergeant Franklin worked continually during the day with great accui~cy and coolness, nor did he withdraw until ordered by General Weber in person to cross to the Maryland side. The stations this day remained as on the previous day, and for a summary of our services I would respectfully refer you to the mes- sages transmitted, which will be found among those herewith in- closed. At 9 p. m. this day, General Sigel arrived. On Tuesday, the 5th, our forces were all massed on the Maryland side, extending from Fort Duncan to Maryland Heights. General Sigels headquarters were near the center of the line, and in compli- ance with his request a station was located there, communicating with either flank. The great difficulty in ascending the heights on each side rendered those stations of vast importance, as may be seen by our record for July 5. At noon this day I began to suspect, from the few reports received from Lieutenant Kennedy, that he was not keeping as close a watch upon the movements of the enemy as migh Page 182 182 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MTh, ANP PA. [Ciw. XLtX. be expected from his commanding position. For this reason I took station myself on Maryland Heights, though my proper post should have been at headquarters. I must censure Lieutenant Kennedy for his remissness in this respect. During the whole raid I found it im- possible to place any reliance upon his reports of the movements of troops or trains, or in his estimate of their number, it may be some excuse, perhaps, to state that he has had no experience and that he was unable to use anything but an ordinary marine glass. The lat- ter failing is, however, his own fault, as I have endeavored to im- press upon his mind the necessity of accustoming himself to the use of the large telescope ever since he has been under my command. Immediately upon my arrival on the heights I discovered that the enemy were moving troops and trains up the river on the Virginia side, crossing them into Maryland and moving down toward the Ferry. I reported the movement to General Sigel, and ventured to predict that on the morning of the 6th we should be attacked from the Maryland side. This prediction was fulfilled, and called forth a personal acknowledgment from the general of the merits of our services. July 6 the enemy developed themselves in our front on the Mary- land side. Our stations continued to work at the same points dur- ing the day and night, scarcely a moments intermission occurring during thirty-six hours. The record for the day will, I trust, be a sufficient account of our labors. Private Crawford was severely wounded in the thigh on the after- noon of the 6th while advancing with our skirmish line. He is at present at his home in Gettysburg, and doing well. During the morning and afternoon of the 7th the station on the heights continued to report to headquarters the withdrawal of the trains and troops of the enemy in the direction of Sharpsburg. These movements became so frequent as to satisfy me that the attack had been merely to cover the collection of supplies, and that they intended to retreat during the night either dawn the Shenandoah Valley from Shepherdstown, or across the South Mountain and Catoctin Mountain toward Frederick City and cross below Point of Rocks. You will find this connection embodied in the messages of the 7th, and it was also reported to General Sigel verbally in answer to a question asked me relative to their movements. July 8 our reports of the previous day were amply confirmed. No signs of the enemy could be seen in our front. During the entire day our party was employed in endeavoring to discover their line of retreat. At 11 a. m. I informed General Sigel that they must be moving on Boonsborough or Frederick, as none could be seen mov- ing down the Shenandoah Valley. In compliance with this report, Co onel Mulligans brigade was moved toward Point of Rocks via Jefferson, and also a small body of cavalry. Still later in the day, the enemy, having emerged from the mountains which obstructed our view toward the north, were seen from the heights crossing the Catoctin range on the Frederick City pike. This confirmed our previous reports, and satisfied the general commanding of the direc- tion and intention of the enemy. At noon this day I had sent Lieu- tenant Kennedy to report to General Stahiel, commanding the cav- alry in Pleasant Valley, and had directed him to follow it. I also directed him to go up on the South Mountain, where a fine view could be obtained of Middletown Valley. By some mistake h Page 183 OHAP. XLIX.] 0PEI~ATI0~S IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 183 remained all night in Pleasant Valley and was of no service, sav6 in transmitting a few messages from the cavalry command to head~ quarters. General Howe this day assumed command, with headquarters at Sandy Hook, and at 8 p. m. the Whole detachment was moved to the east of Maryland Heights, for the purpose of operating between Maryland Heights and the Catoctin range, whither the enemy were moving. I had intended to open a station on the morning of the 9th on the Catoctin Mountain, leaving Lieutenant Kennedy on the heights. During the night, however, our forces under Colonel Mulligan fell back and reported the enemy crossing at Point of 1~ocks. General Howe sent for me early on the morning of the 9th and requested me to remain on the heights to discover if the enemy were crossing at the point indicated. He also directed my detachment to remain at Sandy Hook prepared to move, as he did not consider it safe to at- tempt to reach the Catoctin range. I reported continually that no force was crossing at Point of Rooks, or had crossed, that the main body of the enemy were at or near Frederick6 This information was fully and completely confirmed at 8 p. m. by scouts who returned from Middletown and reported the engagement between Generals Wallace and Early at Monocacy Junction. Our services this day show the utility of a signal party in deter- mining the movements of an enemy in a country well adapted to signaling. For twelve hours our reports were directly opposed to all others. All evidence but ours represented the enemy at Point of Rocks, and yet they were found to be exactly where our observations and reports located them. I do not claim that our operations this day were more important than upon previous days, but they most certainly increased the confidence of the general commanding in our accuracy and utility. At 12 m. on the morning of the 10th, after the enemy were found to be in the vicinity of Frederick, General Howe gave me permis- sion to establish a station on the Catoctin Mountain, as I had in- tended on the previous day. At daylight I sent the following dis- patch: 5.30 A. M. GENERAL: The enemys forces have left Frederick and are no~ all across the Monocacy River, save a rear guard of 200 cavalry. They are moving on the Georgetown pike. General Wallace is retreating on the same road. They are either marching on Washington or Baltimore, or are retreating toward Edwards Ferry. THAYER, Lieutenant, Signal Officer, Catoctin Mountain. Lieutenant-Colonel Blakely, who superseded General Stahel, came by my station at 8 a. m. this day, and requested me to go on with the advance. I, therefore, abandoned the station, and moved with the advance cavalry through Frederick and across the Monocacy. At Urbana, four miles beyond the latter river, Colonel Blakely at 4 p. m. sent to General Howe his first dispatch. It embraced no further information, and was the same in substance as niy dispatch of 5.30 a. m. I found that it was impossible from this point to com- municate with Maryland Heights, and I, therefore, thought it best to return with my detachment to Sandy Hook. I retorted to General Howe at 11 p. m. this day. The general requested me to send out Page 184 184 OPERATIONS IN N. VA.~ W. VA., MTh~ AND PA. [CliAP. XLIX. party on the following morning to Sugar Loaf Mountain, for the purpose of watching Edwards and Conrads Ferries. In compliance with this reqnest, I ordered Acting Sergeant Franklin to proceed to Sugar Loaf Mountain on the 11th, and open communication with Maryland Heights. Sergeant Franklin narrowly escaped captnre abont three miles this side of the mountain, and returned to head- quarters at 8 p. m. On the 12th I again sent ont a party under Lieutenant Kennedy, with a strong escort. Lientenant Kennedy succeeded in reaching the mountain, and opened communication with me at 3 p. m. this day. lie reported no enemy in sight. On the 13th the stations remained as before on Sugar Loaf Moun- tam and on Maryland Heights, but the station on Sugar Loaf failed to report any movement of importance. July 14 Captain Towns detachment arrived from Western Vir- ginia. My party on Sugar Loaf Mountain were relieved by a detach- ment of Captain Towns command during the night, and ordered back to Harpers Ferry for the purpose of re-establishing our origi- nal lines. * Considering the inexperience and smallness of our party, I am quite confident that it did all that could be expected or required of a signal detachment. Although not under fire, all of the inclosed messages were transmitted from the parapets of forts during the excitement of a continual cannonade, and without a single mistake. The inclosed transcriptst does not embrace all the messages sent and received during the last four days. In addition to these mes- sages consolidated reports were sent to headquarters each night and morning, giving timely notice of each important movement of the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, AMOS M. THAYER, Lieutenant, Commanding Detachment. Capt. H. S. TAFFT, Chief Assistant, Signal Bureau. No. 3. Reports of Brig. Gen. Max Weber, U. S. Army, of operations about Harpers Ferry. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., July 4, 1864. (Received 12.30 p. in.) The enemy have attacked us in force with cavalry and infantry. I shall not evacuate until my means are exhausted. MAX WEBER Brigadier- General. Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., July 4, 186410.40 a. m. (Received 10.45 a. in.) The enemy are approaching, by way of Charlestown, in heavy force. Two thousand cavalry and a force of infantry are on this * For Towns report of subsequent operations, see p. 113. ~ Omitted, as of no present importance Page 185 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 185 side of Charlestown in force. We have been skirmishing for two hours. If re-enforcements do not come up I must leave the town, but shall hold Maryland Heights at all hazards. Nothing has been heard from General Sigel or his forces. His wagon train, 176 wagons, is in Pleasant Valley. MAX WEBER, Brigadier. General, Commanding. Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., July 4, 1864. (Received 1.30 p. in.) We are still hotly engaged. I have but 400 men and no word from General Sigel or our re-enforcements. Our stores are safely across the river. Unless the enemy come in large force 1 shall hold the town. Word has been received that the rebels in force are crossing at Point of Rocks. I am not able to raise that office. They received their orders last night, in case of an attack, to retire to this point. I shall not leave the town, except at the last necessity, and I have rations for thirty days on the heights, and shall hold them until re- enforced. The bridges are yet entire and our men are doing well. We have lost but 1 officer and 20 men, and inflicted much damage on the enemy. MAX WEBER, Brigadier-General. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HARPERS FERRY, W. VA., July 4, 1864. (Received 12 in.) We are still engaged with the advance of the enemy. Our cavalry has retired. The main body of the enemy, in strong force, is rap- idly advancing via Kearneysville. No re-enforcements have yet reached us. Nothing heard from General Sigel. If we leave the town the station at Sandy Hook will be kept open. MAX WEBER, Brigadier-General. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. ADDENDA. Abstract from Itinerary of forces in and around Harpers Ferry, commanded by Brig. Gen. Max Weber. * July 4.The rebels, numbering some 2,000 cavalry, with a sup- port of infantry and a section of light artillery, attacked our pickets near Bolivar Heights. After a smart skirmish the pickets fell back to the rifle-pits near Camp Hill, W. Va., where the enemy was held in check during the day. The quartermasters, commissary, and * From return for July Page 186 186 OPEkATIONS IN Th VA., w. VA ~ MI)., ANt) PA. ~c1tAP. XLIX. ordnance stores were removed t~ Sandy Hook, Md. About 7 p. in., having received no re-enforcements (railroad and telegraphic com- munication being cut off at Point of Rocks, and the signal offi~ers reporting a large body of the enemy, infantry and artillery, approach- ing from Halltown), our forces evacuated the Ferry, falling back to Maryland Heights. General Sigels forces arrived that night about 9 p. m. After three days brisk skirmishing around the heights the enemy withdrew during the night of the 7th. July 8.Our forces reoccupied Harpers Ferry, which they still hold. No. 4. Reports of Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley, U. S. Army, command- ing at Cumberland, Md., of operations July 4-13 and July 27- August 3. OUMBERLAND, MD., July 4, 1864. (Received 12.15 a. ni. 5th.) Being cut off from General Sigel, I make report direct to you. The enemy, about 1, 50u strong, with artillery, in command of Gen- eral Iinboden, attacked the small force guarding the South Branch bridge, oiiBaltimore and Ohio Railroad, twenty miles easf5Td this place, this a. rn. at 6 oclock. The men in block-house and iron-clad cai~ fought them till 11 a. iii., when the enemy set the car on fire with a fire-ball, and the men were compelled to abandon it, which enabled the rebels to fire the bridge. Portion of the enemys forces, under command of the notorious McNeill, advanced as far west as Pattersons Creek, where they partly destroyed the bridge. My force at North Branch drove them back and saved that bridge. They are now believed to be falling back. Unfortunately I have not an adequate force to pursue and punish them. I hope to be able to pro- tect the public property and the railroad equipment at this place, New Creek, and Piedmont; also the railroad west of this point. I am anxiously looking for some troops from the west. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier- General. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. CUMBERLAND, July 4, 1864. The rebels attacked South Branch bridge this a. in., and are now fighting. They have artillery, and the small garrison will not be able to hold out. They are also reported in Romney this a. in. I have but a small force, and that very much scattered. Please push on your troops as rapidly as possible. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. Major-General HUNTER, Parkersburg Page 187 187 OHAP. XLTX~] OPERAtIONS IN SHENANDOAh VALLEY, tTC. CUMBERLAND, July 5, 1864. I have just returned from Pattersons Creek. I am happy to in- form you that the damage to the railroad and bridges is but trifling. The Pattersons Creek bridge is tolerably badly burned, but as it was only a temporary one on tressels it could not be all burned. The tressels are mostly good, and the bridge will be repaired in forty-eight hours. At South Branch the damage is much less. I have a force on both repairing. I think the road is all safe east of South Branch to Back Creek, twelve miles west of Martinsburg. I have an engine with three iron-clad cars patrolling the road between South Branch and Sir Johns Run. It was these cars that drove off the rebels from South Branch bridge by attacking them in the rear. Unless the road is attacked by a large force I have no doubt but what your troops can be moved east from here to within fifteen or eighteeii miles of Martinsburg within three days, if you should so desire. I am repairing telegraph line; it will be in working order to Sir Johns Run to-morrow. Imbodens force may, after passing through Bloomery Gap, turn to the left, and move to Big Cacapon bridge or Sir Johns Run, but I hope to be able to drive him off if he does. I have sent 200 infantry with one gun by canal-boats to-day to re-enforce those points and supply them rations. I feel that I am now safe here and at New Creek, and the road and public property west of this point. Trains are running regularly west of this. I hope to extend the route as far east as Hancock in two or three days. B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. Major-General HUNTER, Parlcersburg. (Copy sent to Major-General Sigel, Maryland Heights.) CUMBERLAND, July 6, 1864. The enemy attacked Sir Johns Run this p. in., but were driven off, not, however, until they had fired the station-house, which was consumed. The iron-clad cars and guard also drove him from Big Cacapon bridge and prevented its destruction. The bridges at Pattersons Creek and South Branch will be repaired by to-mor- row morning so as to admit the passage of trains. I have nothing definite from Martinsburg or neighborhood. General Sigel, I understand, occupies Maryland Heights; th~ enemy are in force opposite. All my scouts and all refugees report the enemys force about 20,000, in command of Generals Early, Ransom, and others. This estimate was made when they left Staunton. Refugees say that it was the intention of General Earlys forces to entirely destroy the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. General Sullivan arrived this evening with a portion of his division, which will proceed to Pattersons Creek and debark. The cars will be ordered back at once to Parkersburg B. F. KELLEY, Brigadier-General. Major-General HUNTER, Parkersburg, W. 17a Page 188 188 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [OHM. XLIX. HEADQUARTERS, Oumberland, JId., September 17, 1864. I have the honor to submit the following report of operations in my command at Cumberland, Md., and New Creek, W. Va., and vicinity from the 27th of July to the 8th of August, 1864: On the 28th of July I received intelligence that a force of rebels, variously estimated at from 2,500 to 4,500 strong, consisting of the brigades of Generals McCausland and Bradley T. Johnson, the former in chief command, was moving from Hancock toward Cum- berland via Baltimore pike. In obedience to a telegram from Major- General Halleck I at once sent out details to blockade the roads leading from Hancock to this city, and placed my command in the best possible condition for defense. My command at this place then consisted of three regiments of Ohio National Guards, four compa- nies Eleventh West Virginia Infantry, one company Sixth West Vir- ginia Infantry, two sections Battery L, First Illinois Light Artillery, one sectioii Battery B, Maryland Light Artillery, and several hundred stragglers, mostly unarmed, who had stampeded from the front after the battle near Winchester, July 24. The One hundred and fifty-third Ohio National Guards, Col. I. Stough, was at once sent to Old Town, Md., to blockade the road and to dispute the pas- sage of the river in case the enemy should attempt to move into Virginia by that route before attacking Cumberland, or in case of a failure before the city, should endeavor to effect a retreat in that direction. On the 1st of August my scouts reported the enemy advancing on the Baltimore pike. I sent Lieut. T. W. Kelley, with a squad of volunteer cavalry, to watch the movements and retard the progress of the enemy until I could place my command in position. At 12 m. Lieutenant Kelley reported the enemy about twelve miles distant moving toward the city. I immediately posted the One hundred and fifty-sixth Ohio National Guards, Col. C. Marker; detachment Eleventh West Virginia Infantry, Maj. J. L. Simpson; one section Battery L, First Illinois Light Artillery, Lieutenant J. McAfee, in position about two miles east of this place on the heights west of Falcks Mills, overlooking the valley of Evefts Creek, under cover of timber, completely hid from view of the enemy, and held the fortifications in the vicinity with the balance of my command and awaited the approach of the enemy. His advance appeared about ~ p. in., composed of a squadron of cavalry, near Faloks Mills, a portion of them crossing the bridge at that place and coming within range of our muskets. At this juncture my guns on the heights opened fire upon them, which was the first intimation they had of the presence of my command. After their recovery from this sur- p rise they took shelter behind the bridge, Faleks Mills, house, barn, & c., and from this cover their sharpshooters opened a galling fire upon my artillery, which was replied to and rendered ineffectual by our skirmishers. They then rapidly deployed a line of skir- mishers, placed four pieces of~ artillery in position, and brought up the main part of their command. A sharp engagement ensued, last- ing for several hours, until darkness ended the combat, both lines maintaining nearly the original position of the day, my command resting on their arms. A reconnaissance on the following morning developed the fact that the enemy had beat a precipitate retreat from my front during th Page 189 Ca~r. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 189 night, taking an obscure road across the mountain toward Old Town, abandoning in his march his dead, 8 in number; his wounded, some 30-odd; 2 caissons, several carriages, and a large quantity of ammunition. About 5 a. m. August 2 he attacked Colonel Stough near Old Town, Md., who with his regiment defended the cross- ing until the enemy succeeded in flanking him, when he recrossed the river. By the time he had reached the Virginia side, his men had become so demoralized that all but five officers and seventy- seven enlisted men took the cars which had carried them down and moved out of reach of the enemy. Colonel Stough, with the small command now left him, assisted by the iron-clad cars, commanded by Captain Petrie, Second Regiment Potomac Home Brigade, Mary- land Volunteer Infantry, continued to defend the crossing until the enemy succeeded in disabling the iron-dads, by a shot through the boilers of the engine, when Captain Petries command wascompelled to take shelter in the woods, leaving Colonel Stough in the block- house, where he remained until the enemys g~ins were brought to bear upon it, when the following demand for his surrender was re- ceived: AUGUST 2, 1864. COMMANDER OF THE FORCES IN THE BLOCK-HOUSE: You will surrender the block-house and your force at once. If you do not you will not receive any terms. BRADLEY T. JOHNSON, Brigadier-General, Confederate Forces. Colonel Stough returned the following answer as the terms upon which he would surrender his command, deeming it useless to longer attempt a defense: First, that his men should be immediately pa- roled; second, that private property should be respected; third, that the men should retain canteens, haversacks, blankets, and rations; fourth, that he should have a hand-car with which to transport his wounded men to Cumberland. The propositions made by Colonel Stough were accepted and his command at once paroled. The enemy lost from 20 to 25 killed in the engagement and from 40 to 50 wounded; our loss, 2 killed and 3 wounded. After destroying the block-house and iron-clad cars, the enemy moved south toward Romney. On the 3d instant a detachment of the enemy, McNeills guerrillas, crossed the Potomac at Bradys Mills, six miles west of Cumber- land, and destroyed several culverts, & c., indicating clearly that the enemy meditated an attack on New Creek and to prevent the send- ing of re-enforcements to that place. In anticipation of their prob- able movements I at once, on the night of the 3d, had the road repaired and put in running order. On the same day a scout dis- covered a camp of the enemy at or near the Wire Bridge in Hamp- shire County. * Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. KELLEY, Brevet Major- General. Capt. P. G. BIER, Assistant Adjutant-General. *For continuation of report, see Vol. XLIII, Part I Page 190 190 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. No. ~. Abstract from Itinerary of the Reserve Division, Department of West Virginia, commanded by Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley. * July 4.About 800 of the enemy, with three pieces of artillery, attacked the garrison at South Branch bridge, consisting of one company of the One hundred and fifty-third Regiment Ohio National Guard, in the block-house, and a detachment of the Sixth West Virginia Infantry, in iron-clad cars. After six hours fighting they were repulsed with loss of 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, and 6 men killed, and 1 lieutenant and 14 men wounded. The loss sustained by the garrison consisted of 2 men wounded slightly and 2 captured. A shell from the enemys guns entered a port-hole of the iron-clad, exploded, setting fire to the car, which was entirely consumed. July 6.The enemy in small force made an attack upon the gar- rison at Sir Johns sun, consisting of fifty-five men of the One hun- dred and fifty-thir4 Regiment Ohio National Guard, who, with the assistance of the iron-clad cars, Capt. P. B. Petrie, Second Regiment Potomac Home Brigade Volunteers, commanding, repulsed them and drove them off with loss of 2 men killed and several wounded; no casualties in the garrison or iron-dads. A scout of seventy-three men of One hundred and fifty-third Regiment Ohio National Guard, in command of Lieutenant-Colonel Leeds, of that regiment, started from Paw Paw Station, headquarters, of the regiment, and were attacked [July 3] by the enemy, under General Imboden, in North Run Valley, and Lieutenant-Colonel Leeds, Captain Rathbone, and 38 enlisted men were captured and Lieutenant Frazier killed. July 31.Enemy, consisting of Generals McCauslands and Brad- ley T. Johnsons commands, are reported advancing from Hancock upon the post of Cumberland, Md., via National turnpike. August 1.At 4 p. m. the enemy, under command of Generals McCausland and Bradley T. Johnson, attacked the command at Cumberland, under General Kelley. A fight ensued two miles east of town, on the Baltimore pike, lasting until 8 p. m. At 11 p. m. the enemy retreated toward Old Town, leaving his dead and wounded in our hands, and abandoned two caissons, several carriages, and a large quantity of ammunition. Our loss was 1 mortally and 1 slightly wounded; enemys loss, 8 killed and 30 wounded. August 2.McCausland and Johnson attacked Colonel Stough, One hundred and fifty-third Ohio National Guard, at Green Spring Run. After a severe fight, in which the engine attached to the iron-dads was disabled by a shot through the boiler, Colonel Stough was compelled to surrender the block-house, with 5 officers and 77 men. In this fight we lost 2 killed and 3 wounded, with 10 missing; the enemy lost 20 to 25 killed, and 40 to 50 wounded. The fight lasted six hours and a half. Our men who were taken prisoners were paroled. The enemy moved off toward Springfield, in Hamp- shire County, W. Va. August 3.Scouts report the enemy in camp at Springfield, re- ported to be awaiting re-enforcements for a renewed attack on Cum- berland. * From returns for July and August Page 191 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 191 No. 6. Reports of Maj. Gen. Lewis Wallace, U. S. Army, commanding Mid- dle Department, of operations July 110, including battle of the Monocacy. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPs, July 12, 1864. Lieut. Col. J. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff, & c., Department of Washington: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of the report * Maj. Gen. Lew. Wallace, commanding U. S. forces, presenting the part taken by the Third Division of this corps at the late battle near the Monocacy. The terms in which General Wallace commends the conduct of General Ricketts division is no more than I expected, but is so complimentary that I take pleasure in bringing it to the notice of the military authorities. And in this connection I would ask that the division of Ricketts be returned to this command with the least delay compatible with the public interests, in order that the corps may take the field in full force. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding Sixth Corps. HEADQUARTERS, Ellicotts Mills, July 10, 18642.05 p. m. I have the honor to report that I have reached this point with my column. As I telegraphed you on the evening of the 8th instant, I left Frederick, and by a night march took position on the left bank of the Monocacy, with my left on the ~outh side of the Washington pike, and my right covering the bridge on the Baltimore pike, about two miles and a half from Frederick City. ]~arly in the morning of the 9th instant the enemy moved out of Frederick City, and in skirmish order began the fight. About 9 oclock he opened upon me with artillery, his guns being Napol- eons, or 12-pounder howitzers, and mine one 6-gun battery 3-inch rifled gurus, with one 24-pounder howitzer. His column of cavalry and artillery worked rapidly round to my left and crossed the river in face of my guard, and charged confidently upon Brigadier-General Ricketts, Third Division, Sixth Army Corps. The general changed front and repulsed them, and charged in turn and drove them gal- lantly. The enemy then advanced a second line. This the general also repulsed and drove. Mean time the enemy placed at least two bat- teries in position, so that when he made his final charge with four lines of infantry, about 3.30 p. in., the resistance of Ricketts division was under an enfilading fire of shell rea1ly terrific. The moment I saw the third rebel line advance I ordered the general to make such preparations as he could and retire his command by a county road up the river to the Baltimore pike. This was accomplished with an extraordinary steadiness. The men of the Third Division were not whipped, but retired reluctantly, under my orders. They bore the brunt of the battle with a coolness and steadin~ess which I venture to say has not been exceeded in any battle during the war. Too much credit cannot be given General Ricketts for his skill and courage. * The original report telegraphed by General Wallace was received by General Halleck July 10, at 7 p. in., and copy was then forwarded to General Grant Page 192 192 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA~ [CHAP. XLIX. During the main fight skirmishing across the river went on unin- terruptedly, and down at the Baltimore pike bridge assumed serious form. My right, extending from the railroad to the bridge men- tioned, was under charge of Brig. Gen. E. B. Tyler, now supposed to be a prisoner, who, though not tried by so severe a test, met every expectation, and performed his duty with ability and courage. I do not now think myself seriously beaten; there was not a flag nor gun lost. The rebels captured no ~tores whatever, and in face of their overwhelming force, I brought off my whole command, losing prob- ably not over 200 ~mers My casualty list will be quite severe, but cannot possibly equal that of the enemy, as they charged several times in close lines, and with a recklessness that can be justified only upon the ground that they supposed my command consisted of raw militia. Each one of his four lines of attack presented a front greater than that of General Ricketts division all deployed. By calculation this would give him about 18,000 men engaged on the left bank, while he had at least 2,000 more skirmishing and fighting in my front across the river. Permit me to state that in fighting I had three objects in view: First, to keep open, if possible, the communication by rail to Harpers Ferry; second, to cover the roads to Washington and Baltimore; the last, to make the enemy develop his force. I failed in all but the last, and from what I saw it can be safely asserted that the ene- my must have two corps of troops north of the Potomac. In the computation I include his column operating in the region of Hagers- town, that about Harpers Ferry, and the one which fought me yesterday. A rebel officer dying on the field told a staff officer of General Ricketts that Lee was managing these operations in person, and would shortly have three corps about the Potomac for business against Washington and Baltimore. This circumstance is true; give it what weight you please. I regret to add that we were able to bring off but few of our wounded, and none of our dead. The 100-days men straggled badly, while the men of the Sixth Corps reached this place in perfect order, and covered the retreat. The Third Regiment Poto- mac Home Brigade, Colonel Gilpin, of Tylers brigade, also main- tained good order. I will make a more complete report, with your permission, when I receive the report of Brigadier-General Ricketts. I wish to make honorable mention at this time of Lieut. Col. D. R. Clendenin, of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, of Capt. F. W. Alex- ander, whose battery was well served throughout the day, and of of Col. Charles Gilpin, who commanded during the fight of Freder- ick City, on the 7th instant, in which the enemy lost, killed and wounded, 140 men, while we lost 1 man killed and 18 wounded. The number of rebel casualties is given on the statements of citizens of Frederick. Iwishalsotomakehonorablemention of ColonelBrown,of the One hundred and forty-ninth Ohio National Guards, who, assisted by Captain Leib, Fifth U. S. Cavalry, stubbornly held the Balti- more pike bridge, and thus kept open my line of retreat. LEW. WALLACE, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington Page 193 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 193 HDQRS. MIDDLE DEPARTMENT, EIGHTH ARMY CORPS, Baltimore, August , 1864. COLONEL: I beg leave to furnish the War Department with the following report in full of the operations of my command in the vicinity of Frederick City, Md., which resulted in the battle of Monocacy, fought 9th July last. The informal report telegraphed Major-General Halleck from Ellicotts Mills, dnring the retreat, is appended hereto,* and will serve to make the record complete: The sitnation in the Department of West Virginia, about the be- ginning of July, was very uncertain. Major-General Hunter had retreated westwardly from Lynchburg, leaving open the Shenandoah Valley, up which a column of rebels of unknown strength had marched and thrown General Sigel back from Martinsburg to Will- iamsport, thence down the left bank of the Potomac to Maryland Heights, where, with his command, he was supposed to be besieged. The strength of the invading column, by whom it was commanded, what its objects were, the means provided to repel it, everything in fact connected with it, were, on my part, purely conjectural. All that I was certain of was that my own department was seriously threatened. July 5, information was brought to my headquarters in Baltimore that a column of rebel cavalry, the same that had been raiding in the border counties of Pennsylvania, was in the Middletown Valley, moving eastwardly. Taking this report as true, the enemy had turned his back upon the department of Major-General Couch, and reduced his probable objectives to Washington, Baltimore, or Mary- land Heights. In this situation I felt it my duty to concentrate that portion of my scanty command available for field operations at some point on the Monocacy River, the western limit of the Middle De- partment. With an enemy north of the Potomac, and approaching from the west, having in view any or all the objectives mentioned, the importance of the position on which I ultimately gave battle cannot be overestimated. There, within the spape of two miles, converge the pikes to Washington and Baltimore, and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad; there also is the iron bridge over the Monocacy, upon which depends railroad communication to Harpers Ferry. Moreover, as a defensive position for an army seeking to cover the cities above named against a force marching from the direction I was threatened, the point is very strong; the river covers its entire front. In a low stage of wat~r the fords are few, and particularly difficult for artillery, and the commanding heights are all on the eastern bank, while the ground on the opposite side is level and almost without obstructions. At all events, I was confident of ability to repel any ordinary column of cavalry that might be bold enough to attack me there, and if the position should be turned on the right, I was not necessarily disabled from defending Baltimore. In that contingency I had only to take care of the railroad and use it at the right time. Accordingly, I went out and joined General Tyler at the railroad bridge. The information received in Balti- more was confirmed. Rebel cavalry had seized Middletown. Their scouting parties had even advanced to within three miles of Freder- ick City. By the evening of the 6th all my available troops were concentrated under General Tyler, making a force of scant 2,500 men of all arms, and composed as follows: Third Regiment Mary *See p. 191. 13 R RVOL XXXVII, PT Page 194 194 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. tC~A~. XLD~. land Potomac Home Brigade, Col. Charles Gilpin; Eleventh Mary- land Infantry, Colonel Landstreet; seven companies of the One hundred and forty-ninth and three companies of the One hundred and forty-fourth Ohio National Guard, consolidated temporarily, under Col. A. L. Brown; Captain Alexanders (Maryland) battery, and 100 men of the One hundred and fifty-ninth Ohio National Guards, serving as mounted infantry, and commanded by Capt. E. H. Leib, Fifth U. S. Cavalry, and Capt. H. S. Allen. In addition, I had the services of Lieuteiiant-Colonel Clendenins squadron of cavalry, 250 men, and four companies of the First Regiment Mary- land Potomac Home Brigade, about 200 strong, under Captain Brown. Of this force, it is proper to add, the Eleventh Maryland and all the Ohio troops were 100-days men. In the night of the 6th Colonel Clendenin received my orders to take the pike to Middletown and follow it until he found the enemy, and ascertained the strength and composition of his column. Leaving Frederick City at daybreak next morning (the 7th), with his cavalry, and a section of Alexanders battery, he drove in a rebe] outpost sta- tioned in the mountain pass, and gained Middletown, where he was stopped by a body of cavalry largely superior to his own, commanded by General Bradley T. Johnson. After a smart skirmish, in which both sides used artillery, Clendenin was forced back by movements on his flanks. About 10 oclock he reported the rebels, 1,000 strong, pushing him slowly to Frederick City, which they would reach in two liours, unless I intended its defense. Though out of my department, it had become my duty to save the town, if possible, and as it was but three miles distant, I thought that could be done without jeop- ardizing the position at the railroad bridge. By direction, therefore, General Tyler sent Colonel Gilpin with his regiment and another gun to support Clendenin and engage the enemy. The company of mounted infantry also went forward. In this movement the railroad was very useful. Colonel Gilpin reached the town in good time, and deployed his command in skirmish order across the Hagerstown pike, half a mile west of the suburbs. Clendenin fell back and joined him. About 4 p. m. the enemy opened the fight with three pieces of artillery. The lines engaged shortly after. At 6 oclock Captain Alexander, personally in charge of his pieces, dismounted one of Johnsons guns. A little before dark Gilpin charged and drove the rebels, who, under cover of night, finally withdrew to the mountain. You will find the locality of this action indicated on the map * herewith forwarded. The forces opposed, it is worthy remark, were about equal in num- ber, yet Johnson had the advantage; his men were veterans, while Gilpins, with the exception of Clendenins squadron, had not before been under fire, a circumstance much enhancing the credit gained by them. Relying upon intelligence received th& evening the above affair took place that a division of veterans of the Sixth Corps was com- ing by rail to my re-enforcement, about midnight General Tyler was sent to Frederick City with Colonel Browns command to prepare for what might occur in the morning. About daybreak a portion.. of the First Brigade of the veterans arrived under Colonel Henry, which was also sent to Frederick. The reports of the enemy con- tinued conflicting as before; some stated that Johnsons cavalry, already whipped by Colonel Gilpin,_were all the rebels north of the *To appear in the Atlas Page 195 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 195 Potomac; others that McCausland, with a like column, was march- ing to join Johnson; others, again, represented Early and Breckin- ridge behind the Catoctin Mountain, with 30,000 men, moving upon Frederick City. In short, the most reliable intelligence was of a character that reduced the defense of that town to a secondary con- sideration. If the enemys force was correctly reported, his designs were upon Washington or Baltimore. In the hope of evolving something definite out of the confusion of news, I went in person to Frederick City, leaving my inspector-general, Lieutenant-Colonel Catlin, at the railroad bridge, to stop such of the veteran regiments as arrived there. The Eleventh Maryland remained with him. My purpose was to conduct a reconnaissance over the mountain, to brush aside, if possible, the curtain that seemed to overhang it. In the midst of preparation for this movement, a telegram from Major-Gen- eral Sigel reached me, stating that the enemy had that morning retired from before Maryland Heights, and was marching with his main body up the Middletown Valley toward Boonsborough. The question then was, Were the rebels marching for Pennsylvania or coming eastward by the Jefferson or Middletown pikes? I concluded to await events in Frederick City, satisfied they would not be long delayed. As Johnson still held the~ nionutain pass to Middletown, the day (8th) was spent in trying to draw him into the valley with such re-en- forcements as he might have received. A feigned retreat from the town was but partially successful; he came down, but, under fire of Alexanders guns, galloped back again. About 6 oclock in the after- noon Colonel Catlin telegraphed me that a heavy force of rebel in- fantry was moving toward Urbana by the Buckeystown road. This threatened my lines of retreat and the position at Monocacy bridge. What was more serious, it seemed to disclose a purpose to obtain the pike to Washington, important to the enemy for several causes, but especially so if his designs embraced that city, then in no condition, as I understood it, to resist an army like that attributed to Early by General Sigel. I claim no credit for understanding my duty in such a situation; it was self-apparent. There was no force that could be thrown in time between the capital and the rebels but mine, which was probably too small to defeat them, but certainly strong enough to gain time and compel them to expose their strength. If they were weak, by going back to the bridge I could keep open the com- munication with General Sigel; on the other hand, if they were ever so strong it was not possible to drive me from that position, except by turning one of my flanks; if my right, retreat was open by the Washington pike; if my left, the retirement could be by the pike to Baltimore. I made up my mind to fight, and accordingly tele- graphed General Halleck: I shall withdraw immediately from Frederick City, and put myself in position to cover road to Washingtom if necessary. This was done by marching in the night to the railroad bridge, where Brigadier-General Ricketts was in waiting. I had then the following regiments of his division: First Brigade, Col. W. S. Truex commanding, 1,750 strongOne hundred and sixth New York, CaQtain Paine commanding; One hundred and fifty-first New York, Colonel Emerson; Fourteenth New Jersey, Lieutenant-Colonel Hall; Tenth Vein~ont, Colonel henry; Eighty-seventh Peiinsylvania, Lieutenant-Colonel Stalile Page 196 196 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Cu~& p. XLIX. Second Brigade, 1,600 men, Colonel MeClenrian commanding One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania; Ninth New York, Colonel Seward; One hundred and twenty-sixth Ohio, Lieutenant- Colonel Ebright; One hundred and tenth Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Binkley. The residue of the division, it was reported, would be up next day. Early in the morning of the 9th disposition for battle was made. The right, forming an extended line from the railroad, was given Gen- eral Tyler, who, by direction, had left Colonel .Brown at the stone bridge on the Baltimore pike with his command, and the company of mounted infantry. Upon the holding of that bridge depended. the security of my right flank, and the line of retreat to Baltimore. Three companies of Colonel Gilpins regiment were posted to defend Crums Fordmidway the stone bridge and railroad. Landstreet and Gilpin were held in reserve at the railroad. The battery was dividedRicketts and Tyler each received three guns. On the left, as it was likely to be the main point of attack, I directed General Ricketts to form his command in two lines across the Washington pike, so as to hold the rising ground south of it and the wooden bridge across the river. Still farther to the left, Colonel Clendenin took post to watch that flank and guard the lower fords with such detachments as he could spare. On the western bank of the river, Captain Browns detachment of the First Regiment Potomac Home Brigade was deployed as skirmishers, in a line three quarters of a mile to the front. A 24-pounder howitzer was left in a rude earth- work near the block-house by the railroad, where it could be used to defend the two bridges and cover the retirement and crossing of the skirmishers. While this disposition was going on, the railroad agent informed me that two more troop trains were on the road, and would arrive by 1 oclock. These were the residue of General Ricketts division, three regiments making a very important re-en- forcement. About 8 a. m. the enemy r~marched by the pike from Frederick, and threw out skirmishers, behind whom he put his guns in position, and began the engagement. His columns followed a little after 9 oclock. Passing through the fields, just out of range of my pieces, without attempting to drive in my skirmishers, they moved rapidly around to the left, and forced a passage of the river at a ford about one mile below Ricketts. From 9 oclock to 10.30 the action was little more than a warm skirmish and experimental cannonading, in which, however, the enemys superiority in the number and cali- ber of his guns was fully shown. Against my six 3-inch rifles, he opposed not less than sixteen Napoleons. In this time, also, the fighting at the stone bridge~ assumed serious proportions; Colonel Brown held his position with great difficulty. About 10.30 oclock the enemys first line of battle made its appearance, and moved against Ricketts, who, mean time, .had changed front to the left, so that his right rested upon the river-bank. This change unavoidably subjected his regiments to an unintermitted enfilading fire from the batteries across the stream. So great was the rebel front, also, that I was compelled to order the whole division into one line, thus leav- ing it without reserves. Still the enemys front was greatest. Two more guns were sent to Ricketts. Finally, by burning the wooden bridge and the block-house at its further end, thus releasing the force left to defend them, I put into the engagement every available man except Tylers reserves, which, from the messages arriving, I expected momentarily to have to dispatch to Colonel Browns assistance. The enemys first line was badly defeated. His second lim4e then ad. Page 197 CHAP XLIX.) OPERATIONS IN SIIENANI)OAJL VALLEY, ETC. 197 vanced, and was repulsed, but after a fierce and contiiiuous struggle. In the time thus occupied I could probably have retired without much trouble, as the rebels were badly punished. The main objects of the battle, however, were unaccomplished, the rebel strength wads not yet developed. At 1 oclock the three re-enforcing regiments of ~teterans would be On the ground, and then the splendid behavior of Ricketts and his men in~pired me with confidence. One oclock came, but not the re-enforcements; and it was impossible to get an order to them. My telegraph operator, and the railroad agent, With both his trains, had run away. An hour and a half later I saW the third line of rebels move out of the woods and down the hill, behind which they made their formation; right after it came the fourth. It was time to get away. Accordingly, I ordered General Ricketts to make p reparations and retire to the Baltimore pike. About 4 oclock he began the execution of the order. The stone bridge held by Colonel Brown now became all important; its loss was the loss of my hue of retreat, and I had reason to believe that the enemy, successful on my left, would redouble his efforts against the right. General Tyler had already marched with his reserves to Browns assistance; but on re- ceipt of notice of my intention, without waiting for Gilpin and Landstreet, he galloped to the bridge and took the command in person. After the disengagement of Ricketts line, when the head of the retreating column reached the pike, I rode to the bridge, and ordered it to be held at all hazards by the force then there, until the enemy should be found in its rear, at least until the last regiment had cleared the country road by which the retreat was being effected. This order General Tyler obeyed. A little after 5 oclock, when my column was well on the march toward New Market, an attack on his rear convinced hi rn of the impracticability of longer maintaining his post. Many of his men then took to the woods, but by his direction the greater part kept their ranks, and manfully fought their way through. In this way Colonel Brown escaped. General Tyler, find- ing himself cut off, dashed into the woods, with the officers of his staff, and was happily saved. His gallantry and self-sacrificing devotion are above all commendation of words. The enemy seemed to have stopped pursuit at the stone bridge. A few cavalry followed my rear guard to within a couple of miles of New Market, where they established a picket-post. The explanation of their failure to harass my column lies in facts that have since come to my knowledge, viz, Johnsons cavalry was marching at the time of the battle toward Baltimore via the Liberty road, while Mc- Causlands was too badly cut up in the fight for anything like imme- diate and vigorous action after it. To have cut my column off at New Market the rebels. had only to move their cavalry round my right by way of Urbana and Monrovia. Expecting such was his plan I used the utmost expedition to pass the command beyond that point. The danger proved imaginary. The re-enforcements for which I waited so anxiously the last two hours of the engagement reaching Monrovia in good time to have joined me, halted therea singular proceeding, for which no explanation has as yet been furnished me. Monrovia is but eight miles from the battle-ground. The command- ing officer at that place must, therefore, have heard the guns. But besides this Colonel Clendenin was effectually contesting the road which offered the enemy the advantage I have mentioned. That gal- lant officeras true a cavalry soldier as ever mounted a horsewhile fighting on Ricketts extreme left, found himself cut off from the main body at the time the retreat began. Throwing himself int Page 198 198 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., NV. VA., MTh, AND PA. CEAV. ~CLIX. the village of Urbana he repeatedly repulsed the pursuing rebels, and in one bold charge, saber in hand, captured the battle-flag of the Seventeenth Virginia. The three regiments in Monrovia joined me at New Market and afterward served a good purpose in covering the march of the weary column, which bivouacked for the night about twelve miles from the battle-field. It would be a difficult task to say too much. in praise of the vet- erans who made this fight. For their reputation and for the truths sake, I wish it distinctly understood that, though the appearance o~f. the enemys fourth line of battle made their ultimate defeat certain, they were not whipped; on the contrary, they were fighting steadily in unbroken front when I ordered their retirement, all the shame of which, if shame there was, is mine, not theirs. The nine regiments enumerated as those participating in the action represented but 3,350 men, of whom over 1,600 were missing three days after, killed, wounded, or prisonerslost on the field. The fact speaks for itself. Monocacy on their flags cannot be a word of dishonor. As to General Ricketts, attention~ is respectfully called to the men- tion made of him in the telegraph report* subjoined. Every word of it is as deserved as it was bravely earned. If we had had intrench- ing tools in time no doubt the losses of the veterans would have been greatly lessened. Another deficiency existed in the want of ambulan- ces and wagons, but this I designed remedying by the use of the cars. That the dead and so many of the wounded were left suffering on the field and in the hands of the enemy is justly attributable to the base desertion by the railroad agent. I will also add that my dispatches would have reached the War Office several hours sooner if the tele- graph operator had remained at his post or within calling distance. My iutention upon leaving the battle-field was to march the troops directly to Baltimore, which, by the concentration at Monocacy, had been left almost defenseless. Had this purpose been carried out they would have reached the city on the evening of the 10th in time to have driven off the marauders who, under Johnson, had moved by the Liberty road from Frederick City and taken post in the vicinity of Cockeysvijle. Such a result would very probably have saved the bridges on the Philadelphia railroad. But under an order received while en route to Ellicotts Mills, directing me to rally my forces and make every possible effort to retard the enemys march on Bal- timore, I thought it my duty to halt Ricketts division with the cav- alry and battery at the Mills, that being the first point on the pike at which it was possible to resupply the men with rations and am- munition. In doing this, however, I was careful to leave General Ricketts trains sufficient to bring his whole force away at a mo- ments notice, and as soon as it was certainly known that the enemy had marched against Washington I ordered him to Baltimore. Be- fore he arrived, however, I was temporarily superseded in the com- mand of the troops by Major-General Ord. The evening of the 10th I returned to Baltimore, and found the city very naturally in a state of alarm, occasioned by the approach of Johnsons cavalry. Thanks, however, to the energy of Lieut. Col. S. B. Lawrence, assistant adjutant-general, and Lieut. Col. John Woolley, provost-marshal, every measure of safety had been taken that intelligence could suggest. The railroad communications north had been the subject of the formers special care. The means of de- fense for the as already remarked, were very meager, but the ~See p. 191 Page 199 199 CHAP. XLIX.1 OPEI~ATI0N5 IN ShENANDOAh VALLEY, kVC~ direction of them had, as soon as intelligence of the result on the Monocacy was received, very properly been assumed by Brigadier- Generals Lockwood and Morris, who~e military experience was of very great value. To the former I feel particularly grateful. Loyal citizens took up arms by the thousand, were organized, manned the works, and did soldier duty nobly. Besides the officers, mentioned in my informal report of 10th of July, the following deserve similar notice for their excellent behav ior in action, and the services they rendered: Lient. Col. Lynde Cat- un, assistant inspector-general; Maj. Max. V. Z. Woodhull, acting assistait adjutant-general; and Maj. James R. Ross, senior aide-de- camp, all of my staff; also Capt. W. H. Wiegel, assistant adjutant- general to General Tyler; Capt. Adam E. King, assistant adjutant- general to General Ricketts; Captain Brown, First Maryland Po- tomac Home Brigade, and Capt. H. S. Allen, of the conipany serving as mounted infantry. General Ricketts has not yet forwarded his official report. When received I shall promptly transmit it to the War Office. * It will doubtless disclose many other officers properly entitled to special men- tion. At this time I can only speak of commandants of brigades and regiments whose names have been already given, and repeat the commendation they have won from commanding officers in many a former battle. They are of the soldierswhose skill and courage have ennobled not merely themselves, but the army they have belonged to so long. The subjoined reportt contains my opinion of the rebel strength forwarded by telegram the day after the battle. Informa~ tion since obtained corroborates that opinion. It is now well assured that General Early attacked me with one whole corps, not less than 18,000 strong, while Breckinridge, with two divisions, remained dur- ingthe battle in quiet occupancy of Frederick City. It is also certain, as one of the results, that notwithstanding the disparity of forces, the enemy was not able to move from the battle-field, in prosecution of his march upon Washington, until the next day about noon. As to the casualties, I regret that the speedy movement of some regiments of General Tylers brigade made it impossible for him to perfect his report as he himself desired. The following table, how~ ever, embraces the returns from that officer and from General Rick- etts as accurately as was possible under the circumstances: Killed. Wounded. Missing. Command. ,~ . . be ~ be H H n ~ ~ Q H n ea H ~ Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, com- manded by Brigadier-General Ricketts: General staff 1 1 al Fir5t Brigade 8 54 62 17 226 243 3 422 4A32 737 Second Brigade 3 19 22 12 255 267 7 615 t622 911 Total 11 73 84 30 481 511 10 1,044 tl,054 1,649 a Capt. Adam E. King, assistant adjutant-general, severely wounded. * Ricketts report not found. jSeep. 191. ~ Greatly in excess of the ntuhber reported by name. Many of the men here counted as missing probably returned to duty before the preparation of the nomP nal lists. Such disagreements cannot in anyother way be explained. See p. 202 Page 200 200 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. Killed. Wounded. Missing. a Command. C bii a a a a a b~ a 0 -1 H Troops commanded by Brig. Gen. E. B. Tyler: 3d Regiment Potomac Home Brigade 2 2 7 7 1 14 15 24 1st Regiment Potomac Home Brigade 1 1 .... 13 13 5 5 19 11th Maryland Volunteers 2 2 2 144th Ohio National Guard 2 2 1 10 11 1 20 21 34 149th Ohio National Guard 4 4 10 10 3 184 187 201 Baltimore Battery Light Artillery 4 4 4 8th Regiment Illinois Cavalry 1 4 5 2 19 21 26 Detachment 159th Ohio National Guard a 1 8 9 serving as mounted infantry. Total 1 14 15 3 65 68 5 223 236 319 Grand total ~ 546 a Commanded by Capt. B. H. Leib, Fifth U. S. Cavalry. The aggregate shows a heavy loss, illustrating the obstinate valor of the Command. I am satisfied, however, that the Casualties of the rebels exceeded mine. To reach this conclusion one has only to make a calculation based upon the fact that the day after the battle over 400 men, too seriously wounded to be carried away, were cap- tured in the hospital at Frederick City. Orders have been given to collect the bodies of our dead in one burial ground on the battle-field, suitable for a monument upon which I propose to write: These men died to save the National Capital, and they did save it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEW. WALLACE, .lilajor- General, Commanding. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General. WASHINGTON CITY, April 2, 1865. Brig. Gen. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General. SIR: In my official report of the battle of Monocacy, I omitted to make mention of the very great obligations Ii was under to Hon. John W. Garrett, president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, for his personal exertions in forwarding to my support and assistance, promptly upon their arrival at Baltimore, the ad- vance brigade of General Ricketts division of troops. Please attach this so as to make it part of the report alluded to. Very respectfully, LEW. WALLACE, Major-General, U. S. Army,. ADDENDA. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. MIDDLE DEPT., 8TH ARMY CORPS, No. 64. Baltimore, Md., August 19, 1864. The general commanding hereby expresses his high appreciation of the conduct of the sick and wounded officers and enlisted men who during the late threatened raid into this city by the rebels nobly volunteered to assist in its defense Page 201 CHAP. XLIX.I OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 201 For several days and nights they bravely awaited the approach of the enemy, apparently heedless of their wounds or feeble condition, in their desire to do all in their power to render service to their country. All of them deserve honorable mention, but it is not practicable to give the name of every soldier. The following-named commis- sioned officers and enlisted men were conspicuous for their efficiency and zeal: First Lient. Frank P. Gross, Seventy-second Company, Second Battalion, U. S. Veteran Reserve Corps. First Lieut. V. K. Spear, Ninety-fifth Company, Second Battalion, U. S. Veteran Reserve Corps. First Lient. Nelson Bronson, Eighty-ninth Company, Second Bat- talion, U. S. Veteran Reserve Corps. Second Lient. R. J. Sutherland, One hundred and forty-third Com- pany, Second Battalion, U. S. Veteran Reserve Corps. First Lient. W. C. Coleman, Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve Corps. COMMANDING DETACHMENTS. First Sergt. W. W. Fitzpatrick, Company G, Fourteenth U. S. Infantry. Hospital Steward C. E. Tehon, U. S. Army. Sergt. Charles Ihle, Company E, Fifteenth New York Heavy Artillery. Private R. McDaniels, Company H, Ninth New York State Militia. Private W. T. Hosley, Company C, Second U. S. Sharpshooters. Private John L. Murray, Company A, Thirteenth Massachust~tts. A copy of this order will be furnished to every soldier who vol- unteered to go from the hospital to the fortifications to assist in the defense of the city. By command of Maj. Gen. L. Wallace: SAML. B. LAWRENCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 7. Composition and losses of the Union forces in battle of the Mo- nocacy. [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. 5) 5) Command. ;- ~-. 5) 5) 5) Q ~ Q ~ ~ EIGHTH ARMY CORPS. First Separate Brigade. Brig. Gen. ERASTUS B. TYLER. 1st Maryland Potomac Home Brigade (five 1 1 12 5 19 companies), Capt. Charles J. Brown. 3d Maryland Potomac Home Brigade, Col 2 4 13 Charles Gilpin. 11th Maryland, Col. William T. Landstreet 2 2 144th Ohio (three companies) Col. Allison L 1 1 10 2 35 49 149th Ohio (sevencompanies)~ Brown 4 25 5 64 98 )laltimore (Maryland) Battery, Capt. Frederic W 4 4 Alexander. 7 108 Total First Separate Brigade 8 Page 202 2~i2 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP, XLIX. (jOlflJ)OSjtjOn and losses of the Union forces in battle of the MonoeacyContinued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. -~ ------ ---- - - - ___-~-I Command. H A Q ~ 18 il 18 bE ________ ______ o ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ Cavalry. Lieut. Col. DAVID R. CLENDENIN. 8th Illinois, Lieut. Col. David R. Clendenin 159th Ohio (detachment of mounted infantry), Capt. Edward H. Leib and Capt. Henry S. Allen. Detachment of mixed cavalry, Maj. Charles A. Wells. Loudoun (Virginia) Rangers Total cavalry SIXTH ARMY CORPS. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JAMES B. RIcEETTS. Staff First Brigade. Col. WILLIAM S. TRUEX. Staff 14th New JerSey, Lieut. Col. Caidwell K. Hall.... 106th New York, Capt. Edward N. Paine 151st New York, Col.~~illiam Emerson 87th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. James A. Stahle. 10th Vermont, Col. William W. Henry Total First Brigade Second Brigade.* Col. MATTHEW R. MCCLENNAN. 9th New York Heavy Artillery, CoL William H. Seward. jr. 110th Ohio. Lient. Col. Otho H. Binkley 122d Ohio (detachment), Lient. Charles J. Gibson. 126th Ohio, Lient. Col. Aaron W. Ebright 138th Pennsylvania, Maj. Lewis A. May Total Second Brigade Total Third Division Grand total 5 2 19 1 27 9 1 6 2 19 8 36 1 1 I 1 2 22 8 79 29 140 2 14 3 70 44 133 24 1 44 32 101 3 9 2 28 1 31 74 5 1 19 31 56 7 74 16 ~40 1 167 505 1 12 5 84 99 201 1 3 5 77 2 50 138 4 1 9 46 60 6 3 40 51 100 1 38 1 28 68 2 25 15 248 3j 274 567 9 99 32 488 4f 441 1,073 10 113 36 567 11~ 557 1,294 OFFICERS KILLED OR MORTALLY WOUNDED. ILLINOIS. Capt. John V. Morris, 8th Cavalry. Lient. Charles S. Gilbert 8th Cavalry. NEW JERSEY. Cap. Henry J. Conine, 14th Infantry. I Capt. James W. Conover, 14th Infantry. Capt. Henry W. Stults, 14th Infantry. I NEW YORK. Lieut. James H. Ellis, 9th Heavy Artil- Capt. Martin J. Chamberlain, 106th In lery. fantry. Capt. Alfred J. Hooker, 106th Infantry. Lieut. John Kingston, 106th Infantry. * The 6th Maryland, 67th Pennsylvania, and part of the 122d Ohio did not reach the battle-field Page 203 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN ShENANDOAh VALLEY, ETC. OHIO. Capt. William A. Hathaway. 110th In-. Lieut. Jefferson 0. MeMillen, 122d In fantry. fantry. Lient. George 0. McMillen, 110th In- fantry. PENNSYLVANIA. Lieut. Anthony M. Martin, 87th Infantry. Lieut. Daniel D. Dieterich, 87th Ififantry. Lieut. Charles F. Haack, 87th Infantry. Lieut. John F. Spangler, 87th Infantry. No.8. Reports of Surg. George K. Johnson, llledical Inspector, U. S. Army. BALTIMORE, July 13, 186411 a. m. GENERAL: I was in the rebel lines at Monocacy and Frederick during Saturday and Sunday last. The entire corps of Ewell and Breckinridge were there, estimated to be 25,000 or 30,000 strong. They had besides a large cavalry force, say 5,000 or 6,000. They were well sup p lied with artillery and stores. The main body left Monoc- acy Sunday morning, and a strong rear guard left at 12 m. or 1 p. m. They marched down the Georgetown pike. I last heard of them at Hyattstown, on that pike. It was said that they were making for Edwards and Nolands Ferries. A Union cavalry force from Hunters command entered Frederick as the rebels left it. The rebel rear guard left precipitately, being under the impression that Hunters main force was approaching. When I left Frederick, at 12 m. yesterday, Hunter was said to be at Martinsburg with a part of his force. The railroad is intact this side of Monocacy. I came down the pike, which is now unobstructed. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours, G. K. JOHNSON, Medical Inspector, U. S. Army. Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. ORD. OFFICE MEDICAL INSPECTOR, U. S. ARMY, 41 North Charles Street, Baltimore, July 14, 1864. COLONEL: In obedience to the order of Major-General Wallace, dated yesterday, I have the honor to submit the following state- ment: The Federal dead left on and near the field at Monocacy on the 9th instant, were buried under my supervision on the 10th and 11th instant. There were buried on the field, 117; and in the neighbor- hood, 4; making a total of 121. Our wounded left on the field were carefully gathered up on the 10th and 11th instant, placed in the general hospital at Frederick, and comfortably provided for. The number in hospital on the 12th, when I left that city and when, I believe, every man had been taken from the field, was 189. To these should be added 15 cases which I found at New Market, several miles this side of Frederick, making a total of 204 Page 204 204 O1M~ATIONs [N ~. VA., XV. VA., Mb., ANb PA. Lctx~. ~LL~ The search for the wounded was very thorough, and I am confi- dent this number could not have been much increased after I left Frederick. To Lieutenaiit-Colonel Blakely, commanding. cavalry forces, who occupied Frederick and the battle-field immediately after the rebel evacuation, we were indebted for the prompt detail of a burial party. The Confederates left 405 of their wounded in the hospital at Frederick. In addition to these a number of cases, not fewer, I think, than 30, were left in various country houses, making the total number now in our hands at Frederick 435. Most of these were serious cases and could not be carried away. Of the number of Confederates killed I have no accurate informa- tion. I heard it variously estimated at from 150 to 275. From various circumstances, I judge the latter number to be not far from the correct one. They lost, certainly, two colonels, whose names I do not remember, but who seemed L be highly esteemed. They sustained other losses in office~s, tut i un unable to give you any reliable information concerning them. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. K. JOHNSON, Medical Inspector, U. S. Army. Lient. Col. SAMUEL 13. LAWRENC1~, Assistant Adjutant- General, Baltimore. No. 9. Itinerary of the Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, Brig. Gen. James B. Ricketts, U. S. Army, commanding, July 1-17, 1864. * July 1.Remained near plank road [front of Petersburg, Va.]. July 2.Returned to old camp near Williams house. July 3 to 6.-Remained at same place. July 6.-At 7 a. m. the division moved out of their works and marched to City Point. At 2 p. m. embarked on transports; dis- embarked at Baltimore on the morning of the 8th at Locust Point, and took the cars for Point of Rocks, Md.; joined Major-General Wallace at Monocacy Junction, Md. July 9.Fought a vastly superior force of the enemy from 9 a. m. to 3.30 p. in., but was forced to fall back, which was done in good order, and covering the retreat of the 100-days men and militia. The division lost heavily in killed, wounded, and missing. July 10.At 4 p. m. reached Ellicotts Mills by way of the Balti- more pike. July 11.Took cars for Baltimore at 4 p. in.; remained at Balti- more until the 14th. July 14.Took cars and arrived at Washington City at dark. July 15.Marched by way of Georgetown, at Tennallytown tak- ing the Poolesville road, and encamped for the night near Offutts Cross-Roads. July 16.Continued the march; crossed the Potomac at Edwards Ferry and bivouacked for the night near Goose Creek. *Fron2i return for July Page 205 Caw. XLIX.] OPERATIONS TN SHENANDOAH.VALLEY, ETC. 205 July 17Joined the First and Second Divisions three miles west of Leesburg and encamped near Hamilton for the night. General Rick- etts took temporary command of the corps. No. 10. Report of Gol. William Emerson, One hundred and fifty-first New York Infantry, of the operations of the First Brigade at battle of the Mionocacy. HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD Div., 6TH ARMY CORPS, July 12, 1864. CAPTAIN: In compliance with circular this day received from division headquarters, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken in the battle of Monocacy by this brigade, under the command of Col. William S. Truex, Fourteenth New York Volunteers: After crossing the creek that empties into the Monocacy, and while awaiting orders, the enemy opened with a piece of artillery at about 8.30 a. in., the first shot mortally wounding two men of the One hundred and fifty-first New York Volunteers. Orders coming to change position, the One hundred and fifty-first New York Volun- teers was moved to the support of Alexanders battery on the hill west of Georgetown pike. A heavy skirmish line of the enemys cav- alry and infantry appearing on the left and front, the balance of the brigade was moved into position on the left of the One hundred and fifty-first New York Volunteers, extending in the direction of the Thomas house and Buckeystown road, the Tenth Vermont Volunteers being held in reserve. Heavy skirmishing was kept up until about 2 p. in., when orders were received to occupy the crest of the hill. The sharpshooters were deployed to cover the Eighty-seventh Penn- sylvania Volunteers, who were ordered to charge up to the Thomas house, which they did in gallant style, driving the enemy before them and occupying the house. The One hundred and fifty-first New York Volunteers and One hundred and sixth New York Vol.. unteers were then ordered to charge, while the Fourteenth New Jersey Volunteers attracted the attention of the enemy by a brisk fire. In this charge there were captured 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 lieutenants, and several elihisted men. The Tenth Vermont Volunteers were moved to the left to prevent our being flanked, the enemy having pushed two regiments in tliat direction. Orders being received to hold the position at all hazards, word was sent back that it could not be done without more men, when 300 of the Second Brigade were sent to our assistance. Skir- mishing was kept up until 3.30 p. in., during which time Colonel Truex again sent for more men, but none were furnished. At about 3.30 p. in., under cover of their artillery, the enemy came down iipon us with a heavy skirmish line, and two lines of battle that overlapped us, both on our right and left flanks. We held that position about thirty minutes, thinning the enemys raiiks materially, when the command fell back to its former position, which it held an hour, repulsing their skirmish line and the first line of battle twice in their efforts to dislodge us, when their third line came up, which WO held in check until our ammunition gave out, and we were ordered to retire to the Baltimore pike. In doing so the command fell ihtQ considerable confusion after crossing the railroad Page 206 206 OPERATIONS I~Y N. VA ~, W VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. The officers and men did their duty, and their whole duty. It would be invidious to particularize individuals. I know of but one exception, Capt. Benjamin F. Craig, of the Fourteenth New Jersey Volunteers, who proved himself uuwor~hy of his position, and whoni I would recommend to be dishonorably dismissed. * For particu- lars in his case I would refer to accompanying copy of a letterf from Lieut. Col. C. K. Hall, Fourteenth New Jersey Volunteers. The casualties of the. brigade amounted to 364 killed, wounded, and missing, as follows: Killed, 68; wounded, 260; missing, 236. ~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM EMERSON, Capt. A. J. SMITH, Colonel, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Division. No. 11. Report of Col. J. Warren Keifer, One hundred and tenth Ohio In- fantry, com~,nanding Second Brigade, of battle of the lhfonoeacy. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., 6TH ARMY CORPS. CAPTAIN : Camp near Cedar ~iJree1c, Va., November 1, 1864. SIXTH EPOCH. The division, in obedience to orders, took transports at City Point July 6, and proceeded to Baltimore, Md., where it arrived on th~ morning of the 8th of July. The One hundred and tenth and One hundred and twenty-sixth Ohio, One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania, and the First and Second Battalions Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, and a detachment of the One hundred and twenty-second Ohio were im- mediately shipped to Monocacy, Md. The Sixth Maryland, Sixty- seventh Pennsylvania, and the remainder of the One hundred and twenty-second Ohio, under the command of Col. John F. Staunton, did not, in consequence of unnecessary delays caused by him, arrive at Monocacy, but joined the brigade after the battle of the 9th of July. The regiments that arrived at Monocacy, under command of Col. M. R. McClennan, with other troops of the division, the whole under command of Brig. Gen. J. B. Ricketts~ took a most conspic- uous part in the battle of Monocacy, and each lost heavily. Heavy skirmishing commenced about 8 a. m. on the 9th of July. A general engagement ensued, which ended about 2 p. m. In con- sequence of the vastly superior numbers of the enemy our troops were obliged to retire, but not until the rebels had been severel yp un- ished. The enemys loss in killed and wounded was so great that his future movements were materially delayed. Capt. William A. Hathaway, One hundred and tenth Ohio, was killed upon the field. He was an accomplished young officer, and * Dismissed November 12, 1864. t Not found. t But see compilation from nominal list, p. 202. ~ For portion of this report (here omitted) covering operations from May 4 to July 6, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p. 780, and Vol. XL, Part I Page 207 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 20Z had rendered his country great and good service. Lieut. Col. E. P. Taft, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery; Capt. G. W. Guss, One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania; Capt. Luther Brown, and Lient. George 0. McMilleu, One hundred and tenth Ohio, were among the dangerously wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Taft has since had a leg amputated. Lieutenant McMillen has died. Many other officers were more or less severely wounded. Colonels McClen- nan and Seward, Lieutenant-Colonels Binkley and Taft, Majors Aaron Spangler and Charles Burgess, and ~Captains Brown, Snod- grass, Guss, Feight, and others were distinguished for gallantry in this, as in many other actions. For especial mention of the conduct of officers, and for full and complete details of operations of regiments, attention is invited to reports of regimental commanders, which are herewith transmitted. * The reports of Colonels Ball, Horn, McClennan, and Lieutenant- Colonels Ebright and Binkley, are particularly interesting. Lient. A. J. Harrison, One hundred and twenty-sixth Ohio, acting assist- ant adjutant-general; Lients. John A. Gump and J. T. Rorer (now captain), One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania, aides-do- camp upon the brigade staff, deserve special mention for their bravery in conveying orders, and their good judgment in moving and posting troops. Lieutenant Harrison lost an arm, and was cap- tured at the battle of the Wilderness, after which the duties of act- ing assistant adjutant-general were performed by Lieutenant Gump. To Capt. J. T. Rorer I am indebted for many ofthe facts contained in this report. I herewith append a summary of casualties, by regiments, which occurred in this brigade from May 4 to July 9, 1864, inclusive. ~ The total loss during the campaign was 2,033 officers and men. I am, captain, truly, your obedient and humble servant, J. WARREN KEIFER, Colonel 110th Ohio Volunteers, Commanding Brigades Capt. ANDREW J. SMITH, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Div., Sixth Corps. No. 12. Reports of Lieut. Cot. Otho H. Binkley, One hundred and tenth Ohio Infantry, of battle of the iliEonocacy. HEADQUARTERS 110TH REGIMENT OHIO VOL. INFTY., Camp in Druid Hill Park, near Baltimore, Md., July 13, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In compliance with orders from headquarters Second Brigade, Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, I have the honor to make the following report of the action of the One hundred and tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the engagement of July 9, 1864, at Monocacy: On the evening of the 8th of July I arrived in company with the One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Regiment, One hun- * For such of these reports as relate to operations from May 4 to June 12, 1864, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I. and for thOse from June 13 ~o July 6, 1864, see Vol. XL, Part I. + Det~i1ed siintinary not found Page 208 208 OPERATIONs IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. dred and twenty-sixth Ohio, and a detachment of the One hundred and twenty-second Ohio Regiments at Monocacy Junction, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. On the mornino~ of the 9th, at about 8 oclock, by direction of Colonel McClenna~i, of the One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsyl- vania Regiment, commanding that portion of the Second Brigade whichwas present, T took a position on a rising ground on the south side of the Monocacy River, my regiment being the left of the bri- gade, the Ninth New York Heavy Artillery forming a second line in the rear. I held this position, exposed to a heavy fire, until about 2 p. in., when I discovered the enemy advancing directly on my left flank. I immediately changed front so as to confront the ad- vaucing lines. The Ninth New York then moved to the left and formed on the prolongation of my line. We held this position for nearly one hour longer, when I received orders to advance, which I did under a murderous fire of musketry and artillery, the latter cQmlng obliquely from the front and rear and directly from the right. Finding it impossible to hold my position under such a fire, I fell back a few rods and formed along a cut in the Washington turnpike. Still exposed to the fire of the artillery, and having re- reived orders to fall back wheii I could hold my position no longer, and seeing the enemy coming down upon us in overwhelming num- bers, with imminent danger of having my command annihilated, the balance of the line having given way and the line on my right hav- ing been withdrawn, I gave the order to fall back. My command, with the division, then marched to the vicinity of Ellicotts Mills, where we arrived about noon on the 10th of July. In this engagement I lost 1 officer, Captain Hathaway, Company C, killed, and 4 wounded, and 2 missing. Enlisted men: Killed, 3; wounded, 73; missing, 63. Total loss: Officers, 6; enlisted men, 138.* Both officers and men deserve the greatest praise for the manner in which they conducted themselves during the whole of the engage- ment. The loss of Captains Hathaway, Brown, and Snodgrass will be severely felt by the regiment. They performed their duty most nobly, utterly regardless of the dangers to which they were con- stantly exposed. I have the honor to be, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. H. BINKLEY, Lieut. Cot. 110th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Comdg. Regt. Lient. JOHN A. GUMP, A. A. A. G., Second Brig., Third Div., 6th Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS 110TH OHIo VOLUNTEERS, ield, September 7, 1864. LIEUTENANT : Camp in the F During the passage from City Point to Baltimore nothing worthy of note occurred, except the loss of one man, who fell overboard some time in the night. * But see table, p.202. t For portion of this report (here omitted) covering operations rQUi May 4 tq July 6, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, ~. 741, and Vol. XL Part I. \ N Page 209 C~L& P. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 209 - We entered the harbor at Baltimore on the morning of the 8th, and remained until the arrival of General Ricketts, when we disem- barked and took cars for Monocacy Junction, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, where we arrived about 3 p. m. in company with the One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania, the One hundred and twenty-sixth, and a detachment of the One hundred and twenty- second Ohio Regiments. On the morning of the 9th of July, at about 8 oclock, by direc- tion of Colonel McClennan, of the One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Regiment, commanding that portion of the brigade which was present, I took a position on rising ground on the south side of Monocacy River, my regiment forming the left of the brigade, the Ninth New York Heavy Artillery forming a second line in the rear. We held this position until about 2 p. in., when I discovered the enemy advancing directly on our left flank. I immediately changed front so as to confront the advancing lines. The Ninth New York then moved to the left and formed on prolongation of my line. At the time this change of front was made the One hundred alid tenth, instead of being the left of the brigade, formed the extreme right of the line, the troops on its right having been withdrawn to strengthen some other part. We remained in this position about one hour, when I received orders to advance my line, which I did under a murderods fire of musketry and artillery, the latter coming ob- liquely from the front and rear and directly from the right. Find- ing it impossible to hold this position under such a fire, we fell back a few rods and formed along a cut in the Washington turnpike, still. exposed to the fire of artillery. The enemy had the advantage in position and numbers, outnumbering us at least three to one. Hay- ing received orders to fall back when we could hold the position no longer, and seeing the enemy coming down upon us in ov~erwhelm- ing numbers with imminent danger of having my command an- nihilated, I gave the order to fall back.. We then, with the balance of the division, marched to the vicinity of Ellicotts Mills, where we arrived about noon on the 10th of July. In this engagement the regiment lost Captain Hathaway killed, Captain Brown, Lieutenants Moon, Sherer, and McMillen severely wounded; the latter since died of his wounds. Captain Trimble slightly wounded. Captain Snodgrass and Lieutenant Hackett were taken prisoners. Number of enlisted men killed, 3; wounded, 70; missing, 50; total in killed, wounded, and missing, 131. * J take pleasure in mentioning Corpl. W. R. Moyer, of Company H, for his heroic conduct in saving our colors left on the field by the color- sergeant, who was mortally wounded. In the death of Major Mc- Elwaint and Captain Hathaway the regiment lost two valuable officers, who never, under any circumstances, failed to do their duty. In addition to the operations herein enumerated, the One hundred and tenth Regiment performed many other duties, such as intrench- ing, guard and picket duty, numerous fatiguing marches, & c. During two-thirds of the time, in the months of May and June, we were daily, and sometimes during the whole of the night, more or less exposed to the enemys fire. -It seemed like one continued fight. We were frequently compelled to lie for several days on the damp ground in clothing thoroughly wet, and for the want of time * But see table, p. 202. t Killed May 5, 1864. 14 B BVOL XXXVII, PT Page 210 210 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MTh. AND PA. [ca~. XLIX. and opportunity to cook, made our meals of hard bread and water. The regiment always did its part of whatever duty the brigade was called upon to perform. The endurance of both officers and men, and the alacrity with which they performed their arduous duties, entitle them to the high..~ est praise. I would like to make special mention of some of the officers of the regiment, but to do so, I fear, would render my report unnecessarily long. Suffice it to say no officers ever did their duty better. Summary of casualties :* Commissioned officerskilled, 2; wounded, 14; missing, 2; since died of wounds, 3. Enlisted men killed, 28; wounded 244; missing, 77. Total enlisted menkilled wounded, and missing, 349; enlisted men since died of wounds, 24. Aggregate in killed, wounded, and missing, 367. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. H. BINKLEY, Lieutenant-Colonel 110th Ohio Vols., Comdg. Regiment. Lieut. JOHN A. GUMP, A. A. A. G., Second Brig., Third Div., Sixth Corps. No. 13. Report of Lieut. Charles J. Gibson, One hundred and twenty- second Ohio Infantry, of battle of the Monocacy. HEADQUARTERS 122D OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Lieut. JOHN A. GUMP, Clifton, Va., September 15, 1864. Acting Asststant Adjutant-General: LIEUTENANT: Herewith I send report made to me by Lieutenant Gibson of the battle of Monocacy, July 9: The evening of the 6th of July the regiment, except the detach- ment under Lieutenant Gibson, with all the officers of the regiment but Lieutenant Gibson, embarked on the captured blockade-runner Exchange for Baltimore, Md., but the vessel proving very slow we did not arrive at Baltimore until 12 oclock the night of the 8th, and did not take any part in the action of the 9th. After our arrival at Baltimore we were under the immediate command of Colonel Staun- ton, Sixty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanding brigade. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. H. BALL, Colonel 122d Ohio Infantry Volunteers. CAMP NEAR CLIFTON, VA., September 14, 1864. COLONEL: In compliance with your order of this day, I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken in the action at Monocacy Junction, July 9, 1864, by a detachment of the One hundred and twenty-second Regiment under my command, viz, Companies B, C, E, I, and K, and a few men from Company F; total, 150 men: Embarked at City Point, Va.. July 7, at 8 a. in., and reached Bal- timore, Md., July 8, at 2 p. m. Took cars for Frederick City and *ftom May 5, 1864 Page 211 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 211 arrived at Monocacy Junction at 3 a. m. on the 9th instant. Skir- mishing began about 9 a. m. on our front; took position in the line on the right of the One hundred and twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteers. About 1] a. m. Colonel McClennan, One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanding brigade, ordered me to send fifty men to strengthen the skirmish line. Company C and part of Company B were sent forward. About 3 p. m. we were ordered to move with the One hundred and twenty-sixth Ohio some distance to the left, to extend the line from the left of the One hundred and sixth New York to the pike and near a section of Alexanders baP tery. As soon as we reached this position the line moved forward and drove the enemy near one-fourth of a mile. We were ordered to lie down, and remained under fire for about half an hour, when the enemy turned our right flank, pressing up to within fifty yards of my detachment. We then fell back slowly and in order, and were among the last to leave the field. We moved toward the Baltimore pike by order of General Wallace, and joined the regi- ment under your command at New Market about 9 p. m. that day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. J. GIBSON, Second Lieutenant Company A, Oomdg. Detach. Col. WILLIAM H. BALL, 122d Ohio Infantry. No. 14. Report of Lieut. Elol. Aaron W. Ebright, One hundred and twenty- sixth Ohio Infantry, of battle of the Monocacy. HDQRS. 126TH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, August 27, 1864. LIEUTENANT :* On the 6th of July the division was ordered to Baltimore, Md., at which city we arrived on the morning of the 8th, per steam trans- ports, and at once took the train for Monocacy Junction, on which ~oint the enemy was reported moving. My regiment arrived at onocacy bridge in the evening and camped near it during the night. On the morning of the 9th the forces here under Major- General Wallace were formed into line of battle, my regiment sta- tioned near the turnpike bridge. At noon this bridge was burnt, and at 2 p. m. my regiment was double-quicked to the left to sup- port the line there that was being severely pressed by the enemy. The regiment advanced beyond our line of battle, driving the enemy behind the crest of a hill, and having been engaged about one hour, was ordered to fall back. The enemy followed us some miles, an- noying us with shot and shell. My loss in this engagement was 3 en listed men killed, 3 officers and 40 enlisted men wounded, 28 en- listed men missing, and 29 enlisted men known to be prisoners. In all the engagements of the campaign the officers and men, with a few exceptions, behaved most gallantly; to mention all who have merited remark would extend this report beyond reasonable limits. *For portion of this report (here omitted) covering operations from May 4 to July 6, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p. 747, and Vol. XL, Part I Page 212 212 OPERATIONS- IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CBAi. XLIX. Among tlie many who deserve special mention are First Lient. Thomas J. Hyatt, acting adjutant, an(l Sergt. Maj. James W. Moffat, for their bravery and gallant conduct on the field of battle, both of whom have since been promoted; also First Sergt. John M. Russell, Company D, killed; Private Alvin V. Brashier, Company C, killed; and here I cannot refrain from special mention of the gallant color bearers of this regiment, Corpl. D. W. Welch, Coin- p any C, killed; Sergt. J. J. Bricker, Company H, captured, and Sergt.Abrani Colgrove, Company K, wounded, while gallantly standing by their colors in line of battle. Corpi. James Love, Corn p any H, at the battle of Monocacy, see- ing the color bearer of another regiment fall, seized the colors and waved them defiantly two or three times, but was shot down seri- ously wounded and has since died. Statement of casualties from May 4 to July 9, 1864. From May 4 Battle of to June 30, Monocacy, Total. 1864. July 9,1864. .~t~ -~ ~ l~ ~ ____________________________ 0 0 ~ 0 ~ Killed 3 41 3 3 44 Wounded 8 207 40 11 247 Missing 17 28 45 Captured 3 43 ~ 3 72 Wounded and since died 2 34 2 34 Aggregate 16 342 3 100 19 442 I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. W. EBRIGHT, Lieutenant-Colonel 126th Ohio Vols., Oomdg. Regiment. Lient. JOHN A. GUMP, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 15. Report of Gol. Matthew R. MeClennan, One hundred and thirty- eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, of .battle of the Monocacy. HEADQUARTERS 138TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, - September 10, 1864. LIEUTENANT * On the morning of the 9th instant [July] the enemys sudden ap- pearance in our front [at Monocacy] required us to make immediate preparations for his reception, and our division was formed in line of battle south of the railroad. I being senior officer present, as- sumed command of the portion of this brigade present and remained in charge until the end of the battle. My regiment was sent with a * For portion of this report (here omitted) covering operations from May 4 to July 6, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p. 751, and Vol. XL, Part I Page 213 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS XN ~HENANDOATI VALLEY, ETC. 213 portion of the Ninth New York ileavy Artillery to the extreme left ~6f the divisiom commanded by Maj. L. A. May, and was heavily engaged in checking an attack on our left flank. The battle of Monocacy was one of great spirit and importance, and in my belief saved the city of Washington from the ravages of the enemy. Being heavily pressed late in the day, we were ordered to retire to the Baltimore pike, which we did, and proceeded toward Balti- more. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,. M. R. MOCLENNAN, Colonel 138th Peunsyiva a ja Voin nteers. Lieut. J. A. GuMP, Acting Assi.9tant Adjutant- Gen ercd. Summary of losses from May 4 to June 30, 1864: Killed, officers, 2; men, 23. Wounded, officers, 3; men, 146. Missing, men, 10. Captured, men, 26. Since died from wounds, officers, 1; men, 8. Total, officers, 5; men, 215. Summary of losses at the battle of Monocacy Jul~y 9, 1864: Wounded, officers, 1; men, 43. Missing, men, 5. Captured, offi- ~ers, 1; men, 19. Since died from wounds, men, 8. Total, officers, 2; men, 67. No. 16. Report of Brig. Gen. Erctstus B. Tyler, U. S. Army, commandiny First Separate Brigade, Eighth Army Corps, of operations July 710, including battle of th~e ]Jfonoccwy. HDQRS. FIRST SEPARATE BRIG., EIGHTH ARMY CORPS, Relay Thouse, Md., July 14, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor, sir: to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the late engagements at Frederick City and Monocacy Junction: On Thursday~. the 7th instant, Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin, of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, under the immediate orders of the major- general commanding, drew the enemy from the mountains west of Frederick City, and I re-enforced him with three guns of Alexanders (Maryland) battery, and the Third Regiment Potomac Home Brigade, Maryland Volunteers, under Col. Charles Gilpin, then at Monocacy Junction. The promptness of these troops soon brought them in front of the enemy, who were occupying a commanding position a short distance west of the city. The action soon became warm and spirited, continuing some five hours, the enemy being handsomely repulsed just as darkness came upon us. The conduct of both officers and men was brave, gallant, and creditable. Colonel Gilpin and Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin conducted themselves in the most gallant manner, deserving great credit for their skill and efficiency from first to last. These officers speak in very high terms of the officers and men nuder them, and they deserve it all. The three guns of Alexanders battery were served splendidly, under the co Page 214 214 OPERATIONS TN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (OH.& I.. xmx. mand of Captain Alexander, and I do but simple justice when I say that the officers and men are entitled to high esteem and admiration for their skill and bravery exhibited in this action. Receiving information that the enemy were being heavily re- enforced, I went forward with the regiment, composed of companies of the One hundred and forty-fourth and One hundred and forty ninth Ohio National Guard, commanded by Colonel Brown who took possession of the enemys deserted lines soon after daylight Friday morning. The most of Friday was spent in cavalry skir- mishing with the enemy, under the personal diiection of Lieutenant- Colonel Clendenin, and was very efficiently done. I continued to receive reports during the day of the increasing strength of the enemy, which was communicated to the commanding general, who directed me to fall back on Monocacy Junction, which was success- fully done during the night, leaving the One hundred and forty~ ninth Ohio National Guard to hold the stone bridge across the Monocacy on the National or Baltimore pike. Saturday morning found us in line of battle, my command form- ing the right of the line, my left resting on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and connecting with General Ricketts, the One hundred and forty-ninth Ohio National Guard and three companies One hundred and forty-fourth Ohio National Guard holding the extreme right; Colonel Gilpins Third Regiment Potomac Home Brigade, Maryland Volunteers, and three companies First Maryland Potomac Home Brigade, under .Captain Bamford, extending along the base of the hill holding the ford between the stone bridge and Junction, and the Eleventh Maryland, Colonel Landstreet, completing my line. The enemy appeared directly in my front about 9 a. in., and opened on us with artillery, and attacked in considerable force our skirmish line formed on the west bank of the Monocacy and composed of the troops of the First Maryland Potomac Home Brigade, under command of - Captain Brown. Three guns of Captain Alexanders battery (three having been sent to General Ricketts) and a 24-pounder howitzer soon checked their advancing lines; and the action in my front, with of sharpshooters and skirmish firing, was an artillery fight. This at times was quite spirited, contimmuing until near the close of the action, we maintaining our position without serious loss. The conduct of Captain Brown, of First Maryland Potomac Home Brigade, and his command merit special notice. They successfully maintained their skirmish line against a superior fqrce to the close, and resisted several charges of the enemy. Captain Alexander, with his officers and men, behaved in the most gallant manner, serving their guns with great coolness and effect, and I desire particularly to call the commanding generals attention to their conduct during the three days we were in front of the enemy. The One hundred and forty-ninth Ohio and three companies of the One hundred and forty-fourth Ohio National Guards, under Colonel Brown, considering their inexperience, behaved well, successfully re- sisting several charges of the enemy. Colonel Gilpins regiment, with the three companies of the First Maryland Potomac Home Brigade that were assigned him, although serving in detachments along an extended line, fully sustained the enviable reputation they had won on Thursday. The Eleventh Maryland was not brought into action, but were exposed for a time to the artillery fire of the enemy Page 215 c~. ~CLIX.] OPERATIONS IN $I~ENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 215 The cavalry was placed under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin, who will furnish a separate report, and I would very respectfully call the attention of the major-general to this gallant and valuable officer, and the officers and men serving under him. They certainly acquitted themselves with great credit. A force of the enemys cavalry came down upon me while on the right of the line, near the stone bridge, and forced me, Captain Webb, and Lieutenant Goldsborough, of my staff, into the wood~, surround- ing us, and with their persistent watchfulness prevented our follow- ing the column for nearly three days. To the officers of my staff, Capt. W. H. Wiegel, Capt. F. I. D. Webb, and Lieutenant Goldsborough, George W. Startzman, and R. E. Smith, I am greatly indebted for their untiring efforts and energy during the whole movement. Captain Wiegel, in the heat of the engagement, took command of the 24-pounder howitzer on the bank of the river, serving it with marked courage and ability, and with telling effect upon the enemy. His conduct must have been observed by the commanding general. I send you herewith a list of casualties as far as we are able to obtain them at this time. * Very respectfully submitted. E. B. TYLER, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Lient. Col. SAMUEL B. LAWRENCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 17. Report of Capt. Charles J. Brown, First Maryland Infantry, Poto mac Home Brigade, of brittle of the 1I~Iionocacy. HEADQUARTERS FORT WORTHINGTON, July 20, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of my command at the battle of the Monocacy: My two companies, C and K, First Maryland Regiment, Potomac Home Brigade, were occupying at the commencement of the fight the block-house on the west side of the Monocacy, which I, in obedi- ence to orders from the general commanding, evacuated and burned. I was then ordered to hold the bridge over the railroad, on the Georgetown pike, one company of the Tenth Vermont Infantry and one company of the Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, being added to my command. This position I held until the left of our army fell back, when, having received a discretionary order to fall back while I could do so with safety, I left my position and fell back across the railroad bridge and occupied the rifle-pits on the east side of the Monocacy, covering the retreat of our army for a short time, and then following the line of march until my command was increased by Companies B, G, and H, First Maryland Regiment, Potomac Home Brigade, by being added to it at Ellicotts Mills, where it was furnished transportation to Baltimore, Sunday, July 10, and ordered * The nominal list (here omitted) gives a total of 1 killed, 28 wounded, and 90 missing. But see revised statement, p. 201 Page 216 / 216 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [OaAp. XLIX. to report to Colonel Gilpin, commanding First Separate Brigade. Colonel Gilpin being in command of Fort Worthington. ~On Wednesday, July 13, Colonel Gilpin being ordered elsewhere, I was placed in command of the fort, which I now occupy with Companies B, C, G, H, and K, of the First Maryland Regiment, Potomac Home Brigade. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES J. BROWN, Captain, Comdg. First Mid. Reyt., P. H B., Detach. Infty. Capt. R. H. OFFLEY, Assistant Adjutant-General, Defenses of Baltimore. No. 18. Report of 0o1. Allison L. Brown, One hundred and forty-ninth Ohio infantry, of battle of the Monocacy. HDQRS. 149TH REGIMENT OHIO NATIONAL GUARD, Baltimore, Mid., July 14, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report to you the part taken by my regiment in the action of the 9th instant at Monocacy Junction, Md.: In pursuance of orders from brigade headquarters, Third Separate Brigade, Eighth Army Corps, under date of July 3, 1864, I reported that part of my regiment that remained under my command, con sisting of Companies B, E, I, and K, to Brigadier-General - Tyler at Monocacy Junction, at 3.30 p. m. July 7, 1864. I here found Com- panies C, D, and G of my regiment, which had been on duty at Annapolis, Md., and Companies B, I, and G of the One hundred and forty-fourth Regiment Ohio National Guard were, by order of Major-General Wallace, commanding, attached to my command, amounting in aggregate strength to 660 men. On the evening of that day, by order of Brigadier-General Tyler, my command was sent forward to take post at Frederick, which it did at daylight on Friday morning, 8th. I remained in position at Frederick during the day; threw out skirmishers to watch the enemy, who were ~n force in my front a considerable portion of the time. At 4 p. in. on the 8th instant received orders from the general commanding to withdraw my men and fall back on the Baltimore p ike toward Monocacy bridge, which I did. Before arriving at the bridge I was ordered by Brigadier-General Tyler to assume com- mand of the Eleventh Regiment Maryland Volunteers and my own regiment, to move my command across the river to Monocacy and take position at that point. Soon after I had taken post at this point, an order came from Major-General Wallace to the colonel commanding the Eleventh Maryland Volunteers to take his regi- ment and the detachment of the One hundred and forty-fourth Ohio National Guard und~r my command and report to General Tyler at Monocacy Junction without delay, leaving me the seven com- panies of my own regiment with which to hold the position. I posted my command in such a manner as in my judgment to most effectually hold the bridge and guard against a surprise, either in front or on my flank. From information gained from sources I con Page 217 Ca& i. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN-SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 217 sidered reliable, I had reason to think the enemy would attempt to cross the river at a ford about one mile above the Monocacy bridge. I therefore posted one of my companies at that point with orders to hold it at all hazards. There was no alarm on my lines during the night. At daylight on the 9th I caused my skirmish line to be deployed on the crest of the ridge on the Frederick side of the river, and made every preparation in my power to hold the position as ordered. The enemy made his appearance at 6 a. m. and threw out his skirmishers, who soon became engaged with my men. About 10 a. m. I dis- covered from a point overlooking the field the rebel cavalry making disposition to turn my right and cross the river at the ford before alluded to. I sent company E, Captain Jenkins, to re-enforce Cap- tain McGinnis, who held the ford; also a company of mounted in- fantry, commanded by Captain Leib, U. S. Army. The enemy were handsomely repulsed in the attempt to cross the river at the upper ford, and withdrew his forces, leaving only a light skirmish line. I now discovered that an effort was being made to attack my left in force. I sent immediately for re-enforcements. Companies B, I, and G, One hundred and forty-fourth Ohio National Guard, were sent to my relief. I had sent five men of the mounted infantry force to my left, to watch the movements of the enemy and report imme- diately should he make any demonstration in that quarter. These men I heard nothing of until some hours afterward, having been fired on and retreated, leaving me without information as to the effort that was making against my left. As it was extremely un- certain at what particular point he would ~inake the demonstratiofi, I was compelled to keep three companies in reserve at the bridge in order to be prepared to meet him at any point he might choose. About 11.30 a. m. the attack came; a heavy force of infantry had been deployed on the extension of my line of skirmishers and marched by the flank to within range of my extreme left. All this had been done under cover of the ground, which at that point was very favorable to the enemy for that purpose. The superiority of his numbers enabled him to push back my left and take position so as to enfilade my line. In order to dislodge the enemy from this position and restore my line it was necessary to have recourse to the bayonet, which in this instance proved very effective. I ordered Company B, One hundred and forty-ninth, to charge the enemys position, which it did, but was repulsed. I then took Companies B, I, and G, One hundred and forty-fourth, re-enforced, drove the rebels from their position and re-established my lines. During this charge my loss was quite severe, owing to the fact that the enemy was posted behind the fence, while my men were compelled to charge across an open field, up the hill in fair view, and within short range of his guns. We took 2 prisoners, and the enemy left 2 dead on the field. I now extended my line so as to command this position, which I held throughout the day, until my force was withdrawn. Between 4and 5p.m. I receivedan order from Major-General Wallace to hold the bridge over the Monocacy at that point to the last extrem- ity, and when I was pressed so hard that nothing more could be done, to command my men to disperse and to take care of them- selves. At this time the firing had ceased at the Monocacy Junction, and being satisfied that the enemy would make a desperate effort to obtain possession of the bridge, and thus cut off my retreat as well as gain the rear of the army, I made such disposition of the force Page 218 218 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. under my command as I thought would enable me to hold out as long as possible. I contracted my skirmish line, thus strengthening my center, and covered all the commanding points I could with my forces. I ordered the officer in command of the, cavalry to take such position with his men as would protect my left flank on the east side of the river and prevent the enemy from getting possession of my rear. Immediately after this, and about 6 p. in., a heavy attack was made along my entire front, and at the same time my left flank was turned. I now discovered that the enemy had gained a position in the woods, on the east side of the river in my rear, and was prepar. ing to take possession of the bridge, thus cutting off my retreat en- tirely. My command in front was withdrawn in confusion, owing to the extent of my lines and the knowledge that the enemy had gained possession of the woods in the rear and was attempting to cut off retreat. I attempted to rally my men, who were well disposed to obey orders under the circumstances, when the enemy brought his artillery to bear. on the bridge and threw several shells, one of which struck it while my men were crossing it I rallied a portion of the men in the orchard overlooking the bridge, and fired several rounds at the enemy, who were pressing from the west side, and also those in the woods and wheat-field south of my position. This checked the pursuit, and enabled the main part of the command to gain the road on the hill. The enemy now opened fire on my flank from his skirmishers on the east side of the river, which added to the confusion. This fiie was returned by a portion of the men stationed in the orchard, and the enemys progress was checked. The men now learned from citizens that the main body of the army had moved out some two hours before, and this, with the increasing fire of the enemy on my flank, produced considerable confusion, during which the men broke and threw away their guns and ac- couterments and attempted to save themselves. This information received and that they were surrounded and would be made prison- ers, caused them to break their guns to prevent them falling into the enemys hands. I succeeded, however, in bringing off about 300 of my command, with which I joined the main body at New Market about 8 p. m. I feel justly proud of the manner in which the men conducted themselves during this first engagement, hokling, as they did, an extended skirmish line for twelve hours in the face of vastl ysup e-. nor numbers of experienced troops. Thby exhibited a coolness and determination which gives promise of great usefulness in the service of the country. I am unable to give the losses sustained by my command, on ac- count of my surgeon being captured. Many of the missing will doubtless rejoin the regiment, and a greater portion of the wounds received are but slight. Up to the time of retreat I had 6 killed and 14 severely wounded, besides a number slightly wounded. As to the conduct of the officersfield, staff, and line on that day, where so many did well, it is invidious to particularize. I cannot, however, close my report without referring to a few whose duties required them to expose themselves to more danger than others. Maj. E. Rozelle, who had command of the left wing for several hours, deserves particular mention. The aid rendered by my adjutant, T. Q. Hildebrant, in conveying my ,orders and cheer- ing and encouraging the men, deserves grateful mention. He did his duty well. I regret to say that Surg. W. A. Brown, who through Page 219 Caii. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 219 out the entire day was at his post, attending promptly to the wounded, was left behind on the retreat and became a prisoner. He nobly refused to abandon his wounded men, and thus displayed a heroism worthy of emulation. I have the honor to be, colonel, your obedient servant, A. L. BROWN, Colonel, Comdg. 149th Regt. Ohio National Guard. Lieut. Col. SAMUEL B. LAWRENCE, Assistant Adjutant-General, Eighth Army Corps. No. 19. Report of Lieut. Col. David R. Clendenin, Eighth Illinois Cay- airy, of operations July 410, including battle of the Mionocacy. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Baltimore, Md., July 14, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that I left Washington, D. C., July 4, at 7 p. in., with 230 officers and men of the Eighth Regiment Illinois Cavalry, and arrived at Point of Rocks at 2 p. m. July 5, where I found Mosby with two pieces of artillery and about 200 men posted on the south bank of the Potomac. * Dismounting one-half of my command, I skirmished with him for an hour and a half, killing 1 of his men and wounding 2 others, when he retired down the river. He fired but six shots from his artillery. I lost no men. Hearing that he was crossing at Nolands Ferry, I moved down and drove him back about 10 p. in., and went into camp for three hours. I returned to Point of Rocks by sunrise the next morning, and sent one squadron to Berlin and Sandy Hook to protect the Balti- more and Ohio Railroad. At 11.30 a. m. I received a telegram from General Howe to repair to Frederick and ascertain the force of the enemy reported in the vicinity of Boonsborough. Calling in my forces, I arrived at Frederick at 8 p. in., where I received orders to report in person to Major-General Wallace, at Monocacy Junction, and by him was ordered to take two pieces of Alexanders battery and move forward by the way of Middletown and find the enemy. I left Frederick City at 5.30 a. m. July 7, and met the enemys cav- alry in equal force approaching from Middletown, and immediately engaged and drove them back, when they were heavily re-enforced and I retired slowly to Catoctin Mountain and placed the artillery in position from which it was able to shell the enemys skirmish line with effect. The enemy had used two guns of longer range and heavier metal than those of Alexanders battery, but we had the ad- vantage in position. After five hours skirmishing, the enemy being heavily re-enforced and flanking me, I was compelled to fall back on Frederick. For three hours I had been fighting at least 1,000 men and I could see additional re-enforcements moving up from Middle- town, The enemy pressed me closely as I retired on Frederick, where I found an additional gun and ammunition. Placing the guns rapidly in position I cleared the road of cavalry and opened on the head of the approaching column, which fell back an d deployed to our left bringing up artillery, which was posted south of the Hagers * For Mosbys report, see p. 3 Page 220 220 OPERATL0N~ IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XL1X. town pike in a commanding position. At this time Colonel Gilpin with the Third Maryland Regiment, Potomac Home Brigade, came up, and being senior officer, took command of all the forces. I moved to our left and with my cavalry dismounted engaged the enemy, fighting continually until dark, repulsing them effectually. My loss this day was 1 officer, Lieutenant Gilbert, mortally wounded, 2 men killed, and 7 wounded; the enemy retired to Catoctin Mount- ain during the night. The iiext morning I sent forward a portion of my regiment to find the enemy, and skirmished with them the greater part of the day, repulsing several charges and driving their skirmishers into the mountain. Captain Leib, Fifth U. S. Cavalry, with 96 mounted infantry; Major Wells, First New York Veteran Cavalry, with 2~56 cavalry of various regiments, and the Independent Loudoun Rangers were ordered to report to me that day, all of whom I had supporting the men of my own regiment, or on the flanks watching the mOve- ments of the enemy. The loss in the Eighth Illinois Cavalry was Capt. John V. Morris~ and 1. man killed, and 7 men wounded. The infantry having fallen back I called in my forces, covering the rear of the column. Leaving Frederick City about 2 a. m. on the morning of the 9th of July, I arrived at Monocacy Junction, via Baltimore turnpike, about daylight. After two hours rest I deployed a squadron, Eighth Illi- nois Cavalry, on the Georgetown pike between the Junction and Frederick; sent Captain Leib with the mounted infantry to hold a ford above the bridge where The Baltimore p ike crosses the Monoc- acy, and one company Eighth Illinois Cavalry down the Monocacy t~ move well round on the enemys right flank. The squadron on the Georgetown pike met the enemys skirmishers within a mile of the Junction and held them in check uTitil compelled to retire before vastly superior numbers, which they did in good order. I moved with all the available force I had to our left, where I had been in- formed the enemy were making demonstrations with their cavalry. I had posted one company on the left of the infantry to cover a ford across the Monocacy and was down between the river and the road to Buckeystown, which was the line I designed taking up when the enemy charged across the river with a brigade of cavalry upon the company I had just posted. Lieutenant Corbit, in command of the company, drove the advance back and for a few minutes held his ground, then retired in good order to the Buckeystown road, which he held until the infantry came to his support. The enemy dis- mounted their cavalry and engaged the left of our infantry. During this time I was cut off from the main body of our forces, having three orderlies with me and directly in rear of the rebel cav- alry. Two squadrons of my regiment were also cut off, but farther down the river. One squadron I directed to accomplish the work of destroying bridges and obstructions, crossing over the Monocac y and making circuit of the enemys right to join me on the George- town pike near Monocacy Junction. The other squadron I brought around the enemys flank and took a position on the left of the infantry. During this time I had scouts and patrols on the George~. town pike as far as Urbana and fifty men of Major Wells com- mand at the latter place patrolling toward Buckeystown. When the rebel infantry charged upon our left and our forces had fallen back, I retired toward Urbana, skirmishing with the enemys cavalry. They pressed me closely and made several charges. At Urbana th Page 221 221 C~iii~. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. Seventeenth Virginia Cavalry charged me with desperation, but were repulsed with the loss of their colors, their major, color bearer, and several men killed and a number wounded. The force pursuing me was McCauslands brigade. I had eighty men of my own regiment and thirty-five men of Stahels cavalry with which to oppose Mc- Causlands brigade. Stahels cavalry I could not bring into action, and ordered them to the rear to enable me to keep a clear road in my rear. Deploying my eighty men as skirmishers and making a show of having received re-enforcements, the enemy dismounted their ad- vance regiment to fight me on foot, sending their horses to the rear and blocking up the road. I immediately called back my skirmishers over a hill and fell back to Monrovia, where I found trains loaded with wounded and stragglers moving off. Crossing to the Baltimorb turn p ike I covered the rear of our retreating forces until they arrived at Ell icotts Mills. My loss this day was 1 man killed; Lieut. J. A. Kinley and 5 men wounded. Companies C and I, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, Captain Wells commanding, were entirely cut off and fell back on Washington. Captain Leibs men behaved well and fell back in good order froni our extreme right, forming part of the rear guard. The Loudouii Rangers are worthless as cavalry. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. R. CLENDENIN, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Eighth illinois Cavalry. Lieut. Col. SAMUEL B. LAWRENCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 20. Report of Capt. Edward H. Leib, Fifth U. S. Cavalry, commanding Mounted Infantry, of operations July 610, including battle of the Monocacy. BALTIMORE, July 18, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I left with my com- mand of mounted infantry on the 6th instant for Monocacy Junc- tion. I arrived and reported to General Tyler, who immediately ordered me to move to the front and report to Colonel Gilpin, of the Third Potomac Home Brigade. I reported to him and was ordered to support Alexanders battery of artillery. About 12 oclock at night I was again ordered to move to the Monocacy pike bridge and hold it. On the 8th I was ordered again to the front with my command to report to Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin, of the Eighth Illinois Cav- alry. He ordered me to move to the extreme front and throw out my men, which I did. I remained in position all day; at dusk I was relieved by a regiment of the Sixth Corps, with orders to feed my horses and procure rations for my men. I met General Tyler on the road, who Ordered me to move out on the Buckeystown road and feel the enemy. I moved out about five miles, and was moving on when I was ordered back to Frederick. I arrived there about 12 oclock at night, and, in conjunction with the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, brought up the rear guard to the Monocacy Junction; from there I was ordered to move up the Monocacy River onO mile to the Balti- more pike bridge to a ford, and hold it. I was also requested t Page 222 222 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [O~. XLIX. assist the colonel of the One hundred and forty-ninth Ohio (100-days men) to hold the bridge. I arrived at the ford and drove the rebels off, placed my men in position, and then returned to assist the col- onel to hold his position, which at that time was being hard pressed. The rebels made a charge on the left of the line, and drove the left in within 100 yards of the bridge. I immediately rode up and rallied the men and drove the enemy back, captured some prisoners, and retook the old ground. I then assisted Colonel Brown to establish the line, and he threw his whole force over. The position was a very good one. The enemy tried hard to take it, but at every point were driven back. My men on the extreme left held their position, and were not troubled by the enemy. I relieved all my mounted men, and placed a company of the One hundred and forty-ninth Ohio in their old position; took my command to the bridge for the pur- pose of holding it until our forces fell back on the Baltimore pike. General eTyler requested me to draw the One hundred and forty- ninth Ohio over the Monocacy bridge as soon as possible. I re- ported the intention of the general to Colonel Brown, and started to carry out the order. The men commenced moving to the bridge, and were crossing, [when] the enemy arrived in force on the opposite side and attacked our men on the left flank. I pushed all the men over I could, and when I started to cross I found the rebels in strong force in my front, and when I started to move to the rear found it impossible to move in that direction. The rebels were coming in rear and on all our flanks. The way open was up the river, and I started in that direction. The rebels closing in all directions, I could not strike the ford, and was compelled to ride my horse down a very steep bluff into the river. I crossed the river and directed the officer commanding a company of the One hundred and forty- ninth Ohio in what direction to move. He commenced moving before I left, and I have since been informed that he is now in the city with his command. I started to the point where I had left my men to cover my crossing over the bridge, but found all had gone, and the rebels in possession of the ground. I met a few men of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and took for the woods. At 12 oclock at night I arrived on the Baltimore pike, two miles this side of New Market, and found that the enemy had not been on the road farther than New Market. I brought up the rear guard with eight men to one mile on the other side of Ridgeville, and there met my command. I reported to Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin for orders. He ordered me to act in conjunction with himself in bringing up the rear of our forces. I must here state that Captain Allen, of the One hundred and fifty-ninth Ohio Mounted Infantry, repelled the rebel cavalry, killing 6 and wounding quite a number. The enemy did not fob low after he drove them back. At Ellicotts Mills I threw out pickets and remained under General Ricketts orders. I sent out small par- ties to scout the country to the right, rear, and left, and drove the rebel cavalry back on tb.e different roads. I sent Captain Allen out on the Elysville road six miles. He came up in the rear of a few rebel cavalrymen, killed 2 and wounded the officer in command. All that could be found on my flanks were a few rebel cavalry. On Monday evening, the 11th, I was ordered to bring up the rear of General Ricketts division, and move to Baltimore on the pike. I arrived in the city about 7 oclock in the evening; and immediately reported to the commanding officer for orders, and was ordered to go into Camp Carroll and rest my men and horses Page 223 O~. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 223 In conclusion, I am pleased to state that Captain Allen did all in his power to assist me in carrying out my orders. All the orders I gave he promptly carried out and to my entire satisfaction. I am pkased to state that the mounted men under my command did well, more than I expected from men that have been in the service so short a time and not used to riding. The whole time I was absent I could not find time to procure forage for my horses and rations for my men. Not a man complained all stood the hard marches like faithful soldiers, and in battle I cannot find fault with one of my men; all did well. I arrived in the city with sixty-six men. I left with ninety-eight privates and two officers. Since that time all have returned except ten. A few of my horses were shot, and I could not bring them off the field with me. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD H. LEIB, Capt., 6th U. S. Car., iJiustering Officer, Baltimore City, Md. [General LEwIs WALLACE.] No. 21. Report of Capt. Frederic W. Alexander, Baltimore (Maryland) Battery, of action at Frederick and battle of the Monocacy. CAMP No. 24, BALTIMORE BATTERY LIGHT ARTY., Near Baltimore, July 13, 1864. SIR: In pursuance to orders, I have the honor to make the follow- ing statement regarding the fight at Frederick and battle of the Monocacy. At 1 a. m. Thursday, 7th, I received an order to send a section to Frederick to report to Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin, Eighth Illinois Cavalry. Lieutenant Leary, of the battery, reported at 4.30 a. m. with his section at Frederick to Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin, and advanced at 6 a. m. along the road leading westwardly to Middle- town. The enemy were encountered two miles this side of Middle- town, and the section gradually retired toward Frederick. At 11 a. m. of the same day I received orders to go to Lieutenant Learys assistance with another gun and ammunition. I met them at 12.30 p. in., and with Colonel Clendenin formed a line of defense on the edge of the town. The enemy opened on us with three guns about 4 p. m. About 6 p. m. we dismounted one gun and began to silence their artillery fire. Shortly before dark Colonel Gilpin, who on his arrival had assumed command, charged and forced back the rebels, and they appeared no more that night. On Friday, 8th, the battery was filled up by the arrival of the re- maining three pieces at 9 a. m. No engagement took place except slight skirmishing on the Middletown road, but the battery was con- stantly on the move until 4 a. m. Saturday, 9th, when it returned to the Monocacy, somewhat short of ammunition, as the fire on Thursday had been continuous all day. On Saturday, 9th, at 9 a. in., I was ordered to place three guns on the hill beyond Monocacy, toward Frederick, and commenced firing on the enemy as they advanced on both sides of the pike from Fred- erick. They soon returned with artillery, but with little effeot Page 224 224 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [OHAP. XLIX. Finding this they proceeded around toward the left of our position, where the ground gradually rose in the distance, while on our side it sloped away. The other three guns were then placed on the hill on this side of the Monocacy, so as to meet their movement to our left. The enemy brought, as nearly as I can judge, about sixteen guns to bear on us, but, owing to the advantage of the ground and the infantry preventing them from gaining ground to our left, where they could have commanded the battery, did but little dam- age, though some of their guns were of heavier caliber. (The guns of the battery are 3-inch rifle.) When more guns of the enemy began to appear on our left with infantry, I moved two more guns from the hill OIl the right to the hill on our left. Finally, about 3 p. in., our troops made a charge and drove them back, and they then uncovered their forces and came on, in about three lines, and forced our troops to retreat. Our ammunition almost gave out about 4p. in., but the guns were kept in position until the order was given from General Ricketts to retire by the Baltimore road. We moved out along the road at a walk which led to the Baltimore pike, and I was ordered by General Wallace, at New Market, to proceed along the road to Baltimore. Two of the guns were left in the rear to assist in guarding the column, though with little ammunition left, and joined the battery at Ellicotts Mills at 11 a. m. Sunday, July 10, when I moved to Baltimore, as ordered, for ammunition and supplies. I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of the officers and men of the battery, viz, Li~utenaiit Evans, Lieutenant Leary, and Lieu- tenant Hall. Lieutenant Alexander was absent as acting assistant adjutant and inspector general on General Kenlys staff. My loss was 4 men wounded and 5 horses killed, 1 caisson body (empty) and the body of the battery wagon, left behind in order to attach a 24-pounder howitzer, which did not belong to the battery, to the limber. I succeeded in bringing it safely to Baltimore, as also a mountain howitzer, which had been used to defend the Mo- nocacy bridge. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. W. ALEXANDER, Gomdg. Baltimore Battery of Light Artillery. Lieut. Col. SAMUEL B. LAWRENCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 22. Report of Maj. Henry B. Judd, U. S. Army, commanding at Wil mington, Del., of operations July 916. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY COMMANDER, Wilmington, Del., July 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper- ations of this command since the 9th instant: In obedience to instructions received from the headquarters of the Middle Department, and from the Third Separate Brigade, a detach- ment of 100 convalescents and men of the Veteran Reserve Corps i Page 225 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS fl~ SIIE1~ANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 225 the general hospital at this place was at once organized by Capt. David G. Swaim, assistant adjutant-general, my assistant mustering officer, and sent at the earliest moment to Havre de Grace, under command of Lieut. James Lewis, Veteran Reserve Corps, to protect the steam ferry-boat and railroad property at that point. Lieuten- ant Lewis was instructed to take post on the boat with a portion of his men to defend it from any attempt to seize it at all hazards, and if necessary to run the boat down the river to a place of safety. I cansed notices to be read in all the churches whose congregations had assembled for public worship, and the city crier to repeat the same in the streets, calling upon the citizens to enroll their names and organize themselves into companies for th~ defense of the State against an invading foe. I also requested the mayor of the city to have the bell of the City Hall sounded to assemble the citizens for the purpose of adopting some speedy and definite action in further- ance of the object desired. To this meeting I caused to be read an appeal urging the necessity of immediately responding to the call for troops, and the great importance of forwarding them for the pro- tection of our railroad communications with Baltimore. Finding it impossible to raise men for 100 days, I was constrained to offer to accept them for thirty, and as soon as fifty men had offered themselves I caused them to be mustered with a first lieuten- ant, equipped, and sent as rapidly as possible to Gunpowder bridge, which they reached just before daylight on the morning of the 10th. Here they were attacked by the enemys cavalry. I append here- with the officers brief statement. As fast as a sufficient number of men could be enrolled to form a minimum company they were mus- tered in, armed, clothed, equipped, and sent forward by trains until the defense of Havre de Grace was thought secure. Finding the telegraph wires were cut at Magnolia Station this side of Gunpowder, and all communication with Baltimore severed, I assumed command of the troops sent by me to Havre de Grace and of a detachment of marines and sailors, under Captain Harris, U. S. Navy, whom I directed to take post there with a battery of ships howitzers and rifled guns. Desirous of learning the situation of affairs at Conowingo bridge, which crosses the Susquehanna, within a days ride of this place, and is on the main thoroughfare from Harford County, Md., to Chester County, Pa., I sent a party of scouts in that direction. They reported by telegraph that there were no Union forces there or at the Peach Bottom above; that refugees were coming in with their horses and cattle to this side, and the rebels reported at Bel Air. I immediately ordered the bridge planks to be taken up and if nec- essary the bridge to be fired, and sent two large infantry companies there. Being very much in need of a few cavalrymen for scouting pur- poses, I caused a company to be raised for thirty days, the men fur- nishing their own horses. This company, commanded by Captain Robert Milligan, I have now ordered to report to your headquarters. Brigadier-General Schoepf was kind enough to offer the services of a section of field artillery, under Captain Mlotkowski, of an inde- pendent Pennsylvania battery, which I accepted. These arrangements being made to defend the most exposed points & long the line of the Susquehanna, I commenced to post what troops c~ould be mised for the protection of this city from any sudden dash of cavalry. 15 R RvoL xxxvii, PT Page 226 226 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. Maj. W. M. Este, aide-de-camp, reached Havre de Grace on the 12th, and Lieutenant-Colonel (late Major-General) French, was soon after ordered there by Major-General Halleck. The regiment of 30-days men having been filled up to nearly its maximum by adhering strictly to the regulations and orders pre- scribed by the War Department for mustering troops, another regi- ment was commenced, but before entering upon its organization the immediate danger seemed to have passed away and the enrollment of men was discontinued. In obedience to a verbal message sent me through one of General Wallaces staff officers, I caused all the vessels at this place capable of passing through the Delaware and Chesapeake Canal to be seized and sent to Perryville for the transportation of troops to Baltimore. Being very much in need of efficient officers to assist in mustering and organizing the volunteers, I availed myself of the presence of Paymaster F. B. Warner, U. S. Army, and Capt. H. C. Robinett, First U. S. Infantry, both of whom happened to be here on special duty. Major Warner mustered the cavalry and appraised their horses. The emergency being so great and the communication with Balti- more for the time suspended, I was obliged to assume responsibili- ties and exercise powers not belonging to my rank or command, in doing which, I acted in perfect harmony with the authorities of the State, and with as much prudence and discretion as were consistent with the energy and efficiency required by the occasion. In all these labors I was indebted, for their cordial co-operation and intelligent aid, to the Hon. Samuel M. Harrington, Secretary of State, Capt. D. G. Swaim. assistant adjutant-general, Capt. C. R. Tyler, assistant quartermaster, Capt. E. Wilmer, provost-marshal, Maj. F. B. Warner, and Capt. H. C. Robinett, U. S. Army. I regret to be obliged to state that while the mass of the people were eager and willing to respond to the call made to them, and the civil and military authorities were laboring indefatigably night and day to organize a coherent force capable of defensive operations, a few meddlesome busybodies, too cowardly, or too wedded to the comforts of their homes, to offer their personal services in the hour of trial, industriously occupied themselves in traducing, criticising, and im~ugning the character, measures, and motives of the officers engage in this work, but especially the military commander and mustering officer, doing their utmost to weaken their authority and destroy their influence over the people, because these officers declined to set aside all system and rule to gratify the fears, the ca- prices, or the more unworthy emotions of these calumniators. Had these men belonged to that small class of the citizens of this place known as Copperheads, I should have been at no loss to determine their closer relation with my provost-guards, but they were unhap- pily among those who sicken brave men with their windy profes- sions of loyalty without raising a finger to lighten the load which a crmsms,hke that just passed devolves upon the military authorities. I have the honor to request that my action in the matters above detailed may be approved by the Secretary of War, in order that the accounts of the officers concerned may be adjusted. HENRY B. JUDD, Major, U. S. Army, Military Commander. Lient. Col. SAMUEL B. LAWRENCE, As8istant Adjutant-General, Middle Department Page 227 C~r. XLLX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 227 [Inclosure.] PERRYVILLE, MD., July 11, 1864. Maj. H. B. JUDD: The enemys cavalry attacked us yesterday while the men were pitching tents, wounding one man, and afterward sent in a flag of truce demanding our surrender, which was refused. We formed line to defend the bridge, when they sent a whole train of cars on fire at full speed onto the bridge, which set the draw on fire. My commu- nication cut off north and south, I brought off my command to this place, with some loss. HUGH STIRLING, Commanding. ADDENDA. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY COMMANDER, Wilmington, Del., July 17, 1864. [Lieut. Col. SAMUEL B. LAWRENCE:] DEAR COLONEL: After the most unremitting labors by night and day in raising troops for the protection of the Philadelphia, Wil- mington and Baltimore Railroad and the line of the Sus quehauna from Havre de Grace to Peach Bottom Ford I am informed that a few miserable busybodies, too cowardly to offer their own services, have assailed me most terribly for not disregarding the mustering regulations, aiid arming a mob of men without organization or co- hesiveness, in order that those who preferred to remain at home might find a justification for their poltroonly conduct. My report of the operations here has gone on to the Adjutant-General, and I beg you wil I do me the favor to ask to have it placed before the Secre- tary of War as soon as convenient, as I am told a committee will ask for my removal. Very truly, yours, HENRY B. JUDD. [Inclosure.] The military commandersTheir disposition. The following are the official orders of Major Judd in relation to raising troops, appointing commanders, and disposing of the forces raised in such a manner as to render the most efficient service in af- fording protection, not only to the great artery of communication with the National Capitalthe Philadelphia, Wilmington and Bal- timore Railroadbut also to our State and city. Everything has been done under the circumstances that could possibly be expected, and reflects great credit upon the patriotism and loyalty of our people. The record we here make will long be cherished by the actors in the scenes now transpiring around us as an evidence that in the hour of their countrys peril they performed their duties as patriots and good citizens: ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS MILITARY COMMANDER,. No. 111. Wilmington, Del., July 10, 1864. I. Under instructions from the general commanding First Lieut. James Lewis, Veteran Reserve Corps, with as many convalescent Page 228 228 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. and effective men frem the Veteran Reserve Corps, now at the U. S. General Hospital, as the surgeon in charge may deem fit for tempo- rary duty, will immediately proceed to Havre de Grace and take post for the protection an(l preservation of the railroad crossings, the company steamer, and other property there. He will place him- self in communication with the officer commanding the detachment of troops, if any there, and report from time to time by telegraph to these headquarters. Detailed instructions are herewith furnished him. II. Capt. Hugh Stirling will proceed with his company without delay to the Gunpowder bridge, on the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad, and take post on the north side of the trestle- work, for which purpose he will send patrols, constantly communi- cating with the force stationed on the south side of the bridge. HENRY B. JUDD, illajor, U. S. Army, Military Commander. ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS MILITARY COMMANDER, No. 112. Wilmington, Del., July 11, 1864. Capt. Thomas M. Culbert, with a detachment of ten mounted men of Company E, One hundred and forty-fourth Ohio National Guards, will proceed to Havre de Grace by way of Oxford, Conowingo bridge, Darlington, Bel Air, and report to the commanding officer at Havre de Grace for instructions. HENRY B. JUDD, Major, U. S. Army, Military Commander. ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS MILITARY COMMANDER, No. 113. ~ Wilmington, Del., July 11, 1864. I. Capt. T. C. Harris, U. S. Navy, will, until further orders, as- sume command of the naval and military forces at Havre de Grace. Company and detachment commanders at that station will report to and receive orders from him. II. The companies of the Seventh Delaware Infantry, mustered into the service to-day, will proceed as early as practicable to Havre de Grace, where their captains will report to Capt. T. C. Harris, U. S. Navy, at present in command of the naval and military forces at that station. HENRY B. JUDD, Major, U. S. Army, Military Commander. ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS MILITARY COMMANDER, No. 114. Wilmington, Del., July 12, 1864. I. The volunteer troops stationed at the Havre de Grace Ferry and at bridges, ferries, and fords above will, until otherwise ordered, be under the command of Lient. Col. Edgar Hounsfield, Seventh Delaware Infantry. II. Capt. T. C. Harris, U. S. Navy, will command the detachment of soldiers and marines on duty there, and will co-operate with Lient. Col. E. Hounsfield, and obey his orders. III. Capt. H. C. Robinett, First U. S. Infantry, will act as inspector to this command, and will be respected accordingly. IV. Capt. George V. Massey will, until able t,o join his proper command, be charged with the organization and equipment of the cavalry now being raised there Page 229 229 cHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. V. Capt. Hugh Stirling having been appointed major of the 5ev- euth Regiment Delaware Volunteer Infantry, for gallai~t conduct in the recent affair with the enemy at the Gunpowder bridge, will be obeyed and respected accordingly. HENRY ~. JUDD, Major, U. S. Army, Military Commander. ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS MILITARY COMMANDER, No. 115. Wilmington, Del., July 12, 1864. Capt. George V. Massey, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, will proceed by the first train to Kent County, returning through New Castle County, and enroll volunteers for cavalry service. The men will be accepted with horses. HENRY B. JUDD, Major, U. S. Army, Military Commander. ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS MILITARY COMMANDER, No. 116. TYilmingtort, Del., July 13, 1864. The command of all the troops now being raised for the immedi- ate defense of this city will devolve upon Col. John Andrews, to whom commanders of companies and detachments will report imme- diately upon being mustered in. HENRY B. JUDD, Major, U. S. Army, Military Commander. ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS MILITARY COMMANDER, No. 117. Wilmington, Del., July 13, 1864. Capt. R. J. Holl3, commanding Company G, Seventh Delaware Volunteer Infantry, will proceed by the first train to-morrow with his company to Perryville, Md., and report for duty to the officer commanding the troops at Havre de Grace. HENRY B. JUDD, Major, U. S. Army, Military Commander. ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS MILITARY COMMANDER,. No. 118. Wilmington, Del., July 14, 1864. Capt. George V. Massey, assistant adjutant-general, is relieved from duty with this command, and will take advantage of the first opportunity of reaching Baltimore; where he will report to Brig. Gen. John R. Kenly, commanding Third Separate Brigade, Eighth Army Corps, for duty. HENRY B. JUDD, Major, U. S. Army, Military Commander. No. 23. Report of Lieut. Robert Price, One hundred and fifty-ninth Ohio Infantry, of the burning of Gunpowder Bridge, Md. GUNPOWDER BRIDGE, July 11, 18647 p. m. I have just received your dispatch, and am sorry to say that a portion of this bridge was burned this morning at about 10 oclock. Last night at 11 oclock I received a dispatch from General Kenl Page 230 230 OI4~RATIO~S IN N. VA., W. VA., MP., ANP PA. [CHAP. XLIX. asking the number of men under my command. I reported I had but thirty-two men, and they were almost worn out with constant watching, and that I thought something was going wrong near here, but I had not the men to investigate. About 3 oclock this morning Captain [Stirling] arrived at the eastern end of bridge with a company of fifty-five men and immediately took command of that end of bridge. About 7 oclock he sent to ask me if he could assist me in any way, having learned from my men that we were worn out. I replied that I should be much obliged if he would send ten men to stand picket while my men could rest. After taking them out myself, rep acing on their posts, I laid down. At the time before starting I was awakened and informed that the train on other side of river had been captured and set on fire and started for the bridge. I immediately started for bridge and saw the train just coming on the other end on fire; upon going near to it I found the captain and his company in advance of the train coming toward me. With the assistance of two of my men and the captain, I succeeded in saving two cars, which we have removed to this side in safety. About 6 oclock this morning the steamer Juniata came up the river and anchored 300 yards below bridge. She had no colors hoisted, neither did she communicate with the shore, which caused us to look on her with suspicion. About 8 oclock she hoisted the Stars and Stripes, and at the time the bridge was being fired she steamed up a little nearer, but did not use her gun. I was undecided for a time whether to stay at my post with my little squad or take passage with the company on steamer, but have determined to hold my position, if I can, until I receive orders. R. PRICE, Lieutenant Co. F, 159th Reyt. Ohio National Guard. Captain HENNIsEE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 24. Report of ]lIaj. Gen. Alexander JtEcD. Mc Cook, U. S. Army, com- manding northern defenses of Washington, of operations July 1013. DAYTON, OHIo, July 25, 1864. Liout. Col. J. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff, Department of Washington: COLONEL: Please find inclosed a hasty and succinct report of military operations in front of Washington, D. C., during the 10th, 11th, and 12th of July. The report is necessarily imperfect in detail, but it is deemed sufficient as a matter of record. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, A. MoD. MoCOOK, Jiiliajor- General of Volunteers. Illnclosure.] DAYTON, OHIO, July 25, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit a succinct report of the military operations in front of Washington, D. C., pending the ad- vance upon it by a portion of the rebel army commanded by General Early Page 231 CH~. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAh VALLEY, ETC. 231 Reporting in person at the War Department on the morning of July 10, I was directed to report to Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck. U. S. Army, who assigned me to duty in the Department of Washington, to command a reserve camp to be located on or near Piney Branch Creek, about midway between Washington and Fort Stevens on the north. In company with Lieut. Col. B. S. Alexander, U. S. Engi- neer~, I at once proceeded to examine the ground for the camp, also to make a hasty examination of the fortifications on the north of Washington. Returning at 6 p. in., and receiving my final instruc- tions from Maj. Gen. C. C. Augur, commanding department, I pro- ceeded to Piney Branch, where the Second Regiment District of Columbia Volunteers, Colond Alexander, and the Ninth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, Lieutenant-Colonel Johnston, Captain Gibbs (Ohio) battery, and Captain Bradburys (Maine) battery had already reported. Monday morning discovered the fact that the only troops on the north of Washington were the small garrisons in the forts, small detachments of cavalry in the front, and the troops above men- tioned. Hearing of the near approach of the enemy, the idea of a reserve camp was at once abandoned and every man was brought forward and posted in the rifle-pits to the best advantage, and as strong a skirmish line as was prudent established. During the morn- ing several additional regiments of the Veteran Reserve Corps and several detachments of dismounted cavalry reported foi duty. They were posted in the rifle-pits on either side of the main road leading to Silver Spring. Captain Berry, of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, being stationed with his company on the road leading from Silver Spring to Leesborough, dispatched a courier at 10 a. m. the 11th, informing me that the enemy was advancing in force on that road with infantry, artillery, and cavalry. At 12 m. a strong line of the enemys skirmishers came in view, advancing upon our position. The picket-line at this moment was composed of 100-days men of One hundred and fiftieth Ohio, and a portion of the Twenty-fifth New York Cavalry (dismounted). Being satisfied that they could not con- tend favorably against the enemys line, were ordered to fall back slowly, fighting, until they reached the rifle-pits. Fire was then opened at proper points upon our line, and the enemy was held in check until the dismounted of the Second Division of the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, 600 strong, commanded by Maj. George G. Briggs, Seventh Michigan Cavalry, were made ready to go out, drive the enemy back, and re-establish our picke~t-line. This was handsomely done about 1. 30p. in., the enemys skirmishers be- ing forced back, and our line well established at 1,100 yards in front of the works. The enemy not developing any force other than their skirmish line, affairs remained in this condition until evening. About 3 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. G. Wright, U. S. Volunteers, com- manding the Sixth Army Corps, reported to me at Fort Stevens, in- forming me that the advance of his corps would be up in a short time. I directed him to furnish a force 900 strong of this veteran corps for picket duty during the night, constant skirmishing being kept up between the lines until after dark on the 11th instant. At 9 p. m. Brig. Gen. M. C. Meigs, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, reported at Fort Stevens with about 1, 500 quartermaster employ6s, armed and equipped. They were at once ordered into position near Fort Slocum, placed on right and left in rifle-pits. At 10 p. m. Col- onel Price reported with about 2,800 convalescents and men fro Page 232 232 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. hospitals, organized into a provisional brigade Composed of men from nearly every regiment of the Army of the Potomac. They were ordered into position in rear of Fort Slocuin, as iiiformation received led me to believe that the enemy would demonstrate farther to our right. At 12.30 a. m. on the 11th the following telegraphic order was received: Major-General Gilimore, U. S. Volunteers, with a portion of the Nineteenth Corps, is assigned to command the line from Fort Lincoln to Fort Totten. Brig. Gen. M. C. Meigs, Quartermaster-General, to command the line from Fort Totten to Fort De Russy. Brig. Gen. M. D. Hardln, U. S. Volunteers, to command from Fort De Russy to Fort Sumner, inclusive. The Sixth Corps, Maj. Gen. H. G. Wright, U. S. Volunteers, commanding, to be held in reserve, and the entire line and troops to be commanded by Maj. Gen. A. McD. McCook, U. & Volunteers. This order was complied with, with the exception to hold the Sixth Corps entire in reserve. I deemed it absolutely necessary that the immediate front should be picketed by experienced men. At dawn on the morning of the 12th the sharpshooters of the en- emy opened fire upon our skirmish line, which had been intrenched during the night. This fire was kept up from both lines during the day. The enemy, on retiring their line on the evening of the 11th, seized and retained possession of a house on the right of the Silver Spring road, situated on an elevated piece of ground, surrounded by an orchard and large shade trees (Rives), which afforded excellent cover for sharpshooters, and commanded our advance line. They also posted sharpshooters in Mrs. Lays house to the left of the road. From these two points our skiimish line was very much annoyed by the enemy, they killing and wounding about 30 of our skirmish- ers during the day. I determined these two points must be carried. General Wright was ordered to furnish a brigade to make the assault (as I had failed to carry these points with Captain Beatties sharp- shooters, of General Gettys division, Sixth Corps). Brig. Gen. Frank Wheaton, U. S. Volunteers, was ordered to direct the move- ments of the assaulting troops. These troops having gained their position previous td assault at about 6 p. in., the two positions held by the enemy were vigorously shelled from Fort Stevens. Then at a signal Wheatons troops dashed forward, and, after a spirited con- test, gained the ground. This attack developed new forces of the enemy that had been concealed in a ravine beyond Mrs. Lays house, and in the depression beyond the copse on the right of the road. The enemys line was re-enforced by at least a brigade, the contest was kept up until after dark, we having gained all the ground de- sired, and rude intrenchments were thrown up upon it. That night the enemy withdrew their forces from our front. At dawn on the 13th none of them could be seen. Two companies of infa~mtry were at once deployed as skirmishers, their flanks covered by a few mounted men, and pushed forward to gain all the informa- tion possible. Going forward in person I found nothing but the de- serted camps of the enemy, and a few stragglers; also a hospital at Sligo Post-Office, containing about 70 rebels wounded too severely to be moved, 11 of them commissioned officers, including surgeons and attendantsabout 90 in all. The prisoners taken between Fort Stevens and Leesborough num- bered not less than 200, including the hospital. The number killed and wounded of the enemy I am unable to state, as all those who could be transported were taken away. Their loss must have bee Page 233 CHAP. XLIX.] OPEflATIONS IN SHENANDOAh VALLEY, ETC. 233 equal to, if not greater than, ours, our loss being about 250 killed and wounded. The Sixth Corps marching next day, I am unable to give the loss accurately. A special report should be made by General H. G. Wright. com- manding the corps, and it is left to him to do justice to the gallant officers and men of his command who behaved so well in this spirited affairsmall, yet a very iniportant one, as it was one of the causes that induced the enemy to abandon their idea of attacking Wash- ington. I am satisfied the rebel force which confronted Washington was not less than 30,000. Ewells old corps (entire), consisting of three divisions, commanded respectively by Generals Rodes, Gordon, and Ransom, was encamped upon F. P. Blair, sr.s, farm. Breckin- ridges command, consisting of about 10,000 infantry, was farther back and in the vicinity of Leesborough. My estimate of their forces was made from the most reliable sources possible, and all evidences show their force to have been divided as follows: Ewells old corps (infantry) 12, 000 Breckinridges corps (infantry) 10,000 Artillery 1,000 Cavalry 7,000 Total 30,000 Having instructions to hold the Sixth ~Jorps in reserve, a further explanation may be necessary for the attack ordered on the ev~uming of the 12th: First. The points assailed were commanding ones when in posses- sion of the enemyenfiladed and commanded a portion of the picket- line necessary to be maintained in front of the works. Second. These points in our possession gave us observation over a ravine to the left and a depression of ground on the right of the Silver Spring road, not ii~i view from the forts, and in which the enemy could mass a large force. Third. It was believed that the veterans of this corps could do the work better, and with less loss of life, than the other troops under my command. There are other and minor reasons, but these are deemed suffi- cient. My thanks are due to Maj. Gen. H. G. Wright, U. S. Volunteers, for his earnest co-operation in every duty. To Brig. Gen. M. C. Meigs, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, commanding the line from Fort Totten to De Russy, my thanks are due for his willing and untiring discharge of duty. Brig. Gen. D. H. Rucker, U. S. Volunteers, commanding quarter- master employ6s; Brig. Gen. H. E. Paine, commanding line 6u right of Fort Stevens, and Brig. Gen. M. D. Hardin, U. S. Volun- teers, commanding the line from Fort De Russy to Sumner, have my thanks for their valuable assistance in properly maintaining the portions of the line intrusted to their care. Lient. Col. B. S. Alexander, U. S. Engineers, was of great service in furnishing maps and explaining lines and roads. Capt. Charles Dupont, Thirteenth Michigan Battery, deserves great credit for the skill displayed in directing the artillery of Fort Stevens. Lieutenant-Colonel Frazee, One hundred and fiftieth Ohio (100- days men), displayed efficiency and zeal during the 11th and 12th instant Page 234 234 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MTh, AND PA. [ChAP. XLIX. The officers and soldiers of the Veteran Reserve Corps deserve great commendation for the prompt and zealous discharge of every duty in their power to perform. I would respectfully recommend that this corps be armed with the improved muskets. The Second Regiment District of Columbia Volunteers is also armed with the old musket. A change is also recommended for them. I regret that I cannot at this distant point recall the names of the commanders of detachments who reported to me, but I may hazard the remark, there never was before a command so heterogeneous, yet so orderly. The hale and hearty soldier; the invalid, the convales- cent, the wounded, and the quartermasters employ6s, side by side, each working with a singleness of purpose and willing to discharge any duty imposed upon him. I am under obligations to the following officers, acting upon my staff, for untiring attention to duty: Col. N. P. Chipman, aide-de- camp; Maj. S. B. Hayman, Tenth Infantry; Maj. Caleb Bates, aide- de-camp; Maj. R. T. Auchmuty, assistant adjutant-general; Major Hastings, Berdan Sharpshooters; Lieutenant Snow, Maine artillery; Lieutenant Welles, First Connecticut Cavalry; Captain Wells, assistant quartermaster. The following recommendations are respectfully made: First. That a monthly inspection be made by a competent engineer officer of all the defenses around Washingtoii; that the ground in front of them be well cleared andkept so. Second. That a proper supply of assorted small-arm ammunition be kept constantly stored in the respective forts upon the line. All of which is respectfully submitted. A. McD. MoCOOK, Major- General of Volunteers, Gomdg. Northern Defenses. Lient. Col. JOSEPH H. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff, Department of Washington. No. 25. Report of (lot. Norton P. (Jhipman, Additional Aide~de~CYamp, U. S. Army, of status of ihe U. S. Forces July 12. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Fort Stevens, July 12, 1864. SIR: Agreeably to your verbal order communicated to me last night, I have the honor to submit the following observations with regard to the status of the forces within the command of Major- General McCook: Headquarters are located in rear of Fort Stevens. From the right of Stevens to Fort Totten, inclusive, the line is held by forces under command of Major-General McCook, as follows: Provisional Brigade, Colonel Price (approximately) 2,800 Second District, Colonel Alexander (approximately) 550 12th Veteran Reserve, Colonel Farnsworth (approximately) 550 Quartermaster employ~s (approximately) 1,800 Detachment of 7th Michigan Cavalry, Major Darling, operating between Fort Stevens and Bladensburg, only portion under General McCooks com mand 450 Total. 6,15 Page 235 Ou~. XLIX.] OPERATIO~S 1~ SHENA~DOAI1 VALLEY, 1~rc. ~35 From Fort Stevens left to Fort De Russy troops of Major-General Wright and Major-General MeCook are intermixed, those reporting to Major-General MeCook, as follows: 2d Vermont Volunteers (approximately) 232 3d Vermont Volunteers (approximately) 272 147th Ohio Volunteers (100-days men) 465 9th U. S. Veteran Reserve Corps 350 157th Ohio 184 Total 1,503 Amount brought forward 6,150 Total 7,653 Between Forts Stevens and Slocum there is a section (2 guns) 1st Ohio Bat tery [L, 1st Ohio] 121 Between Forts Stevens and De Russy, (2 guns) Maine Battery.... 112 233 Grand total under General McCook 7,886 No other artillery aside from gnns in the forts. An order has jnst been issued placing Brigadier-General Meigs in command of the line from Stevens to Totten, inclusive, Brigadier- Generals Rucker and Paine and Lieutenant-Colonel Haskin report- ing to him. The left cannot be so well organized, owing to the in- termixing of troops under different commanders. I would respect- fully suggest that any future trouble liable to arise with regard to commanders be averted by orders from headquarters. To the left of Fort Totten there has been very little skirmish or picket firing. In front of Stevens and to the right and left of it firing is quite frequent. The artillery firing has been from Stevens, De Russy, and Slocum for the purpose of shelling rebel pickets from cover of houses. No artillery or cavalry or any considerable body of infantry have been developed. Two prisoners belonging to a Georgia regiment, captured by our advanced skirmishers in front of Stevens, say they were of Colonel Cooks brigade, Rodes division, Earlys (formerly Ewells) corps, con- sisting of divisions of Rodes, Gordon, and Ramseur; these directly in front of Stevens. The estimate placed upon this command, including Breckinridges command, and the irregular Virginia troops is about 30,000, prisoners estimating from 25,000 to 50,000. General Meigs reports squads of cavalry seen to the right of Tot- ten, thinks the enemy. The enemy maintain a pretty stiff picket- line and are not easily driven. This part of the defense may be regarded as well org~cnized. The line though not strongly defended is capable of resisting success- fully a single line assault. A rebel sharpshooter just wounded severely a soldier standing on the parapet of Fort Stevens. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, N. P. CHIPMAN, Colonel and Additional Aide-de-Camp. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 236 236 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. No. 26. Report of Brig. Gen. Martin D. ilardin, U. S. Army, commanding div~sion of Twenty-second Army Corps, of the defense of Wash- ington. HEADQUARTERS HARDINS DIVISION, Jnly 19, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the operL ations of my command on the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th instant: On the night of the 10th I was ordered to make my headquarters at Tennallytown. I learned before leaving the city that Major-Gen- eral McCook was to command a reserve force to be stationed at Crystal Spring. I left the city about 11 p. in. The last report from Major Fry, commanding the cavalry on the Rockville road being that he was falling back and would make a stand just outside of Tennallytown, the enemy pushing him back rapidly. Upon ar- riving at Fort Reno, headquarters First Brigade, Colonel Warner commanding, I felt assured there was not so evident danger to the defenses as I was led to suppose from the cavalry reports. Every- thing was very quiet. Colonel Warner had made good dispositions of his troops, and the Veteran Reserves were coming up rapidly. Colonel Gile, with First Brigade of Veteran Reserves reported about midnight. Colonel Lowell, Second Massachusetts Cavalry, having moved out at daylight Monday morning, in command of all the available cav- alry, commenced skirmishing. About 6.30 a. m. the enemys advance fell back several miles to their reserves, when they began forcing Colonel Lowells command back. The enemy occasionally fired a small rifled gun near the road. Colonel Lowell remained on infantry picket-line. Cavalry scouts were sent out the River and Aqueduct roads. No enemy reported in that direction. Heavy clouds of dust and occasionally troops and wagons were seen from signal station at Fort Reno, moving apparently from Rockville in direction of Sev- enth-street pike. General McCook was notified, the skirmish line strengthened from Fort Reno to Rock Creek, and a proper disposi- tion of the infantry supports made. Skirmishing was quite brisk on the right near Rock Creek until dark. During the night of the 11th the pickets were very much strength- ened from Brookeville road to Rock Creek. One company of Veteran Reserves, under Captain Clark, Sixth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, made a gallant effort to take a barn which the enemy were using to advantage against our skirmishers in front of Fort De Russy. Captain Clark was slightly wounded and many of his company were wounded. These very efforts and the determined way of holaing the picket-line showed the enemy that he would have to make a desperate assault to carry this portion of the line, which I believe one of the weakest points on the front. This resistance on the picket-line and the advance of the Sixth Corps skirmishers it is considered made the enemy think we were prepared for an assault. I respectfully call attention to the reports of the brigade com- manders appended. Such telegrams as are in my reach are appended. Many, I think were carried off by the operators. My adjutant-gen- eral had to remain in the city. I sent my inspector-general, Captain Markle, to the Second Brigade. There did not appear to be suffi- cient attention paid to pickets on that front. He was put there t Page 237 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS iN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETO~ 237 t~epresent me as far as possible. I think the enemy would not have gotten so close to Fort Stevens if the picket-line had been strength- ened as promptly as it was in the First Brigade upon the first ap- pearance of the enemys skirmishers. Upon personal application, I obtained a regiment from General McCook on Monday afternoon, after visiting Fort Slocum, to put out as a skirmish line, connecting with the Sixth Corps and reaching to the Eastern Branch. Before this nothing but a line of observation had been before that front. No report has as yet been received from Colonel Lowell, command- ing the cavalry. The enemy fell back Tuesday night. They were promptly followed up the Rockville road by Colonel Lowells cav- alry. Lists of killed and wounded are appended. Many wounded were sent at once into the city; it is very difficult to get accurate lists of them. I have the honor to mention Col. J. M. Warner, First Vermont Artillery, commanding First Brigade, for his coolness and perfect understanding of his position; also Colonel Lowell, Second Massa- chusetts Cavalry, conirnanding the cavalry. The information given by him was always reliable. I am indebted to Colonel Gile, com- manding First Brigade, Veteran Reserve Corps, and to the officers and men of that corps for our principal success I have the honor to mention my staffCaptain Chandler, assistant adjutant-general; Captain Markle, acting assistant inspector-gen- eral; Lieutenant Waterbury, Fourth New York Heavy Artillery, acting aide-de-camp ; Lieutenant Carroll, Fifth U. S. Artillery, act- ing aide-de-camp; Captain Nesmith, assistant quartermaster, and Lieutenant Hough, Ninth New York Artillery, ordnance officer; in so long a line, were kept almost constantly in the saddle and most cheerfully performed all duties required of them. Reports of firing in action are herewith inclosed. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. D. HARDIN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Lient. Col. JOSEPH H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant- General. ADDENDA. HEADQUARTERS~ HARDINS DivisioN, TWENTY-SECOND ARMY CORPS, DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, July 14, 1864. Surg. R. 0. ABBOTT, U. S. Army, Medical Director, Department of Washington: I have the honor to submit the following list of casualties on the line of defenses north of the Potoniac, from July 11 to 14, inclusive, belonging to Twenty-second Corps: Wounded. Killed. Total. Monday, July 11,1864 39 6 45 ruesday,July 12,1864 15 5 20 Wednesday, July 13,1864 7 1 8 Total 61 12 73 ROBERT REYBURN, surgeon, U. S. Vols., Surgeon-in-Chief, Hardins Division Page 238 238 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. No. 27. Report of Capt. John Norris, Second Provisional Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, of the defense of Washington. FORT DE Russy, D. C., July 16, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the number of shots fired at the enemy from ForI~ De Russy on Monday afternoon and Tues- day, the 11th and 112th instant, and their effect, as near as practi- cable, from No. 4 gun (100-pounder Parrott). We fired 18 case-shot, 10 shells, and 4 solid shot. Twenty-two of these were fired on Monday evening and Tuesday morning on col- umn of the enemy moving down the Brookeville turnpike toward Fort Stevens, and at trains parked in the fields adjoining the turn- pike, at a distance, as near as I could estimate, of from 4,200 to 4,500 yards. Elevation and length of fuse were given for these dis- tances. Having the use of a powerful glass, I considered the shots effective, at least in causing the enemy to move their trains and troops from time to time, and yesterday, as I made a close inspection of that point, found the enemy had been there in force. Two shells had exploded and struck the outbuildings of Mr. John Wilson, just to the right of the turnpike, about half a mile beyond Silver Spring; one had entered the ground half a mile farther to the north and exploded; others exploded just this side of the turnpike, and, as I learned from a citizen resident near by, caused at least a division of the enemy to transfer their camp to a woods beyond. Ten 100- pounder shells were thrown at a house about 1,700 yards to the north and this side of Rock Creek for the purpose of firing it, as the enemys sharpshooters were reported there in great numbers. Two shells exploded a little short from defective fuses. The balance passed through and to the right of the house, exploded a little beyond. There were also fired at the house this side of Rock Creek ten 30-pounder percussion-shells from Parrott gun No. 9, all of which were planted in and near the house, but not one of them exploded. Ten 100-pounder shells were thrown at a body of the enemy advanc- ing down a strip of timber about 2,800 yards distant and drove them back. Shots well directed. Seventeen time shells, 39 per- cussion-shells, and 3 case-shot were fired at squads of the enemy as they emerged from the woods and charged across grain fields at the time of the advance of our skirmish line on the afternoon of Tuesday, and at squad of cavalry in lane beyond, and had the effect to drive them back. These shells were thrown at ranges from 2,200 to 2,400 and up to 2,800 yards, but few of the percussion-shells ex- ploded. With a few exceptions the time shells with paper fuses exploded at the desired points. Eight spherical case were used in No. 3 (32-pounder sea-coast gun) on enemys line of skirmishers, at ranges of 1,600 and 1,700 yards, and exploded in air over their line, but with what effect I had not the means of knowing. In the lane above referred to lies the carcass of a fine stallion killed by one of our shells, and by the location of the wound his rider did not escape a severe wound. The body of one rebel was found at a distance of 2,600 yards in the direction of our firing badly mutilated by a piece of shell, and I am informed that a number of the, severely wounded left at Silver Spring were wounded by our shells Page 239 ChAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 239 The guns were manned by troops of Battery A, First Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, Captain Spear commanding, and Battery L, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, Lieutenant Howe commanding. Number of Case-shot from 100-pounder Parrott 15 Shells from 100-pounder Parrot 10 Solid shot from 100-pounder Parrott 4 Percussion-shells from 30-pounder Parrott 49 Fuse shell from 30-pounder Parrott 17 Case-shot from 30-pounder Parrott 3 Spherical case from 32-pounder sea-coast gun 8 Total number of rounds 109 Very respectfully, your obedient servant JOHN NORRIS, Captain Provisional Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. Brig. Gen. M. D. HARDIN, Commanding Division. No. 28. Report of Gol. James M. Warner, First Vermont Heavy Artillery, commanding First Brigade, of the defense of Washington. HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, HARDINS DIvISION, Tennallytown, July 18, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the milita~y operations in this brigade from the 9th to the 13th instant, inclusive: On the afternoon of the 9th instant, Captain Wing having re- ported with about sixty of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, was at once sent on the Rockville road to observe and report the movements of the enemy, with instructions to go as far as Rockville and beyond on the Frederick or River road as circumstances should develop. Captain Wing subsequently joined Major Fry, who passed through Tennallytown about lOp. m. the same evening with 500 cavalrymen. Major Fry encountered the enemys advance guard about four miles beyond Rockville on the Frederick road. Soon they appeared in force and Major Fry was compelled to fall back, and at 4 p. m. had fallen back to our infantry pickets, about two miles out fromT en- nallytown. I immediately caused the infantry pickets to be strength- ened from the River to the Brookeville pike, and Major Fry was directed to make a stand in his present position. It was decided to concentrate troops to man the guns aiid rifle-pits from Fort Kearny on the right to Fort Simmons on the left. This I was enabled to do by the opportune arrival of the Seventh Regiment Vet- eran Reserve Corps, Lient. Col. H. G. Thomas, the First Brigade, Veteran Reserve Corps, under Col. G. W. Gile, Major Snyders bat- talion of the Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, and by the with- drawal of Battery I, Second U. S. Artillery, and a company of the One hundred and fifty-first regiment Ohio National Guard, from the river batteries to the front line. The troops this night bivouacked at the guns and along the rifle-pits. On the following morning, the 11th, at day break Colonel Lowell, Second Massachusetts Cavalry, with about three squadrons of his own regiment and one squadron of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, re- lieved Major Frys command, who were nearly out of ammunition. Skirmishing was kept up with the enemy during the entire day, an Page 240 240 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. although their line was visible from the signal station at Fort Reno, the long-range guns of the fort conld~ not be brought to bear npon them without endangering our own men. Colonel Lowell transmit- ted from time to time accurate and reliable information of the enemys numbers and movements. About 11 a. m. the infantry pickets between the Rockville and River roads were driven in, but were promptly strengthened and advanced. About the same time the enemy showed signs of shifting to our right, and during the entire afternoon could be seen (by the aid of a glass) moving in large force toward the Seventh-street road. Their intention was so apparent that orders were at once issued to mass troops rapidly on the right, and at 2p. m. when skirmishing commenced at Forts Stevens and De Russy, the movement was accomplished. For a detailed acconnt of the operations in that vicinity, I respectfully refer you to the ac- companying report of Col. John M. C. Marble, One hundred and fifty-first Regiment Ohio National Guard, who was assigned to com- mand at this point. On Tuesday, the 12th instant, Colonel Lowell was sent out on the River road with two squadrons of his own regiment, while Lieuten- ant-Colonel Crowninshield with about the same force operated in the enemys front on the Rockville road. By a preconcerted ar- rangement, Colonel Lowell attacked the enemys right, while Lieu- tenant-Colonel Crowninshield attacked in front, forcing them back about a mile and a half, the enemy throwing away arms, equip- ments, and retiring in great confusion. Major Fry relieved Lieu- tenant-Colonel Crowninshield on the Rockville road about dark, and strong cavalry pickets were placed on the Rockville, River, and Aqueduct roads. On the same night from information given by Colonel Lowell, and reports of Col. John M. C. Marble, command- ing at Fort De Rnssy, the troops were transferred to our extreme left and massed at Forts Simmons and Sumner. On Wednesday morning, the 13th, Colonel Lowells cavalry force about 900 strong, was pushed out as far as Rockville. Here a shari encounter occurred, in which we were driven back with some loss, but held a position at night about a mile amid a half this side of the town. On the following morning, the 14th, the enemy had entirely dis- appeared from our fromit. During the entire period in which these events transpired, I am greatly indebted to Col. C. R. Lowell, jr., commanding cavalry, who early succeeded in developing the enemys force, which proved to be General McCauslammds brigade, composed of the TenTh, Fifteenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty-second Regiments of West Virginia Cavalry and two regiments of Jacksons old bri- gade; in all about 1,500 strong, with two pieces of artillery. Col. John M. C. Marble, commanding at Fort De Russy, and Capt. L. A. Dilliugham, One hundred and twenty-second Regiment New York Volunteers, signal officer, contributed valuable information. Col- onel Giles brigade of Veterans were conspicuous for conduct in the skirmish of 12th instant. I inclose herewith a report of casualties,* a record of artillery practice, also Colonel Marbles report, to all of which your attention is respectfully called. J. M. WARNER, Colonel First Vermont Artillery, Gommanding. Capt. R. CHANDLER, Assistant Adjutant- General. * Nominal list (omitted) shows 11 wounded Page 241 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 241 No. 29. Reports of Col. John M. C.. Marble, One huniked and fifty-first Ohio Infantry, of the defense of Washington. HEADQUARTERS, Fort De Russy, D. 0., July 16, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations on this portion of yonr lines for Monday and Tuesday, 11th and 12th instant: I was ordered by you to take command of Forts De Rnssy, Kearny, and Battery Smead Monday forenoon, bnt being immediately de- tailed by yourself to investigate the firing on the extreme left of yom~ line, I did not reach the post and assume command until 2.30 p. m. On arriving at this fort I fonnd the operations had already com- menced in front of Fort Stevens; that the forces of this post consisted of Companies C and G, One hnndred and fift -first hio National Guard, Maj. J. L. Williams; Company A, First Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, Capt. Wallace M. Spear; one-half Company L, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, Lient. S. A. Howe. At Battery Smead, Com- pany I, One hundred and fifty-first Regiment Ohio National Guard, Capt. Joseph Chaney; one-half Battery E, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, Lieutenant French. At Fort Kearny, Company K, One hundred and fifty-first Regiment Ohio National Guard, Capt. G. M. Webb; one company Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, Lieuten- ant Hough. The infantry forces were immediately placed in the most com- manding parts of rifle-pits. Noticing a heavy column moving to the right, we immediately opened on it with a 100-pounder and 30-pounder Parrott, with apparently considerable effect. At the same time the enemy commenced advancing throngh the fields, a little to the right of our front, a considerable body of skirmishers to re-enforce their skirmishers, who had worked down in close proximity to this fort. A few well-directed shots from our artillery caused them to rapidly retire in the direction of Wilsons house, leaving 1 man dead on the field. During the above Colonel Dayton, with his regiment of Veteran Reserve Corps, reported, 300 strong. I immediately ordered him to put one-third of his force up the ravine to our right, to ob- serve any enemy that might attempt to come in from that direction. Another one-third up the road to our left, down which considerable numbers of refugees had been coming in, and to hold the balance in re- serve. Shortly after, Colonel Gile, with his brigade (four regiments) of Veteran Reserve Corps, reported. By this time the enemy had advanced their line of skirmishers down on a line with a house to our right, about 1,500 yards distant, and inside a parallel line of the left flank of the skirmishers sent out from Fort Stevens, apparently hav- ing designs on the ravine covered by two redoubts at our right, in which there were no guns. Deeming this to be a weak and important point, although outside of your brigade line, Colonel Gile immedi- ately ordered one of his regiments of Veteran Reserve Corps to establish their line on the crest of the first ridge. The regiment promptly formed their line and advanced, firing rapidly, and, under a heavy fire, driving the eiiemys right back, occupying their ground. I have no report of the casualties. We held the line permanently and gradually pressed the enemys line back until relieved next day 16 R RVOL XXXVII, PT Page 242 242 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. by General MeCook. At the same time we established our skirmish line so as to fully cover Battery Smead and Fort Kearny, and in ac- cordance with your instructions formed a strong picket-line to the Brookeville road. The enemy were in considerable force in our front and to the left, their sharpshooters annoying our line very con- siderably from a large house 1,700 yards in our front, which we found it necessary to shell, the eneniy having established their skirmish line on a line with said house and parallel to ours. After having established our skirmish line there was considerable activity along it. Noticing a considerable movement of the eneiiiy in the vicinity of Wilsons house, on the Seventh-street road, we deemed it advisable to send in a few shells. We are assured by citizens in that direction that the enemy were surprised at the accuracy of oui~ fire at such distance, and from information since obtained we are led to conclude that the accuracy and activity of our artillery and skirmish line con- tributed largely to deter them from making the intended assault on Monday night. Colonel Thompson, with the First Provisional Regi- ment, reported during the afternoon. The night was passed by the men on their arms in the forts and rifle-pits, fully prepared for any emergency, and all in line by 3 a. m. During the morning more or less skirmishing. The sharpshooters in the house heretofore mentioned became so troublesome to our ad- vance line that we found it necessary to shell it. At the same time Colonel Gile ordered up a company of Veteran Reserve Corps to advance under cover of our fire and destroy the building. They advanced gallantly until very near the building, when they were opened on by the enemy from behind a breast-work of logs and brush. They were compelled to retire, the enemy being in such force. I am not advised as to the casualties. The captain com- manding was slightly wounded. The enemy, immediately on seeing the (lemonstration against said building, commenced sending in re-enforcements across the fields in plain view. We opened on them, when they commenced retiring in cnisiderable confusion. Were rallied by a field officer, but finally obliged to desist, retreating in the direction of Wilsons. While the above operations. were pending Fort Stevens was act- ively engaged, having opened on the Lay house (reported to you as Blairs house), sending in a portion of the Sixth Corps, the whole line from right of Fort Stevens to left of Fort IDe Russy being actively engaged. The great activity on Tuesday night undoubtedly had its effect in causing the hasty withdrawal of the enemy. The forces all rested on their arms during the night in the forts and rifle-pits, and were in line by 3 a. in., in accordance with your orders. Early on Wednesday morning I communicated to you the move- ment of troops in the direction of Rockville, and that there were no signs of the enemy. In accordance with orders I risked a scout of ten men, which soon verified the absence of any enemy in our imme- diate front. Colonel, you are well aware of the commanding view this position has of the whole ground covered on the right by recent demonstra- tions. I think I am not overestimating when I say that with the exception of half an hour Tuesday evening, when the Sixth Corps went in, that your brigade did as much, if not more, lighting than any other, and to it can be attributed a large share of the credit for the early withdrawal of the euemy Page 243 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 243 Much credit is due to Capt. John Norris, of Second Provisional Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, whom you assigned to me as chief of artillery; also to Colonel Gile, commanding brigade, and Captain Spear, commanding battery. In fact every officer and every man did his duty well. Captain Norris report of the artillery practice will be forwarded to you without delay. * The frequent changes of the forces have been the cause of no reports of casu~tlties being furnished to me. That we punished the enemy severely there is no question. I should have liked to have given you a more complete report, but my entire staff being on duty at brigade he~dquarters, and operations commencing the moment I took command, has made that impossible. In conclusion, color~el, I am, with great regard, JNO. M. C. MARBLE, Colonel 151st Regiment Ohio National Guard, Commanding Forts De Russy, Smead, ci~nd Kearny. Col. J. M. WARNER C~omdg. 1st Brigade, Hardins Div., 22d Army Corps. FORT RENO, D. C., July 12, 1864. COLONEL: We had quite a number of casualties to-day. The greatest number was caused by the attempt to take a barn I signaled you about yesterday. It has been filled with sharpshooters that have troubled our pickets a good deal. We opened on the building with the 100-pounder Parrott, hoping to knock it to pieces and burn it. Under our fire we had a company advance to take it. They were met by a much superior force and driven back with great loss pro- portionate to the number engaged. I will send you a full list of cas- ualties as soon as ascertained. The building I speak oi~ is about 1,700 yards distant, just over the crest of second ridge, and the most reli- able information we can get leads us to think that they are aiming to plant a battery there. If so, it~ will trouble us a good deal. From the force they had at it and the promptness with which they sent re- enforcements (strong) they deemed it a very desirable point. We drove all their re-enforcements back. With your consent we will effectually shell the position and try and destroy the house, which I think quite desirable. JNO. M. C. MARBLE, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Col. J. M. WARNER, Commanding Brigade, Fort Reno, D. C. No. 30. Report of Lieut. Col. Joseph A. Hasicin, Additional Aide-de-Camp, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, of the defense of Wash- ington. WASHINGTON, D. C., July 18, 1864. I have respectfully to make the following report of the military operations of the Second Brigade on the 11th and 12th instant: On receiving the report of my cavalry pickets that the enemy was advancing toward Fort Stevens, about 11 a. m. of the 11th instant 1 * ~ee p. 238 Page 244 244 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XL1X. gave the necessary instructions to the commanding officer of that fort, Lient. Col. J. N. .Frazee, One hundred and fiftieth Ohio National Guard, to prepare the fort for action. I then proceeded to Fort Sb.. cum, my headquarters, which was at once put in order to repel an attack. The company of cavalry under my command d~stroyed the two bridges north of Fort Slocum to prevent the enemy from using them to advance on our right. This company, under Captain Ho- topp, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, did great service in fr6nt of the whole line of Second Brigade and particularly in obtaining information of the position of the enemy. The enemy made his appearance in front of Fort Stevens about 11.30 a. m. on the 11th and advanced a line of skirmishers abo~it 1.30 p. m. nearly to Fort Stevens, when the first shot was fired from Fort Slocum. The enemy showed himself only in small bodies, which accounts for the few sho.ts fired on both days. On the afternoon of the 12th the enemy advaiiced on the Balti- more railroad to about three and a half miles from Fort Lincoln, as I am informed,, but made no other demonstration on that line. On my arrival there about 6 p. m. I found General Gillmore making arrangements to receive them. A report of the firing from Forts Stevens and Slocum is herewith transmitted. Several of these shots took effect and scattered the enemy whenever they appeared in num- bers. Two or three houses were burned from the effects of the shells, which drove out the sharpshooters concealed in them, who were harassing our troops. For more particular information of the troops engaged in the gar- risons, I respectfully refer to the reports of Col. W. H. Hayward and Lieut. Col. J. N. Frazee, One hundred and fiftieth Ohio National Guard, and of J. N. Abbey, captain Second Pennsylvania Artillery, herewith inclosed. To Colonel Hayward and the officers of his regiment in command of the forts east of Fort Slocum great credit is due for the good con- dition of their commands and their efficient service. To Lieutenant- Colonel Frazee and the officers and men under his command at Fort Stevens, to Captain Abbey, Second Pennsylvania Artillery, Captain Heine, Fourteenth Michigan Battery, and Captain Nevins, One hun- dred and fiftieth Ohio National Guard, stationed at Fort Sbocum, great praise is due for their vigilance, coolness, and activity during the whole time the enerhy was in .sight. The garrisons of these forts were very small, and the addition of the sick and convalescent artillery soldiers added materially to their strength. But few shots were fired from the two forts, as will be seen from the reports. The strength of the garrison and, surgeons report of the casualties will be forwarded as soon as received. I would respectfully call your attention to the good conduct of my acting assistant adjutant-general, Lieut. 17. Goodwillie, and of my acting assistant inspector-general, George W. Tibbitts, both of One hundred and fiftieth Ohio National Guard. On the morning of the 13th the major-general commanding de - partment directed me to report to him in person, at which time I received orders appointing me chief of artillery of the department, with instructions to inspect at once the defenses on the south side of the Potomac. This duty and the delay in receiving reports has pre- vented me from forwarding an earlier and fuller report. J. A. HASKIN, Lieutenant-Colonel, Aide-de- Camp, Commanding. Brig. Gen. M. D. HARDIN, 6Yommanding Divi.~ion Page 245 ChAP. XLIX.) OPERATIONS IN ShENANDOAh VALLEY, ETC. - 245 No. 31. Report of Got. William H Hayward, One hundred and fiftieth Ohio Infantry, of the defense of Washington. HEADQUARTERS 150TH OHIO NATIONAL GUARD, Fort Bunker Hill, July 17, 1864. COLONEL: I herewith submit a report of the part taken by the One hundred and fiftieth Regiment Ohio Nati6nal Guard in the engagements of July 11 and 12, in front of Forts Stevens and Sb- cum, D. C. On the 8th instant I received information that the onemy were moving in the direction of Washington, and immediately commenced preparation for a vigorous defense of the forts from Eastern Branch to Fort Stevens, inclusive, which were garrisoned by my regiment. Trees were cut down, and the ground cleared of everything that could afford a shelter for sharpshooters. On the 11th instant the enemy made their appearance near the Blair farm, on Seventh-street pike, and drove in our pickets. At that time the entire line from Seventh street to Bladensburg was picketed by men belonging to my regiment. At 11 a. m. Monday the pickets at posts 1 and 2 commenced skirmishing with the ene- mys advance, but were obliged to retire, which was done in good order, disputing every inch of the ground, and giving ample time to alarm the garrisons at the forts. The pickets at posts 3 and 4 held their ground till the enemy deployed a line of skirmishers in front of Fort Stevens, and to the left of Seventh street, when they were compelled to retire, but join~d the skirmishers sent out by Major-General McCook, remaining with them till late in the even- ing. The remainder of the picket-line was not disturbed. Com- pany K, Captain Safford, was stationed at Fort Stevens, and did good work at the guns, showing that time had not been wasted in their artillery instruction. For a detailed account of the firing I refer you to the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Frazee, One hundred and fiftieth Ohio National Guard, who conunanded at that post. Company G, Capt. John Nevins, was stationed at Fort Slocum. They had charge of and worked the guns in the eastern angle of that fort. How they conducted themselves you had opportunities of judging, having been present most of the time. I also refer to re- port of Captain Abbey for statement of firing at Fort Slocum. The garrisons at the other forts took no active part in the engagement, but were at their posts ready and willing to do their duty in defense of the national capital and the old flag. I have to report the loss of 1 man, William E. Leach, Company K, who was severely wounded on picket, and died the next evening. W. H. HAYWARD, Golonel 150th Ohio National Guard. Cob. J. A. HASKIN, Commanding Second Brigade. No. 32. Report of Lient. Got. John N. Frazee, One hundred and fiftieth Ohio Infantry, of the defense of Washington. FORT STEVENS, D. C., July 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of operations against the enemy near Fort Stevens, D. C., on the 11th and 12th instant Page 246 246 oPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. At 11 oclock on the morning of the 11th the enemy commenced the attack on the picket-line in my front (which line was picketed by Company K, One hnndred and fiftieth Regiment Ohio National Guard), who fell back slowly fighting the enemy, losing 1 man wounded, who has since died. The enemys line of skirmishers con- tinued to advance until they were within a distance of 150 yards of our immediate front and 50 yards of our right. They held their ground for a whil6, being covered by an orchard, when we opened fire upon them with the following shots: One 30-pounder Parrott percussion-shell, when they fell back about 300 yards farther; two shell (percussion) were thrown 1,254 yards, which exploded in their midst; five percussion-shell were then thrown into a grove, dis- tance 1,050 yards, all burst and drove the enemy back; two 30- pounder Parrott percussion-shell were then thrown at a body of cavalry on the pike, distance 2,000 yards, which struck and ex- ploded in their midst, and scattered them. At 4 p. m. J directed two 30-pounder Parrott shell to be fired at enemy in rear of old tar- get, distance 1,256 yards, which dislodged them. We fired one 30- pounder Parrott shell at Carberys house, which was filled with the enemys riflemen; the shell struck and exploded; also one 30- pounder percussion, distance 1,600 yards, fired at the enemy in the road in front of old target, burst and did good execution. At 6 p. m. the enemy advanced again and stationed themselves behind the old target, distance 1,256 yards. Six 24-pounder fuse-shell were fired at them, which exploded and caused them to evacuate; this closed the firing for the day. On the morning of Tuesday, July 12, we opened upon the enemy with three 30-pounder Parrott percussion-shell, directed at Carberys house; distance, 1,0~/8 yards. The first exploded from some unknown cause at a distance of five yards and killed one of our skirmishers; one passed to the right and exploded; the third fell 20 yards sh6rt and exploded. Three shots (30-pounders) were directed at Rives house; distance, 1,050 yards, which dislodged a number of the ene- mys riflemen. At 11 a. m. two solid shots were fired at old camp, distance, 1,950 yards, at a body of infantry, which apparently did good execution. Four percussion-shells were then fired at Rives house to dislodge the enemy, all of which passed over. Four 30- pounder percussion-shells were fired at Carberys house, 1,078 yards, striking and doing good execution. One 24-pounder shell was fired at carriage shop, distance 2,075 yards, which struck on Seventh-street pike. Four 30-pounder Parrotts were fired into the grove to right of pike, distance 1,050 yards; effect not visible. At 6 p. m. General McCook ordered every gun brought to bear upon Carberys house to dislodge the enemys riflemen, who were holding our skir- mishers in check. I fired ten 24-pounder shell, ten 30-pounder Par- rott, one 8-inch howitzer, two 10-inch mortar, which set the house on fire and obliged the enemy to fall back, and our skirmish line was enabled to advance. Eight shots were then directed to Rives house, 1,078 yards, by order of General McCook, and all passed through. Five 30-pounder shells and four 24-pounder shot were fired at carriage shop, distance 2,075 yards, all falling among the enemys cavalry and causing them to retire. One 24-pounder shell, two 30-pounder percussion-shell, and one 24-p9under shot were fired at the enemy in column en masse in field in front of fort, distance 2,200 yards, causing theni to deploy in line of battle. They advance Page 247 C~. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 247 and two 30-pounder shell were fired at them in ravine back of Car- berys house, distance 1,200 yards, which exploded and caused them to retire. The only casualty in the fort was 1 surgeon wounded in leg (name not known). The troops garrisoning the fort were composed of Company K, One hundred and fiftieth Regiment Ohio National Guard, 78 men, Capt. A. A. Safford; Thirteenth Michigan Battery, 79 men, Capt. Charles Dupont; 52 convalescents, commanded by Lieutenant Tur- ner, of Conipany K, One hundred and fiftieth Regiment Ohio National Guard. I am pleased to say that the promptness with which all oi~ders were obeyed reflects credit on both officers and men of this command. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN N. FRAZEE, Lieut. Cot. 150th Regt. Ohio N. G., Comdg. Fort Stevens. Lieut. Col. J. A. HASKIN, Comdg. Second Brigade, Hardins Division. No. 33. Report of Capt. Joseph N. Abbey, Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, of the defense of Washington. FORT SLOcuM, D. C., July 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of operations against the enemy near Fort Slocum, D. C., on the 12th instant: About 6 a. in. the enemy appeared in,corner of woods on Seventh street opposite Mr. Blairs hou~e, about 3,200 yards in front of this fort, when we fired eleven rounds of 4j-inch Schenkl percussion- shell, which caused the enemy to scatter and retire to the woods. Secondly, a small force of cavalry made their appearance on point of hill near Seventh street about 8 oclock, ~when we again opened fire on them, firing seven rounds of 4~--inch Schenkl percussion-shell, which caused the enemy to scatter, some of them taking refuge in some buildings close by. Thirdly, we opened on Mr. Bramers house, a distance of about 3,000 yards, where the enemys sharp- shooters were strongly posted, and greatly annoying our line of skir- mishers. We fired twelve rounds of 4~--inch Schenkl percussion- shell from which I afterward learned that eight had penetrated the building, and the balance exploding in the vicinity, which com- pletely dislodged the enemy from the house, when they took refuge in a barn some distance to the right of the house; when we fired~ four shots at the barn, two of them taking effect iii the building, the other two exploding close by, when the enemy moved to a clus- ter of trees a short distance from the barn. We again opened on them and fired three shots, which caused them to retire out of range of our guns. About 6 p. -in. I observed the enemy advancing out of the woods at a distance of 3,500 yards in line of battle column closed in mass, when I opened fire on them with 4-i--inch Schenkl percussion-shell, firing sixteen rounds, causing the enemy to retire under cover of the woods. On account of the enemy advancing in close column, and the accuracy of our fire, I have every reason t Page 248 248 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CRAP. XLIX. believe that they must have lost considerable of their numbers, three of our guns having an enfilade fire on them. I ordered the firing to cease about 8 p. in., as there appeared to be only a skirmish line of the enemy in our front, and our skirmish line advanced so close to that of the enemy that it prevented fnr~her artillery firing. Total number of rounds fired July 12, 1864, fifty-three. I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant JOS. N. ABBEY, Captain in charge of Artillery. Lieutenant GOODWILLIE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 34. Report of Capt. A. Levi Wells, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, of oper ations July 910. [JULY 10, 1864.] SIR: I have the honor to report that yesterday I was cut off from the armyobelow the Monocacy Junction with one squadron of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and was forced to fall back by way of Sugar Loaf Mountain. I marched to Barnesville, thence across the coun- try until I struck the Washington and Frederick road with the in- tention of joining the army by that road, but found it held by a large force of the enemy near Hyattstown. To-day I reached Rockville, intending to march to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at some point, but at Rockyille I fell in with Major Fry, of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, in command of a detachment from Camp Stoneman, 500 strong, who requested me to counter march, as he was in hopes of opening communication with the army. He unfortunately has not been successful, and has fallen back to a short distance this side of Rockville, which position, he thinks, he can hold until re-enforcemeuts come forward. I myself am quite unwell, and men and horses are very much fatigued. Inasmuch as I am unable to report to the regiment, I have the honor to submit the above report for your consideration, and ask for further instructions. I have the honor to be, general, your most obedient servant, A. L. WELLS, Major-General AUGUR. Captain, Eighth illinois Cavalry. No. 35. Report of Maj. William H Fry, Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanding Provisional Cavalry Regiment, of operations July 923. CAMP STONEMAN, July 26, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that pursuant to verbal in- struetions from Maj. Gen. C. C. Augur, receivQd 9 p. m. July 9, 1 864, I niarched from Washington through Tennallytown and en- camped for the night at a small stream called Falls Run Page 249 C~p. XLIX.] OPERATIONS Ii1~ ShENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 249 July 10, I organized my command of 500 men into five squad- rons, placing one officer with each. The column then pushed for- ward, passing throughRockville at 11 a. in. In that town ~i found Captain Wells squadron, of the Eighth. Illinois Cavalry, that had been cut off from their regiment in the previous days .fight on the Monocacy. - Abont three miles from iRockville, on the Fred- erick road, at a small village known as Gerrardsville, my advance guard met the advance of the rebels. Skirmishing commenced at once, and upon riding to the skirmish line I could distinctly see a long column of cavalry moving along the road. I withdrew gradu- ally through Rockville and took a position about a mile from town, on a hill, and dismounted my men and formed a skirmish line, which was held for an hour, when the enemy got a battery in posi- tion and shelled my command so well that I was forced to retire. After a severe days work I dismounted the men at midnight and let them rest, but did not unsaddle nor permit the horses to leave the line. July 11, at daylight, I started the command in the direction of Rockville, but before reaching Old Tavern I was overtaken by Col- onel Lowell, Second Massachusetts Cavalry, with two squadrons of his regiment. He immediately assumed command of the whole force, and in the vicinity of Old Tavern the enemy were again found to be advancing in force. We fell, back, skirmishing constantly, until within two miles of Tennallytown, where a. dis- mounted skirmish line was formed and held, the enemy never suc- ceeding in driving us away. July 12, on the skirmish line all day in front of Fort Reno. July 13. moved forward to Rockville, Second Massachusetts Cav- alry charging the place, and being overpowered were driven back. July 14, occupied Rockville and pushed on to Poolesville, having a sharp skirmish and driving the enemy through the town and across the river at Conrads Ferry. July 15, crossed the Potomac. at Youngs Isla~d Ferry. Upon rising the crest of the hill we were saluted with a few shells from a battery near the mouth of Goose Creek. Encamped on Youngs Island. July 16, crossed into Virginia and acted in connection with Gen- eral Ricketts division (Third), Sixth Corps. July 17, moved to Philomont, guarding the rear of the army. July 18, moved to Bloomfield, to gnard the left flank of the army while passing Snickers Gap. July 19, on picket at Bloomfield. July 20, relieved from picket and marched through Snickers Gap across the Shenandoah to Chapel Run, and at 9 p. m. recrossed the river and went into camp at Snickersville. July 21, brought up the rear of the army and camped at midnight near Difficult Creek. July 23, crossed Chain Bridge and returned to Camp Stoneman. The foregoing is a detailed account of the campaign of my coin- mand since leaving Camp Stoneman. I have drawn but five days rations of hard bread and three of meat. The horses have been saddled nearly every night, and frequently the whole command would be on duty at the same time. Considering the nature of the command and the small proportion of officers it behaved well. In the first days fight Lieutenant Fox was wounded and in the second Captain Plum. Lieutenant Parker complained of a pain in hi Page 250 250 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. back and was sent to the rear, leaving me with but three officers, Lieutenants Bacon, Burrows, and Neville, who were constantly at work and afforded me all the aid in their poWer. Trusting that this repor1~ will meet with your favorable considera- tion, I r.emain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM H. FRY, Major Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Lieut. Col. J. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 36. Reports of Col. Charles B. Lowell, jr., Second Massachusetts Gay- alry, of the pursuit of the Confederate forces, July 1214. TENNALLYTOWN, July 12, 1864. I have the honor to report that I moved out with four companies on the River road as far as the outer infantry pickets. Sent one com- pany up the road toward Offutts Cross-Roads. They went within two miles of the cross-roads and returned. Neither cavalry nor infantry has passed that road from north to south. A company had previously been sent up Aqueduct road, with orders to return through the cross-roads. It is not time for this p arty yet to report. A citizen from Rockville this a. m. reported nothing from there. I did not myself see him. By small parties I had learned that the rebel force did not extend far up the pike. I therefore moved across north from River road, and, dismounting three companies, turned the en- emys right flank. We drove them back about one and a half miles from their position on the extreme right, and Lieutenant-Colonel Crowninshield moved them at same time about one mile up the Rockville pike. A prisoner reports the force on the Rockville pike to be only McCauslands cavalry brigade, of Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty-second Virginia Cavalry. The baud was that of the Fourteenth. He knows of no infantry on that road. They have, I presume, a battery, but have only shown one or per- haps two guns. I left orders to hold the new position two hours, and then occupy the old infantry picket-line, which we yesterday lost, at posts 14 and 15. C. R. LOWELL, JR., Colonel, & c. Brigadier-General HARDIN. INFANTRY PICKET, July 12, 18649.45 a. m. COLONEL: I have halted at the infantry picket, sending a com- pany toward Offutts Cross-Roads, or rather to the right of that point a little. I am confldcnt neither cavalry nor infantry have crossed the River road unless within two miles of Offutts Cross-Roads. The company which has gone up the Aqueduct road will communicate with the cross-roads and with my party on the right, if possible. At a point three-fourths of a mile due north of here have found where some squadrons of cavalry encamped last night apparently, and the Page 251 251 CHAP. XLIX.1 OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. moved west. I have sent a small party due north to try to reach the pike, and when it returns think I shall feel in that direction myself, as being the speediest and surest way to ascertain what has beeiu or is going on. The cavalry picket on this road is now placed at Cabin Johns, two and a half miles above. Everything quiet. Yours, respectfully, ~. R. LOWELL, JR., Colonel Second Massachusetts Cavdlry. Lieut. Col. JOSEPH H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT RENO, July 13, 1864. The following I have just received from Colonel Lowell, dated four and one-half miles from Rockville, 9.15 a. in.: Their first picket was about one mile from here. Have sent out to try and take it, but fear it has already withdrawn. Their rear guard left the Bethesda Church about 4 a. m. The main body (McCauslands cavalry brigade) fell back about mid- night. Have sent a company to move up the roads to the left, and have now sent another to go to the right, to the old city turnpike, from Leesborough to Rockville, to see what is there and to pick up stragglers. - C. R. LOWELL, JR. M. D. HARDIN. Lieut. Col. J. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General, Twenty-second Army Corps, and General McCooK. FORT RENO, July 13, 1864. (Received 12.35 p. in.) The following has just been received: ONE AND ONE-HALF MILES FROM RocKvILLE10.15 a. m. There seems to be no force till within a quarter and a half mile from Rockville. They have been passing on the old city road certainly ever since daybreak. The last passed about half an hour ago. Captain Rumery, who took his company on that road, reports from citizens that Breckinridge and Early passed during the night. He also reports that a part of their column passed an hour since. Citizens here report their trains moving on that road when they went to bed last night, and columns of dust seen and noise heard all this morning. The rebels talked to the citizens as if they were going to cross the river the first opportunity. It might be well to have the section of artillery to advance when we find where they are cross- ing and try to annoy them. From the River road on the left I last heard half an hour ago; the party then a mile from Offutts Cross-Roads; nothing seen or heard of them since. Any serious attempt against them with infantry must, I think, be made soon. Three prisoners taken from Earlys old division of Earlys present corps confirm the above. They left the line before the infantry soon after sun- down. They say they have been run to death. They think Early and Breckin- ridge and all are going west from Rockville. My advance is within a half mile of Rockville. 10.30 a. m.Captain Rumery, on the right, saw their infantry column, one on right and one on left of Poolesville road, moving back a little, diverging apparently. This may be their train. Rumery is moving up. Their rear guard, or some large force of infantry and cavalry guard, are reported by citizens seven and a half miles from Rockville, on the Leesborough old city road, in line. My company must then be in their rear. Possibly they are our own men. This last report comes from a scout sent on the extreme right. LOWELL, Colonel, Commanding Cavalry Page 252 252 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. ECHAP. XLIX. All my cavalry is with Colonel Lowell, except one squadron, which went to the city by the Aqueduct roadby whose order I do not know. It should be moving up that road. Have sent several times, but cannot hear anything definite of that squadron. M. D. HARDIN Brigadier- General, Commanding. Major~GeneraI AUGUR. FORT RENO, July 13, 1864. (Received 5.10 p. in.) The following just received: RocRvILLE2.10 p. m. The rear guard of the rebels, consisting of Jacksons brigade, in extreme rear, Bradley T. Johnson in the advance, a little stronger, passed through here half an hour ago. Our advance is half a mile ahead. 2.30 p. m.My dispatch was here interrupted by report of a large number of rebels being met just through the town by my advance guard, who charged at once. My advance was then dismounted, and after a~sharp skirmish there checked a good strong charge of the rebels, after being driven nearly through the town by them. Major Fry was formed at the junction of the two roads before entering Rockville. We fell back to the edge of the town and established a strong dismounted skirmish line, holding them. Learning they were endeavoring to flank us, I have retired to a situation, two miles from Rockville, slowly. My regiment in the town, I fear, was mostly enveloped by the enemy and are very severely whipped. C. R. LOWELL, JR., Colonel Second Massachusetts Cavalry. M. D. HARDIN, Brigadier- General. Major-General AUGUR, Commanding Defenses. DAWSONVILLE, Seneca Creek [July 14, 1864].i1.30 a. m. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that everything on the right flank is quiet. Scouts sent out beyond Brookeville, Middlebrook, and moving thence westward report no parties jn that direction. There is no doubt that the rebel infantry has crossed at Whites or Conrads or the ford near mouth of the Monocacy. Bradley John- sons command (which has rear guard) passed here between one and two hours ago. My advance is moving forward, and 1 shall not be surprised to find some of their cavalry in position this side of the river. A small scout, sent clear around to Frederick, has not yet reported. I inclose best memorandum I have seen of the force on this side of the Potomac. A good many stragglers are reported through the woods. Have picked up a few; their stories all agree. A citizen, just from Poolesville, reports Johnson just entering there as he left. He (the citizen) had lost horses, but being convinced that the trains and stolen property had been got across the river, he went no farther than Pooles~ille. C. R. LOWELL, JR. Colonel, Commanding. Major WHITTELSEY, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 253 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 253 [Inclosure.] General Ransom commanded the advance guard of cavalry as they entered the village Sunday, 4 p. m. No infantry till Monday morn- ing. General Early in command of the whole. There were here McCausland, Hays, Stafford, Gordon, Echols, Wharton, Bradley T. Johnson, Breckinridge, and Terry. Mosbys command did not come up from near the river, but some of his men were here. The Ransom command had four field pieces and two brass pieces. I saw three entire batteries. The cavalry force commenced retreating. When they advanced on Washington they had about 12,000; on their re- treat they had more infantry than the force they had taken through on Monday. Imboden also had~ some. Stated they left Richmond 1st of June, and others at various times up to the 4th of July. They seemed in dread and panic all the time here, openly both officers and men stated that the- objects of the movement was forage and pro- vision; the main one being to draw Grant north of Potomac. No. 37, Statement of Artifteer Nelson A. Fitts, Company B, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, of the Confederate strength, & c. Sunday morning, July 10, on the left of New Market, while re- treating, I was taken prisoner by a squad of the Twentieth Virginia Cavalry, and was taken to the headquarters of that regiment and marched with them to Silver Spring, on Seventh-street road, getting there on Monday the 11th about 3 p. m. The cavalry joined the rest cif the command between Roekville and Seventh-street road, and I passed the entire length of it; saw their troops and artillery. I also observed some of the inhabitants that gave them information in regard to the forces in Washington, and I could point out the places and men if I were to go back on the same road. ~OIl the 12th, about sundown, we left Seventh street in a hurry, marched to Rotz~kville, getting there at daylight on the 13th; halted half an honr, and then went on until 2 p. in., then stopped until dark. We followed the line of te1eg~aph from Rockville to Pooles- ville, halted on the Maryland side until light (I saw their train and artillery parked), then crossed the Potomac at Edwards Ferry. The prisoners and infantry forded the river and halted, and then their artillery crossed. I counted forty-two pieces as they crossed. They had told me that they had sixty pieces, and I counted them to find out. The colonel of the Twentieth Virginia Cavalry told me that their force at Monocacy was 50,000, and judging from what I saw of the troops myself I should think their whole force was be- tween 40,000 and 50,000. There was Ewells corps, commanded by Early and Breckinridge, also a part of A. P. Hills corps that went to Baltimore. After crossing the Potomac the prisoners left the troops and marched toward Leesburg, halting about three miles this side on the 14th about 2 p. m. ; staid there until the 16th at 1 a. m. Whilst there, they were attacked in the rear; I could hear the artillery. We left on the 16th and marched to Upperville; halted there until dark, then started to cross the mountains at Ashbys Gap, and ther Page 254 254 OPFARA.TIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX, I made my escape to the mountains and staid on the mountain forty-two hours, and then left and joined our cavalry at Bloomfield on the 19th. By being with them and talking with them I have reason to believe their troops were old ones and well disciplined. They had with their artillery caissons to each piece, and an ammu- tion train: They claimed the object of their raid was to get horses and provisions, that they did not expect to take Washington and hold it, but thought they could raid through the city and capture the President, if there, and draw Grants forces from Petersburg. They told me they were going to Winchester and then back to Mary- land and Pennsylvania. I think that their whole force crossed at Edwards Ferry. They crossed the mountain at Snickers Gap, all but the prisoners and beef-cattle an~J eight pieces of artillery, and I should judge about 300 cavalry with fifty or sixty wagons marked ordnance and loaded with hay. These crossed at Ashbys Gap. They had between 600 and 700 prisoners. So far as I know I am the only man who escaped after we crossed the Potomac. N. A. FITTS, Artificer Company B, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS CHIEF ENGINEER OF DEFENSES, July 25, 1864. The within statement of Artificer Fitts is respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General of the Army. I would remark that I have been acquainted with Artificer Fitts for the past year. For some time before his reginient joined the Army of the Potomac lie was detailed on account of his intelligence and mechanical skill to act as foreman of carpenters On the defensive works north of the Potomac, and in this capacity he was thrown under my observation. I think the most implicit confidence may be placed in his statements. His estimate of the enemys numb~rs may, perhaps, be received with a grain of allowance, but of the forty-two pieces of artillery at Edwards Ferry I have no doubt, a fact which it may be well to know. Should any investigation into the conduct of the citizens of Mary- land residing on the roads over which the enemy marched during his late incursion be made, Artificer Fitts might be a useful witness in certain cases. B. S. ALEXANDER, Lieutenant-Colonel, Aide-de-Camp. No. 38. Report of Brig. Gen Montgomery C. Meigs, Quartermaster-Gen- eral U. S. Army, commanding Provisional Division, of the de- fense of Washington. QUARTERMASTER-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, July 25, 1864. COLONEL: On Saturday, the 9th of July, after consultation with the Secretary of War, I directed the clerks of the Quartermaster- Generals Oflice, and the clerks and workmen employed by the officers of the quartermasters department in the District of Columbia and in Alexandria to be organized and armed. On Sunday, the 10th Page 255 C~. XLIX.J OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 255 arms were procured from the arsenal; they were distributed on that day and on Monday. Such an organization had been made over a year since, but the arms then issued having been recalled, the ergan- ization in the departments of Washington and Alexandria had not been kept up. Lieutenant-Colonel Greene, chief quartermaster of the Military Department of Washington, however, under instruc- tions from Major-General Augur, had retained the arms issued to the men employed under liis direction, and had preserved the mili- tary organization. Under orders of the Secretary of War, I reported to Major-General Halleck, chief of staff, late on the evening of the 9th, for such field services as would not too much interfere with my duties as Quarter- master-General, and was directed to provide for relieving the guards of the quartermasters stores, and some of the public buildings by Vhe organized clerks and operatives of the Quartermasters Depart- ment. Finding that a movable force more than sufficient for this duty could be furnished by the Quartermasters Department, I offered their services to Major-General Augur, commanding the Depart- ment of Washington, and on the 11th July, it being reXorted that the enemy was advancing upon the Seventh-street roa , was re- quested to send them to report to Major-General McCook, headquar- ters at Fort Stevens. The battalion of clerks of the Quartermaster- Generals Office, about 250 strong, relieved the guards of the store- houses, corrals, & c., of the depots and of the public buildings, en- abling the soldiers there employed to go to the front. The arrival withoutwagonsorhorseso or ions of the Sixth Corps from the Army of the Potomac, and of the Nineteenth Corps from New Orleans, requiring new outfits of transportation, made it necessary to leave in the city a large portion of the wagon-masters, operatives, and teamsters, and reduce the movable force in the Washington depot to about 1,900 men, of which 1,500 were placed under the im- mediate command of Brig. Gen. D. H. Rucker, and with them I re- ported to Major-General McCook about sunset on the 11th; and was directed to march to Fort Slocum and place the men as might be advised by Colonel Haskin, commanding the forts on the right. Colonel Haskin supplied a staff officer to point out in the darkness the line of rifle-pits extending from Fort Stevens to Fort Totten, about one mile in length. The men were posted therein and lay upon their arms all night. The next morning, 12th, I received Special Orders, No. 2, from Major-General McCooks headquarters, and assuming command of the troops in the intrenchments from Fort Stevens to i~ort Totten, I proceeded to organize them into a division of three brigades as fol- lows: First Brigade, Brig. Gen. D. H. Rucker, composed of the quartermasters men of the depot of Washington, with a detachment of the Provisional Brigade, occupied the intrenchments on the right between Forts Stevens and Totten. Second Brigade, Brigadier-Gen- eral Paine, composed of the Twelfth Veteran Reserves, the Second District of Columbia Volunteers, and three companies of the quar- termasters men of the depot of Washington, occupied the intrench- ments on the left, between Forts Slocum and Stevens. Third Bri- ga4e, commanded first by Colonel Price, of the [Seventh] New Jersey Volunteers, then by Col. A. Farnsworth, Twelfth Veteran Reserves, and afterward by Colonel Alexander, of the Second Dis- trict of Columbia Volunteers, a provisional brigade of these regi- ments, organized from the hospital and convalescent and distrib Page 256 256 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Ca& p. XLIX. tion camps of the Department of Washington. It was placed in~ reserve and bivouacked in rear of Fort Slocum in the center of the line. The garrison of the two forts, Slocuin and Totten, were a separate command, under Colonel Haskin, U. S. Army, and thongh at first ordered to report to me the order was soon afterward re- voked. Finding, however, that the garrison of Fort Slocum w~s not as strong as it should be, I ordered .Colonel Price, then com- manding the Provisional Brigade, to ascertain the number of artil- lerymen in his command and to send them to report to Colonel Haskin at Fort Slocum. The garrison thus received a re-enforce- ment of 105 trained artillerists. The division thus organized on the morning of the 12th July, had an effective strength present for duty of 4,914 men and officers with one section of light artillery, which was placed in one of the trenches on the left. During the 12th the enemy made their appearance in front of Fort Stevens, and a portion of the command, which had been placed on the skirmish or picket-line, was engaged. But two casualties have been reported to me among civilians of the Quartermasters Department. A battalion of three companies of quartermasters men of the depot of Washington had moved out to Fort Stevens under orders from Major-General Augur only on the 11th, and a portion of these were engaged in the skirmish in front of Fort Stevens on the 12th. John Rynders, a member of Company B, was slightly wounded in the arm, and a former em- ploys of the Quartermasters Department, who accompanied Company B as a volunteer, was shot through the body and almost instantly killed. He was buried with the others who fell in the skirmish, and I regret that I have not yet been able to ascertain his name; when found it will be placed upon his grave, now marked un- known, in the cemetery set apart by order of the Secretary of War for those who fell in the defense of the capital on the 12th July. Four hundred men were detached from the command on the 12th to be placed on the picket-line by staff officers of Major-General McCook. The Twelfth Veteran Reserve and the Second District Columbia were relieved from duty in the trenches about 4 p. m. of the 12th July, by two regiments of the Provisional Brigade, and were themselves placed in the reserve until about 9 p. in., at which time, under instructions from General McCook, they were ordered to march to Fort Saratoga to report to Major-General Gillmore, who had asked for re-enforcements, and were encamped for the night near Fort Thayer, where they remained during the 13th. On the 14th these two regiments, by order of Major-General McCook, re- turned to my command. The forces of this division had been hastily organized and sent to the field in an emergency and without bag- gage. They were supplied during the 12th and 13th with shelter- tents, blankets, and such equipage as was necessary to their com- fort and health while on duty in the trenches. On the 14th, under orders from Major-General Augur, the enemy having retired from the front, the quartermasters men were re- lieved from duty in the trenches, and I turned over the command of the remainder of the division to Brigadier-General Paine, and directed General Rucker to march the civilians to Washington and return them to their regular duties, but to keep up their military organization and drill. Major Darling, of the Seventh Michigan Cavalry, commanding cavalry outpost, with a force of about 460 cavalry, operated in fron Page 257 Ow. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 257 of the extreme right toward Baltimore turnpike and railroad. He sent me information on the afternoon of the 12th that his force had been driven in by a strong body of cavalry and artillery, which inter- rupted the travel for a time and injured the railroad to a small extent. The day was hot and dusty, and the movements of the cavalry could be traced from the forts by the columns of dust which they raised. The enemy came as far as the Maryland Agricultural College, and when they retired wer3 pursued by our cavalry, who being in inferior force and without artillery, appeared to be repulsed in their attack. After relinquishing the command of the division to General Paine, I spent some hours in riding over the scene of the conflict and visit- ing the bivouacs and line of battle of the enemy in front of Fort Stevens. From the extent of ground occupied by them they appeared to have a strong force within supporting distance of the skirmishers, which alone seemed to be engaged. The three companies of the quartermasters men, organized under Lient. Col. E. M. Greene, chief quartermaster, Department of Washington, who were on duty during the affair of the morning of the 12th in the trenches between Forts Stevens and Slocum with General Paines brigade, were ordered on the afternoon of that day to report to General Rucker. Through some misunderstanding two companies, B and C, marched to General Ruckers office in Washington. Company A reported at his headquarters in the field and remained on duty until the brigade was relieved. The quartermasters men of the Department of Washington, south of the Potomac, were organized into five companies, making a force of about 400 men. Companies E and F were, at the request of Briga- dier-General Slough, commanding at Alexandria, detailed and placed on picket duty around that city. The other companies were placed in reserve at the wood-yard, drilling constantly, and held in readi- ness to defend the public property. The employ6s of Capt. J. G. C. Lee, assistant quartermaster, at Alexandria, were also organized and placed on duty. The whole civil force of the quartermasters depart- ment on military duty on this occasion was about 2,700 men. I have to express my satisfaction with the conduct of both the sol- diers and civilians who were under my command. Though hastily organized and equipped they moved promptly at the call of danger. I had on no occasion to inflict punishment or administer reproof dur- ing the time they were under my observation, and their services were useful and important in the defense of the capital, seriously threat- ened by a considerable rebel army under skillful and experienced leaders. Those who were on duty in the city relieved at least an equal number of trained soldiers and enabled them to go to the front, while those who were placed in the intrenchments extended the line of battle fully a mile to the right of the center of attack, and by their presence and bearing, standing upon the parapets and exposing themselves, perhaps, more than more experienced soldiers would have done, they convinced the enemy that the fortifications of Wash- ington were not unmanned. I inclose such reports as I have received from subordinate com- manders, and remain, very respectfully, M. C. MEJIGS, Quartermaster- General, Brevet Major- General, Lient. Col. JOSEPH H. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-Geueral. 17 R RVOL XXXVII, PT Page 258 258 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. [Inclosure.] Extract from letter of Bvt. ]Ifaj. Gen. i1L C. Jlfeigs, dated Wash ington, D. C., July 16, 1864. Twice while McClellan was on his way to the James, or there, they did by the Shenandoah put Washington in danger; but there were troops here then to defend it; now with an enterprising and uni- formly successful commander, a larger army, trained to confidence and success through three years of doubtful conflicts and two months of most bloody, desperate, and successful fighting, the crippled army of Lee, relying upon the intrenchments of Richmond and the weak- ness of the Washington garrisons, sends again by the familiar road a column of 25,000 or 30,000 men, breaks communications north and east of Baltimore, defeats a veteran division of the Army of the Potomac (Ricketts) hastily thrown across the line of march, drives Wallace and Ricketts back upon Baltimore, and sending small par- ties to alarm and raise the neighborhood, to burn the house of the Governor, and prevent the troops of the north passing beyond, alarmed Baltimore; this column concentrates suddenly upon the north front of Washington. The invalids, now called Veteran Re- serves, of the police garrison of Washington, are relieved from guard duty by the clerks of the Quartermaster-Generals Office. The old soldiers in hospital aiid in convalescent and distribution camps are hastily organized into provisional regiments, dismounted cavalry- men, for whom horses are not here, are sent iiito the trenches to act as infantry, and the mechanics, agents, clerks and overseers, and laborers of the depot quartermaster, who can for a day or two in emergency be detached from their ordinary duties, are organized and armed, and marched to the trenches. The head of the column of the Sixth Corps of veterans from the Army of the Potomac arrives from Petersburg on the day that the head of the Nineteenth Corps reaches Washington from New Orleans, and on the very day that the rebels send their skirmishers within forty rods of the salient~ of Fort Stevens, and within sight of Fort Reno. The former on the Seventh-street road, and the latter on the Rockville or Tennally- town road. On Monday morning at daylight our cavalry was sent out the Tennallytown road to force the enemy to develop himself in line of battle. A handsome skirmish showed at this point in front of Reno about 1,200 cavalry and a horse battery. Later in the day General McCook reported the rebels were advancing in force. I had offered the services of the quartermasters men, of whom we had about 3,000 armed, who were disposable for this purpose, to General Halleck. He thought that it would be enough for them to guard the stores in the city against riot or incendiary attempts. I then offered them to General Augur, commanding the forces, and he gladly accepted them and requested that they be sent to Major-General McCook at Fort Stevens, on the Seventh-street road. I called the men out; 400, who were under General Augurs quartermaster, had been sent out in the morning, 700 more had gone to the lines in front of Alexandria, and I marched about S p. m. with 1,500 or 2,000 toward Foi~t Stevens. Reported to McCook just as it grew dark, and he sent an officer from Fort Slocum to point out the position he wanted us to occupy. We found it as well as we could in the darkness. The new moon gave a little light and our forces, which the next morning numbered 1,500 Page 259 Ca& p. XLIL] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 259 extended McCooks line just one mile to the right of the center of attack. We bivouacked on this line, part of the men in the trenches, the rest close in the rear. I slept in an orchard wrapped in a pon- cho, with my horse tethered to an apple tree. The next morning I was ordered to take command of all the troops and defenses from Fort Stevens to Fort Slocum and thence to Fort Totten, and found myself in command of a division 6,000 strong, ~vhich I organized at once into three brigades, General Paine com- manding the rifle-pits held by the left wing, General Rucker the right wing, and placing a provisional brigade under Colonel Farns- worth in the rear of Fort Slocum in reserve. We got up wagons, ra4ons, shelter-tents, cooking utensils, intrenchiug tools, axes, and worked to perfect the defenses and clear the timber and brush from our front. During the day skirmishing was continuous in front of Stevens, where the advance of the Sixth Corps of veterans, under General Wright, engaged the enemy. I detached 400 men to a com- mander away to the left to go on picket. One hundred and five ar- tillerists I found in the Provisional Brigade and sent them to report to Colonel Haskin, to strengthen Fort Stevens battery. The day wore away. I visited the lines to my right, in which no troops occu- pied the trenches or rifle-pits. The forts, however, which are about a mile apart and on commanding positions, were garrisoned. Gen- eral Gillmore was at Fort Saratoga, several miles to the right, and .toward evening telegraphed for re-enforcements, and I sent him 2,000 regulars, nearly the whole of my reserve, by order of General Mc- Cook. We received orders to have all our troops under arms at 3 oclock next morning. Toward evening two houses which were oc- cupied by the rebel sharpshooters on the Seventh-street road, some three-quarters of a mile in advance of the lines, were burned by shells from Forts Stevens and De Russy, and our skirmishers, after a sharp contest, costing each party 300 casualties, occupied their ruins and drove back the rebels and intrenched themselves. I was up at 2 oclock, my men were all under arms, and I rode to Fort Stevens and took position on the parapet to watch the breaking day. The gray dawn spread over the landscape widely extended in sight. An occasional shot from a suspicious picket and the low of a cow~r the bray of a mule alone broke the stillness of the morn- ing, and at last the sun arose and all remained quiet. Cavalry were sent out, who reported the rebel positions abandoned. The house of the Postmaster-General, Montgomery Blair, two miles out Sev- enth-street road, burned; old Francis P. Blairs house, on the farm, turned topsy-turvey, all his liquors consumed, and his papers ran- sacked, and the enemy in retreat toward Rockville and the fords of the Potomac. We remained in position till full daylight, and then sent the men to their breakfast and continued our work of clearing off obstructions to our fire and completing our intrenchments. I rode along the lines right and left. In the course of the day an officer from the War Department handed me a letter from the Sec- retary, notifying me that the President had appointed me a m~ajor- general by brevet in the United States Army, and I accepted and thanked the President and Secretary for the honor and confidence. The commission happened to find me exercising a full major-gen- erals command. I had command of the right wing of that portion of the army which was directly in front of the enemy; my com- mand extended in line of battle two miles, and was 5,000 strong Page 260 260 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAY.. XLIX. The next night we had an alarm. Some fellow with the night- mare rushed screaming through camp, the rebs, the rebs are on us! The men caught up their arms and rushed into the trenches; they behaved well in this most trying of all circumstancesa night alarm. Horses were saddled, inquiry made, and all found quiet. The next day the enemy having retired, the two regiments I had detached to Gillmore returned to me. Gillmore followed Wright in pursuit of the retreating enemy. I had orders to return to Wash- ington and release my volunteer civilians and return them to their ordinary work. All this time the Quartermastei.s Department was fitting out the troops which arrived from Petersburg and New Orleans with horses, wagons, or artillery. We mounted 2,000 or 3,000 cavalry; gave 1,000 or 2,000 horses to horse artillery bat- teries; supplied 15,000 men with a new wagon train, and mounted most of the general officers and started them, a well-equipped mov- able column in pursuit. And so the campaign and siege are over, and the administration. is blamed by the Copperheads and applauded by all true loyal citi- zens for turning back the tide of rebel invasion, and this without getting a single man from Maryland, supine Pennsylvania, or from the Governor of New York. Some of the men called out when the danger was pressing, are beginning to arrive, now that it is over. M. C. MEIGS, Brevet Major- General, U. S. Army. No. 39. Report of Capt. James J. Dana, Assistant Quartermaster, U. S. Army, of the defense of Washington. HDQRS. OFFICE BATTALION OF THE Q. M. DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. 0., July 18, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with your directions of the 9th instant, I prepared a list of clerks and emjploy~s of this office with a view to their military organization, divided them into five companies, and procured the necessary arms, equipments; and ammunition. On the 11th instant the battalion was called upon to relieve the quartermasters employ6s of the Washington depot, who had sup- plied the guards for the several corrals, stables, store-houses, & c., previously guarded by the Veteran Reserve Corps. The following localities were thus placed under charge of battal- ion, viz: First, Nineteenth street wagon park. Second, clothing depot building on H street, near Seventeenth and Quartermaster-Generals Office. Third, Eastern Branch corral and stables. Fourth, Kendall Green corral and stables. Fifth, workshops, corrals, stables on F street, from Twenty-first to Twenty-third. Each of these places was guarded by one company of the battalion, commanded respectively by Captains Card, Warner, Hoyt, Robin- son, and Rutherford, of this department Page 261 ~iiAi. ~LTX.1 OPI3~1~ATIO~S IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 261 ~i2he companies remained on duty from Monday, the 11th, until Wednesday morning, the 13th instant, when they were relieved by a battalion of the clerks from the War Department; Thursday morn- ing, the 14th instant, the office battalion again went on guard and so remained until Saturday evening, the 16th instant. On the occasions of my visiting the guards and sentinels, I found them vigilant and generally well instructed. The company com- manders and the men generally were zealous and highly ambitious to perform their duties in a military manner, and although the duty they had been called upon to perform was of less interesting ~har- acter though equally laborious than that at the front, it gives me great pleasure to bear testimony to the good conduct of these com- panies, and to express the opinion that they can be relied upon with perfect confidence for the efficient performance of any military duty commensurate with their numerical strength. While I have pleasure in reporting the praiseworthy conduct of the greater num~ber,it is also my duty to bring to your notice the fact of several of the clerks having absented themselves during the time that their comrades were on military duty. These persons have been called upon for explanatory reports, which will be for- warded to you when received. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. J. DANA, (Japt. and A. Q. 31., U. S. Army, Comdg. Office Bait., Q. 31. D. Byt. Maj. Gen. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General U. S. Army. No. 40. Report of Lieut. Cot. Elias 1k/i. Greene, Chief Quartermaster Twenty-second Army Corps, of the defen~se of Washington. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, OFFICE OF CHIEF QUARTERMASTER, Washington, D. C., July 20, 1864. GENERAL: In accordance with your instructions, I have the honor to submit the following report of the military organization and operations of the quartermasters employ6s under my immediate command during the late invasion: About 1 a. m. on the 11th instant I was instructed by Major-Gen- eral Augur, commanding Department of Washington, to proceed without delay to organize my employ~s for military duty. I at once called into action every facility at my disposal, and in a few hours my employ~s were organized, equipped, and ready for active military duty. The same morning at 7 oclock the following organization of employ~s north of Potomac reported for duty to General McCooks headquarters, at Fort Stevens, three miles north of Washington City: List of acting officers and non-commissioned officers and privates of a battalion of Lient. Col. E. M. Greenes regiment, quar- termaster employ& : W. H. Bright, major. Company AJohn Dean, captain; Charles Valbing, second lieutenant; J. G. Anthony, first sergeant; R. Kellett, W. Ault, C. Edwards, A. Perkins, ser- geants; J. Loring, P. Mehan, corporals, and sixty-four privates. Company BSamuel Rabbitt, captain; Daniel Donaldson, first lieu Page 262 262 OPERATIONS TN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA (cHAP. XLIX~ tenant; C. Kelly, first sergeant; W. Wright, Samuel Handy, ser- geants; Charles Kelly, A. Caley, F. Hill, J. H. Sullivan, corporals, and sixty-four privates. Company CJohn Armstrong, captain; J. F. Rabbitt, first lieutenant; T. Scidmore, first sergeant; A. Laude, James Davis, sergeants; C. McGinnis, J. Schaffer, George Saudis, William Paulton, corporals, and sixty-four privates. At 11 oclock of the same morning, July 11, this force was assigned to duty in the intrenchments between Forts Stevens and Slocum, with orders to hold these works against the enemy at all hazards. At ~uns~t of the same day this battalion was detailed for guard in said works and divided into three reliefs, A Company taking the first relief, from 9 until 11 oclock; the other companies from 11 to 1 and from 1 till 3 oclock, respectively. The companies not on post were ordered to lay on their arms. At 3 oclock, when the last company was relieved off post, their position was changed to the left of the branch near Fort Stevens and nearer the skirmish line. This posi- tion they occupied until 3 p. m. of the same day, July 12, when they were ordered to report to General Rucker. The commanders of Companies B and C misunderstanding the order, reported to General Rucker at his headquarters in this city, but Company A reported to the general at his headquarters on the field and were retained on duty until the organization was disbanded on Wednes- day, the 13th of July instant, when they retnrned to their usual duties in the departnient. My employ~s south of the Potomac were promptly organized on the receipt of instructions from me, and were also actively engaged in performing military duty in the defense and protection of the Government stores at Alexandria and in that vicinity. They were organized as follows, viz: T. W. Burton, acting as major; Charles King to act as senior captain of a battalion. Company AC. T. Hawkins to act as first lieutenant; John Devlin to act as second lieutenant; T. Morris to act as first sergeant; J. Corniff and William Gill to act as corporals, and sixty-four privates, teamsters and labor- ers (white men). Company BCharles E. Peterman, to act as first lieutenant; J. Yates, D. Sepwin, E. Lawson, M. McCauley, John Cole, and seventy-five privates (colored teamsters, & c.). Company CD. St one, to act as first lieutenant; J. McGahey, to act as second lieutenant; J. Howard, to act as first sergeant; James Grace and F. Corson, to act as corporals, and seventy-five privates (colored team- sters, & c.). Company DH. W. Parker, to act as first lieutenant; M. Laycock, to act as second lieuten~nt; Amos Shank, to act as first sergeant; R. Latrielle, to act as sergeant; P. McKenny, and IR. Paul, to act as corporals, and forty privates (colored teamsters, & c.). Com- pany ED. Duflicks, to act as first lieutenant; R. S. Donaldson, to act as second lieutenant; E. L. Peterman, to act as sergeant, and seventy-two privates (colored teamsters, & c.). Company FD. Frazier, to act as first lieutenant; Jacob Johnson, to act as second lieutenant; E. Campbell, to act as sergeant, and seventy-two pri- vates (colored teamsters, & c.). At the request of General Slough, military governor of Alexan- dria, Va., and in obedience to my orders, on the 12th instant Com- panies E and F, composed of ThO men, were detached and placed on picket duty around Alexandria, under the immediate command of Colonel Browne, of General Sloughs command. Companies A, B, C, and D were kept as a reserve at the wood-yard for the defense of the public property for which I am responsible. By my direction Page 263 263 CHAP. XLIXI OPERATIONS IN ShENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. port-holes were cut in the stables and stockade work and everything prepared for strong defensive operations. The men were also in- stiucted in the manual of arms twice daily, and strict order and rigid military discipline existed until Sunday, the 17th instant, when Gen- eral Slough issned an order informing all concerned that the excite- ment and immediate danger had passed, and expressive of his thanks for their prompt response to his call, and the co-operation and aid of the quartermasters employ~s dnring the threatened invasion. A copy of said order is inclosed herewith, marked A. I beg leave to state, in conclusion, that my men all acqnitted them- selves in a very creditable manner, and from the spirit they evinced and their prompt and cheerful compliance with orders received, I have no doubt they would have done good service if the emergency had arisen. I have only 2 casualties to report, both of which occurred in the skirmish of Tuesday morning, the 12th instant, near Fort Stevens. John Rynders, a member of Company B, was wounded slightly in the arm, and a former employ~, name not ascertained, who volun- teered to join Company B on its way to the scene of action, was allowed to do so, and was shot through the body and almost instantly killed. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ELIAS M. GREENE, Lieut. Cot., Chief Quartermaster, Dept. of Washington. Brig. Gen. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General U. S. Army. [Inclosure.] A. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS MILITARY GOVERNOR, No. 29. V Alexandria, Va., July 17, 1864. I. The necessity of vigilance of the troops of this command hav- ing in a measure passed, they will not be required to bivouac on the line of defenses any longer for the present. They will be expected to exercise vigilance in their camps and places of rendezvous and be fully prepared for defense in case of attack. II. The general commanding desires to tender his thanks to the troops of his command, the armed employ~s of the quartermasters department, and Acting Master Nickerson, and the men of the mortar-boat Victor Hugo, for their co-operation and prompt re- sponse to his call fQr their aid in the defense of Alexandria. By command of Brigadier-General Slough: W. M. GWYNNE, Captain and Acting Aide-de- Camp. No. 41. Report of Lieut. Cot. William 0. Drew, Second District of Colum bia Infantry, of the defense of Washington. HDQRS. SECOND REGT. DISTRICT Oil COLUMBIA VoLs., Camp near Fort Slocum, D. C.. July 23, 1864. GENERAL: In obedience to Special Orders, No. 9, dated headquar- ters Northeast Defenses of Washington, D. C., Fort Lincoln, Jul Page 264 264 OPERATIoNS TN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. LOHAP. XLIX. 11, 1864, I have the honor to forward the military history and oper- ations of the Second Regiment District of Columbia Volunteers, com- manded by Col. C. M. Alexander. On the 10th instant we received orders to strike tents at Edsall Station, Va., where we were then stationed, and report to Maj. Gen. C. C. Augur. Having reported, the regiment was ordered to report to Major-General McCook, commanding reserve camp iiear Fort Stevens, D. C. We arrived there about 9 a. m. on the 11th instant, and about 11 p. m. we manned the breast-works and rifle-pits on the right of Fort Stevens. At 1 p. m. of the same date a detail of 100 men was sent out as skirmishers, and at sunset they were relieved by a portion of the Sixth Army Corps. On the 12th instant, about 4 p. in., we were relieved by the Second PrGvisional Regiment, and were ordered to move to the rear of Fort Slocum. The regiment laid there until 9.30 p. in., when we were ordered to report to Major-General Gillmore at Fort Saratoga. We encamped for the night near Fort Thayer. On the morning of the 14th instant we were ordered to report to Brigadier-General Paine at Fort Slocum. At that time Colonel Alexander was placed in command of the First Provisional Bri- gade and the command devolved on Lieut. Col. William 0. Drew. On the 15th instant Colonel Farnsworth, then commanding Second Reserve Brigade, was ordered to report for duty at Alexandria, Va., and the command of the brigade was on Lieut. Col. William 0. Drew, and from that date the regiment was and is commanded by Capt. William F. Steele. Although the skirmishing was very brisk there have been no casualties to our knowledge. The whole regi- ment signified their willingness to take position in the skirmish line, but owing to short range and inferior kind of arm the com- manding general deemed it inexpedient for them to expose themselves unnecessarily. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. 0. DREW, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Brig. Gen. M. C. MEIGS. No. 42. Reports of 3faj. Gen. Horatio G. Wright, U. S. Army, command ing Sixth Army Corps, & c., of operations July 1128. HDQRS. DEPT. OF WASHINGTON, 22D ARMY CORPS, Washington, D. C., July 11, 1864. General C. C. AUGUR: Major Whittier has just given me the within. Please write me instructions on the subject. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. TAYLOR, Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General. [Indorsement.] Please say to the general that I do not consider it advisable to make any advance until our lines are better established, perhaps to- morrow. C. C. AUGUR Page 265 O~. XLIX.] OPEIIATIONS IN ShENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 265 [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, Fort Stevens, July 11, 18644.10 p. m. The head of my column has nearly reached the front, and at the suggestion of Major-General McCook I have directed them to biv- ouac at Crystal Spring, about half a mile in rear. The enemy has been close to Fort Stevens, and, although driven back, is still not far (listant. I believe it to be only a very light skirmish line, and with your permission will send a brigade out against it and try to clean it out. General McCooks men are not as good as mine for this purpose. It seems from what I learn from General McCook that the line from the Potomac to the Eastern Branch is under the command of Colonels Warner and Haskin, while he commands the whole. I therefore hold myself in reserve, subject to General Mc- Cooks orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. Major-General AUGUR, Commanding Department. FORT RENO, D. C., July 13, 1864. (Received 5 p. in.) Your dispatch received. * The head of my column is passing this point, and will be pushed forward to the limits of the endurance of the men. Before leaving I ordered up the portion of the Nineteenth Corps present. Should more arrive they will be directed to follow, with such artillery as they may need, and can be supplied from the Department of Washington. I have taken only what artillery I havefive, possibly six, batteries. Since writing the above I have received your dispatch by messen- ger, with copy of letter from Lieutenant-General Grant to Colonel Townsend. * J can assure yourself and the President that there will be no delay on my part to head off the enemy, and that the men I have will do all that the number of men can do. They have been well tried and never found wanting. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH CORPS, Offutts Cross-Roads, Md., July 13, 18647.30 p. m. (Received 10.35 p. in.) I reached this point with the cavalry about an hour ago without incident, and the head of the infantry column is nearly up. I shall camp here for the night, and, unless the reports from the cavalry shall occasion a change, I shall move for Edwards Ferry at 4.30 * See Correspondence, etc., Part II Page 266 266 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. a. m. to-morrow. The reports from the cavalry are not entirely sat- isfactory, but I hope to get that which is more reliable before morn- ing. What I have would indicate that the rebel force had moved west, probably to Edwards Ferry. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. OFFUTTS CROSS-ROADS, MD., July 13, 1864. (Received 11.45 p. in.) This afternoon I sent a staff officer to the detachment of the Nine- teenth Corps commanded by Colonel Davis, with orders to move. Colonel Davis reported his command without rations and without transportation, although requisition had been made for both. His command numbers only about 600. He had received nO preparatory orders, and was, therefore, requested to communicate at once with General Gillinore. Under these circumstances it is doubtful whether this party reaches me to-night. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, July 14, 1864. (Received 4.10 p. in.) My command moved from Offutts Cross-Roads at 4.30 oclock this morning, and advanced to near Seneca Creek, when, learning noth- ing from the cavalry on the Rockville road, and getting intelligence through a small party, which had been sent from t~zie cavalry in my immediate front, which had been driven in, that the enemy was in full force at Darnestown, I have halted until I can ascertain the truth of the report by an infantry reconnaissance now out. I be- lieve that the bulk of the enemys force has already crossed the river at Edwards Ferry. This fact will shortly be developed, and, if they have left Darnestown, I shall continue the march to Edwards Ferry. I send three prisoners, one an officer, who says that the bulk of their command has already crossed the river. One of his men also reports that General Franklin escaped Tuesday, about nine miles from Bal- timore. Is positive of this. The march is rather a severe one, the men straggling badly. The teams are green, and the trains conse- quently move much less rapidly than the infantry. At last accounts none of the Nineteenth Corps had joined. General Gillinore sprained his foot seriously last night, and has probably returned to the city. H. G. WRiGHT, Major-General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff Page 267 Ciiii. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 26~T Two MILES FROM POOLESYILLE, MD., July 14, 18642.30 p. m. (Received 9.20 p. in.) My cavalry is in the immediate vicinity of Poolesville, and finds the enemy in some force. He has opened upon the cavalry with two guns. What the force is, is not yet developed, but will be deter- mined as soon as the infantry column (the head of which is about half an hour in rear) comes up. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, Poolesville, Md., July 14, 18646 p. m. I have the honor to report my arrival at this point, and that most of the infantry of this corps and a part of the artillery have come up. The train is stretched along the road for a great distance, and will not be all up by midnight, if so soon. Judging from last re- ports the troops of the Nineteenth Corps will not reach this place by ten miles to-night. The cavalry overtook the rear guard of the enemys cavalry at this point, which fell back after a slight skirmish, taking the road to Whites Ford, where the main body of the enemy, with his trains, had crossed before we reached this place. I have sent the cavalry forward to see whether anything cah be done against the rear guard, but presume it will be too late. The enemy had and kept about twenty-four hours the start of us, which gave him full time to secure his cros~ing of the river. I have not been able to get any intelligence from General Hun- ters command, and have, therefore, for further operations only the two division~ of my corps, n~imbering perhaps 10,000, and some 500 possibly of the Nineteenth Corps, which, unless I overrate the enemys strength, is wholly insufficient to justify the following up of the enemy on the other side of the Potomac. I presume this will not be the policy of the War Department, and I shall, therefore, wait in- structions before proceeding farther, which I hope to receive by the time the Nineteenth Corps arrives. In the mean time I shall endeavor to open communication both with General Hunter and General Howe. I should also report that a portion of the enemys cavalry, said to be McCauslands, is represented to have crossed at Muddy Branch Ford, and some at Edwards Ferry, though not in considerable numbers. I changed the direction of the column to this point on learning that the ford at Edwards Ferry was not passable for trains, and hoped to be able to come up with the enemy at one of the upper fords. My troops have marched over thirty miles in about twenty-four hours, over bad roads and under excessive heat. I send this by an officer, who is directed to await your instruc- tions. H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff Page 268 268 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD.; AND PA. [CHAP. ~. HEAL~QUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Poolesrille, Mid., July 16, 18647 a. m. GENERAL: Your dispatch of yesterday, by Captain Farrar, of my staff, was received toward eveniiig, and about the same time I re- ceived intelligence through my own couriers from General Hun- ter s command, and also a dispatch from General Howe, at Harpers Ferry, where General Hunter had just arrived. A little later I re- ceived the dispatch of Colonel Chipman, of General Hunters staff, to the Secretary of War, from which and from other information I learned that General Sullivan, with some 7,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry, crossed the Potomac at Knoxville, near Berlin, and was moving on Leesburg via Hillsborough. Fearing that he might meet the enemy in too strong force for his command, I have put the force here in motion for Leesburg, crossing at Whites Ford, and have in- structed General Ord to move as rapidly as practicable to the same point, crossing at Youngs Island, about one and a half miles below Edwards Ferry. The troops of the Nineteenth Corps reached this point late in the afternoon of yesterday, and constitute, with the two divisions of the Sixth Corps, the force with which I am moving on Leesburg. General Ords command will not probably reach that point before all day to-morrow. The necessity for supporting General Sullivans movement ren- ders it necessary to move in advance of a portion of the trains not yet up, but I think they will be sufficiently covered by the general movement and the small force left for their protectioii. From the information gained here from Union citizens well ac- quainted with the country on the other side of the river I apprehend that it will be impossible to subsist to any extent on the country, with the exception of forage, everything having been pretty much swept off bythe enemy. My headquarters will be at Leesburg to-night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. G. WRIGHT, J1/Iajor- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, & c. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, OZarks Gap, three miles beyond Leesburg, July 17, 18647.30 p. m. GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of to-day. I reached here late last evening, and during the night opened commuiiication with General Crook, who, with Sulli- vans division, Mulligans brigade, and some 2,000 cavalry, encamped at Purceilville, about six miles from this point. I at once instructed General Crook to follow up the enemy with his cavalry, supported by infantry, but as nothing has been heard from the detachment it is inferred that the enemy continued his retreat. Moving rapidly I struck his rear guard of cavalry at Leesburg, but he retreated before the head of the infantry column got up, takiiig the direction of Snickers Gap. The cavalry of General Crooks command, under General Duffi~, more fortunate than the rest, struck the rear of th Page 269 Ciw~. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 269 enemy on the Snickersyille pike, capturing 117 mules and horses, 82 wagons, and 62 prisoners, besides killing and wounding a good many. I have no doubt that the enemy is in full retreat for Richmond, but the cavalry reports, which can hardly fail to be received to-night, will settle the matter. He is represented as much demoralized, though this is doubtful, as regards his old infantry force. The Third Division, Sixth Corps, reached here about 6 p. in., and the trains of the Nineteenth Corps are still coming in. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, & e. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH AND NINETEENTH CORPS, Near Leesburg, Va., July 21, 18641.30 p. m. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that shortly after writing my dispatch of the 17th instant from Clarks Gap, I learned that the enemy had halted in the Valley of Virginia, and was holding the crossing of the Shenandoah in some force. I at once moved on Snickers Gap (which we held with our cavalry), designing to cross the Shenandoah River, if practicable, and attack him. The attempt at crossing was resisted in strong force, and believing it better to turn his position, I designed doing so by way of Keys Gap, thus effecting a junction with some of the forces of General Hunter lower down the Valley. In the mean time, a cavalry force was sent to Ashbys Gap, which effected a crossing of the river, but was finally driven back with some loss. This and other information induced me to defQr the movement by way of Keys Gap, in the belief that a crossing might be effected where we were, and the enemy probably fought in detail. Preparations were accordingly made, and on push- ing across on the morning of the 20th, it was found the enemy had retreated during the night. taking the road to FrQnt Royal and Stras- burg. Conceiving the object of the expedition to be accomplished, I at once started back, as directed in your orders, and to-night shall encamp on the east side of Goose Creek, on the Leesburg pike. TWO days easy march will bring the command to Washington, crossing the Potomac at Chain Bridge. Our losses at Snickers Ferry will not exceed 200, while those of the enemy are reported by the inhabitants at 50 to 60 killed, and 300 wounded. Our loss at Ashbys Gap was about 130; that of the enemy not known. I will make a more detailed report on reaching Washington. Both Early and Breckinridge were at Snickers Ferry when we reached there. It was Earlys intention, as expressed to the citizens, to hold the Valley and gather in the crops, and his rapid retreat southward occasioned them much surprise. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. G. WRIGHT, Major- General, Commanding. Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff Page 270 270 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Monocacy, near Frederick, JIiId., July 28, 18649 a. m. (Received 10 a. in.) I have reached this point with my command, and have been in- structed by General Hunter to await orders, unless induced to move by threatened movements of the enemy. Cavalry reports every- thing quiet on this side of the Potomac, and no movements of the enemy to be discovered on the other east of the Blue Ridge. H. G. WRIGHT, Major-General HALLECK, Major-General. Chief of Staff. No. 43. Itinerary of the Sixth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. H. G. Wright, U. S. Army, commanding, July 1-Au gust 3. * July 1.Camp near Warwick Swamp. July 2.Returned to original position on left of the line, near Petersburg. July 6.Third Division marched at daylight to City Point and embarked for Baltimore. July 10.First and Second Divisions embarked at City Point for Washington. July 11.Portion of Second Division landed and marched to Fort Stevens. July 12.Balance of Second Division arrived in the morning; skirmishing in the evening near Fort Stevens. July 13.Moved in the afternoon to Offutts Cross-Roads. July 14.Marched to Poolesville. July 16.Marched to Leesburg. July 17.Third Divison rejoined. July 18.Marched to Snickers Ford; engagement of two batteries with the enemy in conjunction with the troops of General Crooks command. July 20.Crossed Shenandoah to vicinity of Berryville; after- noon marched back through Leesburg, reaching Goose Creek at noon of 21st. July 22.Moved from Goose Creek to vicinity of Difficult Run. July 23.Marched across Chain Bridge to vicinity of Tennally- town. July 26.Moved to Rockville. July 27.Moved to Hyattstown. July 28.Moved to Monocacy Junction; thence to vicinity of Jef- ferson. July 29.Crossed the Potomac at Harpers.Ferry and encamped near Hyattstown [Halltown]. July 30.Recrossed Potomac at Harpers Ferry; marched during the night, and encamped near Jefferson at noon of 31st. August 1 and 2.In Camp at Frederick, Md. August 3.Moved by way of Slabtown and Buckeystown across the Monocacy and encamped on the bank, where the corps remained until the night of the 5th, when it moved to_Monocacy_Junction. * From returns of commands indicated for July and August, 1864 Page 271 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 271 FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, COMMANDED BY COL. WILLIAM H. PENROSE, FIFTEENTH NEW JERSEY INFANTRY. July 9.The brigade left Petersburg, Va., for Washington, D. C., by transports. July 11.Arrived in Washington, since which time the brigade has been attached to the Department of West Virginia. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, COMMANDED BY BRIG. GEN. EMORY UPTON. July 1 to 9.Remained in camp near the Jerusalem plank road. July 9.Moved to City Point. July 10.Embarked for Washington. July 12.Debarked at Washington and encamped near Fort Steyens. July 13.Marched by River road to Offutts Cross-Roads, Md. July 14.Continued the march to Poolesville. July 16.Forded the Potomac and marched through Leesburg to Jacks Gap, Bull Run Mountain. July 17.Marched to Snickers Gap, in Blue Ridge. July 20.Crossed Shenandoah River and marched to near Berry- ville. July 21.Recrossed Shenandoah and marched to Goose Creek. July 22.Continued march to Difficult Creek. July 23.Crossed the Potomac at Chain Bridge and encamped near Fort Gaines. July 26.Broke camp and marched to Rockville, Md. July 27.Continued march to ilyattstown. July 28.Marched to Jefferson, Md. July 29.Marched to Halltown, W. Va.; crossed the Potomac at Harpers Ferry. July 30.Recrossed Potomac and marched to near The junction of Jefferson and Middletown roads. July 31.Continued march to within three miles of Frederick City. THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, COMMANDED BY COL. OLIVER ED- WARDS, THIRTY-SEVENTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY. July 2.Left bivouac on the Jerusalem plank road and returned to the position on the left of the army. July 9.Marched to City Point. July 10 and 11.The command was shipped on board of trans- ports. July 12.Arrived at Washington; marched through the city and took up a position at Brightwood. Two regiments of the brigade Twenty-thii~d Pennsylvania Volunteers and Thirty-seventh Massa- chusetts Volunteerswere ordered to the support of the skirmish line, the latter suffering some loss. July 13.Marched to Offutts Cross-Roads. July 14.Moved again as rear guard to the trains, reaching Poolesville about noon on the Thth. July 16.Crossed the Potomac at Whites Ford and marched through Leesburg .and as far as Clarks Gap Page 272 272 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Ca& p. XLIX. July 18.Moved again, crossing the mountains at Snickers Gap; came up with the enemy on the bank of the Shenandoah; brigade on picket; so remained until the 20th. July 20.With the rest of the corps it forded the Shenandoah and marched to within two miles of Berryville. That night com- menced the return march to Washington; continued the march all night and the next day. July 21.Reached Goose Creek in the evening, when the com- mand bivouacked for the night. July 22.Moved again as far as Peach Grove Post-Office. July 23.Crossed the Potomac at Chain Bridge and encamped in rear of Fort Gaines. July 26.Moved again to four miles beyond Rockyille, where the command halted for the night. July 27.Marched to Hyattstown. July 28.Marched to Jefferson, fording the Monocacy. July 29.Marched to Halltown, crossing the Potomac on the pon- toon bridge at Harpers Ferry. July 30.Recrossed the Potomac at the same point and marched to Petersville. July 31.Continued the march to Frederick City. Distance marched during the month, about 239 miles. SECOND DIVISION, COMMANDED BY BRIG. GEN. GEORGE W. GETTY. July 1.Marched from Reams Station back to old camp near Je- rusalem plank road. July 9.Marched at 9 p. m. to City Point. July 10.Embarked at 11 a. m. for Washington. July 11.Disembarked at Washington and took position in rear of Fort Stevens; First Brigade engaged the enemy. July 12.First and Third Brigades attacked the rebel position; charged and drove them. July 13.Marched at 8 p. m. to Offutts Cross-Roads. July 14.Marched to near Poolesville, thirty-five miles in twenty- four hours. July 16.Crossed at Whites Ford and marched to Leesburg. July 18.Moved to Snickers Gap and supported General Hunter. July 20.Crossed the Shenandoah at 9 a. in.; recrossed at 8 p. m. and marched to Goose Creek. July 21.Reached Goose Creek at 4 p. in. July 22.Marched to near Freedom Hill, near Lewinsville. July 23.Marched to and crossed Chain Bridge. July 26.Marched to Rockville, Md. July 27.Marched to Hyattstown. July 28.Marched to Monocacy, near Frederick, and thence to Jefferson. July 29.Marched through Harpers Ferry to Bolivar Heights. July 30.Marched to Petersville. July 31.Marched to near Frederick, Md. FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, COMMANDED BY BRIG. GEN. FRANK WHEATON. July 1.Camped on the Jerusalem plank ro~d, south of Peters- burg and extreme left of Army of the Potoni~ Page 273 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENA1~DOAH VALLEY, ETC. 273 July 9.At 11 p. m. started for City Point with the rest of the division. July 10.At 5.30 a. m. embarked on transports Dictator and Guide for Washington. July 11.Debarked at Washington at 12 in.; marched to Fort Stevens; arrived there at 4 p. m. At 5 ~. m. brigade marched out- side and relieved skirmishers belonging to the Veteran Reserve Corps, 100-days men, and War Department clerks, who were being driven toward the fort. Deployed the whole brigade without any support and drove the rebels back to a position 800 yards from the fort. July 12.Continued skirmis in all day. At 5 p. in., in conjunc- tion with Third Brigade, attacked and drove the rebel skirmish line until dark. At 11 p. m. relieved by Second Brigade and returned to camp near Crystal Spring. July 13.Marched to Offutts Cross-Roads. July 14.Marched to Poolesville, Md. July 16.Marched via Whites Ford and Leesburg to Clarks Gap, in the Catoctin Mountain. July 18.Marched to Snickers Gap, in the Blue Ridge, and held in reserve to the force crossing the Shenandoah. July 20.Crossed the Shenandoah and moved to within a mile 6f Berryville. At 10 p. m. recrossed the river and marched to Wash- ington via Leesbnrg, Chain Bridge, and Tennallytown. July 23.Arrived at Washington. July 25.Orders to embark for Petersburg, which were suspended. July 26.Marched to Rockville. July 27 and 28.Marched to Hyattstown and Jefferson. July 29.Marched to Harpers Ferry and Halltown. July 30.At 7 p. m. marched for Frederick, Md. THIRD BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, COMMANDED BY COL. DANIEL D. BIDWELL, FORTY-NINTH NEW YORK INFANTRY. July 1.Marched from Reams Station to Jerusalem plank road. July 9.Marched to City Point. July 10.Embarked for Washington at 11 a. m. July 11.Disembarked at Washingtonand moved to Fort Stevens. July 12.Engaged the enemy at Fort Stevens. July 13.Marched at 8 p.. in. to LOffutts] Cross-Roads. July 14.Marched to near Poolesville. July 16.Crossed Whites Ford and shelled the rear guard of the enemy and marched to Leesburg. July 18.Moved to Snickers Gap. July 20.Crossed Shenandoah River at 9 a. in.; recrossed at 8p. m. and marched to Goose Creek. July 21.Marched to Lewinsviile. July 23.Marched to and crossed Chain Bridge and encamped near Fort Gaines. July 26.Marched to Rockville. July 27.Marched to Hyattstown. July 28.Marched to Monocacy and then to Jefferson. July 29.Marched through Harpers Ferry to Bolivar Heights. July 30.Marched to Petersville. July 31.Marched to Frederick. 18 R R VOL XXXVII, PT Page 274 2~4 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [chAp. XLIX. THIRD DIVISION, COMMANDED BY BRIG. GEN. JAMES B. RICKETTS. * July 18.Reached Snickers Gap at sundown; encamped on west side at foot of the mountain. July 20.Crossed the Shenandoah River and advanced to near Berryville; in the evening recrossed the river and continued the march in the direction of Washington. July 21.Encamped at Goose Creek at 4 p. m. July 22.Continued the march and encamped on east side of Difficult Run at 7 p. m. July 23.Crossed the Potomac at Chain Bridge at 11 a. m. and encamped near Tennallytown, D. C. July 26.Marched at S a. m. and encamped near Rockville for the night. July 27.Marched to Hyattstown; encamped at 4 p. m. July 28.Marched to Monocacy Junction at 4 p. in.; resumed the march at 10 p. in.; encamped at Jefferson. July 29.Reached Harpers Ferry at 3 p. m. and encamped near Hailtown, W. Va. July 30.At 4p. m. resumed the march, which was continued all iiight in direction of Frederick City, Md. July 31.At 3 p. m. went into camp near Prospect Hill, one and a half miles fromFrederick City, Md. SECOND BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, COMMANDED BY COL. JOHN F. STAUNTON, SIXTY-SEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA INFANTRY. July 1.Lay in camp near Jerusalem plank road, three miles from Williams house, during the day and night. July 2.Marched to the Williams house, near our former camp. July 3 to 5.Nothing of monient occurred. July 6.Broke camp at S a. m. and marched to City Point, where we embarked on transports for Baltimore. The Third Division only was included in this movement. July 8.At 12 in. the greater part of the brigade had disembarked in Baltimore and were conveyed by cars to Frederick Junction, Md., as rapidly as possible. July 9.We took position near the Junction. Skirmishing with the enemy commenced at 8 a. ni. The brigade became generally en- gaged at 2 p. m. The conflict was fierce and bloody, but at 3 p. in., the enemy having turned our left flank by force of superior num- bers, the brigade received orders to retreat, which was done in good order. Continuing the retreat, we reached Frederick and Baltimore pike and proceeded toward Baltimore. At New Market were joined by the Sixth Maryland, Sixty-seventh Pennsylvania, and part of the One hundred and twenty-second Ohio, which had been delayed by the slowness of the transports. We halted for the night near Ridge- ville. July 10 to 13.We continued our march; halted one day at Elli- cotts Mills; took cars for Baltimore; encamped near Camp Carroll; moved from thence to Druid Hill Park. July 14.Took cars and went to Washington; encamped near the depot. * For record from July 1 to 17, see p. 204 Page 275 XLIX.] OI~ERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 275 July 15.Left the city at 8 a. in.; marched through Georgetown and Tennallytown. July 16 and 17.Continued the march, crossing the Potomac, passing through Leesburg, and joined the corps at Catoctin Mount- ain. July 18.Proceeded on and crossed Blue Ridge at Snickers Gap; encamped on the east bank of the Shenandoah. July 20.Crossed the river and marched three miles on Winches- ter road and were ordered to retrace our steps; marched all night and recrossed the mountain. July 20 to 23.Continued the march and finally encamped near Tennallytown, D. C. July 27.Broke camp and took up line of march, passing through Rockville. July 28.Continued the march to Jefferson, near the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. July 29.Marched across the Potomac and encamped near Hall- town. July 30.Recrossedthe Potomac and marched all night. July 31.Continued the march to Frederick City, where we en- camped. No. 44. Report of Brig. Gen. Franl~ iVheaton, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, Second Division, of operations July 1112. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND Div., SIXTH ARMY CORPS, MAJOR * September 1, 1864. In this connection, I desire to report the part taken by my com- mand and the Third Brigade, of this division, in the operations around Fort Stevens, Washington, D. C., July 11 and 12, and of which no report has been called for: Upon arrival at Washington, July 11 at 12 in., I was directed by General Wright to move toward Chain Bridge. While marching up Pennsylvania avenue, in compliance with the instructions of the corps commander, I was halted by Colonel Taylor, chief of staff, De- partment of Washington, and informed by him that the enemy was driving in our picket-line and seriously threatening Fort Stevens on Seventh street, and received through him General Augurs in- structions to march at once in that direction instead of Chain Bridge, as first ordered. I turned my brigade up Eleventh street, and while on the march to Fort Stevens was passed by General Wright, commanding the corps, and received his verbal instructions to mass near Crystal Spring, in the neighborhood of Fort Stevens, where we arrived at 4 oclock in the p. m. At 5 p. m. the force outside of Fort Stevens, consisting of a por- tion of the Veteran Reserve Corps, War Department clerks, and citi- zen volunteers, were driven in toward the fort by a portion of the enemys forces under Early. At the same time I was ordered to * For portion of this report (here omitted) covering operations from May 4 to July 10, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p. 681, and Vol. XL, Part I Page 276 276 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. move 500 men of my brigade out to recover the line held in the afternoon. This was successfully accomplished before 7 by the Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, Col. J. F. Ballier; One hundred and second Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, Maj. Thomas McLaughlin, and One hundred and thirty-ninth Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, Capt. James McGregor, which deployed as skir- mishers, drove the enemys advance back to their main lines. The position was strengthened at dark by the Ninety-third Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, Lieut. Col. J. S. Long, and Sixty-second New York Veteran Volunteers, Lient. Col. T. B. Hamilton, and extended from a point opposite the center of the line between. Forts Stevens and IReno to the west, and a point opposite Fort Slocum to the east, a distance of about two miles. Skirmishing continued through the night and following day. At 5 p. m. of the 12th, while in charge of the division during the temporary absence of its permanent commander, General Getty, I was ordered to drive in the enemys skirmish line and to occupy, if successful, two strong wooded hills in our front, the possession of which gave the enemy great advantage of position near our in- trenched line. I ordered Colonel Bidwell, Forty-third New York Volunteers, commanding Third Brigade, to move his command out- side of the fort and, under cover of a ravine and woods, at trail arms, and every precaution taken to prevent the enemy discovering the movement, form in two lines in rear of my brigade (which was all deployed as skirmishers), and about 300 yards on the right of the Rockville pike, the position being entirely covered by scrub timber and underbrush. Colonel Bidwell was then directed ~to select three of his very best regiments at an indicated point a few paces in rear of our skirmish line and fronting the strong wooded position held by the enemy. The attack was ordered to be made by the whole skirmish line of the First (my own) Brigade, and these three regi- ments from the Third Brigade were to assault and carry the strong position referred to, the remainder of the Third Brigade to be held ready to support the general movement. The Seventh Maine, Forty- third New York, Lient. Col. J. D. Visscher, and Forty-ninth New York, Lient. Col. G. W. Johnson, were very skillfully placed in position near the skirmish line under the direction of Colonel Bid- well without the enemy discovering the movement. A preconcerted signal was made by a staff officer when these regiments were in position, at which time the batteries from Forts Stevens and Slocum opened fire upon certain indicated points strongly held by the enemy. As had been previously arranged, after the thirty-sixth shot from Fort Stevens had been fired, a signal was made from the parapet of that work and the commander of the skirmish line and three assault- ing regiments dashed forward, surprising and hotly engaging the enemy, who was found to be much stronger than had heen supposed. It became necessary to deploy immediately the three remaining regi- mentsSeventy-seventh New York, Lieut. Col. W. B. French; One hundred and twenty-second New York, Lieutenant-Colonel Dwight, and Sixty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers. Bidwells brigade, on the right of those he had already in action, and the picket reserve of 150 men from One hundred and second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and a detachment of eighty men from the Vermont brigade to support the skirmish line immediately on the right and left of the Rockville pike. The enemys stubborn resist- ance showed that a farther advance than already made would r Page 277 ChAP. XLIX.] OP]~RATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 27T onire more troops, and two regiments were sent for. Before their arrival, however (the Thirty-seventh Massachusetts Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Montague, and Second Rhode Island, Capt. E. H. Rhodes), an aide-de-camp from General Wright directed me not to attempt more than the holding of the position I had gained, as the object of the attack had been accomplished, and the important points captured and held. This whole attack was as gallant as it was successful, and the troops never evinced more energy and determination. The losses were very severe, the brave Colonel Bidwell losing many of his most valuable regimental commanders. The following are the casualties among officers and enlisted men of the First and Third Brigades * Severely wounded: Col. J. F. Ballier, Lieut. William Wilson, Capt. Martin Hammer, Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania Veteran Vol- unteers; Assistant Surgeon Crawford, One hundred and second Pennsylvania Volunteers; Maj. J. W. Crosby, Sixty-first Pennsyl- vania; Capt. Davis Cossitt, One hundred and twenty-second New York; Capt. George H. Baker, Seventh Maine Veterans. Killed: Lieut. Col. J. D. Visscher, Forty-third New York; Lieut. Col. G. W. Johnson, Forty-ninth New York; Maj. James P. Jones, First Lieut. John E. Bailey, Seventh Maine; First Lient. David E. Lam- bert, jr., Forty-ninth New York; Second Lieut. William Laughlin, Sixty-first Pennsylvania. Wounded slightly: Lieut. Col. W. B. French, Seventy-seventh New York. Recapitulation. Killed. Wounded. Total. Command. ci2 4) 0 0 . 9 4) bi 0 ~ 0 ~ First Brigade 7 4 48 4 i5 59 Third Brigade 6 46 4 89 10 135 145 I Total 6 53 8 137 14 190 204 The last shot was fired about 10 oclock, and the remainder of the night was occupied in strengthening the position, burying the dead, and caring for the wounded, and relieving the skirmish line, which had been two days in front constantly under fire, by troops of the Second (Vermont) Brigade. This was accomplished at 4 a. m. of the 13th. On the morning of the same day the enemy was reported moving away from our front in the direction of Rockville, Md., and in the afternoon the command joined in the march on the new campaign, which culminated in the brilliant victories of the Valley of the Shenandoah. To my gallant and efficient staff, I am under the deepest obliga- tions, and for their valuable services during the past unprecedented campaign from the Rapidan to Petersburg, I desire to ask for them the promotion and favorable consideration they have earned. To Capt. George Clendenin, jr., assistant adjutant-general of my bri- gade, I am especially grateful for the energy and devotion he has * Nominal list of enlisted men omitted. See numerical statement in recapitula- tion following Page 278 278 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. displayed in the performance of his varied duties, and for his con- spicuous gallantry in every battle; though painfully wounded in the Wilderness, this officer declined to leave the field. Captain Clen- denin has been with me and rendered important service in every battle in which the Army of the Potomac has been engaged since its organization. Capt. James H. Coleman, One hundred aud second Pennsylvania Volunteers, acting assistant inspector-general, de- serves especial mention for the creditable manner in which he con- ducted his department while in camp, and for the support rendered and gallantry displayed on every field. To Captain Denny ONeil, One hundred and second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Lient. Will- iam J. Bradford, Second Rhode Island Volunteers, aides-de-camp, are due my thanks for their faithful services and unfailing attention during the varied and trying scenes of the campaign. Capt. John Snodgrass, One hundred and thirty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, pioneer officer, executed his duty of repairing the roads, bridges, & c., with skill and alacrity, facilitating materially the movements of troops and the passage of the trains. In time of action he acted as aide-de-camp, and was conspicuous for bravery. Lieut. John M. Schneipp, Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, acting assistant quartermaster, and Capt. Hibbert B. Masters, commissary of sub- sistence, merit the highest commendation for the able manner in which they managed their departments, supplying the troops with all they required, notwithstanding the many serious physical diffi- culties encountered. And Surg. S. F. Chapin, One hundred and thirty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, surgeon-in-chief of brigade, was devoted and indefatigable in his attentions to the sick and wounded. To the professional skill and devotion to duty of this accomplished officer, the command is under deep obligations. Of the brave men of this command who have so promptly and so gallantly engaged the enemy in the many battles and skirmishes of this memorable campaign, I cannot speak in too high terms of praise. They have never faltered in battle nor murmured at the fatigues and hardships they have been called upon to endure. They have nobly earned the admiration of their commander and the gratitude of the nation. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK WHEATON, Maj. CHARLES MUNDEE, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers. Asst. Adjt. Gem., Second Division, Sixth Army Corps. No. 4~. Report of A/Laj. Thomas McLaughlin, One hundred and second Pennsylvania Infantry, of operations July 11-August 21. HDQRS. 102D PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, Near Charlestown, Va., September 2, 1864. CAPTAIN :* Arrived at Washington [July 11] and proceeded to Fort Stevens, deployed and engaged the enemys skirmish line; heavy skirmishing but little damage. * For portion of this report (here omitted) covering operations from May4 to July 10, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p. 691, and Vol. XL, Part I Page 279 ~au. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 279 July 13, resumed the march,. passing through Poolesville, and on the 16th crossed the Potomac at Whites Ford, passed through Lees- burg and bivouacked in Loudoun Valley. July 18, passed through Snickers Gap to the Shenandoah River, skirmishing. July 20, crossed and recrossed the river, and on the 21st bivouacked on Goose Creek. July 22, resumed the march, passing through Dranesville, and on the 23d went into camp at Tennallytown. July 26, broke camp and resumed the march, passing through Rockville, halting at Hyattstown. July 28 and 29, passed through Jefferson and halted at Halltown, W. Va. July 30, countermarched to near Frederick City, Md. August [6], recrossed the Potomac and lay in camp until the 10th. Broke camp, and on the 12th arrived at Cedar Creek. The regi- ment was deployed, as skirmishers. Cr~sed the creek and engaged the enemy. August 13, the line advanced to Strasburg, and in the evening were relieved; casualties, 2 men wounded. August 17, resumed the march, passing through Middletown, New- town, and Winchester, and on the 19th bivouacked near Charlestown. On the 21st the enemy attacked our position, threw up rifle-pits, and at night retired to Halltown; casualties 2 men severely wounded. Took up position and remained here doing picket duty until the 21st, when we advanced to one mile west of Charlestown; heavy skirmishing in front. From the landing at Washington until August 21 marched over 400 miles, crossing the Potomac four times and the Shenandoah twice. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS McLAUGHLIN, Major, Comdg. 102d Regt. Pennsylvania Veteran Vols. Capt. GEORGE CLENDENIN, Jr., Assistant-Adjutant General. No. 46. Report of Capt. Elisha H. Rhodes, Second Rhode Island Infantry, of action near Fort Stevens, D. C. HEADQUARTERS SECOND RHODE ISLAND INFANTRY, PoolesviUe, Md., July 15, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that in the engagement at Bright- wood, Md., on the night of the 12th instant, the following casualties occurred. in my command-: Sergt. Joseph M. Wood, acting lieuten- ant, Company B, wounded in left shoulder severely; Private Walter Harrup wounded in left eye severely. The action was fought near the ground occupied by our regiment during the summer of 1861. Fort Slocum, built by the Second Rhode Island Voiun~eers, assisted with its heavy guns. We are now following the retreating rebels, who recrossed the river near this point last night. E. H. RHODES, Gaptain, Comdg. Second Rhode Island Volunteers. Brig. Gen. E. C. MAURAN, Adjutant-General, Rhode Island Page 280 280 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. No. 4~. Report of Capt. Greenleaf T. Stevens, Fifth Maine Battery, of oper ations July 1331. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH MAINE BATTERY, September 16, 1864. SIR * The battery arrived in Washington and reported at artillery head- quarters at Crystal Spring at 2 oclock on the morning of the 13th. From July 16 to July 31 the battery participated in the general operations of the corps, marching to Snickers Gap, via Poolesville, Whites Ford, and Leesburg, and returned to Georgetown by way of Leesburg and Chain Bridge, and from thence to Monocacy, Frederick, and Harpers Ferry, returning to Frederick on the 31st, where we found ourselves in camp at 3 p. in. The following exhibits the expenditures and losses during the campaign. f Losses. Date. Place. Officers. Men. Horses. May 21 5potsylvania 25 Little River 30 On the march June s cold Harbor 8 Barkers Mills 9 . . . .do 18 Petersburg al 21 ... .do bi Total 1 1 -~~i a Lient. charles 0. hunt, prisoner. b Wounded. The pick and the shovel have been extensively used in the battery, and have been found instruineiital in saving our men. Most respectfully submitted. G. T. STEVENS, Captain, Commanding Fifth Battery Maine Volunteers. Lient. E. N. WHITTIER, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Arty. Brig., Sixth Corps. No. 48. Report of Capt. Andrew Cowan, First New York Battery, of oper ations July 1130. CAMP FIRST NEW YORK INDEPENDENT BATTERY, August 24, 1S64. SIR:$ The 11th [July] arrived in Washington at noon. July 12, marched to Crystal Spring. The followiug day started in pursuit of the rebels via Offutts Cros~-Roads, Poolesville, * For portion of this report (here omitted) covering operations from May 4 to July 10, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p. 760, and Vol. XL, Part I. t Exhibit of ammunition expended not found. ~ For portions of report (here omitted) covering operations from May 4 to July 9, ~ee Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p. 764, and Vol. XL, Part I Page 281 281 C~. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. Whites Ford, and Leesburg, across the Shenandoah at Snickers Ford, and returned to Washington via Leesburg, Dranesyille, Lew- insville, and Chain Bridge, reaching Washington, July 23. Had been detached from brigade at Poolesville, July 15, and ordered, with two regiments of First Division, to Youngs Island, and placed the guns in position, while cavalry, under Colonel Lowell, crossed the river. On rejoining the corps, July 16, at Whites Ford, was attached to the Second Division. July 27, marched with the division from the vicinity of Washing- ton to Hyattstown. July 28, marched to Jefferson via Monocacy. July 29, marched to Harpers Ferry, andicrossed Potomac River, camping near Halltown. At midnight July 30 recrossed the Potomac into Maryland. Total loss from May 4 to July 30, 1 commissioned officer and 7 enlisted men wounded. Total rounds ammunition expended, 1,158. We have done comparatively little fighting throughout the entire campaign. Whatever has been required of the battery I have endeavored to perform to the best of my ability, receiving the cheer- ful co-operation of my officers and men. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ANDREW COWAN, Captain First New York Independent Battery. Lient. E. N. WHITTIER, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem., Arty. Brig., Sixth Corps. No. 49. Report of Lieut. Jacob H. Lamb, Battery C, First Rhode island Light Artillery, of operations July 1230. HDQRS. BATTERY C, FIRST RHODE ISLAND ARTILLERY, August 1864. SIR :* Arrived there [Washington] at 11 p. m. of the 12th, disem- barked, and marched to Fort Stevens, where we arrived at daylight and went into camp; distance, four miles. July 13, marched at 12 m. for Potomac Cross-Roads, where we ar- rived at 11 p. in., and camped for the night; distance, twelve miles. July 14, marched at 5 a. m. for Poolesville and arrived there at dark, a distance of twenty miles. July 16, marched at 5 a. m. to the Potomac and went into position at Whites Ford, fired twenty rounds at the enemys cavalry, with- drew, and crossed the river at the ford, continued the march, and camped at dark four miles west of Leesburg, a distance of fifteen miles. July 18, marched at 6 a. in., crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains at Snickers Gap, and took position on the bank of the Shenandoah River, and fired ninety rounds at the enemy, who were in line of [battle] across the river; distance marched, ten miles. July 19, still in position. * For portion of report (herc~ omitted) covering operations from May 4 to July 11, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p. 768, and Vol. XL, Part I Page 282 282 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLLX. July 20, moved from position at 9 a. m. and crossed the river at Snickers Ford, went six miles, and parked in field to right of road leading to Berryville, and abont two miles from that town, where we remained until dark, when we moved and recrossed the Shenandoah and marched all night and next day, the 21st, and at dark camped at Goose Creek, having marched thirty-seven miles. July 22, marched at 9 a. m. for Dranesville, where we arrived at dark and went into camp for the night, having marched eighteen miles. July 23, marched at 6 a. in., crossed the Potomac at Chain Bridge, and camped at dark at Fort Gaines, D. C., a distance of twelve miles. July 26, marched at noon, went sixteen miles, and camped at 9 p. m. near Rockville, Md. July 27, marched at 5.30 a. in., went twelve miles, and camped at noon near Hyattstown. July 28, marched at 6 a. m. toward Frederick, camped at Monocacy Junction at 12 m. at 3 p. m. crossed the Monocacy River and marched to Jefferson, where we arrived at midnight, having marched twenty miles, July 29, marched at 4 a. in., crossed the Potomac at Harpers Ferry, and camped at 6 p. m. near Halltown; distance, twenty miles. July 30, marched at 3 p. in., recrossed the Potomac, marched all night and until 4 p. m. of the 31st, and camped three miles beyond Frederick City on the Emmitsburg turnpike; distance, twenty-five miles. Amount of ammunition arid material expended from the 12th of June to the 31st of July: Ammunition, 210 ronnds; 2 wheels broken, 3 shovels lost, 2 rubber bnckets lost. Summary of casualties, ammunition, and material expended from May 4 to July 30, 1864: Private Thomas Lamphier killed in action Jnne 3; Private John Pfaffle wounded in action May 31; 3 horses killed in action June 3. Ammunition expended. 550 rounds; 2 tarpaulins lost, 3 wheels broken, 6 watering i)uckets lost, 1 caisson body lost, 6 sponge staves broken, 4 axes lost, 3 pickaxes lQst, 6 shovels lost. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. LAMB, First LieuL, Conidg. Battery C, First Rhode Island Arty. Lient. E. N. WHITTIER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 50. Report of Gapt. George W. Adams, Battery G, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, of operations July 1230. CAMP BATTY. G, FInST RHODE ISLAND LIGHT ARTY., Near HalUown, J~a., Au gnst 23, 1864. LIEUTENANT :* [July] 12th instant arrived at Washington at 11 a. in., left the suburbs of Washington and arrived at Poolesviile, Md., on the 15th * For portion of this report (here omitted) covering operations from May 4 to July 11, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p. 771, and Vol. XL, Part I Page 283 28~ CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN ~I1ENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. instant, opened upon the enemy with the right section of the battery, expending twenty-seven ronll(is of ammunition. Crossed the Poto- mac on the 17th, and engaged the enemy at Snickers Gap on the 19th, expending 134 rounds of ammunition. On the 30th of July the battery encamped on Bolivar Heights. Total expenditure of ammunition 1,342 rounds. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. W. ADAMS, Capt. 1st Rhode Island Light Arty., Comdg. Go. G. Lieut. E. N. WHITTIER, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem., Arty. Brig., Sixth Corps. No. 51. Itinerary of the First Division, Nineteenth Army Gorps, July 1~3l.* FIRST BRIGADE~ COMMANDED BY COL. GEORGE L. BEAL, TWENTY-NINTH MAINE INFANTRY. July 1.Brigade at Morgauza Bend, La., on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Orders received to embark as fast as steamers arrived. The One hundred and fifty-third and One hundred and fourteenth New York left for New Orleans. July 2.The Twenty-ninth Maine, Thirtieth Massachusetts, and One hundred and sixteenth and Ninetieth New York embarked for New Orleans. The Ninetieth New York assigned to this brigade from Second Division. The brigade here took ocean steamers. July 11.Arrived at Washington via Fort Monroethe One hun- dred and fifty-third and part of the One hundred and fourteenth New York. July 13.Other portions of the brigade, with the brigade com- mander and staff, arrived in Washington. Brigade reunited at Ten- nallytown; four miles. July 14.Marched past Offutts Cross-Roads; ten miles. July 15.Marched through Seneca Mills to near Poolesville; twelve miles. July 16.Forded the Potomac at Whites Ford, and marched to near Leesburg, Va.; thirteen miles. July 17.Changed camp. Juty 18.Marched through Hamilton and Purcellville to Snickers Gap; eighteen miles. July 19.Lay in the Gap all day. July 20.Crossed the Shenandoah and advanced five miles. July 21.At 8 p. m. last evening recrossed 4he Shenandoah and returned to Leesburg, and thence to Goose Crook; twenty-five miles. July 22.Crossed Difficult Creek; seventeen miles. July 23.Marched via Lewinsville to Cliai.n Bridge, north; twelve miles. July24 and 25. Drawing rations and clothing. *Frorn returns of the commands indicated for July, 1864 Page 284 284 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. July 26.Marched through Tennallytown and beyond Rockville; nineteen miles. July 27..Marched through Middlebrook and past Hyattstown; fifteen miles. July 28.Marched through Urbana and Frederick City and be- yond; thirteen miles. July 29.Marched through Jefferson, Petersyille, Knoxville, Har- pers Ferry to Halltown, W. Va.; nineteen miles. July 30.Marched to near Jefferson, Md~ thirteen miles. July 31.Marched through Jefferson and Frederick and out on the Emmftsburg road; thirteen miles. Colonel Edwin P. Davis, One hundred and fifty-third New York,. commanded the brigade from July 27 to 31, inclusive. SECOND BRIGADE, COMMANDED BY BRIG. GEN. JAMES W. MMILLAN. During the month the brigade has not been together as an organ- ization. Part of it left New Orleans on July 5, the balance as soon as transportation was obtained. Part of the brigade has been serving in Maryland and Virginia, under the command of Colonel Thomas, Eighth .Vermont Volunteers, and the balance at Bermuda Hundred, under General McMillan. It was united at Mon ocacy Junction, Md., July 31. THIRD BRIGADE, COMMANDED BY COL. LEONARD D. H. CURRIE, ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THIRD NEW YORK INFANTRY. July 2.Broke camp at Morganza, La., and embarked on several steamers for New Orleans. July 4.Brigade encamped at Algiers, La. July 6.The One hundred and thirty-third and One hundred and sixtieth New York Volunteers sailed on steamer Creole for the North. July 9.The One hundred and sixty-second and One hundred and seventy-third New York Volunteers sailed on steamer C. C. Leary for the North. Jtdy 11.The One hundred and sixty-fifth New York Volunteers and Thirtieth Maine, and detachment with horses, sailed on steamers Victor and Blackstone, brigade headquarters on steamer Victor. July 18.Steamer Victor with headquarters arrived at~Fort Mon- roe; ordered to Bermuda Hundred; steamer Creole ordered to Washington. July 23.Marched with four regiments and a half of brigade from Bermuda Hundred to Deep Bottom, Va., near Malvern Hill. July 24.Brigade of troops commenced throwing up earth-works. July 25.Slight skirmish with the enemy. Loss, 18 killed and wounded and 24 taken prisoners. July 27.Ordered to Washington; marched to Bermuda Hundred and embarked. July 28.Sailed at daylight. July 29.Arrived at Washington at 2 p. in.; marched through Washington to Georgetown Heights. July 30.Marched at 6 p. m. through Washington to Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and embarked. July 31.Arrived at Monocacy Junction at 3 p. m. and encamped at Bush Creek Page 285 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAh VALLEY, ETC. 285 No. 52. Itinerary of the Second Division, Nineteenth Army Uorps, Brig. Gen. ~iJuvier Grover commanding, July 131. * July 3.The division commenced embarking at Morgauza, La., and proceeded to Algiers, La., where it again embarked under sealed orders and reported at Fort Monroe. During the month the divis- ion was much scattered, a portion of it being at James River, report- ing to Major-General Hancock, and the balance in the Department of Washington. Alterations in the Second Brigade since last return: The Thir- teenth Connecticut Volunteers, absent on veteran furlough, reported in the column of loss. The Ninetieth New York transferred to First Division. The Eleventh Indiana and Twenty-second Iowa assigned to Second Brigade of this division. No. 53. Itinerary of Kenlys brigade, Nineteenth Army Corps, Brig. Gen. John R. Kenly commanding, July 13-31. * I remained in command of the Third Separate Brigade, Eighth Army Corps, until July l~, when, by order of Major-Geneial Ord, commanding Eighth Army Corps, I was ordered to the command of a brigade, consisting of the Third Maryland Volunteers, Potomac Home Brigade, the One bundred and forty-fourth and One hundred and forty-ninth Regiments Ohio National Guard (100-days men), and Captain Alexanders battery, Baltimore Light Artillery. July 14.Proceeded to Washington by rail with my command (except the battery, which joined me at Leesburg on the 17th), and marched through Tennallytown to Cabin Johns Branch. July 15.Marched to Edwards Ferry and crossed the Potomac. On the march was ordered to report to Major-General Wright, who brigaded my command with the Nineteenth Corps. After crossing the Potomac marched through Leesbnrg to Snickers Gap, and thence to the Shenandoah. July 20.Left Snickers Gap and marched back to Chain Bridge. July 23.Encamped near Battery Vermont. July 26.At 11 a. m. marched to Rockville and encamped at night four miles beyond. July 27.Marched to the vicinity of Urbana. July 28.Reached the Monocacy. On afternoon of the same day received orders to march to Harpers Ferry, and reached Jefferson same night. July 29.Marched to Harpers Ferry; crossed the Potomac and encamped at Halltown. July 30.At 5 p. m. started from Halltown to return to the Mo- nocacy; marched all night and encamped near Jefferson. On this day the horses of Captain ~lexanders battery were taken from him by order of Colonel Tompkins, chief of artillery, Sixth Army Corps, and distributed among the batteries of the Sixth Army Corps. July 31.Marched through Frederick City and ~encamped two miles beyond. * From return for July, 1864 Page 286 286 OPERATiONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [(ThAI. XLIX. No. 54. Reports of Bvt. Maj. Gen. George Grook, U. S. Army, commanding forces in the field, Department of West Virginia, of operations July 1626, including engagements at Snickers Ferry, Berrys Ford, and Kerustown. HARPERS FERRY, July 27, 1864. I have the honor to report that on the 24th instant I was attacked by a large force of the enemy near Winchester. I repulsed their force twice, and was driving them when they partially turned my left and threw it in some confusioii. At the same time a heavy column was moving around my right, and I gave the order to fall back. My left soon reformed, and the whole line moVed back in good order; the enemy pressing both my flanks and center hard all the time. I got off all my artillery and wagons. Some of my teamsters got stampeded and cut loose from their wagons along the road, but their wagons were destroyed so that nothing fell into the hands of the enemy. I regret to say that the greater portion of my dismounted cavalry, along with some infantry, the whole fiumbering some 8,000 or 4,000, broke to the rear the first fire, and all efforts to stop them proved of no avail. They mostly got into Martinsburg, circulating all manner of reports. A few of them were captured endeavoring to escape my guards. I lost over one-third of my cavalry in this way. I fell back to Bunker Hill, arriving there between 9 and 10 p. in., part of the enemys force camping within ten miles of me. Next morning the enemys cavalry pressed my front, and commenced turning my flanks, and as I had not sufficient cavalry to ascertain whether their infantry was trying to turn my position, I fell back on Martinsburg. I skirmished with them almost all day, they making demonstra- ~tions to turn my flanks. Toward evening I fell back toward Will- iamsport, when the enemy followed me into town. Supposing they would tell the inhabitants all about their force, intentions, & c., I turned my column, drove them out of town, and captured a few prisoners. From all the reliable information I could get the force that at- tacked me was Earlys raiding force, joined by the force left in the Valley when he went into Maryland. I am well satisfied that it is not their intention to move north, but to collect all supplies in vicinity of Winchester; besides, General Earlys troops are in no condition to make any hard marches. I crossed the river at Williamsport and marched here via Sharps- burg. I left my cavalry picketing the river from Hancock to this place. The. enemy also have some pickets at the ford near Shep- herdstown. I would also state that the enemy have increased their cavalry force in the Valley very materially. Yours, respectfully, ~GEORGE CROOK, Brevet Major- General, U. S. Volunteers. Maj. Gen. D. HUNTER, Gommanding Department of West Vi~ginia Page 287 CaAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 287 HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, Near Cedar Creek, Va., October 12, 1864. AAJOR: I have the honor to report that in accordance with para- graph 6, Special Orders, No. 126, current Series, headquarters De- partment of West Virginia, I proceeded on the 16th day of July, 1864, to Hilisborough, Va., and assumed command of our forces there, under Brig. Gen. J. C. Sullivan, U. S. Volunteers. Upon my arrival there, between the hours of 11 and 12 a. in., i ascertained that our forces had no scouting parties out, and that nothing definite was known of the whereabouts of the enemy. I at once sent scouting parties out from the cavalry in different directions, and directed one party of 1,500 men to move to my right toward Aldie and ascertain if the enemy were retreating in that direction. This party encoun- tered the rear of the enemys column retreating toward Snickers Gap, attacked their train and captured part of it and some prisoners. Before I could get my infantry over on the Snickers Gap road the rear of their column had passed some time, and I lost this oppor- tunity of attacking them in flank. I struck this road at Purcell- ville, Colonel Wells, with his brigade, moving by way of Water- ford, and reported to Major-General Wright, in accordance with orders received from Maj. Gemi. D. Hunter, commanding Department of West Virginia. Next morning I was ordered by General Wright to send a cavalry force to Snickersville, supported by infantry, to push the rear of the enemys column, and ascertain if possible what route they had taken. I accordingly sent General Duffi6 with his cavalry, and Col- onel Mulligans brigade of infantry. They found the enemy had crossed the Shenandoah River at Snickers Ferry, and was holding the ford. The following morning, agreeably to orders, I proceeded with the remainder of my command to Snickers Ford. On arriving at this point I found the enemy still holding the ford. I ordered General Duffi~ with his cavalry to pass through Ashbys Gap and attack the enemys train in flank, but the enemy were also holding that gap, and he could not effect the passage. Believing that only the enemy s cavalry were holding Snickers Ford, I ordered three brigades ,und er Col. J. Thoburn, some mile and a half below to cross the river and compel the enemy to evacuate the ford. Colonel Thoburn in cross- ing the river captured some prisoners. who stated that General Earlys entire forces were encamped in the vicinity. Upon this in- formation being communicated to the major-general commanding, the Sixth Army Corps was ordered up to support my men. Previous to the Sixth Corps reaching the river, the enemy made assaults on my lines, being repulsed with heavy slaughter each time, notwith- standing that the greater portion of the odds and ends of dis- mounted cavalry, & c., that composed a part Qf my command, fled ingloriously across the river at the first assault of the enemy. The head of the column of the Sixth Corps had reached the crossing of the river by this time, and as General Ricketts, commanding the corps, did not think it prudent under the circumstances to cross his men, and as the enemy were preparing for another attack on my lines, I gave the order to fall back, which was clone in good order by the remaining troops. As an evidence of the punishment the enemy received, they did not follow my men down the river until after dark. For the behavior of my troops I respectfully refer you t Page 288 288 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. Colonel Thoburns report, who, with those who fought until the last with him, deserve particular mention for their gallantry. Our loss on this occasion was 65 killed, 301 wounded, and 56 miss- ing. I had no correct means of ascertaining the enemys loss, but it is reasonable to suppose that it was heavier than ours. Very respectfully, your obedient servailt, GEORGE CROOK, Brevet ]lIajor- General. Maj. C. A. WHITTIER, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 55. Return of Gasualties in the Union forces, commanded by Bvt. .Miaj. Gen. George Crook, at Kernstown (or Winchester, Va.), and retreat to the Potomac, July 2425, [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. _____ Is Command. Is IA a 0 ~ 0 ~ be FIRST DIVISION. Col. JOSEPH TITOBURN. First Brigade. Col. GEORGE D. WELLS. 34th Massachusetts 5th New York Heavy Artillery (Companies A, B, C, and D). 116th Ohio 128d Ohio 170th Ohio Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. WILLIAM G. ELY. 18th Connecticut 2d Maryland (Eastern 5hore) 1st West Virginia 4th West Virginia 12th West Virginia Total Second Brigade Total First Division SECONi) DIVISION. Col. Is~c H. DUVAL. First Brigade. Col. RTJTHERFOaD B. HAYES. 1 ii 2 1 1 ii 5 S 13 18 3 7 10 3 13 16 2 10 16 28 4 2 11 6 23 2 1 18 2 37 60 8 3 45 2 79 137 8 3 50 2 92 155 23dOhio 1 5 4 54 2 .70 136 36th Ohio 9 2 101 2 22 136 5th West Virginia 4 1 29 11 45 13th West Virginia 14 3 47 15 79 Total First Brigade 1 1 32 10 I 231 I 4 1181 ~39 Page 289 Ciw. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. Return of easualties in the Union forces, & c.Continued. Killed. Command. Wounded. J Captured or I missing. ~ 0 ~ Second Brigade. Col. DANIEL D. JohnsoN. 34th Ohio 91st Ohio 9th West V~rginia 14th West ~Tirgmia Total Second Brigade Total Second Division THIRD DIVISION. CoL JAMES A. MuUAGAM.* Staff FIrst Brigade. Col. THOMAS M. HARRIS. 23d Illinois 15th West Virgsnia Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Lient. Cob JOHN P. LINTON. 54th Pennsylvania 11th West Virginia 15th West Virglm Total Second Brigade Total Third Division ARTILLERY. New York Light, 30th Battery Ohio Light, 1st Battery 1st West Virginia Light, Battery F Total artillery CAVALRY.t FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ALFRED N. DUFFJ~. First Brigade. Cob WILLIAM B. TIsSITS. 1st Maryland Potomac Home Brigade 15th New York 21st New York 12th Pennsylvania Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. JACOB HIGGINS. 5 2 23 30 2 4 9 15 2 11 13 3 4 52 59 12 2 42 61 117 1 44 12 3 4 179 513 1 1 1 13 3 60 37 114 12 4 53 43 112 1 25 7 113 80 226 1 1 13 2 32 49 1 4 11 16 1 3 1 6 14 25 1 5 2 23 2 57 90 2 30 10 136 2 137 317 1 1 3 2 5 3 3 6 1 3 4 2 8 10 2 1 17 1 .5 26 1 2 17 20 6 3 45 1 5 60 1st New York (Lincoln) 3 3 1st New York (Veteran) 1 1 7 1 11 20th Pennsylvania 1 2 1 4 22d 1 7 8 Total Second Brigade 1 2 2 19 1 I 1 26 * Mortally wounded. t Includes losses sustained from July23 to 26. A mixed command of dismounted cavalry was also engaged, but no record of its losses is 1~ound. 19 R R-VOL XXXVII, FT I 28 Page 290 390 OPJRATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (@w. XLIL Return of Ca~ualtiee in the Union force., & e.Continud. Killed. Wounded. Captured or nussmg. Command. 0 ~ ~ Artillery. lstWestVlrglnaLight,BatteryE 3 2 5 TotalFirstDivision 1 8 5 67 2 8 91 SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM W. AVERELL. First Brigade. Col. JAMES M. SCIIOONMAKER. SthOhio 2 5 7 14th Pennsylvania 1 3 9 13 Total First Brigade 1 . 5j...... 14 20 Second Brigade. CoL Wn~uAM H. Powsu~. 1st West Virginia 2 2 3 2 19 28 2dWestVirguna 2 18 2 4 26 3d West Virginia 1 19 9 29 Total Second Brigade 5 2 40 4 32 83 Artillery. 5th United States, Battery L Total Second Division 6 2 45 4 46 103 Grandtotal ~ ~ 574 14 1,185 No. 56. Reports of Col. Joseph Thoburn, First West Virginia Infantry, commanding First Infantry Division, of engagement at Snickers Ferry and Kernstown, with itinerary of the division, July 124. HDQRS. FIRST INFTY. Div., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA, Hailtown, Va., July 29, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of an engagement with the enemy near Snickers Ferry on the 18th in- stant: On passing through Snickers Ga p about 2 p. m. on the 18th in- stant, I received orders from Genera I Crook to take command of the First Infantry Division and the Third Brigade of the Second Divis- ion, and proceed at once two miles down the river to the Island Ford, an~ cross over and move up the opposite side and dislodge a force of the enemy, supposed to be cavalry, who were occupying the hills in front of Snickers Ferry. In obedience to these instructions I moved the command, under cover of hills and woods, unobserved by the enemy until the fording at the island was reached, when a sharp musketry fire from the opposite bank was opened upon the head of the column as it approached the river. The banks of the river for some distance above and below the fording were well veiled b Page 291 O~. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 291 trees and brushes, behind which the enemy were posted. I ordered two companies as skirmishers to engage the attention of the enemy at the ford, while the command moved a few hundred yards down the river under cover of the woods to a place where the water was shallow, although the banks were steep and difficult for the men to go up or down. Colonel Wells brigade, which was in advance, was rapidly pushed across the river at this point and attacked and drove the enemy from his position, capturing a captain and 15 men. The Thirty-fourth Massachusetts, commanded by Captain Thompson, and a battalion of the Fifth New York Heavy Artillery had the advance and performed their duty admirably. Their loss in crossing was 1 man killed and 1 wounded. From the prisoners I I learned that there had been two regiments of rebel infantry guard- ing the ford, and also that the divisions of the rebel Generals Gordon and Rodes were within a mile or two of the ford, and that General Early was present. I at once sent an aide to General Crook with this information, and asked for further instructions. I continued the crossing of the command, and sent out skirmishers to the front and flanks. My aide returned with orders from General Crook not to movo up to Snickers Ferry as at first directed, but to take as strong a position as possible near the ford and await the arrival of a divis- ion of the Sixth Corps, which had been ordered to cross the river to my support. I posted my command in two lines near the river- bank, the Second Brigade, then commanded by myself, on the right, the First Brigade, commanded by Colonel Wells, on the left, and the Third Brigade, commanded by Colonel Frost, in the center. The first line was placed immediately behind and under cover of a bluff that ran parallel to and about seventy-five yards distant from the river. The second line was posted in an old road on the river- bank and behind a low stone fence, which afforded excellent protec- tion for the men. The ground in-front of the first line rose irregu- larly through cleared fields for the distance of about one-third of a mile. After lying in this position about one hour, the enemy ad- vanced a heavy skirmish line upon my front and flanks, at the same time a heavy force was moved forward upon my right flank, mov- ing in two lines of battle at nearly right angles to our lines; the Sec- ond Brigade was ordered to change its front to the right to meet this attack, which was gallantly done, but the sharp enfilading fire from skirmishers and sharpshooters upon the high ground in front caused some unsteadiness, and finally the first line gave way and fell back to the second line, which was on the right principally com- posed of dismounted cavalry, about 1,000 strong, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Young, of the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, which in spite of the energetic efforts of Colonel Young to prevent it broke and ran into and across the river, causing something of a panic to spread into the force falling back from the first line, many of whom also followed them across the river. As the first line of the Second Brigade began to give way, Colonel Frost, of the Eleventh West Virginia, commanding the Third Brigade, was directed to oblique his first line to the right and present a front to the advanc- ing foe. But while bravely performing this duty he fell mortally wounded, and his command was thrown into some confusion and followed the first line of the Second Brigade in its retreat, taking with it a battalion of the Fifth New York Heavy ArtillQry, on the right of the first line of the First Brigade, the latter losing heavily in killed and wounded, and leaving its commanding officer, Lieutenant Page 292 292 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. Colonel Murray, wounded, in the hands of the enemy. By this time the enemy had come within range of the second line, which gave a volley that repelled his farther advance, and drove him out of sight beyond the bluff. But he immediately commenced reforming for another attack upon my right. I had the One hundred and sixteenth Ohio, commanded by Colonel Washburn, detached from the First Brigade and sent to the right, and just as it was getting into line the second attack was made. But the panic was over. The attack was bravely met and the enemy driven back. A third advance was afterward made with similar results, when the enemy retired beyond the hill in our front, leaving us in possession of the field. But night was coming on. The promised division from the Sixth Corps had not been sent to our assistance, and General Crook sent an order to return across the river, which was done in good order. During the crossing of the command, the enemy advanced a battery and com- menced shelling the ford, which compelled us to leave many of the worst wounded cases in his hands. On the right of the line the Fourth West Virginia Infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Vance, was conspicuous for its firm and gallant conduct, ~also the One hundred and sixteenth Ohio, commanded by Colonel Washburn. This officer fell severely wounded while bravely leading his men into action. His place was promptly and wortl~ily filled by Lieutenant- Colonel Wildes, of the same regiment. The Twelfth West Virginia, commanded by Colonel Curtis, also stood firm. These regiments, with detachments from the First West Virginia, Second Maryland [Eastern Shore], Eighteenth Connecticut, and Colonel Young, with a few dismounted cavalry, held the right of the line and saved the command from a complete rout. Colonel Wells brigade on the left, with the exception of the regiments detached from him, was engaged only with the enemys skirmish line. Our loss was 65 killed, 301 wounded, 56 missing; total, 422. The enemys loss, at their own estimate, was over 600 killed and wounded. I append a list of casualties. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. THOBURN, Colonel First West Virginia, Commanding. Capt. J. L. BOTSFORD, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of West Virginia. HDQRS. FIRST INFTY. Div., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA, Sandy hook, Md., August 7, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor of submitting to you the following report of the part taken by the First Infantry Division in the late engagement at Kerustown, near Winchester, July 24, 1864, and also the retreat therefrom At an early hour on the morning of the 24th, while lying in camp one and a half miles south of Winchester, I received orders to move the First Infantry Division to the front with as little delay as possi- ble, as the enemy was driving in our pickets and reported to be ad- vancing in force. In twenty minutes my command was in motion, and was directed to take position in a wood to the right and rear of Kernstown. I had occupied this same wood the ~lay before when an attack was expected, and had had the front and flanks strongly bar- ricaded with fence rails and logs, greatly improving the strength of the position. My command lay here until nearly noon, when I r Page 293 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 293 ceived orders to move one brigade across to the ridge in rear of Kernstown. I started in person with Colonel Elys brigade (the Second), leaving Colonel Wells, commanding First Brigade, to oc- cupy the woods. Shortly afterward an order was sent to him to move forward through a long belt of woods upward of a mile in length, rnnning west of Kernstown and parallel with the pike. In the mean time I arrived with the Second Brigade at the place indicated, when, in obedience to orders from General Crook, I pro- ceeded to the front and formed line of battle to the left of Colonel Mulligans division, where I was to hold my command in readiness to charge the enemy in the wood 500 yards to our front so soon as Colonel Mulligans line moved forward. Colonel Wells was at the same time directed to halt his command when he had advanced upon a line with the Second Brigade, and keep a strong skirmish line to his front. The wood in which he was moving was about 1,000 yards from the right of the Second Brigade. Colonel Elys skir- mishers became at once hotly engaged with the enemy. Colonel Mulligans division did not move forward as was expected, and an order came to me from General Crook to move forward with my brigade at once and drive the enemy out of the woods. A few minutes previous to the reception of this order I had observed indi- cations of a movement of the enemy to my right flank, and about the same time had receiv~d information from Colonel Wells to the same effect. This having been communicated to General Crook, I deemed it best to defer the forWard movement until he could be again heard from, as a forward movement would expose my right flank to an attack from the enemy. In a few minutes orders came not to move forward, but to move toward the right, and until the First and Second Brigades [sic] and move forward upon the enemy at once. While this was beingdone the enemys sharpshooters and skirmishers annoyed my line with a very brisk fire just as the right of Colonel Elys brigade had reached the wood in which Colonel Wells was posted. I received orders from General Crook to fall back slowly and in good order. I directed the skirmish line to be kept in its position as long as practicable, and had the com~mand move to the rear by left of regiments, so as to enable the whole command to move in low ground under cover from the enemys fire. My com- mand retired without any loss, except to the skirmish line, which suffered severely, a great many of whom are supposed to have been captured. On reaching the hill south of Winchester and west of the pike I was directed to form line of battle and hold the enemy in check as long as possible. Colonel Elys brigade was formed in line upon this hill, having a strong skirmish line out to the front, which was soon warmly engaged. I sent Colonel Wells with his brigade to the next hill, upon which the old fortifications stand, with instructions to take a good position and hold it until the Second Brigade had passed him. Colonel Elys brigade held the position on the hill until our command had all passed through and beyond the town, except a brigade of Colonel Duvals, which was several hundred yards to our right, when the enemys movements upon his left flank compelled him to fall back in order to prevent the enemy from getting to his rear. His command retired in good order, with the exception of the dismounted cavalry, which were with difficulty prevented from breaking and running. Seeing the difficulty of keeping them in order, I directed Major Sawyer to move at once to the rear and fol- low the train Page 294 294 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. tOHAP. XLIX. On reaching Fort Hill, I learned I hat Colonel Wells had been ordered with his brigade to proceed through Martinsburg, in guard of the wagon train, an dl received orders to retire very slowly and in line of battle, keeping out a good skirmish line toward the enemy. In passing over Fort Hill Colonel Elys brigade became separated, through some misapprehension, three of the reg- iments keeping along the ridge of hills in the line taken by Col- onel Duvals brigade. I, with the remaining two regiments, pro- ceeded to the rear on the left of the pike, keeping in line with Colonel Hayes brigade on the right. When a mile from Winchester I received orders to move more leisurely and let Colonel Duval, who was some distance to the left and rear, overtake me. Colonel Hayes brigade continued to advance, and I was left somewhat behind. A column of the enemys cavalry was following the retreating column on the right, and was about passing in advance of my two regiments. I deemed it expedient to oblique to t:he left and unite with the other three i~egiments of Colonel Elys brigade, and also form a junction with Colonel Duvals brigade. After forming this junction, I moved forward parallel with the pike and one-fourth of a mile distant from it. Our retreating forces on the pike and to the right of it had got far in advance of me, with the enemy in close pursuit. Night set in before I could overtake our forces, and procuring a guide, I con- tinued the march through the fields in the direction of Bunker Hill. The enemy sometimes appeared upon our right flank and would fire a few shots and retire. When wirhin two miles of Bunker Hill, I inclined to the right, so as to enter the pike. Emerging from a piece of dark, dense woods into the pike I discovered that my column had been broken, and that not more than 150 men were following me. I started these on the pike and returned with Colonel Curtis, of the Twelfth West Virginia, whose regiment was in the rear, to bring forward the command, supposing that the column had been broken in the dark wood and was but a short distance behind, the column being together when I entered the wood. On going back nothing could be heard of the command, and after passing through the wood and attempting to return discovered ourselves cut off by a force of rebel cavalry that was within fifteen paces of us before it was noticed. We jumped from our horses and sought cover in an adjoining field. This same body of cavalry, as I afterwards learned, had cut off the head of my column as it entered the wood and the main body had passed round to the right. I was unable to reach my command again during the retreat, but with Colonel Curtis succeeded in reaching the North Mountain and from thence to my command, which I over- took at Sandy Hook on the 28th of July. The accompanying reports of Colonels Wells and Ely will inform you what was done by them after I became separated from my command. The total casualties in the First Infantry Division were 6 killed, 52 wounded, and 108 missing. * Many of the missing may have ~scaped to points on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad west of Mar- tinsburg, and have not yet been able to join their regiments. I also append a list of casualties t from Colonel Mulligans division, now consolidated in the Third Brigade, of the First Division, under command of Colonel Campbell. * But see revised table, p. 288. t Embodied in table, p. 289 Page 295 29~5 Oiu~. XLIX] 0PERATIO~S tN SIIE~ANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. Colonel Harris gives a report from the brigade he then commanded, and the three regimental commanders of Lieutenant-Colonel Linton s brigade give separate reports of the parts taken by their respective regiments, Colonel Linton being disabled and absent. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. THOBURN, Colonel, Commanding Division. Capt. J. L. BOTSFORD Assistant Adjutant-General. Itinerary of the First Infantry Division, Department of West Virginia, July 124. * July 1.The division was at Gauley Bridge, in the Kanawha Valley, on its retreat from Lynchburg. It marched to Camp Piatt, on the Kanawha River; from thence in steamers to Parkersburg, W. Va.; thence by railroad to Cherry Run; then marched to Mar- tinsburg, Harpers Ferry, crossing over into Maryland. July 17.It recrossed the Potomac near Berlin and marched to Purcellville. July 18.Crossed Snickers Gap and forced the crossing of the Shenandoah about two miles below Snickers Ford. After a sharp engagement with the enemy the division was ordered to recross the river. July 21.We again advanced and reached Winchester. July 24.General Crooks command was defeated at Kerustown, four miles beyond Winchester, and the command fell back to Mar- tinsburg, and thence crossed the Potomac at Williamsport; finally arrived at Pleasant Valley, where it remained for a few days to clothe and recruit. No. 67. Report of Cot. George D. Wells, Thirty-Fourth Massachusetts In- fantry, commanding First Brigade, of engagement at Kerns- town. HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA, In the Field near Frederick Junction, Md., August 6, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the part taken by this brigade in the action at Winchester and the retreat from that place. On Saturday, at the advance, the division was moved out on the Cedar Creek road, and after some changes was posted in a wood near the center of our positiom this brigade having the right. We remained without incident during the afternoon, and I employed the time in making a very strong breast-work of rails and logs on the front and right flank of my position. On Sunday we were moved to the same place. After some little time the Second Brigade was moved out from the left, and my bri *Fro~ return for July, 1864 Page 296 296 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (ca~. XLIX. gade was placed in the position they vacated. Soon after I was ordered to advance in line of battle into a large woods in front of my left, and to proceed until further orders. While advancing I received directions to move on until my left should be opposite a cer- tain ridge, and there halt. I had just reached this position, throw- ing out a strong skirmish line, which was already slightly engaged, when I was ordered to look well to my right, and if the enemy ap- peared in force to charge them. After looking over .the ground, I concluded to throw forward the right of my line upon a little ridge in front, and was just executing the movement when I received or- ders to fall back immediately by the left of regiments, leaving the skirmish line behind. This was done in perfect order. Immediately upon our withdrawal a very heavy force appeared in our immediate front, and another body, sweeping in from the right, cut off my entire skirmish line from the main body, and succeeded in captur- ing a large number, those who escaped only saving themselves by running far round to the left. Just before reaching the brook, the brigade was brought together and marched by the flank toward the fortified hills. I was directed by Colonel Thoburn to take my bri- gade across the hollow to the first fort. The Thirty~fourth Massa- chusetts, being in the rear, was detached by order of General Crook and placed in another position. After halting for some time in this position I was ordered to accompany the wagon train to Bunker Hill. I asked if I should march before or behind. I was told to go along the train. I moved across the field toward the pike, but found on reaching it that I could only touch the rear of the train, which was in rapid motion. Behind the train were the bat- teries of artillery. I detached one regiment, ordering it to march in rear of all the artillery, and with the others pushed on on the left side of the pike, trying to overtake the head of the train. After marching three or four miles in about the same order, the wagons ahead began to trot and the batteries to double up. Soon I saw a large body of our cavalry coming up very rapidly on the right side of the pike and dash in by and among the wagons. The lieutenant commanding the Virginia battery rode up to me, stating that the enemy were at that moment charging upon the rear. I halted and formed my men, and as soon as the batteries passed formed line directly across the road, facing the rear. A cloud of our cavalry came by without officers, but I could gain no intelligence from them, nor did I see any indications of the enemy. Soon an aide of Colonel Thoburns came up, who reported that about 500 cavalry had passed between his (Second) brigade and that of Cole1 el Duval. About the same time I received a message from the c~oinmanding officer of my rear regiment, stating that a few of the eneny had demon- strated upon our flanking cavalry, driving them in upon his regi- ment, but that the demonstration was so slight he no even form line. He also stated that this p arty had moved off to the front and right, apparently to attack the train in advance. Upon this I immediately started along, moving on both sides of the road. I soon came upon wrecks of artillery and wagons, abandoned in a perfectly causeless and inexcusable panic. The enemy were never actually within a mile of the train. We remained at Bunker Hill that night, supported the batteries next morning, and accompanied them to Martinsburg. At Martins- burg I was posted on the Tuscarora road with three pieces of artil- lery, my line being formed at right angles with the road behind Page 297 CHAP. XLIX.] 0PERATJAI)NS IN SHENANDOAh VALLEY, ETC. 297 stone wall, and overlooking the approach in that direction. After an hour or two the enemy appeared and planted some guns on my left flank, so as to completely enfilade my position and render that entire hill utterly untenable. I was obliged to shift the infantry to the other side of the wall. The artillery with me opened upon the enemys battery, as did other artillery stationed with Colonel Duval, and the rebel battery was obliged to shift its position frequently. While this was progressing a staff officer of General Duffi~ (as I understood) came up and withdrew the artillery, stating that the line of retreat was by the Williamsport road, and advising me to go along soon. I subsequently, however, received a message from Col- onel Duval to the effect that he had been placed in command of operations there, and that it was General Crooks desire that we should give them a try, and not fall back before cavalry or unless an overpowering force of infantry should appear. I accordingly waited and watched. Running around from the left of my position where the enemys battery was posted, to and across the Tuscarora road in my immediate front, and so indefinitely to my right, was a heavy piece of woods, reaching down to within about three-quarters of a mile of my line. Between me and this wood were rolling cleared fields, intersected by stone fences. All along this wood the enemy began to demonstrate, bnt nowhere appearing in force. Just to the left of the woods, however, near the Winchester pike, I could plainly see a large number massed. These were in full view for an hour or two, when I perceived a movement among them, and ultimately a line advancing. That portion of this line was considerably larger than that of my own brigade, and its left flank was moving in the woods and hidden. It advanced in line directly upon my left flank. At the same time the artillery which was with Colonel Duval lim- bered up and left the field, leaving the enemys artillery without any check. As this line advanced I could see a strong and regular skir- mish line appear at the edge of the woods on my front, advancing upon the Tuscarora road. Whether there was any infantry line behind this I could not ascertain. It was impossible to change front to face this advance upon the left flank, as the entire ground was covered at very short range by the enemys artillery. I waited until the skirmish line of the advance was near, and then moved by the right flank by file-right into the road, intending to form in eche- lon with Colonel Harris brigade, which was in position in rear of my line and at right angles with it. After halting and forming my line I saw that Colonel Harris was coming back, and he soon joined me in the road. All this left the enemy free to occupy the line which I had just vacated, and gave him a perfect shelter from which lie could enfilade our new line. His skirmishers came up along our new front, firing briskly, but I soon received intelligence that he was making the movement I dreaded, and that a column was creep- ing up along the stone wall toward the road, and would soon be upon our flank again. At the same time I could see skirmishers on our extreme right in such position as to enable the enemy if in force to cut us off in a very short time from the Williamsport pike. Whether he was in force in that direction or not I could not of course ascertain. From the force which I saw of the enemy, and the condition of my own men, I was certain that we could not re- pulse his attack, and that if we awaited for it we should be driven back in confusion. In addition to this were the demonstrations on our right, which I believed to be only feints, but which, if prece Page 298 298 OPERThOI~S m ~. VA., W. VA., MD., AM~ ?.~. [O~. ~4X. ing a real attack from that direction, would have rendered our retreat impossible in thirty minutes later. Under these circumstances I thought it proper to fall back at once when I could do so in order and without loss. Colonel Harris was very strongly of the same opinion. I waited until I was informed that the enemy were well into position behind the stone fence on my right, and then fell back across the hill, taking the pike near where it crosses the railroad. I remained in position on the pike until after dark, whde the cavalry with Duvals division were reoccupying the town, and then brought up the rear in the march to Williamsport. I remained at that place the next morning, holding the ford until the entire army had crossed, and then brought up the rear to Pleasant Valley. The command lost but Piw men by casualties, and not many from straggling or desertion during the retreat. Under all the disheart- ening circumstances, and with the knowledge felt by every private that we were acting and maneuvering in the face of an enemy out- numbering us more than three to one, the command kept its organi- zation, discipline, and steadiness remarkably well. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. D. WELLS Colonel Thirty-fourth Massachusetts, Gomdg. Brig. Lieut. F. L. BALLARD, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 58. Report of Capt. Herman L. Emmons, jr., Fifth New York Heavy Artillery, of operations May 25-July 29. HDQRS. FIRsT BATT., FIFTH NEW YORK HEAVY ARTY., Camp at Halltown, Va., July 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith an official statement of the transactions of the First Battalion (Companies A, B, C, and D), of the Fifth New York Volunteer Artillery, during the recent cam- paign of the Army of the Shenandoah in Western Virginia. Pursuant to orders the battalion left Harpers Ferry, W. Va., on the 25th of May last and arrived at the main army at Cedar Creek, Va., on the 28th of that month, and were immediately brigaded with the First Brigade, First Infantry Division. The army soon after proceeded up the Valley of the Shenandoah and met the enemy on the morning of June 5, pushing them forward until a stand was made at Piedmont, where an engagement ensued in which the enemy were routed, losing their commanding general and many prisoners. In this action those of the battalion engaged, with very few exceptions, behaved with marked bravery. On the ensuing day the army marched to Staunton, Va., thence, via Lexington and Buchanan, to Liberty, encamping a few miles be- yond on the night of June 16. Continuing the march toward Lynchburg on the 17th, the advance met the enemy, about 4 p. in., intrenched, but pushed them from their first line of intrenchinents, skirmishing continuing until dark, when the advance reached a position opposite the enemys second line of intrenchinents, about three miles northwest of Lynchburg. During the 18th brisk skirmishing took place along the whole line, and, the enemy having been strongly re-enforced, the general coin- inanding the Union army ordered a retreat, which was acco~p1i.lw Page 299 CRAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 299 in admirable order, the army reaching Gauley Bridge, Ta., June 29, via Liberty, Salem, New Castle, and the Hawks Nest. After a brief rest the army proceeded down the Kanawha and up the Ohio River by boat to Parkersburg, thence by railroad to Cherry Run, thence marched, via Martinsburg, Harpers Ferry, Berlin (where the Poto- mac River was forded), and Waterford, to Snickers Gap, Va. On the 18th of July the division in which the battalion was bri- gaded crossed the Shenandoah River near the gap, and had a severe engagement with the enemy near the ford, the battalion suffering heavily in killed and wounded, but behaving with great intrepidity. In this action I regret to report that the commanding officer of the battalion, Lieut. Col. Edward Murray, was severely wounded and taken prisoner. His bravery in this and previous engagements won for him the respect and esteem of officers and men. On July 22 the army moved to Winchester via Berryville. On the 24th the enemy were reported to be moving on Winchester from the southeast, and the army advancQd to meet them, but find- ing them in too great force retreated in good order via Bunker Hill to Martinsburg, and thence to Williamsport, Md., skirmishing all the way; thence the army marched via Boonsborough, Sharpsburg, and Pleasant Valley to Halltown, Va. Within the limits of this paper it would be impracticable to give an accurate idea of the trials, privations, and difficulties which beset the army during this brief but eventful campaign. The country through which it passed upon the retreat from Lynchburg was so utterly destitute of forage and provisions, and the impracticability of transporting army stores so great, that nothing but the consum- mate tact and ability displayed by the commanding general in mov- ing the troops saved them from great loss and perhaps demoraliza- tion. In commenting upon the conduct of the soldiers composing the battalion (with very few exceptions) during the wearisome marches necessity obliged them to ma e, and the various engagements with the .enemy in which they participated, I cannot speak in too high terms of praise. Where so many have shown such fortitude and bravery it is difficult to select names for especial mention,, but for courage and efficiency I would respectfully recommend for promo- tion First Lieut. Charles C. Doherty, Second Lients. James Whitney, William H. Boyle, Israel C. Disosway, and George G. Nellis, and First Sergts. Frederick K. Hewitt and Henry P. Jackson. For good conduct before the enemy I would also make honorable mention of Color-Sergeants Helting and Carroll, Sergeants Whit- ney, Bonner, and Ashwell, Corporals Crowe, Rockwell and Halpin, and Privates Boerum, Watkins, Reiber, Whittaker, and Alex. Mc- Clure. For the efficient aid rendered the battalion in the faithful discharge of their duties great credit is due Asst. Surg. Samuel R. Elliott, Adjt. William H. Boyle, and Quartermaster E. W. Andrews, jr. The list of casualties/~ which I have the honor to submit here- with, attests the bravery of the men in every action in which the battalion has been engaged. H. L. EMMONS, JR., Capt.. Comdg. First Batt., Fifth New York Vol. Arty. Col. SAMUEL GRAHAM, comdg. Fifth New York Volunteer Artillery. *Not found Page 300 800 OPERATIONS IN N VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. No. ~9. Reports of Gol. William G. Ely, Eighteenth Connecticut Infantry, commanding regiment and Second Brigade, of engagements at Snickers Ferry and Kernsto wn. HDQRS. EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT CONNECTICUT VOLS., Snickers Gap, July 19, 1864. SIR: In compliance with orders from Colonel Thoburn, command- ing Second Brigade, on the 18th instant the Eighteenth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers crossed the Shenandoah River immediately in rear of the Second Eastern Shore Maryland Volunteers, and was formed on the right of our first line of battle. Our orders were to hold our front, but in case of an attack on our right flank to change front forward on first company. Soon after the Fourth Vir- ginia Volunteers was formed on our right and the order to pro- tect that flank was given to them. Our line had been formed abont forty minutes when the rebels attacked our skirmishers in front and on the flanks, and moved several regiments over the hill on our right, two of which engaged us in front while five others moved rapidly to the right of our line of battle. The regimental commander on our right was about protecting his flanks by two companies of his re~i- ment, when the enemy enfiladed and drove his command from t e lot. My flank then being unprotected, I changed direction to the rear on tenth company to avoid being enfiladed. I could not then change front forward, because it would have thrown my command into the fire of our own troops, which had just been stationed behind the stone wall on our left. With the right of my line resting on a wall parallel to the river and the left on a wall forming right angles with the river, we continued to fight, and were evidently repulsing their charges without any great exertions and with as little loss as could be expected. Suddenly several large regiments on our left broke and dashed into the river, and the rebel fire became more con- centrated each moment. At that time, seeing no colors in the open field except my own, I ordered the regiment to fall back behind the stone wall. Here with the Second Eastern Shore Maryland Volunteers, Col- onel Rodgers commanding, we made another stand. Seeing all other troops in sight rushing across the river without any attempt to rally, Colonel Rodgers and myself agreed that it was folly for us to remain alone. I gave the order for my soldiers to cross and rally on the crest of the opposite hill. While fighting my officers and soldiers fought to my entire satis- faction, and did not leave the field until I ordered them to do so. Hoping that our conduct may have met your approval, I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. G. ELY, Colonel Eigthteenth Connecticut Vols., Comdg. Regt. Lient. J. H. RIDER, Actg. Asgt. Adjt. Gen., Second Brigade, First Infty. Division. P. S.Inclosed please find an accurate list of our casualties. * Shows 7 killed, 25 wounded, 2 missing Page 301 Cui~. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 301 HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST INFANTRY Div., Wolfsville, Aid., August 2, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to send you the following report, in com- pliance with orders received from division headquarters this p. m. On the morning of July 24 my command was ordered to proceed without delay to a rail fortification southwest of the town of Win- chester. In twenty minutes the order was executed, and the Second Brigade occupied the left of the rail fortifications, where we re- mained until noon. We were next ordered to form in line of battle parallel to the Winchester and Strasburg pike, two miles south of Winchester. At this time the left of General Crooks command was skirmishing heavily. Immediately after taking our first po- sition I was notified that we should be called upon to charge. We prepared to execute the order by taking down the fences in our front. The next order was to move the left of my brigade for- ward at right angles with the road and move the whole brigade farther to the right. This movement placed First and Twelfth Vir- ginia Volunteers within easy range of the enemys skirmish fire. The line of skirmishers, under command of Maj. R. H. Brown, was pushed forward from the Second Brigade to protect its front, and was hotly engaged. The forces on our left (Colonel Mulligans) were then firing from line of battle. The enemy showed no disposition to attack us strongly in front, but rather a desire for us to advance, while we could see them moving forces along the brow of the hills on our right, preparatory to a flank movement, Orders then came from Colonel Thoburn to move the whole quickly by the right flank to- ward the hills. While executing this order the enemy annoyed us so much by their fire that I was compelled to order the regiments, as they passed over the rising ground, to face by the left flank and fire by rank into an orchard where the rebels were strongly posted. On reaching the hills, Colonel Thoburn ordered me to move the brigade by the left of regiments to the rear. The order was executed, and the course of our march directed to the main fortifications west of Winchester. At this same time the rebels charged our skirmish line, capturing Major Brown, Twelfth Virginia, and Lieutenant Briggs, Twelfth Virginia, and about fifty privates. On reaching the first hill west of Winchester, we again formed a line of battle and deployed skirmishers, and other commands passed by, leaving us as rear guard. Our skirmishers were quickly engaged, and the dismounted cavalry, under command of Major Sawyer (Lieuten- ant-Colonel Young having been wounded), behaving badly, was ordered to the rear. After engaging the enemy until the other troops had reached the main fortifications, we followed, holding the enemy in check with our skirmish lines. At the main fortifica- tions the First and Fourth Virginia Volunteers were placed in sup- port of a section of artillery, and remained until the artillery had left, and were then ordered to follow their brigade. When we reached the foot of the hill our retreat was continued in line of bat- tle, frequently leaving one or two regiments in rear to check the advance of the enemy. About one mile north of Winchester I or- dered out a skirmish line to protect our rear, and placed it under command of Adjutant Caldwell, Twelfth Virginia Volunteers. The rebels charged on our right flank, capturing most of the line, Adju- tant Caldwell narrowly escaping. We continued our march unde Page 302 302 OPERATIONS IN N. VA.. W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. direction of Colonel Thoburn, bearing off to the left of the Mar. tinsburg p ike. Three miles from Winchester the command was halted an care ully reformed in line of battle and joined by Colonel Duvals brigade, which had been marching on our left. The entire force now moved forward under direction of Colonel Thoburn. At about 12 oclock, owing to the density of the woods and darkness, we were compelled to impress a citizen guide for his immediate neighborhood. We camped that night at Gerrardstown, and at 4 a. in., on the morning o the 25th instant, continued our march. At 8 a. m. we arrived in Martinsburg. The command being completely drenched by rain, I ordered it to be quartered in two large vacant storehouses in the center of the town and remain long enough to make coffee and dry their clothes. About 2 p. m. we received an order from General Crook to accompany the wagon train as guard to Williamsport, Md. With the conduct of the officers and soldiers of the Second Bri- gade, except a part of the dismounted cavalry, I was gratified. They faithfully executed all that they were ordered to do, and showed a disposition to execute any further orders cheerfully. While Colonel Young was in command of the dismounted cavalry it conducted itself creditably. To Lieut. J. P. Rockwell, acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieutenant Hall, acting assistant quartermaster, I am indebted for zealous and efficient assistance on the field. Accompanying please find a list* of casualties in the Second Bri- gade. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. G. ELY, Colonel Eighteenth Conn. Vols., Comdg. Second Brigade. Lient. F. L. BALLARD, Acty. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Infantry Division. N. B.A number of the missing are known to be wounded, but they are reported as such in the list of casualties only when there is no doubt as to the name. No. 60. Report of Col. Jacob 31. Campbell, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania In- fantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations July 26-26. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST INFANTRY DIVISION, Pleasant Valley, Md., August 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor herewith to transmit the official report of Colonel Harris, who commanded the First Brigade, Third Division, in the recent battle at and retreat from Winchester, Va.; also the regimental reports of the Eleventh and Fifteenth Virginia and Fifty- fourth Pennsylvania, of the part taken by them in the same action. These latter regiments constituted the Second Brigade, of the Third Division, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Linton, of the Fifty- * Embodied in table, p. 288 Page 303 3Q~ w. XLIL] QPERATIO~S U~ SHENANt~OAH VALLEY~ ETC. fourth Pennsylvania, the whole being under command of Col. 3. A. Mulligan, of the Twenty-third Illinois, and constituting the Third Division, Army of the Kanawha. I am not able to add anything of importance or interest to these reports, as II was not present during the battle, having just arrived at Winchester as our forces were retreating through the town, nor did I see any of the forces of the division until the morning of the 25th of July, when I was ordered by General Crook to take command of the division. On that day I found a portion of the force under the coin- mand of Lieutenant-Colonel Linton on the road between Bunker Hill and Martinsburg, on their way to the latter p lace. I assumed command and continued to gain accessions to the division as we pro- ceeded to Martinsburg and Williamsport. At Martinsburg we were drawn up in line of battle with the troops of the Second Division, but in the charge through the town we did not participate, having been ordered to support a battery upon an eminence overlooking the town. We left Martinsburg about 8 oclock on the evening of the 25th, and arrived at the Po- tomac, opposite Williamsport, about 2 a. m. of the same night, without molestation from the enemy. A list of casualties of the division accompanies this report. The aggregate of killed, wounded, and missing is 317. Col. J. A. Mulligan, commanding the division, was mortally wounded and left on the field. Lient. Col. J. P. Linton, command- ing Second Brigade was severely injured by his horse falling, by which his collar bone was broken. iNo field officer being left with the brigade the command devolved upon Capt. J. Suter, of the Fifty- fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Upon the arrival of the command at Pleasant Valley on the 27th ultimo, the troops of the Third Division were consolidated into a brigade and designated as the Third Brigade, of the First Division. This will in a measure account for the irregular and informal man- ner of this report. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. CAMPBELL, Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade. Lieut. F. L. BALLARD, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 61. Report of Capt. James J. Fitzgerald, Twenty-third illinois in fantry, of operations July 2325. HDQRS. TwENTY-THIRD REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY, Camp, Sandy Hook, Md., July 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper- ations of this regiment on the 23d, 24th, and 25th instants, viz: On the 23d, at about 9 a. in., my command, consisting of 1 cap- tain, 1 first lieutenant, acting adjutant, 3 second lieutenants, and 280 enlisted men, was formed in line of battle, and advanced wit Page 304 304 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAI. XLIX. the general line about one and one-half miles. During the day it was under arms, in line, or maneuvering. There was no engage- ment, except between the skirmishers. Toward night, the enemy having been driven back, the regiment fell back to the ground occu- pied by the enemys skirmishers in the morning, where the men rested on their arms in line of battle uiitil morning. There are no casualties to report during this day. On the 24th, about 9 a. in., the presence of the enemy being man- ifest by sharp firing in the front, the regiment with the other bat- talions advanced in line of battle about one mile, when we took a position behind a stone wall, where the men laid down and remained about an hour. Having been subjected to an enfilading fire on our right, we fell back about 400 yards across an open meadow, and were posted behind an open board fence, which the men strength- ened with rails. After remaining here some time our line again advanced at a double-quick to a position in advance of the first one, driving back the enemy. Soon after, however, the regiment fell back behind the stone wall it occupied in the morning, where it lay down until our skirmishers were driven back to the line, when a furious struggle ensued. But the enemy advancing on our front in great force, the line of the brigade on our left having been crushed in and forced back, thus exposing our whole line to a cross-fire, while the battalion on our rightthe gallant Tenth West Virginia Volun- teer Infantrywas flanked on its right and exposed to a destructive cross-fire, the entire brigade becoming enveloped and liable to be captured, I ordered my command, which at that time was hotly engaged and unwavering, to fall back. It did so at a double-quick through the meadow and up the hill, where a battery had been posted under a most disastrous fire and in considerable confusion. I soon rallied my command, but seeing no reserve line nor any line to form on, I conducted it into the fortifications. Here I found Lieutenant-Colonel Linton with a portion of his brigade, to whom I reported with my command. Thence we retreated in good order about three-quarters of a mile, when we faced about and marched back about 400 yards to a stone wall, where we halted in line of battle. This line did not exceed in numbers 400. There came pour- ing over and through us stragglers who could not be rallied. Hav- ing no supports, being in range of the enemys muskets, men with and without arms rushing between us and the foe, thereby preventing us from firing, and meanwhile subjected to a fire from their gnus, which had got the range, we were compelled to fall back. While so doing, just at dark an effort was made to rally the stragglers, of which there were large numbers, but without effect. At this mo- ment an officer, of what name, rank, or command I do not know, most strenuously aided and assisted me in this effort. Seeing it could not be done, the men flying in all directions toward the rear, I rallied most of what men were left of my command and marched them on the mountain road toward Martinsburg, within a mile of which they arrived and halted about 4 a. m. of the 25th, on which day my men were at or near Martinsburg, in line of battle or ma- neuVering, until night, when we retreated to Wilhiamsport, Md. During this time the officers of niy command conducted them- selves with great coolness, skill, and bravery, and I am greatly in- debted to them, as also to the non-commissioned officers, for their promptness in executing orders in the field and on the retreat Page 305 CHAP. XLIX.] OIPERATIOKS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 305 The following is a summary of the casualties, all of which oc- curred on the 24th: Killed, enlisted men, 13; wounded, officers, 3; enlisted men, 60; missing, 37 ; total, 113. I have nearly ready a detailed statement of the casualties, which I will send you. JAMES J. FITZGERALD, Captain, Ciomdg. Twenty-third Illinois Vol. Infantry. Col. T. M. HARRIS, Commanding First Brigade, Third Division. No. 62. Report of ilfaj. Enoch D. Yutzy, Fifty-four.th Pennsylvania In fantry, of engagement at Kernstown. HDQRS. FIFTY-FOURTH REGT. PA. VOL. INFTY., In the Field, near Sandy Hook, Md., August 7, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the p art taken by the Fifty-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry in the battle of Winchester, on the 24th day of July, 1864: I received orders at about 8 a. in. of the 24th July to form my regiment immediately and support the Upshur Battery (Battery E, First West Virginia). The regiment took a position about 100 yards to the front and right of the battery, forming the extreme riglit of our line, and about three-quarters of a mile to the right of the turn- pike leading to Strasburg. One section of the battery having been sent to the front about 300 yards, at about 9 a. in., two companies, Land M, of the regiment, commanded by Lieut. Nathan Davis, were sent to support this section, and formed on the right, in the woods, where they remained, skirmishing with the enemys sharpshooters, until the close of the engagement. At about 10 oclock the two re- maining sections of the battery moved forward and to the left, tak- ing a position near Kernstown, on the right of the turnpike, my regiment forming on the left of the pike, in the edge of an orchard, where it remained about half an hour, when the battery took a posi- tion to the rear, and the regiment, following its movements, formed behind a stone wall about 100 yards to the rear, where it remained about twenty minutes, when tlie regiment was ordered to fall back about 1~50 yards and formed behind a rail fence, where it remained about fifteen minutes. The regiment was ordered to retake the stone wall, if possible, which was done without much difficulty. The reg- iment was here rejoined by the rest of the Third Brigade, viz, the Eleventh and Fifteenth West Virginia Regiments. The brigade was then ordeied forward, and had crossed the stone wall and ad- vanced about thirty yards when the order was received to fall back. Soon after this a general retreat commenced, and continued to Bun- ker Hill, where we halted about midnight. The brigade formed several times to the right of Winchester to cover the retreat, and never fell back without orders from the brigade commander, Lieut. Col. John P. Linton, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. The regiment lost, killed, 1; wounded, 14; missing, 34. E. D. YUTZY, M~jor, 6Yomdg. Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Vol. Infty. Col. T. M. HARRIS, Commanding First Brigade, Third Division. 20 R RVOL XXXvII, PT Page 306 306 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (Ow.. XLIX. No. 63. Report of Ma.j. Henry H. Withers, Tenth West Virginia Infantry, of operations July 2326. HDQRS. TENTH REGT. WEST VIRGINIA JNFTY. VOLS., Camp near Sandy Hook, Md., July 27, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this regiment in the battle of and subsequent retreat from near Winchester, Va.: On the morning of the 23d, while preparing for review and inspec- tion, slight skirmishing was heard a few hundred yards in our front on the right of the Strasburg road, and my command, consisting of 7 captains, 6 first lieuj~enants, 4 second lieutenants, and 1 first lieu- tenant, acting adjutant, and 544 enlisted men, was formed in line of battle and marched a short distance to a stone fence, from which we afterward advanced across the Strasburg road, a little to the right and beyond Kernstown, to the skirt of woods in which the skirmish- ing seemed to be going on. Found the enemy driven back by our cavalry skirmishers, and I was then ordered back to the stone fence from which we had advanced, and remained all night. Next morning, the 24th, skirmishing seemed to commence about the same time and place, in which two companies, B and G, of my command participated. Meantime I was again ordered to take the regiment forward in line of battle, and accordingly proceeded to a stone fence beyond the stone church, where we remained but a short time, without, however, encountering the enemy. I was then ordered back with the other battalion composing the brigade (Twenty-third Illinois) to the crest of a small elevation, with directions for the men of my command to lie down, in which position the regiment remained probably not longer than fifteen minutes, when it was ordered to fall back and form line behind a paling fence running nearly perpen- dicular to our line of battle. Here we received a pretty severe fire from the skirmish line of the enemy, which was posted in the woods then directly in our front and so sheltered as to prevent our seeing them. Finding 2 men of the regiment killed and some 8 or 10 wounded, I suggested to you that it was expensive to lie there, and was at once ordered to fall back to the stone fence in our rear, per- pendicular then to our line, which was executed, and after remain- ing behind this fence half an hour or more I was ordered to advance the regiment in line of battle beyond the stone church. I gave the order to forward and the regiment at once commenced the double- quick and went whooping till the right came in contact with the paling fence, when, instead of passing on through the palings, com- menced halting and forming nearly a perpendicular line on the right by file. This was without my order, but finding the enemy posted in edge of woods as before, who again opened upon us a brisk fire, and finding I should be compelled to move by the flank several huudred yards in order to reach the ground mentioned upon which to form line under a severe fire, which would have been left in rear of my right flank, I ordered them to commence firing, and had it continued until I went over and saw you and obtained orders to fall back again behind the stone fence. In this movement the fire of the enemy, which seemed to be rendered harmless by our fire, was resumed with fatal effects to several of the officers and men of my command. The regiment had scarcely resumed its former position behind the stone fence when a strong skirmish line of the enemy made its appear Page 307 C,i.& i.. XLIL] OPERATIONS IN SHI~NANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 307 ance in Federal uniform on the opposite side of the field, who opened a brisk fire upon us, and crossing the fence, soon commenced form- ing line and advancing upon us, which they did under a destructive fire from our whole line. Just now the lamented Colonel Mulligan made his appearance, passing to the right of our regiment and re- turning, cheering our boys most enthusiastically, when all at once, without any justifiable cause that I was then able to discover, the right of the regiment began to give way, apparently in great con- fusion. I hastened at once to the right, endeavoring to intercept all I could and return them to the line, but on reaching those who were retreating found our right enfiladed and subject to a cross-fire so intense as to make it impracticable, to form them in line had they been disposed to stop. On turning again to the line it seemed to be gradually giving way by fits. I then took a stand farther up the hill and tried to form line and check the enemy until the whole line could form as it fell back, but the fire of the enemy seemed more - destructive than ever, and several men falling in our midst, I found it entirely useless to make further efforts to rally them, and the whole line seeming to be in full retreat and broken up proceeded to the top of the hill near the foL~t, where, assisted by yourself and others, suc~ ceeded in forming the principal part of the regiment in line, and from the fort retreated in good order to Gerrardstown, taking a direction parallel to the road leading to Martinsburg. On arriving at Mar- tinsburg I threw out a line of pickets, who discovered the approach of the enemys advance, and after the repulse of the enemy at this place marched with General Crooks command, crossing the river at Williamsport, where we arrived tl~e night of the 25th and encamped. During the engagement at Winchester and the retreat following, the officers and men of my command evinced every disposition to obey orders and behave as soldiers. The following is an account of casualties occurring on the day of battle (July 24) Killed, enlisted men, 12; wounde4, officers, 4; en- listed men, 53; missing, enlisted men, 43. The officers wounded were Capt. L. M. Marsh, Company E, who fell in hands of the enemy. Lient. B. F. Shreve, Company E, who also fell in enemys hands. Lieut. Benjamin Moats, an K, and Lient. A. Wilson, Company A, who succeeded in making their escape from enemy. Accompanying this is a detailed account of the casualties of en- listed men. * HENRY H. WITHERS, Major, Gomdg. Tenth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry. Col. T. M. HARRIS, Comdg. First Brigade, Third Diiision. No. 64. Report of Capt. James W. Myers, Eleventh West Virginia In fantry, of engagement at Kernstown. HDQRS. BATT. ELEVENTH W. VIRGINIA INETY. VOLS., Wolfsville, Md., August 2, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to forward the following as a report of the part taken by the battalion of the Eleventh West Virginia Infantry I have under my command, at the recent engagement near Winches- tex~, Va., and the retreat therefrom July 24, 1864. * Embodied in table, p. 289 Page 308 808 OPERATIONS IN N. VA.~ W. VA., MD., AND PA. [OH~. XLIX. We occupied a position on the right of the road leading to Kerns- town, and at the commencement of the engagement I was ordered with the Fifteenth West Virginia Volunteers forward, the two regi- ments being detached from the brigade. We advanced, skirmishing, to a stone fence, about a quarter of a mile beyond Kernstown, where we remained, constantly exchanging fire with the enemy, until or- dered by Lieutenant King, acting aide-de-camp, to retire, when we did so, rallying behind a second line of stone fence, where we re- mained a short time and were again ordered to retire to near Kerns- town, which we did. We remained here but a short time, when the whole line retiring and the enemy appearing on our flank we fell back to the point north of Winchester near the fortifications. The retreat having become general, the command became somewhat scat- tered and retreated in some confusion to Bunker Hill, where the most of the command was collected and encamped for the night. The next day we marched to Martinsburg. The fact that this com- mand was detached from the brigade in the early part of the engage- ment, thus leaving us without knowledge of a point on which to rally,J consider a reason for the confusion arising. Some of the offi- cers and men were cut off from the command and did not join it until its arrival at Martinsburg. On the arrival of the regiment at Williamsport, 25th July, it was halted and moved by way of Sharpsburg to Harpers Ferry. Ihave the honor herewith to forward a list ofcasualties*inmy command. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES W. MYERS, Capt., Comdg. Battalion Eleventh W. Va. Infty. Vols. Lient. C. W. KIRBY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 65. Report of JIIaj. Milton Wells, Fifteenth West Virginia Infantry, of engagement at Kernstown. HDQRS. FIFTEENTH WEST VIRGINIA VOL. INFANTRY, Camp near Sandy Hook, 3~fd., August 7, 11864. SIR: In accordance with circular from headquarters just received, I forward the following report of the part taken by our regiment in the late engagement at Winchester on the 24th ultimo, as reported to me by Adjt. J. W. Holliday, who was present. during the time the regiment was engaged, I myself being absent in hospital, and the commandant of the regiment now being absent: On or about 9 oclock on t~ie 24th ultimo the regiment was ordered under arms and moved to a position on the Winchester and Staun- ton turnpike near Kerustown, where we remained until about 11 oclock, when we were ordered to the front. Company I~( being thrown out as skirmishers, the line advanced to an orchard near the town, where we first met the fire of the enemy; from thence we ad- vanced to a stone fence in our front, wh~re we kept up a hot fire until the enemy began to flank us on the left and give us an enfilad- ing fire. We then changed front to n~eet them in that direction, * Embodied in table, p. 289 Page 309 309 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. which position we maintained until the lines began to break on our right and left, when Captain McCaskey took command and ordered the regiment to fall back. which was done iu good order for some distance, but the enemy bringing their batteries to bear on our retreating column, caused the command to break and fall back in confusion. They were, however, rallied before reaching the old forts built by General Milroy, where they were again brought into line of battle and ordered to hold our position until our cavalry should form in our rear, which we did. The enemy again opened on us with artillery, and after firing several rounds the regiment again retreated, not in the best of order, which was the last position taken by it in line of battle during the retreat. The list of casualties during the engagement were as follows: 4 killed, 7 wounded, and 14 missing, of the latter several are now with the regiment at this date. Yours, MILTON WELLS, Major, Gomdg. Fifteenth Regt. W. Va., lufty. Vols. Lieut. C. W. KIRBY Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 66. Report of Got. Isaac H. Duval, Ninth West Virginia Infantry, com manding Second Infantry Division, of operations July 2325. HDQRS. 2D INFANTRY DIV., ARMY OF WEST VIRGINIA, Summit Point, Va., September 13, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor herewith to make the following re- port of the part taken by the Second Infantry Division, Army of West Virginia, in the actions of July 23 and 24 at Winchester, Va., and July 25, 1864, at Martiusburg, Va.: On the morning of July 23, the enemy having made his appear- ance on the Valley pike near Kernstown, driving in our cavalry, I received orders from the general commanding to get my command under arms and move one brigade out on the road and form it on the left of Colonel Mulligans division. I, therefore, ordered the First Brigade (consisting of the Fifth and Thirteenth Virginia, Twenty-third and Thirty-sixth Ohio Regiments, commanded by Col. R. B. Hayes, Twenty-third Ohio), which took position as di- rected. With the Second Brigade (Ninth and Fourteenth Virginia, Thirty-fourth and Ninety-first Ohio Regiments, Col. D. D. Johnson, Fourteenth Virginia, commanding). I was ordered to proceed on the Romney pike to guard that (the right) flank, where I i~emaiued until ordered by the general commanding to withdraw and go into camp near the town of Winchester, which I did, throwing out a strong picket on the roads approaching the town from the west. Colonel Hayes having received orders direct from the general commanding, went into camp with the main body of troops near Springtown Mills, one and a half miles south of Winchester, the enemy having retired without giving battle. On the morning of July 24 the enemy again appeared in force. My command t~k the same position as on the previous day. Colonel Hayes (First) brigade on the left of Colonel Mulligans division, where it continued to act until our forces were compelled to fal Page 310 810 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. tC~HAr. XIJIX. hack, being largely outnumbered and flanked by the enemy, when it was ordered to retire on the east side of the Martinsburg pike covering the rear of our forces on that sidepf the road, no enemy having appeared in front of the Second Brigade on the west side of the town until about the time our main line began to retire, when he made a rapid movement in force on right dank (the posi- tion held by the Second Brigade), with evident intentions of cut- ting off our retreat and, if possible, capturing our trains. I received orders from the general commanding to check and hold him until other dispositions of our forces (which were then being driven back on the main road, the enemy pressing heavily with his infantry, cavalry, and artillery) could be made. I succeeded in checking his first line and holding him until I received orders from the general commanding to fall back on the west side of the Martinsburg pike, and to cover the rear of our forces, then retreating in the direction of Martinsburg. Here the gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw, command- ing Thirty-fourth Ohio. was mortally wounded. He was brought off the field and died during the night. I fell back very gradually, maintaining my line of battle for six miles, being closely pressed the entire distance by cavalry and artillery. I attempted to gain the main road just before dark, but the enemy having pushed a large force up the road and keeping possession of it compelled me to con- tinue my retreat through the country. I, however, was at no time more than three-fourths of a mile from the road. I halted about daylight one mile from Martinsburg, where I remained until about 10 a. m. July 25, when I received orders from the general com- manding to take position with my division in front of Martinsburg, forming the extreme left of our lines, where we remained skirmishing with the enemy until about 3p.m., when we retired through and beyond the town, taking position near the cavalry, which was formed a short distance out on the Williamsport road. The rebel cavalry having followed us closely and taking the place as we retire d our cavalry charged and drove the enemy through and beyond th~ town, my division supporting. We held the place until about 6p. in., when we retired to and with the main force on the Williamsport pike; arrived at the Potomac River at 2 a. m. on the 26th of July. I was- with the Second Brigade, Col. D. D. Johnson commanding, during the engagement at and retreat from Winchester, and can cheerfully bear testimony as to its gallantry, and have good reasons to be proud of the First Brigade and of the efficient manner in which it was maneuvered by its brave and gallant commander, Col R. B. - Hayes. For particulars, I refer you to the accompanying reports of brigade commanders. I am much indebted to my staffCapt. G. W. Hicks, acting assist- ant inspector-general, Lieut. C. B. Hayslip, acting assistant adjutant- general, Lieut. J. W. Overturf, aide-de-camp, Lient. A.F. Kendall, acting commissary o~ubsistence, Lieut. J. C. Merrill, acting assist- ant quartermasterfor efficient services rendered during the engage- ments. The casualties are: Killed, 45; wounded, 285; missing, 183; total, 613. I am, sir, very respectfully, & c., I. H. DUVAL, [Capt. P. G. BIER, Colonel, fiommanding. Assistant Adjutant-General. Page 311 (ktp. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 311 No. 67. Report of Cot. Rutherford B. Hayes, Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations July 2325. HDQRS. 1ST BRIG., 2D JNFTY. Div., DEPT. OF W. VA., Pleasant I/alley, Md., August 8, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In accordance with directions this day received from division headquarters, I have the honor to submit the follow- ing report of the part taken by the troops under my command in the actions of July 23, 24, and 25, 1864, in the Shenandoah Valley: On the 23d the First Brigade was camped on the Staunton p ike, about one mile south of Winchester. About 9 a. m. I was ordered to march the brigade toward and, if the enemy was not in too great force, through Kernstown, and to push the enemy far enough to ascertain his force. A line of battle was formed north of Kerustown, covered by a strong line of skirmishers, and moved forward from one to two miles beyond Kernstown, meeting but feeble resistance. From what was seen of the enemy, as well as what could be learned from citizens, it was believed that the rebel force consisted of, per- haps, 1,000 cavalry and two or~ three pieces of artillery. This was reported to Major-General Crook, and soon after the brigade was ordered to return to camp. On the 24th at 12 m. I was directed to form the brigade in line of battle on the left of Colonel Mulligans brigade, and to advance against the enemy, the movements of my brigade to correspond with those of Colonel Mulligan. I found Colonel Mulligans brigade beyond Kernstown, and proceeded to form on his left. This placed my brigade in the valley left of the pike, with a ridge of hills per- pendicular to my line, Tand within easy rifle range of it. On the ridge there was a 1~ody of Union cavalry, who it was supposed was placed there to protect that flank of our farces. The troops of my brigade were formed, beginning on the right next to Colonel Mulligan, in the following order. viz: Thirteenth Virginia Volun- teers, Colonel Brown; Fifth Virginia Volunteers, Colonel Tom- linson; Twenty-third Ohio Veteran Volunteers; Lieutenant-Colonel Comly; and Thirty-sixth Ohio Veteran Volunteers, Colonel Devol. As soon as the formation of the line was completed I was directed to advance in line with Colonel Mulligan an char e the enemy, gradually wheeling to the right as we advanced, so as to take the enemy, who were believed to be passing around our right, on the flank. About this time indic~tions were observed of a force of the enemy on our left. I reported this to Lieutenant Moore, aide-de- camp to Major-General Crook, and also to Colonel Mulligan, but was told to advance promptly as before directed. The movement was made rapidly and in good order, but had not proceeded far before the enemy in large force, in at least two lines of battle, preceded by a strong line of skirmishers, moved rapidly over the ridge of hills on our left and opened fire on our flank and rear. An effort was made to change front to meet this attack, but the fire was so heavy and destructive that the left was doubled back in confusion on the right of brigade. A new line was soon formed, however, in rear of a stone fence, perpendicular to the original direction, the right resling near the point reached by the right of the briga4e at the time the enemy attacked us on the left. A fire was opened on the enemy and his course checked bug enough to enable a great part of the wounde Page 312 312 OPERATIONS TN K. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. to be got to the rear. It was now discovered that the enemy, with his greatly superior force, enveloped the troops on our right, and that they had been driven back. The First Brigade moved back up the hill, when I was ordered by Major-General Crook in person to hold the enemy in check long enough to enable one of our batteries, which was very much exposed, to withdraw, arid then to fall back slowly, bearing to the right of Winchester going north, and protect the line of retreat on the Martinsburg road. From this time until we reached Bunker Hill the First Brigade covered the retreat on the right,of the road going north. The enemy frequently pushed forward his cav- alry, making strong efforts to reach the road. Their attempts were steadily repulsed, so that our trains and artillery were given ample time to withdraw. Two pieces of artillery, abandoned for some cause, supposed to belong to our cavalry, were hauled off by hand by two companies of the Thirty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer In- fantry and saved. Throughout the action and retreat the number of stragglers from my brigade was small, and the conduct of men and officers generally was conspicuously good. The Thirteenth Virginia Volunteers, Colonel Brown, was never in a general engagement before. The officers and men of this regi- ment, under the circumstances, I deem worthy of special commen- dation. On the 25th the First Brigade again acted as rear guard until the command reached Martinsburg. A short distance south of Martins- burg a line of battle was formed, the First Brigade holding the left, facing south. Some light skirmishing and artillery firing occurred here. The enemy were easily held in check until Government prop- erty was removed from Marti~sburg. The whole command was then moved through Martinsburg to the Williamsport road. Soon after the rebels occupied Martinsburg, when we were ordered to return and support the cavalry in retaking the town. The First Brigade was formed in line of battle in advance of the infantry com- mand, and, supporting the cavalry charge, in conjunction with the other infantry of the command, reoccupied Martinsburg without serious opposition. After holding the town perhaps two hours our retreat was continued on the Williamsport road, the First Brigade being relieved as rear guard by other troops. The chief loss of the brigade was sustained early in the battle of Winchester on the 24th. The loss was as follows: Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry: Killed, ~ wounded, 58; left on battle-field, 72; total loss, 136. Thirty-sixth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry: Killed, 9 ; wounded, 103 left on battle-field, 24. Fifth Virginia Volunteers: Killed, 4; wounded, 30; left on battle- field, 11. Thirteenth Virginia Volunteers: Killed, 14; wounded, 50; left on battle-field, 15. Total: Killed, 33; wounded, 241; left on battle-field, 122. Of those left on the battle-field the greater part were killed or wounded. Total loss, 396. Among the killed were many excellent officers and men. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. HAYES, Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. C. B. HAYSLIP, Acig. Asst. Adji. Gen., Second Div., Army of West Va Page 313 Oii~. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VAI~LEY, ETC. 313 No. 6$. Report of Col. Daniel D. Johnson, Fourteenth West Virginia In- fantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations July 24-25. Hix~RS. SECOND BRIGADE, SECOND DIvISION, Pleasant Valley, Md., August 7, 1864. SIR: At about 12 in., July 24, 1864, while in camp at Winchester, Va., I received orders to move the Second Brigade out on the Rom- ney road, and take a position on the left and south of the road in a field adjacent to town. The different regiments of the brigade were stationed some 300 yards apart, in advantageous positions, so as to effectually cover our own lines of retreat, and at the same time retard the progress of the enemy as much as possible. At about 4 p. m. the main body of the retreating army had passed through Winchester, and the rebel lines were approaching ours in strong force, preceded by a very heavy line of skirmishers. When within close range portions of the brigade delivered an effective fire upon the enemys advanced line, checking their progress considerably. The order was then given the brigade to retire to the north side of the Romney road, where it was reformed, faced by the rear rank, and marched in retreat under a brisk fire from the rebel batteries and sharpshooters. Great credit is due the brigade for its steadi- ness and soldierly bearing upon this occasion. The brigade marched all night, arriving near Martinsburg at 5 oclock on the morning of the 25th of July. Halting here until 9 a. m. I received an order to form the brigade in line of battle behind a stone fence between Mrs. Faulkners house and the turn- pike leading to Winchester. Skirmishing with the enemy continued nearly all day, when I was ordered to move the brigade to tl~e rear on the Williamsport road, arriving at the Potomac River at 1 oclock on the morning of the 26th of July. For the particular part that each regiment took in the operations of the 24th and 26th days of July, I respectfully refer you to the reports of the regimental commanders. The following table exhibits the casualties occurring in the brigade during the operations of the 24th and ~5th days of July, 1864: July 24, 1864. July 25, 1864. a, Regiment.~ .~ ba . .~ n .8 u n o U2 0 ~ 91st Regiment Ohio Volunteers 1 3 9 1 1 14th Regiment West Virginia Volunteers 3 4 60 9th Regiment West Virginia Volunteers 2 11 34th Ohio Volunteers 4 21 1 4 Total iol 39 59 2 5 2 I I I I cannot refrain from expressing my entire satisfaction with the conduct of the officers of this brigade under these trying circum- stances and expressing my approbation for the skillful and daring manner in which they conducted the movements of their respective commands. / D. D. JOHNSON, Colonel. Lieut. C. B. HAYSLIP, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Div., Dept. of West Va Page 314 SIA OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (C~i~. XLIX. No. 69. Report of Lieut. 6Yol. John W. Shaw, Thirty-fourth Ohio infantry, of engagement at Stephensons Depot. [HEADQUARTERS THIRTY-FOURTH OHIO INFANTRY,] July 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that about 3 p. in. I was ordered to take my position on the left of the Ninety-first Ohio, which placed me on the extreme left of the line of infantry. We advanced steadily through an open field a distance of one-quarter of a mile, all the time exposed to a murderous fire from the enemy, who were posted in the edge of a dense piece of wood. When within 200 yards of the enemys position I ordered a charge, which was done in gallant style, and succeeded in utterly routing them. We followed them through the woods, capturing prisoners as we went. On emerging from the wood we again took up our position to await further orders. About dark we were ordered back about two miles, contiguous to wood and water, and there encamped for the night. But seven companies of my regiment were engaged, two of them being on duty at Martinsburg, Va., and the remaining one on the road to this point. Below is a list* of the killed and wounded in my command. I have the honor to be, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. SHAW Lieut. Gol. Thirty-fourth Regt. Ohio Vol. Mounted Infty. Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army. No. 70. Reports of Lieut. Col. Benjamin F. Goates, Ninety-first Ohio In- fantry, of engagements at Stephensons Depot and Kernstown. HDQRS. NINETY-FIRST REGT. OHIO VOLUNTEER JNFTY., Winchester, Va., July 22, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by the Ninety-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the battle of Stephensons Depot, near Winchester, Va., on the 20th instant: The regiment was drawn up in line of battle on the left of Win- chester pike, with the right resting on the road. Moving forward the enemy were found strongly posted in the skirt of a wood, with two lines of battle and two 12-pounder field howitzers in our front. When within 200 yards the regiment received a terrible fire of grape and musketry, but moved for#ard without delay, driving the enemy from his position and capturing the two pieces of artillery and many prisoners. The pursuit was kept up for a half mile, when the regi- ment was halted. Great praise is due to the officers and men of the regimentthey all did their duty. The loss in the regiment was 8 killed and 60 wounded, of the lat- ter number 3 were commissioned officers. B. F. COATES, Lieutenant- Golonel, Gommanding Regiment. Lient. C. B. HAYSLIP, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. * Nominal list (omitted) shows 10 enlisted men killed and 20 enlisted men wounded Page 315 ONAP. XLIX.1 OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ~o. 315 HDQRS. NINETY-FIRST REGIMENT OHIO VOL. INFTY., Hailtown, Va., August 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Ninety-first Regiment Ohio Volnnteer Infantry in the engagement on the 24th and 25th ultimo: At 3 p. m. on the 24th the regiment was posted in front of Win- chester on the left of the Romney road. At 5 p. m. the regiment, as per orders, fell back and took a new position on the right, par- allel to the road, forming the right of the brigade, and in a short time began to march in retreat, keeping in line with the rest of the brigade. Tbis march was continued for several miles, our skir- mishers keeping up a constant fire on the enemy, when the regiment marched by the flank and reached the road near Martinsburg, Va., at 6 a. m. on the 25th, where it was posted behind a stone wall in front of the enemy from 9 a. m. till 4 p. in., and then withdrew through the town to the hill on the north. The regiment was here drawn up in line of battle with the brigade and marched back through the town as a support for the cavalry, and then resumed the march toward Wil1iamsport, Md. Great credit is due to the officers and soldiers of the regiment for the coolness and bravery displayed while retreating under the fire of the enemy. The regiment lost 2 killed, 4 wounded, and 9 missing. I am, sir, very respectfnlly, your obedient servant B. F. COATES, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Lieut. JOEL HULL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 71. Report of Cot. Thomas ill. Harris, Tenth West Virginia Infantry,~ commanding First Brigade, Third Division, of engagement at Kernstown. HEADQUARTERS TENTH W. VA. YOL. INFANTRY, Camp near iVilonocacy Junction, August 5, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to snbmit the following report of the part taken by my command, consisting of the Tenth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Maj. H. H. Withers, and the Twenty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Capt. J. J. Fitzgerald, constituting First Brigade, Third Division, Army of the Kanawha, in the late action at and retreat from Winchester on the 24th~and 25th ultimo: The Third Division, commanded by Col. James A. Mulligan, hav- ing bivouacked at Kernstown after the reconnaissance of tl{e 23d, in which the enemy was driven by our skirmishers a distance of two miles, found itself in advance of the First and Second Divisions on the morning of the 24th, when oar cavalry that had been sent forward to reconnoiter the enemys position was driven back toward our position on the Strasburg road at Kerustown. At about 10 a. m. I was ordered by Colonel Mulligan to go forward with my br Page 316 3113 OPERATIONs iN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. (CRAP. XLIX. gade, and, if possible, to take a position behind a stone fence which our reconnaissance of the previous day enabled him to indicate to me. I went forward at once and reached the fence without opposi- tion, but from this position was able to see the enemy very strong ~in my front, and at the same time massing a heavy force in a wood on my right, from which he could readily turn my right flank. I at once deployed two companies across the woods on my right, and sent information to the colonel commanding of the position, strength, and movement of the enemy, which rendered my posi- tion untenable, as there was at that time no force on the field to extend our line on my right. In reply the colonel kindly sent me word to exercise my own judgment as to the position I should occupy. Upon the receipt of this order I fell back to a position about 300 yards in rear of the first, but finding upon observation that my line in this position would be exposed to an enfilading fire from the woods, I retired 100 yards farther and took a position be- hind a board fence and stone wall, and then rode to an eminence on my right, that I might inform myself of the enemys movements in that direction, as also whether our forces were coming forward to extend our line on my right, the Second Brigade, of ~he Third Divis- ion, having now taken position on my left. I had the satisfaction to learn that Colonel Thoburn, commanding the First Division, was directing the formation of his command on my right, but could at the same time see the skirmish line of the enemy extending across a ridge and advancing toward a wood some distance to the right of his line, to which I called his attention, also informing him of the fact that I had seen the enemy massing heavily in the woods that lay a little to the left of his front and opposite to my right. Return- ing to my command, I was informed by Major Withers that his command w~s suffering from the enemys sharpshooters that were concealed in the woods on his front, our skirmish line, which had been deployed in the woods, having been driving in, and as our position di no allow us to inflict any punishment in return I or- dered my command to a position behind a stone fence, the left extending along a board fence, which formed a very obtuse angle with the former, the base presenting to the enemys line. This latter fence was occupied by Captain Fitzgeralds command, and was by him strengthened with rails from a neighboring fence. This position was about 200 yards in rear of the one we had just aban- doned, and afforded not only good protection to the men, but at the same time a good opportunity to return the enemys fire. Having occupied this position for some time, and assured myself of my con- nection with our line on my right, I was notified by Colonel Mulli- gan that he was about to make an advance and that he desired me to hold my brigade in readiness to follow the movement of the Second Brigade of his command, under Lieutenant-Colonel Linton, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania. I advanced with this brigade to my former position behind the board fence and stone wall, Captain Fitzgerald advancing his command a little beyontl the latter to a stone church and grave-yard, which was inclosed by a stone fence that afforded good protection to his men, Major Withers com- mand, behind the board fence, protecting itself in the mean time by the delivery of a brisk fire into the woods, immediately in front, which for the time had the effect of silencing the enemys skirmish line in front of him. Having advanced my command thus far I found that the Second Brigade had not only ceased to advance, bu Page 317 Cx.& ~. XL1X.] OPERATIOYS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 31~ had fallQn back in some confusion. I held my position waiting for Lieutenant-Colonel Linton to rally and come forward. Here I again received an order from Colonel Mulligan to be in readiness and advance with the Second Brigade, but very soon afterward received an order from him to fall back, and saw that the brigade on my left was falling back in disorder, and was hard pressed by the enemys advancing line. I fell back in good order to my old position, from which I opened a brisk fire on the enemys now rapidly advancing line, and was here joined by Colonel Mulligan, who commended me in the warmest terms for the good order in which I had gotten my command back and the spirit with which it was holding its position, but we were hindered by the colonel from inflicting punishment upon the enemy to the full extent of our ability, twice ceasing our fire for a short interval by his command on account of uncertainty in his mind, as I understood it, as to the character of the line adAncing in front of the right of my com- mand, most of the men being dressed in the Federal uniform. Being finally assured they were enemies, he ordered the firing to be recommenced, and then giving me a charge to look well to my right, rode away toward the left, where a few moments afterward he fell while heroically inciting the men of his own old regiment (the Twenty-third Illinois) to deeds of valor. I very soon after this found the enemy coming rapidly up on my right flank, our line on my right having retired, but without my knowledge, as it was hidden from me by the shape of the ground arid by some farm buildings. About the same time also the enemy began to enfilade my left, and I was thus compelled to withdraw without an order to do so, as my brigade was now all that was left of our line and was being rapidly turned on both flanks. I gave the order to fall back and use all the efforts in my power to preserve my line in doing so, but as we were very closely pursued by the enemy, before whose destructive fire we had to ascend a rather steep hill for 200 yards, my line was at once broken and the men became scattered and passed quickly from under the control of their officers. Having become separated from my horse in our last advance, I was unable to keep p ace with the larger portion of my command or to make myself heard by them, and it was not until after we had retreated more than a mile that I was able to rally a couple of hundred men around the flag of the Tenth. I had the pleasure, however, to find here all the officers of my command that had been in the engagement who had escaped casualties, and that in the men present all the com- panies of the regiment were represented. The Twenty-third Illinois became separated from me and fell in with Lieutenant-Colonel Lintons command. It was riot found by me until the following day at Martinsburg. Having rallied and formed the Tenth to the extent indicated, I led it in retreat in an orderly manner, making occasional stands to resist the enemys pursuit until almost dark and having received directions from the commanding general through a member of his staff to march in a direction parallel to the Martinsburg road I pursued my course on the left of said road, and about 9 p. m. joined a column under Colonel Thoburn, but shortly afterward became separated from him while passing through a dense woods in the darkness of the night, and upon emerging from the w~ods into opeii ground, I found upon riding to the head of the column that it was being led by Coloiiel Ely, of the Eighteenth Connecticut, commanding Second Brigade, First Divi Page 318 318 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. ion, who, under the guidance of a citizen, led it to a little village in the vicinity of North Mountain, eight miles from Martinsburg, where the command was halted and allowed about three hours for rest and sleep. The march was resumed about 3 a. m. on the morning of the 25th, and the command reached Martinsburg about 8 a. m. The enemy shortly after making his appearance, I put the Tenth in position in connection with other troops under the immediate command of Colonel Duval, of the Ninth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, commanding the Second Division. We remained in position, hold- ing the Winchester road, until 4 p. in., at which time the enemys lines were sufficiently advanced to enable him to enfilade that por- tion of our line held by Colonel Wells, Thirty-fourth Massachusetts, commanding First Brigade, First Division, on my right, and his withdrawal to a new position exposing me to the same inconveni- ence, I was compelled to follow his movement; but he, being very soon again exposed to the same difficulty as before, withdrew through town to the opposite side, rendering it necessary for me to follow, which I did, notifying Colonel Duval of our altered position, when he shortly afterward followed the movement and was quickly followed by the enemy. In the new disposition of our forces, which resulted in the repulse of the enemy and his be- ing driven back through town and to his original position in the woods on the Winchester~road, my command, consisting now aga{n of the Tenth and Twenty-third, which here joined me, fell into the reserve line under Colonel Campbell, of the Fifty-fourth Pennsyl- vania, now commanding the Third Division, and had no active par- ticipation in the action. After the repulse of the enemy we were enabled to reach the Potomac at Williamsport and cross without further molestation. The losses in my command occurred with very trifling exceptions in the fight near Kernstown, and are embraced in the list of cas- ualties accompanying the reports of Major Withers and Captain Fitzgerald. I will only remark in regard to the missing in those reports that it is to be feared that many of them were left on the field among the killed and wounded, as the first 200 yards of our retreat lay up a hill in open ground in face of the enemys fire, and was made in such confusion that but few, if any, paid attention to the fate of their comrades. In relation to the losses in the Twenty-third Illinois it may be p roper for me to remark that they were no doubt greatly augmented by the devotion of the men to their colonel (the lamented Mulligan) and their self-sacrificing efforts to bring him off the field in the face of a murderous fire from the enemya fire so destructive as to com- pel finally the abandonment of their efforts. I can but bear testimony to the coolness and courage of my com- mand, which throughout the whole action and until our final rout obeyed every command with the utmost alacrity and cheerfulness. My officers of every grade, and so far as I know and believe with- out exception, did their whole duty in the most satisfactory manner. The regimental commanders are particularly entitled to my thanks and commendation. I cannot, in justice to my feelings, close this report without a pass- ing tribute of respect to the memory of the la~mented Col. James A. Mulligan, whom my short acquaintance and intercourse with in the capacity of a subordinate had led me to esteem as among the braves Page 319 319 O~AP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEYS ETC. of the brave, and at the same time as possessed of singular personal virtues and great executive abiliti~. The able and gallant manner in which he repulsed a division of the enemy under General Ran- som at Leetown, and again between Kearneysville and Shepherds- town, on his first advance down the Valley, enabling General Sigel to remove his train and withdraw his command in safety from Mar- tinsburg, and his subsequent aid enabling that command to reach Maryland Heights in safety, could not but impress me with respect for his abilities. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. M. HARRJ~, Colonel Tenth West Virginia. Col. J. M. CAMPBELL, Comdg. Third Brig., First Div., Army of Kanawha. No. 72. Report of Brig. Gen. Alfred N. Duffi~, U. S. Army, commanding First Cavalry Division, of operations July 1427. HDQRS. FIRST CAy. DIV., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA, Harpers Ferry, W. Va., July 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the First Cavalry Division, Department of West Virginia, under my command from July 14, 1864, until July 27, 1864: I arrived at Martinsburg, Va., with my command at 11 a. m. of July 14, 1864, having come by cars frQm Parkersburg, W. Va; At S p. m. of same date I proceeded under orders from Major-General Hunter, commanding department, to Harpers Ferry, Va., which place I reached at 1 a. m. of July 15. At this place I received orders from Major-General Hunter to proceed with my command to Hillsborough, Va., and report to Brigadier-General Sullivan for orders. My men being entirely without rations and ammunition, I was obliged to delay at Sandy Hook to supply them. Arriving at the ford near Knoxville I met the artillery and wagon train of Gen- eral Sullivans command, turned back, the crossing being deemed too rough to undertake. However, I determined to cross my artil-- lery and wagons, which I succeeded in accomplishing with some little labor and delay. I then pushed forward with my command on the Hillsborough road. The First New York (Lincoln) Cavalry, in the advance, had a slight skirmish with a small force of the enemy, two or three miles -from Hillsborough, killing and wounding a few, and capturing 12 of the enemy. I reached Hillsborough and reported with my command to General Sullivan at 10 p. m. On the morning of the 16th I sent out the Fifteenth New York Cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Root, to make a reconnaissance toward Waterford. They skirmished with the enemy for several hours, driving his skirmish line back until the main body was dis- covered moving on the Leesburg pike toward Snickers Gap. Col- onel Root also reported a wagon train in sight, which was supposed to be a detachment of the main train of the rebel army. Upon the receipt of this information at 10 a. in., General Crook having a Page 320 820 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., ANZ) PA. LOHAP. XLIX. rived, relieving Brigadier-General Sullivan, I reported the facts to him, and was ordered by him to eend a brigade of cavalry to attack this train on the Leesburg pike. Col. William B. Tibbits, of the Twenty-first New York Cavalry, commanding the First Brigade, was ordered to proceed with the two remaining regiments of his bri- gade, the Fifteenth New York Cavalry being already out, on the Purcellville road toward the pike, and to attack the rebel train. He also took two pieces of Battery B, First Virginia Light Artillery. He reached the rebel wagon train at the junction of the Purcellville road with the Leesburg pike. Dividing his forces into several de- tachments so as to embrace as large a porti~on of the train as practi- cable, he succeeded in capturing from the rebel train about 200 wagons and about 150 prisoners. The enemy bringing against him a superior force (from the rear of their train) consisting of a divis- ion of infantry and some cavalry and artillery, he was obliged to relinquish all but 54 of his prisoners and 80 of the wagons. Of these 80 wagons he brought off some 37 and burned the remainder, which were disabled on the road. He also captured about 100 horses and some- 50 mules. The wagons captured were filled with various kinds of plunder, which had been stolen in Maryland. This property and most of the wagons, together with the prisoners, were sent under charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Vernoli, of the Second Maryland rFirst Potomac Home Brigade] Cavalry, commanding the dismounted men of that regiment, to Harpers Ferry, Va. I regret to report that in the engagement one piece of my artil- lery, the carriage having been broken and one caisson broken, were obliged to be abandoned and left in the woods, the enemy pressing too hard to admit of their being brought away. The loss in Colonel Tibbits command was as follows: Killed enlisted men, 3. Wounded, commissioned officers, 1; enlisted men, 5. Missing, commissioned officers, 1; enlisted men, 10. Aggregate, commissioned officers, 2; enlisted men, 18. Colonel Tibbits is entitled to much credit for the gallant manner in which he conducted this enterprise in the face of the whole rebel army. His force was very small, numbering only about 300 enlisted men. At 6p.m. of this day, under orders from General Crook, I started with my command for Purcellville, via Wood Grove. At about 9 p. m. my advance encountered a picket force of the enemy, ~ome 300 strong, at Wood Grove. They engaged them in the dark, and drove them out without loss to my command. The enemys loss was not ascertained. I encamped at Purcellville on the pike at midnight. The rebel army and train had passed over the road some two hours before in great confusion. On the morning of the 17th I was ordered to proceed with my division and Colonel Mulligans brigade of infantry to Snickers Gap. I reached the gap at about 12 in., meeting with no opposition from the enemy until arriving at the ford beyond the gap, where I found the enemy posted in considerable force on the western bank of the Shenandoah. I engaged them with artill& y, infantry, and dismounted cavalry until night. I was, however, unable to force their position, their artillery and infantry completely commanding the ford. My losses this day were as follows: Killed, enlisted men, 7; wounded, enlisted men, 3; missing, commissioned officers, 2; enlisted men, 5; total killed, wounded, and missing, commissioned officers, 2; enlisted men, 15 Page 321 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VAI~LEY, ETC. 321 At dark I withdrew my cavalry from the gap, in order to find water and grass for my horses, which were very much jaded. I left a strong picket in the gap, and encamped my command near Snick- ersville. On the 18th I was relieved by an infantry force and ordered to proceed to Ashbys Gap, for which place I started at about 1p.m. I regret to report that while on the march this day the limber chest of one piece of Keepers battery exploded, killing 1 man instantly and seriously wounding ~ others; also wounding 2 horses. The piece was disabled, but was taken along. This day we encountered some of Mosbys guerrillas. I encamped my command for the night near Up~erville, Va., having marched fifteen miles. On the 19th of July I reached Ashbys Gap, at about 10 a. in., my advance encountering and driving out a small force of the enemy. Pushing on to the ford, I crossed a part of my command, when they were met by a heavy fire from the enemy, who were posted in a wood and behind a stone fence. At thesame time the enemy opened with two pieces of artillery. Under this fire I was unable to cross the remainder of my command, the Second Brigade, under Lieu- tenant-Colonel Middleton, giving way in considerable confusion, and falling back until beyond the range of the rebel artillery. Major Anderson, who had crossed the river with a portion of the Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry, being overpowered by superior nnmbers, was obliged to recross the river some distance below the lord. A force of riflemen from the enemy, posted behind a stoiie fence, completely commanded the ford and the river-bank with their long-range rifles. Colonel Tibbits, commanding the First Brigade, held his command steady under this fire in admirable order. I caused one regiment of his brigade to be dismounted and deployed along the river-bank as skirmishers. The remainder of this brigade was held in reserve. At the same time I caused Captain Keepers battery to be placed in position, and shelled the rebels vigorously, compelling them to move their artillery frequently and to change the position of their forces on the field. During the day my skirmishers engaged the enemy vigorously on the river-bank. The rebels did not display a force to exceed 1,000, with two pieces of artillery. About 5 p. m. I again attempted the crossing of the river. The Twenty-first New York Cavalry, of Colonel Tibbits (First) brigade, was ordered to charge across the ford and attack the enemys position, and, if possible, to dislodge them. This movement was superintended by one of my staff in person. The regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Fitz Simmons, charged gallantly across the ford and up to the very mouths of the enemys cannon. They were met by a very destructive fire from the rebel riflemen and artillery, and compelled again to recross the river. This charge, though a desperate one, was splendidly execnted. One- fifth of the men of the Twenty-first New York Cavalry engaged, and about one-half of the officers, including Lieutenant-Colonel Fitz Simmons, were either killed or wounded in the charge. The enemy now displayed several regiments of infantry, six pieces of artillery, and a regiment of cavalry. He did not, however, attempt to follow across the ford. The available force of niy command being only about 2,000, I did not again attempt the passage of the ford. My artillery did excellent execution. The next day I ascertained from citizens who crossed into my lines that the enemy lost 100 in killed and wounded. This night, leaving the ford strongly guarded, IL 21 R RvOL XXXvII, PT Page 322 322 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. posted the mainbody of my command in the gap. My men were out of carbine ammunition, and my artillery left with but seven rounds to the piece. I regret to report that through the shameful mismanagement and neglect of the officer in commandCaptaii~ Montgomery, Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalryone squadron, which was picketing the rear of the gap, and within one mile of my command, was captured by Mosbys guerrillas, with all their horses, arms, and equipments. The loss by the capture was 2 commissioned officers, 50 enlisted men, and about 55 horses. I have recommended tlae officer commanding this squadron for dismissal. The losses in my command this day were as follows: First Brigade, Col. W. B. Tibbits, commanding: Killedenlisted men, 10; wounded, commissioned officers, 7; enlisted men, 27; mis- sing, 6. Second Brigade, Lieut. Col. G. Middleton, commanding: Killed enlisted meft, 2; woundedenlisted men, 10; missingcommissioned officers, 2; enlisted men, 60. Total: Killedenlisted men, 1~ woundedcommissioned officers, 7; enlisted men, 37; missingcommissioned officers, 2; en1is~ed men, 66. Aggregate, 124. During the 20th my command was held in line of battle. The enemy although keeping up a desultory fire upon my skirmishers on the river-bank did not attempt the passage of the river. My men were entirely destitute of rations, having been able to obtain but one days supply on leaving Snickers Gap. My horses were without forage, save what hay could be obtained by the men in foraging parties without the gap. These foraging parties were much annoyed bydetachments of Mosbys guerrillas. On the evening of the 20th I received a train of rations, also some ambulances for the trans- portation of my wounded, together with orders to move to Snickers Gap with my command, and to follow the army. In accordance with these orders I proceeded with my command on the morning of the 21st pf July to Snickers Ford, crossed, and camped near that p lace. During this days march we succeeded in capturing 6 of Mosby s men, and breaking up their den at what is called The Trap~ between Upperville and Snickersville; also in capturing about 50 horses which had been run back into that country for safety. Mosbys gang is now considerably increased in numbers by men detailed from various regiments. His force now numbers about 300 men. Thence on the 22d, having reported to Major-General Crook with my command, I moved with the army to Winchester, Va. Having camped this night at Milltown, two miles south of Winchester, I sent one brigade, under Colonel Higgins, to picket and hold in check the enemy at Kernstown, who had driven in one brigade of General Averells division. This brigade held the posi- tion during the miight. On the 23d of July, at 7 a. in., I received notice from Colonel Higgins that the enemy were advancing and driving back his skir- mish line. I immediately communicated this information to Gen- eral Crook, under whose orders I proceeded with my command to Kernstown. At this point I engaged the enemy with my cavalry and Keepers battery of artillery until about 3 p. m. One brigade, under Colonel Tibbits, was deployed in line of battle on the right, while the Second Brigade occupied the left, with a line of mounted skirmishers along the whole front. One regiment was sent on a side road to the right in order to prevent a flank movement. At I Page 323 C~. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, XTC. 323 p. in., having discovered the position of a regiment of the enemys cavalry, I determined to charge them. For this purpose I ordered one squadron from Colonel Tibbits brigade to charge in front for the purpose of drawing out a charging party from the enemy, which being effected, another squadron from Colonel Tibbits was to charge in the rear of the rebel charging party, while a squadron from Colonel Higgins, on the left, was to charge in support of Colonel Tibbits squadron. By this disposition of my forces I hoped to capture a party of the rebels. The party charging in front were successful in drawing out about two squadrons of the rebel cavalry. Colonel Tibbits squadron charged from the right in the rebel rear, and Colonel Higgins squadron from the left. But the whole plan was unfortunately frustrated by Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, of the First New York (Lincoln) Cavalry, who had rallied a portion of his skirmish line which had given away before the rebel charging party. Mistaking the squadron of Colonel Tibbits brigade for the rebels, he charged upon them without orders, and coming upon them unex- pectedly, diverted them from the pursuit of the rebels, thus allowing the rebel party to escape. I must here remark that the stupidity of this officer has beeii repeatedly manifested whilst under my com- mand. He is, in my opinion, by no means worthy the position he occupies. My cavalry remained on the field until night, when the enemy having retired, all the forces were withdrawn, leaving Col- onel Tibbits brigade to picket the front. On the morning of the 24th, at 7.30 oclock, I received word from Colonel Tibbits that the enemy were advancing, apparently in force, and that his skirmishers were warmly engaged just beyond Kerns- town. Having communicated this information to General Crook, I was ordered to proceed with my whole command immediately to the front. Accordingly, I proceeded to Kernstown and there ascer- tained that the enemy was advancing in force. I disposed my forces with Colonel Tibbits brigade on the right and Colonel Higgins on the left. My position was held until the infantry forces came up and took position, when I was ordered to occupy the left and right flanks of the infantry. After an hour of brisk fighting, I discov- ered that the rebels had turned our left flank. At that time Colonel Hayes brigade of infantry was far in the advance, on the left of the infantry. In order to give him full time to extricate himself from his position, I caused a charge to be made upon the enemys right by two squadrons of the Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry, which was done, and succeeded in throwing the enemy into temporary con- fusion. The enemy having again rallied, and displaying a heavy force, with an evident determination to .turn our left, I charged them with the whole of my Second Brigade, which, however, num- bered but 700 men. This charge checked the rebel column for about half an hour. Having recalled this brigade, I was ordeyed by Gen- eral Crook to fall back. rphis I did, withdrawing my whole com- mand slowly, and contesting the ground until reaching the town. Having reached Winchester, I received orders to send one brigade with the wagon train, and accordingly sent Colonel Higgins with the Second Brigade. Colonel Tibbits, with the First Brigade, was ordered to fall back on the right of the road. With two squadrons of the Twenty-first New York Cavalry, I remained on the left of the road. Having passed the town, the forces of General Averell rushed in on the left of the road in great confusion, having been charged by the rebel cavalry. I immediately drew up the detach Page 324 324 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLIX. ment of the Twenty-first New York Cavalry, which was with me, and charged the rebels as they came in view of the column, some 200 or 300 yards. in front of us on our line of retreat. With this squadron I succeeded in striking the flank of the rebel column, checking and turning them back temporarily, but owing to the jaded condition of the horses, which had been all day on duty, it was impossible to follow up the advantage. Colonel -Hayes, with his infantry brigade, changed front on his right wing, and gave the enemy a very destructive volley. At the same time Colonel Tibbits charged the enemy on the right of the road, and succeeded in check- ing them. Subsequently, just after dark, Major Jennings, with the two squadrons of the Twenty-first New York Cavalry, on the left of the road, again charged the enemy with the endeavor to capture some prisoners, but was unsuccessful, the enemys horses being much better than his. I regret to report that Colonel Higgins, commanding the Second Brigade, which went with the wagon train, by his shameful mismanagement and by orders given to the team- sters to take the trot, together with the circulating of a rumor from the rear to the effect that our artillery had been charged in the rear and a part of it captured, caused a disgraceful stampede amongst the wagons, resulting in the abandonment and burning of - some twenty wagons. That night my command lay in line~ of battle near Bunker Hill. On the 25th I arrived in Martinsburg in the rear of the army. My division was engaged with the enemy most of the day. With the Second Brigade I charged and drove the enemy from the town. Colonel Tibbits with his brigade charged the enemy beyond the town and drove him back. The casualties in my command were slight this day. Upon the retreat of the army this night to Williamsport my command covered the rear, arriving in camp at 1 a. m. of the 26th. On the 26th of July, at 7 a. in., under orders from General Crook, I proceeded with my command to Sharpsburg, Md., to picket the fords on the Potomac from Downsville to Harpers Ferry. I placed one brigade on picket. On the 27th of July I received orders from General Crook to pro- ceed with my command to Harpers Ferry, Va. I reached here (Harpers Ferry) and camped the same day at Pleasant Valley, near Sandy Hook, leaving, however, my pickets at all the fords on the Potomac which I had been ordered to picket. Permit me to state that during this campaign of twelve days, which has been a very arduous one, I have been unable to secure forage of grain for my horses, and, during a part of the time, not even hay. The horses of my command were unshod when started from Martinsburg on the 14th of July, many of them having just been drawn, while the remainder had marched from Charleston to Parkersburg, W. Va. My command had just returned from Lynch- burg, Va., and were completely worn down. Indeed, I may say they have been on the march continually since the last of April, a period of three months. A tabular statement of the losses in my command during the period covered in this report is appended. My command is now almost utterly worn down. The horses are thin in flesh, and without shoes. The men are without necessary clothing. A little time for rest and reorganization is very greatly needed. An entire remount is required. All the regiments ar Page 325 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 325 badly scattered, dismounted detachments of my cavalry being sta- tioned at various points within and without the department. I earnestly beg the assistance of the commanding general in collect- ing my troops together, that I may be able to make them efficient and well disciplined. I am thankful to the officers and men for the gallantry and forti- tude displayed under all circumstances. I would especially mention Col. William B. Tibbits, Twenty-first New York Cavalry, command- ing the First Brigade, already alluded to in this report, as a gal- lant and meritorious officer, and one in every way deserving promo- tion. The following members of my staff were present with me, and discharged their duties in a highly commendable manner: Capt. E. W. Clark, jr., assistant adjutant-general; Capt. Robert E. Hedden, division commissary of subsistence; Lieut. Benjamin J. Ricker, jr., aide-de-camp; Lieut. W. B. Laishe, aide-de-camp; Capt. C. W. Boyd, division ordnance officer; Capt. S. J. Steves, division provost- marshal; Sufg. Frederick Elliott, acting medical director. A part of the above-named officers were sent with the train, and succeeded in checking the disgraceful stampede which was occa- sioned by Colonel Higgins. Captain McCue, Twenty-first New York Cavalry, is deserving of mention for gallantly in the charge which that regiment made at Ashbys Gap. Such officers as have failed to perform their duties properly, or have shown cowardice in action, have already been recommended by me for dismissal. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. N. DUFFIE, Brigadier- General. Capt. JAMES L. BOTSFORD, Assistant Adjntalit-General Forces of General Crook. Tabular statement of killed, wounded, and missing ~n the First Cavalry Division, Department of West Virginia. from the 16th day of July, 1864, to the present time. Killed. Wounded. Misssing. Total. a 3 command. W a a a ~ . ,.~ 1st Brigade, col. W. B. Tibbits 26 11 89 5 17 16 132 148 commanding. 2d Brigade, col. J. Higgins com- . 2 7 4 32 2 45 8 84 92 manding. Battery B, 1st W. va. Light (Horse) 2 5 7 7 Artillery, capt. J. v. Keeper commanding. Total 2 35 15 126 7 ~2 24 223 247 Respectfully submitted. A. N. DUFFIE, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. HALLTOWN, W. VA., July 30, 1864 Page 326 326 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Ca& i~. XLIX. No. 73. Reports of Brig. Gen. William TV. Averell, U. S. Army, command- ing Second Cavalry Divison, of operations July 8August 3, with itinerary of the division, July 231. HDQRS. SECOND CAY. Div., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA Hagerstown, hId., July 28, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that I left Charleston, Kanawha County, W. Va., for Parkersburg, on Tuesday, July 8, with my division. Left Parkersburg on Friday. July 15, for Mar- tinsburg; arrived at that place on the 17th following, with the advance of my division. I immediately established pickets across the Shenandoah Valley south of Martinsburg, and sent scouts to ascertain the strength and movements of the enemy. Being informed during the night of the 18th that the enemy had reached Berryville from Maryland, by way of Snickers Gap, I marched on the morning of the 19th, with Colonel Duvals brigade of infantry, 1,350 strong, and 1,000 cavalry, viz: First, Third Vir- ginia, and Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, together with the First Virginia and First Ohio Batteries, to within four miles of Winchester, driving the enemys cavalry under Jackson before me. During the evening of the 19th information was received that Early had arrived at Berryville and divided his command into two columns, one then moving via Millwood toward Strasburg, and the other going toward Winchester (Early himself being with the latter), and that~ Crooks division and the Sixth Corps were at Snickers Gap. I endeavored to communicate with General Wright, advising him to attack the column on the Millwood road, but subsequently learned that instead of attacking he retired toward Washington. On the morning of the 20th I advanced toward Winchester, and, being apprized by my scouts of the presence of the enemy in some force about three miles north of the place, I formed in line of battle before arriving in his view. In the morning 200 of the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry were sent out on the Gerrardstown road to approach Winchester from the west, the balance of the regiment being sent to attack at Berryville. About 300 of the Second Vir- ginia Cavalry joined me at this time from Martinsburg. Placing a regiment of infantry in line of battle on each side of the road with skirmishers in front and a regiment of infantry in column in rear of the right and left flanks, artillery in the center, and a regiment of cavalry on each flank, I advanced in this order vigorously to the at- tack. After marching nearly two miles through a country almost entirely open, with the center upon the pike, the enemy announced his position by opening a rapid fire from four guns concealed in the timber which stands upon Carters farm, three miles north o.f Win- chester. He at the same time made some demonstrations with a cav- alry brigade on each flank. My artillery was placed in position the infantry regimenls in column were thrown forward into line, cavalry skirmishers covering my entire front were withdrawn rapidly to the flanks, the concentrated Ere of the twelve guns was opened upon the enemys center, and the infantry advanced and became hotly engaged, while the cavalry entered into a fierce struggle ~n each flank. My right being imminently threatened, I sent the Second Virginia to assist the Third in its attack, leaving not a man in reserve or an Page 327 Oa~. XLIX.] OPERATIONS TN ShENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 327 support to my batteries. The enemy, unprepared for such a vigor- ous onset, after a~ short but determined resistance, were thrown into confusion, driven from the woods and along the road and across the fields toward Winchester, leaving 4 guns, 73 killed, and 130 wounded on the field. Seventeen officers and 250 men were captured. Our loss was 53 killed, 155 wounded, and C missing. Advancing my cav- alry and artillery I pressed the pursnit, but soon found that I conld not venture with the force at my command to inflict further injury upon the enemy without an imminent risk of losing all I had gained. I therefore maintained my position until dark, constantly threaten- ing the enemy with a renewal of the attack until the cannon, prison- ers, and wounded were sent toward Martinsburg. The enemys force engaged was a division of infantry commanded by Major-General Ramseur and the cavalry brigades of Brigadier-Generals Vaughn and Imboden and Colonel Jackson, in all about 5,000 strong. At dark, finding the enemy accumulating on my front, and having suc- cored the wounded, I left pickets along our front line and retired two miles with the main body and went into camp for the night. At daylight on the ensuing morning my cavalry advanced, and, finding that the enemy had evacuated Winchester, continued the pur- suit, pressing his rear beyoiid Middletown. Not knowing whether General Crook had attacked the column of the enemy on the Mill- wood road, I considered it unsafe to advance beyond Winchester. with the infantry and artillery until I had been informed of the fact. On the 21st I received an order to await the arrival of General Crook, who, reaching Winchester on the 22d, assumed command. I am, captain, very respectfully, & c., W. AVERELL, WM. Brigadier-General. Capt. P. G. BIER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, Hagerstown, July 30, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of my division from the 22d of July to the present date: On the 22d instant Brevet Major-General Crook arrived with his command from Berryville at Winchester and assumed command. Colonel Duvals brigade of infantry, which had been serving with me since the 17th, now reported to the major-general commanding. One brigade of my division (Powells) was picketing the roads lead- ing south from Winchester as far as Middletown and Millwood. The other was picketing the roads east and west of the town. On the evening of the 22d the enemy with c~ne division of cavalry and one of infantry pressed back Powells brigade to Kernstown, the cavalry division of Brigadier-General Duffi6 relieving Powells bri- gade that night. On the ensuing day the eneniy attacked at about 10 a. in. with his entire force on the Strasbnrg road. Preparing my division for action, I received orders from the major-general commanding to gain the enemys rear, by passing around his right, to destroy his trains and inflict all the injury [I could] upon his forces. I at once marched upon the road to Front Royal. At a distance of two miles from Winchester I met an obstinate resistance from the enemy, bu Page 328 828 OPERATIONS TN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Ca~. XLIX he gave away half a mile before my attack. At that point I found it impossible to extend my left sufficiently to find the enemys right. Looking toward my right, a continuous line of iiifantry advancing could be observed extending from the Front Royal road to the Strasburg pike; his artillery, strongly supported upon the Front Royal road, was being used with considerable effect against my ad-. vance. I dispatched my~aide-de-camp, Captain Byt~rs. with a ines- sage to the major-general commanding informing [him] that I could go no farther upon that road. While he was carrying the message it became evident that in order to save my division from disaster it must be withdrawn. It was therefore retired in columns of regi- ments in good order across the open country in the direction of Winchester. On the way I was met by my aide-de-camp. who informed me that General Crooks infantry was retiring before the enemy, and had already reached the fortifications near the town. Directing my march so as to interpose my division between the enemy and his flank, I arrived near the pike half a mile north of the town; the enemy mean while advancing. Finding that the retreating columns of infantry would soon be jeopardized, I. formed my division in line to resist the advance of the enemy, and requested Colonel Hayes, whose brigade was passing, to form in line and sup- port me, which he did. My skirmish line was thrown out and the enemys advance was checked until the infantry had passed. The enemys cavalry, following upon the rear of our infantry, threatened my right, and, as my division was changing front, attempted a charge, which maneuver was promptly repulsed by a gallant coun- ter-charge of Colonel Powells brigade. In this charge Captain Davi4son, of the Second West Virginia Cavalry, was severely wounded. Powells brigade, assuming the duties of rear guard, re- tiring slowly and in good order, successfully eovered the retreat of the army, and withstood the constant assaults of -the enemys cavalry supported by rapidly advancing infantry. N ear Stephensons Depot three pieces of artillery were found without horses, abandoned by a battery which had been serving with Brigadier-General Duffi~s division of cavalry. Dismounting from my horse, I unloosed the prolonges, had them properly attached to the carriage, and made details from my cavalry, which dragged them into Martinsburg, thereby saving them. As the major-general com- manding was constantly near the rear guard of his army, it is not necessary that I should speak of the firmness and resolution with which PoWells brigade performed its duty. On the morning of the 25th the army continued its march toward Martinsburg in a drenching rain, which h~d commenced falling dur- ing the night previous, the enemy pressing our rear with his cavalry, but without achieving any successes. At Martinsburg we found that everything valuable to the enemy had been removed. In order to gain time and punish the efiemy for his temerity, it was decided after a consultation with the major-general commanding to make a stand at the point where we were. A division of infantry that had been retired was recalled and advanced toward the enemys center (then resting a short distance south of the town of Martinsburg), while my division was to attack on the right, and General Duffi6s division on the lefL General Duffi6 commenced his attack by a charge which was expended before he reached the enemy, while the right; led by the gallant Colonel Powell, arrived within 200 yards of the enemys guns, driving in his skirmishers with severe loss and no inconside Page 329 Onip. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. able degree of confusion. Although our attack was not as complete in thQ detail of its execution as had been designed, yet the enemy was constrained to retire with some little disorder, three miles south and in the direction of Bunker Hill. We moved in the direction of Williamsport that evening without molestation, and on the follow- ing day my division marched to Hagerstown, leaving guards upon the fords of the Potomac River embraced within the lines from Han- cock to Dam No. 4. During the day the enemy attempted to cross, but was checked. Since then my division has been engaged in keeping a careful watch at the several fords of the Potomac River from Hancock to the mouth of the Antietam Creek. My casualties are severe in killed and wounded. 1 am, captain, very respectfully, WM. ~. AVERELL, Briqadier- General. Capt. P. G. BIER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of West Virginia. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, Hancock, Md., August 3, 18j34. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your commu- nication of yesterday, inclosing a dispatch from Biigadier-General Kelley. This is the first communication I have received from your headquarters since the 28th July. I sent to you last night a report of my operations since that date. When I left Chambersburg I requested General Couch to notify General Kelley of the threatened movement of the enemy upon Cumberland and at McConnellsburg. On the morning of the 31st I notified General Kelley that I was driv- ing the enemy in the direction of Hancock, and I had reason to hope when I attacked him at Hancock that between General Kelleys forces and my own he would be captured. Nothing but an iron-clad car and a company of National Guards appeared, which were driven away by the enemys artillery. My artillery controlling the ford prevented his crossing, but with my small and worn-out command I could not- prevent his escape by the Cumberland pike, upon which he kept up his flight during the night, felling trees and burning bridges in his rear, rendering pursuit with any chance of success impossible. I sent a messenger to Great Cacapon with a telegram to General Kelley, informing him of the course taken by the enemy, and requesting that a train of cars be sent to take up my command dismounted to Green Spring Run or Cumberland to assist in case of need, to which I received the reply that my command was not needed. I remained at this point for the following reasons: First. The impassability of the road taken by the enemy and the impracticability of the Old Town road. Second. The inability of my command to move, owing to the worn-out condition of my horses, and their want of shoes. The ene- my was mounted upon good horses with which he had recently sup- plied himself. During the entire pursuit to this place, not a horse of the enemy had been abandoned, except when his rider had been killed or wounded, while 300 of mine had been left ten miles behin Page 330 ~3O OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Cn~. XLIX. from utter exhaustion. When the head of my column attacked the enemy at this place, the enemy numbered about 3,000; I had but 1,000, and although I drove him, killing and wounding L5, I could not capture him without the assistance I had expected. I am not permitted to take horses, and I have not received a fresh supply. The enemy, clearing the country in his front, left nothing for me in his rear. Had the road been open, I could have gone no farther without rendering the pursuit ruinous to my command and fruitless. Third. Until it was known to me what course the enemy had taken after encountering General Kelleys forces this was the best point for me to occupy. If he defeated General Kelley, and con- tinued westward by taking the Bedford turnpike and impressing horses, I could again reach him upon his right flank. If he turned southward, either from defeat or success, he would probably move in the direction of Winchester, when I would have a chance of inter- cepting him after resting here. Fourth. In my attack at McConnellsburg, a portion of the enemy from 200 to 500-were cut off and scattered, and are now endeav- iug to reach the river. The available force of one of my brigades has been and is engaged in trying to intercept them. I have detailed the most prominent rebel sympathizers in this country, and sent them under guard to cut out the blockade and rebuild the bridges on the Cumberland pike. Telegraphic commu- nication with General Kelley has been interrupted. Since yesterday at 11 a. m. I have sent couriers, patrols, a hand car, and a locomo- tive to obtain information of the operations near Cumberland, and the direction taken by the enemy, if he has escaped: The latest in- telligence I have received is that he is coming down the river. I have the honor to request that you will lay the above report, with the inclosed dispatches, before the major-general commanding the department, and that they be sent to the War Department, to- gether with my report of yesterday. I cannot believe that they are fully informed of the condition of my command at Washington, if they expect me to overtake and capture a force double my own and better mounted. If such is their expectation, it is impossible that they can know that this command has marched 1,400 miles since the 1st of May, without a remount, and without a halt sufficiently long to set the shoes on my horses. Respectfully, WM. W. AVERELL, Capt. T. MELVIN, Brigadier-General. Assistant Adjutant- General. Itinerary of the Second Cavalry Division, Department of West Vir- ginia, Brig. Gen. William W. Averell commanding, Ju~q 2-3 1. * July 17 to 22.Reached Martinsburg by rail. July 20.Defeated Ramseurs division at Stephensons Depot, cap- turing 4 guns and 250 prisoners. July 22 and 23.Slightly engaged. July 24.Battle of Winchester; division retired to Martinsburg, covering the rear of the Army of West Virginia. * From return for July, 1864 Page 331 331 Cn~. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. July 25.Retired through Martinsburg; slightly engaged. July 26.Crossed the Potomac and encamped at Hagerstown. July 29.Driven from Hagerstown by rebel cavalry nnder Mc- Causland. July 30.-Chased McCausland through Chambersburg, and via New London, London, and (31st) McConnellsburg to Hancock, from which place he was driven by the attack of the division on the 31st. SECOND BRIGADE, COMMANDED BY COL. WILLIAM H. POWELL, SECOND WEST VIRGINIA CAVALRY. July 2.Returned to Charleston, W. Va., from Lynchburg raid. July 8.Started from Charleston. July 12.Arrived at Parkersbnrg. July 16.Left Parkersburg and arrived at Martiusburg, W. Va., on the 18th, having come through by railroad; remained until the 19th, when the command moved in the direction oi Winchester, Va. July 20.Fought the battle of Stephensons Depot. July 22.Fought the battle of Newtown. July 24.Was in the battle of Winchester. July 25.Fought the battle of Martinsburg. July 26.Crossed the Potomac River at Williamsport and en- camped near Hagerstown, Md. July 29.Had some very sharp skirmishing with the advance of General Jubal Earlys command at Hagerstown; fell back to Green- castle, Pa. July 30.Moved to Chambersburg, Pa., and commenced the pur- suit of the rebel General McCauslands command of cavalry. No. 74. Report of Maj. Gen. Dartus N. Couch, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Susquehanna, of the burning of Chambers- burg, & c. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SUSQUEHANNA, Harrisburg, Pa., AugtZst 8, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on the 27th ultimo, Brigadier-General Averell, of the Department of West Virginia, with his force lay at Hagerstown, Md., covering the several fords of the Potomac in that vicinity. At his request I sent him my mounted men, consisting of two companies of 100-days men, retaining under my orders and within the department Lient. H. T. McLeans party of forty cavalry from Carlisle Barracks, that covered the roads lead- ing toward Mercersburg, and Capt. R. M. Evans company of Inde- pendent Philadelphia Scouts, an unpaid force that watched in the vicinity of Emmitsbnrg. At Chambersburg there was part of an infantry company, under Capt. T. S. McGowan, and a piece of field artillery. On the 28th six, companies of 100-days infantry that were called to Chambersburg were directed by orders to .be sent to Hagerstown, where they arrived on the morning of the 29th. After midday o Page 332 ~32 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLLX~ this date General Averell fell back to Greencastle, where I had pre- viously detached fifteen men and an officer from Lient. H. T. Mc- Leans party. This latter officer had pickets near McCoys Ferry, which were driven, about 3 p. in., back to Mercersburg. The ene- mys advance, 200 men, charged through the town, forced the small party to fall back after a severe skirmish. Dark coming on, a picket was left at Bridgeport, while Lieut. H. T. McLean fell back to Saint Thomas, seven miles from Chainbersburg, on the Pittsburg pike. In course of the day and evening all of the horses in the Valley, amounting to several thousand, were moved north by my order, and the trains of General Averell, with those at Hagerstown, refugees, & c., came through and encamped near Chambersburg. I notified General Averell that I had no force to protect them. That officer was duly notified of Lieut. H. T. McLeans m~vements as well as that I had no force to protect his trains. The following dispatch was sent: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SUSQUEHANNA, General ~. ~. AVERELL, Chambersburg, July 29, 186410.15 P. in. Greeneastle: I4eutenant McLean was driven out of Mercersburg by about 200 of the enemy. A force of about 400 and two pieces of artillery afterward came up. D. N. COUCH. Major-Grneral. At 12.30 a. m. July 30 a dispatch from Lieut. H. T. McLean was received that his pickets at Bridgeport had been driven in, I im- mediately notified General Averell as follows: Brig. Gen. W. W. AvERELL, CHAMBERSBLJRG, July 30,a 1864. Greencastle: Lieutenant McLeans pickets have been ~lriven in at Bridgeport, on the road lead- ing from Mercersburg to Saint Thomas. The force moving via Mercersburg has at least two pieces of artillery. D. N. COUCH, Major-General. At 2 a. m. a verbal message from Lieut. H. T. McLean informed me that he was being pressed in from Saint Thomas. The following dispatch by telegraph was sent: General W. ~. AVERELL, CHAMBERSBURG, July 30, 18642 a. m. Greeneastle: My force, Lieutenant McLean, is being driven in from Saint Thomas, and falling back upon Chambersburg. D. N. COUCH, Major-General. At 1 a. m. Maj. John S. Schultze, assistant adjutant-general, gave orders to Captain Brown, quartermaster in charge of the train above mentioned, to move via Shippensbnrg north. At :3 a. m. the enemy was near the town and I directed Maj. John S. Schultze to so notify General Averell and ask him what he intended to do. No replies had been received from that officer, and he subsequently informed me that he did not receive my dispatches of the enemys advancing until 3.45a. m. Upon finding the enemy so near, in order a The hour was not given, but was between 12.30 and 1 a. m Page 333 333 CHAP. XLIX.) OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. to save the trains, including those of the railroad, as well as to give warning to General Averell, one piece of artillery was directed to take position on the Pittsburg pike, a mile from town, covered by the infan- try, about thirty-five men, and the cavalry, twenty-four men, which was my whole strength, excepting one gun, ordered to cover the rear of the trains, then not all on the road. The gun that was on the pike opened on theenemy about 3.30 a. m. Maj. C. H. Meneely, commis- sary of musters, was present to carry out my instructions. I re- spectfully call attentioft to the report of Lieut. H. T. McLean, corn- manding officer, inclosed. The enemy were held in check about two hours, my people slowly retiring through the town, being careful not to fire a shot within its limits, in order that there should be no excuse for firing buildings or committing any barbarities upon the people. The enemy, consist- ing of Brigadier-General -McCauslands brigade of five regiments, and four pieces of artillery, and Brig. Gen. B. T. Johnsons brigade of two regiments, four battalions, with two pieces of artillery, number- ing 2,600 in all, formed line of battle on the fair grounds, men dis- mounted, and after firing two or three cannon shots into the town entered the same at about 5.30 a. m. with from 400 to 500 mounted and dismounted men. It is certain that both McCausland and John- son were present. The chief burgess being absent, some of the principal citizens were arrested by Major Gilmor and notified that by order of Major- General Early $100,000 in gold or $500,000 in currency was required to ransom the town. He was told by these gentlemen that there was not probably $50,000 in currency at hand; to which he replied that The town must be burnt. Details were made and placed under charge of officers and fires kindled, it is said, almost simultaneously in fifty different places. In some instances the first warning to oc- cupants of buildings came from the fire and smoke beiieath them, thus barely escaping with their lives. Some of the officers and men refused, or were persuaded not to carry out their barbarous orders, and assisted people in fleeing from the flames, but generally an in- human and savage ferocity characterized their actions. The suffer- ers, with few exceptions, only saved the clothing on their persons. Thus was consummated this premeditated deed of barbarity. At about 11 a. m. the enemy drew in their pickets, and a little later their pillaging and burning parties retired toward McConnellsburg; General Averell eiitered three hours after from the direction of Fayetteville. A lieutenant from Georgia, attached to a Virginia regiment, who deserted to our lines, states that it was understood by their troops that all buildings were to be burned from the moment Pennsylvafiia soil was touched. Accompanying I invite attention to a telegram to General Averell, with his reply, also a statement made by an intelligent sergeant on duty at these headquarters, who was in Chambersburg during the rebel occupation, and part of the time a prisoner. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. N. COUCH, Major-General, Gommanding Department. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff Page 334 334 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [Ca& i~. XLIX. [Inclosure No. 1.] General AVERELL, CHAMBERSBURG, July 29, 1864. Hagerstown: Should the enemy turn your right flank and move into this State, will you pursue them, provided they threaten your front; or, if they move on your right flank in overpowering numbers, will you fall back into this Valley or move to the left? It will be of great service for me to know this. If you cant safely send this by tele- graph, but wish to let me know, cant you send it up by confidential messenger? D. N. COUCH, [Inclosure No. 2.] Major- General. HAGERSTOWN, July 29, 1864. Major-General COUCH: I will not uncover Cumberland Valley, unless compelled to do so. WM. W. AVERELL, [Inclosure No. 3.] Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SUSQUEHANNA, harrisburg, Pa., August 9, 1864. MAJOi~: I have the honor to report relating to the late invasion by the rebels in Chambersburg, Pa., on the morning of the 30th of July, 1864. Being on detached duty at headquarters of the department at that place, and unavoidably detained there, I was present both on the entrde and departure of their force in and out of town, and was both an eye-witness and observator of the following, which came undei my imniediate observation: The rebels entered the town with a force of (I do not think over) 500 mounted men, under the command of Generals McCausland and Bradley T. Johnson, the main body being encamped on the fair grounds, about one and a half miles out of town, on the Pittsbnrg pike. Before entering the rebels fired two shells in the town. They then entered by almost every alley and by-street by small squads prior to the advance of the main body, which came up directly in the rear. On arriving into town, General McCausland informed me personally that if I had any self-interest at stake it would be well for me to listen to the order he would read and get the municipal authorities together to hold a meeting and comply with their desires. The order itself was handed me, which I read myself, the purport of which was as follows: That in retaliation of the depredations committed by Major-General Hunter, of the U. S. forces, during his recent aid, it is ordered that the citizens of Chain- bersburg pay to the Confederate States by General McCausland the sum of $100,000 in gold; or in lieu thereof $500,000 in greenbacks or national currency was required to ransom the town, otherwise the town would be laid in ashes within three hours. The order was signed by General Early. After reading the order I started to find the town council. Meeting one of them I informed him of the facts, when he told me that the citizens would not pay them S cents. I returned and met General Bradley T. Johnson on the portico of the Franklin Hotel. The rebels were by this time dismounted and breaking in the doors of stores and houses, and had a1i~eady coin menced plundering. When they entered it was ~.30 a. in., from which time I was in company with both Generals McCau Page 335 CHAP. XLIX.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY, ETC. 335 land and Johnson (being in citizens dress they did not know me). General MoCausland was appealed to by Johnson to relent or at least give the citizens more time, but he was determined. At 9 oclock McCausland ordered the town burnt. In a few moments the commissary store-house was in flames, during which time McCaus- land and Gilmor were riding through town notifying the citizens, pointing to the flames, that he intended to carry his threat into execution. He returned to the